Raelyn

The Meeting

My eyes were bloodshot when I woke up, but I didn't have the heart to care how I looked.  I put on sweatpants and a large shirt, hiding my body.  To punish my brother in a slightly petty way, I decided not to make breakfast this morning, he'd have to get used to fending for himself anyway.  The men could eat back at their own pack... and my new pack I guess.

"Raelyn, we need to go," Callahan shouts from downstairs.  I grab my bags and look regretfully at my room growing up for probably the last time.  I close the door and head downstairs.  My brother scowls at me when he sees my outfit choice.  "Not looking to impress I see," he says off handedly.

"Why should I?  Its already decided, who gives a damn what he thinks of me," I snap, still hurt from what I overheard the night before.  I can tell Callahan wants to hit me for my disrespect by his growl, but I also know he won't because he wants to seem like a good leader.  If I go to the Kaiser Pack with a bruised face, they'll think he's losing some of his respect.  Callahan thinks that everyone has the same thoughts as him, and they'll know I was disrespecting him if I'm hit.  He wants them to think that his pack is completely obedient to him; that he doesn't have to lay a hand on his pack members to get respect.  Although, judging by the warriors reactions, they'd think he's weak because he can't handle other opinions or personalities than he's used to.  He's weak because he can't gain power through any other method than violence.  The respect he's gained is artificial; tainted by fear of punishment.

Darwin, the Beta, and Ryan are already at the dungeon when we get there, and the warriors are standing with dignity, even with their arms tied behind their backs.

"Was that really necessary?" I growl at my pack mates, referencing the tight rope holding the warriors arms at an uncomfortable angle.

"Don't question your betters," Ryan dismisses me.  My lip curls up in a snarl, as I'm not afraid of them anymore.  Who gives a shit, I've been obedient my whole life and they respond by hoping I'll kill myself. 

"Don't act all high and mighty, Gamma.  You aren't the one with Alpha blood," I snap.  I see Thomas smirk, and I bet he's happy that I've grown a backbone.  He seemed the most upset that I was forced to be obedient.

Ryan growls at me and Callahan looks at me like I've grown a second head.  "Raelyn, control your behavior," my brother commands.

"I'm just acting like my new pack will allow, isn't that right boys?" I smile with cold eyes at Callahan.  His eyes narrow.

"What do you mean new pack?" Oliver is the first to ask, but they all look some degree of confused.

"I didn't mention yesterday?  Callahan has given me to be your alpha's mate.  I'm a peace offering," I say with obviously fake enthusiasm. 

"Elliott wouldn't allow that though," Cade looks confused.

"Council's orders," I reply chirpily.  My brother's mood gets darker with every remark I make, and I can't help but try to push him over the edge.  "Although Callahan is hoping that he'll get lucky and I'll perform a murder suicide, just like mommy."  I hear the slap before I feel it.  The Kaiser warriors look horrified when I spit blood into the grass.  "Oops, now I'm damaged goods.  And you thought my outfit was bad,"  I grin.

Callahan grabs me by the upper arm and starts to drag me through the woods, the rest of our ragtag group following.  I rub my jaw with my free hand, wincing at the pain still there.  He did not hold back on that slap at all.  I'm surprised at my own words, not realizing I had such rebellion left in me. 

We make it to the border and see three men standing on the other side.  Callahan pulls my arm forward so I stumble towards the men.  I realize one of them is actually a woman, with short blonde hair and dark skin.  I look up at the biggest man, who seemed to be in his early 30's with a bald head and tattoos covering his body.  He seemed to be the Alpha, he was the largest.  However, the other man growled when he saw my brother throw me forward.  This man was rugged looking, with a short beard and defined muscles.

"Release my warriors and keep your hands off of my mate," the shorter man says.

"She isn't yours yet, Kaiser," my brother sneers, but lets the men cross the border.  The woman immediately rushes to Thomas, cutting the ropes off his wrists.  She embraces him.  The large man cuts off the other men's bonds.

Ryan shoves a suitcase at me and I stumble backwards from the force, then realize my other bag never made it.  I wasn't sure if I hoped this bag would be the one with my clothes or my books.  "Go on, cross the border," Callahan orders.  "Hurry up, I don't have all day."

I flip him off and step over the border, feeling very strange.  I look up at the shorter man, who actually was probably 6'2".  I hold my hand out awkwardly, "I'm Raelyn, it's nice to meet you."  I sound uncomfortable.

He chuckles and grabs my hand to bring it to his lips.  "Elliott Kaiser, Alpha to your new pack," he introduces himself.  I blush a light pink, looking at my feet.

"This is heart warming and all," Ryan sneers, looking at Elliot and I, "but I think it's time you all left."

"Listen, Gamma."  Elliot snarls mockingly at his title.  "You are not to order around an Alpha, especially from another pack."

"Yes Ryan, is that how you talk to your betters?" I raise an eyebrow at the seething man, throwing his words from earlier back in his face.  Callahan grabs Ryan by the arm and shoves him in the direction of the pack's housing.

"Good luck little sister," he grins menacingly at me.  "You might've gotten off easily in life, but we'll see."

My eyes narrow at him, knowing he's referencing my new pack had a much kinder system than my birth pack's.  I stick my tongue out at him childishly and turn back to the group.  Thomas and the woman are talking lowly to each other while the others stare at me.

Elliot sighs deeply, then offers me his hand, "Let's introduce you to your new pack."