Chapter 54

Jared's POV.

" I think I can answer that question." I had the perfect idea. I finished off explaining the rest of the story about Darius and his plans. Then I explained how Liam and I found out who the rest of the rogues already positioned in the pack are. They waited to question anything I was saying until I was done. I explained how I wanted them to help capture the rogues and get them to the cells. Paul said he would help in any way that he can.

"There's just one more thing I think you should know. There has been a lot of discussion about how to stop Darius. The only way we can even begin to think that's possible, challenge him and take the pack. Can you stand by that decision?" If there was any other way, I would take it.

" Yes, I think that's the only way. But who is crazy enough to do it? Let me guess, Jack?" He laughed a little, like he thought he knew the answer all along.

"It's not Jack, it's me." Paul and Laura's stared at me with a look of disbelief.

" Seriously Jared, who's going to challenge Darius?" Laura really didn't think it was me. I guess I couldn't blame either of them, they still thought I was human.

"Come now Jared, I heard what you did to Kormac. That doesn't mean you can take on his daddy." That was a low blow, Paul.

" Actually, he's the best shot we've got. He's a natural. I know he can do this." Here Liam was with an ego boost.

"But he's just a human. He couldn't possibly win against Darius. I guess you really are crazy." Maybe I was.

"I have an idea, spar against him. See what you think of his skills." Even Josie wasn't going to warn him I was a wolf.

"Okay, sounds fair enough to me. Let's do this." Paul went behind our privacy screen to undress and turn. When he came back out, he was a powerful looking wolf. He bowed to me to let me know he was ready. I nodded back to him, and the stalking began. Paul knew my trick of jumping on the back, so he was already prepared to defend against that. He let out a deafening growl and charged at me, I in turn went running towards the wolf without hesitation. The next thing that happened, I didn't even know was possible. I went to punch the wolf, only my hand turned into a claw. It was enough to distract him so I could land the punch. He went flying backwards at the force I sent in his direction.

"Okay, it's my turn Jared. Let him see me." Drake was ready to show off for everyone to see.

"Let's do this buddy." In a matter of seconds, I was fully turned.

I heard the sounds of shock all around me. I wasn't sure why though. Maybe because of the claw thing. I watched as the wolf got back back to his feet. Instead of stalking me again, he bowed down in front of me, acknowledging my dominance.

He then went back behind the privacy screen to turn and get dressed. I had to wait to do the same until someone brought me some clothes. I need to remember not to do that, clothes are expensive.

After I finally got dressed and came out, no one said a word to me. They all stared like I was some kind of alien. What did I do wrong?

"Can I help ya all? It's not like you guys haven't seen a wolf before, right?" Someone needs to talk, even if it's just a wow.

"Jared? How, how did you do that? You turned your hand into a claw. Then you turned in like only a second. It takes any of us at least a minute. I've never seen anything like that. I don't think anyone has." Liam looked very freaked out right now.

"I don't know how to explain it. I just did it. It's like Drake and I shared control instead of just one or the other taking it." What else could I say.

"Well, all I know is, I can see why everyone is in agreement for you to do the challenge. That was amazing." At least Paul is onboard with the plan now.

"The food is done guys, let's eat." I am so starving.

The next hour was filled with stories of our parents, when they were younger. Liz was feeling better about everything, it would still take her time to get through it though. She had all the support she needed here, with her family.

We were done eating when Jack came walking in. Paul and Laura looked like they had just seen a ghost. However, Liz got up and walked outside. I thought I saw tears in her eyes as she passed by me. Alex started to get up to chase after her, but I stopped her.

"Let me talk to her." I didn't want to upset anyone by saying her and I were in the same boat.

As I walked out, I could hear her crying to herself. Her whole world just got flipped upside down and sideways. I wasn't sure I could help, but I can try my hardest.

"Hey there, wanna talk about it?" I asked as I walked closer to her.

"Not really. It's not like talking is going to change anything, everything is what it is. A giant mess of destruction. All of this is like trying to stop a bomb after it's already gone off. How am I supposed to react about it all?" Her soul was breaking.

"I know our circumstances are not exactly the same, but I was angry, hurt, and ready to attack. You know I killed a rogue before I got Drake." Her eyes darted towards me. "Yeah, I went running to clear my head after meeting Stephanie's so-called parents. I went a bit too far out and a rogue decided it a good idea to put human on his lunch menu. Garrett can tell you. I don't know for sure what the future holds. All I can say, the past doesn't define who we are. I was raised as a human, now look at me. Just because I found out my parents weren't my birth parents, doesn't mean my personality has changed. I'm still me. I'm a better me, now that I'm complete. But that's a whole other thing. Do you get what I'm trying say?" I wanted to make her feel better.

"Yeah, that it doesn't matter if facts of life change, we're still the same people we're meant to be. I know, I know. It's just not easy to shut emotions off for people you've had for a long time. I love my dad, yes, I agree that he has to be stopped, but he's still my dad. I'll miss him when he's gone, but I want my pack safe. It sucks ya know." Now I was starting to feel bad.

"You can always look at it this way, at least Kormac isn't really your brother." I started laughing a little.

"Ha ha, yeah that is a relief. Now I don't have to feel guilty for not feeling guilty about calling him Satan all the time." Liz was finally starting to feel a bit better.

"So, do you want to meet Jack? He really is a good guy. Who knows, you might even get to like the guy." I saw a glimmer in her eyes.

"I guess, I'm going to have to at some point. It might as well be now." I started to walk towards the house when Liz stopped me.

"Thank you, Jared. Becca is lucky to have you. So am I." She was going to be okay.

I went in and grabbed Jack, then watched as he walked out to meet his daughter for the first time. I could tell he was nervous, but so was Liz. I watched for a little while to make sure everything was okay. They were awkward at first, then Liz started getting angry. I started to get up to go check on them, but Alex grabbed a hold of me to stop me.

"This is something they need to work out on their own Jared. Just wait." And we both watched as Liz broke down into Jack's arms.

I listened to more of the conversation going on around the table. The night seemed to drag on a bit. Tomorrow was going to be a long day. I had a list of rogues we needed to get to the cells. I just hoped that there wasn't more Walter either didn't admit were here, or that he didn't know about. Maybe Liam could go over all the newcomers to make sure we aren't missing anyone. I didn't want anything left to chance. That might be something Alex could help with.

"Liam, don't you have a list of all the pack members here? Maybe there's a way to cross check everyone we know is a rogue and see if there aren't any that might be missing from the list. I'm sure you and Alex could eliminate possible rogues together." I don't trust Walter enough to think that he told us everything.

"That's a good idea. Paul, you want to help to? You help train all the newcomers, maybe you could give your own opinion on some of them." I never realized what Paul's part in the pack was.

"Of course, you go grab your files, we'll clean off the table." Laura was already grabbing plates.

"Here, I'll take Jack and Liz's plates, I don't think they're quite done yet." Becca covered them up and set them in the oven.

The rest of us went to the living room to sit back and relax for a while. It occurred to me that I need to figure out who was going to be my pack council. Who would I assign positions to. I didn't want to leave anyone out. Would the elders insist on anyone? What will they think about all of this?

I started wondering about the elders. They were the ones that voted to let people in and kick people out. They helped make laws and advise the Alpha on many plans. Did they know anything about what was going on? The thought made my skin crawl, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was way more to the story we didn't know. This might not be as easy as we thought.