All eyes turned on her. Maddy shifted uncomfortably. She had never been comfortable with being the center of attention.

"Are you sure? How do you know?" Justin asked.

Before Maddy explained anything, she asked Xander for his phone. In his phone, she googled Valencia Hotel. The hotel was located about sixteen miles away from where they were. On searching more, she found exactly what she was searching for. Just beside the hotel, was a field which was open to the public. It was used by young boys to play games like cricket and stuff. Slowly, a plan started formulating in her mind.

Maddy then started explaining how she reached to her conclusion, hurriedly. If the matefinder was kept in that hotel it complicated matters. They would have to make sure that the hotel is evacuated so that no humans get hurt but they also need to make sure that the enemies don't have any idea that they were going to attack. If they could take the enemies by surprise, they could find out who this boss was and finish this fight, once and for all.

"This could also be a trap," Tristan mused aloud.

"We should launch an attack on the hotel. If the matefinder is kept there, then this might be our only chance. We should take the risk," Xander asserted.

Maddy wondered where the Beta of the Amalthea pack was. Surely, this was an important matter, important enough for him to attend.

"We will take half of the Amalthea Pack and Callisto Pack to the hotel while the other half guards the territory. You kids will stay here. You've had enough adventure for a lifetime."

Immediately, shouts of displeasure rang out. No one wanted to be left out. Even though Maddy had come to know about their existence only about a month ago, she felt a strange sort of connection with them. Sure, some people still didn't like her *cough* Katie *cough*, but she had made some amazing friends, or rather amaztastic friends, as Alexa would say who she wouldn't trade for the world. She sure as hell, won't sit around and wait for them.

"We need to strike tomorrow. All our wolves will be fastest and strongest during the full moon," Justin said.

Everyone agreed except Maddy.

"But even the rogues will be stronger and faster during the full moon. We should attack when they are weak," Maddy reasoned. "The only advantage we have is the element of surprise. We'll need to act quick and swift."

For the first time her love for books was being helpful. She always loved reading all kinds of books, especially those which have the element of thriller and adventure. She loved learning about battles that happened in the past, all because of the Percy Jackson series which made her love the subject of History. As a result, she had a vast amount of knowledge about strategies.

Tristan looked impressed but Justin still seemed to be unconvinced.

"But we have a larger number of people," Justin argued.

"And the rogues will fight dirty. We should send a small number of people who will draw out all the rogues. That way we can keep the humans away from this fight. The rogues will be led to an open field that is just beside the hotel where a larger force of our werewolves will be lying in wait, who will quickly surround and ambush the rogues."

Justin growled, his eyes turning darker which meant that his wolf was in control. "This is my pack. You are a mere human. You can't and won't tell me what to do. You should be glad that I am offering you protection," he sneered, taking a step towards Maddy with each sentence.

Maddy knew that it wasn't him talking, but his wolf's ego, nevertheless the words stinged.

"Dad. Stop it," Xander said sharply. "Don't talk about her that way."

"You are just a human. Remember your place. You-"

A growl cut Justin off in the middle. Tristan glowered at Justin. "You won't speak to her like that. Another word from your mouth and Callisto Pack won't ally with the Amalthea Pack."

Xander and Alexa tried to stop their father but to no avail. Jeremy hadn't spoken a single word throughout the meeting, no doubt worried about his mate. Maddy was surprised that he wasn't snapping at everyone, but then everyone had different ways of dealing with the pain.

"I don't need the help of your pack. Amalthea Pack can crush the rogues all by itself."

Maddy clapped loudly so that everyone focused on her. "There is too much testosterone in this room. I think we should go outside and continue this talk."

"The Callisto Pack can go to hell if they want. I don't care," Justin continued, ignoring Maddy.

"JUSTIN DEXTER!" Diana's voice rang out. Looked like Diana had entered the room with snacks and heard that comment. "You will apologize to Tristan right now. That is no way to treat anyone. What are you teaching your children huh? You either apologize to him or you're sleeping on the sofa for the next month."

Justin's wolf seemed torn between listening to his mate and satisfying his ego but after a minute of deliberation, he looked down and apologized to Tristan quietly. When he looked up, his eyes were of a lighter shade indicating that his wolf was no longer controlling his actions.

"Maddy, I didn't mean what I said. I'm sorry."

Diana narrowed her eyes. "What did you say about Maddy?"

Xander snickered, knowing that his dad was going to get his ass whooped. "Oh, he just called Maddy a mere human and started insulting her. You know, the usual stuff."

Diana cleared her throat and spoke loudly, "We will continue this discussion later. Meanwhile, I need to have a talk with the Alpha."

"First, we need to decide who will be going as the bait and then leave," Tristan interjected.

"Me and Maddy. That is, if she is fine with it," Xander immediately said.

Maddy nodded immediately understanding why he wanted to do so. However, the others were not happy with sending the future Alpha and the human together.

"Think about it. They wanted to kill both of us for whatever the reason might be. If anybody else goes, they might not chase you all the way but if we go, they will definitely come after us," Maddy tried to explain.

Xander bumped her shoulder with his. "She is right. That's exactly what I was thinking."

Both the Alphas did not look happy with the suggestion. After sometime of continuous debate, it was finally decided that Maddy and Xander would be the baits, much to the Alphas' dismay.

As Maddy was leaving the room along with everyone else, she looked back to see Diana lecturing Justin, her hands moving wildly. Justin was staring at the ground the entire time, like a puppy who just got kicked. Maddy grinned at that scene. She could see why mates were so important in the world of werewolves. If Diana hadn't interrupted the fight, the two Alphas would have started a full-fledged fight right over there.

"Maddy, I didn't know you were such a great strategist!"

Maddy turned around to find Xander walking towards her. Maddy waited for Xander to catch up with her and they fell into a comfortable pace.

"That happens when you read a lot of books."

Xander rolled his eyes. "Of course, it's all because of your books. Everything you do is because of your books."

"Yeah. Whenever I'm stuck in a tough situation I think 'what would insert a character name do?'," Maddy replied, grinning.

Xander stopped walking and turned to her. "Also, I'm sorry about what my father said. He usually isn't that rude."

Maddy waved her hand dismissively. "That's fine."

"I understand if you would want to go back to New York and not stay back for the battle," Xander added quietly, not looking at her.

"Are you crazy? No way am I going back to my boring life when cool shit like this is happening. Of course, I want to help in the fight in every way possible. You guys have become my family."

Maddy hugged Xander tightly. "And I'm not mad at your dad. I know that it was his wolf speaking. I kinda expected that an Alpha would be like that all the time but you both surprised me."

Xander grinned. "For a moment I thought you were actually going to leave."

"Nah, you ain't getting rid of me that easily.

Make sure to vote, comment and share this story. -Aroha