Edmund listened closely as Sebastian explained everything that he’d seen after touching the artefact. He really had to focus because his eyes kept getting drawn back to the wolf’s head hanging from Bas’s neck. He knew that Sebastian was safe. He could hear his heart beating at a steady pace, his posture was relaxed, and his voice was calm. However, there was an irrational part of his brain that wanted to get rid of that weird artefact because he could feel the nervous stress that Bas was experiencing from everything.

He and Sebastian had been friends for so long, that it was like second nature to sense how the other was feeling. Bas of course had always been good at reading people, but Edmund was only good at reading Sebastian. And that came in handy when the older teen would try suppressing his emotions for other’s sakes.

That particular trait was something that Ed thought of as a blessing and a curse. (Mainly a curse though.) Because once upon a time, it had nearly destroyed Bas and their friendship. But it had also been what encouraged Edmund to learn more about Sebastian’s personal tells and triggers. Sebastian deserved to have someone take care of him in the same selfless way he took care of others. He deserved to know he wasn’t alone, even when he felt it. He deserved to have someone who would listen to him and comfort him and sometimes just hold him because the physical reassurance meant more than words ever could.

He deserved someone who would protect him, because he’d been through so much, too much for someone as good and kind as him. And the fact that Edmund could protect him from this was killing him.

As a werewolf, he was able to do many things to protect them that he couldn’t before. But becoming a part of the supernatural, and dragging Sebastian with him, meant there was a whole host of other things he couldn’t protect them from.

He wondered briefly how it would be if he hadn’t gone to find out what that noise was that night. If he hadn’t gotten himself cut and accidentally mixed his blood with the wolf’s. Maybe Sebastian wouldn’t have suffered through those nightmares. Maybe he wouldn’t have stressed about Edmund needing a pack. They wouldn’t need to go camping during the full moon either, which means they’d have never disturbed the attic and found that damned artefact. And he defiantly wouldn’t have almost gotten himself killed last night.

That thought was what sent a pang of guilt into Edmund’s gut. Because he realised that if he hadn’t become a werewolf, then they couldn’t have gotten Luke away from his asshole father. Sebastian might have still suffered his nightmares, but wouldn’t have as easily gone to Hayden and Persephone, because they would still be oblivious to the supernatural. And then there was whatever was happening with his parents and mysterious grandmother.

In the end, Edmund becoming a werewolf had made things easier in certain aspects, even if it brought them stress in others. Being a werewolf also meant he had incredible strength, so perhaps he could crush the artefact.

“So, what do we do now?” Persephone asked once Sebastian had finished talking.

Edmund focused back onto the conversation. “That’s a good question, because I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel like this should defiantly change our goals.”

“We had goals?” Sebastian asked.

Lydia shrugged. “If I remember correctly, I think the only goal we had after our last meeting was to keep ourselves alert to any trouble.”

“Perhaps we should make some form of a plan then. We know that Lance won’t be a problem for now, but we need to strengthen ourselves for when he becomes one.” Hayden suggested.

“Right, okay, let’s figure out what we have before we get to what we need. So far, it’s just the six of us. And I’m not sure about you Luke, but I know I can’t fight, so that mean’s only two thirds of us are remotely useful at defence.” Sebastian lists. “We are defiantly going to need more people on our side, but I don’t know how to recruit people for this kind of thing.”

Persephone nodded. “I can still contact Onyx during the full moon. I’m not sure how my clan will act if I ask them for assistance. Of course, Lance was rather strict about allowing most of us into the area. If you don’t mind them being within your territory, Ed, then it would certainly help things.”

Edmund frowned thoughtfully. “Lance kept them out of his territory?”

“He doesn’t like outsiders. Allowing supernaturals without allegiance to him, into the territory, is intimidating for him. In his mind, the allowed proximity means it’s easier for them to hurt him.” Luke explained.

Edmund nodded. “Well, as long as they’re not going to cause us any trouble, I don’t see the harm in letting them stay in the territory.”

“Good. I’m going to need to look over that border map of yours so I can see who to invite. There are some clan members who would be a better fit than others. A few who owe me favours too.” Persephone said with a grin.

“Once word of your newly formed territory is spread, you might attract more than just the vampires.” Hayden stated.

“Would this be a good attraction or a bad attraction?” Sebastian inquired.

“Depends. It could mean more allies, but since you are a newly formed pack, it will also gain attention from those who want to use you for their own selfish benefit. Like rival alphas.”

“So, we’ve got more werewolves to deal with?” Edmund asked, groaning when Hayden nodded affirmatively.

“Maybe that’s what we need though.” Luke said, shrinking in his seat as everyone turned their attention to him.

“What do you mean, Luke?” Sebastian prompted.

“Well, maybe what we need is a bigger pack. My father might start thinning his own numbers, but he’ll still be keeping the strongest of his warriors. If we can recruit a few warriors of our own then it would be good for us in the long run.”

Edmund nodded. “You make a good point. But I don’t even know how the three of us are supposed to work as a pack, let alone how to get more wolves to join us.”

“I can help with that, mostly. I may be an omega, but my mom taught me about how packs are meant to be taken care of. And I know a good amount about the other packs that might approach us.”

“Okay, so far, our plans are for Persephone to talk to her clan and Onyx, and Luke will be helping Edmund with werewolf related things. I can help you learn about using your magic if you like, Sebastian.” Hayden offered.

Sebastian nodded. “That would be great.”

“Is there anything else we need to plan?”

The others thought a moment then shook their heads.

“Okay, meeting adjourned then. Bas, can I talk to you?”

Sebastian raised a questioning eyebrow at Ed’s behavior but simply nodded. Edmund could tell there was something bothering him, but it wasn’t something he was going to open up about during a meeting like this. Which was exactly why he needed to end said meeting and drag his friend upstairs.