The day before...

Blake's POV:

As I approached the hall, I noticed they had repainted the old wooden sign that read "The Silver Hunters." I remembered asking about the origin of our pack's name; after all, we were fairly new. It was founded some thirty years ago, with the purpose of protecting mankind with the silver that could kill us. We had a strict rule to never consume human flesh or blood. To break that rule meant a punishment worse than death.

I opened the door to the hall. It was very spacious, with its tall, sloped ceiling and three wooden tables. Two tables were saved for the majority of the pack, who were only there to eat their food. The table at the end of the hall was the table reserved for the leaders and their families. The deputy was second in command. He would act as leader in case the leader was incapacitated. But if his son is old enough to be leader, then he would take charge. I walked in slowly, afraid that everyone in the hall would smell my fear. I was afraid my parents would punish me for bringing Alyssa here. I didn't want her to run away and get killed. The other rival packs of wolves knew I called her my mate, and they would try to kill her so I wouldn't be the leader of my pack. I loved Alyssa I couldn't live without her.

I went to the table at the end where I normally sat by my father, the chief. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at me. I heard them whisper.

"What is he doing here?"

"I heard he brought a human here."

They annoyed me so much. I stood in front of my parents. My dad was the only one eating, ripping the chicken leg meat off with his teeth. My mom on the other hand had a knife and fork. She was cutting it slowly, not yet eating. Us werewolves have to eat meat or we go berserk.

"Why have you brought this child here? Have you not learned your lesson, my son? We are the pack of the Silver Hunters." His voice was so deep. It was no wonder everyone was terrified of him.

"I'm sorry, father," I said. "I didn't mean to disobey you. I just didn't want to leave her there. It wasn't my intention, but she knows about our kind now. I promise you she won't tell anybody. Just give me the weekend. I will convince her to be my mate. She's a great person. You just have to get to know her. Trust me." I bowed my head. That's what you have to do if your talking to the leader of the pack. He has everyone by the tail. We have to show him respect.

He nodded his head as if saying Yes, I understand. When a werewolf has an official mate, he gets this cool power to speak with his mate in the mind. I could see my parents speaking to one another. They shook their heads to say yes. I knew they would let her stay. It was all I could do to stop myself from yelling in triumph.

My father looked at me. "Son, I understand. You may have her stay for the weekend. After that, if she does not agree, she will be out of here. If she doesn't want to keep our secret, then we must kill her. We're not vampires-- we can't erase  her memory." He had his hand on his belly, chuckling at his joke. I smiled politely at him.

"Thank you, father." I bowed my head once more and left the hall. I wanted to go to sleep, since it night was starting to fall. As a werewolf, I should have been out hunting, but I was so wiped out from today's events. I went to the tent were Alyssa was passed out in. I felt bad about what I did earlier-- the book I smacked her with was really hard and heavy. That must have hurt.

I unzipped the opening and climbed in, then I zipped it back up. I turned around to see Alyssa sleeping peacefully. She looked so cute. I got in the covers and went to sleep, trying not to sleep too close.