Song : Lions - Girl from the North country (Bob Dylan cover)

We had just left the main road that led to the mountains and entered the country side roads or more befittingly dirt roads but in a very good condition. Not too many bumps and holes and the land rover that we were occupying was in fact a beast on four wheels. Ian informed me that there wasn't much they could do about these passages but it kind of suited them that way because the access to the main pack  was more limited  to outsiders.

The plane landed at the airport which was about another two hours from the relatively small town that was nearer to the pack. Another administration building was set there to deal with the humans relations and to support those wolves that preferred to live closer to civilization or whose children attended the last three grades of high school. For those younger than that, there was a school on the pack's premises.

During the plane ride we talked about our families. I learned that he had two younger siblings, Kenneth and Kara, twins. His brother spent most of his time in the town pack as one of his Betas, addressing any issue that might arise while his sister was mated to another pack and was expecting her first pup. His mother was currently there, helping her through her last months of pregnancy. He didn't say anything about his father. I supplied him with information about my family tree, giving special emphasis on my grandma. We only talked about the living. We didn't mention the dead. This was not the time.

When we reached the town, we stopped shortly to change cars and grab a bite as it was already past lunchtime. His brother had gone over to the mines to oversee a delivery of new equipment. He wasn't aware that we would be back today. I got the impression that Ian deliberately didn't inform anyone of his exact return but they seemed to be aware of my existence not that I got to meet any of them. I got some slightly tilted necks from those in the lobby. Ian was in and out in fifteen minutes while the other enforcer grabbed some sandwiches and snacks for the road. Maybe he wanted to catch them unaware so he could see if everything was running as it should be.

The rest of the drive would take about an hour from the town and as we entered the side roads I was amazed at the scenery. Big pine trains dominated around us with small patches of clearings here and there that were filled with different wildflowers. When we gained a little altitude I saw a lake in the distance and Ian told me that they had several across their territory and two of them had small waterfalls due to one of the their rivers. There was also a hot spring but it was much higher. My wolf was getting excited by all this beauty and she was getting anxious, wanting to explore everything that she was seeing and smelling. I shared her enthusiasm, it would be nice to run free in such a majestic place without having to worry about some human accidentally stumbling upon you. I could also take some real nice pictures of all this beauty that Mother Nature had graced us with.

I was so absorbed looking out of my window that I faintly realized that the car was slowing down. I turned my attention ahead and I spotted a large gateway with four guards. Once they recognized the car they lifted the barricade and allowed us entry. Ian rolled down the window and acknowledged their sighs of submission to their Alpha. I also noticed some big signs that declared that this was private property and any unauthorized entry was forbidden.

"The humans consider us as a cult that probably worships the gods of the forrest or something like that. We never had a problem with them as they favor the money that we put in the town as well for the jobs that we provide in the mill and hiring their trucks for transportation. But we are always cautious of wanderers and strangers." Ian probably saw me looking at the signs.

"It is the same for us. A closed community of people who don't accept anyone outside of their own, is bound to raise questions. It is better to be prepared than have someone see something that was not meant for their eyes."

Ian was pleased with my answer so I took a chance and asked a little more.

"How many wolves does your pack have?"

"We have four hundred that live here and another one hundred that reside in town. A number of the men live during the week at the mines and return here to their families in the weekends. The ones that work in the mills don't have to stay away as it is much closer."

His words impressed me. They were probably the largest pack in the North and quite frankly one of the biggest in the regions. We never knew the exact number of souls in every pack because even though we all maintained civil towards one another, nobody wanted to share information like that. We all had a possible estimate of their wolf power. My pack was half of his and the fact that he disclosed this to me made me feel special in a way.

I reached and intertwined my fingers with his. He squeezed my hand gently and I smiled at him.

"Does this mean that you're going to have a full house today? Since its Saturday."

"Yes it does. Everyone will be here today and it's the perfect opportunity for them to meet you. We do this once a month, gather all together and reinforce our bonds to one another as a whole through sharing food and the occasional drink. It would be next Saturday but I want you to meet them tonight so I pushed it for today."

How lovely! I was on my toes for the last three days and now I had to be introduced to four hundred wolves in a few hours after travelling half the day. Ian sensed my reluctance and brought me closer.

"I want them to know who you are so you won't have any trouble walking around on your own through the grounds. But you will always be with me or someone else if you want to go for a run or a walk outside. We will go straight to my private home where you can rest, eat something other than snacks and then meet everybody."

That made me feel a little better.

"A nap sounds heavenly." My answer made him chuckle a little and my eyes grew warmer watching him. Ever since we entered his territory his whole demeanor had changed. He seemed calmer and relaxed and his aura increased in volume but in a more benign way. It was natural, he was home. He closed my hands with both of his.

"Vivian I want you to know that I appreciate how well you have responded to everything that I have asked of you until now. You don't react rashly without getting all the information first and you don't fuss over things, you execute." He was clearly satisfied by my behaviour. I decided that this was a time to set boundaries.

"As long as you explain things to me and give me reasonable reasons I don't see a point in creating drama where it's not needed. However if I disagree, rest assured that I will voice my disapproval and try to make you see things from my angle. I don't expect us to see eye to eye on everything, our positions are very different in life. I've learned to choose my battles Ian but I will fight if I deem it neccerary." My speech was delivered in a very calm and steady voice, never losing eyesight so that he would feel the truth of my words. I wasn't going to play the role of the submissive little mate but I wasn't going to deny that he was clearly stronger than me and he had years of experience in dealing and controlling other wolves. I was raised in this world and had learned how to get my messages across. I had to thank my grandma for that, a very clever and shrewd she-wolf who had to deal with males in times where our position was lower from what it is now.

"I don't expect anything less Vivian. You obviously have a very strong mind to go along with a very appealing appearance." His words were serious but his eyes danced between amusement and lust. I had made my point for now so I turned to the window once again to watch as we approached a second gateway that led to a tunnel. After entering it, only the lights of the car where any source of light. When we reached the other side, I could finally see the houses. This was a hidden valley amongst the mountains, and its size was impressive. The car took a turn to the left and we went through a back road, not through the heart of this community. Just a while later, we came upon a two storey rustic cabin that was supported on a platform of sorts. Ian stepped out of the car and held the door for me. I gazed upon the sight before me and I was awed by the beauty in its simplicity. It was of a medium size and I could see two wooden lounge chairs on the big porch that due to the platform must have been placed there so you could comfortably admire the majestic mountains and the entire pack in the background. He took my hand and led me up the stairs. The enforcers followed behind us with our things and they left at the door. Ian told them to wait in the car.

Once I entered the house I was once again stunned. It had a modern vibe to it combined with a homey style. A large living room with a grey and red checkered sofa, four leather chairs, all in front of a stoned fireplace. I looked through a passage of sorts and I saw the kitchen, all made by wood and metal. I returned to the living room and I saw Ian coming down the stairs.

"I put your bags in one of the bedrooms, there are three. I'm sure there must be some food for you in the kitchen. There is always hot water in the bathroom. I must go to the main house to check up on everything and get some clothes"

I did notice that the cabin didn't have his smell.

"You don't live here?" I was curious.

"No, I just come here when I want some peace and quiet. I have a room in the pack house. It makes things easier, my office is there. I thought it would be better for us to get to know each other if we weren't interrupted all the time but if you prefer we can stay there." He was giving me a choice. Actually I liked my privacy as well and for the time being it would be best if I wasn't all at once exposed to his pack. It would give me time to adjust.

"Your house is really beautiful, I would like to stay here and maybe later we can stay there on occasion."

His eyes lighted up with my praise on what he had to offer and I felt my wolf swooning over the fact that he was pleased with us. I smirked inwardly, she was starting to behave like a puppy in everything that had to do with Ian. She gave no mind to me.

"It's settled then. I will pick you up in about four hours."

He gave me a light peck on the lips, squeezing my waist a little.

"I'm glad you are here" the green was picking through brown.

I stood a little higher and gave him a longer kiss.

"Go, they are probably waiting for you" I haven't forgotten about the enforcers in the car outside.

He let me go and turned to the front door. He looked at me one more time and left.

I went to the kitchen in search for that food that was promised. I opened the fridge and it was well stocked. I spotted three containers and the first one I opened was some kind of soup, with lots of vegetables and meat. I decided that this was best for now, I could always get something at the gathering.

After I was done, I went upstairs and I found one of the doors open. Too tired to check the rest, I went inside and found my things. This room was also a mix of old and new. I plopped on the bed and pulled the duvet, setting the alarm for two hours for now. I was almost immediately asleep, loving this warm feeling that this house gave me.

The alarm's persistent beeping made me abandon my cozy bed and I went straight to work. I located the bathroom and took a nice shower. I picked a nice dress and picked my hair up, to display my mark. I would not leave anything to chance. These wolves needed to know exactly what I am to their leader, even if we were to last or not.

As I was finishing my makeup, I heard the front door bell, at least I assumed it was. I frowned, Ian wouldn't ring the bell to his own house. I hurried down the stairs without my shoes and I approached the door. I could sense another wolf, a female. My wolf was on guard. I opened it with a curious look.

In front of me stood a very impressive she wolf. She was a little taller than me, dressed in tight jeans and a shirt that allowed you to guess that her breasts were impressive. Her hair were wavy and blonde, they kind of seemed golden.

She assessed me in a more obvious way and her eyes dropped on my mark. I saw a flash in her green eyes and my wolf growled. I restrained her for now. It wouldn't look good if I attacked the third member of the pack that I met on the whole, only a few hours after I set foot on the territory. Or maybe it would. We will see.

"Can I help you with something?" my tone was sweet.

"I came to introduce myself before the gathering. I thought it would be more appropriate if we met beforehand. My name is Leona."

Leona, a lioness. It suited her with her blonde mane and athletic build.

She looked as if her name should make any difference to me. I guess my slightly frowned eyebrows got my point across. She seemed annoyed.

"I am your predecessor. Ian is my mate"

Now I see what all this is about. My wolf didn't take it so kindly, hearing this she-wolf proclaiming her mate, our mate as hers. I restrained her again. I could handle this. If the need for teeth was necessary, she was all hers to chew on.

"You mean Alpha Barker was your match" I asked, keeping an innocent look on my face.

I could see the hair on her arms starting to rise. I kept calm and alert. Let's see how far I could get with taunting her before she tried to claw my eyes out.

"You see" I continued when she didn't respond "the word predecessor literally means the one who was before you, in your position. Past tense." I said that like I was explaining it to a child.

She regrouped herself and stared me in the eyes.

"I have known him long enough to believe that I will be his one and only mate. I just came to meet you in private to see what appeal you might have" She stopped as she was looking me upside down and gave a little smirk. "You do have that whole innocent look that screams I look good barefoot and pregnant. You seem to be lacking in all other areas"

I cursed my naked feet. I gave her an opening there.

"One shouldn't judge so hasty. It states poor upbringing  and a narrow mind" She was ready for a comeback but I beat her to it.

"Let me ask you this. In all the time that you have been with Alpha Barker, did he mark you?" I hoped Ian was truthful to me about never marking anyone before me. By the slight pain in her eyes, I had gotten my confirmation. I caught the noise of a car which meant that Ian was probably close.I continued. I needed to wrap this up on my own.

"You see Leona, time is a very relevant concept. In all the time he has known you, he didn't mark you. We marked each other on our third meeting."

She was full on fire now, I bet she didn't even notice the car that was coming to a stop in front of the cabin until the engine stopped.

"It seems to me that you are questioning your Alphas decisions and choices. That is not a trait of a loyal pack wolf but you can take your concerns to him. He is here and I'm sure he would be happy to clear any confusion that you might have about your status with him."

Ian had just stepped outside his car and by the looks on him, he wasn't too happy with Leona's presence. She didn't lose her stare but a sudden growl from Ian had her flinching and tilting her jaw a bit out of habit.

I smiled, ever so gratefully and said "I will see you later, then" and with that I closed the door and marched upstairs to get my shoes.

They say that well begun is half done. I couldn't say that this was the ideal welcoming nor the most pleasant first meeting but I wouldn't let it spoil my mood. Ian would have to explain why he left that little detail that his former match was a member of his pack or why she was under the impression that she would be the end game. As I thought about the whole incident, I decided that although all this was highly unpleasant, I stood my ground and showed that it would take a lot more than a few insults to scare me away or make me feel insecure. The message was received. I was not a cowardly wolf or a mindless one.

All in all, I'd say that I made a very good first impression on the first member of the Raven pack.

I would like to thank you all, once again, for all the votes and the positive feedback. I noticed that some of you have added this story on their reading lists and I feel truly honored that you want to keep up with the updates. I'll do my best to be consistent and not let too much time pass between updates.