Chapter 58

Nathanial’s POV

**“Stop being a stubborn asshole; and tell Debbie and Cathy why you want to do this”** Malo shouts in my mind. **“They both took off before we could see them” “They will have to be at the meeting in the common room; tell everyone. They won’t think you are soft; in fact, Jessi will be happy you love her that much”** he tells me.

Adrian and myself head up to the common room together. “What scenario do you want to fake?” he asks me. “A truthful one; it will be more convincing. Maybe my dad was killed and sister was taken all in one night. You go to the toilet and let the drug dealer do his thing.” I answer. “That will work” he replies.

We get to the common room; Debbie and Cathy aren’t there **“So much for your insight”** I tell Malo. **“They have to come; they can’t start the meeting without them being here, as you are directly involved now.”**

Adrian and myself find a seat and wait for the others to come. “Do you think Debbie and Cathy will come?” I ask Ads; “They will; I ordered them to be here” Toby says overhearing my question and sits by us. I smile at him, “thank you; I need to explain why I am determined to volunteer.” I tell him.

The others come into the common room; Cathy and Debbie look pissed at the rear of the pack. They go to the opposite side of the common room to Adrian and myself. “I don’t think they are speaking to us” I laugh at Adrian; “looks that way” he laughs back. Their scowls grow more intense as they watch Adrian and myself talking together.

“Can we all find a seat and we will get this conversation started” Alex calls out. The rest of the group take their seats and Toby begins “First of all; thank you to all of you. I know this is a tough decision for all of us to make. Nathanial, Adrian; you have something you want to share?”

I take a breath; “I am not going to speak for Adrian. Malo is encouraging me to talk with everyone here on why I am determined to volunteer. Debbie; you especially. When Dad was killed and Runt was taken; I felt helpless. I was 14 and didn’t know how I was going to get her back. When Toby got hold of Alex and he was a year older and doing all he can to protect them, I felt even worse.”

Jessi comes over to me and puts her arm around my shoulders. “When Alex went to Emerald Moon to get them; I couldn’t go with him, because it would blow Alex’s cover; especially seeing Jessica’s replica in male form. Yet again; I felt helpless. Even, the fight on the Dessert Moon and Forrest Clan border; it was all the leader’s fight. I wanted a piece of Sebastian and Mark too; they killed my father and took my sister but it was more important for Toby, Rami, Tim and Alex to deal with them. This is something; I can do to help. Me and Adrian; nobody else. I can be of importance to the families, who have had loved ones taken due to drugs. Give back what I got back; my sister.”

I look at Toby; he gives me one of he’s crooked smiles. Jessica jumps off of her seat and throws her arms around me; she’s crying. I don’t want her to cry. “I love you, Nath.”

Debbie comes over and sits on my lap; she has tears in her eyes and kisses me “why didn’t you tell me this before?” **“Because he’s a stubborn ass”** Malo says to her, laughing.

“My version isn’t a sob story, like Nathanial's. Nathanial was determined to be a part of it and I can’t let him do this by himself. Sorry Cath but I still won’t let him do this by himself.” Adrian tells everyone. Cathy comes over and gives me a hug and then kisses Adrian; “sorry for being a pain in the ass” she says to him. “I love you” he says back to her.

“Have you come up with a plan to try and get the drugs.” Alex asks Adrian and I. “Sort of; I was thinking to keep it as truthful as possible because it’s easier to lie the truth; you can’t mess anything up. I go to the bar all upset; Dad was killed and my sister has been taken; all in one night; Adrian is trying to comfort me and failing. He goes to the bathroom and let the drug dealers’ approach to sell me the drugs.” I tell him.

“If we go and Mum’s going; who will look after the kids?” Debbie asks. “We will” Joe answers. “Gilly and myself won’t be going. I spoke with the other Master Trainers and we all decided to stay here and protect this territory; we can’t all go for who knows how long, and leave our defences down.”

“With the help of myself; the nursery and Omega Simone said she will lend a hand” Aunty Leanne adds.

“Mum said she will help out here too; bring Hope over for a playdate with the other kids” Toby said.

“Ladies; we will need to get sewing; make sure we have enough stock for Emma to sell while we are gone” Jessica says “Yeah; I have another idea for a dress Jessi. Maybe we can do a new range” Olivia chimes in. “I have a great idea for some overalls too” Cathy includes. “Ladies; keep the fashion talk for afterwards” Alex chuckles.

“Is there anyone else not going?” Toby asks around the room. “I was wondering, do we have to stay the whole time?” Bindi asks. “What are you proposing?” Alex answers her. “I was thinking do a roster. Those with children can come back and be with them as well. We could probably swap with some warriors so they still have enough fighters, to defend their territory if rogue attacks occur” she says looking hopeful.

*“That’s not a bad idea”* I mind link Alex, Adrian and Toby. *“I was going to say the same thing”* Adrian says. “You make a valid point, Bindi” Alex tells her “That’s a pretty good suggestion” Toby agrees “We should put it to a vote; all in favour of a roster system, raise your hand” Jessica asks; everyone raised their hand. “Majority rules; Master Joe, can you do up a roster for any warriors who would like to volunteer to help patrol the Fungua Pride please?” She adds. “Consider it done.”

“Are there any other issues we need to discuss before we get ready to go?” Toby asks around the room. “Mum; you are our main objective; we will have an enforcer on you at all times. They take their job seriously; you won’t even be able to go to the toilet without them hovering” Jessica laughs. “To give our enforcers a break; I will also ask the other packs if they can help with that detail” Alex adds.

“Anything else?” Toby asks. “I will see everyone down at the arena for training first thing in the morning; you may go” he adds.