The moment Alex walked into the room, Caius looked at him. He didn't say anything nor did he look bothered. It took a lot to faze the younger of the twins. He merely nodded in acknowledgement when Alex greeted him then watched him head straight for the bathroom. Claudia would worry. He smelled of blood that was no his, after all. He quietly waited for the outburst he was sure would come from his twin.

Gabriel stopped laughing and stared at the vampire when he walked in. He was still wary of his adoptive father but when Alex threw a rubber ducky into the tub, a delighted look came over his small face and he immediately snatched the toy up. In a few more minutes, he was again laughing and this time conversing with the squeaky toy.

Claudia, on the other hand, smelled blood. A werewolf's and a vampire's. She put aside the bag of toys Alex handed her and was immediately on her feet. Despite knowing about Alex's capabilities, she inspected him thoroughly, her face etched with worry. At that moment, she didn't care about Casey or anyone else. "Are you hurt?" she asked, her voice a little tensed.

Alex put his hands on her waist and pulled her into him kissing her soundly on the lips. "I am fine. None of it is my blood. There is not a scratch on me. Most of it is Casey's blood, and some of Long Shadow's." Alex looked around and called out "Caius, you should hear this too."

"When I got to the club Long Shadow asked me where Kitty was. That he hadn't seen her in a few days. I told him what had happened to her and he became upset as one might expect. I went upstairs and a few minutes later I heard screaming in the distance. When I got to Casey she was barely hanging on. Long Shadow was tearing her up viciously, I can only assume he was taking Kitty's death out on her." Alex hesitated a moment.

"Before I go on I should tell you that Long Shadow was a friend of mine for more than the last 300 years. There was only a second to make the decision and so I killed my friend to save Casey. She was not deserving of his vengeance. I healed her and took her home where I met your pack leader, Darric. They seem like a nice couple. Anyway, that is where I texted you from. Then I went to the store for our boy here." Alex tossed another tub toy into the water and smiled at the child's glee.

@Kyrisse

While Gabriel laughed and splashed gleefully in the tub, Claudia continued to inspect her mate. Although Alex had assured her that he was not hurt, she needed to make sure that he really wasn't. She let him kiss her but continued inspecting him as he called Caius over and narrated what had happened earlier. She only relaxed and wrapped her arms possessively around Alex's waist when she had made sure that he really was okay.

Caius did as was requested. He silently walked back to the bathroom and stood in the doorway. Even when the vampire had walked into the room, Caius already smelled two distinct scents on him. The blood of a vampire and a wolf. A regular wolf would have attacked, assuming that the vampire had killed one of their own from the smell alone. But Caius was far from being a regular wolf. He had the capability of staying calm and listening to reason before passing judgement, a characteristic that made him invaluable to Darric and the entire pack. When Alex recounted how he had met Caius' alpha, he nodded, hearing the truth in his words. "Thank you for saving one of us. I admire you for adhering to what was right and not merely acting based on the loyalty that comes with friendship. I am, however, sorry for your loss."

Claudia looked at Caius then at Alex. A proud look was on her face. "Thank you," she said. She watched him toss another toy into the tub and smiled. The man she had imprinted on was truly amazing. "And like my brother, I am sorry to hear that you lost yet another friend," she looked towards her twin and gave him a look that meant that he was to watch the little boy still splashing in the tub. Caius gave her a curt nod before Claudia led her soon to be husband out into the room. "Are you okay?" she asked. "And I don't mean physically."

Alex smiled slightly at her concern. He knew she meant well and he hugged her to him. "I am fine as long as I have you. Long Shadow was Kitty's mate. They were together for over a hundred years. I expected him to be upset but he can't be killing innocent wolves in place of the guilty ones we already took care of."

He remembered the look on Long Shadow's face and how badly torn up Casey was. "Casey was dying and he was grieving and attacking her for Kitty's death. No matter how bad his grief was it wasn't worth the life of another. He was beyond talking to, there was no other way." Alex looked down into her eyes and he smiled. "Thank you for asking but I'll be fine."

He leaned down and kissed her soft lips and tasted them greedily. He could feel his need for her growing inside him and he whispered into her ear. "How long will your brother be here and does he mind babysitting for a little while?" His teeth grazed the side of her neck and he kissed her neck suggestively and smiled at her.

@Kyrisse

Claudia felt her body respond to Alex kisses and she laughed at the memory of what Caius had said earlier. He was right after all and they would need him to watch over their adopted son more than a couple of time. He placed a hand on Alex's chest and pushed him away gently. "Hold that thought. I'm just gonna go take Gabriel out of the water and dress him up." She stood on tiptoe and ran her tongue lightly and suggestively across his lips before she walked back into the bathroom. When she got there, Caius was already toweling the boy dry.

"Cartoons!" Gabriel said, his voice muffled by the towel.

"Fine, fine. I suppose I can't argue with that since cable's playing cartoons 24/7 now. You better share the popcorn though." Caius muttered in defeat.

Gabriel laughed gleefully as he nodded when his head popped out from underneath the towel.

"Told you, you'd need me to babysit," Caius said just as Claudia walked in.

"Oh, shut up," Claudia muttered as her cheeks flushed bright pink. "Can you though?'

"Sure. Knock yourselves out," he laughed out loud when Claudia slapped his arm loudly.

"Mommy, are you watching TV with me and Uncle Caius?" the little boy asked as Claudia assisted him in getting dressed.

"No, no, mommy will be a bit busy so you're stuck with me, runt." Caius answered before Claudia could say anything. "You better feed me something good for this, sis," he said as he reached out and took the child into his arms. He winked at Claudia as walked out.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you want," she laughed and gestured for his brother to hurry up.

As soon as Caius and Gabriel was out of the room, Claudia locked the door and crossed over to where Alex was. She reached out, her mouth hungrily claiming his as her hands busied themselves in removing his clothes.

He and Sara had played for a while and then gone to ground to avoid the bleeds for not doing so. Afterwards when the sun set and disappeared they got up and Shade pulled her to him and declared, "Come on I'm taking you to the club."

Her eyes got big and she smiled and brushed her hair. "Am I dressed right for the club? Should I change?" Shade went to her closet and opened it. He pulled out a short skirt, black heels and a sexy top. Sara smirked and undressed and went to her dresser and pulled out sexy undies and put them on. Shade watched with contained lust and before she got very far he had buried himself deeply into her and he heard her laughter turn into moans once again as she moved with him. A little later he shook his head and kissed her.

"Get dressed, I'm leaving the room this time." Shade got dressed and left the room. After cleaning up she got dressed and put her hair up in a simple style. She knew he wanted her to fit in but he also wanted to show her off and stake his claim as her mate. That knowledge made her grin like a fool. When she came out of the bedroom a few minutes later she smelled like lavender and when Shade turned around his expression and the light in his eyes said all she needed.

"Well? Am I Ok?" It was all Shade could do not to mess her up and take her back to bed. Her grin told him that she knew it too.

"You are a goddess. Come on, I have to work in the bar or Long Shadow will come up here and-" Shade realized that his friend didn't know yet about Kitty. He kissed Sara and took her hand and they walked outside to the car.
@Kyrisse

Darric slipped silently out of his apartment as soon as Casey fell asleep. He didn't really wanna leave her alone especially after what had just happened. But he need to know. He needed confirmation. And how else to get what he needed but to go to the place where it all happened. With quick, long strides, he made his way to the club. It wasn't difficult to find. All he really needed to do was to retrace Casey's steps. Her scent still lingered in the air as well as her spilled blood.

Soon, he found himself standing at the exact same spot where it happened. The scent of Casey's blood was strongest there. As he stood there, he felt his temper flare up. She could have died while he was sleeping. He could have lost her forever. He closed his eyes and vowed to never allow that to happen ever again.

He took a deep breath and willed himself to calm down. There was a reason why he came to this place. And it was about time he got to it so that he can get back to his sleeping mate. He was a pragmatic man. He needed evidence to back up words he was given. He took a deep breath, letting the scents guide him to what really happened.

Two vampires were in the same spot with Casey. Alex and an unknown vampire. He nodded his head slowly as he understood what had transpired. The lingering scent of death confirmed what Alex had told him. Claudia's mate really did save his mate from death. And by confirming it, he found a deeper sense in the debt he owed the vampire.

That was all he needed. It was time to go.

He turned just in time to see two vampires walking towards him.

Shade and Sara got out of the car and Shade put an arm possessively around Sara and they walked into the bar. The music and noise died down to a low roar immediately. Several of the vampires gave looks at him and more looked at Sara. One of the vampires named Gretchen slowly walked over to Shade and she gave Sara a cursory look and then ignored her. "Your maker killed my brother. He ripped his heart out with his bare hands!" Shade glared at her a moment. He had never liked Gretchen. She was one of those vamps that wanted to screw everyone she could and she wouldn't forgive him for turning her down repeatedly.

Shade could feel the tension emanating from Sara and the rest of the bar. "I don't know anything about it Gretchen." He walked past her pulling Sara with him. "If you don't like it get the fuck out!" More than half of the bar seemed to back Shade up. "I'm sure there was a good reason for whatever Alex did. Since this is HIS bar you should get out, Now!"

Gretchen was raging and she balled up her fist. Sara was watching every flicker of movement she made. Sara used all of the things that Shade had taught her in observing vampires on the edge. Just as Gretchen moved to attack Shade Sara stepped in and punched her in the throat. "Leave bitch!" Eliciting a shriek of pain from the older vampire. Sara's speedy movement and training allowed her to out maneuver Gretchen's recklessness and strength. After several moments it was clear that the baby vampire was more skilled but she was going to lose because of her age.

Gretchen was throwing her around like a rag doll. Shade reached into the fray and he grabbed Gretchen by the hair and yanked her back causing her to scream like nobody's business as part of her hair was ripping from her scalp. Sara got up and broke a chair taking the wooden leg and as Shade let go of Gretchen Sara jumped on her and staked her through the heart. Gretchen immediately exploded into a pool of goo on the floor. Sara, a bloody mess looked around the room slowly and challenged with venom in her voice. "Anyone else?"
@Kyrisse

Darric stepped into the shadows just as the vampires turned their attention towards him. This really wasn't the time to be picking fights. He was not in his territory and while offing two vampires was easy enough for him, the bar was filled with more. He would be overwhelmingly outnumbered. He watched the vampires walk into the bar and as they pulled open the door, he could hear the sound of fighting from within.

Darric shook his head. And he thought only werewolves have the temper to contend with. It will be a challenge to bring in Claudia and Alex to stand in front of the whole pack. It would be difficult. But definitely not impossible. He turned and walked away. There really was no point in meddling with vampire business. Their fight was their own.


Claudia laid beside Alex, tracing small circles on his chest, her cheeks still flushed from their lovemaking. "No matter how many times I have you, I don't think I'll ever get enough of you," she said with a smile, thinking back on how they met. It was funny to think about now. How she thought he was arrogant and irritating. She had already imprinted on him the moment she laid eyes on him but she was just too stubborn to admit it. And when he first kissed her... she knew she'd follow him to the ends of the world.

And here she was nestled in his arms. An adopted child with her brother outside. Everything was perfect. And she will fight to keep it that way.

Alex wrapped Claudia in his embrace kissing her and touching her seductively. He lifted her into the air and her legs wrapped around him, he leaned her up against the wall as his passions arose. Within moments the bedroom was alive with their lovemaking. "I told you everything was alright." Alex murmured to her. His hearing caught something and he heard Sara and Shade come into the house. Shade sounded irritated so Alex got up and put some pants on. "I'll be right back babe."

Alex went into the living room and as soon as he saw Shade's expression he waved them outside with him. Alex had no sooner stepped outside when Shade said,

"It would have been nice if you had mentioned that you killed Long Shadow. We just got confronted about something we had no idea had even happened."

"I would have said something if I had seen you before you went to the club." Alex said. He smiled when Sara butted in.

"I just kicked ass and staked my first vamp and I did it in front of the entire bar!" Alex's smile immediately disappeared.

"Well then, I would hope they will be smart enough to leave you alone. Who did you kill?"

"Gretchen, Long Shadow's sister. She wouldn't leave me alone and she attacked first. Almost everyone seemed to be on our side so there shouldn't be any trouble."

Alex nodded and seemed okay with this answer.

@Kyrisse

But the unrest among the vampires was something to note. Darric was a smart man, he never let something slip by without scrutinizing it and using it to his advantage. He walked into the shadows and a second later, a large wolf emerged from it, its gray eyes gleaming in the darkness. His ears perked up at the sounds around him and without wasting another second, he let his strong legs carry him to the edge of town and into the forest. He ran full speed into it, darting in and out of the trees until he got to a clearing. He looked up at the sliver of the moon peeking out from a blanket of clouds, raised his head and let out two successive, long howls.

It was time to call his wolves to him.

---

Darric may be a long way away from Alex's house but the twins heard his howl. Caius stood up from his position on the couch beside Gabriel, walked over to a window and remained still. Even though he was not in wolf form, he knew Darric's call well. And he was calling all the wolves of the Crimson Keepers to him.

Claudia, caught up in the throes of passion, heard the wolf howl but ignored it. She continued moving against Alex, each kiss, each thrust of their hips making her want him more. As they both reached their peak, she laid back on the bed panting. But she wanted more, a whole lot more. But before she could act on her desires, Alex seemed distracted by the arrival of his children. Sprawled on the bed, soaked in both hers and Alex's sweat, she watched him put his pants on and walk out of the room. Sighing as the door closed behind him, she stretched and yawned, already planning on dragging her mate back into more lovemaking as soon as he walked back into the room.

Another howl echoed in the night.

Caius looked at Gabriel, who was staring straight at him, obviously having heard the howl himself but was too young to understand what it meant. Caius smiled in reassurance and instructed the boy to continue watching TV and to stay where he was. When the boy nodded and turned his attention back to the cartoons he was watching, Caius made his way to Claudia's room, passing by Alex who was on his way to probably welcome home the two vampires that had just walked into the house. He knocked on the door. "You better not be naked anymore," he called out through the door.

The moment Claudia heard the second howl, she was on her feet and by the window, not really minding that she was still stark naked. Strangely, despite never being in a pack before, she knew what the howl meant. It was an alpha's call to his wolves. And she knew that it was Darric howling. Perhaps it was her strong connection to Caius? Or did it mean that she really belonged to their pack? There was a knock followed by Caius' muffled voice from the other side of the door. Blinking, she hurried to put on her clothes that were strewn all over the floor and was clothed just in time for Caius to walk in.

"Darric is calling," he said, straight to the point.

"I heard," Claudia replied.

"I need to go."

"I think I need to go too."

Caius raised an eyebrow but didn't seem to have any objections to it. "Is it okay to leave your little boy with your vampire? We can't bring him with us. At least not yet." he asked, obviously worrying about the well being of the little wolf.

"Alex is his father now. They'll be fine together," Claudia replied with confidence.

Caius nodded. "If you're sure, then let's get going."

Casey awoke and she immediately knew Darric was gone, and she heard his howl. She immediately jumped up and grabbed her keys as she threw some clothes on and ran out the door. As soon as the forest covered her from view she undressed and hid her clothes and keys before changing and darting towards her mate's location. She could hear other wolves answering his call and she howled as well. Casey darted through the underbrush and felt the rush of eagerness to meet the others. There was something she just loved about being a wolf. The sense of freedom was just addicting to her, nearly as much as Darric was. He was her real addiction and she would never give him up. As she came upon the scene of many other wolves Casey took in the sight with such pride in her eyes. As the wolves arrived they all bowed to Darric as their packmaster. She did as the others did and bowed to her mate.

---

Alex heard the howl and he thought it was Darric's voice. Within a minute or two later Caius and Claudia came nearly flying out of the house. He noticed that Gabriel was not with them and as soon as he was finished with his vampire children he went in to check on his little wolf boy. He found him watching tv as a little wolf pup. Alex smirked at him and nodded.

"I know how you feel buddy. Mama said I couldn't go either. I guess we will just have to find something to watch on tv ok?"

Alex's attention was caught by Charlie, the family dog. Charlie was apparently curious about the new wolf pup and a little angry that he was there. Alex raised his eyebrow at Charlie's growling and he glared at the dog and decided to see what the pup did.

"Gabe, it appears our dog is concerned about you being wolf. Don't kill him but you kind of have to teach him that you are his boss. Go ahead and growl back at him if you want to."

---

@Kyrisse

As soon as the twins arrived, Claudia positioned herself beside Casey, bowing her head low. Caius, on the other hand, gave Darric a small nod of his head as acknowledgement and then stood to the right of the alpha, signifying his position in the pack. His fierce blue eyes watched the shadows as the wolves arrived, one after another, each of them bowing low to Darric before positioning themselves in a semi circle.

First came a russet colored wolf. A male. He looked towards the two females, his brown eyes confused why one of them smelled strangely like a vampire. He issued out a low grumbling sound from his throat as an indication of his discontent.

A gray female came next, her golden eyes shifting briefly towards the two additional females. She too smelled the scent of a vampire. But unlike the russet male, she quietly took her place.

A brown wolf came forward followed by a black and white one. After which, several smaller wolves in different shades of brown and gray came out of the shadows.

Soon, 12 wolves stood in the clearing, 10 with their heads bowed low to the alpha and beta wolves. A cacophony of greetings filled each wolves head, the 8 pack members chattering animatedly with Caius particularly, the two females temporarily forgotten. Darric, on the other hand, looked towards the trees as a pure white wolf padded slowly towards the group. She carried herself regally and by the looks of her shiny coat, it was obvious that she took great care of herself...or someone took great care of her. Her golden eyes met Darric's gray ones and then she abruptly turned her head towards the two females, showing particular interest at the relatively new wolf, Casey. Realizing what no one else apparently did, she glared at Casey then turned her eyes to Darric, an accusing look in them.

You have imprinted.

It was a simple statement but it was enough to silence the chatter and thoughts inside each wolves' head. All eyes turned to the white wolf.

I have, came Darric's smooth baritone. This was answered by a displeased growl from the white female. This is Casey Green, acknowledge her as a member of this pack and my mate. And beside her is Claudia Aluredes, Caius' twin sister. Acknowledge her as a member of this pack. From this day forth, they will run with the Crimson Keepers. continued his commanding voice. He turned his fierce gray eyes towards each member of the pack, settling them last on the white wolf. You will acknowledge them as well, Sonja.

The white wolf turned her head back towards Casey and Claudia. She stared for a long moment at Casey, her gaze openly unfriendly. Darric took a step forward to place himself in between her and his mate. Annoyed but knowing that she can't do much about Darric's imprinting, Sonja turned her attention to Claudia, this time baring her teeth. And you even have the guts to bring in a vampire sex toy, Darric, She bared her teeth at Claudia.

But Claudia wasn't one to turn down a challenge or take an insult lying down. Even before Caius, the more level headed twin, could interject, she had already bared her own teeth and flung her own insult to the female wolf. "Just because you're feeling angry that Darric imprinted on Casey rather than you doesn't give you the right to insult me. Not that you know how it is to imprint."

Claudia's words were harsh and it was enough for Sonja to launch herself at the black wolf, fangs and claws ready to tear her apart.

Darric simply watched the two females go at it. It wasn't uncommon for fights to break out between wolves. It was how they settle disputes in the pack and he wanted to see who would come out on top.

Claudia proved to be the faster and superior of the two and she easily outmaneuvered Sonja's attacks. The white wolf yelped in pain when Claudia caught her jaw with her front paw, her claw opening a deep gash on her left cheek. When the other wolves began egging both women to continue fighting, Darric finally decided to put his foot down to end the fight.

Enough! he boomed, his tone effectively silencing the wolves. Caius came forward and placed himself in between his sister and his packmate. Blue eyes met the gold ones and a silent understanding passed between the twins. Claudia bristled but she stood down.

---

Gabriel didn't like being left alone in a big house that smelled unfamiliar and a strange. Being around his adoptive father wasn't exactly reassuring as well. Sure, it didn't seem like the vampire would harm him but he smelled so differently that the little boy still felt scared. He looked longingly towards the door where his adoptive mother and uncle disappeared out of and had half the mind to run after them. He pulled his little legs up and hugged them to him as he carefully tried to avoid the vampire's gaze, keeping his eyes glued on the TV,

When the dog came in and growled at him, Gabriel jumped and then crouched down on all fours on the couch, growling back at the dog even before Alex could say that he could. Aggravated by the unwelcome gesture of the dog and being left alone, he looked at Alex and growled at him too.

Casey realized that Sonja was obviously the bitch that had her eyes set on Darric. This instantly made her angry. Casey was surprised when Claudia and the white wolf started fighting because of the vampire scent. Casey was very aware that Claudia was fighting for both her and Alex and she felt proud of her friend but she really wished that Alex could be there to stand up for himself. She knew he would be upset to see Claudia hurt at all.

Casey wasn't sure how this mental connection between the wolves worked and so she just said in her mind what she needed them to know. "Claudia's mate saved my life. His name is Alex North and he is very powerful." The background noise in her head became a little more than she expected. "Claudia imprinted on him and they are raising an orphaned wolf child. He is a good man." At this point Casey stood in front of the pack and the fur on her back raised up in anger. "He is her mate and that is the end of it!"

Casey felt herself angrier than she had remembered ever being. Was it the wolf side that was doing this? She was normally so well contained and quiet. She looked at Darric with a question in her eyes and she bowed her head so she wouldn't be tempted to rip Sonja apart.

---

@Kyrisse

As quickly as it started, the fight just as quickly ended. And strange as it may look, the white wolf cocked its head towards Claudia and grinned, showing off all her sharpened teeth. It wasn't a feral grin but more like a grin a human would give. And it was accompanied by a distinctive female laughter echoing through all the wolves' minds. I give it to you, vampire lover. You fight well, Sonja commended and she lowered her head at Caius' twin, a sure sign of respect. Welcome to the pack, she added.

Claudia narrowed her eyes towards the white wolf. She stared at Sonja for a few minutes before acknowledging her welcome. She had apparently earned the respect of the female through the fight. Thanks, was all she could really say.

Sonja raised her head after Claudia acknowledged her welcoming words. She looked towards Darric, gave him a bow as well before limping back towards the other wolves. She didn't bother acknowledging the alpha's mate. Even when she spoke up, Sonja didn't react.

It was the russet colored male that spoke in response to Casey's words. His voice was deep and had a relaxed yet strong tone to it. A vampire raising a wolf pup. That is curious, yes. In my long lifetime, I have yet to witness a vampire showing that kindness to our kind. Perhaps, an alliance with this vampire is called for, Darric? He turned his wise brown eyes towards Casey then to Claudia. Our two newest additions to the pack certainly show high regards for him.

I believe so as well, Aeden. And I am glad you see it the way I do. Darric replied, obviously not bothered by the fight that had just happened.

---

Gabriel continued growling at both the dog and his adoptive father. Without the protection of his mother, he really didn't know what else to do. It was his built in instincts. But When Alex didn't seem to turn hostile towards him, he looked at him almost quizzically. And then, he eventually crawled into the vampire's lap. From there, he continued growling at the dog, occasionally looking up at Alex and pointing his finger at it.