Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2021 18:50:27 -0400 From: Just Forfun Subject: New Reality 12 This is my first story, so your input is extremely welcome. Email me at jst4fun2nyt@gmail.com and tell me what you like, what you don't like, and even where I mess up continuity or details. My focus is the story, not the sex. There will be sex, m/m and m/f, and some m/m/m/f but it will be tame compared to some stories. The story is fiction, and any similarities to people, living or dead, is purely coincidence. STDs and Corona don't exist in my fantasy world, so they don't use protection. You should use protection, always!!! Many of my characters are underage, and they will be having consensual sex, both with other youth, and what some consider adults. If that offends you, find another story. If reading this is illegal where you live, don't break the law! I'd like to find an editor, or a Beta reader at least. If you're up for that, contact me. I'm also open to suggestions on where you'd like to see things go, although I'm already 30 chapters ahead of where you are now. Don't forget to DONATE to NIFTY so you can continue to hate me for any cliffhangers. https://donate.nifty.org/ ****************************************************************************** Instantly I shifted and got to my feet. I grabbed the young Alpha by the throat and picked him off the ground. Billy had shifted as well and had the strange Beta pinned to the pavement. The other teens stood confused, unsure if they should help their Alpha or try keep Tommy and Andrew out of the fight, lucky for them they chose to hold. "STOP! I'm NOT here to hurt you!" I snarled "Will you behave and talk if I let you go or do I need to choke you until you pass out?" "Talk" he groaned around my hand. I lowered him until his feet touched the ground but kept my hand wrapped around his throat "Tell them to stand down or I end this now." He was in his Alpha form but I towered over him by 2 feet. He looked at Billy holding his Beta to the ground, then to my two pack members with their ancient eyes and nodded "Truce." Billy released the other Beta then helped him to his feet, they stood facing each other with tension still heavy between them, but they both respected our truce so I removed my hand from the boy's throat and shifted to human. I stood staring up at him, waiting for him to do the same. He finally swallowed his pride and shifted. "Good, now, I just came to talk. We can do this here, or in my office. You know where it is, I'm sure. I'll order pizza for your pack. I'm guessing meals don't come daily for you guys?" He looked around at his pack trying seem strong, but wanting the hot food. "OK, we'll take your food." "First, can we be civil? I'm Greg, my Beta is Billy. That's Tommy and Andrew." "Sam, that's Shane. Craig, Brian, and Johnny." "Is anyone missing or is this your pack?" "Why should I give you information on my pack?" "So I know how much pizza to order." I said with a grin, trying to lower the stress. "Oh, yeah, um... look, swear to me we're all safe?" "You're safe Sam. If you doubt me, I'll get the pizza, bring it here, and leave, but I'd like to talk." He turned and shouted towards the shelter "Chipper! It's safe, come here." I heard a little boy's voice "But he's huge!!!" "Come here pup!!" he said, adding a bit of a growl to his voice, and a boy of 5? er 2½? Came scampering out of the trash, naked and covered in dirt from his hiding place. I turned to Andrew "Get him clothes, now. We can't go around to the office with him naked." "We're at the back entrance Alpha, I'll go around and let you in. Then up the stairway to Mikes, no problems." "Thanks Tommy, do it." That left Billy and me surrounded by this pack of teenage vampires. Sam was eyeing me, considering options. His pack was too, they were waiting for him to give the word but I stood calmly waiting and when a door behind me opened I reached out for Chipper's hand "Come on buddy, let's get you cleaned up and get some pizza OK?" He looked up and when his Alpha nodded, he took my hand. Everyone followed me as we climbed the stairs. I swear I'd never heard a more tense silence. I opened the door to Mike's floor and led them past his office towards his conference room. As we passed he followed. He looked at the group, then bowed his head to me "Good morning Alpha, how can I serve you?" "Is your assistant a vampire?" "Yes Sir." "Is he in our pack?" "No Sir, you know that." "Just making sure Sam is aware of this fact. Ask him to come as a neutral witness for hostile negotiations please?" "Yes Alpha, right away." When we got to the conference room, I directed Sam and Shane to sit on one side as Billy and I sat on the other. Everyone else seemed to know not to sit unless directed. I dialed the phone on the table and hit speaker "Prince George, I am sorry to call so early but I need your assistance in dealing with an illegal pack in my territory. Do you have the time or any conflicts Sir?" "I am available, you have a neutral witness? And suitable legal expert?" "Mike Barnes is here as a legal expert but there's a conflict, he is a member fo my pack. His assistant is not in a pack and is here as a witness." "Mike? Do you swear to serve only the Council and be totally impartial in this matter?" "I so swear Councilman." "Alpha Warnick, do you swear before this witness that Mike's service to the Council will not result in any negative consequences to his standing in your pack should he give advice that you dislike?" "I so swear Councilman." "And the other Alpha, are you satisfied this will be a fair and just trial?" "Alpha Sam Bowers Sir, er Councilman, er Prince, and yes I'm satisfied." "Good, can we dispense with the formalities gentleman?" and after Sam and I agreed, George asked me to state my case. "Last night after meeting with some of my pack and several parents in our territory about forming a school I was getting in my vehicle and scented an unknown Alpha in my territory. This morning, myself, my Beta William White, and two pack members came to investigate. We found what looked like a homemade shelter in the alley behind our office building and were about to investigate further when we were jumped by Sam, his Beta, Shane, and three members of his pack. We subdued them and brought them here. There is a boy of roughly 2 years of age in their care. We've provided clothing for the boy and have food coming for the pack as they're obviously malnourished." "Sam? Is there any untruth to his statement?" "No Sir." "And do you wish to add to it?" "We only attacked in defense of the boy. If not for him we would have peacefully discussed things." "Do you deny forming a pack in what is rightfully Alpha Warnick's territory?" "I do not, but we're homeless and we formed for self-defense and survival." "Have you killed or harmed humans to feed?" "We have not. We um..." "I can only assume the things you boys had to do to survive Sam, don't be ashamed, speak up Alpha." "We did favors for drunk old men from the bars and fed on those who passed out, and on rats." "I find no fault in those actions, Mike, do you disagree?" "Under human law the feedings would be considered simple assault. Under our law, they are blameless in their actions for survival." "And the legality of the pack Mike?" "Illegal and rogue. Sam, are you aware Greg has the right to do anything he pleases with you and your pack, including executing you all?" Sam looked at me quietly then looked down, but without a bit of fear he said "I am Sir" "Greg, your judgment?" I looked at Sam, then Shane. I could smell their concern, but no fear. Their pack was looking at me with terror in their eyes. "Before I declare judgment, I want to hear from Sam what he would do." He looked up surprised "I don't know. I'm only an Alpha because the boys started following my leadership and I just phased. We meant no harm, we just got together to survive. We're at your mercy Alpha. If justice demands someone die, kill me, but spare Shane and the others, please?" "And if I show mercy, will you see that as weakness?" "No Sir. Mercy is a show of strength. The weak kill to get or maintain power." "I have my judgment Councilman." "Sam and Shane, stand to face your judgment." They stood and held their heads high. They knew the rules and broke them, they were ready to take what they deserved. "I claim the boy, known as Chipper, as my son, to live in my home and be equal to my other children." "The Council agrees this is just." "The Alpha will serve as a sub-Alpha, with his pack as a sub-pack," Sam's snapped his head to stare at me shocked "and will receive housing and education so they no longer need to live on the streets." The rest of the pack was staring at me now with tears in their eyes. "The council accepts this judgment. Alpha Bowers, do you wish to appeal or negotiate?" "No Councilman. Before these witnesses I... I'm sorry, I read the traditions as a child and I don't know how to word it, Mr. Barnes? Can you help me?" "You offer yourself as a Sub-Alpha and ask to retain your pack." "Thank you Sir." Then turned to me again "I offer myself as a Sub-Alpha and ask to retain my pack. As you have spared them, our lives are yours Sir." I stood and walked around the table and Sam turned to face me with his eyes down. "I accept your service Alpha. I hope we will grow to be friends." I opened my arms to offer a hug and after he got over the surprise, he slowly entered my embrace. I felt a few sobs so I held him until he had control, no need to embarrass him in front of his pack. We broke our hug and I turned "Thank you George." "This matter is resolved and closed in the eyes of the Council. Now, I have to go eat and order my plane, someone stole my other one. I'll see you Saturday Greg. Sam, you're sitting with the future of our world, learn from him." "Thank you Prince, er Councilman." I disconnected the call and turned to the small pack "Pizza's in the elevator if my nose is correct, sit and enjoy. Mike? Is there a locker room or something where these boys can clean up?" "Sorry Greg, other than the coffee shop on the ground floor and the realtor on 2, I'm alone here. Some big guy's putting an office up top and some child care on 3, 4, and 5, or so I hear." "Cute Mike, real cute. OK, Billy, call Regent, get wheels here at 11, we're taking these boys home. Sam, do any of you have anything you need or personal things you want to keep from your camp?" "No Alpha." "It's Greg, we're not formal but we respect each other. Don't look for my people to be calling you anything but Sam. If they do call you Alpha, it means you're in trouble." "Got it. I can only speak for myself, all I have is some clothes that should be in the trash, anyone?" Everyone gave the same answer, just worn out clothes. Shane offered to go gather it but I said "Go rip the shelter down, throw it all in the dumpster. Take one of your boys." "Mr. Alpha Greg Sir? I got a picture of my mommy down there, can I go get it?" "Find his picture, don't return without it, understood?" "Yes Alpha!" they all said, and headed downstairs with Tommy to help and let them back in. Andrew came in with underwear, socks, pants, shirts and shoes. He had run to a local charity store not knowing what the outcome would be. He handed the bag to me and I helped Chipper get dressed. He had already had 3 slices of the pizza although I think 2 of them were smeared all over his face. "Sam, was he getting blood?" "Yes Sir...er, sorry, yeah Greg, but not enough. None of us were strong enough to feed him daily like he needs." "You kept him alive Sam, don't be sorry for that, you did good. And you were ready to die for your pack, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Nothing, do you hear me?" "Thanks, really, for everything." "Billy, get their sizes. Call Sarah and send her to Walmart. They need clothes. These don't fit Chipper so we'll have to take him ourselves. Gentlemen, you can dress as you like later, today you're getting jeans and tee shirts and 2 pair of shoes. Tell Billy your underwear preference. Also get their birth dates. Sam and I will meet each of you individually over the next few days. I want to get to know you. Sam, give Billy your info now, then walk with me." I picked Chipper up and held him on my hip then opened my wrist. "Here ya go baby, feed." He latched on and sucked like his life depended on it, I realized maybe it did "Take it easy buddy, you can get all you want, you don't have to rush." Sam and I walked down the hall to an empty office and I sat. This boy is heavier than Charlie, damn. "So, you would have shown mercy if things were reversed?" "I'd like to think so yes, but this last year I've done things I never would have thought possible so I can't say. Can I ask you something?" "Ask anything, I'm your friend now. I hope someday you'll believe that." "I already believe it, you held me to protect my pride. Why?" "Why protect your pride?" "No, why the mercy? Why the pizza and the clothes and everything. And why did you ask me what I'd do?" "Because you didn't do any of this to offend me, or take anything from me, you did it to survive. And to protect your pack. You thought you were facing death, and your last request was that I spare your pack. That is noble." "I'm not noble, I'm a street rat that sucks old men off for money to buy food." "W L Sheldon said 'There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.' and I see a man who can be superior to his former self, if given the chance. Here's your chance." "Hemingway said that." "He stole it, but you have my permission to correct me anytime you think I'm wrong. I'm always open to learning. What happened Sam? How'd you end up on the streets? And just how old are you?" Shane came in with Chipper's picture and he released my wrist. "You done buddy?" he nodded "Why don't you go with Shane and get some more pizza. And Shane, tell Billy we need to figure out sleeping space for you guys." "He's already thought of that Sir, he told um...Sarah I think? Told her to get sleeping bags. Said we'd sleep in the rec room until you figure something out." "Awesome, thanks Shane." and he led Chipper out and down the hall. "To answer your question bluntly, Shane's dad walked in on us fucking. Physically picked us both up and threw us into the street naked. We got lucky cause he didn't call my Dad til morning so we got to my room and got some clothes. That was just after Christmas, we ended up down here and found the other guys over the last few months, all of them on the streets. I had just turned 8, Shane turned 8 last week." "Where'd you find Chipper?" "His parents knew about us being on the streets. They couldn't take us all in, but they gave us food sometimes, and let us sleep in their basement on the coldest nights. About a month ago we went to ask for some food and the place was on fire. Me and Shane ran in while the rest tried using the garden hose on the fire. Roger was trapped and we saw him burned alive. We found Phoebe under a pile of wood and plaster that had collapsed in Chipper's room. He was under the bed so we pulled him out. Poor kid didn't talk for a week then his first words were 'Mommys dead ain't she?' I think we all broke down that night." I reached over and took his hand and silently sat there until he could continue. "Last night I snuck in and listened to your meeting. I'm surprised someone didn't scent me. I heard what you said about the street vamps. I meant what I said, if we had been there when you came to the alley and been standing between you and Chipper we would have just talked." "I believe you Sam. I'm over it, honest. I meant what I said about housing and education. You tried to quote Hemingway so you're not ignorant, what do you want to do in life?" "Wanted to be a Doctor. Help humans and easy access to blood." he said with a grin. "Are you and Shane mates?" "Nah, we were just having fun. I'm bi, he's..." "That's for him to tell me. If you were at the meeting you saw my mate." "Yeah, handsome. You're lucky." "Thanks, let's go see if the peace is holding." as I stood and we headed back to the conference room. I grabbed the last slice of pizza and offered it to Sam. "Eat it Greg, we saved one." Shane said. I nodded my thanks and ate the pizza as Sam took some of the other one and offered a piece to Chipper, then ate his. Billy told me the car was downstairs so we headed down and loaded the street vamps into the Regent van with Andrew riding shotgun. We loaded Chipper into Brandon's seat and headed home. We were almost to the house when I remembered something so I grabbed my phone "Leonard, change of plans, we need 6 bedrooms in one of the houses. If you can't do that, build it somewhere. Try for the same timeline, and can we get temporary housing for 5 on site until then?... I'm not against that, look into it." then I dialed again "Hey hon, come outside, I want you to meet your new son." I think he dropped his phone. When we pulled up in front of the house the whole pack was standing outside with the exception of Mary and the smallest two pups. Brandon was standing on the porch between Mom and Dad with Jack behind him. Scott was in the driveway with Frederick and Edward behind him. Amie and her boys were off to the side of the porch and Sarah was talking to Lucas, who had a tablet and was working away. As I got out I heard "I'm sure there's a story I'll hear later babe, for now, where's our son?" so I helped Chipper climb out and introduced him. "Chipper, this is my mate Scott." I pointed to Brandon who was running our way "Our other son Brandon, calls him Pop." "Hi Pop." and he looked up at me "Does that mean I call you Dad?" "Only if you want to baby. Sam told me about your Mom and Dad sweetie, if you never call me Dad, it's OK." "They're gone Dad. I miss them but they always told me never look back." Damn this kid's tough "OK, so is Chipper your real name or a nickname?" "I dunno Dad, it's all I've ever been called." "Then we'll give you a name sometime, for now Chipper's fine, right babe?" Brandon had waited but finally had enough "I'm Brandon. I'm your brother, can I show him the lake Dad?" "Ask Jack to go with you, and no swimming yet. Come right back, Aunt Mary will have lunch soon." The boys took Jack by the arm and pulled him through the house with Andy chasing after them. Tommy came around "Greg, we have a problem you have to address." "GLS is too small huh?" "Yeah, if you want all your boys with you along with Scott and Billy, we need a limo. I know you don't like the image but it's that or a van." "Get what you think will fit our needs and style Tommy. I'm guessing we can make do until we're home, so if they can build soon enough, special order. We don't need a bar, put a TV in that spot for the boys." "We might look at a Sprinter Van, custom. I'll get you some pictures later?" "Do it." The street vamps were filing out of the van and looking around amazed. "Billy, show them downstairs and to the showers. Sam, when you're done I want you and Shane in my office. Sarah, you got clothes for these boys?" "Yes, I'll get Edward to help me carry it all down." "Thank you ma'am, we can help." Sam said and he and his pack followed her and Billy inside. "Babe? If you don't stop we're gonna need an even bigger house." Scott said to me, laughing. "If you had seen him standing in that alley, what else could I do?" "I'm teasing babe, you rescue them, we'll raise them. I'm here, always." Andrew and Amie met us at the door "When you have a minute, we'd like to speak to you Greg." "Anything bad?" "No Sir, and no rush." "After lunch, my office. I have a few young men to chat with but I'll work you in if you don't mind waiting." "Certainly." "Greg? I wanted you to see what I've done." Lucas said handing me his tablet. "This is Scott's area, explain it to me." I said, handing the tablet to Scott who gasped. "I took your profits from last night and found another stock they were pushing, I think I want to hold it until tomorrow, but if we sell now I can transfer 100 to wherever you say." "100? thousand?" "No babe, the whiz kid just turned $100k into $100m in less than 24 hours." "What? Seriously?" "Sorry it's not more, I put $10m in another and it crashed, we lost $8m of it.." "That's the issue with what he does Greg, it's really risky and can go ugly at times." "You keep it up buddy, how much do you want to keep to work with?" "Twenty?" "Scott, leave $50m for him to work with. Take the other and split it between us, Andrew, and Lucas." "Andrew's funds are now with ours." "Oh yeah, well, make sure he gets credited with it as if he had it before he joined then. This first time the growth is all his." "Sir? Please hold that thought until we speak?" I nodded and went in and found Billy in our shower so I joined him. We washed off the filth from the alley and put on suits. We had filled up on pizza so headed to my office. I had just sat down when Sam and Shane knocked. They sat in the armchairs facing my desk "Shane, Sam has told me a small part of your story, do you want him to step out while you fill in details?" "No Sir, he knows me, and he's my Alpha, anything he doesn't know, he needs to." "Fair enough. Let's start with your plans for your future. What do you want to do?" "Whatever you tell me Sir...er, Greg." "No, what were your plans before you left home?" "I've always liked helping and learning. I kinda thought I'd start out as a teacher, at least my first life. See if anything else got my attention after that." "Have you applied to a college?" "I was doing that when we left." "Then we need to get that done, you too Sam. Billy, get with Mike and have him get this done, I expect some of the others will need to as well. Shane, you're free to not answer this, but Sam told me about the night you got kicked out. Are you gay?" "I guess? I mean I like what we were doing. Dad's been doing it to me for like forever." I fought to keep my beast down but judging from their faces I failed "He's been what?" "It's his right Greg, vampire children are property and do as they're told." "That's bull Sam, Shane we'll talk about this more once I calm down. I'm on your side, you hear me?" "I do, thanks." "Sam, this is...I don't know how to put this because I don't want to order you to..." "Greg, my hand is fine for me until Shane gets time to sort this out. I could claim Alpha rights over him but I would never. He's not my mate but I do love him." "Thanks Sam, it's between the two of you so if it happens it's fine, but yeah, let's help him sort out things. On to something else, I'm having a house built nearby for you and your pack. Bedrooms for each of you but for now you saw your sleeping arrangements. I wish I could do better. This place is going to be gutted on Monday, Leonard's working on getting a double wide brought in for now. We're headed to Europe and he's staying to handle the construction. I'd appreciate it if you and your boys would help him in any way you can, and show him the respect his age and experience deserves." "We all know how to carry stuff and I think Craig wants to do construction, so he'll be thrilled. We'll be good." "Are there other homeless vampires that didn't join your pack?" "A couple guys and several girls, the girls do better on the streets." "Damn... Would you make contact for me? See if we can help them get out of that life?" "Brian was closer to them, he might have the best luck. I'll ask him." "OK guys, you're not prisoners here, this is your home, treat it as such. We end up in the family room most evenings, you're welcome to join us or hang out on your own downstairs, that's your call. For now, Andrew's waiting so if you'll excuse us?" They passed Andrew and Amie on their way in. They settled into the same chairs then Andrew said "Greg, I hope I haven't overstepped but I've been watching things yesterday and today, and I've seen the plans for your new house and, well to be honest, you're going to be short staff. Add to it, nothing against Frederick but he is just filling in a role he's not used to." "Well what can I do? I don't have anyone to cover it." "You remember I told you I served Lord Wellington for years? A butler is not just a mindless stooge that answers the door and looks good, he manages the house. Of course, back then we had huge staffing but still, you need a butler, in the true meaning of the job. I would like to offer myself to fill that role for you, if you like." "I know it's just TV but I love 'Downton Abbey' so I have an idea of what you did. What kind of staff do you think I need?" "Mary's hands are going to be full with your four boys, she is going to have to choose between cooking and nanny. Whichever she chooses, you will need someone for the other role. That new house will need Sarah and another to keep it clean and tidy as well as laundry for four boys, you, Scott, Billy and the rest of the staff. If I have overstepped I will stop here." "No, I think you're probably right. And Frederick will be doing more driving when we get back. I'll speak to Mary, do you know anyone you'd recommend?" "If Mary wants to nanny, I was cooking when Andrew and I met. I'd offer to care for the boys but I need to be with mine and you'll be traveling." "True, we need someone to travel. Do I assume you'd move in the new house?" "There's unplanned space over the office wing, we could put an apartment for a family there Greg." "Good idea Billy, Andrew?" "Sounds like a solution, if it's what you want." "We'll plan to move once it's ready. Until then, I will give Regent notice. I'll stay there until the house is ready, then I'll have it set up for you on your return." "OK, anything more? If not, I have some street vamps to get to know." Andrew and Amie left and one by one the street vamps came in and I got their stories. Craig is 9 and was happy to hear about helping Leonard. He and his dad argued about his desire to work construction so he just walked out. Brian will turn 7 while we're in Europe and ran away the first time his Dad tried to rape him. He had no real goals but enjoys learning. At 6, Johnny was the youngest, other than Chipper, and had lost his dad when he was a baby. His mom's new boyfriend was beating him so he ran away. He was a very bright young man but hadn't thought about a field of study yet. Billy got all their parent's information and I planned to visit them all personally. As members of a now lawful sub pack of my pack, their parents had no rights to them, but I hoped they cared where their boys were and might be part of their lives. We had Mike working on getting Sam and Shane into either Pitt or Duquesne this fall along with checking what I could do about what had happened to Johnny and Shane. The boyfriend would be easy, bullies are wimps. While I was on with Mike, Mary came to ask about dinner and I had no clue what to do so I told her this. She laughed and suggested the street vamps join the family and me in the dining room with everyone else eating in the kitchen. I wasn't thrilled but agreed it made sense. I brought up what Andrew had suggested and when she heard Amie could cook, she was happy that she could keep caring for the boys. She then went to finish the burritos she was making for dinner. Before she got through the door, three naked boys came running in "Dad, dad Jack says he'll take us swimming, can we? PLEASE?" Chipper danced from foot to foot as he said this. "Do you know how to swim buddy?" "Mom took me to the YMCA for classes last summer. I'm a good swimmer. So can we?" Who can say no to that? "OK guys, but don't be long, dinner's almost ready." and just like that, they were gone again. Sam came to ask if his pack could hunt the lands. Most of them had grown up in the suburbs and hadn't ever really hunted, with their first hunts being done at midnight in small groves of trees. I told him they were welcome to enjoy themselves. Then he mentioned that Johnny hadn't had his first hunt and asked if I would take him as Sam didn't feel up to the task. I tried to reassure him that he'd do fine but he wasn't buying it. Sam suggested we ask Johnny so I said we would announce the hunt at dinner and talk with him afterwards. Mary came to say dinner would be ready in 30 minutes so I sent Billy to round up the boys as Sam went to gather his pack. I had a thought and pulled the book out of the safe and checked if I remembered right. I then sent off emails to George and Mike. Billy came back to say the boys were showering and I shared my thoughts. After he made some suggestions, we decided it was a good plan but would take time and we'd have to do it carefully or we could create problems. I heard everyone gathering in the dining room so we went to join them. Scott and I helped Chipper and Brandon with their plates. Chipper was still in his thrift store clothes and Scott said he was going to take him to Walmart after we ate. When I mentioned Sam's desire to hunt this evening, Mom and Dad asked if this was a thing for both packs and I said it was not, explaining their experiences and saying I thought I would join them. Billy asked if he could take Lucas on their own and help him with stalking, so I told him to stick to the hill near the front gate, so we didn't disturb them. Andrew asked to join Lucas and Billy, while Amie said she'd like to sit with Mary and learn our food preferences. It seems it will be Sam's pack and myself After dinner I suggested a talk with Sam's pack so we headed downstairs. I thought they'd feel more comfortable in what was essentially 'their' territory. As we undressed, I asked about their previous hunts and, like Sam had said, they all told stories of a late night spent in a city park or small wooded area, chasing squirrels while trying to avoid humans. Only Craig had actually caught one. Brian was crying listening to these stories, hearing how the other fathers had shown patience and coaxed their beasts to the surface. He looked at his pack, then to his Alpha, then turned to me. "Dad grabbed me one night out of bed after Mom was asleep and took me to the woods behind the mall. He didn't say a word, just slapped me and told me to strip. Said we hunt naked and I'd heard that before so I did it, I trusted him, he's my Dad, ya know? He said he was going to bring out my beast like his dad did for him. He turned me around and shoved me against a tree and held my by the neck with one hand and I felt his... I felt him trying to push his... I felt him trying to rape me." Sam and I were now kneeling on either side of him, rubbing his shoulders and back. Brian had only told me he ran when his dad tried to rape him. I didn't know it was his first hunt, and from his reaction, Sam didn't know this either. I looked around the room and all the boys had tears in their eyes. Brian took a deep breath and continued "His method worked because my beast came out totally. He might be my dad but my beast wasn't OK with this so I turned on my Dad and was trying to fight to get away but I wasn't in control. We struggled and one of my claws must have slashed his throat because he staggered back and fell. The shock must have pushed my beast down because I was in human form as I watched my dad bleed to death. I knew I couldn't just leave the body so I dragged his body to our house and left him in the basement, packed some clothes and ran. I'm scared to go tonight, I haven't let my beast out since that night and I'm scared I'll kill one of you." Sam pulled Brian's face to his chest as he started to sob. I gently caressed his back and when his sobs slowed, I looked at Sam "Your call. Brian needs the strength of an Alpha tonight and Johnny needs someone for his first hunt. I'll do either but you have to decide which of us can do the most good." He looked down at the boy in his arms then up to the one standing, scared of what his first hunt would be having heard this horror story. He looked at me unsure what to do. "You will do the right thing Sam, no matter what you decide Johnny will have his first hunt and will look back on it with fond memories. And Brian will find that not all of us follow his Dad's out of date traditions. You need to figure out which of us can provide what each of them needs, that's your job as their Alpha. Leadership isn't just making them follow your commands, it involves tough decisions, discipline balanced with love. You love them, they know that, and I can see it. What will it be?" "I'll take Brian and show him, help him heal. Please take Johnny tonight?" "NO Alpha, I might kill you, please don't make me." Sam's eyes changed and with a slight growl he said "You won't hurt me pup, we'll get through this together." then he turned to me "What about Craig?" "He and I can go as a pair." Shane said "We will be fine, we are just going for some relaxation. There's no danger on these lands." Sam nodded so Shane and Craig headed out. I led Johnny upstairs and out front and we talked as we headed to what I was starting to think of as hunting rock. Like Lucas and Billy, he had his closest encounters with his beast when he was angry, scared, or near orgasm. I explained how that related to hormones and asked him how he thought we could bring his beast out. He blushed but his body told me what he was thinking so I suggested he do it himself and try not to fight the beast when the he tried to surface. I saw some color in his eyes as he finished but we hadn't gotten the results we wanted so I decided to try fear. It worked because I had just changed to tower over him when he also changed and cowered beneath me. He was happy with the results and I taught him what he needed to know and by the time we got back to the house, I had tasted the blood of his first catch. He was a proud young man as we showered and he settled into his sleeping bag. I waited on the porch all night, greeting Billy, Lucas and Andrew when they returned. Lucas told me his stalking was improving and he'd caught a rabbit. I told him I was proud of him and they headed to bed. The sun was coming up when Sam and Brian finally appeared. Neither showed any damage and there was no scent of tension which, I hoped, meant things went well. "Want to talk about it?" "That's up to him." Sam said, nodding towards Brian. "I finally let the beast out a little but not enough to hunt. I just can't get past my fear that I'll hurt him." "I tried fear, and coaxing, and pain, and sex, and..." "Sex? You didn't..." "Oh, no, God no... we got off together. I thought the orgasm might trigger it." "And I'm guessing when your beast tried to come out, your mind fought him back down." "Yeah. He was almost out but I saw Sam was still in the post orgasm fog and I didn't want to risk letting him out." "Well maybe if it was just you..." "Thought of that too, I just can't get comfortable that I won't hurt him." "Sam, were you human or Alpha form?" "Human, why?" "Brian, you saw Sam's Alpha form in the alley yesterday, do you really think you could hurt him like that?" "I couldn't win a fight but I might accidentally hurt him." I knew he was right but it was a risk that had to be taken. We had stressed him enough though, so I told him to head downstairs to shower and get some sleep. Sam asked how Johnny had done so I gave him the full story. He then asked about Shane and Craig but all I could tell him was we had found them asleep when we got back around 2am. We parted and I got to my room to find Scott feeding Chipper while Lucas and Billy each held a bottle for the pups. I told them I wanted to sleep until 10 and curled up in bed around Brandon. He woke so I opened my wrist for him and fell asleep feeding my oldest son. Brandon must have quietly climbed out of bed because he was nowhere to be seen when Billy woke me just after 10. I dressed and picked up a sandwich as I headed to the office to find Scott and Lucas debating stocks. I didn't follow it so I tuned them out and read emails. First was George saying he was glad I finally understood how to properly handle things and he gave me some names and phone numbers. Next was one from Mike asking me to call when I was free. I was about to call when Jack knocked at the door.