Welcome to the Pack (open slash)

Jay kicked his shoes off too and took off after his mate, his long hair coming out of the hairtie and trailing behind him. He loved being out in nature like this, taking in the sights and scents. A minute later Phil, Leo. Frankie and Alex also kicked their shoes off and started to followed Lucien.

Lucien could hear the others behind him and he grinned as he dove into a bush and crouched down, the playfulness of the run sending him into puppy mode. He peeked from between the leaves to keep an eye out for the others so he could make his move once they joined him in the meadow.

Jay slowed down once he had reached the meadow, he didn't see Lucien anywhere. He stopped infront the bush and looked around. Leo was the first to catch up with Jay. "Where is Cien?"

Lucien smirked as he readied to pounce, his ears back as his eyes narrowed. He waited until Jay was a bit away from Leo before jumping on his friend.

"Hah!" He laughed before moving around behind Jay and grinning over his mates shoulder at Leo. "You let your guard down. You know better than that."

Leo gave a girlish squeak as Lucien jumped on him, he pouted at his best friend and stuck his tongue out at him. "No fair Cien....." Phil laughed as he wrapped his arm around his mate, "He got you good babe." Jay laughed softly before smiling at Lucien.

Lucien laughed as he nuzzled Jay's neck. He waited until Phil and Leo were involved with each other again before sneaking away from Jay and grabbing their tails, jumping and running over towards Jay again.

He missed this side of himself; the side that allowed him to be playful and give into the prankster side of him that Kane had said was his father's influence. His ears perked up and he looked around, frowning for a moment.

"Where's Frankie and Alex?" He asked. "Did we lose them?"

Jay laughed at his mates playful side, Lucien seemed so carefree and happy and Jay loved seeing his sweet and protective mate happy. Jay and the others looked around at Lucien's question before Leo let out another girlish squeak as Alex jumped on his back.

Lucien looked around and seen some movement in the bush behind Phil and with a 'HAH!' He leaped, landing on Frankie and laughing as they rolled around for a moment like pups.

Finally he got up and held his hand out to help Frankie up, a grin on his face as his tail swished happily. His ears were constantly flicking back and forth, listening for any noise that didn't belong in his place of solitude.

"Now that we're here, how does a dip in the creek sound? A nice cool off after a good run is always a good way to relax."

Everyone nodded and smiled at the idea and quickly started to strip down to their boxers. They were all eager to get into the cool water. Alex grinned as he moved his tail back and forth, "Last one in is a rotten egg!" He said before starting towards the water. Frankie smiled and started to follow his mate to the water. Jay looked at Lucien as his tail moved.

Lucien laced his fingers with Jay's and lead him towards the creek. He didn't care if they were the last ones, he just wanted to sink below the water while holding onto Jay.

The creek was clear and cool and Lucien stopped and watched as the others jumped in, laughing as Leo dunked Phil and then took off at a quick swim to escape his mates' playful ire.

"Ready?" He asked as he took a step into the water; holding his hand out for Jay to take.

Jay smiled as he watched the others play before taking Lucien's hand and following him into the cool water. The water felt cool but good against his skin and he moved closer to his mate. Frankie smiled as he watched Leo and Alex engage in a dunking war, both sides dunking each other many times. Frankie grinned at Phil as they joined in their mates play.

Lucien pulled Jay as close as he could, nuzzling him before lightly splashing him with water and moving away to join in the dunking play of the others.

"C'mon Jay. I think we can take them." He called as he dunked Phil under and then pounced on Alex.

Jay smiled as Lucien nuzzled his thoat lightly before laughing lightly as he was splashed. He followed his mate and joined in the playing, jumping on Leo's back. Phil grinned as he dunked Lucien before getting dunked himself by Frankie.

The play took Lucien's mind off of everything and before he realized it the warm oranges and yellows of sunset were lighting the sky and he smiled serenely as he pulled Jay close and nuzzled his ear as he watched the other mates start to wind down together.

He didn't want to leave the creek and go back but he was certain that by now the talks between the pack elders were done and that they were more than likely wanting to leave for their own home.

With a deep sigh he looked towards the others and nodded back towards the Pack home.

"You guys ready? It's getting late and here soon they'll send out the patrol to find us."

Jay sighed contently as he curled close to Lucien and looked up at the beautiful sky. He sighed softly when Lucien asked if they were ready to go home. He liked the quiet here with his mate but he knew it was time to head home. The others nodded with their own sighs and everyone got ready to leave.

The slow reality of life started to creep back in as they made their way back to the pack home and threaded his fingers with Jay's as they, Frankie and Alex parted ways with Leo and Phil in the foyer.

The hallways were deserted which for that time of day was normal, it dinner time so most of the pack would either be in the dining room or the ones that perferred to hunt would be out hunting.

The further down the fall the darker it became until only the wall sconces were lighting the way. The flickering light gave everything an eerie feel and Lucien hesitated only a moment before pushing the big door open to the meeting room. Over in the corner Kane and Show were just standing up and shaking hands with the other pack leaders and judging by the calm slump of Show's shoulders and the light swishing of Kane's tail things had done well.

Lucien lead Jay and the others over, catching only the tale end of the conversation.

"You are more than welcome to stay the night here with us, we have enough food to provide for two packs and would be delighted to host you for the evening."

Frankie and Alex watched as their pack leaders talk over the offer quietly, before they both nodded. "Thank you for the offer, we do not feel comfortable traveling though the outskirts at night and we will exsect the offer." Jay smiled at Frankie and Alex.

Lucien grinned and led Frankie and Alex to the dining room, seating them and Jay down and then heading over to get plates. He wove his way through the crowd but stopped when he over heard some of the pack whispering maliciously about Jay and scowling in his direction.

The hatred in their words made him see red and he tapped them on then shoulder, scowling as he crossed his arms over his chest. Their faces paled and they tried to back peddle but he stated lowly and with extreme ill disguised anger that if he heard that again from his pack that they'd find themselves out on the street. He didn't mean the words but he was so angry that he took a moment to step outside and take a deep breath before gathering the food and heading back to the table; his appetite gone as he slid in next to Jay; wrapping his arm around his waist and daring anyone to approach and say anything to them.

Jay could hear the whispers as Lucien left the table but he ignored them chooseing to talk to his new friends. But the way they talked bothered Jay in the back of his mind, it was similure to the the way a lot of his pack had talked about him. Frankie and Alex could hear the talk to and it made them angry that they could act like that to the pup. Jay relaxed when Lucien returned to the table again and curled close. But he could feel his mate's anger and he nuzzled his shoulder lightly, hoping to help him relax again.

Lucien took a couple of deep breaths to calm himself and he nuzzled Jay's shoulder back in return; taking solace in the fact that Jay was there by his side. His anger still continued to burn through him however and his tail swished angrily from side to side as he kept watch over the table.

He'd finally had enough and stood, snarling loud enough for those in the room to hear; his ears back as he pinned those in the room that he'd heard condeming Jay and questioning his choice in mates.

Around him the room quieted and even Kane and Paul stayed seated as they watched; identical smirks on their faces. After all they knew that when Lucien had had enough, he had had enough and would take things into his own hands.

"Listen to me." He started, his voice and dangerous as he whirled around to keep an eye on everyone in the room. "Whether you like it or not; Jay is my mate. MY MATE. He is to be treated with the same respect as what Paul is shown. My preferences are my own and whether or not you agree with them is besides the point. If you don't like it, if you find that you can't abide by my taking Jay as my mate then I suggest you clean out your rooms and leave. A pack is a support unit; those within are nurtured and cared for; no matter if they are pups; perma pups, or fully grown wolves. I will not have Jay tormented; tortured, teased or whatever you think you're going to do. And the first time I hear or see anything then I will take it outside to settle and you will banished from the property."

Murmurs broke out around them and Lucien bared his teeth as he dared anyone to speak up. From their corner Kane and Paul nodded their heads; giving him their support in the matter.

"My nephew is correct." Kane growled as he stood. "Those that have a problem with Jay should come seek me out and take it up with me. As it stands, Jay and Lucien are mated for life and no wolf rip asunder what they've built. Now, back to your meals."

Lucien sat back down and closed his eyes, turning to nuzzle Jay's shoulder and neck as he tried to calm the rest of his anger. He didn't need his nerves to send Jay into a panic attack.

Jay's ears where still back as he listened to the murmurs, before jumping slightly when Lucien quickly stood up. He listened quietly as Lucien gave his warning to the rest of the pack. Leo and Phil smiled as they watched Lucien defend Jay, planning on backing him up if any of the pack objected or tried to hurt Lucien or Jay. Jay relaxed when Lucien sat down again and curled close, nuzzling his mates shoulder back.

Lucien continued to take deep breaths until he felt in control again before he pulled away and started to eat. In the back of his mind however he knew that he'd always be looking over his shoulder on the look out for an attack of some sort.

His appetite was extremely decreased so it wasn't long until he was just sitting back in his chair laying against Jay and letting his eyes roam over the assembled pack, watching for any sign what so ever of any sort of ruckus.

Jay finished only a little of his food before looking at Lucien and asking, "Can we go to our room now please Cien?" He keeped his voice low, nervous about the other wolves. Phil and Leo looked at Lucien and Jay, "Maybe the six of us can watch a movie and relax." Phil said as he looked at the others, he wanted to make sure Jay and Lucien were ok.

Lucien nodded to Jay. "Yeah Jay we can." He stood and held his hand out to Jay for him to take, his eyes wandering over the assembled wolves as if measuring them for attack. When Phil spoke he looked over at his friend and swallowed; he could sense all the concern coming from them and it made his ears flick back to think that he was so out of control that he had to have his friends keep him calm.

"A movie would be good. What do you think Jay? A movie with everyone?"

Jay took Lucien's hand as he stood up, giving Lucien a small smile. He felt bad for being the reason his mate was on edge, his ears still back. Phil smiled as Frankie and Alex nodded and he led the group to his and Leo's room.