The next day, Snow took Sable to the sitting room where they would meet his parents, his siblings, and the six guards his father befriended. He told her that she's met most of them before and when all together, they were playful and informal. But Sable was nervous until Kortan and Inigo entered, talking about a prank they played on another packmate. Soon followed Anju and Rudi, laughing at something, then Joey and Silas and Noreen. Lass and Shiba entered and Snow's parents were last.
"Hey Alpha! When are we going on a pack run? I think I'm bored!" Kortan shouted.
"No!" Lass cried. "We were just on a pack run a month ago!"
"Yeah, and it's time for another!"
"Why not do a night where we all star gaze?" Lass suggested. "Not so gross or strenuous."
"You're a warrior, Lass. Being a warrior is strenuous," Rudi said, smirking.
"So? There can be times to relax!"
"For normal wolves, perhaps!" Kortan muttered and Lass pounced.
Sable jumped as the female tackled her friend onto the floor and sat upon him, a huge smile on her face. "Lass, get off of Kortan. Kortan, the pack run is next week. I have it on the calendar in the dining room," Turk said mildly.
"Aw! But we should do it more often!"
"Some of us are busy, unlike some who sleep half the day away!" Shiba supplied.
"I don't sleep the day away!"
Inigo made snoring sounds in which resulted in another attack and wrestle fight. Mazelina shook her head and clapped her hands. Immediately, everyone calmed down and sat in their respectful spots. "You all behave like children."
"We are children at heart!" Kortan said, putting one hand on his chest.
"Luna, I believe you mean lunatics," Anju stated with a smirk.
"Anju, be kind." Anju shrugged and leaned her head on Rudi's shoulder. Mazelina shook her head again and smiled softly. "You all know how much Turk and I adore you. You all know how much we trust you."
"You trust those two?" Shiba questioned, pointing to Kortan and Inigo. "I wouldn't trust them with the kitchen."
"Even with their antics, yes. I trust them," Mazelina said. "If it weren't for all of you, I would likely not be who I am today."
Sable stared at the Luna as Turk kissed her head, an arm around her waist. She saw love there. She saw care and love and safety and joy. She wanted that. She looked to Snow. "Your parents are happy."
"Yes. They love each other."
"They're mates, right?"
Snow looked down at her. "Yes."
She pointed to his parents and asked, "Will we be like them? Happy and safe and full of love?"
Snow's heart filled with joy. "I think we could. We just have to work through a few things first."
"Will we kiss?"
He leaned close, mouth near her ear. "We'll start that in private when you're ready," he whispered. "For now, you have me to hold you just like my father holds my mother."
That was good enough for Sable and she rested her own head on his shoulder. One of Snow's brothers stood up and began shouting, "What do you mean, we're going to war! I thought war was over! I thought we were at peace!"
"There are packs who aren't happy with your father's reputation, no matter how false it is," Mazelina said sharply. "We cannot back down or we'll be seen as weak."
"Why not just dominate them, like with Skrimir?" Noreen asked and the room went silent.
Sable looked around, feeling tension in the air. Mazelina seemed frozen as Turk tucked her close and hid her from view. Rudi jumped up and went over to the Alpha pair, making sure the Luna was fine. But Sable didn't know what was going on. Who was Skrimir? What happened with Skrimir? Why was Mazelina so different now, after hearing that name?
"Noreen, you should think before you speak," Inigo said softly. "We do not speak of that name for good reason."
"But why? He's dead! No harm is done! What is wrong?" Noreen snarled.
"Maybe that isn't information permitted to you," Snow growled. "Maybe you should think about those around you!"
"Snow, how was I supposed to know it would cause such a fuss?"
Snow leaned toward his sister, eyes narrowed. "There are things our parents have gone through that would make your mind hurt. You're too innocent to understand that past actions have an affect on the present."
"But Father dominated Skrimir! He can do it again! What's so bad about that?"
"Noreen, shut up!" Joey said beside her.
"Joey!"
"Shut up!" he growled.
Noreen sat with her mouth open, confused. It suddenly came to Sable exactly who Skrimir was and slowly stood. She began to walk over to Mazelina and took the female into her arms, understanding how she felt. Behind her, Snow stood, just out of reach, there if she needed him.
"Thank you," Mazelina whispered.
"Don't thank me, Luna," Sable said. "I'm still not through with my captors and don't know if I will ever have the strength to do so. At least you got through yours."
Mazelina looked at her with a sad smile. "You will, Sable. Snow will help you."
Sable turned to Snow and went into his arms, feeling safe, feeling cared for, feeling like she belonged.
After the meeting, Snow decided to take Sable outside to let her exercise. He shifted into his wolf and watched, seeing strength slowly build her muscles. He could tell her mind was clouded with thoughts of the meeting, so he barked. She looked at him and tilted her head. "Let's play hide and seek!" he suggested with a grin.
"It's not fair if you're a wolf!"
"Shift! It'll be fair!"
Sable laughed and walked up to him. "As much as that sounds fun, I'll pass."
He whined, giving her big sad eyes. "Please? I haven't even seen your wolf half! You've seen mine many times!"
"Snow, I haven't been a wolf for over a year! I'm not sure if I even can!"
"You can. I can feel it. And I know you'll be a wonderful wolf. Shift!"
Sable smiled. "Why do you want to play now? I'm busy!"
"If you shift and play with me, I'll take you somewhere that has really good food!"
Sable laughed. "No deal!"
"New clothes?"
"Nope!"
Snow growled in frustration, then perked his ears up. "We'll go see your father and convince him to join my pack!"
For a moment, Sable was about to refuse, but stopped herself. "I'm not sure he'll come," she whispered.
"I said convince him. Besides, I'm sure he wants to see you as much as you want to see him!"
She smiled. "Promise?"
"You have to shift! And play!"
"Okay, but you count first!" Snow grinned and waited. Sable scowled, and he realized she wouldn't do it in front of him. Whining, he went to a tree and began counting.
Sable half ran, half stumbled into the forest, smiling at her white wolf's curious mind. She found a spot near a tree and hurriedly undressed then shifted. Shaking out her fur, she ran again, loping easily as if she did this everyday. For the first time in fourteen months, she was wolf and she was free. She found a little nook near the river and crawled inside, making herself tiny.
Snow got to one hundred and sniffed the air. He looked around too, but knew Sable was away. Her scent however would lead him exactly to where she was. He began to hunt his mate, liking the game she agreed to play. He trailed her until she got to a tree where he found her clothes, then her scent changed slightly: from innocent and human and roses to innocent and wolf and wildness. He howled with joy, then was off again.
Sable heard the howl and rested her head on her paws, dreamy-eyed. Snow was her white wolf. Ever since she could remember, she had dreamt of him, had spoke to him in her dreams, had given her hope in the hands of her captors. She hadn't realized she was actually speaking to him until a few days before he came. It was a delightful surprise, even if she was half terrified of his human half, but she couldn't ask for another wolf. Snow was gentle, patient, caring, strong. He loved his family, she could tell from the way he argued with his sister about the Skrimir conversation as well as how he sometimes played with them. He loved his pack, got along with everyone it seemed. And he made sure she was always introduced properly and given time to adjust. Sable just adored him. She wanted to be mated to him as soon as possible. She wanted the peace and love and security she saw in Mazelina when she was with Turk.
A lick to her nose made her jump and come out of her thoughts. Snow was smiling at her, joy on his face and lighting his eyes. "Were you dreaming?"
"Maybe..."
"About?"
Sable gave him a roll of his eyes. "Why would I tell you?"
"Because I'm your mate?"
She crawled out of her hiding spot and shook off the dirt and bugs. "Tell me what you're thinking then."
Snow gazed at his mate. She was a soft tawny color that brought out her amber eyes.Her tail was bushy and her body lithe and strong. She was slightly smaller than him, but perfect. "I'm thinking that you are the most beautiful wolf I've ever seen," he told her truthfully. She snorted. "I'm serious. Why do you laugh?"
"Because my wolf is so big!"
"I don't mind. I like it. You're strong and beautiful and soft and I know you can run fast if you got all the way out here."
Sable looked around, shrugged and began walking back towards the den. He walked beside her, rubbing his body along hers. She yipped and jumped away before growling and nipping at him. He played with her, happy and carefree. It was another moment to add to the treasured memories of his beautiful Sable.
That night, Snow decided to have dinner with the pack. Because he was Sable's mate, she'd join, and sit right beside him. He knew she was nervous, but kept her mind on other matters that made her smile or laugh or even debate with him. He led her to the dining room a little early so she could get a good look at the layout, holding her hand and talking with her. When they entered, Sable wasn't as frightened. He noted it and kept going, pulling out a chair for her, then sitting on her left.
Soon, others began to file in. Sable continued their conversation, but glanced around at each wolf who appeared. The room was only a quarter full when Snow made her look at him with a finger under her chin. "Don't be afraid. They are family and pack."
"There are a lot."
He smiled. "More to protect you from enemies. More to watch your back. More to keep you safe and get you to wherever you want to go."
"All would protect me?"
Snow shrugged. "In one form or another." At a confused look she gave him, he explained. "Joey and Silas, my brothers, would likely compete to see who defeated the enemy the best. Anju would assess the danger, then call reinforcements, and hold off the enemy, unless she thought she could do it herself. Shiba and Lass would likely seduce them before ripping out their throats."
"I do not like Shiba."
"Why not?"
"She's not like the others." Snow asked why she thought so, but got nothing more out of Sable.
When Turk and Mazelina walked in, Turk took the chair beside Snow and Mazelina sat on the alpha's other side. Both smiled at Sable warmly. "How are you doing so far, Sable?" Turk asked softly.
"Better. I don't know if I like pack dinners."
Mazelina laughed. "I didn't like them so much either when I arrived. But if the pack senses your unease, they will leave you alone. Only Rudi will truly make you talk to him, and that's only because he is trying to befriend you."
Sable slumped as more and more pack members entered the room until the whole table was full: about thirty in all. As if on cue, doors behind Turk and Mazelina opened and humans entered, carrying platters of delicious smelling foods. It was like Sable was in a castle, being served delicacies, with beautiful plate-ware and fancy china. By the time the humans disappeared, she was smiling, leaning forward to look at her plate: roasted goose with vegetables in a lemony sauce. On the side was a salad of some fruit with a sweet white sauce. She couldn't have been prepared for this feast. Her last alpha had nothing like this, nothing so beautiful, and definitely no pack dinner.
"Dig in," Snow whispered.
"But it looks so good!"
He chuckled. "Trust me, there's always more. The chefs here are wonderful and would make anything we request."
"How come we didn't have this kind of food last night?"
"I didn't want to overwhelm you. I'm still worried you might overeat." He cupped her cheek gently. "Please, eat as much as you like, but don't over do it."
Nodding her head, she began eating. However, she was only two minutes in and hadn't even dented the meal when she frowned and pushed it away. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. If you wish, we can save it and you can have it later," he said softly. She nodded slowly, then looked around. She saw the pack doctor and remembered his offer of checking her whole body for any other mishaps inside. She wondered if there were any. After all, she was brutally hurt for a while and she didn't want to leave anything to chance. However, she waited to ask Snow until they were alone. She didn't want the whole pack listening in on her needs.
"Sable, how well can you catch?" Anju asked from across the table and a few chairs down. She had a huge smile on her face and was holding up a piece of carrot.
"I'm okay."
Laughter spread across her half of the table and Kortan shook his head. "Not with your hands, Beautiful. With your mouth!"
"Oh." She had never tried before. "I don't know."
"Let's see if you can do it!" Anju tossed the carrot up into the air, and it flew towards Sable in a nice arch. She waited the leaned forward a little and opened her mouth, catching it on her tongue. Cheers rose up as she chewed, hoots of laughter came from Kortan and Inigo and several reached over to give her a high five. She grinned.
"I think one of these days, we have to have a competition to see who can catch the most without fail," Rudi said, grinning at Sable. "Joey and Kortan have scored the highest so far!"
Snow rolled his eyes. "As I told you all before, Joey cheated."
"You're the only one who saw that," Silas said. "There have to be more than one witness to a crime in order for it to be counted!"
Snow bared his teeth at his brother, but settled back and draped an arm over the back of Sable's. "I am the best tracker here besides Rudi. Rudi wasn't present. I think it counts."
Silence held the table for a brief second before there was a collective, "Nope!"
Snow didn't argue any more, but Sable joined in the fun, joking around with the others until the dishes were taken away and people began to disperse. She waited for Snow to stand as well, but he didn't move, so she waited. After fifteen minutes, the only people left were Rudi, Anju, Turk, Mazelina, Snow, and her. She looked around nervously, leaning back in her chair as if she could become it.
"Don't worry," Snow whispered to her. "We'll leave soon. I just want to ask something to my parents." She nodded slowly, but didn't relax. Snow pulled her chair closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Mom, Dad?" The alpha pair looked to him with smiles. "When can I take Sable to see her father?"
The two looked at each other, a silent conversation between them. It took two minutes before Turk said, "Why don't we meet tomorrow. There is something important I think you should know."
Snow nods, and stands. "We are going to go to bed then."
"Snow?" Mazelina said softly. "Bring Sable to the meeting tomorrow. It is something she should know too. Something she has the right to know."
"I will. Thank you, Mother." Snow helped Sable up and walked with her out of the room.
When they entered his bedroom, she sat on a comfy chair that spun and watched him watch her. Finally, she brought up her question. "Snow?"
"Yes?"
"When can I see your pack doctor?"
Immediately, he became worried. "Why? What's wrong?"
She smiled. "Hopefully nothing. I want him to do a scan over my whole body, just to make sure. I don't feel anything wrong, but I would rather be safe."
He relaxed and walked over to her. "We can see him tomorrow morning." Sable grinned and closed her eyes, happy, content. Snow said, "Sable, you know some of the things he'll do won't be comfortable for you?"
"That's why I want you there," she said and opened her eyes. "I am becoming comfortable with your pack, but not enough to be alone." She thought, then amended herself. "I mean, not enough to be alone with most. I don't mind the pups and Dezra."
"Good. I'm happy you feel safe around them." He knelt so they were eye level. "I want you to find the nursery when you don't feel comfortable. Dezra will always be there, and she is a great wolf who will protect you and the pups. If anything happens and I cannot get to you soon enough, you go to her. I will tell you how long I will be, but don't hesitate to go to her."
Sable nodded. "What about your parents?"
Snow shrugged. "You are always welcome to find them. However, my mother is almost always surrounded by others or outside with my siblings while my father is usually in his office or doing meetings with other packs."
"What reputation did your father have?"
"That," he said, standing, "is a story for him to tell. One I'm sure he would love to tell you, but you're exhausted. We had too much fun today and we have a big day tomorrow. Let's go to bed."
"Is it bad?"
"It depends on the wolf." Snow grabbed some sweats and headed to the bathroom. Before he closed the door, he said, "But never believe a word until you've heard my father's or my mother's side of the story." He paused for a moment. "If you want my opinion, he is a good wolf who would do anything for those he cares about. But some do not care to see the truth and only see lies."