Chapter Eighteen

Jennifer POV

Standing next to the high-ranking wolves in front of the porch, the pups huddle behind me anxious to see their families again whilst other pack members stand at a distance. The SUVs of the Blood Eclipse Pack pull up in the circular driveway, the doors flying open even before they stop as I recognise the pup's family members alongside some other warriors from the royal guard leap out. Some other warriors step out that I don't know as I sense the aurora of the alpha step out. They only just manage to hold themselves back from running towards the pups glancing worriedly at Alpha Joe and other high-ranking wolves standing around me.

Ignoring the tension, I nudge the pups and nod towards their families, I don't have to give permission twice as they rush forward as Alpha Joe greets them all attempting to break the silence that has formed.

"Alpha Chris, members of the Blood Eclipse Pack welcome to my territory, my mate, our Luna has organised a celebration for this joyous reunion in the back yard. I hope we can put differences aside for the pups."

"What trickery is this, Joe?" the alpha snaps showing no respect to him, making Joe's wolf growl from the disrespect, his hands clench into fists and I know that this situation needs defusing and quickly before this turns into a fight.

"No trickery Alpha Chris. I am Jennifer and the Luna has honestly worked hard this afternoon to ensure that everyone's needs can be met, she was unsure on everyone's preferences of food, so the omegas have worked hard to put on a spread to appeal to all. Would you come and join us?" I bow my head respectfully before holding my hand out.

"Well, er…" I have taken him completely by surprise that he doesn't know what to do and finds his hand going into mine automatically, Val sending a calming aurora discreetly out to stop a fight before it can bloom "what was your name pup?"

"Jennifer, sir. I have been the pup's guardian for many years, and I couldn't believe that their parents were in your formidable pack. Only few can match yours no wonder why you and Alpha Joe's pack clash, but I ensure there is no ill will on our side. We just want the pups to get to know their families."

"Well, I would say my pack is more formidable but in all the goodwill we are currently showing I shall refrain from my remarks and as you say this is about the pups not us." He stands more righteously enjoying my praise.

"Here we go Alpha Chris" I gesture towards the tables spread amongst the yard his face sours and I know automatically the issue but will not give it away that I do "Where would you like to sit? Luna Sarah didn't want this affair about hierarchy and more about the families so there is no designate table for high-ranking wolves, I hope you understand this is not out of disrespect she just wanted it more informal."

Alpha Joe POV

As always when it comes to the young, she-wolf, there is no way I was calling her a pup ever again I find myself confused and in awe at her but mainly finding myself wondering what the hell is going on. Alpha Chris had blatantly disrespected me as I had expected, and my wolf wanted to rip him to shreds but she had stepped forward and defused the situation with simple words.

Dean is staring after her in utter shock not understanding what has happened in front of his eyes either, his mouth gaping like a goldfish as though he wants to question it before thinking better of it, we follow her lead seeming out of place but to be honest I am more than happy for her to deal with the arrogant git.

"Come my love I think this is going to go better than either of us expected if she is already working her magic on him." I find myself nodding in agreement realising I had paused to watch the rest of the group follow.

"What was your name pup?" I hear him ask and my arm tightens around Sarah's waist at the disrespect he is showing her, ok that is new.

'We protect Jenni. No one disrespects her.' Godric growls through our link.

"Jennifer, sir. I have been the pup's guardian for many years, and I couldn't believe that their parents were in your formidable pack. Only few can match yours no wonder why yours and Alpha Joe's pack clash, but I ensure there is no ill will on our side. We just want the pups to get to know their families."

'How could she disrespect the pack after all we did for her.'

'She is buttering him up love don't let your wolf take control now that she is smoothing things over. She said our packs were equal if you listened fully, rather than choosing what you wish to hear.' Replaying it in my head quickly I realise that Sarah is right and manage to tune back in just as Chris speaks again.

"Well, I would say my pack is more formidable but in all the goodwill we are currently showing I shall refrain from my remarks and as you say this is about the pups not us." He stands more righteously enjoying the praise that she is giving him.

"Here we go Alpha Chris" she gestures towards the tables spread amongst the yard his face sours, his wolf flashing in his eyes making me step forward but I am refrained from getting further with Sarah holding onto my bicep shaking her head subtly "Where would you like to sit? Luna Sarah didn't want this affair about hierarchy and more about the families so there is no designate table for high-ranking wolves, I hope you understand this is not out of disrespect she just wanted it more informal."

My pride shines for my mate my emotions flowing through our bond making her squeeze my arm in understanding. "What an unexpected concept" Chris almost growls out, but Jenni doesn't let that deter her.

"It is, isn't it? The pups that Alpha Joe and Luna Sarah have taken in have never had the pack feeling before, this will be their first time in being allowed to attend a big event. They are all so excited." Sam appears at her side from nowhere "Alpha Chris, please let me introduce you to my brother Samuel, he was wondering if he would be able to ask you a question." What are they up to? I squint at her, and she winks at me smirking as Chris's attention goes to her brother who looks nervous but stands tall next to his sister.

"What is it son?" Chris asks growly but with more respect than he has ever shown me, and my mouth drops open.

"Well, er…Alpha Chis sir er…I was wondering if you would sit with me and tell me how you took on the Night Crawlers on Demon hill?" if my mouth could drop further, it would be on the damn floor by now "I can't believe how you allowed one to bite you so you could rip another's throat out before getting your vengeance and ripping the one that bit you to shreds." He says getting more excited as he talks to him. How on earth does he know that story? "Also. I was wondering if you like chicken because I can get you some if you want? When I get some." Chris chuckles he actually chuckles the cold as steel alpha who has a reputation of giving no shits and is strict and hard on his own pack fucking chuckled.

'Godric. Pinch me now. I must be dreaming' but he seems to be in a state of shock to by the emotions pulsing through our bond.

"Well Sam I certainly do like chicken and how do you know about that battle?"

"Who doesn't?!" he exclaims making Chris laugh and I find myself leaning onto Sarah for support in shock "So is that a yes you will tell me it from your point of view?"

"Why not" he smiles "let's go get chicken first if that is alright with the Luna." He turns to face Sarah smiling.

"Of course, Alpha Chris help yourself" Sarah confirms before nudging me.

"Alright everyone let's celebrate" I cheer, and watch amused as I watch Sam and Jenni fist bump before Sam drags Chris over to the buffet, them both animated in whatever they are talking about as they go.

"I am afraid to ask but how?" I ask Jenni stepping beside her as she throws Scott in the air before catching him and making him chuckle.

"Now Alpha that would be giving away all my secrets" she smirks before sliding into the crowd.

"How did he know about that battle Joe?" Dean asks, the council hid it from other packs and was only to be known by the ones there.

"I don't know" I muse scratching my chin "Dean?"

"Yes Joe"

"Am I dreaming?" Sarah chuckles beside me and drags me away to the buffet table and muttering under her breathe how ridiculous I am being.

Jennifer POV

The dinner goes well everyone interacting without any animosity, Sam came through for me to help build a bridge with the alpha of the Blood Eclipse pack, he always loved the story of demon hill, but he did get me to promise him a duel in training tonight. Standing up to head towards the training grounds, Carl's group of warriors and the pups launch to their feet along with Harry, Luke and Cassey amusing me at their antics.

"Where are you all going? You-" I hear Joe ask.

"Dad no time" Harry yells trying to catch up with me "training" he shouts as an afterthought.

"But you hate training" he says amused.

"Not Jenni's training sessions" I see the poor alpha glancing around trying to work out why his warriors are getting up too, I even catch Cayden in the distance doing the same.

"Alpha Joe" Alpha Chris stands "what is going on? Is something wrong?" he almost looks concerned.

"Nothing is wrong Alpha Chris. They er…well I don't know. Carl?"

"Sorry Alpha" he bows briefly "we all got training and cannot be late" I chuckle knowing that he is worried about how many laps I will add if anyone is late.

"But that isn't-"

"Jenni's training Alpha." Picking my speed up I hear the chaos behind me.

"Shit water bottles" I hear a few stutter out in panic before there is another scramble as they all go to get one, knowing that I insist they all have one when they arrive "Quick" I hear someone else snarl.

"Alpha Joe what is all this about?" Chris demands his voice becoming tense, shit this could turn bad.

"Sorry Alpha Chris." My brother yells "Sis is strict on keeping time when it comes to training."

"Your sister? But she is only what fifteen?"

"Seventeen" Conner yells "Sorry I need to go." He adds apologetically.

I swivel swiftly causing everyone to freeze on the spot and I cannot hold back my laugh seeing everyone's faces "One." I lift one finger up "Pups you are meant to be spending time with your families and getting to know them again." They all protest at me wanting to come "Two" raising a second finger "Sorry for causing you to think we were up to something Alpha Chris I have the training ground for an hour after dinner every day and I am strict with my training I hope you understand being a warrior yourself you know that a strict regime is vital." He looks stunned before shaking his head. "If you would excuse me, I better be going." Soon as I have turned away, I hear the madness behind me start up again.

"All right you lot get to your laps and stretching" starting on my own laps overlapping them as usual.

I feel the alphas and the others walking in taking seats, all eyes on me but one set makes Val and myself feel a bond from old times I glance up to see piercing emerald green eyes similar to Conner, Jet he has grown into well in simplest turns a sex god his muscles are bulging, straining his tight fitted shirt shaking my head before I can start undressing him with my eyes, I get to my training session.

It was going well that was until we started with the weapons.