Like the Moon

@ Jinx...
Jake looked at her thinking it was cute how defense she got, he wasn't meaning anything bad by the fact that she wanted to help everyone. He was just getting at the fact she felt the need to help Jesse. He didn't like the idea and his words didn't convey that much instead it made her feel like he didn't care about her love of medicine. "I wasn't meaning anything bad by it." He told her knowing that they could end up fighting over it if he didn't clear the air. Hearing he switch topics made him thankful they could focus on themselves instead of everyone else. "As much as I'd like to agree and say what you want sound find and I'd love to give it to you. We've got other things we've got to deal with." He sighed before deciding it was best to get it over. "First we've got to deal with Jesse, the sooner he's gone the better. But how is he going to take you not wanting to mate with him?" He asked her. "Leaving the safety of the pack to change you might not be a smart idea." He paused knowing that what he needed to say was something she needed to hear. "You and I are bonded, but how much of that is really mating?" He asked, not expecting an answer. "If a rough wolf was to come across us I'm afraid they could forcefully mate with you." He didn't know much about human bond with wolves, were they that easily broken. With Laney they weren't sure and it seemed like she was Haden's mate, but it could only be that Haden was in her heart as her love and not truly her mate. And Jake feared that may be the same with Avery. And he didn't want to take any chances. "I can understand your want to get away and spend time together to make our bond special. But having the pack near while you're in wolf form would be the best solution. And when you can change back into human form then we can go off on our own." He hoped that she would understand, where he was coming from. "Unless we split the pack up, have Kyle and Char watch over us at a distance. And once you can change back into human form then we can send them away and spend time together." He didn't know what she'd like but it wasn't smart them being away from a pack when she turned. Most women who were turned were mated with rather quickly. Some didn't get the option of who their mate was, male wolves would take the opportunity to take her. "But we can take our time and figure all this out, with Haden guidance of course." He knew he couldn't just up and leave with out Haden's permission.

---

Laney felt herself relax in his arms, her mind absorbing everything he was saying. Her mind garbling it up and throwing it aside. She didn't like to hear some of it. It made her feel dirty, like who was she to tell someone they couldn't conceive children. It was like telling a man he couldn't have sex with his wife in fear of them getting pregnant. She hated the thoughts. Shaking her head she wondered if she'd spent to much time with Char as of late and was getting all her anger and frustration from not being able to have a child. "I don't see what the big deal is, send Jesse with my dad or kill him those are your options." She listed them for him knowing it was the harsh truth but her mind had other things on it. "Neither Jake nor I will allow him to be part of this pack. So with those options I'd rather give him the chance to live then end his life." She sighed, feeling like she'd put the Jesse situation to bed. "I do want pups, and I know it's a bit soon. But I don't want to be told when I can and can't have them." She looked at him, "because I feel like when you know you're ready then you just are. And even if we aren't settle in our forever home then that will be fine, some people never find that forever home. And you might want that for our children but that doesn't mean Char and Kyle do." She pointed out. "We'll have time to find that place, after all she'll have to come into heat, then once pregnant she'll carry for weeks or months however long, and that gives us time to find a place." She reasoned with him, knowing this wasn't just about Char anymore this was about the entire female side of the pack. "And if you keep telling them to wait, how long before they leave us. I don't want that at all, so if that means I have to have hundreds of their pups running around me, then I'll take it." She told him firmly. Laney peered at him her eyes pleading with him. "We can make all this work, I have faith in you." She told him.

@ BBBibles
Avery was glad he understood that her medical oath was important to her. When he told her what he thought about her idea she bit her lip thinking about it. She looked down biting her bottom lip. "I can't ask to split up the pack... I know they think I am already selfish with everything else I have asked and done. I haven't been the most supportive of the pack. I mean yes any time they need medical I am there but that it hardly ever with you self healing wolves." she sighed and looked away. "I just wanted to ease into all of this and spend the beginning of my new being with you but your right it's to dangerous. Besides we don't know how long it will take for me to shift back. My sister did it quickly but that doesn't mean I will." she said. Even though she wanted this she was obviously still nervous about the process. Avery sighed and finished her food. "Jake can we take a break from talking about all of this? We'll go and I can treat Jesse's wounds then we can go and check the traps and talk while we walk." she said and looked up at him hoping that would be something they could do. She felt fidgety and walking would help her process. She knew they would need to talk to Haden about whatever they planned but she knew Haden wanted to support her in whatever she had in mind. He cared for her like his little sister and that was all she could hope for in her sisters mate. Avery stood and made sure to clean her tools and pack her medical bag back up so she could be ready.

---

Haden shook his head. "That isn't the only options. I could take him to a different nearby pack. My only worry is what your father has planned. He lost a few wolves since we last saw him. Is he trying to build his pack back up again with young able wolves that have ties, however wrong to ours?" he asked and shook his head. "I just don't know what to think about your father being back and overly helpful, besides if you want a relationship with your father is having Jesse in his pack a good idea?" he asked her. When she brought up pups again he felt himself stiffen and he rubbed his neck listening. When she shifted to Char and Kyle he sighed. "Maybe I need to have a chat with Char instead of Kyle. I didn't forbid them from having pups Laney." he said. "Kyle asked and I told him my thoughts. I said that is great and we would support them but I worry that we won't be able to provide for a bunch of pups in our current residence and that they might wait until we find a permanent home. I was telling him my thoughts and concerns about pups." he said and sighed. "He must have taken it the wrong way and told Char I said no. Kyle isn't the most eloquent with his words." he said and smiled gently stroking her hair. "I don't want them to leave either and I can't ask them to put their life on hold, just like I can't ask Jake and Avery to put theirs on hold and I wouldn't want them to expect us to put ours on hold for the betterment of the pack. He cupped her cheek "Does that make you feel better? I'm not a dictator alpha Laney. I suggest things to the pack, the only time I tell someone no is if they are being irrational or imposing upon someone else's choice." he said and thought of Jake. Avery had asked him not to let Jake follow her and that was her choice she he had ordered Jake to stay. Haden rubbed Laney's back hoping she was starting to feel better about all of this. "Now I know you have more about Avery's choice. What are you worried about there?" he asked her. He knew they came from a background that had been hard to change their thoughts on wolves and he was worried about Avery's shift and joining the pack just because of how she was. What he worried about most was how Laney was going to take it with her little sister being changed.

@ Jinx...
Jake frowned when she started talking bad about herself and how she thought the pack saw her. "Stop that." He told her furrowing his brows letting his anger show clearly on his face. And when she asked if they could talk about it later he felt himself slowly getting angrier. He didn't want to have to deal with Jesse. But the way she saw his pack he hated it. And he could tell her things about the pack, but he didn't want to bring up the past or issue. And right now he was trying to keep himself from snapping at a new pup too. So he figured he'd address it later when they went to check the traps. Now all his focus needed to be on the wounded pup. And in all honesty he wasn't sorry for the guy at all. "Lets get this over with then." He said picking up their empty plates, figuring he would drop them off before they went to see Jesse. "The sooner we get this over the sooner we can plan our future." He told her, watching as she gathered everything into her medical bag. Hating that she had to use the stuff on herself earlier.

---

"I doubt it." She told him scoffing. "My father isn't a stupid man, he knows that he has a lot of mending to do." She told him. "It's most likely he's just going to use him to get closer to Avery." She told him, thinking that it was simpler than what Haden was making it out to be. "And if you think for a second you are taken him anywhere you are stupid." She told him, feeling her possessiveness kicking. "You'd have to do it over my dead body." She glared at him. Knowing that it wasn't smart for an alpha wolf to wonder anywhere alone, and she sure the hell wasn't going to help that pup out, she wanted him out of their lives as much as Jake did. Sighing out she stood up, before starting to pace. "I think it's best we just put this to rest." She told him rubbing her forehead. "I don't know what's going on, but it's just like too much is happening." She told him, feeling really off. "I don't mean to attack you." She told Haden, but it was like all the anger going on around her with her pack was just pouring out of her. "I feel like everyone just needs a break." She told him, meaning no parameter running no checking traps and no scouting. Just sitting around or sleeping. She knew it most likely wasn't going to happen. But it was just too much going on and if this was what Haden felt all the time she couldn't imagine how he handled it so well. "I'm sorry, I just feel everything." She told him.

@ BBBibles
Avery frowned as Jake looked upset with what she had said. A break was a good idea. When he said he wanted to get this over with she smiled up at him shouldering her bag. She stepped closer to him looking tenderly up at him. "I am very glad we have a future together." she said and kissed him softly then took his free hand and walked out with him. They dropped off the plates then headed into the woods where Kyle and Char where watching over Jessie, or more just ignoring him. Kyle stood as he saw Avery and frowned looking down at her then at Jake. "Avery we can handle this." he said and Avery smiled softly at him and touched his arm. She decided not to be snarky, he meant well and was looking after her, she considered herself lucky to be considered enough a part of the pack that Kyle would be concerned with her at all. "Thank you Kyle but this is my job." she said and Kyle looked at Jake once more waiting to make sure he was allowing this before he stepped aside.

Jesse was laying there licking his wounds still in his wolf form as Avery came over. She stopped a little ways from Jake and place a hand on his shoulder. She was portraying her desire for him not to fight anymore. She hoped he understood she was here to heal and Jesse was probably just as bitter as Jake was about this in his own way. Once she kissed Jake's cheek she headed over to Jesse and opened her bag. "Let me see." she said and watched him lay back. She went over each injury seeing he had already started healing and it was going nicely. She was most concerned with the gash over his hind leg. She pulled out the needle and thread cleaning the wound before she set in to close it up. "You will need to not lick this once the stitches are in. I would have you wait 8 hours before shifting again minimum but if you could get away with a full day I would just to make sure everything heals correctly." She said as she started sowing. Jesse nudged her hurt arm and she smiled softly. "I'm fine just a little scratch." she said and looked up at Jake. "It will heal soon enough." she said knowing he knew what she was talking about. Once Jesse was all patched up and she had given him all her doctors orders she stood again and dusted off her pants. "Goodbye Jesse." he patted his head and he whimpered as she walked back over to Jake. "Ready for that walk?" she asked him shouldering her bag again. She needed to wash her hands and put up her bag but then she was all his.

---

Haden sighed. "But do you really want your father to use Jesse that way? Wont it be enough that Avery will be a new wolf?" he asked. He put up his hands in defeat as she nearly growled at the thought of him leaving. "Okay Laney I won't leave." he said and frowned as she got up to pace. He knew what was going on here. He sat back wishing he could comfort her but he couldn't. Not yet. She needed to get it out. He nodded as she told him what she was feeling. "You're right, we all need a break. Every one of us and we can't have a break without pressuring the other members of the pack with our duties for our absence. It sucks and that is the way it had always been." he stood now and walked to her. "But look at all the good that we have now." he smiled softly. "Kyle and Char are so in love they want to have pups. Char wasn't always the most cuddly you know." he teased. "And Penny and Leo are the heart of our pack, always looking out for us like we are their pups." he winked at Laney. "Avery is going to become a wolf and finish her mating with Jake which is a hell of a ways from where we were just a week ago with those two. Then there's you and me." he caressed her cheek. "You are the most beautiful woman and I am the most lucky man to have you in my life. The entire pack knows just how amazing you have been for me.

@ Jinx...
Jake moved through the wood he could feel his nerves getting the best of him. But when Kyle stepped in front of Avery he could barely muster up enough strength to nod his head. Letting the man know it was okay, sadly he didn't control what Avery did. And he would never, he loved her just the way she was. All stubbornness included. He however stood his ground and watched her interaction with the pup. He felt like he'd been holding his breath the entire time. But when she stood before him he couldn't stop the smile that appeared on his face. "Yeah, let's." He told her, before turning with her and walking away. He could hear the whimpers of the pup, knowing it wasn't pain from his wounds. But he chose to ignore it and move forward. He'd already won the fight and got the girl. And rubbing it in would only upset the girl. "I'll take that." He told her before taking her medical bag. "How about I put it up while you go wash up and I'll meet you there?" He suggested once they were clear of the trees. Leaning down he pressed a kiss to her lips. He knew they were going to talk through what ever issues they were having at this moment. Even if it left them with more questions than answers, or even if it undid all the work they've worked through. His hope however was they could come to a common ground and move forwards. Pulling back from the kiss he smiled down at her, before gently rubbing her arm. "Love you, see you in a bit." He told her before heading over to their house. Opening the door, he set her bag down next to the door. Letting the door close behind him as he turned and headed back down the path towards the river. Stopping shortly behind Avery as she washed her hands. "It seems you work more on wolves than humans." He teased her, knowing that she was still getting to put her medical expertise to good use.

---

Laney sighed before glaring at him, "of course I don't want him to do that, and you know neither one of us will allow him to do that." She snapped, "Avery however made a friend and she going to want to see him again, when all this blows over, and my dad knows that so he see it as an in to us, just in case we don't want to let him back." She told him. "And that I'm okay with, because he's my dad." She sighed, hating that she couldn't just leave the past in the past. Her anger with him just grew every times she seen him. And she knew she wanted answers but just didn't know what question to ask. And that frustrated her more. "But what I'm not okay with is we can't seems to stand still." She sighed. "Just stop and be a pack together, even when we managed to have a dinner together someone is rushing to get back to patrol." She huffed out, before giving into him. Her body relaxing with his touch as she stood there. "That just it, I feel like as a pack we've grown so much in the past few weeks. Yet we've all been so occupied with things that don't matter to see it." Running her hands up his chest she looked up at him. "I feel like just one day, is all we all need, no perimeter runs, we fend for ourselves when it comes to eating. However we stay here no leaving the camp for any reason." She knew she was asking for a lot, as traps should usually be checked once a day, and it only takes a rogue wolf seconds to break a perimeter. But she knew that her pack could handle this. "Besides with Avery wanted be turned, topics of pups and homes. We all are going to have to pull more weight. So one day can give us all the time to plan or talk it out, make our pack stronger. And give all of us a needed rest." She just hoped that he would agree to her wishes. It would also address some of the issues they faced as a pack.

@ BBBibles
Avery Smiled as Jake offered to take bag. She handed it to him. "Thank you Jake." she said. When he offered to take it to their place she nodded in agreement. "Thank you." she said glad for the chance to wash up. When Jake kissed her she leaned in kissing him back sweetly feeling that bubbly feeling build up inside of her. As Jake pulled back his hand touching her arm she felt such a great loss knowing he was going to be away from her even for a moment. She shook her head. "Jake!" she waited until he turned to look at her and she ran back to him tossing herself into him her arms wrapping over his shoulders so she didn't get him dirty but she she stabilized herself before she kissed him deeply. She just wanted one more moment. She kissed him only with her lips but it was enough that it made her heartbeat quicken as she pulled away. She blushed softly and looked up at him an intensity in her eyes. "I love you Jake." she said and then bit her lip and pulled ahead heading to the river to wash. She was leaning down cleaning under her nails as she finished cleaning up. Avery looked up as she heard Jake speak and smiled at him. She chucked and nodded. "True which I feel like I have no idea what I am doing most time. I have no training in veterinary care." she said and smiled as she stood and dried her hands. She moved to him slipping her hand into his. "Thank you Jake for supporting me." she said wanting him to know that she knew that had been hard for him but it had meant so much to her. Avery headed out with him towards the traps relaxing as they settled into an easy but brisk pass side by side walking together so easily. "Okay I know you have more to say about all this. I told you how I feel and I still feel that way even if it's dangerous and about how I feel with the pack. Don't get me wrong okay I know they care for me and love me and I them... But that doesn't mean I haven't heard how they talk about me." she said and looked up at him then away.

---

Haden listened to her as she told him everything and the one things she wanted and he frowned and bit his lip. "There is one way we could take a day off without worrying about security... I don't think you will like the idea." He rubbed her shoulders. "Since your dad is trying to get on your good side we could ask him to run praminiter around the border. It would keep him far enough away that we would wouldn't have to worry about him but we would be safe." Haden suggested half with a wince at her possible reaction. Haden understood her desire to have the pack all together for a full day but he wouldn't compromise their safety for it. It was a compromise to trust her father but Laney believed he had good intentions and if they were worried about ti they could ask Avery to determine if her father would or could do it and truly keep them safe. She seemed to have her head on straight about him for the moment. Besides if she asked for something from her father, who she never asked anything from it might carry more weight. "We could ask Avery to ask him to do it..." Haden rubbed the back of his neck hoping she wouldn't have a fit about the suggestion. He loved his bond but she wasn't always level headed that was mor ehis roll but then she was also the one he went to for advice, she saw things in a way he couldn't.

@ Jinx...
Jake smiled at her, "well it seems to me that you're doing great." He told her. "So far every time one of us get injured you've been able to fix whatever our issue were." He told her, gripping her hand. "You should know I'll always support you." He said, before lifted her hand and placing a kiss to the back of her hand. He smiled at her, as the continued with their walk. Earlier when she kissed him it had his thoughts a bit preoccupied with his wants right now. "What do you mean?" He questioned her coming to a stop and glaring down at her. He wasn't meaning for his anger to be aimed towards her. But hearing that his pack was talking about her behind her back, it got to him. "Who?" He asked he could feel his anger staring to build against his own pack. After having been forced to let her leave, now hearing someone was talking shit about her. It pissed him off make a lot of his issues he was working on flare up. He knew he really couldn't say much when it came to Laney and Haden as one was his alpha and he had to think about each and every situation. And the other was her sister and she was entitled to her own shit talking, due to family rival. It wasn't like he still condoned them fighting. But he couldn't say they weren't entitled to them.

---

Laney froze as she listened to him speak. Feeling conflicted she wondered if she should allow her father the opportunity to seep into their embrace. "Would you really be okay with that?" She asked him, knowing that the last time her father was welcomed into their camp he tried to turn her against Haden. She didn't think she would be able to ask him, he'd really pushed her to her limits by messing with her mind. "I mean if I had to put the safety of my pack into his hands I have no doubt he wouldn't fail to protect us." She had a point as her and Avery would be put in danger should he fail. But this would give him hope that he could fix their relationship. And she wasn't sure she was quite ready to forgive him and try to fix their relationship. "He's already proved that he's wanting to fix things, the question is should we give him the opportunity to do so." She rubbed her temples as she was stressing over this. Sighing out she looked up to him. "What would the pack want?" She asked him knowing that he would know better than anyone how they would feel about them all taking a break and letting someone else take the reins. She however would submit to their wants as this was something she felt they needed. And being a good leader was listening to the people's wants. And making a decision based on what's best for the pack.

[I was actually thinking that about suggesting letting her dad's pack keep watch while they rested.]

@ BBBibles
Avery smiled at his praise. When she told him what she had learned about his pack she stopped as he did and frowned. She turned to him and squeezed his hand. She was still unsure how to handle his anger. It was something she wasn't use to be afraid of but she still felt guilty for leaving and felt she deserved his anger directed towards her and it showed on her face. When he started to asked who though she shook her head and placed her hand on his chest. "Jake stop, it's in the past. Everyone is entitled to have feelings even if it is that I as a human take up to many resources and make it harder on everyone. Besides Jake we aren't out here to talk about them." she said and kissed his cheek. "Besides the problems will start to work out once I am changed. I will be able to help with hunting and scouting and all things I can't right now." she ran her hand up his chest to his cheek and pulled him slowly carefully watching him for a reaction until his forehead reached hers. Avery closed her eyes breathing him in. "Jake as much as I want to believe it I don't think me changing is going to fix all out issues. I think even afterwards you will still have a hard time trusting me and as much as I would like to say I don't have my own reservations I do. Jake..." she stepped back and turned looking at the path and starting to move towards a trap. "Jake I am scared I am not enough for you that I won't live up to the idea of who you want me to be as a wolf. I'm scared to be a wolf... what if I don't like it? What it it changes me?" she hugged her arms to herself feeling suddenly really vulnerable. She wished she could turn into Jake and just stay there until all her fears melted away but there was that disconnect she had brought there and she didn't know if his embrace was enough to make her believe it would all be okay. She was terrified to say this all a loud but these are the things she had been thinking about while she had been away and gathering the strength to say. Yes she wanted to be a wolf for many reasons but it didn't make her any less afraid. Avery stopped and turned looking back at Jake.

---

Haden nodded listening. "Then don't ask him have Avery do it. He has much more to make up in different ways with her. He pretty much ignored her last time believing he would follow you." he pointed out. "Her asking him to do this would be much less then you asking." he said and squeezed her gently in his arms. She mentioned what the pack wanted and he listened to each one of the wolves he was connected to feeling their stress. "One night will not be the worst thing. I think that some of them will have a hard time trusting but will still enjoy even the half break." Haden smiled softly. "When Jake and Avery get back from the traps we will talk to them about it and see what Avery thinks." he said having a feelings he would have something to say about it at least. He knew she was struggling with all this and Jake too but he was glad they where finally doing it anyways. He was curious to see what Avery's wolf looked like. He was sure once she got her feet under her she would join them but he really thought that she if given the option that would in effect not hurt anyone would be a lone wolf. He had a feeling but was curious to see how it went. Haden looked back at Laney's worried face and cupped it softly. "I told you it is going to be okay. We will figure this out together."

{That's funny}

@ Jinx...
Jake bit back a growl when she told him to stop worrying about the past, however he couldn't. As his mate he wanted to protect her from everything including his pack. Though he'd never thought he'd have to, but her words told him differently. And he knew that he'd have to hash things out with his pack as now he was involved and even though he didn't know much about what upset her, but he knew enough for him to voice his depreciation for them. He'd been there for all of them, doing things for them when they'd first mated. He picked up the slack while they all sat around and was lazy. So he didn't want to ever hear them say that Avery or Laney, when she was human, didn't pull their weight. Because both were very useful in there own way. He frowned and his anger wavered when she kissed him, then pulled him to her. Her movements were uncertain and it upset him that he made her feel uneasy with touch him or showing her love for him. Closing his eyes when his forehead touched hers, he sighed out softly. He knew that they needed to let go of the past and move forward. But leaving the past was harder when things were so fresh in mind. And hearing her voice her opinion of them not being able to snap back even after she turns brought him right back to the present. Watching her walk away from him hurt, he knew it was just her way of thinking, she'd pace if they were in doors. Listening to her voice all her concerns he step to her, before wrapping his arms around her and pulling her fretting body into his embrace. "Of course you changing isn't going to fix anything, it's just going to strengthening our bond. Which will give me a better piece of mind, knowing that you feel our bond just as strong as I do. I know it's scary to think of changing. And I can't say anything that's going to calm you or make you feel better about it. Because each person is different, though I know you'll not lose your humanity. You're to stubborn." He chuckled. Placing a kiss to the top of her head he pulled back slightly and looked down at her. "You've watched Laney and now Jesse," he paused hating how he spoke about that mutt. "Go through the change, neither of them got the choice. But Laney if anything is the same old bat." He chuckled at his remark, knowing she was more than likely around the same age as him. "But I will always love you, no matter what." He told her before leaning down and pressing a kiss to her lips. "You are mine for better or worse." He told her, he didn't care if they still had issue. And he didn't care if she wanted to change. What mattered the most to him was her love, it didn't mater the size, the shape, or form it took. Just as long as she was willing to continue loving him.

---

Laney felt her worries slowly starting to melt away, at his words. "What did you do?" She asked him softly. Wondering just how he managed to calm her down, it was like everything that was circling around her was still. There wasn't any more angst, it was like everybody else was slowly relaxing their feelings as well. Or she was shutting them out better, it wasn't something she could put her finger on. But she knew the curtain was closed, as Haden put it. She just knew she was shut off from the packs thoughts, though for some reason everyone's feelings hit her like a ton of bricks. And it really frightened her, and it made her fear she was pregnant. Though she knew she couldn't be, and she feared that someone else might be and just trying to keep it a secret. Shaking her head she looked up at him. "You told the pack about our plan for the night didn't you?" She asked him smiling softly. "Whatever you did thank you." She chuckled, knowing that there was no way she would have been able to calm herself down that quick with out his help. Even if she did know what was occurring. "I think it might be best if I ask him." She told him, getting her baring about her. "As the leaders of this pack it's our job to ensure the safety and happiness of the pack." She told him, knowing that she didn't want to ask her father to do this. But by all fact and rights it was her job not her sisters. "However I do want to speak to Avery and Jake to see how they feel about this as well." She really didn't give a shit about Jake's opinion, it was simply because he was involved with Avery.

@ BBBibles
Avery melted into his arms as he pulled her into him. She was grateful for it. Avery needed to feel like they were connected in a deep way that no one could ever touch or tear apart. "What I hate the most about how my leaving hurt, is that you have any doubt that I feel our bond as strongly as you do even as a human." she looked up at him and cupped his cheek. "I love you with every fiber of my being. I have since before I could explain to myself what that feeling meant." she caressed his cheek looking up at him with such anguish that her eyes seemed to tear but she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his chest. Avery couldn't explain to him, couldn't make him believe in how much she loved him and had for every moment. She didn't think he would believe her if she tried to explain that it was her own self she didn't trust or was trying to understand and that she was drowning in her own mind. That she was the reason she left and had needed him to stay here. She listened to Jake as he tried to sooth her worry about the change without making it seem so but the truth was that she had this aching feeling deep inside of her about it. It felt like instinct in whatever limited capacity that a human could ever have of instinct. She looked up at him her eyes still glossy as he said he loved her then said for better or worse and he knew what that meant to her. She considered them married, she gave him everything, forever. She sometimes wondered if he saw them like that or just bonded. She didn't know why it mattered but it did. She wanted to be his in every way for their souls to be united and that ultimately was one of the biggest factors why she chose to let him change her. She leaned up and kissed him deeply her hands going into his hair. She wanted him to feel her desire for him. She couldn't help the passion despite the millions of questions and hundreds of tiny details they needed to work out. Avery relaxed and fell back to her feet as the kiss slowed and she looked at the ground. "You know my birthday is coming up in a few months." she said looking at him. "Do you ever notice how we forget to celebrate those little things?" she asked him her eyes solemn.
Avery smirked and rubbed his arms. "We're suppose to be walking." she looked up at him. "I always end up back in our arms." she said and took his hand pulling them gently into another walk to check the next trap hoping there was something there. She really wanted to take something back to the pack. She bit her lip as she walked looking at the path before them cut through the ferns and underbrush by them and other animals. "So you know what I want but if it's not going to work then how should we do the change?" she asked wanting to see what he had in mind and where she might be able to bargain for a little more privacy and distance from the pack.

---

Haden smiled and wrapped his arms around her wait relaxin as she started to melt into him. He was just grateful to sooth his mate. Her responsibility to the packs emotional needs where something he had not anticipated but was grateful for. Haden often focused on what they physically needed that he let the emotional needs fall away when they needed attention to. He smiled as she asked what he did. He caressed her cheek and kissed her head. "I listened is all my love." She questioned him and he just smiled at her and nodded as she thanked him. "I am always here for you my love." he peeked her lips. "Be gentle on Jake." he nipped her ear playfully. "He's a pup still in many ways." he said and grinned at her. "I want to go talk to Char but only if you are okay, do you need me to go with you to talk to your father?" he asked her not wanting to leave her alone with him but also not wanting to see the man's smug look when they told him that they were going to have him take Jessie and also was hoping he would watch the perimeter for the night, if not tonight then tomorrow. Haden rubbed his neck. "If you would take Penny at least." he said hopefully knowing Panny would be less dominating than anyone else in the pack but would still protect and speak up in as situation if needed. Haden's mind was weighing heavy with Char wondering how much he had missed in his blind pursuit of protection and security for the pack. He had always counted on Char to call his bullshit but she had been biting her tongue as of late and he needed to fix that relationship with her. She was like an annoying older sister after all.

@ Jinx...
Jake felt a bit confused by her sudden change in topic. His heart was still racing from the kiss they'd shared. Letting her pull him along the path, he couldn't help but smile. "Most of that stuff seems pointless now." He shrugged it off, not may people kept up with days of the year. However he wasn't surprised when she'd done so, it was just a part of who she was. "Considering most people only care about the cake and presents." He chuckled. Though he was a bit happy that she'd mentioned it meaning that he'd get the chance to celebrate with her, even if it just going out for a picnic, she seemed to enjoy most of the small things. Hearing her questioned he was pulled from his own thoughts, before rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not sure, it's something we're going to have to work out with Haden. Though we may be able to stray a bit away from camp. Give you a bit of privacy you wish for." He suggested, though right now he was a bit lost for any ideas at the moment. He however hoped that Haden would give him some guidance.

---

Laney stifled a smile, before nodding at his suggestion of taking Penny. She knew that it was important that she had someone there. Someone to see through the bullshit. Her father was a smooth talker and had managed to deceive her before. But she wanted to say she would be able to see through his tricks now that he'd pulled the gag with her. Yet she knew her want for her father back was strong. "Pup or not he's still gotta learn." She told him smirking about giving Jake a hard time. She knew that it was just a teasing thought, her relationship with Jake was nonexistent. It wasn't something they'd really worked on, though she knew they had nothing but time. And right now wasn't the right time, he had far more important things to tend to at the moment. Leaning forward Laney placed a gentle kiss to Haden's cheek. "I'll see you at dinner." She told him, before turning and heading off. First thing she needed to do was find Penny. She'd deal with her sister and Jake's decision later. However mad her sister would be she wasn't sure. It was sometimes better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

[Sorry it's not very good.]

@ BBBibles
[I never think your writing isn't good ;)]

Avery shook her head. "The little things matter Jake, always. And you know you're going to have to share your birthday with me too because I have to celebrate when my love was brought into this world." she said looking at him. She meant it and she knew he would realize that. "I don't care about the things I care about the quality time and it's the one day I can ask for more of it." she grinned up at him mischievously. Jake understood her and that it was the small things that meant the most to her.

When he said they had to work it out with Haden she crinkled her nose. She was not looking forward to the pack hierarchy at all. "Right." she sighed and looked down knowing that was her biggest reservation was being part of the pack hierarchy. "I'm sure Haden will have some ideas." she said knowing if she didn't trust and love Haden like a brother she would never be able to go through with this. Avery looked up at Jake. "I'm going to need your help adjusting to the pack. I've always been so independent." she smiled gently at him. "What was it like for you when you first shifted?" she asked. She knew it wouldn't be the same but she had never asked afraid to cause him pain but since she was about to experience the same thing she though it unavoidable now.

---

Haden grabbed her arm before she could leave and pulled her into him planting a kiss against her lips. "I love you Laney." he said and then watched her go off to find Penny. He sighed and shook his head. His mind reached out to Char. Are you busy? Mind if I drop by? Haden reached out to her and then headed slowly out the door. He ran a hand through his hair. Even an alpha could be humble and that was is goal here. He had much to make up to Char. She had been his common sense for to long, his smack back into reality that he took for granted.

Haden came around after Char responded and stood beside her as she paused in her task. "Char." he said softly and looked at her seeing the restraint there in her eyes. "We need to talk. It seems I have put my foot in my mouth and been blind to see it." he said and gestured for them to sit. "Char you have been the smack upside the head for me for many years but it seems I have taken that for granted and made you feel that it is invaluable to me. I wish to repair that and to give you a blessing on something that should have never been my choice to begin with." he reached over and took her hand. "Char you have my blessing to have pups, not that you ever needed it. What did I do that made you think you could not tell me when I stuck my foot in my mouth? What can I do to get your smart mouth back? You have always been like an older sister to me Char and I value our relationship and your honesty on a level no one else could give to me." he said looking at her hopeful they could fix this.

@ Jinx...
Jake listened to her smiling as he walked, he knew that there was a lot of resistance on her part. The feeling of losing once sense of independents. He knew it was hard for her to understand, but it wasn't like that at all. Sure there were times that it made it difficult for him. But he if he didn't like it he could leave, and there were times he'd nearly been pushed to go. The only things stopping him was Avery. After all the latest time he'd wanted to leave his pack was when she took off and he was forbidden from leaving, it was purely for her wish that he stayed. However at the same time he was a bit upset that she'd even dare complained about keeping her independence, when she'd just forced his alpha to take his away for the first time. Though he knew it was something he'd have to get over it was a bit of a slap in the face to him on how selfish she was. But he couldn't deny he's own selfishness, though it was a truly humbling thing witnessing. "When I first shifted?" He looked at her, trying to clear his head from his previous thoughts. "Well it was disorienting, I can't say I felt pain. After all I was knocked out, then woke up feeling like I had a new look on life, literately." He frowned trying to think back to when he first shifted back into a human and how difficult it had been. "It was weird to say the least." He chuckled. "I still catch myself expecting to see the level as before I shifted, being so tall and then moving to the height of a wolf." He shook his head, knowing that this wasn't what she was meaning. But everyone is different and they experiences the change differently. Some it's extremely painful for, other's don't feel anything, some can't seem to stand on four legs, where as others are running right out the gate. Nothing he said could make her feel better prepared for this, as he couldn't remember the actually first time he phased into a wolf. "I know it's not what you want to hear, but it helps to know that you're going to see things differently, and trusting yourself is the best thing you can do." He smiled at her, "It's not a scary as people make it out to be, the pain can be to much for some, but others don't feel a thing. I've heard women say it's nothing like child birth." He shrugged not knowing what that felt like, and she'd never experienced it either so he didn't see it really helping her any.

---

Char had been running perimeter with Leo, her and Kyle were doing their best to keep their distance from one another. It was really testing her restraint, as she could already feel herself going into heat. She wasn't sure how they would make it through it, with the disapproval from their alpha. Hearing Haden's voice she sighed, before turning and heading back into camp. The short distance giving her a bit of a chance to dress before meeting up with Haden. Just got back into camp. She shot back as she was pulling on her shirt, trailing back toward the bonfire pit. She was a bit surprised when she didn't see anyone around. Her mind thinking over what they could possibly be doing at the moment. But she was stopped in her tracks when Haden appeared next to her. She nodded when he said he wanted to talk, she figured it was coming. He must have noticed the signs as well. Taking a seat she braced herself for the on slot of bad news from him. She was afraid he was going to force her and Kyle to separate while this whole ordeal happened. However when he opened his mouth it was far from what she expected. "It's not that I didn't want to say anything." She told him, "I understand why you would want us to wait. And though both Kyle and I hated the idea of waiting, we both agreed that it was the right choice for us to wait." She smiled at him, and squeezed his hand. "However I don't know how long we'd have lasted, and if I did end up pregnant then that's when I have told you where to stick it." She smirked at him.

---

Laney rounded on camp, smiling softly at Penny when the woman greeted her. "I need to borrow you for a few." She told her, before motioning for her to follow. She could tell that Penny was curious to what she would be needed for, however she followed silently. "Haden wants me to have a chaperone when I talk to my father." She told her as the headed out of camp and toward the make shift camp her father had set up. She wasn't surprised to be met with a big smile however she wasn't there for pleasantries. "Dad." She said side stepping his hug. "I've come to talk about a few things." She said getting right to the chase, which caused him to raise a brow at her, but motioned for them to sit none the less. "Haden and I have both agree that it would be in the best interest for our pack if Jesse left with you, that is if he wants to be part of your pack." She started with the new first. "However I've also come to ask for a favor." She sighed, knowing that this wasn't the best idea out there but it was something that would open a door for them in the future. "One you owe me. Our pack it a bit over worked with the things that have happened as of late. And I think it's in our best interest to get plenty of rest, however we can't leave ourselves vulnerable. So I would like it if you're pack could take up perimeter run for us. Give us tonight and tomorrow to rest up and get back on our feet." She knew it was fairly early in the day so if they took over perimeter at dusk, then they would get a full nights rest and the entire day for relaxation before they took back over. "Haden gave his permission for you to do so, and as long as you prove to us that you can be trust worthy on this, he'll permit you visitations." She said laying it all out there for him to think over. Though when she looked at him he was smiling, and she felt a bit confused. "Of course." Was all he said, before standing. She knew what he was expecting and she stood as well, before feeling herself being pulled into his embrace. It felt just like how she'd always remembered it. "I'm thrilled that I can help, and it's a fresh start." He said before releasing her. "I love you, and Avery, so I'm always here to help." He smiled, "now off you go we'll take over immediately." He said before moving a bit away from her then phasing. Laney couldn't help the smile on her face when she realized that he himself was going to be out there protecting not only her, but her pack as well. She nodding at him before turning and making her way back camp.

@ BBBibles
Avery listened to Jake feeling like he said a lot without really saying much at all. She signed and nodded. In essence it would be different for her than him or even her sister. She was glad he told her to trust herself. She would be sure to remember that. She chuckled as he compared shifting to child birth. She smiled at him and nodded. "Okay that's good to know." she said. Avery bit her lip stopping at the next trap and finding a bunny caught up in the string and she smiled. "Rabbit stew sounds good." she said smiling as she pulled out the rabbit and then reset the trap. "So to be turned it is only a bite from a wolf right?" she asked him. "So you will have to shift in order to turn me?" she was checking to make sure she had all the facts right. Avery stood and handed him the rabbit before taking his free hand again. She looked up at him. He had never been bonded before so she couldn't ask what that would feel like but she had a guess. She believed it would be more intense than the bond she felt with him now.

Avery looked down then back up at him. "How are you feeling about all this. I know we have talked a lot about my fears and worries and yet how I am excited to be fully bonded to you... but we haven't talked about how you are feeling about this." she felt neglectful. Avery could never be perfect when it came to Jake. He always deserved more. No matter how she tried or how good she was to him, he managed to be better. She loved him for it and he had infinite patience with her but she wasn't sure how he did it.

---

Haden chuckled and nodded. "Well feel free to tell me to stick it before when I stick my nose into things that aren't my business." he smiled at her. "I should have realized that Kyle was asking me not as his friend but also his alpha. I want you to know I only suggested waiting because I want your pups to grow up safe and happy but Laney is right we have no idea if or when that will happen and I can't put or lives on hold." he said and smiled softly at her. "Thank you Char and let me know any way I can help you and Kyle out." he said. "We'll be having a meal tonight all of us together and I want to hear anymore grievances from the pack that I can be working on. But if you have more now I would be happy to hear it now instead of being surprised about it later." he smiled at her. He hoped they still believed him a good alpha. Haden knew he was only alpha because they followed him and trusted him. It could very easily just become him and Laney and that would break his heart.

---

Penny walked with Laney. "Time just for ourselves?" she looked at Laney. "Was this your idea?" she smiled. She loved her alpha but he was more focused on their physical needs. Penny had always thought that a mate would be good for Haden and the pack as a result but she hadn't expected this much. It was nice to think that they would have a night just to be family and grow closer to one another. Penny grinned thinking of some time alone with Leo. She walked a little lighter her thoughts bright and she knew the pack was already starting to feel the release of a night off.

@ Jinx...
Jake nodded when she questioned how being turned worked. "As far as I know that the only way, unless someone figured it out." He chuckled softly. However he wouldn't be surprised if there was in fact other ways such as how all this started. It made him curious however he'd never get those answers. "Yes?" He said unsure where she was going with her questions. But he sighed when she changed the topic to him. "Me?" He questioned her quite surprised she would even have to ask. "Well I can say I'm not looking forward to the changing you part, but I'm excited for it none the less." He smiled at her. "And a bit sad as well." He told her truthfully. "I feel like I'm parting with you, does that make sense?" He chuckled unsure how to put it. "I know I get so much more, but I'll miss this right here." He told her. It was hard for him to put it into words. Of course she'd always be Avery but he would have to be so gentle, it would make it easier for him almost freeing him from restraint. And that part he would miss, however it wasn't like he couldn't just tap back into it.

Jake tensed when a scent brushed past him, it was familiar but he still didn't like the idea of the wolf being so close to them. A soft growl worked it's way up his throat. "We should head back to camp." He told her, gently pushing her behind him. Placing himself in between her and the now fleeting wolf. It made him feel uneasy, what was the wolf doing why was it on this side of the parameter. He'd have to speak with Haden about it, hoping that he wasn't letting his guard down while the other pack tried to attack.

---

Char nodded to Haden, "you should know that every thing you and Laney say to him he takes it as orders. That's how his mind is." She smiled lovingly knowing that her mate was difficult for some to understand. "And I think Laney's rubbing off on him. She's something else he really respects her. You've found one hell of a mate. And we're lucky that she's here to help. Because I don't know how long we'd have lasted as a pack had they not come along." She knew that she'd be lame for the rest of her life, and that her and Kyle would have left the pack just to keep the others' safe. But Avery stepped in and helped her make her life so much better. And she owed her her life, she felt it was one of the reason why Kyle was so attached to Laney. He was showing his gratitude towards the family, as he didn't want to get to close to the human. He had the hardest time of them all with Avery still being human, but it was only due to his nature to protect Char. And she really couldn't fault him for it, but she knew it made things a bit tense and difficult for the rest. "Just next time Kyle asked you something friend related specify, so he doesn't take it as an order." She chuckled, knowing there would be another time.

---

Laney could help the laugh that left her mouth when Penny immediately knew she was the culprit behind the time to themselves. "Of course, that oaf of mine is a great leader, but he tends to well be a man about things." She chuckled. "We were a bit worried that everyone would have an issue letting the other pack take over for the time being." She told her the worries in her mind. "However I know my father won't disappoint me, as it's he's last chance." She said knowing that if anyone in the group could make the others agree it was Penny. Everyone seemed to look at her as the sweet caring mother of the pack. And it was often use to someone's advantages, and Laney tried not to fall into the habit of doing the same thing. But this time it was for all of them and not for just her, and she felt the need to insure the truth was out there. Entering camp she looked around not noticing anyone. It seemed they were the first one's back, it made her worry if thing weren't going well with Haden and Char. And also she was curious if anyone else had encountered the other pack.

@ BBBibles
Avery tilted her head as she listened to him. She thought she understood some of what he said. There was no other part of her right now where with Jake there were two parts, Jake as a person and Jake as a wolf. Each was different yet the same. And then how he would treat her or be able to would be different and she nodded softly thinking she understood. When Jake pulled her behind him her thoughts snapped out of place and she looked over his shoulder holding onto his arm. He was tense now and wanted to head back to camp and she bit her lip nodding. She guessed they had spoken a lot and it was too dangerous to continue now. She frowned and started back towards camp her hand taking Jake's. She hoped it would be a relief when she would be able to protect herself and it didn't have to all depend on him though she knew it was his nature to be protective of her anyways. "What's going on Jake?" she asked guessing there was some kind of danger she didn't understand right now.

---

Haden nodded to Char. He knew they were lucky to have the girls. "We have a lot to talk about tonight as a pack. Hopefully things are going to get easier as things go from here on out." he said and smiled. "I know Laney would be happy to hear her new alpha position is making a difference. She worries about you all." He said. When Char told him to be specific with Kyle he chuckled and nodded. "I will be painfully specific." Haden promised. "Come on let's head back to camp I am sure I need to calm some worries about the approaching pack." he said sending out a mental communication for everyone to come to camp and not to worry. Haden lead Char pack to the camp and smiled seeing Laney. He walked over to her his hand pressing to her lower back as he stood beside her looking at who was around and who they were waiting on. He kissed Laney's head and then reached out to see where the rest of the pack was. He watched Kyle step back into the clearing as a wolf and then Leo as a human and could see that Jake with Avery where almost there too. He could feel Jake's anxiety and tried to sooth him without telling him everything yet wanting to do that as a pack and not leave out Avery.

@ Jinx...
Jake felt her hand slide into his and he felt himself relax knowing she was safe. Though it didn't completely ease him as he was still worried about the possible danger out there. "Fucking wolves." Was all he managed to get out to Avery. He knew she was aware of the pack near them. However he didn't like them having been so close to Avery. It also rubbed him the wrong way they were spying on his personal time with her. That was the biggest issue he really had, not often did he open up to her like that. And some fucking mutt had to interfere with their time. Breaking into camp he felt Haden's calming tone giving him more peace of mind. Though he was still irritated with the wolf's snooping. Gently squeezing her hand he moved them to where his pack was gathered. Taking a seat before pulling her down on his lap, his arms encasing her, pulling her tightly to his chest.

---

Laney smiled when Haden greeted her placing a kiss to her forehead. She was a bit anxious to say the least, though she hoped things went over better than she was predicting. Licking over her lips she watched as the rest of the pack joined them. She was filled with a bit of warmth as it have been a long while since they'd all gathered around each other. However she could tell most of all of them were on edge. As the last time they'd gathered they were running from a deranged person who'd ended up being a wolf. So she could tell the ones that didn't know what was going on was worried they were about to face the same type of situation. But she waited with baited breath for Haden to address the pack. She knew it was stressful for everyone and she wanted to ease the tension however Haden was the alpha and he should be the one to address the this.

@ BBBibles
Avery chuckled as he cursed wolves. She was more upset that the wolf interrupted her moment with Jake because getting him to talk to her about how he really felt was not always the easiest thing, especially lately. Avery walked into the camp with Jake and moved with him. When he sat she was going to sit next to him and giggled as he pulled her into his lap. She leaned back as his arms wrapped around her. She laid her head against him as she waited for Haden to start walking. The entire pack gathered around him and Laney. She looked over them all seeing some of them looking nervous and glancing at Avery. They were worried she had brought some new threat to their pack she could tell. She frowned and looked up at Jake her head curling under his head.

---

Haden looked around at his family. "I know some of you are worried but you don't need to be. Today Laney brought to my attention a need. We as a pack need to spend time together, to rest and recharge. With Laney and Avery's father's pack nearby and the assistance they gave us when rescuing Avery we believed that they are trustworthy enough to run perimeter for a couple days. So for tonight and tomorrow they will be keeping a secure perimeter and we will rest and talk as a pack." he said and looked around. "I understand your concerns on this but let this be my concern and you all just enjoy your time off together. I do not know when we will get another chance like this. There are several of you with news to share with the pack and many things that I hope some of you will get off your chest." he said and then squeezed Laney as he waited for his pack to tell him their thoughts like they always did.

@ Jinx...
Jake furrowed his brows at his alpha, he was suppose to just allow some other pack to be in charge of Avery's safety. It wasn't the top of his list, even if it was her father. He didn't trust the man, and he couldn't imagine Avery liking the idea of the man who tried to manipulate Laney being in control of their safety. But hearing Haden say let him worry about this, Jake felt himself dejected a bit. He knew his alpha wouldn't do anything that would hurt them he'd always lead them through. Biting back any issue with the other pack he turned back to his alpha wondering what else could be an issue. They'd always be open about things bothering them so he wasn't sure what Haden could be talking about. But what news was there to tell, Avery had agreed to being changed in front of the pack. So he wasn't sure what news there was to share with the group.

---

Laney smiled at Haden nuzzling into his side more, as she waited for the group to speak up. Though when no one said anything she frowned. Turning her eyes to the pack she watched as they all were still mulling over the news of getting rest. "Why don't we let everyone enjoy their time off, and then tonight we can have pack time at dinner." She whispered to Haden. Knowing that he'd been looking forward to the pack to open up. But she felt like everyone was more concerned about spending much needed time with their mates. Or that's the feelings she got from Penny and Leo. As they'd managed to find themselves cuddled up on the ground, not really caring if anyone saw their display of affection. And with Kyle still being in wolf form she could only imagine what he was thinking. He'd yet to have the chance to talk to Char after her meeting with Haden. So to Laney it was best to let everyone spend time with their mates first before dealing with the pack.

@ BBBibles
Haden dismissed them all and Avery stood taking Jake's hand squeezing it for a moment before going over to her sister and kissing her cheek. "Haden seems nervous." she told her sister hoping it would help them. She hugged her sister then kissed Haden's cheek like a sister would before moving back to Jake. "Should we go back to our place?" she asked him. Avery started to walk out of the clearing with Jake listening to the birds singing as they walked and she was quiet her face thoughtful. "What is it like when you are a wolf when I am around? Is it the same as it would be with any other human or is there something different?" she asked him wondering if his wolf at least felt some of the bond.

---

Haden let the pack go at Laney's direction and squeezed her hand. Avery kissed their cheeks and then headed off with Jake and Haden watched them go. He sighed and rubbed his neck. "I can't tell if they are excited or nervous about letting the other wolves keep us all safe. I know I need to give them time to adjust to this free time before they open up... if they open up." he looked over at Laney. "Do you think they will open up?" he asked. "I know Avery told the pack she was going to let Jake turn her but not when, and with Char trying to get pregnant now I just thought..." he rubbed his neck. "I'm not good at this emotional support thing."