It was Shivey's last full day of R&R and she fully intended to enjoy it. Up early for one last swim, Shivey smiled when saw she'd have the pool all to herself, if only for a short time. Taking advantage of the time alone, Shivey relishing in the silence; the only sound being the cut of the water as she moved through it.

Thirty minutes later Shivey was relaxing on one of the deck chairs soaking up the early morning sun; it was going to be another beautiful day.

After catching her breath and forcing herself away from poolside, Shivey made her way back to her room where she showered and dressed ready for a day or pampering and indulgence. Coral would be so proud of her. She'd booked herself into the hotel's day spa. A full day of being pampered was not something Shivey had ever contemplated; never one to waste time or money on something she could do without, but...

Shivey needed this. Deserved this. And damn it, for the first time in her life she wasn't going to consider the cost.

Shivey was going to let herself have it! She'd even considered having her hair done, figured it would be a total waste of money because she's only sleep on it then travel home next day getting no benefit from it what so ever.

Her hair would just have to stay as is and with that in mind Shivey gave herself up to the capable hands of Rene and her staff at the hotel's day spa. All thoughts of home, family, Alphas and any other difficulties she might be headed back to were pushed aside.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taren sat at the kitchen table with Owen a mug of coffee in his hand. He had known Owen for most of his life, had always trusted him. Owen had initially worked for his father; insisted on coming with Taren when he'd taken on his first position as Alpha. That had been some time back and now they had move to a new position, a bigger Pack.

Taren was new to the area, but some of his old Pack members had opted to follow him. His Beta, that is to say his second in charge as well as several other prominent males - several of his lieutenants and their families. His lieutenants weren't soldiers as such, but they did what was needed to keep the peace. Shifters were known to have a short fuse, Taren's lieutenants made themselves available to ensure situations didn't get too far out of hand. Shifters policed their own.

Pack Security was an issue, hence the need for Taren appointing a 'Head of Security'. Who he appointed though, was important because he not only had to be good at what he did, he'd have to be accepted by the rest of the Pack hierarchy - i.e. its lieutenants. Today's meeting would be to officially introduce Rhys as the new Head of Security and discuss any issues that were relevant.

Owen took a seat opposite Taren waiting quietly for the Alpha to speak. He'd known the man since he was a child, had told the boy's father he would be leaving his Pack to go with Taren. A situation that led to Owen being able to walk away from his duties with the blessing of the Alpha. Taren's father knew his son would be in safe hands, at least he'd have someone close to lean on if there was ever a need. A need as there was now.

"I've invited Coral, Siobhan's friend over for lunch today, she made those cookies I gave you, so I thought you two could talk recipes while I'm in the meeting. She's house-sitting for Siobhan and..." he cleared his throat. "She's bringing a furry friend with her. A rather large cat." Taren put his mug on the table unable to stop himself from laughing.

"You're not going to believe this, but Rhys is scared to death of the tabby." The expression on Owens face said it all. "Yeah, she's responsible for the way Rhys looks at the moment."

Owen stifled a laugh, slowly shaking his head. "I'm very much looking forward to meeting both visitors. You said Coral wanted to talk recipes; perhaps she might like me show her around the gardens as well."

Taren nodded, "Good idea. I can take care of Katnip while you're roaming the grounds. Katnip already likes me, so I was thinking she could sit in on the meeting with us. That way Coral won't need to worry about her. What do you think?"

Owen smiled softly, "I think it should be a memorable meeting. Will I be serving lunch to anyone else?"

"No Owen, today is pretty much a meet and greet, but if you could organise coffee for when everyone arrives that'd be good." Taren rubbed a hand through his hair considering his next words, "Having Rhys on board will be useful in regards to the locals feeling more confident about me. He's a local boy and from what I've discovered well liked. At least by most people."

"Oh?" replied Owen a little confused.

Taren shook his head, "He's Siobhan's brother. The bastard might be good at his job, but he's got a hell of a lot to learn about family and taking care of them." He got to his feet, moving to the sink to rinse his mug and set it on the drainer.

"You know he threatened to have Corals cat killed for scratching him up, when the damned cat was only trying to protect her."

"Then I'm certain," Owen began, "by the end of today's meeting, Rhys will realise that this particular feline is a friend of the Pack, and that he will need do all within his power to keep both the feline and her owner safe."

Taren met Owen's eyes a grin played across his face. Yes, it would be an interesting meeting. They needed Rhys, both for his expertise and his connections within the community. That being said, Taren wasn't about to let the man use his position to bully any of his people and both Coral and Katnip were now his people.

Taren sighed, "I'll be in my office if you need me. Coral and her furry friend should be here by twelve thirty."

Taren sat at his desk looking over some paperwork unable to fully concentrate on what he was doing. He had high hopes for Rhys, was hoping he'd have a few recommendations for local men they could look at pulling into his ranks.

Taren fully intended to make this his home and melding both his people and the locals would be vital in keeping the peace. The last thing he needed was the Head of Security to be arrogant and full of himself. Best to sort things out now and if it took a cat to do it, then so be it.

Taking a deep breath, exhaling he focused on his work, all thoughts of Rhys, tabby cats and the upcoming meeting pushed aside. In what seemed like minutes there was a light knock on his door and the sound a scuffle. Taren lifted his head and realising he'd left his door open was surprised to hear a hiss, a squeal then see a flash orange cross his office floor before landing in his lap.

Luckily he'd pulled back from his desk, giving the flash of orange enough room to fit. Taren looked from the tabby to Coral standing in the doorway looking like she was ready for the world to fall down around her. Or for her new Alpha to read her the riot act for letting her cat run loose through his house.

Taren looked down at the tabby so comfortably rubbing up against his leg like he had every right to do so. Like he belonged there. He looked up at Coral again, saw tears glistening in her eyes. He knew she was expecting him to yell at her. He couldn't. He'd invited her and Katnip into his home. If Katnip took that to mean she could treat it as if it were her own; who was he to tell her any different.

Any other Alpha would have been on his feet screaming his head off by now, not Taren; he actually saw the positive side of the situation - saw that Coral needed this to be okay. What could he do but react the only way a person could react - he let go, letting laughter take over.

A moment later Coral was smiling, several more moments and she was laughing with him. He beckoned her into the room and she moved forward taking a seat opposite him. "Thank you both. I needed a good laugh. This job can be far too serious at times, and this morning I've been buried in paperwork." He gave Katnip a scratch behind the ear and she purred softly. "I'd forgotten cats can often times come into a home and either hate it or immediately assume they have a right to own whatever parts of it they choose."

Coral smiled softy, "Katnip likes you Taren. She likes Owen too. That's three homes she feels comfortable in. I've never seen her take to anyone as quickly as she did with you?"

"It must be my charm." He smiled hoping to put her at ease. "Do you like Owen? If you feel comfortable enough he might even show you some of the gardens while you're here."

That brought another smile to her face, "He seems really nice. Oh and I baked this morning. I brought a few things for you both to try."

"Wonderful. Now did Owen ask you to come get me for lunch?" Coral nodded in reply, so he got to his feet careful of the tabby, bringing her up into his arms and carrying her as they made their way to the kitchen.

Owen had put up individual plates of sandwiches, roast-beef with cheese, tomato and lettuce each with a side salad of slaw type vegetables. The sandwiches were huge, made with what looked like a crusty home-made bread. Sitting in the centre of the table was a serving dish with an array of cookies surrounding a dozen good sized cupcakes. Coral smiled softly, giving Owen a nod in thanks for putting up her baked goods for dessert.

They ate in the kitchen making it less formal, even Katnip had a bowl set down by the fire. The meal was enjoyable and filling, although both men were determined to partake of Corals baked good.

Just as Coral had taken a first bite of a chocolate cup-cake the kitchen door opened to a tall well-built man who seemed to take up most of the space available in the doorway. Her eyes roamed slowly from the toe of his scuffed brown work boots all the way up his long muscular jean clad legs; hesitating a moment at the buckle on his belt before continuing on.

Coral sighed softly; never before had she seen such male perfection, he had muscles on his muscles and all in the right places. When she reaches his face and realised he'd been watching her, a cocky smile on his face. She blushed every shade of red, quickly turning away from him.

Katnip sensing her friends unease moved into the space between Coral and the man hissing and spitting, letting this man know he was about to get a claw full of her wrath. The man took a step forward and Katnip moved as if to pounce and he froze looking towards his Alpha unsure what to do.

Taren placed a hand on Corals shoulder giving it a slight squeeze. "Coral, this man is my second Thomas Bradshaw, my Second or as some Packs would say my Beta.

Coral glanced at the man in the doorway again before looking up at Taren. Her eyes sparkled and the corner of her mouth crept up into an almost smile, then she pushed her chair out a little and turned slightly. "Katnip, come here sweetie. Come on," she called softly patting her lap, "I doubt he's as tasty as Rhys."

At hearing Rhys' name Katnip turned to Coral ignoring the man and was soon in Corals lap rubbing her face against her friends arm, purring and doing her best to curl up and get comfortable. Both females ignoring Thomas when he finally entered the room.

"Boss?" Began Thomas somewhat confused before returning to business. "I thought I'd get here early in case you wanted to go over anything with me."

Taren nodded at a seat opposite him and Coral, "Have you eaten?"

When he shook his head in the negative Owen got to his feet to fix him a sandwich and pour him a coffee. Coral was about to go see if she could help when Thomas spoke. "I apologise if I embarrassed you. It's not often I find the boss sitting around the kitchen table with a beautiful girl. Especially one with a big mean kitty cat."

If his comments were meant to pacify Coral he'd made a big mistake. Taren knew, as did Owen, that he'd taken one look at Coral and assumed she was a soft weak female who'd need protecting. Thomas was about to discover just how independent and protective Coral could be in regards to those she cared about including her 'mean kitty cat'.

"So let me get this straight. You apologise to me, a grown 'woman' then call me a 'girl' and insult my friend and protector by calling Katnip a 'mean kitty cat'." She put a finger to her chin as if in deep thought for a moment then continued. "Actually you're correct, Katnip can be one hell of a mean kitty cat with people she doesn't like. She can be especially mean with people she believes might harm me or Shivey. Like, oh I don't know... your Head of Security! She did a pretty good job of decorating his face after he tried pushing me around!"

The room was dead quiet and Coral realised that she'd let her temper take over. In the Alpha's home. Against the Alpha's second in charge. Oh my god! I'm dead! Dead. Dead. Dead. She turned slowly to Taren. "I'm so sorry Taren. I should just go."

She could feel tears pricking her eyes and wanted nothing more than to run - get the hell out of there and lock herself in Shivey's house until she got home. Or find a deep dark hole and hope it would swallow her whole.

She tried to get to her feet but couldn't. Taren still had a hand on her shoulder. Coral gulped believing she was in an incredible amount of trouble, lowering her eyes now unable to even look at him.

"Coral, you're not a girl, you're a strong young woman. I believe you've just showed Thomas not only that you have strength and independence, but that you're willing to defend those you care about. There's no need to apologise and there's no need to leave unless you'd like Owen to show you the grounds."

Corals eyes found Taren's, "But?"

He smiled, turned to Thomas and cleared his throat. "I'm making the announcement at this morning's meeting, but I'll give you the heads up. I've taken three local females under my protection. Siobhan Anderson, Coral Wilson and," he gave Coral a confident smile, "Corals fearless protective tabby Katnip." He reached down and gave the feline a rub behind her ear and was rewarded with a purr.

Thomas looked a little stunned for all of about five seconds before realisation hit. "Please tell me this is the cat that did damage to Rhys?" When Coral gave him a nod his face lit up as he made his way to Coral's side kneeling so he could hopefully make peace with the feline.

Thomas slowly lifted his hand towards the cat speaking softly, "I really am sorry if I upset you Coral, honestly the last thing I expected when I came in here was to see a beautiful woman." Taking note that Coral had tensed up and her eyes hadn't left the cat he took another tact. "She's your protector, yours and Siobhan's?"

He waited for a response, when Coral nodded he continued, "I heard Rhys spouting off about not being able to get access to his sister's home. I take it that was Katnip's doing huh?" she nodded again and he smiled. "Good. The man can be pushy at times and it probably hurt his pride that a female took him down." He laughed, "Or should I say feline?"

He slowly extended a hand to stroke Katnip's back, hoping she'd let him without incident. She must have sensed he meant no harm, because he was soon stroking her back and scratching her behind the ear. "I think she likes me?"

"Katnip picks up on how I feel, like umm she can sense if I'm upset or in distress. That kind of thing and she reacts to it. She does her best to protect me from whatever she believes is causing me harm. Umm... like," she glanced at him, "like Rhys did yesterday."

The calm expression Thomas held disappeared swiftly changing to anger. His eyes turned a deeper, sharper shade of brown almost the colour of Jamaican dark chocolate. "What did he do?"

Coral pulled back leaning into Taren becoming flustered, disturbing Katnip. Thankfully before the feline could do anything Taren grabbed hold of the feline bringing her to his chest with one arm, while wrapping his other around Coral.

Taren growled softly. Not an angry 'what the hell' or 'stop what you're doing' kind of growl; it was a growl that let everyone know he was there, that he was in charge and that they should remain calm. 'They' actually being Thomas.

"Coral is house-sitting for Siobhan, Rhys' sister. She's away for a few days and didn't want him moving in. When he arrived at Siobhan's home and was told he couldn't stay he didn't want to hear the word no and tried forcing his way in. Let's just say he and Katnip are not the best of friends and since she is protective of both women..."

"Katnip attacked Rhys." It wasn't a question, it was a statement. Taren and Thomas now looking eye to eye, had reached an understanding of sorts. The three females mentioned were now under the Alpha's protection.

They would be protected not only by all the Alpha's men including Rhys, but also every member of the Pack. The corner of his mouth quirked up just a little. Coral noticed, "What... what are you smiling about?"

He came to his feet, the smile growing, "As Head of Security, it will be part of his duties to ensure the safety of those close to the Alpha. Those near and dear to him. Those he has taken under his protection."

"Holy crap! That's so going to piss him off. Especially now that Shivey won't let him move in with us."

"So you have decided to move in then?" Coral nodded in answer. "Good. When is she due back?" Taren asked.

"Tomorrow afternoon. Shivey's supposed to pick up her order first thing in the morning then head out. She's likely to take her time coming home, especially after what's happened. You know make her time away last." She shrugged helplessly.

Taren nodded, "I don't suppose her parents have..." Coral shook her head.

"They won't. They never do. Right or wrong, her mother won't admit she might have done the wrong thing. Shivey has always been the peace maker."

"This time?" Taren asked?

"This time I think hell can freeze over before she contacts any of them."

"Good."

Thomas had taken a seat and began eating the sandwich Owen set in front of him. He didn't know what had taken place at Siobhan's parents' home, he wouldn't ask any questions, not yet. He'd wait until he was alone with his Alpha to get the full story.

Thomas was never one to judge or act on rumours or pieces of a stories. As the Packs Second, he was responsible for the safety of the Pack so needed to know if there were any problems or potential problems that he would need to deal with.

Once they'd finished eating Coral helped Owen tidy the kitchen before he organised an urn of coffee for the conference room. Taren and Thomas discussed the upcoming meeting while Katnip snoozed in his arms, digging in her claws if she felt she were about to be vacated from her favourite spot. Taren laughed, snuggled the tabby closer, "don't worry, we're just moving things into another room." Katnip answered with a purr bringing a grin to the man's face and a light to his eyes.

Thomas shook his head, "This is going to be an interesting meeting."

After Owen organised coffee and biscuits for the meeting, he coaxed Coral out the kitchen door to show off the back garden, explaining as Shivey had the different plants and colours of the flowers that were yet to bloom. Coral could see the pride the man had in his garden especially when he stopped at the small herb garden Shivey had made especially for him to utilise for his cooking.

"Owen you should visit when Shivey comes home. She's got a whole lot more herbs and I bet she'd put something more together for you that you could probably have built into your windowsill."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, especially for a few of the more delicate herbs. We should have tea on her return and discuss this." They spend a good hour wondering around the grounds, sitting in several of the different areas and enjoying the views.

------------

Not long after Taren and Thomas made their way to the conference room Taren's men started arriving for the meeting. There were fourteen of them in all not counting Thomas. Each one somewhat surprised to see their Alpha petting a rather large feline.

Thomas glanced around the room noting that Rhys hadn't arrived as yet then the sound of a commotion coming from the front of the house caught everyone's ear. Taren gave Thomas a nod of his head and swivelled his chair around so he was looking out the window behind him and not at the doorway that Rhys would be coming in through. He'd let Thomas handle whatever Rhys was bringing with him.

The men near the doorway moved out of the way, heading towards the coffee or their seats. They all knew Rhys was full of hot air and probably wanted to put on a show of it since this was his home town and all. They were correct to a point.

Rhys strode into the conference room, his face set with purpose, his eyes full of anger and his right hand carrying what looked like a cage. Before anyone could comment he slammed the cage onto the table with so much force it shook the glasses sitting at interval around it.

Rhys expected his Alpha to turn around and say something, when he didn't, he growled, "This is my home and if I'm going to live here there are some animals that need to be put..."

He didn't get to finish that sentence. At that moment Taren swivelled his chair around to face him stopping Rhys mid-sentence. The blood left his face, something like shock spreading across it as his eyes moved from Taren to Katnip and back again. He kept repeating the process as if unable to believe what he was actually seeing... then. "No!"

"Ah, Rhys. I'm glad you're here," began Taren in a calm voice. He looked at the cage. "I don't think that will be necessary."

One of the men grabbed the cage, tossing it into the hallway so it'd be out of sight. Taren gave a slight nod of appreciation before turning his attention to Rhys, all calm and totally in control. He gave Katnip a scratch behind her ear earning himself a purr for his efforts. He smiled at the feline, continuing that smile as he looked at his Head of Security.

"Take a seat."

Rhys knew an order when he heard one; even if it sounded like a request. He took the seat closest to him, his eyes never leaving the Katnip.

"When you're ready, we'll get started." Taren gave the rest of his men time to grab a coffee and take their seats, petting his feline companion as he did so.

"Right!" he began. "First of all I hope you've all settled in to your new homes, be they in the Pack barracks or in the housing Owen was able to source for you." Taren waited in case any of his men had a problem with the housing they'd been allocated, but Owen was good at what he did and everyone seemed happy.

"The second point on our agenda is to introduce our Head of Security, Rhys Anderson. He's a local, been away from home training and learning a deal in regards to security so he has both points in his favour. I'm also hoping he'll be able to help ease the transition of change. Having a new Alpha is one thing, but having an Alpha move in with half of his old Pack is another."

The room erupted into laughter and a few of the men made comments around 'we'll show them how a Pack should be' and 'yeah, but I'm sure we'll fit right in'. Taren waited for them to settle down then gave Rhys a nod, "Welcome to the Pack."

The men applauded him and those closed patted him on the back in welcome. Rhys actually looked embarrassed, but got to his feet looked around the room at each and every man before stopping at his Alpha. "Thank you. I promise to do my best to uphold our laws and watch over all of our people. If one of our Pack is in need you've only got to ask and I'll do whatever's needed to protect them."

"I expect nothing less of every man here, but especially someone responsible for security. And that brings me to the next thing on our agenda. I've recently had the opportunity to spend time with a number of families in the Pack. They have decided to organise a welcome ball in my honour."

Have the room cringed and he didn't blame them. "Don't worry, I have it on good authority that 'ball' is just a fancy name for dinner dance. But! We'll need security organised for the night so Rhys, you'll need to coordinate with the organisers.

"Next on my list is the fact that you are so well known here and I'm hoping to recruit some of the locals as Lieutenants, this will I'm sure help the transition and we'll all feel more like we are one group rather than two trying to meld."

Rhys gave him a nod, "Sure thing, I know several men that would be suitable. I'll contact them and set up interviews."

Thomas spoke up, "Work with me on that okay, first interviews with me then we'll see where we go from there."

Rhys just looked at the man. "The Boss had got too many other things to deal with right now. Me first then they go to him for a final interview. Got it!"

"Got it." Rhys didn't like it, but had to go with it. He might be Head of Security, but Thomas was Second in Command.

"Right!" began Thomas, "I think that was about it for our first meeting, unless there's something else anyone wants to bring up?"

There was quiet for several moments and just as people were about to break up the meeting Taren spoke. "Actually there is one more thing."

Everyone sat back in their seats, all eyes on their Alpha, "It is the responsibility... no actually it is the privilege of an Alpha to care for each and every member of their Pack. From the youngest to the eldest member.

"While people live their own lives, the Alpha sits on the peripheral caring for the Pack as a whole. Sometimes and very rarely does an Alpha see the need to step in and take over the care of an individual within their Pack. Today I'm informing you then you in turn will inform the rest of the Pack that I have brought three females under my protection." Taren paused looking around the room his eyes finally stopping on Rhys before he continued. "Their names are Siobhan Andrews, Coral Shaw and her feline friend Katnip."

Rhys tried to come to his feet would if not for the men either side of him holding down by his shoulders. He growled, but he held him tighter. He glared at Taren, was unable to hold eye contact lowering his head. He could not believe this, his Alpha had taken Coral and that damned cat under his wing! He shook his head not wanting to believe it.

Taren cleared his throat, "These three are to be protected as if they are my own. To harm them is to harm me. If you do harm to any one of them, you do so at your own risk. You do not want to know what the consequences that will incur. I want this known to every Pack member by the end of this week."

The room erupted into chatter, the men wanting to get back to their work and now also wanting to pass on the work in regards to the three females. The men left the room leaving Taren and Thomas at the head of the conference table and Rhys, how didn't seem to have the strength left in him to be able to get to his feet.

They watched him, finally he tried to stand, "Sit." Taren said. Thomas got to his feet and closed to door so they'd have some privacy before taking his seat beside Taren.

"I went through a pile of resumes' and came up with you Rhys. I sent yours aside and watched you. I figured it's one thing to look good on paper, it's another to actually be able to do what it says you can do and you can do it. But you've got no heart. No true loyalty to family and if you don't have that how am I supposed to trust you?"

"I can do my job Taren, you know I can. What happened at the house was family stuff. It was private."

"Yeah, it might have been that, but what your family did to your sister, the fact that you sat there and left her hanging. The fact that you've repeatedly used her as somewhere to be until you got a better offer... tell me I'm wrong?"

Rhys could no longer look at his Alpha, all colour had drained from his face. "Does this mean I'm out of a job?"

"No. But I want you to consider the fact that a damned feline is a better judge of character than you are right now. And she's more welcome in my home than you are. Like I said, you're good at what you do; the rest you need to earn. You know Siobhan loves you, but right now she doesn't want you or your parents in her life and I'm inclined to agree with her. Make it so! And in case I didn't make myself clear, you stay away from your sister and tell your parents that I said they were to stay away from her as well. Clear!"

"Yes sir."

"Then I think you know what your first job of the day is, right after you get rid of the damned cage!"

Rhys finally was able to get to his feet and leave. Thomas who'd stayed quiet throughout the exchange turned to Taren, a half grin on his face. "That went better than I expected." Both men burst out laughing upsetting Katnip who jumped off Taren's lap running in search of somewhere warm and quieter to take a snooze.