Arctic Pack (Living in a Pack book two)

Chapter Eight: The Good News and The Bad

"DAMMIT!" Alpha Doug roared, slamming his fist down on his desk so hard a large crack split straight down the middle of it. "I thought this was over. They took our territory, they killed our family members, and nearly killed others. I thought this was over. I-I thought..." He trailed off and slumped down in the chair, holding his head in his hands before. Alpha Pearl walked over and placed her hand on Dougs shoulder, leaning over and whispering in his ear. "Right." He said standing up again and placing his hands carefully on the desk. "Thank you kids for informing me." I will make a more formal announcement of it in tomorrow morning. "You may go."

I turned on my heel and gripped Dylas' hand as we all began to walk towards the door.

"Wait hold on." Doug spoke up. We all turned to look at him. "Who's that?" He asked pointing to Theo in confusion. "I didn't notice him first because I was too busy processing what's going on but, he isn't part of our pack, why is he here?"

"Hello Sir." Theo said stepping forward and holding out his hand. "My name is Theodore Isaac Jones, and I would like to join your pack." Alpha Doug took  Theo's  hand and shook it.

"Well Theodore, what makes you want to join my pack?" Doug questioned.

"Well, first of all the person who I've been best friends with since birth is part of your pack." He answered gesturing to me. "And second of all, I recently found out the woman I'm meant to spend my life with is also part of your pack." He said gesturing to Amber. Doug stared at Theo for what must have felt like an eternity for him.

"I see." Alpha Doug replied. Theo's nervousness seemed to be increasing by the second. I noticed Amber was trying not to laugh, she knew Alpha Doug was just messing with Theo. "Me and my wife, Alpha Pearl will think about letting you into the pack. In the mean time, do your parents know about your wanting to joining my pack?" This being a legitimate question. Theo paled a little, obviously he'd forgotten to mention this to his parents. "Come back once you've spoken to your parents, we'll have your answer then." Alpha Doug ordered. Theo nodded and we began to leave again. On the way out the door I heard Alpha Doug whisper in Ambers ear. "Congratulations on finding your mate."

•••

Theo, Amber, Dylas, and I stood outside Theo's house. Theo was holding Ambers hand tightly and staring at the entrance to his house.

"Theo you're going to have to go in sometime." Amber whispered in his ear. He nodded slightly but stayed where he was.

"Alright I've had enough of this." I muttered under my breath. Theo's ears twitched, he heard me. I stepped forward and began to walk towards his door.

"No Iris wait!" Theo called but I didn't listen. I stepped up onto the porch and pulled open the door. I shook the snow from my boots and stepped into the house.

"Mr. and Mrs. Jones?" I called looking around. There was a quick flash of white and I felt myself being knocked to the ground. Two arctic foxes stood on my chest staring down at me, tails wagging like puppies. I laughed, Theo's parents were a lot like him, carefree and fun loving, not letting anything ever get them down. Well, almost nothing. A loud growl sounded from behind me and I tilted my head back to see Dylas standing behind me growling menacingly at Theo's parents. Theo's parents stepped off me, allowing me to stand. Dylas relaxed a little but Theo's parents still saw him as a threat. They stood defensively next to each other, facing Dylas.

"Way to lessen my chances Wolfboy." Theo growled, pushing him out of the way. Theo's parents relaxed a bit and shifted back.

"Theo? What's going on?" Mrs. Jones questioned. "Who is this wolf, and this girl?" She asked pointing to Amber who was walking up the steps.

"And when did Iris get back?"
Mr. Jones inquired. He must not have told his parents I was back yet, I mean it was only three days ago he even found out I was back.

"Well Iris, and her new pack got back a few weeks ago." Theo began. "Wolfboy here is Dylas, future Alpha of the White Valley Pack and Iris' mate." He paused for a second to let it sink in. Realization and understanding grew on their faces and they flashed me and Dylas an apologetic look. "As for Amber here," he reached out his hand to Amber and she took it. "Well, she's my mate." He smiled.

"OH MY BABY IS GROWING UP, COME INSIDE ALL OF YOU." Mr. Jones urged and Mrs. Jones rolled her eyes. Dylas shifted and we all walked inside and sat down on the couch. "So..." Mr. Jones began, staring at Amber. "I can tell you're a fox shifter, regular not Arctic like us, but what is your fur colour? Is it orange like your hair ? Do you have any siblings? What's you're family like? Are you and Theo going to live together right away or wait until you get to know each other a little bit? Because you could live with us, if you'd like." He rambled on, not letting anyone get a word in.

"Dad, that's uh, that's actually what I came to speak to you about." Theo interrupted. "Dad, mom, I'm going to join Ambers pack." He blurted out. Theo's parents looked shocked.

"Are you sure?" Mrs. Jones asked. Theo's nodded.

"100%." Theo confirmed. "There are no other options, I've already asked the Alphas and they said I just need to confirm with my parents."

"Okay. Then we'll join too." Theo's parents said in unison. My mouth dropped open and I stared at them in shock. Theo's parents were like mine. They'd never wanted to join a pack, they preferred to live alone, to teach their children in a way that was more in touch with their animal self.

"But-" Theo tried to say but his mother cut him off.

"We aren't ready to give up our son." She stated simply. "Maybe the time of being loners is over. Maybe it's finally time we join a pack." Theo looked as though he was going to argue but didn't.

A long loud howl sounded from outside. It was Alpha Doug calling a pack meeting. I flashed a look at the others and they nodded.

"We have to go." Dylas said standing up. "Pack meeting."

"We are coming too." Announced Mr. Jones.

"You can't." Dylas argued. "You aren't officially part of the pack yet." I leaned over and whispered quietly into Dylas' ear.

"You and I both know what this meeting is about. We both know it involves far more then just our pack. It involves the entire supernatural world and they have a right to know." I pulled away and forced a smile. "You guys can come." Mr and Mrs Jones nodded in thanks and we all left for the pack house.

•••

We arrived at the pack house a little early so we could let Alphas Doug and Pearl know about Theo's parents wanting to join the pack as well. Pearl and Doug accepted without question, much to their surprise. I assume it was because Theo was my best friend and I trusted them.

We waited outside in a large field behind the pack house. Amber and Theo stood over at the edge of the field with Ambers parents, letting them know the news of them being mates. At least some good news came out of this whole mess. I watched quietly as Ambers mother and father hugged both Amber and then Theo. Theo's parents came over after, along with Cameron and Dan, once they'd all been introduced they came to stand next to us and wait for the meeting to start.

"Hello pack members!" A voice shouted right on queue. I focused my attention on The Alphas. "First of all, I'd like to welcome three knew members to our ranks." Alpha Doug began. "Theodore Jones and his parents David, and Dana Jones." The whole pack called out their welcomes and congratulations. I cringed knowing it would all be short lived. Once the pack had quieted down Doug started up again.

"Yes it is very good news. Now. What I'm about to say is a very serious matter. Scarlet and her pack are back. Only this time the threat is much much worse."