"Jake is actually one of the reasons that I'm here, dad," I said while turning away from the other Alpha. Axel looked like he needed a minute to process what we told him, but I didn't have much time to spare for him. "I think Jake is going through some sort of transformation. It's not easy to describe, but he was a little different when I was with him this morning."

My father sighed and bowed his head into his knuckles that were raised on the desk. A familiar sigh if ever there was one. "How on Earth could it be difficult to describe? Was he more erratic than a bipedal gazelle? Did he sprout silver serrated spiraling horns from irregular positions of his head for a moment? I have difficulty imagining what could be so difficult to describe that you would use the phrase 'a little different,' in front of me."

Jake thought that my parents were only critical with him because they didn't like him. The truth was, they were both harsh and stubborn by nature, especially around my siblings and I. "He was more outgoing and eager to fight than usual. His eyes flickered a dark shade of green a few times during training as well. I wasn't paying close enough attention, but I think he became stronger when they did as well."

"There was also a pretentious Lepus Omega watching them train for most of the morning as well. She made it seem like at least one of the Lycans are interested in watching Jake constantly," Axel added. He seemed ready to drop the earlier topic and move on.

My father was a greater Beta, meaning he still led the pack in most situations until I matured enough to take on that role as well. For now at least, I still lacked the experience to do all that was necessary for meeting the pack's needs. Raw power alone could only do so much after all.

He took his time to think about the information we gave him with his chin resting on folded hands. Finally, he looked up and said, "we can't go against the royal family. We are already divided too much as a pack and there are many who take relief knowing that they are here with us. I don't know how, but someone seems to be exposing each member of the pack to the public one by one.

"This publicity stunt that you and your sister came up with may have gotten the demons off of our back for a moment, but it's starting to bite back at us. Now we have to deal with hate from the humans as well."

This was the first Axel had heard of this apparently. "How is that even possible? We literally just gained proper recognition legally in city hall. Hate crimes against us should be illegal now."

"The humans are not as united as you might think. Some are fine with us, but a lot aren't sure yet, and when a human gets scared...they tend to be violent." I told him.

"Exactly, which is why I am asking you to ignore whatever situation we may have regarding the Lycans. Leave them be, since we can't afford to turn our greatest allies into enemies. If they want to watch your mate, leave them be. I repeat, stay out of the Lycans' path. Do you understand?" he questioned as he rose to his feet and faced me eye-to-eye.

In his hard-wrinkled green eyes, I saw the words he wouldn't say. I saw that he was just trying to figure what steps he could take without falling flat on his face. There was no way that I could let the prince do what he wanted with my mate, but I understood that my problem only. The pack had other concerns. "I understand."

"Good, I'd like to speak with Mr. Astray now in private. If you don't mind, go assist your sister. Nicole could probably use a bodyguard with what she's up to now. May god help that girl who embodies all that is our Sin." With that said, he returned to his seat and I left without feeling any sense of relief after talking to my father.

Things are about to pick up pretty soon, so brace yourself for more drama and craziness ;3