Family

20

"What were you doing by the border?" Dad asks, obviously worried about me.

"I wanted to go for a run." I tell them. I don't want them to know about the other pups bullying me. They would feel bad. My family doesn't treat me like I'm different, so I can ignore the jerks.

"You know better than getting close to the border, son. We've run it together multiple times. You know where it is, so why were you there?" He asks, and I pause, trying to think of a good answer.

"I smelled a few other pups scent in the area. We're you playing? Lost track of where you were?" Uncle Scott offers, and I nod. That's as good an excuse as any.

"Yeah, I just don't want to get the guys in trouble." I add hoping they buy it. Mom smiles, hugging me.

"You made friends!" She cheers. I know she was getting worried. Lee is a social butterfly and made friends right away, but I've stuck to my brothers. She's been pushing me to make friends. "You have to invite them over for dinner." I guess the idea of me making friends got me off the hook for going out alone.

Dad sighs, joining the hug.

"Just let us know next time you go out, alright?" He asks, but I know it's not a question.

"Yes, sir." I nod, and he smiles.

"Hey, Si." Uncle Scott says, and we look over. "Mind if I talk to the boy for a bit, Jack?" Dad nods, and I follow Uncle Scott to his office.

"What's up, Uncle Scott?" I ask, and he nods for me to take a seat.

"What was really going on with the other boys?" He asks.

"Nothing." I respond. "Making friends." I stumble over the world friends, knowing it's a lie.

"Want to try that again?" He asks. "I'm not your parents. I'm not blinded by my desire for you to socialize. I'm the Alpha, and I need to know what is going on in my pack."

"I won't give you names." I tell him before sighing. "Sone of the other pups don't see me as a real wolf because I was bitten not born. Add to that how sick I was... they think I am weak and shouldn't be in the pack."

"I didn't need names. I could smell what boys were out there with you... I'm assuming it wasn't a friendly run... do they hurt you, Silas?" He asks.

"No." I answer quickly, then sigh at his raised eyebrow, knowing he doesn't believe me. "I avoid the worst of it."

"Do you want to deal with them yourself, or do you want me involved?" He asks, surprising me.

"Do I really have a choice?" I ask. I know my new family tends to be protective of me, so it's hard to believe Uncle Scott will let me handle things myself.

"You do." He nods.

"Then I want to handle things myself." I tell him.

"Fine, I won't confront the other boys... but you are going to start training." He says.

"Training?"

"One, you will be learning more about wolf culture. You've become part of the family, but my cousin has kept you from pack life. He's protecting you as any father would, but it's a disadvantage for a young wolf to be so segregated. I'm going to have your brother, Paul, give you a crash course on wolf culture and pack life. It will help you know how to respond to other wolves." He tells me, and I nod. That makes sense. I've mostly been at home. I haven't interacted with most of the pack unless it's running from other pups who want to bully me.

"Two, Jay is going to work with you on self-defense. Wolves respect strength. It's obvious after today that you are strong. You shocked some of my best warriors. Most pups wouldn't have survived that attack. I won't force you into intense training... in fact, I wouldn't let you try warrior training even if you asked, but if you learn to protect yourself, the other pups will grow to accept you. Every time you run, you reinforce the idea that you don't belong. Wolves are too proud of creatures to run. Being born human allows you to suppress the urge to fight, but honestly, Silas, if you'd stand up to them, you'd be better off. Jay will help you to stand up for yourself. I don't want to see you becoming a bully, but I'd like for you to feel safe here. I don't encourage picking fights. I encourage ending them."

"But what if I'm not strong enough? What if I stand up for myself and they beat me up?" I ask.

"I don't believe that will happen... but if I'm wrong and the other pups beat you, you will still gain a degree of respect simply because you stand your ground. It's a wolf thing. We don't run from a fight... you don't have to do it if you are really that worried. No one will force you. Your family will protect you... I just see something in you, pup... you could become a strong wolf if you so choose... how about we start with your wolf culture lessons with Paul then if you  choose to you can pick up sone lessons with Jay, sound good? No pressure."

"I guess." I agree. I never realized how different things could be. I know I'm in another country. I know most people don't look like me... but I never thought getting beat up could be a good thing... but then again, Lee never took crap from anyone. I know she lost a few fights, but she always had her chin held high... I think I really do need to learn more about who I am, as a wolf,  now. "I want to learn."