The flight up had been a pain as usual for Kadrian and Esther. Neither liked to fly but it was the quickest way to get around. There was quite a number arriving with them. Mike, his mate and child, Joli, her mate and pup, the parents of many and the rest of his team. All total there was a good twenty or more. Even a few of the other pups from their parents had come with. The change of pack was going to be a huge deal. Kadrian had ensured Adam had known how many were coming up for the change of pack.
When they reached the pack house it was a huge meeting. The team with Zane was there as well as some of his friends. As people started climbing out of the bus, people started moving forward. It was emotional for so many since it was like leaving him permanently. Zane came forward and gave Rico and Mindy good hugs before moving to his sister and Oscar, "I have missed the four of you so much it isn't funny. So glad to see all of you."
Once he had greeted them he turned and gave the rest of his family good hugs, "I am going to miss you two little stinkers. Love you kiddo's." He leaned against Mike and Annie, "Miss you as well but best for me." He turned and gave his Aunt and her mate good hugs as well, "Thanks for everything Auntie. Love you as well." He wasn't tearing but it was obvious he was feeling emotional.
Adalia was there as well and he gave her a good hug, *I noticed Auntie finally admitted you are her junior wolf. Good for you and her. You feel so much better than before.* He had no interest in her as a female but did care for her.
She returned the hug and held on for several minutes, *She and Ivan did, best day of my life. It is thanks to you Zane. Love you and thanks for the help.* She gave him a light kiss and let him go before starting to pull bags out. They were going to be there for a week.
Zane stepped back, "Alpha Adam, Alpha Brook, these are my family and friends. Abby and Brandon are the parents of..." He introduced them to the two to those important to him, "My family even if not by blood. Thank you for letting them come." He was so damn close to being a teary mess.
Adam smiled and nodded, Brook pulled Zane in for a hug, "They may not be your blood relations, but they are bonded as close to you." She told him before turning to the visitors, "Welcome. I know you would be tired from the trip, you can come relax in the pack house, or the grounds. You all will be welcome to come back at any point and visit."
Adalia moved over to Zane once the greetings had been done and spoke quietly to him, "Olivia and others have mentioned the wolf pack. Do you think it would be possible to go and visit?" When he pulled her into a hug she relaxed against him, *Zane if you don't mind my asking, how come you haven't shown interest in me?* It had been really bothering her. She was curious to know his reasoning. She wasn't all that active but there had been a few wolves she had been with.
"I will talk with Adam and it shouldn't be a problem before everyone fly's back." He pulled her into a good hug and felt her relax against him. When she asked him why he hadn't made a pass at her, he didn't hesitate to answer, *When we first met I was involved with Tessa. You were also healing and didn't need that sort of interest from me. I was working to build trust between us and that would have damaged it. Later? It is hard to explain. You are a pretty woman and I mean that. Not really sure how to explain it but to me you are a friend.* Zane had to make a slight face, *I hate to say it knowing you are my Aunt's junior wolf is some of the issue as well. Ultimately, I do care for you and always will but it is just something I don't feel would be right. Besides I know Jason likes you and has spent some time with you. Now shall we go in and get all of you settled?* That was probably one of the hardest things he had to do. He liked her, she was attractive, but he simply had no interest in her that way.
"Thank you, I would appreciate it." Chances were the Alpha had heard them talking but she appreciated his willingness to do that. When he replied to her other question she had to consider his response before giggling, *Oh, you are scared of your Aunt? I will have to remember that. Thank you for talking to me. Some food soon would be nice as well.* Adalia ignored his teasing her about Jason. Damien didn't have an issue with it which was nice.
*****
Stepping up before the gathered pack and the many others from Mac Tire' Dona Pack that had come up, Adam and Brook smiled. There was an expectant air from the pack; as expected everyone knew what was going on. Zane and the others had several of their classmates there as well. They had postponed their trips home to be here to witness this.
"Welcome all!" Adam started. Brook hated doing the speaking, so she had no problem letting Adam take the lead. "We are having another unusual event happening, one that few packs ever do," he started, building the suspense. "We are having an entire Team join us." The pack had a stunned silence for a bit before erupting in howls of joy.
When it died down, Adam continued, "As the Mac Tire' Dona Pack uses the Blood Bonds, to bring them in, I will need to do so as well, which is why they haven't joined the bonds yet."
"Zane! Step forward." Adam said after letting the suspense build for a bit.
When he stood forward, "Zane, do you wish to leave the Mac Tire' Dona Pack and join the Wild Valley Pack?"
"Yes I do Alpha." He did want this even if it meant leaving his other pack. It would give him a new start that didn't have as many memories as his old pack.
Alpha Kadrian nodded, "I accept this. Zane, I consider your pack oaths fulfilled and release you." He was a damn good wolf and it was going to hurt losing him but he knew it was for the best, nor could he really stop him; all he could do would be to withhold his blessing and cause strain between the two packs, and that would just cause future problems.
"Will you uphold the Pack Laws?" Adam asked, continuing. He and Kadrian had modified the normal oaths, to contain the release as well.
"Yes Alpha." Pack laws? They were what mattered. If a pack didn't have laws or if they didn't follow them, then what did they really mean? Nothing from his point of view. If you didn't, the pack wasn't worth anything and it would be anarchy. No pack could survive that.
"Will you protect all those that are weaker than you, even if it means laying down your life for them?"
"Yes Alpha. I will do what is needed for the pack." This was his life and meant more than he could express. He was trying, but again the urge to close people out was starting to show. Damn it, he had come to hate the closing down of some of his emotions. It was taking time but damn it he hated it.
"Will you guard the pack secrets that are entrusted to you with your life?"
"Yes Alpha. I will guard all pack secrets as needed." The pack was now his life as an Enforcer, "I will protect both my old and new Pack secrets with my life." He met both Kadrian and Adam's eyes when he said that.
"Will you obey those in the pack that are senior to you to the best of your abilities?"
"Yes Alpha I will. I will obey the ones senior to me and protect those junior to me." He was an enforcer and it was showing.
"Will you help your packmates to the best of your ability, whenever possible?"
"How can I not Alpha? My pack and my team. I care for them even if they might irritate me. I will do what is needed."
Adam did the oaths for the others of the team, one by one. He still felt the oaths were personal, and as such couldn't do them in a group but one by one.
Zane and his team knelt in front of Adam and accepted the blood of their new Alpha. Kadrian, Esther, and their parents all howled to acknowledge the change of packs. It was an emotional time for all.
Adam could feel the bonds form almost instantly, as the blood entered their mouths.
"Welcome to the pack!" he called out before the pack could howl, as he felt the last bond form. As that howl died down, the cousin pack added their own welcome to the wolves.
When the wolf pack, real wolves, howled, Zane and his team couldn't help but lift their heads and howl back at them. It was a promise to continue to protect them and respect their lessor cousins.
Kadrian and Esther had to take a deep breath as the pack bonds were broken. Even though this had been approved, it hurt. They were losing some of their wolves but all had requested this and it had been allowed. Even losing Olivia was hard, since she still wasn't an adult. It was right for them though, since they could feel the bonds between Zane and his team; apparently, the bonds and loyalty between them were stronger than those to the pack as a whole. That tended to happen with the best teams, as they almost were a mini-pack within the larger pack. It allowed them to work more seamlessly, which helped the pack. It had been rough for him and his team had gathered and supported him.
Adam smiled and nodded, Brook stepped forward with the trays of resin, "As we do at this pack, we take imprints all the members. We accept these as part of the pack, and give them the chance to leave their pawprints behind." As they had been told what to do, Zane and Olivia, as they had been born human, gave a handprint, and as they joined the others to shift, the second layer was added.
Zane and the others stripped and shifted. They had heard about the paw prints and seen them. They carefully place their prints in the goop that was set before each. It was a wonderful way of showing how the pack felt about current and new members—they were literally leaving a pawprint on the pack. One which would remain, even after their death. Once he was done Zane lifted his head and gave a good howl in pleasure for being allowed to join and become part of the pack. It was obvious he was pleased.
Adam smiled and lead the way to the trays of food prepared for them to eat. Lupitia had pulled all the stops to make the food, and he expected really good things.
Kadrian and the others came over and gave Zane and his team good hugs, "Proud of you Zane. Wish you could have stayed with our pack but I understand. You are still part of the pack in a way and you have unlimited access to visit. Might have several crutches sent to Olivia if needed." When Ester growled at him he started laughing.
Zane returned the hugs, for good measure he grumbled at Kadrian, and leaned against Esther, "Thank you for all your help Luna. This is best for me. I do care for you and Kadrian but I have to do what is best for me." He handed out hugs to the others from his former pack. His headache could be ignored for the moment. It wasn't bad compared to some he had.
Tashi, her parents, and their Elder had come for the day, to bare witness to it, and to solidify bonds between the packs and pride. The Pride Leaders wanted to thank Kadrian for helping support Zane. Tashi had confided that he helped her come to the decision to ask for help and they knew it.
While the Pride and Pack leaders stood together, Tashi bumped Zane's shoulder, "Since we are now going to be fairly close, you need to come see me once in a while, and Alpha Brook promised I can come here and see you!"
He grunted at her when she punched him, "And deal with lazy cats? Never!" He grinned at her before pulling her into a good hug, "When time permits I will come up and chase a lazy cat around." He had been to her Pride several times and had met her parents but they still were settling in and getting used to their new territory. That and he was a wolf. From what he understood there weren't many wolf packs where she had come from so they weren't comfortable with him, yet.
Tashi's parents came up to Zane to tender their congratulations as well, as did several of the instructors that didn't take the chance of the break to head to their home packs or prides. Fabian was among them; he barely had ties with the pride he was from, and while he called it his own, he was there only every two or three years. He was mostly treated as a visitor there now, as few—other than the oldest—even really remembered him.
Several of the students that Zane and the others had made friends with had foregone going home with the others, and had decided to stay, including Katya and Alonya. They knew of the change of packs, and realised it would be a massive pack-wide party.
Zane took the time to greet each of his friends who had stayed back to witness the change of Packs. When he hugged Katya and Alonya he couldn't resist teasing them, "Not so much city-wolves are you now? There's a bit of country in you."
Kat lightly punched his arm, "And you are still a died in the wool stinky-country wolf." It was going to be interesting going back for more than a few weeks. She had invited Zane and his team back once or twice to return the favour. It had felt so weird to go from having the run of about everywhere in whatever form you wanted and being home. New York was her home but she had a feeling she was going to be spending more time at their property in the country.
Alonya snorted even as she gave him a good hug, "Tessa will deal with you for me. It has been enjoyable but I can't wait to get back home. I think you made the right choice." She moved away and let his other friends come over.
When Beth came over he had to smile, *One of these days I would like to visit your family. You have met mine and I would like to meet yours.* It would be interesting but he hoped nobody would think he was dating her. They still spent the occasional night together but at most they were simply good friends.
*One of these days. Now go enjoy the party for all of you.* She also moved away so others could come up. When she noticed Willow whisper something in his ear, Beth wanted to snicker. Chances were good for the next week he wouldn't be sleeping much at night.
Alpha Gareth and Maria waited till he was done with greeting his friends before moving in, "Welcome Zane, and congratulations on graduating." He said as he gave the young adult a good hug, "There were a few of my wolves that wanted me to make sure you knew that as a Wild Valley member, you are welcome down at my pack at any time."
Zane returned the hug, "Thanks Alpha, it feels odd knowing I am a graduate and officially an adult now. I am pleased to know that. It has been a while since I was down there and I wouldn't mind saying hello to some of my friends I had made." He let Gareth go and turned to give Maria a good hug as well, "Thanks for coming up Maria. It is good to see both of you." It surprised him that he could feel faint bonds with them as well. It was something he would ask Adam about later.
Gareth grinned when he felt Zane's surprise, *It's not really a secret, just not talked about; Adam and Brook have not broken their bonds with us. So, in a sense, we are all one big pack.* Gareth told the young wolf. *You will be able to sense us through your bonds to them, as we are linked through them.*
Ah, that made sense. It was obviously something he wouldn't have known since he hadn't been pack. Now that he was he could sense the bonds, *That is a heck of a big pack, Gareth. Even before taking in the others your pack was larger than ours.* It hadn't been massively larger but it had been larger. With all the new wolves, the pack must have come close to doubling in size.
Gareth nodded, *Yes, and we are looking at another split in under century; I am letting John season since we can, before starting up that pack. That is a pack secret.*
Zane nodded and just let the tidbit sit in the back of his mind.
John and Bri had also come up to officially meet the wolf that Adam seemed to have high hopes for. When they greeted him, and congratulated him for graduating, they shared a knowing look, as they knew that he had been in the top Alpha stream, even if he hadn't been told that. His willingness to take on an Alpha to protect his team showed he had the potential. They could feel it in him now, and a protectiveness that exceeded his current seniority.
*****
Even though the sun hadn't set yet, and the party was just starting, Adam could see that the party was going strong, and would likely last all through the night.
Seeing Zane wincing a little, probably from the headache form the bonds to his old pack breaking, and the new ones forming, walked up to him as they stepped away from the dance area, which had the loudest music, "If you want to go rest and come back later, nobody will say a thing." Adam advised quietly, "I doubt the party will have ended by the time the sun comes up, so many will come and go." Already some of the hard partiers were taking naps in out of the way spots he could feel, and there would be others at different times. "Don't try to take any drugs, as that will make the bonds brittle, as they are fragile till they are fully formed. Make sure to let the others know, especially your sister."
"Healer McCoy already sat us down and drummed that into us. I don't remember a headache last time but that time I was just joining a pack. It sucks since I am going to miss those bonds but I am already loving the feeling of the new bonds forming." He gave a good stretch and with a yawn wandered off. He found his team piled up in a stack of cushions someone had brought out. He flopped into the middle and curled up around Mindy. As he did that he felt Rico move a bit closer to his back. Later he would relax with Olivia and Oscar. He had missed them so much even though they had kept in contact during the last two years.
"The headache is due to the breaking of the bonds more than the new ones." Adam said, as he watched the group pull out pillows, "I'll get a couple of mattress pads for you, so you can be a bit more comfortable." He should have realised it, and got them in here already. He motioned for Olivia and Oscar to come with him, and he led them to a large storage room and pulled out a couple of mattresses, "There are always extra here, let Jess or Joshua know if it gets low. We tend to be hard on the mattresses." He tended to destroy one every year himself. Brook tended to be hard on them when she was in heat. He let them take them off to their team, as he headed back to the party.
Mike had waited for Adam to settle Zane down even as he was dealing with the loss of the bonds. He had gotten used to having Zane there in his mind and the sudden loss hit hard. It was to be expected but it was a disturbing feeling. While he was waiting for Adam to come back he had to smile at Annie, she was with several other wolves with young pups. Their pup was now almost three and a handful. Joli was over there as well and Ivan was laughing with several fathers as they traded stories about their mates and pups.
When Adam came back Mike approached him, "Mind if we go and talk for a few minutes? I have a few items I would like to talk about concerning Zane." He had seen the course information Zane had been nudged into and wanted to talk to Adam about it.
Adam nodded, and led Mike off to a private meeting room, seeing the look on his face, and closed the door behind, setting the In-Use flag. He sat down on a chair, and waited for Mike to speak. He was quite willing to give time to Zane's uncle. He could see the stress from loosing the bonds to Zane. It was always hard to lose a wolf, luckily, they hadn't lost too many, and those were to Mates rather than sudden deaths.
Mike followed him to the room and settled down, "I noticed you had Zane moved to the Alpha track. I was wondering why. I know he is dominant but that seems... Odd to me." He definitely didn't want Zane pushed faster than was good for him. Zane didn't know about this which was good. If he had it would have strained him, "Not saying it is the wrong idea but I don't want him pushed into something which isn't right for him."
Adam nodded, "I pushed him up, in consultation with Fabian. I could feel that he would do better in the Alpha rather than the Beta track. I had talked with your Alpha for approval, but asked it to be kept quiet. I think once he has some experience, he would do well at pack executive levels." He smiled, "I have heard that the Beta instructors were glad he was moved, as they were going to have a hard time giving him enough of a challenge for him to excel, and the only real difference between the two is the Alpha track has higher expectations, and more leadership training, and a class on how to make the hardest decisions, one of which Zane already had to do; turn someone. That course also taught how to deal with it, which he really needed."
Adam shook his head, "It is going to be several years, if not decades before I would even consider him, as he needs practical experience before he moves higher. Since I'm a bit biased, I'm having the elders keep an eye on him, so it isn't just affection for him that gets him the advancements." Deciding to drop the bombshell, "You need to keep this to yourself, but I am considering him for Second."
Mike almost growled. It wasn't at Adam but at Kadrian for not having passed this on. He had only noticed the difference several months ago. He had been keeping an eye on how Zane was doing but not necessarily the path he was on. When Adam mentioned the beta instructors being challenged he couldn't help but feel proud. You two would be so proud of Zane. He has come so far since being turned. I will continue keeping an eye on him and Olivia for you, "Thanks for letting me know Adam, I just don't want him rushed. He has finally settled down and I don't want anything to interfere with the balance of his healing. As far as Second? I can see that. He did try and take on an Alpha to protect his team. Damn boy kept trying to give me grey hair." He grinned when he said that.
Adam laughed, "Now he can try that with me," he shook his head, "You are welcome, and I want him challenged, so he isn't looking for trouble. I finally figured out the 'Wolf Gardeners' they keep laughing about. We will keep that from happening again. I have been tasked him with being taught the pack by doing lots of random patrols, and also doing backfilling. I have a policy of giving eight hours' minimum down time between patrols, unless there is no choice, as I don't want burnout. I have an experienced enforcer that will be with them and help him learn."
Mike started laughing about the gardener thing, "I don't think you have to worry about that here. That was with two bullies in school. From what I understand they are still looking over their shoulders anytime his name comes up." He had to shake his head to chase that thought away, "I don't think you will need to worry about anything like that again. One thing he does need to learn is to temper his anger when he is irritated. I think it is a holdover from when he had been changed. He has very little... Ah, leeway? Not the word I want but it works, when someone threatens what he considers those under his protection. His first reaction is to beat the crap out of them."
Adam continue to smile when they were able to stop laughing, "Yes, that is an issue I have had to work hard at. I have at times gone overboard, especially with that former alpha... I was trying to decide arms or legs, and where to break them, when Zane asked me not to go too far, and just end it. That got me out of my rage, and got me calmed down.
"Good, I am glad you understand Adam. He is a good wolf and will do you proud. He just needs some tempering. I am going to miss having him around but I do agree with him. This is the best place for him. It gives him somewhere that doesn't have so many bitter memories. Many of the memories from the first year... They hurt him and he needs a change. Keep me updated on how he is doing. His parents would expect me to keep an eye on him."
"He's not a good wolf..." Adam said, before pausing, "I think he's got it in him to be a great wolf. As to memories, he did mention it in why he wanted to change packs. I have equipped his pod with a video conference system, and every computer has it as well. That will allow him to stay in contact. Feel free to contact me if you wanted, as well. Beth has also been taking courses on mental health, and Healer McCoy thinks she could be some sort of Mind-Healer, with some training, and as such has taken her under his wing, and I know she is also keeping an eye on Zane."
He finally stood, "Thank you for listening Adam and answering my questions. I agree but when I said a good wolf, he will do you proud and not challenge you. I can see him doing very well for your pack and you and Brook as his Alpha's. I have seen the setup and it is impressive. Now we should get back to the party." When Adam stood, Mike gave him a good hug before walking out of the office with him. Zane would do well here and he knew it. He sent a prayer to the Ultimate Luna in thanks.
Adam smiled and caught up with Brook, "Well, another parent reassured we have the best interest in their pup." At her confused look, *Mike figured out we had upgraded Zane from the Beta to Alpha stream, and seems he hadn't been told. I reassured him we would challenge them, but not push them to where they would fail.* He didn't want any wolf to fail.
Brook snorted at her mate, "Remember Zane isn't a pup any longer. If you try and call him that he might bite you. I would hate to have to thump on him for that." She could understand Mikes position on the whole issue.