Date: Thu, 13 May 2021 16:24:10 -0400
From: Justin Forfun <jst4fun2nyt@gmail.com>
Subject: New Reality 25

This story started out of boredom, and has now taken on a life of its
own. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback, and some negative. I'm open to
suggestions and feedback, but it is what it is. You can comment as you like
at Jst4fun2nyt@gmail.com.

The sex in it isn't going to be a major part of it, nor is it going to be
graphic. If you're looking for masturbation fodder, look elsewhere. There
will be slow times in this story, just like there are in life. Other times,
things will fly at you too fast. There will be boring days, and exciting
days. It's just how it's flowing.

I was going to try to keep writing, and post chapters slower so I could
keep up. Work and real life have me distracted, so I'm going to put
everything I have so far on Nifty, as fast as they'll post it. After that,
chapters will come as I can get them written. No promises on how fast that
will be, as my busy time at work is coming, and the next 6-8 months, I'll
be working 15 hour days.

Here is the house plan I used for inspiration for their new lake
house. I've modified it to fit my dream, but this is what gave me the idea
of the general layout.

https://archivaldesigns.com/collections/castle-house-plans/products/balmoral-castle-house-plan

DONATE to Nifty so you can continue to enjoy my story, and the thousands of
others!!!!

https://donate.nifty.org/

***************************************************************************

An hour later we were pulling up in front of the building downtown. Mike
had never told me, but there was parking under the building for 50
vehicles, so we parked the GLS in a reserved spot and headed up. I hadn't
been back to the school site since the night of the meeting and I was
amazed at what Leonard and Craig had done. Since Leonard was in California,
Craig was acting as our tour guide and pointed out the security cameras,
keypads, and several other electronic security devices they had added to
the design after we had told them to beef up security at the house. He told
me there was also a man at every entrance, and anyone that entered the
building had to go through the security checkpoints. At first Mike had said
he thought the real estate agency on 2 and 3 would be upset, but it turns
out they were happy to have the added protection. I mentioned to Billy that
he should find out if the Patrillos worked through this agency or a
different one.

When we entered the administration floor of the school, Dr Phillips was
waiting to greet us and introduce us to everyone. I already knew my brother
Matt and his wife Liz of course, and Lisa Pierce, who was fostering Bobby
and Teddy. But I have to admit, the names came at me so fast I quickly got
lost on who was teaching what. Matt was heading up the team that would
teach primary school courses while Liz was handling the high school level
classes. Dr Phillips was personally working with the dozen or so students
who were using our facility to take classes online from several
Universities around the world. He told me the students would work at their
own pace, with no hard structure on progress. Testing their knowledge and
moving them to appropriate levels of instruction as they learned a
subject. He gave me the example of a boy who was 4 that was working on a
3rd grade level in English, a 6th grade level in math, 11th grade in
biology and chemistry, and taking college level Spanish. Another girl who
was 5 had tested as a high school graduate, and was a freshman studying
through Oxford University. These were the exceptions though, as most
parents hadn't had the time to spend with their children teaching them as
they deserved. Hopefully, in a year or two, all the pups in our area would
be working well above the typical human levels, and by the time they were
10, would have whatever college degrees they desired. We were funding the
tuition to a four year degree for any that wanted one, so finances wouldn't
be a problem for the families.

When we walked into the assembly area, the seats were full and parents were
standing all around the edges. I'm sure that, if the Fire Marshall had
walked in right now, we'd be facing a large fine for overcrowding, but I
didn't care. These were my people, and they were celebrating. I walked to
the front as the crowd started chanting "ALPHA... ALPHA... ALPHA..." I
stood on the stage and motioned for them to quiet down but it took a few
minutes. Finally, when it was just a low roar, I added Alpha to my voice
and spoke...

"Please, please, be seated so we can begin." And once they were quiet, I
lowered my volume a bit and continued. "Today, our pups begin a journey
that started because I had a silly question that I needed answered. When I
met my mate, he told me he was 8 years old, but he was studying at the
college level. My Beta was 7, and was also studying at that level, yet my
son who is 5, could barely read and write. This disparity led me to ask
why. Why are some of our youths exceeding their human peers, while others
are clearly behind. Was it lack of love? Was it neglect? I looked into it
and found it was neither, it was simply that not all parents had a
background to educate their pups as well as they hoped. We certainly
couldn't send our pups to human schools, as their growth would cause us to
be exposed. I decided that my pups would all have an education that would
allow them to do anything they desire in this life, and any future lives. I
also realized it was on me, to provide this same opportunity to every pup
in my territory, so that leads us to today."

"I could not do this alone, and with the help of Dr Phillips, my brother Dr
Matt Warnick, his wife Dr Liz Warnick, and many, many of you parents out
there who are now on staff as teachers, assistants, custodians, cooks,
security, and many other roles, we have a school that will take our pups
from their first words, to a college degree, if they so desire. Some of
them will grow and want a vocation, and we'll find ways to provide that as
well. I'm sure we can find many tradesmen out there who will apprentice our
pups and train them in the honorable trades that we all need
daily. Plumbing, carpentry, electricians, and many others that I can't
think of at the moment." A few laughed.

"Last night, I had a conversation with some close friends in the pack and I
realized something we had failed to provide for, so today I'm announcing
that any of our students are welcome to come to our land for their first
hunt." There was a surprised murmur through the crowd at this. "All I ask
is that their parent or guardian make contact through the school to
schedule these. The reason for this is simple, we don't want 50 of you to
show up at the same time and be in each other's way. I think we can handle
2 or 3 at a time and one of us will be happy to show you around so you
don't get lost or end up wandering onto human lands."

"Some of you have contacted Mike and asked about joining my pack. He was
instructed to accept you all, so many of you are in my pack already. Many
of you are not. At our first meeting I said I will not require you to join
my pack for your pups to attend this school, and that still stands. You are
all welcome to join, or not, as you wish. To the students, I say this. All
of you, after your first hunt, are welcome to approach Mike on your own,
and join, regardless of your parent's status as pack members. For now, all
students in this school are under my personal protection, whether your
parents are in my pack or not, you are protected as pups in my pack." The
students all cheered as did most of the parents.

"Another issue I addressed at the first meeting that I feel I need to say
again, no one is required to surrender their financial assets to me to join
my pack. I don't want your money, I don't need your money. You need your
money. If you feel you need to do that to join, feel free, but know that if
you leave the pack, every penny will be returned to you with an increase
equal to that of the pack's average increase."

"I'm not one for big speeches, I say after giving one, so I think it's time
to do what we're here for. Dr Phillips, would you please join me?"

Dr Phillips, Matt and Liz all joined me at the podium and we all made a big
show of cutting a ribbon that had been strung across the stage. "And with
that, the Warnick Industries Daycare and Educational Center is now open."

The students all started chanting "ALPHA... ALPHA... ALPHA..." again but
then a different chant started down front, from our pups... at first I
couldn't make it out but as it grew and replaced the first, I realized what
they were saying... "SHOW US ALPHA... SHOW US ALPHA... SHOW US ALPHA..."

I shook my head and looked at Lucas. I knew that little rat was behind this
one, so I stepped up and said "Quiet, quiet, please... What do you mean
`show us Alpha?' I'm standing here."

Someone in the back yelled "Show us your Alpha form!!!" and others shouted
their agreement.

I looked around to Scott, Billy, Matt, trying to find someone to defend me
but all I got were grins and nods.

"Really? I'm here talking about your education and all you want is to see
me make a fool of myself up here?"

The reply of the crowd was a resounding `YES!!'

"Well, if you'll forgive me, I can't do it dressed. I'll rip these clothes
and I have nothing else to wear." So I quickly kicked off my shoes, dropped
my trousers and pulled my shirt over my head as the pups all whistled and
made rude noises...

"Really?"

I heard that same voice in the rear yell "Take it all off Alpha!!!" and
when the crowd agreed, I figured `why not', so I dropped my boxer briefs
and stood naked in front of the crowd. They slowly fell silent as they
waited. I made them wait, then I shifted, instantly towering over them in
my full Alpha form. All 10 foot tall, massive claws, fangs down below my
chin, and glowing red eyes. They were silent a few seconds as they took it
in, then the cheers started and we couldn't silence them for almost 10
minutes.

I shifted back and got dressed then told them it was time to get to
work. They had studying to do, and I had things to take care of, but I
reminded them of my promise, all of them were under my personal
protection. Anyone, and I meant anyone, that hurt them, would answer to me.

Dr Phillips led us through a crowd of parents and their pups trying to
thank me, back to his office where there was a line of 6 and 7 year-old
pups wanting to schedule their first hunts, along with a few older ones
asking if they could also come experience a real hunt. I told them they
were welcome, but the ones who needed to find their beast had priority. I
was happy to hear that they understood and were willing to be patient. I
was chatting with this group of adolescents when Lucas came up holding the
hand of a girl about his age and asked if we could talk in private. I could
smell the fear on the girl, so I asked Dr Phillips for a room. He showed us
to an office with a sofa and some side chairs. I sat in a chair while Lucas
and the girl sat on the sofa.

"Alpha Greg, this is LeAnn. She came to me after the meeting and after
talking with her, I thought she should talk with you."

"Hi LeAnn. I can tell you're nervous, but I promise there's nothing to be
scared of. What's wrong?"

She hadn't looked at my face yet, and I could tell she wasn't likely
to. She was holding his hand with a death grip, and she looked at Lucas,
then back down. I thought I recognized another scent, but I wasn't sure.

I looked from Lucas to her then said "Do you want Lucas to stay? Or do you
want to talk to just me alone?"

"I think I want him to stay. I told him what happened and he said I should
talk to you about it. I don't know what to do really, I mean, by the
traditions, it's not wrong, but it just felt so wrong. I'm sorry, I'm not
making any sense."

"It's ok honey, Lucas and I will sit here with you until you can talk."

Tears started to fall as she went on "It's just my dad and me, Mom died
when I was still a baby. Dad loves me, I know, but he... he's not good with
girls I guess... anyway, last weekend he took me out to Blue Mist
Trail. It's a park near us with lots of woods and you can get away from
humans there. Lots of parents in the north hills use it for a first
hunt. And, well, he didn't know how to get me to shift. My friends have
gone with their moms and they've told me how they trigger the change with
emotions or pain, so I knew what to expect. So he tried pain, he dug his
nails into my arm but that didn't do anything, so he hit me. All that did
was scare me. Then he said he was going to do it like his dad did. I
didn't' know what he meant but he's my dad, ya know? I trust him, so I just
stood there waiting."

I was afraid of where this was going but she had to get her story out, so I
sat quietly, holding her free hand as she went on.

"He grabbed me and I thought he was going for more pain, or fear, or
something... but then he forced me to bend over and he... Oh god Alpha, do
I have to say it?" as she broke down sobbing.

"No sweetie, you don't have to say it. It might help you to get it out, but
you don't have to say or do anything. We can sit here all day until you
feel you're ok."

"I know he won't ever do that again, at least I don't think he will. But it
just felt so... wrong... I mean, he's my dad. I know pups are property of
our parents, but I thought we were past those old ideas."

"I need to ask a few things honey, and you don't have to answer, but I need
to know some things so I can try to do the right thing, ok? Can you talk to
me about it yet or do you want some time?"

"I'll try. Lucas told me I could trust you, and I trust him. I just met him
but somehow, I feel connected to him. Maybe I'm just being a silly girl."

"Lucas is a very good young vampire, and a close friend of mine. I trust
him with my life, and you can too. Now, did you shift, or what happened?"

"I shifted... and when I did, he stopped. Honest Alpha, he stopped right
away. I think he feels bad but he really didn't know what else to do and
like he said, his dad did it that way to him."

"I understand, and that was in a different time. But you sound like you're
not sure you're safe at home?"

"Well, I really don't think he'd ever do it again, but I just feel weird
when I'm at home alone with him now, ya know?"

"Is he here today?"

"He's waiting for me. I told him I had to meet with Dr Phillips, my classes
don't start until tomorrow. You're not gonna hurt him are you? Please
don't, I just don't know what to do."

"I'm going to be honest with you LeAnn. You've shifted, so you're an adult
now. I'm going to go talk with him, and what he says will decide if I harm
him or not. I'm not a monster, but I insist on justice. Is that fair?" She
nodded so I went on "Do you feel safe with Lucas while I go talk with your
dad?"

"I feel very safe with Lucas." And she smiled for the first time.

She told me his name and what he looked like, and I left her sitting there
with Lucas as I went searching for her father. I found him in the hall,
waiting for his daughter.

"Mr. Hawthorne? I'm Alpha Greg Warnick, can we find somewhere private to
speak a minute?"

"I'm waiting for my daughter, Alpha, but we can, if you need."

"It's about LeAnn. She came to me to talk, and I'd like to talk to you a
bit."

His face told me he knew what this was about and tears were streaming down
his face as he followed me until we found an empty room.

"I think you know what she came to me about, and your reaction and scent is
telling me you're not a bad father. Do you want to talk about it?"

"I didn't know what else to do Alpha. My baby needed to shift and with her
mother gone I didn't know how else to do things. I tried everything, just
like my dad did. I really didn't want to try that, but nothing else worked
and she was getting depressed that it wasn't working and I just... Please
Alpha, I love my baby and I was doing it the only way I knew. I..." he
dropped to his knees with his head down "I submit myself to your judgment
Alpha."

I pulled him to his feet and held him as he sobbed. Once he calmed down a
bit I stepped back and looked at him "I won't lie to you, my first impulse
was to shift and come find you and rip you to shreds. But listening to
LeAnn, she knows what you did, you did out of love. But you need to know
she doesn't feel comfortable at home now. Is there any family that she
could live with while we get you both some counseling to get past this?"

"No Alpha, my parents died centuries ago. Her mother was changed and
abandoned. I found her wandering the streets in New York in 1932 and we
were together until she died five years ago. What do I do?"

"To be honest, she's shifted, so she's an adult. I think you should know, I
also think she's found her mate. He's a good boy, and a close friend of
mine. If I provide a home for her, what will you do?"

"Whatever you say Alpha. If you feel justice demands my life, then, well,
she's all I've got so if I've lost her I really don't care if you kill me."

"I don't think you've lost her. She asked me not to hurt you. She loves you
and I think with time, and work, things can be repaired. Will you go on so
there's a future? For her?"

"I will, I swear. I... now's not the time..."

"What? Go ahead, speak your mind."

"I didn't join your pack yet, and saying it now seems self serving."

"I would welcome you into my pack John. I'll have Sam get you and LeAnn
lined up with a counselor and we'll make things right. I have no idea how
long that will take, but she needs her Dad, and she loves you. For now,
someone will be by to get her things, and she'll be living with me. I think
it's best if you head to work, or home. I'll have her call you when she's
ready, ok?"

"Thank you Alpha. I wasn't sure if such a young changeling could be a good
Alpha, but I know now you can, and are. Please make sure she knows I love
her?"

"You know I will John. Go on, I'll go talk with her now."

He walked away with his head down and I hoped he would follow through and
not give up, but I wasn't sure. He'd lost everything by sticking to old
ways that have no place in our society. I resolved to change that soon. I
headed back to Lucas and LeAnn but stopped for a conversation with Dr
Phillips. I asked him to put together a notice to all the parents that we
would be having a conversation about what is and isn't acceptable for first
hunt activities, and there would be support for parents who were unsure of
their ability to help their pups. I wanted to get a group of mentors
together and have a discussion about what worked best.

When I walked in, Lucas and LeAnn quickly pulled apart. I think I had
caught them kissing but I tried to ignore it.

"LeAnn, I talked with your father and I need to talk to you about what you
want to do. He wants you to be happy, and I told him you're not comfortable
at home now. I told him you could come live with us, and we would arrange
for counseling for both of you to try to heal your relationship. I am not
doing anything to punish him in anyway, and he knows that. He wants what's
best for you, you're his only concern. Are you ok with all of this? Is
there anything else you want me to do?"

She looked at Lucas, and when he nodded, she looked me in the face for the
first time and said "Would you accept me into your pack and allow me to be
Lucas' mate?"

I looked at Lucas and saw the pleading in his eyes so I smiled and said "Of
course I will honey. Can I give you a hug to welcome you?"

She smiled and came in for a gentle hug. I reached out and pulled Lucas
into the hug as well and stood there holding them both for a few
minutes. When I stepped back, I looked at Lucas "I suppose I'll have to get
Jack to take the pups tonight?"

"Oh no Greg, I'll still go. I'm going to take LeAnn too, if that's ok. We
won't be hunting ourselves, and she can learn from watching Bea. Then I
think we'll ask Bea to take LeAnn out sometime and teach her everything."

It only took me a second to connect with Bea and explain things, her
instant reply was `of course I'll do it' so I passed this on to LeAnn. "Do
you have classes today Lucas? Or will you be going home now?"

"We're in most of the same classes, I'll take her home and introduce her to
Andrew and Amie, if that's ok? I'm supposed to meet with Scott and David
while you're with Mike. Is it ok if LeAnn sits in? She's into finance too."

"Talk to Scott about that one, but I'm fine with it if he is. Speaking of
which, we need to be getting upstairs."

We ran into Scott at the elevator and I let Lucas introduce his mate. He
was smiling ear to ear as Scott and Billy both warmly hugged him and LeAnn
and welcomed her into the family. Scott sent me a mental message to remind
me we had to be careful what she saw until we could trust her. That issue
had slipped my mind but I didn't doubt this sweet young girl Lucas had
chosen, and if he trusted her, I did.

My meeting with Mike was a boring hour of sales figures, movement of
managers, projected incomes, and suggested expansion. I noticed we had
people in charge of each of the business groups, and asked why they weren't
dealing with these issues. I was told they all were being careful not to do
something I might not like. I told Billy to send them each an email
instructing them to take more direct control of the businesses. To spend as
they saw fit, and to run the businesses as if they owned them. If they made
mistakes but could explain their reasoning, I would be happy. I didn't want
to deal with issues like these. When he asked for examples of things that
needed my approval I thought for a while then said.

"If the auto group thinks we should expand a dealership, renovate, or add a
certain line of cars to a group, then he should do it. If he feels we
should build a new location to replace an old one, do it. If he wants to
expand the territory covered by the group by building new, do it. If he
wants to buy another group of dealerships, maybe that's the line. Don't
spell it out for him, but I want them to have a lot of latitude to do as
they see fit. Make sure they understand that the worst that will happen is
I'll say I wish they had asked first. There's a saying I've heard, `it's
easier to ask for forgiveness than permission' and that's a good guide. Am
I making sense?"

"I get it Greg, but these managers just don't know you. You have 3 separate
auto groups, 5 fast food, and 2 real estate managers. Either meet with all
10 of them and explain your position, or appoint someone to oversee them,
even if you appoint one for each of the three, it would give them all
someone to go to for guidance. It's hard for a manager to take a risk and
spend someone else's money without concern for their job, if that risk
fails."

"Ok Mike, I'll do that. Give me the information on all 10. I'll either
promote one from each business type, or I'll put someone above that
group. If I were to give Billy the authority, would these managers mind
answering to him due to his age?"

"All top management are vampires Greg, they will respect the decision of
their Alpha, period."

"Alright, I'll get back to you. Anything else? I need to be home before
dinner, I have something tonight."

"That's it for business, but if I may? David and I would like to get in on
your training hunt the next time the pack goes? Just give us a call and
we'll be there."

"Billy will let you know, Mike. Sorry, last night was done on impulse and I
just didn't think about it. I didn't' leave you out intentionally."

"We know that. We're just making sure you know we've also got your back, to
the death Sire."

"Thanks Mike, I appreciate it. You two are always welcome to drop by for
dinner, any night, you know that. For now I think we should head home
though. Scott's waiting for us, and Lucas wants to get his mate home."

Mike's eyebrows lifted at that news, and he got up to lead us out. We met
Scott, Lucas, LeAnn, and David in Mike's waiting area. I saw David give a
nod to Mike then he said.

"Greg, Mike and I have been talking and now that we're young again, well,
if you approve, we'd like to find a surrogate to have a pup for us. Or, if
any come up needing a home before we make the arrangements."

"If I approve? David, you should know that's not me. Your personal life is
yours, you guys do as you want."

"No Alpha, our lives are not ours. Our lives are yours, regardless of how
you feel."

"Is every couple in my pack going to come to me for approval to have a pup?
I doubt it, why are you any different?"

"In the pack in general, no, but we're in your inner circle Sire. Our
having a pup could interfere with us doing your business. I can guarantee
that Matt and Liz, Edward and Sarah, Andrew and Amie, Geoffrey and Eileen,
everyone that deals with you intimately would ask you the same question,
Sire."

This actually stunned me. I stood there for a minute considering what he
had told me. Would my friends, my family actually put their personal lives
in my hands to this degree? Once again, I felt like I was in over my head,
but I went with my heart.

"Of course I approve. If you want a surrogate, that's for you to
arrange. If you'll adopt, let Sam know that you're next in line if any come
up. In fact, if you'll adopt, I can put the word around and see if there
are any orphans around right now, if you want me to?"

The two looked at each other, and I knew there was a mental conversation
going on, then Mike looked at me.

"Adopting would be less complicated but, at the risk of sounding selfish,
we'd prefer the pup be young. Raising one that has memories of their first
parents doesn't always go as well as your two have. We will of course, do
anything you ask. That is just our preference Alpha."

"And it's understandable. I'll see what I can do. Boy or girl? Or does it
matter?"

"Just a pup we can look forward to sharing several lives with
Greg. Honestly, your pack could use a few female pups!" Mike said with a
laugh. We had just turned to call for the elevator when the doors opened
and Sam and Kalyn stepped out. I could smell the issue but I didn't know
the details so I waited.

Kalyn stood there looking at the floor as Sam spoke "Sire, can we have a
minute before you go? In private?"

I looked to Mike "Use my office Greg. Sam, would you or Kalyn like a
drink?"

They both smiled and accepted a soft drink then followed Scott, Billy, and
I into Mikes office. I sat at his desk with Billy behind me. They sat
facing me, as Scott settled onto the sofa.

"Alpha I...first I want to thank you for getting me and my friends off the
streets. When I first met you I was a bitch, and I'm sorry. You did nothing
to deserve that, and you've treated us all better than we could ever expect
considering where you found us."

"Where I found you has nothing to do with who you are Kalyn. You were in a
bad spot and did what you needed to do. No one will ever hear from me or my
pack where your life was when we met. Take advantage of things, and move
forward, ok?"

She looked up and me and smiled. "Thank you. I know that, but I really
needed to hear that today. I um... I left the house Sam had put us in and
went back on the streets a few nights. I didn't feel like I deserved what
you were giving us and I wanted some spending money and I, well, you can
imagine."

"I can, and what you do with your body is your concern. Were you forced?
Did anyone push you out of the house?"

"Oh no, to both of those, unless getting paid is being forced? And everyone
was great at the house, and even when I came back, no one said anything
other than asking if I was ok. The problem is, I wasn't smart when I was
back out and now, well, I'm guessing you can scent it?"

"In my opinion, getting paid is not being forced, unless you're forced by a
pimp, to get paid. And yes, I can smell it, but it's not for me to discuss
your private issues. Do you know what you want to do?"

"I'm not ready to raise a pup Alpha. Hell, I can't keep my life together,
let alone take care of another one."

"Sam, do you know of a clinic she can..."

"Oh NO Alpha. I can't kill an innocent pup! Oh, I'm sorry for yelling but
no... That's not what I'm asking. Sam told me he can help me until I have
it, then he can find a family. I just didn't want him getting in trouble
with you for helping me after I screwed up the chance you gave me."

"Well, the chance I gave you wasn't a `last chance', it was a chance. You
made a mistake, and now you get another chance. And you might make another
mistake and you'll probably get another chance. We don't give up on you
until you give up on you. Is that ok with you?"

She looked at me with tears in her eyes "You mean you're not going to throw
me out?"

"That's part of what I mean, yes. I think I have a solution to, at least
the pup issue, if you'll trust me?" When she nodded Scott opened the door
and asked Mike and David to come in.

"Kalyn, have you met Mike and David? Mike is my attorney and David is our
financial advisor. Guys, Kalyn is a friend of Sam's." they all smiled at
each other and I looked at her "May I discuss this in front of them?"

"If you think it's best, I'm trusting you Alpha."

"Kalyn finds herself expecting a pup of what I assume is a human father"
and when she nodded I went on "I don't know the biology, in fact I wasn't
aware it was possible. Do either of you know what we should expect?"

"Kalyn, I need to ask some personal questions to sort this out. You don't
have to answer, but it will help us know what the baby will be, ok?"

"Anything you need. I'm putting my trust in Sam and Alpha Greg."

"Ok, how far along are you? Both physically and in time. We need to compare
the growth with a typical vampire pregnancy."

"I should've had my period three weeks ago, so I should be 4 or 5 weeks
pregnant, right? And I'm starting to show and at night I can hear a
heartbeat."

"It sounds like the baby is vampire, but we won't be sure until it's
born. I'm assuming from the way you're talking that you plan to have it?"

"Yes, but I can't raise it. I'm not ready, and I'm alone."

I interrupted "You might not be ready, but you're not alone. You're in
Sam's pack. That makes you my pack, so you are never alone. Do you
understand me Kalyn?"

She looked at me smiling and nodded. "But I'm not ready. I want to have it
and let someone adopt, if you can find someone."

David and Mike both looked at me and when I nodded, they smiled and Mike
said "Kalyn, do you believe in fate? Less than five minutes before you
stepped off the elevator, we had asked Alpha if we could adopt. If you'd
let us, we'd like you to come live with us until the baby is born, then
we'll adopt it. Human or vampire, we'll raise it as our own. You're welcome
to be part of its life in whatever way you want, or totally walk
away. That's up to you. We do ask that if you decide to walk away, that is
permanent. You don't need to decide that right now, just before birth. Is
this something you'd want?"

"Really? You'd do that for me? You know my past, right?"

"We have an idea but we don't know the facts, and we don't care. You can
share all that with us if you like, or you can forget the past and move
on." David stopped suddenly and looked at Mike. They exchanged thoughts for
a second, then he went on "In fact, another option for you to consider is
come live as our daughter. Raise your child as our grandchild. Again, not
something you have to decide now, but there are many options."

I thought I should get this out of the way, so I said "And one more thing
to be discussing, if the baby is born human, you have my blessing to change
it. I'm certainly not saying you have to, but it's an option, and within my
power as Alpha and a Prince. But Mike well knows what to consider on that
issue."

Kalyn looked from Mike to David, then from Sam to me, unsure of what to do
so I tried to help "Kalyn, you don't have to decide anything at all right
now. We've just put out a lot of things for you to think about. Mike isn't
going anywhere and you know where he is. You can go back to the house and
think about this as long as you want. None of us is going to push you in
any direction, the choices are all yours."

"That's not it Alpha. Well, I think I know what I want, but it's not
exactly what has been said and I'm afraid my idea is stupid."

"There is no stupid idea, tell us what you're thinking. The baby is yours,
it's your decision." Mike said, gently putting his hand on her shoulder.

"You said you'd adopt me as your daughter? Would you also adopt the baby?
Let it grow up with me in its life, but as a big sister? That way I can
watch it grow but not have to be a mom yet?"

Mike and David only took a second to look at each other then David reached
out to her "I think that's a wonderful idea, daughter. May I have a hug?"

Kalyn was in tears as she stood and embraced Mike and David and I heard a
whispered "Who do I call Dad?" as both men laughed.

"Mike, is your house big enough or do you need to move?"

"We have two bedrooms Greg, but we can make do."

"Not the right answer. Kalyn wants to be your daughter, not your nanny. She
needs her own room. Call Tony or Tammy Patrillo, get their number from
Billy. List your house and find one you like for your family. It's a pack
purchase, of course. And Kalyn, as a daughter of Mike, you are no longer in
Sam's pack, you're mine. David, since you don't work for me, I can't give
you time off, but you might request a day or two. Mike, you do work for me,
and unless I call you directly, you're banned from your office until
Monday. Take your daughter shopping, take her home and get to know each
other."

They all came around the desk and gave me a very warm, very happy hug. As I
was walking out of Mike's office, I was looking around for the next
surprise, but it didn't come.