We found out the sexes of the babies yesterday. A boy and a girl. I am so glad that Felix spilled the beans because it was wonderful having the pups there. They were so excited. Seth wanted to name the boy Captain Barnacles. It took Dane a few minutes to remember that Captain Barnacle is a character on the cartoon show Octonauts. I nearly rolled off the table laughing as Dane tried to keep a straight face while telling a confused Seth why we couldn't name the baby Captain Barnacles.

Dane and I have been working hard to make sure the pups know how much we love them. Gideon is doing better and Sariah is loving the extra attention. Seth, as usual, seems to take things in stride.

The human schools were closed today for a human holiday leaving us with a three-day weekend. Dane was helping set-up for the pack's fall banquet. Every year we have a huge bonfire with music, dancing, and games for the kids before the cold weather comes in. Typically, one nurse, one field medic, and one physician would stay at the hospital during pack parties. This month it was my turn. Dane would take the pups to the banquet and we would meet back at the suite once my shift was over.

It was a perfect evening for the banquet. The weather was still warm and the sky clear.

The three of us left at the hospital bobbed our heads to the music coming from the lawn. The hardest part about working in the hospital during one of the pack's gatherings was the boredom. Wolves can't get drunk and our wounds heal quickly. Mostly young pups that had gotten to rowdy would come in with cuts and broken bones. It was eight o'clock and I had four more hours left on my shift.

The music stopped suddenly as loud howls were heard. It was from the border patrol...ROGUES! I froze...my pups were out there. My mate...

Alpha Jack's voiced boomed thru the link.

Yes Alpha!

The pack hospital was at the back of the house opposite of the fighting. If the warriors could not hold back the rogues, two large steel doors could seal off the hospital keeping those inside safe. It also had escape tunnels.

I looked over at the nurse and field medic. We were all standing in the entrance of the hospital battling our wolves for control. Our mates and pups were out there. We had made a blood oath to the pack to heal and protect. That oath meant that we had to stay and take care of the wounded.

Our pups...Our Mate! Katon snarled.

I know damn it! I want to leave as bad as you. But we knew one day this would happen. I need you to back down. Help me get thru this Katon.

I could hear Katon whine but yield.

Felix linked me and Jack.

Thank goddess!

Where are Dane and Sariah? I asked.

Before I could link Dane, I heard loud voices coming down the hall. Two wolves covered in blood were being brought in by field medics. I could see a large gash on the neck and the stomach of both wolves. The rogues had been controlled enough to strike with purpose.

"Prep the OR" I order looking at the nurse and field medic.

"You two. Bring them over to the triage room and work on keeping those wounds under control" I continue. I could feel Katon giving over some of his power to me. I don't think I can do this otherwise.

All I want is my mate and my pups safely beside me.

"Beta Dane" I look over to see one Everett, one my warriors. He walks over and sits down in the chair next to me.

"Thank you" he causally says.

"For?"

"For this" he says waving his hands in a circle. I look at him perplexed.

"The Moon Goddess was right to fit you with Caleb. You've changed. The warriors and I are grateful for it. Six months ago I don't know if a night like this would have been possible. The pack is strong now" he states, stands back up, and leaves just as quickly as he came. Everett has always been a man of few words.

I smile and looked over to see Sariah dancing with the young she-wolves her age. She has made a couple of new friends during the last couple of weeks. Scanning the rest of the lawn, I see Gideon and Samuel playing darts by the side-door. As usual, Seth and Daniel were next to their brothers cheering them on.

Everett was right. I have changed. The only thing I needed now was my mate in my arms. The pups will be exhausted after tonight and I am already looking forward to seeing his naked body under me. My not so PG rated thoughts are interrupted when I caught the faint scent of sweat and musk.

...the border patrol howled.

I caught Felix's eyes before I shifted.

. I heard Felix say thru the link.

I'll grab Sariah and meet you at the safe room. I nod in understanding.

Alpha Jack voiced boomed thru the link.

I look back at where Sariah had been standing but she was gone. My eyes had only been off of her for a few seconds. I made my way through the women and children that were running into the pack house.

Zeus was losing control not being able to pick up her scent.

"SARIAH. SARIAH. WHERE ARE YOU" I scream.

I link Felix.

I'm on my way with the all the boys to the safe room. I'll check the house and then meet you out back.

I could feel the ground shake and the sounds of the forest being churned up fill the air. They were almost here.

I link the Head Warrior.

Yes Beta.

I was standing where I last saw Sariah. Her scent was faint. I again smell sweat and musk. The scent feels oddly familiar.

I could hear bones breaking and skin ripping behind me. The battle had started.

Felix links frantically.

I caught her scent. It's faint. There is also another scent. I'm going to follow.