~ the Dark Howlers pack ~
Caden and Maya were ready to welcome the newcomers from the Midnight Guardians pack.
Thanks to Amelia and Cornelia, twenty people were teleported near the packhouse, and they were all excited to take their first steps outside of the territory of the Midnight Guardians pack.
"You got rooms for everyone? That's fantastic!" Talia praised Betas when they had a list of one-bedroom apartments ready.
"As a good Beta, I need to anticipate your moves and set the stage to make it happen," Maya said smugly.
It was no secret that Talia wanted to bring people from the Midnight Guardians pack. It was only a matter of when it will happen. Actually, Maya thought that more people would come, so they had thirty apartments waiting in one of the buildings where Omegas stayed.
They took everyone to the largest conference room, where they showed a map of Darkbourne and several points of interest. Caden explained security procedures in case rogues attacked so that everyone knew how to find a shelter. With technicalities done, Talia reminded them not to mention they were from the Midnight Guardians pack unless they find their mates, in which case, only their mate should know.
Zina prepared a meal for everyone, knowing that people from the Midnight Guardians pack would rather check out the area than spend their time cooking.
Sandy and Tyler tagged along for this trip. Sandy wanted to introduce Tyler to her family, and the Gamma couple doubled as a team who would help in the case of any issues. Daria and Pierce also volunteered to keep an eye on people from the Midnight Guardians pack and to ensure no one bullies them. Without their abilities, they were just werewolves, but one can never be too cautious.
Amelia and Liam were ready to teleport mated people to the Midnight Guardians pack.
After filling their bellies, Sandy, Tyler, Daria, Pierce, Amelia, and Liam led everyone into Darkbourne to see the town center, and after that, they would show the apartments newcomers will get to use while they stay in the Dark Howlers pack.
Maya couldn't prepare a big mixer with other packs in such a short time, so for the evening, she planned to take newcomers to the Shifters nightclub. It will maximize their chances of finding mates. Keith and Caleb said that they will be in the club to ensure no one bullies people from the Midnight Guardians pack.
Talia was pleased to see that everyone was contributing. It turned out better than she expected.
Caden noticed that Talia's guards were taking initiative to help and he thought of something. He waited for everyone to disperse to talk to Talia and Damon in private.
"What do you think about introducing more people to the management of the pack?" Caden asked.
"More people?" Damon cocked his eyebrow suspiciously. "Are you saying that we should have more high-ranking members?"
"Not necessarily high-ranking. More like assistants," Maya clarified.
This reminded Talia of Mindy, who said she would work with Talia. Mindy would be perfect for organizing a cross-pack mixer, but Mindy was currently busy staving off the heat with her Shaman mate. Talia estimated that Mindy and Gideon will come out of their solitude in the next few days.
"I assume you have someone on your mind," Damon said to Caden and Maya after a long pause.
Caden confirmed. "Liam and Pierce are reliable, and their mates also seem capable. If we can introduce them to some aspects of what Maya and I are doing, they can share the workload, and it won't be a big burden when Maya and I take a vacation."
Damon didn't like Caden's picks. "Liam and Pierce are Talia's guards."
"I don't need guards all the time," Talia said, obviously liking Caden's suggestion. "Besides, with Amelia not being a she-wolf, when Liam comes with me outside the pack, she will be left behind."
Damon's frown deepened. "Are you saying Liam should be dismissed as your guard and assist Betas?" Liam was a warrior, not a guy who would do office work.
Talia raised her hand, indicating to Damon to be patient. "That's not what I'm saying. Liam is a competent guard, and I would hate to lose him, but he won't be able to focus on protecting me during long outings if he is missing his mate. Instead of making this all or nothing, how about we expand who can be my guard and add a few people to work with Caden and Maya? They can work as trainees and start with tasks that are not crucial. In time, their responsibilities can expand as they prove themselves capable. Maya and Caden are already delegating some of their tasks to whoever is available, and this will only dedicate a few people to specific tasks."
Maya nodded at these words. "I could come up with a few good candidates right now. Other than Liam and Pierce, there are those three teens who were accompanying James. We can start with them."
Talia's eyes lit up when she remembered Petra, Zack, and Erik. "Yes, they seemed motivated and energetic."
Damon thought for a moment before responding. "Don't promise them ranking positions. As long as they agree to work as your assistants, and you ensure nothing secretive ends up in their hands before they prove themselves and I authorize it, I'm fine with it."
Caden and Maya were happy about this. They liked the concept where it was just the two of them next to their Alpha and Luna, but now that Maya's heat was approaching (in just over two weeks!), Maya and Caden found it troubling that so much work would be paused until they returned. With a few extra hands, many things can happen without Maya and Caden being there.
With the business part over, Maya asked, "So, are you joining us in the Shifters tonight?"
Damon looked at Talia. That action told her it was up to her.
"If we are not necessary, I would rather we skip this. There is something I would like to do." Talia said. With Sandy and Tyler being here, the members of the Midnight Guardians pack had their Gammas, and they were all grownups. She didn't need to follow them everywhere.
Maya didn't insist. They already had a number of people to keep an eye on their guests and help if needed, so Talia and Damon didn't need to participate.
They ended the talk with Maya asking about Yasmin and Meg, who were pregnant. Maya was happy to hear they would soon have babies in their circle. A new generation was coming, and she hoped that this upcoming heat would bless them with a pup of their own. She knew that Caden was looking forward to it.
With everyone heading to the Shifters nightclub, it was just Talia and Damon in the packhouse.
"Do you have something to do? Or do you want us to relax and take it easy? I am fine with either option." Damon said. "Do you want to watch a movie?"
"Maybe you can start that movie, and I will join you later," Talia said while raising her hand to the necklace around her neck. "I want to try activating it." After charging so many ancient relics in the Midnight Guardians pack, Talia was confident she could do it.
Damon had mixed feelings about it. The last time that necklace got triggered, Talia was in a coma-like state for more than an hour. He was minutes away from permanently crippling Sophia and Isaac, and he wouldn't stop at those two if Talia didn't wake up.
