One Big "Happy" Family

"Get up Alic!" Dad wakes me.

"Hu?! I took over to look at him.

"Fold up the blankets and get in here I need help." He calls from the kitchen.

I do as he says. "Why can't we just eat at the pack house?" I ask.

"I like cooking breakfast for my pups but your house guests give us three more mouths to feed so I need help." He answers.

I sigh and help him cook.

"I know he's you're Uncle but he is also a visiting Alpha. I expect you to show respect and make sure they have everything they need. We don't want a war and Alphas can be unpredictable. They are your guests. You are representing our pack let's make sure this ends peacefully." Dad tells me.

"I will." I tell him. I never thought of the diplomacy involved in meeting my family.

A platter full of baccon another of sausage. Piles of pancakes mounds of scrambled eggs. So much food you'd think we were feeding half the pack.

"Holy crap Dad do we really need this much!?" I ask.

"Well let's see 2 Alphas 1 Delta and 3 Betas if we count you and your sister. You know ranking wolves have higher metabolisms. It takes alot to feed an Alpha." Dad says.

"He's not wrong." Uncle Rhy says walking into the dining room. "Looks great Clayton." He sits down followed by Pops and Delta Sam.

"Ruby down here!" Dad yells as we sit.

"Morning Rhydian, Simon, Delta." He greets them.

"I'm up geeze!" Ruby complains as she enters and sits next to dad.

"Morning Ruby." Uncle Rhy says smileing at her.

"Alpha." Is her monotone response as she loads a plate. The rest of us do the same. Ruby goes to eat but Dad stops her grabbing her hand with a look at uncle Rhy.

"Come on guys this is your house! Just eat no need to stand on formalities." He says. Typically no one eats before an Alpha in a show of respect.

I grab my fork and dig in. The table becomes alive with action as everyone eats grabbing seconds and thirds. Dad was right the food was completely gone.

"May I be excused? I need to get ready for school." Ruby asks.

"No school this week pup. I'll call them and have them send your work home with the twins." Dad says.

"I can't miss I don't want to be behind. I just skipped two grades I can't just skip a week!" Ruby yells. And storms off to her room. She comes back a minute later fully dressed. "I'm going!" With that she leaves.

"I won't make her spend time with you." Dad says.

"We wouldn't want you to." Pops says putting a hand on his son's shoulder. "It wouldn't be right."

"Can I still stay home?" I ask.

"Yea Alic. I'll call the school. You still have to do whatever work they send home tho." Dad says.

"Yes sir! Will do!" I eagerly reply.

"You play cards pup?" Pops asks.

"Not really...." I answer.

"Well no time like the president to learn." Pop grins.

"Euchre time!" Uncle Rhy adds pulling out a deck of cards.

This is the most confusing game in existence the high cards change every hand sometimes Jack's are powerful sometimes they suck. I think Pops may regret having me as his partner.

"And game!" Uncle Rhy says laying down a loner hand that I swear he must have rigged. "I don't think I've won against you this many times in a row before."

"Yea yea you just wait boy! As soon as he gets the hang of it I'll be wiping the floor with you just like before!" Pops laughs.

"Sorry I suck." I tell him.

"You don't suck you're learning there's a difference." Pops says smiling.

"Sooo... not to ruin the fun." I say looking down at the table. "But why did mom take me to see you?" I'd been dieing to ask but couldn't work up the nerve. I want answers but... it's nice just getting to know them.

"Well... she wanted us to meet you." Pops answers. "We're family."

"But she didn't take Ruby... what aren't you telling me?" I push.

"Come on." Uncle Rhy says. "I'm tired of being all cooped up in here. Let's go for a run!"

That decision ended the conversation. He said he would talk to me in person but he still is avoiding the discussion.

We ran through the woods. It seems like everyone is avoiding us. My wolf says it is because Uncle Rhy is an Alpha. I guess they are scared.

"Alic, bring your family back to your house." Alpha Aaron links me. I guess I was right we are creating a stir amongst the pack.

I stop and the other wolves turn to look at me. I nod towards the house and run, they follow. I shift and dress.

"Worn out so soon pup?" Uncle Rhy asks walking up to me.

"No it's just..." I start.

"You are upsetting my pack." Alpha steps up cutting me off. "I let you stay here but I can't give you free reign. A foreign Alpha running through the woods is not something I can alow."

"Really Alpha Aaron?... you can't expect me not to shift for a week." Uncle Rhy responds.

"You are the one who insisted on coming here. I won't let you frighten my pack." Alpha says.

"Frighten?! I've given no reason for anyone to be frightened." My uncle replies.

"You initiated our discussion by kidnapping one of our pups! If it weren't for Clayton I would have simply taken him back and left you. Then if you crossed my borders I would have killed you. But as it sits you are a guest and I expect you to follow the rules I set." Alpha growls.

"Kidnapped?! Seriously I wouldn't hurt my blood! I merely found him before you did!" Uncle Rhy yells.

"Ummm Alpha?... may I make a suggestion?" I ask timidly. Interrupting two Alphas... not the best idea.

"This is none of your concern Alic. Its between your Uncle and I." Alpha Aaron says.

"Yes sir... but Dad said they are my guests and that I am to care for them. Sooo in a way aren't they my concern?" I am shaking now as they both stare at me.

"Continue." He replies.

"Thank you sir... Midnight. No one goes out that late and if we stay well within the boundaries the patrols won't even be disturbed. We could run and no one would be scared or inconvenienced. One hour a night is not too much to ask is it Alpha?" I try to be as diplomatic as possible. I mean seriously I have to work both sides to keep this thing from exploding?! Seriously!?

"That would be... acceptable. One hour." Alpha answers.

"Thank you Alpha." I give a slight bow. Alpha Aaron is a great guy but he is still scary when he's mad. He walks away and my Uncle wraps his arm around me.

"Nice goin' pup... an hour isn't much but I've never seen Alpha Aaron go back on any decision... I'm impressed." He leads me inside. It is nearly time for school to let out.

"Hay Alic." Dad says as we enter. "I've got some business with the Alphas. Elly will be by to make dinner... I should be back by then." With that Dad leaves.

Ruby's POV

I storm out the door without getting permission. No way am I spending all day with them let alone a week! I can't wait for them to leave. I mean they never tried to make contact before. Mom never took me to see them. She took Alic. And when do they decide to show up? Oh yea when they find out Alic is still alive! They don't care about me it's all about Alic! And Dad didn't even see what I thought about them invading my home! This sucks! At least I can escape at school.

"What's wrong?" Ti asks as I join the group.

"Stupid people in my house. Stupid brother getting all the attention." I say.

"Stupid brother getting my stupid brother locked up." He says pushing Malak.

I can't even look at him. I don't want to avoid him... I just can't talk to him! Why did he have to ask me? Why couldn't he wait? I don't want to lose him.

"Yea...that was my fault... I wanted to come." Malak says to his brother not looking at me. So it's true he was avoiding me.

"What's with you two!?" Ti asks.

"Nothing!" Malak says pushing to the front of the group.

"So what'd ya do?" Ti pushes me playfully.

"Like he said nothing." I reply.

"Whatever." He shrugs. The rest of the walk is quite.

I don't really need to go to school I'll say that right now. The classes are harder but it's the difference between finishing me class work and homework on the first twenty minutes and it taking the majority of the class. School passed all too quickly making it a crummy escape. I'll just go to my room. I can still avoid them especially if I skip dinner. I can always sneak down and eat after they go to bed.

"Ruby can I talk to you?" Malak pulls me to the back of the group as we walk home staying a few steps behind the rest. "Are you ever going to answer me?"

"I... I don't know how." I tell him. I don't want to hurt him. I don't want to lose him as a friend. But of course he had to be all charming and ask.

"Well using words would be a start... not avoiding me would help too." He says with a grin but I can tell it is forced. He is afraid of my answer.

"I just... I can't... I don't know what to say. I like you I just.."

"Don't answer now then." He cuts me off running his hand through his hair. "I can wait... just don't avoid me alright?"

"Alright." I answer. We quietly trail behind the group the rest of the way home.

I try to sneak upstairs as soon as I get in but am stopped by Alic.

"Hay you're home!" He says on his way downstairs as I'm heading up.

"Yea." I try to push past him. Dang his growth spurt! I used to be taller than him but over the summer he shot up. On top of that this boy loves training. Who loves training? My little brother not so little any more. He blocks me.

"Come on... you haven't even given them a chance!" He says.

"I don't need to. Like I said I have family." I can see him getting angry. If he blows his lid I'm gonna be the one in trouble. 'Why are you provoking him?' Stupid! We will both be grounded but wait he can't be because there is an Alpha in his room.

"Well maybe it's a good thing seeing how you call Malak family and treat him like dirt! Go away then!" He moves to let me go and walks to the bottom of the stairs.

"You know nothing about me and Malak! Shut up and go to YOUR family since you put them ahead of us anyway!" I realize on this that we have an audience all three intruders are in the living room watching us.

"They are your family too but your just a cold hearted B****!" He yells.

My jaw drops. I can't believe he said that. It is an insult to humans sure but it's worse for us. He can't think that of me. It's like cursing someone and calling them a dog the biggest insult to a wolf. Worthless... how could he! I feel myself start to cry. To my surprise in a flash Alic is pinned to the wall by the Alpha.

"No!" He says staring down at Alic. "You will NOT speak to her or anyone with such disrespect!" Next thing I know he has Alic by his collar dragging him outside. I feel an arm around my shoulders. Simon leads me downstairs to the kitchen and has me sit on a stool. I'm too stunned to argue. He puts on a pot of tea.

"I can't believe he said that." I whisper.

"Don't worry your Uncle will take care of him." Simon says. "Soo Malak?"

"I don't want to talk about it." I say.

"Well let me guess then." He grins at me. "You two are 13 and were raised together. Best friends and now you aren't talking and are avoiding each other.... I'm gonna say he asked you out." I'm stunned.

"How did you..." I start to ask.

"I may be old but I'm not blind! I can see the way your acting and that boy of yours... he looked pretty beat up and it wasn't just the run. Plus with you and Alic arguing it's not that hard to piece together."

"I haven't answered him. I don't want our relationship to change. I don't want to go around with alot of guys... what about my mate?" I can't find him until I'm 18 so I don't want to rush into anything it seems... disloyal.

"You care for the boy... I can see that. Just tell him how you feel. Explain you want to remain loyal to your mate whomever he may be... if this boy is a good man he will respect that if not... well my granddaughter, you deserve better." As if on cue the pot whistles and he pours some tea.

"Here you are." He says as he hands me a cup.

"Thank you Simon." I smile the cup. Maybe they do care about me.

"Pops." He says and I look up at him. "Please call me Pops."

"Thank you Pops." We sit and drink our tea in peace. Me and my grandfather.

Alic's POV

I can't believe I just said that! I know better! Dad is gonna kill me! That is if Uncle Rhy doesn't do the job first. I've never seen him so mad! Even with Alpha Aaron there was a hint of his playful demeanor but No Not any more. He drags me outside and around the house to our back yard. It is large and fenced in. I can see Ruby and Pops enter the kitchen through the window in the back door.

"I'm sorry!" I yell as he drops me in the back yard. He ignores me.

"Suicides to the fence and back. Don't stop untill I tell you to." Uncle Rhy orders.

"But I..." I begin to protest.

"If we were in my pack right now you'd be running laps around the boarder. I can't exactly do that here tho. You wanted to be apart of this family! My Blood doesn't speak to people like that especially Family! Now GO!" The command shakes me and I take off toward the fence. My Uncle stands there arms crossed watching me. I see the Alpha now... boy do I see it. His stare makes me shiver.

"Pick it up boy!" He yells after my I don't know like 100th sprint.

"What do you think your doing?!" I hear Dad yell.

"Alaric!" Uncle Rhy yells jerking his head to tell me to come to him. "You wanna tell your dad what you did or keep running?" He asks as I reach them. I don't want dad knowing so that's an easy one. I take off back toward the fence.

Clay's POV

I come home to Rhydian running my boy to death in the back yard. Who does he think he is?! He has no right to punish my son!

"What do you think you're doing?!" I storm up to the Alpha that I will only ever see as my mates punk little brother. He calls Alaric over.

"You wanna tell your dad what you did or keep running?" He asks him. It suprises me that he doesn't just answer or tell me off but what surprises me more is that with a look at me my boy goes back to running. "Come with me Clayton." Rhydian leads me into the house. We stand alone in a living room.

"What is going on Rhydian?" I ask him.

He tells me what my son said. I can't believe him! I'm glad Rhydian was the one who caught him because I probably would have backhanded him. It's not ok, that word is probably one of the worst ones you can use to a wolf. To be compared to a dog is a high insult. We are wolves and proud not mangy mindless creatures but what he said is even stronger a curse! I'm sure Lilly would flip! she is against all cursing but that one yea he would be dead.

"I can't believe it." I say.

"Had a similar situation with my boy. Now that your here I'll let you deal with him but I couldn't just let that slide." He says.

"I get it... well what did you do with your boy?" I ask. I can't even think. I never would have expected Alaric to say something like that.

"Ran him till he couldn't move then let him sleep outside... never heard that word from him again." He says. It seems harsh but you know what? Harsh seems right to me and I can't deal with him right now.

"He's all yours Alpha." I see him smile. I've never called this punk Alpha before... probably never will again but this time it seems appropriate.

"Whatever you say Clayton." He heads back to the back yard and I head upstairs.

Alic's POV

"I thought I said to pick up the pace! We are not walking here!" Uncle Rhy says as he returns. I notice my father is not with him. I drop to the ground at his feet.

"I... can't... do... any... more!" I pant. He picks me up and puts me back on my feet.

"You can and you will! I said to run untill I tell you to stop... I haven't said stop. Now RUN!" Next thing I know I am bolting to the fence and back as fast as my legs will carry me. Eventually I collapse. I couldn't move if I tried. Uncle Rhy picks me up and sets me on a patio chair on the deck. "Good night Alaric." He says and disappears inside.

I hear the click of the lock and collapse back on the chair. I guess this is my bed tonight. I feel my stomach grumble. And no dinner. At least it is still August and rather warm. It's like camping. Involuntary camping without a tent but camping.

"Hungry pup?" I look up to see Pops sitting across from me. He tosses me a bottle of water. "Drink up you look like you need it!" I chug the water like there's no tomorrow. "Eat." he says handing me a cup of broth. Seriously! Broth! Like that's food?! I take a sip and spit it out.

"That's bitter!" I complain.

"It is." He agrees "now drink." I can see I'm not getting away from this so I take a drink.

"My son is tough. Harsh even. I take a different approach." Pops says leaning back in his chair. He gives me a look and I continue drinking the bitter broth. "Do you realize what you said?" He asks.

"Yea... she kinda deserved it tho! She's been a jerk to you guys dismissing family!" I yell on his look I take another swig.

"Like you did her... your sister. She is trying but this is hard for her... I don't think you realize what that word means not by human standards but as a wolf. To a human it can mean jerk, evil, mean, rude. Not nice to be called but used commonly enough. To a wolf..." he nods at me and I drink again. This crap is gross! "To a wolf it is calling them a dog. A mut. Worthless. Dirty. It questions your very being. We wolves are proud of who we are. As we should be it's how God made us! And you Alaric just questioned that... you destroyed your sister with one word."

"I... I'm sorry." I stammer and take a drink.

"I'm not the one you need to apologize to... your words were bitter... now finish your broth."

Bitter root broth for bitter words. How poetic Pops. I chug the remaining broth and hand Pops the cup. He begins to walk back inside and I settle in my "bed"

"Just be happy it's so warm. When Ryan had to do this he was curled up in a pile of snow." Pops says.

"Ryan?" I ask.

"Your uncle's boy." He responds and goes inside once again I hear a click.