I watched as Alpha Kiel and Beta Dawson drew up diagrams for building another section onto the packhouse. They were currently debating how many new rooms should be added.

"I think you're right," I told Alpha Kiel. "That group of rogues brought us a dozen ferals from various packs over the last month. If they keep that up, we're going to need a lot more bedrooms. People are already sleeping in some of the family rooms in wolf form."

He nodded slowly. "Yes, and more packs are hearing that a group has found a way to help the ferals, so they are starting to catch the ferals and send them to the rogues. A network is starting to form."

Beta Dawson added, "So far, they don't know where the rogues are taking them, but considering the former ferals are going back to say their goodbyes before leaving again, we know they'll cage any ferals and give them to that group of rogues in hopes that they can be helped as well."

"Then we might as well build an entire new section. So far, two thirds of the ferals have been male, so they'll likely remain here if they find their mates."

"Fair point," the Beta replied, "although I think many of the females are likely to remain as well. Their loyalty to the pack is staggering considering how new they are."

The Alpha glanced at me. "There will likely be a steady trickle of ferals coming here, which I am fine with as long as big problems don't arise. So far, most are fitting in well now that we have a system in place to help them integrate with the pack. Which leads to the question, how are you handling all the new additions and added responsibility?"

"They seem to be pretty stable after the first day or so. The other former ferals form quite an understanding support group. There are two that I think will leave to be rogues in a few months – they just don't like being around more than a handful of people. As you said, things are going far more smoothly than we had anticipated."

"That wasn't quite what I asked..."

I considered it for a moment. "I'm happy. I love being around people, so it isn't as much work as you might think. They only need to be in the vicinity to feel the effects of my aura, and that seems to be good enough most of the time. Sometimes they'll pick me up, but half of the time, it's more of a pack bonding thing than looking for comfort. The other former ferals are helping a lot with the basic day-to-day bits of getting back into the routine of being in a pack again. I also really like helping people."

The Alpha examined the sketches again. "In that case, I foresee almost every feral in this area ending up at our border if anyone manages to cage it or tie it up. None have left our pack yet, and even though a few say they plan to, my Alpha abilities are picking up a lot of reluctance to leave behind their words. As Dawson said, their loyalty runs deep, and I truly think they are here to stay. This is the one place where no one feels any unease being around a former feral."

I got up and walked to the edge of the paper on the desk for a better look at it. Alpha Kiel put another piece of paper on top and lightly sketched out the current packhouse, then he made thicker lines for new walls, paused, and put an X over the entire drawing.

The paper was crumpled into a ball and lobbed towards the recycling bin, where it joined a dozen other discarded layouts.

"Hmmm... I wonder..." Alpha Kiel's voice trailed off as he stood up and went to one of the filing cabinets.

I exchanged a glance with Beta Dawson, who shrugged.

The Alpha came back with a battered, worn folder and set it down. "What are the odds of us pulling this off?"

He opened the folder, and with one smooth swipe of his hand, managed to spread a dozen diagrams across the desk in front of him. I stared at drawings and sketches that depicted a hollow, hexagon-shaped packhouse that rose up three stories high. The pages were yellowed with age, but each line was still crisp and clear.

"I didn't know your father gave you these. I dimly remember seeing them as a child, but I didn't know they still existed," Beta Dawson quietly murmured, leaning over for a better look of a side view sketch.

"How big is this supposed to be? Does each room have a window?"

"The layout can be altered to make it bigger or smaller. The open area in the middle is actually a garden for delicate herbs and spices, with part of it being a playground for really young children who are in danger from hawks and eagles. There is an archway leading to it as well, so people don't have to go inside to get there."

The Beta checked a different sheet that showed ground slope and stability. "There is no way we can incorporate the current packhouse into that layout, especially with how the ground slopes by the back."

"My thoughts were to build this where the current training grounds are, and move that to the north, so it is between the main border crossing and the packhouse and shops. The old packhouse can be used for storage or for guests."

"You're planning on building it big, aren't you?"

He slowly grinned and nodded. "We went from twenty-three members to sixty-one in a month and a half. Our current packhouse was only meant to hold fifty. More are coming every week, and most of them aren't over forty. In a decade, there will be dozens of kids running around."

Taking a deep breath, Beta Dawson clasped his hands in front of him. "Dare I ask how many rooms you plan on putting in this thing?"

The Alpha grinned. "Since I can't seem to keep the former ferals busy, and they keep asking what else they can do, let's see how ambitious they are. I think two hundred bedrooms on both the second and third floor, with kitchens, dining areas, and family rooms on the main floor. Perhaps a basement for laundry and some storage."

The Beta and I both stared at him. I glanced at Dawson. "Do you think it's possible? I can be a cheerleader, but when it comes to building, I'm pretty useless unless I'm just bringing nails or water to people."

"It won't be built quickly, although there is more than enough rock in the quarry for it," the Beta slowly replied.

The Alpha stood up and collected all the papers. "Let's go ask the pack. I'll call a quick meeting to see what they think."

"High ho, high ho, over to get some more mortar we go!"

"If you keep singing, I'm making you walk," Vera threatened as she pulled the handcart up the trail.

I wolf grinned at her from my perch on the front of the cart. "You have to admit it, being sent for mortar is way easier than bringing back those stone blocks. Those things are even waist high on you!"

"True, but the next shift swap is in an hour, and then I will be helping wrestle them onto a cart."

"Makes me glad I'm a Comforter. I don't get chores like that." I paused and greeted three people leading a horse-drawn cart coming the other way. "You managed to fit two blocks on there? Those poor horses!"

"It's mostly downhill, and the builders are working on more carts since we can't ferry the stones to them fast enough," Daryl said.

"Cool. Mind if I come back with you? Vera is planning on making me walk, and the dust in the lime cavern doesn't do nice things to my fur."

"Traitor. You're not supposed to abandon the person you're travelling with," Vera told me, sparing time to send a scowl at Daryl as he picked me up from my seat on the cart.

I grinned at her. "Have fun! Don't let the boys in the pit give you a bad time!"

"Do me a favor and sing 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star' all the way back."

"Sure!"

Daryl groaned and told Vera, "You didn't tell me she was in a singing mood."

"Oh, twinkle, twinkle, little star-"

Vera interjected, "You weren't supposed to include me in this."

"How I wonder what you are-"

"Some days I really wonder what you are..." Vera muttered when I didn't take the hint. "And how you've survived this long."

* * * * *

I hope you're enjoying the story so far! If you think others might want to read it, could you please add it to one of your public reading lists? I've found a lot of good books over the years by looking at the reading lists on other people's profiles. Thanks so much!