Another chapter from Derrick's point of view. I'll get back to Greg and Igor in a bit. I want to explore Derrick a bit more.

In the course of writing this story, things have evolved in my mind, and I've found things I wish I had done differently in earlier chapters. I'm not going to go back and re-write most of these things, but one thing I am going to correct, with these `Derrick' chapters. Previously, I had used search dogs. I then realized that with a vampire's sense of smell, the use of dogs would be ridiculous, so I won't mention them again. The use of drones, and heat sensitive cameras does still make sense though, so those will remain. If I make other adjustments in the future, I hope you will just roll with it. I do apologize if it causes any confusion or pain, but as the story has grown, so have I.

Your feedback is taken to heart at Jst4fun2nyt@gmail.com.

The sex isn't a major part of it, nor is it graphic. If you're looking for masturbation fodder, look elsewhere. There will be many 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.

This work is fully protected under the United States Copyright Laws © 17 USC§§ 101, 102(a), 302(a). All rights reserved. Placing or posting any or all of this story on any website, or distribution of any of these works in any way (in part or in whole) without the explicit consent of the author is strictly prohibited. Any and all copyright infringements will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Any names, characters, or incidents are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental, and no harm or slanderous intent is implied or intended.

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

https://donate.nifty.org/

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

Chapter 76

Derrick

We landed on the new helipad and while Dad and Papa headed to meet with the dukes, Brandon and I headed to Uncle Mike's office. "Good morning, Alpha Warnick, Beta Warnick. How are you this morning?"

I shook my head and said "Mike Barnes, don't you dare! You never called my father Alpha, and you won't call me that either. Now, can you accept that and call me Derrick? Or do I have to find my own attorney?"

Mike smiled at me and said "I'll call you Derrick, but you still might have to find an attorney."

I was shocked. "But why?"

"As King, your dad will need someone to help him sort out issues, and he trusts me. If he asks me, I feel I have to follow him. I have a few attorneys I can introduce you to, if you like?"

"That's an option, but what about Don, or one of his partners?"

Mike only thought about it for a second before he answered "My first instinct was to tell you to find someone local, but with the changes your dad is making, anyone that you trust will do fine."

"Thanks Uncle Mike. I hope whomever I choose will be as loyal to me as you are to Dad."

"Your father has my loyalty, and that of thousands of others, because he instinctively put the needs of his pack ahead of his own. If that's the only thing you learn from your dad, you'll be an Alpha that is loved by his pack."

Brandon asked "But, where's the line Uncle Mike? Do we ignore our mates or future pups to handle issues for the pack?"

Mike leaned forward, putting his elbows on the desk and tenting his fingers as he considered Brandon's questions. Finally, he looked me in the eyes, and said "As long as your pack knows that you care, it doesn't matter to them who is solving their daily issues. You'll learn when to have someone else handle an issue, and when to handle it yourself. Let your heart tell you when to delegate and when to deal with it personally."

"Well, at least I'll have you and Dad around for a while, to guide me on things like this. Dad and Pop are both firm that we can stay as long as we want."

"Derrick, you know you can always call me with questions. I might not always be your attorney, but I will always be your Uncle Mike, and I will always love you."

I smiled and said "Well, while you're still the pack's attorney, I need your advice on the division of the pack. Obviously, the young pups will go with Dad, and anyone from the household staff that wants to, but who do I keep?"

Before Mike could answer, Brandon spoke up, saying "If you want my opinion, Derrick..."

"I hope you'll get it through your thick skull soon, you're my Beta, and my brother. I love you, and I always want your opinion. Now, spill it!" I said, taking Brandon's hand.

"Well, the last thing you should do is tell anyone what pack they belong in. Those that are loyal to Dad will remain with him, and those who trust you will remain with you. Of course, I'm only talking about those close in. Those that don't know either of you will just continue on as is."

Before I could reply, Mike leaned forward and, in a stage whisper, said "Now is when you show your wisdom as an Alpha and listen to the sage advice of your Beta."

I turned to look at Brandon and he was struggling to hold back a giggle. I couldn't help it, and soon we were both giggling. After a minute or so, Mike joined us. It took us a few minutes to get ourselves under control, and when he could finally catch his breath, Brandon said "We should probably head down to the school so we can announce you to the world."

Mike stood and said "Brandon's right. We're supposed to meet with Dr. Phillips in his office just before the assembly. Until your father says otherwise, I'm still the attorney for the pack, so I invited myself. I hope that's alright?"

Brandon and I stood as I said "Of course it's alright Uncle Mike. I hope you'll forgive me if I drop the uncle part when others are involved?"

Mike laughed as we got in the elevator "Only if you forgive me for the occasional Alpha Warnick."

Dr. Phillips was in his office when we walked in. I saw him sniff then he quickly stood saying "Good morning, Alpha Warnick, I'm assuming this is related to the assembly your father has asked me to hold?"

I sighed and said "Please, Dr. Phillips, I'm just Derrick, but yes, this is what the assembly is for. With Father having to take on his duties as King, he and the dukes will be giving up their responsibilities as Alphas. The fates chose to phase me to Alpha, and Father has put me in as Alpha of his pack."

"Personally, I don't think your father could have chosen better. You've impressed me from the moment I met you Alpha... sorry, Derrick. I feel the vampires of Pittsburgh are in good hands."

"Thank you, Dr., but it's not just Pittsburgh. All the serving Alphas have sworn to me. Everyone says they have faith in me, but if I'm honest, I'm scared I won't take care of everyone as well as Father would."

Dr. Phillips smiled and said "Derrick, that fear is why everyone has faith in you. Most would fear they'll look bad, but you fear you won't serve your pack well enough. Like your father, you have your priorities in order. I will be proud to continue at the school, but your father has hinted that he wants me to do more."

"I would be honored to have you stay, but I will understand if Father needs you. I would appreciate your guidance in finding your replacement. They will have very large shoes to fill."

Brandon laughed and said "Well, if you two are finished with the compliments? I think we should gather our siblings and have them down front for the assembly. Then, when Father arrives and makes the announcement, Derrick can make some remarks, and our siblings can join us on the stage."

"Well, I don't know if I want the pups coming on stage, but having them down front will be nice. Do you really think we'll need to make a speech? I just thought we'd say hey and send everyone to lunch."

Brandon shrugged and said "You don't really have to make a speech, Derrick, but you really should say something. Introduce Jamie and Stephanie to them at least?"

Mike spoke up with "Introducing your mates is a wonderful idea Derrick. Brandon could introduce his mate as well, if he likes."

"We're not to that point yet, Uncle Mike. I think he'd like to remain in the background for now." Brandon said, blushing.

Dr. Phillips moved towards his door as he said "I'll have your siblings pulled from class and they can meet us in the assembly hall. I'd like to have all the students gathered and ready for your father, rather than keep him waiting."

By the time we got to the assembly hall, Chipper, Morgan, and Kailani were there waiting for us. Morgan came to me and said "I didn't tell no one, Derrick. It was tough, but I kept it secret."

Chipper gave me a hug as he said "He's been busting at the seams all morning. I'm so glad we're in here now."

Miss Lisa came in with Charlie, Davie, Bobby, and Teddy in tow. We had just settled all of them in the front row when Dr. Phillips rejoined us followed by most of the student body. I saw several of the older students sniff the air, look towards me, and lower their eyes. Even more were talking about the events at the funeral and Father's announcement as King. I was beginning to think the announcements during this assembly weren't going to surprise anyone.

While Dr. Phillips was on the stage, directing teachers and students to fill in the seats, Jamie, Jarrod, and Stephanie joined Brandon and I at the side of the stage. We were talking about the school with Jamie and Jarrod when the rear door to the auditorium opened and Dad came in, followed by the dukes. My thoughts about the lack of a surprise were confirmed when all the students stood and silently bowed to Dad.

Dad came down the aisle, followed by Joshua and the dukes. They climbed the stairs to the stage, and he pulled me to the center, then stepped forward and said some things that made the students murmur sadly. He waved them to be quiet, and told them they would be in good hands, but I wasn't really paying attention to exactly what he was saying, and I didn't react when he said "so I'll stop wasting time and introduce you to your new Alpha, my son, Derrick Warnick."

I was pulled out of my fog by Dad pulling me by the shoulder and shoving me to the front of the stage. The whole room was cheering, and I felt like a fish out of water. Up until now, when anyone questioned my ability to handle things, I had replied with confidence that `of course I was up to it'. Now, seeing all these pups looking to me for leadership, I was scared. I had heard someone say `fake it til you make it' and I decided that was my best choice.

I put on my best confident smile and waved for them to be quiet so I could talk. When it was down to a low roar, I said "I really don't know what to say, other than thank you for that warm welcome. I won't lie to you, I was concerned that you might not accept me as your Alpha, and having your support really means a lot. Most of you know my one mate, Stephanie," I said as I pulled her to my side, "but I'd like to introduce you to my other mate, Jamie." I said, turning to put my arm around him.

Everyone was cheering again, and my brain just stopped. I couldn't think of one thing to say to this crowd that might inspire them, so I took the easy way out. "I'd also like you to meet your new Beta, my brother, Brandon."

Brandon stepped forward, but Jarrod held back. It wasn't my place to say anything, but I hoped my brother and his soon to be mate would sort things out soon. There was no rush, since we had Dad around, but I needed my Beta to be focused on pack, not on getting to know his future mate.

Brandon was still waving, and I had finally figured out what to say, when I saw Tommy and a few of his men running from off stage, arguing with Dad and Papa, then forcing them away. I was about to rush over to find out what was happening when more security men gathered around Brandon and I, telling us we had to go to the roof. I started to argue, then I saw more men leading my siblings towards the elevator. I looked at Brandon and nodded, we followed.

When we got to the roof, Father basically exploded at Tommy "Stop! I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on."

Tommy looked around at all of us, then said to Dad "There's been an explosion at the house, Greg. We don't know what's going on, but we have to assume it's an attack, and we need to move you all to safety."

Dad was arguing with Tommy, so I pulled Brandon away from the crowd a bit. The last thing I heard Dad say was he needed to find his mates. That meant he couldn't find them in the bond. I wasn't sure, but I assumed that meant that two of our parents were dead.

"We can't go, Brandon. We need to be here for the pack. They need to see us safe, so they feel safe. And, we need to find Pop and Mom, and our sisters."

Morgan was leaning against his protector, and Brandon's eyes were filling with tears as he nodded, saying "You're right. We need to get to the house. I'll back you up when Dad argues with you."

The tears had also started down my face as I hugged them "Until we find bodies, they're alive, do you understand me?"

I felt a slight nod, then we separated and turned to face Dad as he approached, holding Charlie in his arms. Dad looked at Brandon and Morgan, then turned to me and said "You three ride with Josh in the next helicopter."

Brandon squeezed my hand as I took a deep breath and said "No Dad, we're not going. My place is with my pack, Brandon's place is at my side. I'm sorry, Dad, but we have to stay."

I expected an argument. I expected him to say I was too young, or not ready, or that it was too dangerous. All he did was nod his head and wrap his arms around Brandon and I as he said "Please, be careful. Take care of your brother. I love you all, more than you know." He stepped back and smiled at us, then ran to join Papa and the other pups in the Bell.

As Dad's helicopter took off, the one carrying Joshua and the dukes also took off, then two more landed. Several of Tommy's security men climbed in one, while we were led to the other. As we climbed in, I told the pilot to take me to the house. He tried to say he had orders to take us to the airport, but when I shifted my eyes and growled at him, he bowed his head and said "Yes Alpha." And we took off towards the north.

I could see the smoke as soon as we were in the air. None of us spoke, but the expressions on each face said volumes. Brandon, Morgan and I had lost two of our four parents, and two of our siblings, not to mention having lost our home. As we got close enough to see the actual house Brandon and I looked at each other in shock, while Morgan turned and put his face into my chest, crying.

As we were landing, several armed guards surrounded the helipad. Stephanie grabbed a washcloth and tried to wipe my face, but I stopped her. She said "You need to look like an Alpha."

I smiled and said "I do. I look like an Alpha that has lost several beloved members of his family. If they can't understand that, that's their problem. For now, let's go see how we can help. All of you, stick close to me, so I know you're safe." Then, I opened the door and stepped out into the chaos.