Jack and Felix have convinced me not to pack up my pups and go back to my in-laws. I promised them I would stay long enough to hear the Council's recommendations and then decide my next move.

This past week has been a living hell. Every minute of every hour seems like an eternity. I think of my mate non-stop. The pull towards him is strong. When Jack had told me he had asked about me, Katon was thrilled. More than once I have found myself in front of his suite having an internal war between myself and my wolf. Katon wants to break down the door and mate. I cannot forget his actions towards my pups or the pack.

Fortunately, today was the day that Jack went to the Council. Thank Goddess because I look and feel like shit. The kids are starting to look at me like I have two heads and Sariah told me I was smelly. Katon was pissed at me and would only talk to me when it was about my mate. Damn stubborn wolf.

I have been sitting in Jack's office for almost two-hours waiting for him to return when I hear loud foot-steps coming towards his office. As soon as he walked in the door, I knew by the look on his face that things had not gone well.

He sat down on the chair behind his desk. He runs is hands over his bald head and sighs. His tell-tale sign that he is not happy.

"Jack...just tell me. You know I can always tell when you're lying and you're horrid at trying to sugar coat things" I said.

"The Council basically said there was nothing they could do. If you don't want Beta Dane, you have to reject him. There is no guarantee that you or he would survive when the bond is broken. While rejecting one's mate is frowned upon, it's not a reason for banishment from a pack. However, if magic by a witch or warlock is used to break the bond, banishment and even death will be consequence" he said sadly.

"So basically, I either accept him or run the risk of dying from rejecting him" I said with frustration.

Jack nodded. "I'm so sorry Caleb. I was hoping they could do something, anything to help. Whatever you decide to do, we will support you. You know I don't want you to leave but I also don't want to see you stuck with that asshole or worse, dead. I almost lost you once already" he choked. I could see him fighting back the tears.

I sat in in his office for a few hours trying to decide what to do. Every once and a while, he would look up from his paper-work and give me a smile for reassurance. No matter what scenario I played in my head or whatever my final decision was going to be, I knew that I needed to see my mate face-to-face.

"Take me to him Jack" I finally said.

He didn't try to talk me out of it. He simply nodded and we made our way to my mate's suite.

Four guards stood in front of the door. I have no doubt Jack had been linking them instructions to protect me at all costs during our walk over.

One of the guards knocked and opened the door for me to enter.

His scent hit me as I walked thru the door. Shit...his scent was amazing.

"I'm not hungry" I heard him yell from what I am assuming was his bedroom. I didn't say anything. I knew he would be able to smell my scent soon.

"Mate? Mate!" he exclaimed as he ran out of his room.

I froze when I saw him. He looked horrible. His eyes were dull and almost lifeless. He had lost weight and his skin was pale. His lips were dry. I couldn't even imagine what his breath smelt like.

"Mate...ah Caleb. You came. Um...come in and sit. Please" he said sheepishly. Who was this guy and what the hell happened to the Beta I saw from the hospital? He motioned for me to sit down on one of couches in the living room.

He slowly made his way to the couch opposite of where he had motioned for me to go. I hesitate for a few seconds before I make my way to couch and sit down.

We stare at each other for a long time. I felt my resolve to reject my mate weaken when I heard Katon scream at me.

I know.

It's not that easy Katon.

My head felt like it was going to explode.

Fine! I will not reject him. But have conditions. No doubt that he won't follow them and just reject me. He probably was already going to do so anyways.

I heard Katon whimper.

"I'm sorry Caleb. I shouldn't have yelled at your daughter that day. There is no excuse" he said bringing me back to the conversation.

"No. There is no excuse for ever treating anybody like that" I replied.

"Are you going to reject me Beta Dane?" I asked. Might as well cut out the bull-shit and get down to it.

"No!" he yelled almost jumping out of his seat. I could hear Katon howl with excitement.

"Then I needed you to listen very carefully. I will do anything to protect my pups and to give them a happy childhood. That includes killing anyone who physically or emotionally hurts them. My daughter is an omega. My youngest son may or may not be an omega. That will be determined when he shifts. If we mate, they would become your pups too. I would expect you to treat them the way I do. I would expect you to love them, treat them with kindness, hold them accountable, and protect them with your life. I was to ever find that you have mistreated them in anyway, I will cut off your dick and feed it to rogues. I will also not tolerate you mistreating the omegas of this pack. I find that you are mistreating pack members, I will cut off your dick and feed it to rogues. You have three hours to think about my conditions" I declare.

He had not taken his eyes off of me. He flinched when I mentioned cutting of his dick. I hope he knows that it is not an empty threat. I'll cut it off without a second thought.

"I will see you in three hours" I said as I got up and made my way to the door as quickly as I could. I could only pray that he didn't see my tented pants. Just hearing his voice had made me hard. Damn mate bond!