The next day Samantha worked in her office, and I helped her as best as I could. Most of her work through was cut and dry. Review proposals and approve or reject them. One that really caught my attention though was a petition for two middle-aged humans to visit the pack grounds. I had more questions though when she signed it off without even reading it fully. “Love, who are they?” I was very confused. Due to werewolf law we have to be very careful what humans are allowed to visit us. She looked at me and blinked. “Did no one ever tell you? I thought I did....” She looked deep in thought. “Oh crap. I didn’t.” She sighed. “They are Jess’ parents. Penny’s grandparents. They are coming for her shifting party.” She started back on her files, like what she just told me was the most common thing in the world. “Huh???” Samantha loo

(Ben, approx age 8-9) I hear screaming and laughter as I get out of Beta Matthew’s car. My dad sent him here with some work and my dad let me come too. I look around cautiously, I don’t see ‘her.’ Violet catches my attention by waving at me and calling my name, smiling I run over with my bag to the porch. “Hey Vi!” I use the same nickname that Sammy uses. “Hey Ben!” She takes my bag and puts it in the packhouse. “Aren’t you excited? For the slumber party, I mean?” I sigh, “Yeah! Anything to get away from Chris and Jake for a while!” Violet frowns. “Did you remember what I told you before? How to deal with Jake I mean?” I sighed. “Yeah, I got him once but then the next time Chris jumped in... threw me in the mud and told my parents I fell and got mud all over my new clothes.”

Samantha buried herself in her work, try as I might to get her to smile again, she only gives me halfhearted ones. Thoughts of her father and Nick flood her mind, and I hear her mumble in her sleep about them. I sigh, usually the anniversary of the Alpha’s ascension is celebrated pack wide; it was in my parents’ pack. June 2nd we all would party and celebrate until dawn. But here, it was somber. I find her again in her office and I bring our dinner; she has only left her office to sleep for the past three days. Something tells me that if I wasn’t here, she wouldn’t be eating either. I made sure the kitchen made her favorite, hoping she would eat more than a few bites. Opening the door I frowned, she was typing away on her laptop and not paying attention to anything else. “Love?” I start, walking over to her. “Hey Love?” I put my hand on her shoulder and she jumps back. “Hey, I brought din

“What do you mean it’s your fault he died?” I look deep in her eyes. “Tell me.” She shook her head. “I... can’t....” She sobbed again. I looked at her somberly. “I can’t talk about it...” She started before she looked at me. “But maybe...I can show you? Or, I can try... this is what I dreamt about last night.” She admitted. I rubbed my hand across her cheek. “I told you whatever you wanted to share with me you could. I won’t judge you. I swear it.” I whispered. She nodded slowly and straddled me again just like before. I kissed her sweetly before I settled in, as she lowered her forehead to mine, I closed my eyes, waiting to see what happened here two years ago.... ~~~~~~~~The sun is shining bright in the sky, the wind is calm, blowing only slightly, but it

“Call Violet.” Samantha tells me as she jumps up and runs into her closet. She is calling someone herself I can tell. After a minute she starts to rage at the phone. “RICHARD!! NICK IS IN DANGER!!!” A pause. "GET YOUR ASS OVER THERE!!!“ Another pause. "I AM ON THE WAY!!” She comes out of the closet in her training outfit, a thick fur coat over it. “Vi’s phone is going right to voicemail, so is Jake’s.” I tell her. “Call Holly, tell her to get ready. We’re heading out.” Her aura is raging now, and mine is starting to grow as well as I explain to Holly what is going on. She will meet us in a few minutes downstairs. I change my clothes quickly and now my phone is going off, Violet is calling me back. “Ben what is going on? Why are you two so angry?” “It’s Nick! He just called us screaming. Samantha is p