.

.

"I hate you!"

"Clayton." Kaiden snapped irritated when he saw Aislinn's frown. They were currently trying to go over plans for the dinner tonight but were being repeatedly interrupted by Clay's outbursts. Not that Kaiden could really fault the man.

Ever since this morning when he had entered the kitchen where Kaiden, Aislinn and her newly rescued and adopted wolf Kio were eating breakfast it had become blatantly obvious that wolf and man would not be getting along.

Kio had taken one look at the large bulky warrior and lunged out of his mistress's arms before chomping down on his calf.

Kaiden still couldn't help the laugh that came to him when he remembered the scene. Of course Aislinn's horror had dampened his ability to fully enjoy Clay's look of pure repulsion, pain and animosity but still. The day had continued in a similar fashion, with the tiny fluffy wolf pup taking every opportunity it could to antagonize the man. And of course Clay was completely unable to retaliate which only added to fuel the entertainment factor for the rest of them.

The latest attack had come when Kio had woken from his nap in Aislinn's arms only to jump to the ground saunter over to where Clay sat at the boardroom table and proceeded to pee on his foot. Of course Aislinn thought it was completely innocent and adorable only acting to scoop the fur ball up and nuzzle him to her face. The rest saw it for what it was, a declaration of war, one that they all knew Clay would lose.

"Clay it's just a little pee, you won't die, it's all natural after all." Blair tried to get out with a straight face, completely failing as a fit of laughter broke loose before he could even finish.

Austin didn't even try to hold in his own as he literally rolled on the floor clutching his stomach. Richard stayed the most stoic although Kaiden was sure he saw the Guardian's lips twitch at the sight before him. Olivia was giggling even as she ran to grab cleaner and paper towels.

It was going to be a long day.

.

.

Aislinn held Kio against her chest. The wolf pup squirmed a little but eventually gave in and settled in her arms. She didn't know why she found him last night or how. She had just woken up and known that she had to go that something, someone was waiting for her, needed her. And then when she had crouched down moving the thick branches letting the soft light of the moon trickle in there he was. So small his body shaking in the cool damp air, his eyes closed as he curled in on himself. Weak and alone against the whole world she hadn't even hesitated before she was scooping him up his small yelps being soothed by her hands as she cradled him to her. His tiny teeth tickling her fingers causing her to let out a peel of light laughter as tears collected in her eyes. Leaning down she inhaled the wild scent of wolf as she pressed her lips to his small head. "You aren't alone anymore" She had whispered.

She knew the others were nervous for the upcoming dinner. The Alpha of the Silvia or as they now called themselves 'the Fraser pack' and some of his pack members were due in less than ten minutes. Kaiden and Richard hovered close to her both tense their bodies alert. She couldn't find it in herself to care. The only emotion she had towards these people was cold fury. She would see them dead either today or another it didn't really matter. She wasn't nervous, after 13 years she was to come face to face with the guilty, and she was the executioner. She just wanted to get on with it all.

Richard had already locked down most of the house. Raising the metal security doors that covered all of the exterior windows except for those on the front of the house. Even though the glass itself was bullet proof the extra metal was just another layer of protection. Every door besides the front was locked with the motion detectors and cameras activated. Video and alerts were being sent to tablets and phones they all now all carried. Richard held the main one, granting him administrative control over the systems.

"They're here." He alerted them all as his eyes watched the screen in his hands. Looking over Aislinn saw it displayed the live feed from her front gates. Once he got the acknowledgment from Kaiden he remotely prompted the heavy gates to open and allow the two vehicles entrance.

The air grew tense as their heightened senses reached and picked up the growing sound of cars approaching.

Letting out a breath Austin made his way to the front doors, Blair flanking him as he moved. Clayton and Olivia were placed so they would be the second group to interact with those coming in and would be strategically placed so they would be able to cover both Austin and Blair as well as their Alpha and Aislinn, who were standing further in the entryway towards the dining room. Kaiden and Richard both took steps forward as the sounds of car doors opening resounded in the air. Placing themselves so they partially blocked the sight of her their bodies stiffening in anticipation.

Listening to the approaching footsteps Austin swung the front door open giving them the first sight of the Fraser Alpha. Flanked by his Beta and third it was hard to miss the man as everything about him screamed out for attention.

Like most Alphas he was tall and muscular his shoulders wide and his face harsh, his eyes scanned over them impartially not displaying any outward reaction to their presence. His hair was a deep brown slicked back with too much gel. His tailored white suit, pink shirt and shiny shoes only adding to an ensemble that was topped off with ropes of thick gold chains around his neck and wrists. If that wasn't enough Aislinn noticed that nearly every one of his fingers was adorned by heavy gold rings. The top three buttons of his shirt were undone and the pair of expensive sunglasses hanging at the top only accentuated the chest hair that was exposed. Aislinn felt the others cringe along with her as they took in this man.

"Is he serious right now?" Austin quickly thought to Kaiden as he looked the man over in pure horror.

Kaiden had to bite back a bark of laughter instead stepping forward offering his hand to the man, hoping his face could remain neutral and not give away the multitude of insults being thrown around by his pack mates in his head. It was impressive that they all were able to actually keep straight faces.

"Welcome Alpha Fraser."

"Thank you Kaiden, I was surprised when I got your invitation. I didn't realize your father had business this far out." Kaiden didn't answer merely smiling the inquisition off as he shook the man's hand.

The eye twitch at his lack of response to the prodding made Kaiden smile, he liked that this man didn't know what situation he was walking into. Hopefully they would be able to use it to their advantage.

Gesturing to the women at his side Alpha Fraser introduced the rest of his party, "This is my mate Debra." She was a tall women her tanned skin and thick black hair made her look sultry and seductive. Her warm and inviting curves were accentuated in an outrageously tight, short, red silk cocktail dress. It looked as if it would have fit in better at a high end club then a simple dinner. Her lips were painted bright red lush and full and only added to the pure appeal of the women. Unlike her mate she knew how to draw all the right kind of attention. Although right now her heavily painted eyes were anything but welcoming or warm. Instead they reflected an open hostility she was not even trying to hide as she sneered at those around them. She didn't speak up though staying quiet her body pressed close to her mates her manicured hands gripping his arm.

"This is my Beta Garret and his mate Mindy." Neither wolf was remarkable although Mindy seemed to look at them more with innocent curiosity versus outright animosity and seemed oddly cheery and warm in the group of otherwise pompous wolves. "Then there is my Gamma Caleb, his mate and my Head Warrior Vance who is still unmated unfortunately."

Kaiden and Richard didn't miss that piece of information nor the predatory gleam that flashed in the last man's eyes. Both of their backs tensed and they shifted their bodies to block Aislinn even farther.

"Well welcome, we are all so glad you were able to join us. It is always a pleasure to be able to extend relationships and build cooperation across boundary lines." Kaiden said letting himself smirk slightly when the other Alpha tensed at his reminder of territories. "This is my Beta Austin, my Gamma Blair as well as Clayton, Olivia, Richard and my mate Aislinn." Each nodded at their name but Kaiden was sure to only highlight titles for Austin and Blair not wanting to expose too much of what their dynamic was. Ignorance and underestimation were tools Kaiden was hoping to leverage in this situation.

"It's a pleasure, I have always valued the relationship my pack and your father's has created." He was fishing again Kaiden simply ignored it instead gesturing to the dining room.

"Why don't we head in before the food gets cold?"

"So what brings you to my territory?" So apparently he was finished with the fake pleasantries. Kaiden could appreciate that, he always hated people who beat around the bush preferring the direct approach himself. Of course Austin didn't agree a low growl showing his displeasure at the disrespect in the Alpha's tone. Kaiden let out a chuckle unperturbed by the lack of respect.

"Well Stanley."

"Alpha." Vance interrupted glaring at Kaiden.

Kaiden didn't even look at the man ignoring the reprimand, of course Clay, Austin and Blair were not so unaffected, growls erupting from the three of them simultaneously. Olivia had to put a hand on Clay's shoulder to keep him seated.

"As I was saying, Stanley" Kaiden ignored the Fraser packs own growls at his refusal to acknowledge the title of the man, "Technically this is not your territory."

"A technicality? I don't care what you think, this is my land and I demand to know what your father wants with it." Ah that explains the hostility and edginess. They assumed Kaiden's father had plans to move in on his pack, his leadership, perhaps exercise some control for his own profit. It was a legitimate concern and under normal circumstances would have been a genuine possibility. Especially considering Kaiden himself had helped his father do the same exact thing to two other packs before this. Actions that he would forever be ashamed of being party to, just another reason to be grateful to Aislinn. She was giving him the opportunity to be the type of leader and Alpha he always wanted to be and could never have achieved in his old pack while always being weighed down by the legacy of his father's rule.

"I am not here for my father."

Confusion, skepticism and finally curiosity flashed over the man's face before he took a deep breath taking in their scents for the first time. When his eyes met Kaiden's this time they showed disbelief. "You left your father's pack?"

"Indeed"

"Interesting."

"Not particularly."

"You don't scent like rogues. Whose pack did you join?" Now his eyes were hungry, eyeing Kaiden like a piece of meat, he knew what that look meant. He may not have been Alpha of his old pack yet but he still had a reputation. There was a reason his father had been able to maintain power over the second largest pack on the continent and Kaiden had inherited most of what made his father great. His name and own power was not unknown within the werewolf world in its own right.

"Unfortunately for you Stan I am off the market. Missed your chance." Not liking that he had been called out the Fraser's Alpha let out a warning growl his power laced within it.

Surprising the guests completely Kaiden met the growl with one of his own. Power and dominance of his own erupting with the sound.

Looking at the stunned man Kaiden took pity on him, the plan was always for it to come out but it still made Kaiden nervous. He knew this would be putting a target on Aislinn and he didn't like that at all. Unfortunately they didn't have many choices.

"Stanley welcome to Nox territory. My Luna and mate Aislinn negotiated the territory exchange and I am confident that if you go back over you records you will find everything in order."

It took a few minutes for the meaning of his words to fully sink in. When they did the Alpha was out of his chair his hands on the table as he leaned forward aggressively at Kaiden.

"You declared your own pack?"

"Indeed."

"Impossible."

"And yet I have. I would watch my tone Alpha you are on my territory now." That was met by a furious snarl as his eyes flashed black.

His wolf hearing it for the challenge that it was pushed forward to glare at the other man, holding the stare of the older wolf was easy and it didn't take long before Kaiden felt him fighting his wolf to keep from submitting. Here on his own lands, with the oaths of his mate's pack and the alpha line of his father's blood, he was by far the more dominant wolf in the room. Well of course except for his mate that is. He felt himself smile at that, picturing their faces if they knew just who was sitting at the table with them.

Looking quickly at her once the man had dropped his gaze in reluctant submission, Kaiden was unsurprised to find her ignoring the ongoing proceedings her sketchbook out and open while Kio slept curled in her lap. Her infatuation with the cub was amusing, and he couldn't help his desire to indulge her with anything that made her happy. Richard met his eyes with a brief nod going back to watching the room his body stiff and tense in the seat beside her.

"So you started a pack." Kaiden felt a spike of irritation flare at the condensation and smugness he heard from Stanley. Looking up he wasn't surprised to find the man smirking at him in seeming triumph. Kaiden let his eyebrow arch in question.

"I assume you haven't let the council know of this little development?" So that's what had him so happy.

"And you assume that they will have concerns?" Kaiden faked genuine worry.

The booming laugh had them all shivering in disgust. The man was just plain to slimy for his own good. "Don't worry my boy I will put in a good word for you if you agree to join my pack. Give up this foolishness and if you still refuse to re-join your father's pack, the least I can do is offer his favorite son a place in my own."

Kaiden needed a shower after this.

"How generous and noble of you." He couldn't hide his sarcasm this time. "I think however that I am content with where I find myself."

Kaiden felt his wolf go alert as the other man's eyes narrowed dangerously, and he had to fight back a growl as he watched as his sights moved around the room before settling hungrily on Aislinn.

"Ah I see. So this is about the girl? Does your father not approve?" This time Kaiden couldn't keep the warning growl back. The rest of his pack and Richard letting out their own, echoing his displeasure. All of their wolves unhappy with how Aislinn was being spoken of and looked at.

"Young love is so adorable. Since it was the girl that bought my land and is now trying to destroy an alliance I have held with your father since before you were born perhaps I should bring my concerns up with her instead?"

"You will not speak to her!"

"You may be playing Alpha but don't forget your place boy or who you are talking to."

"If I were you I would be taking my own advice."

Ignoring him the other Alpha stared at Aislinn's bent head, his eyes flashing black again as she refused to look up or acknowledge him. Kaiden hadn't realized how foolish and full of himself this man had grown, now that he could see it, it was disgusting. Unfortunately it also could lead to problems for them.

"Look at me girl."

Richard growled at the man not liking the command in his tone as he addressed Aislinn.

"I said look at me!" That got a reaction. Richard was out of his seat his body turned his full height on display as he moved so that he was directly in front of her. He had begrudgingly agreed to wear a long-sleeved black shirt, with a black jacket that had a stiff tall collar over it to cover the majority of his Guardian marks. However even without them he was not a wolf that could be ignored. They may not have known what he was exactly but anyone could easily see that he wasn't just your average wolf. Well at least those with any sense should have been able to. The Fraser pack didn't get the message, the Beta, third and Head Warrior were now out of their chairs all facing off against the Guardian.

Aislinn finally cluing into the unfolding drama calmly raised her head, leaning around Richard's large frame to look down the table. "Were you attempting to command me?" Her voice was void and emotionless. Kaiden was for once thankful to hear it, although through the bond he felt a mix of amusement and genuine curiosity coming from her. Her ability to keep her emotions in check was paramount to this meeting ending without bloodshed.

Although he had to admit the more time he spent in their presence the more he wouldn't mind these wolves' throats being between his teeth as he ripped them out. He fought to remind himself now wasn't the time. Soon they would meet their end though.

"I told you to look at me girl." His voice was heavy with his Alpha tone now, dripping with condescension, arrogance and disrespect. It was Alpha's like him that caused wolves to desert packs and kept rogues hating them so much.

"I am not a she-wolf of your pack and am the mate of an Alpha I would suggest you stop attempting to command me."

"You are on my territory I will command you if I wish it."

"You are on our pack lands, and I will not be commanded."

Looking back at Kaiden with pure fury he nearly signed his own death certificate with his next words. "You need to teach that girl some manners and some f*cking respect for her superiors."

Surprising everyone it was Olivia who spoke up first, her voice deadly, "And you need to learn what it means to be an Alpha and the actual meaning of respect. Now though you are on our lands, in our house and I would suggest you keep that in mind as you choose your next words carefully." Finishing her warning by baring her sharpened canines her own eyes flashing black as she moved to stand beside Richard.

Sensing the seriousness of the situation, he wisely backed off showcasing his first smart decision of the night by sitting back down and motioning for the rest of his pack to follow him. Letting out a forced laugh he tried to play off his own submission and weakness, "Just a bit of a misunderstanding no offence meant." The look in his eyes screamed otherwise but Kaiden decided to play along.