South Mountain Pack Ch. 14

"We'll stay with you and when we're playing, stay with the older boys," whispered Gino. After SMP entered the training center, there was silence from both Packs as the three Alphas walked forward to greet each other with their Level 5 Betas at their side. The SP Alpha was 6'1", 220 lbs, closely cropped hair with piercing blue eyes. The Level 5 Beta at his side was his cousin and they closely resembled each other; he was 6'2, 240 lbs, his head was shaved and he had blue eyes. Both men wore hard expressions as their eyes raked over Carlo, Dante and their Level 5's.

"Carlo, Dante," Alpha Tristan Legrand said with contempt in his tone as he flexed his hands. At the slight and implied threat, the four Carlucci's moved closer to their Alphas and stood straighter as they narrowed their eyes staring down the Level 5 who tilted his head back and stared up at them. "I see your legendary watchdogs haven't learned to heel or follow commands. Are they at least house trained?"

"And I see you're as arrogant as ever Tristan," Carlo responded as his eyes raked the other Alpha from head to toe. "Even with all your training, I doubt you'd be able to take them. Frank and Joe are legendary for a reason; they can be either your greatest friend or your worst nightmare."

Tristan snorted and looked at The Clan who had surrounded the girls. His eyes focused on Sophia and Maria before looking at the Miller girls with an unreadable expression on his face before turning his head to look at the other girls surrounded by their brothers and intendeds. He turned to Carlo, Frank and Joe with a broad smile covering his face as he said, "How the hell have you all been?"

Carlo didn't relax as he stared back at the Alpha. "We're fine...what the hell are you up to Tristan? I don't believe I've ever seen you smile before."

"I was hoping one of the Carlucci girls would be the mates of one of my boys..." before he could finish, Anthony and Alberto took a step forward and started to growl. "But I understand both have declarations made for them. So instead of a mating bringing both Packs together, we'll do it the old fashioned way."

"And what would that be?" Carlo asked as he narrowed his eyes.

"Uniting against a common enemy," Tristan stated as an evil grin crossed his face. He turned to address both Packs, "The JV game will start in 15, get ready." The boys from SP hurried to their locker room, while the boys from SMP looked to Carlo who waited a few seconds before nodding. Grabbing their gear they headed into the girls locker room while the older boys spread out keeping the protective circle around their sisters and intendeds. He looked at Carlo and said in a low voice that only those near him could hear, "We'll talk when the game starts." In a louder tone he said, "Let's head out to the field, we have refreshments set up."

The stadium looked like a typical high school football stadium; metal bleachers on both sides with a 4'high chain link fence surrounding the field; off to the side were two small buildings, one for refreshments, the other restrooms and on the home team bleachers was a small press box. The three Alphas and their Level 5's were leaning on the chain link fence behind the goalpost closest to the training center. Frank narrowed his eyes as he watched Sophia and the JV cheerleaders stand in front of the bleachers; their older brothers and intendeds seated on the first row of bleachers watching over them protectively. Seeing movement from the training center, they watched as both teams ran to the football field and five minutes later Frank and Joe had proud smiles on their face as they watch Paulo, Enzo and Alonso walk out for the coin flip. "Your boys are growing into the spitting image of the two of you," Tristan said with a side glance to Frank and Joe. "I pity them."

Frank and Joe took a deep breath and Carlo said in a promising tone, "You keep that up and I'm tempted to let the half-time entertainment be you and your Level 5 against Frank and Joe." His eyes raked Tristan again from head to toe, "Because you know if you and I go at it, there will be no contest."

"That's one thing I've always liked about you Carlo, you're unflagging optimism," Tristan said with another side glance. "You're going to need it."

"What the fuck is up with him? I've never seen him like this," said Frank as he scanned the bleachers of SP members. His eye caught movement along the ridge line and said, "They're patrolling the grounds in wolf form. Is that for their protection, ours or something else?"

Carlo said to his Pack, "Be on alert. Aldo, I know you didn't sense danger earlier, has anything changed?"

"No Carlo, but I'm starting to get a sense of elation mixed with relief. It's an odd feeling," Aldo responded as his gaze swept the stadium.

They watched the kickoff as SMP elected to receive and Tristan glanced at Rainier, his Level 5 who nodded. "Everything can be explained in one word...Charles," Tristan said in a low even tone before turning to look at his guests.

There was no visible reaction from Carlo, Dante or their Level 5's as they continued to scan their surroundings and five minutes passed before Carlo said in a hard tone, "Stop beating around the fucking bush. What the fuck is going on?"

Tristan tilted his head and seeing the hard glare leveled at him by Carlo he shrugged, "You know we've never been allies with anyone. We prefer to handle things on our own and follow our own path, though we follow the edicts of the Alpha Council. Even with our self-imposed isolation there's one thing we've always known...If we ever needed help we could count on you and your Pack."

Carlo nodded and hearing the cheers from SMP, he turned towards the field to see Vinnie's oldest son Gary catch a pass on the five yard line. "You're aware of the history between our Packs then? Grandfather never told me, I discovered it when I read through my Great-great-great Grandfathers journal. It was never recorded in the Pack's official records."

Tristan nodded, "It's been passed Alpha to son for almost a hundred fifty years." Seeing the confusion on the others faces he continued, "In 1857, we were fresh off the boat from France determined to make our way west when we got caught in a blizzard, more specifically a series of blizzards and freezing Arctic winds called 'The Cold Storm'. Our mates and young ones were starving and even with us being wolves we were slowly freezing to death. One of your Betas found us while he was on patrol and brought us to your Pack house. Your Pack sheltered us, gave us food and never accepted repayment."

Everyone was quiet as Sal ran the ball from the 1-yd line scoring the first touchdown. "I received a call from Charles three weeks ago asking for info about you and your Pack, I figured he wanted to do business with you and was gathering intel to make a better deal. I never liked him so I told him to fuck off and stay the hell away from my Pack," Tristan said with a shrug. "When we received the email from Roberts alarm bells went off when we realized why he wanted the information ...he was planning on attacking you and even though he's getting 'room and board courtesy of the Council' we don't think it's over. Charles is a slimy bastard and I'm sure some of the people he associated with are still out there following his orders. Make no mistake if he planned it then the fight is still coming."

Tristan stopped as they watched the kicking team run out on the field. "Nobody knows my daughter Madelyn had a declaration made by the Walker Mountain Pack Alpha-heir so whether we want it or not, we're now allies. This is important because the Swift Silver Mine, purportedly lost for two hundred forty years is located on their territory. They've known of the existence and kept it quiet but are willing to allow us to mine the silver and since almost all our men have military backgrounds we'll have no problem manufacturing the weapons we need."

Tristan turned to Carlo and then looked at Frank and Joe, "We may not have a formal agreement between us, but we owe you our lives and the very existence of our Pack. We will stand by your side when the battle comes to your door Carlo...Today is the day we start to repay our debt."

"You need to know the full details Tristan before you commit yourself and your Pack," Carlo said as he drew a deep breath. "Make no mistake Tristan, it will be a battle for our very lives but most importantly for the lives of our females...they are coming for them again."

Tristan and Rain looked shocked at Carlo's announcement and Tristan drew a shaky breath as he said, "I suggest you tell us what's going on but first let me call the rest of my Betas. With our military experience we may have some insights you haven't thought of." Carlo nodded and looked to the stands calling for his Betas. Within minutes the Betas of both Packs were gathered around the three Alpha's as Carlo told them what information they knew and the whistle signaling half-time shocked everyone since they had been listening intently to him. Glancing at the scoreboard Carlo saw they were ahead by a touchdown and the men were quiet as they watched both teams run off the field.

The SMP Cheerleaders took the field first for their half-time routine and the men from SMP watched intently with pride and love evident on their faces. "Gentlemen that is what we are fighting for... the daughters of South Mountain Pack, they are our future. We lost our daughters once before and we made a vow it would never happen again. They will be protected even if it costs every one of us our lives," Carlo stared into Tristan's eyes with a determined look. "This isn't your fight Tristan, we would understand if you chose not to help."

Tristan folded his arms over his chest, followed by Rain and every one of his Betas as he said, "A hundred fifty years ago, your Pack saved the lives of our ancestors and helped us establish our Pack here in the mountains. Sixty years ago, we fought by your side during the Were War because one of the females killed was the intended of a Pack member." He glanced at his assembled Betas before turning back to Carlo, "Today, I offer an alliance between our Packs, not because we have a debt of honor to be repaid but because it is the right thing to do. As fathers there is nothing we won't do to protect our young."

Carlo nodded and extended his hand which Tristan shook, "I will accept the alliance and am grateful you are willing to stand by our side along with Parr Ridge Pack and Rossi Pack in the upcoming battle."

For the first time Dante spoke, "We must have a conference before we leave on Wednesday; we need to formulate plans so everyone knows what to do. I for one would like more information about the weapons you are referring to."

Tristan narrowed his eyes and looked at Dante, "Still speaking with that big stick up your ass Dante? Every time I hear you I feel like I'm listening to 'Upstairs, Downstairs' on Masterpiece Theatre."

Dante slowly smiled as he rolled his neck, "And every time I hear you I feel like I am listening to Jethro from 'The Beverly Hillbillies'." He paused and narrowed his eyes as he looked Tristan up and down and said, "Come to think of it, his last name was Bodine. I am sure it is not a coincidence that both of you share French ancestry, have limited intellect and a hillbilly twang. You could be cousins."

There was silence as the men continued to stare at each other until Carlo started to laugh, followed by Frank, Joe, Ric and Rocco. "Good one Dante. Frank, Joe, Rain do something useful for once and break the men into groups according to their strengths," said Tristan as he tried not to smile. He watched the cheerleaders from SP finish their half-time routine and minutes later the boys emerged from the training center ready to start the second half.

The cheers, grunts, groans and sounds of hard hitting were background music to the men as they discussed weapons and training schedules though there were secrets SMP would not disclose; the fact the girls had combat training, the family bond the Millers had established and the location of their safe rooms. There was only so much Carlo was willing to disclose and even though they were now allies, the need for his Pack to safely escape if they failed was the most important thing to him.

Tristan sensed Carlo was hiding something and asked quietly, "You have an escape plan in place for the women and youngsters?" Carlo didn't react for several moments and then shrugged. A look of understanding came across Tristan's face and he said, "We learned in our former careers there's a reason why things are classified 'Eyes Only'; 1- the less people know, the odds increase on its success, 2 - too many people learn about things and secrets get out. We'll have our own plan ready because the most important thing is to protect the younger generation, especially the Alpha-heirs and if things go bad...well, I don't need to explain that to you."

Carlo nodded in understanding and his eyes landed on Sophia as he felt a rush of paternal protection suddenly crash over him. It was the first time since Anthony had made his declaration that it happened and it shocked him; he had always felt the Alpha bond with her and been protective over her as the daughter of his best friend. This feeling was totally different; almost as if the hole in his heart where his beloved Angelica resided was finally being healed and he could let another female in without betraying her memory.

Sophia sensed the change and stopped cheering; turning to look at him she said softly, "Is it okay if I call you Dad? I didn't ask before because I didn't think you were ready."

"I...I would like that," Carlo responded in a quavering voice. "I haven't told you before but I'm extremely proud that you're going to be a member of my family. I couldn't ask for a better mate for my son or a daughter to love."

"Thank you, Dad," she said as her eyes welled up with tears. Carlo smiled as he saw his son instantly react to her tears; running to her and pulling her firmly against his side as he waved the Carlucci boys back who were two steps behind him. He saw Sophia talking to Anthony and they both turned to look at him, his son smiling in acknowledgement of what had transpired.

A full two minutes passed before Frank moved to his side and said in a joking tone, "Does this mean you're going to be paying half her expenses now?"

Carlo threw his head back and laughed loudly drawing all eyes toward him as he threw his arm around Frank's shoulder. "I've seen the way she shops Frank and I'd like the Rossi fortune to last a couple more years. As it is, I'll probably have to add another wing onto The Manor House for all her clothes and doo-dads and she's got three years to collect even more before she moves in."

Before Frank could respond cheers from the SP stands made the men turn towards the game to see SP score a touchdown. After kicking the extra point, they were up by 3 points with a little over two minutes left in the game. "You mind if we watch the last couple of minutes?" asked Rain as he glanced at his cousin. "I'm sure the youngsters would like to know their fathers watched at least a little bit of the game."

Tristan and Carlo nodded and the men moved from their groups to lean on the chain link fence. Principal Richards' son, Kevin, caught the kickoff on the 17 yard line and made his way to the 30 before he ran out of bounds stopping the clock with 1:35 left. SP defense was made entirely of the largest sixteen year olds on their team, hoping to overpower and intimidate Sal and Victor who were the only fifteen year olds on the field. Little did they know the youngest Carlucci's had been playing Carlucci Golf since they could walk and the thought of getting hit and tackled by older and bigger boys didn't even bother them.

Enzo looked at the Coach before turning to his team, "We're running a 'Down and Out 20'. Sal, you're blocking for Victor and Victor get out of bounds to stop the clock. They'll be underestimating you because of your age, but they have no idea of the speed you have so use that to your advantage." They nodded and gave each other fist pumps. "The rest of you guys keep them off my ass. After we complete this, we'll no huddle and the next play is a 'Hook 15', Sal you'll be catching, Victor will be the decoy." Everyone nodded as he shouted, "LET'S GO."

The boys lined up at the scrimmage, Sal and Victor could feel butterflies in their stomach and did what their older brothers told them; their ragged breathing evened out and the sounds of the crowds faded as they zeroed in their concentration. At the end of the Snap Count Sal and Victor took off down the right side of the field, they could hear the grunts and groans as the two lines met and out of the corner of his eye Sal saw a cornerback coming at them. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as he lowered his shoulders and tightened the muscles of his arms as he met the player with all the force he had in his 5'9", 180 lb body. The cornerback underestimating his strength and determination was knocked on his ass as Sal and Victor continued down the field and Victor turned on his mark, a half-second before the ball landed in his hands. Seeing no one around them he continued down the field an extra twenty yards before he was knocked out of bounds. Turning around the first person he saw was Sal who had finally been knocked down by two defenders.

"LET'S GO," shouted Enzo as they lined up at the scrimmage on the 30, with the defense scrambling to get in position. The two youngest Carlucci boys once again got into their mental zone and at the end of the Snap Count took off running this time one on each side of the field. The defenders zeroed in on Victor since he had caught the last pass leaving Sal alone to run down the right side of the field. Enzo saw what was happening and scrambled until he saw the movement of Sal's shoulders turning as he ran into the end zone and threw the ball where it landed right in Sal's arms. The stands from SMP erupted in cheers and Frank glanced at the clock, there was 18 seconds left, time enough for one more kick-off and a possible play. The extra point was good and the stands were quiet as the kick-off teams came out.

The SP receiver caught the ball on the 22 and began to run but was met by a brick wall named Paulo. Since he was so quiet everyone tended to overlook him, but he was Captain of the Special Teams and Defense for a reason. He was methodical in his thinking due to his computer background and could read an offense like it was a computer program. By the time the receiver realized Paulo was in front of him, Paulo had already stripped the ball which was recovered by SP on the 10. With only seconds left, SP lined every available receiver on the field and Paulo knew they were going for a 'Hail Mary'. Directing his players where to go, his eyes scanned the field and saw a small opening between the Left Guard and Tackle; smiling to himself he waited for the end of the Snap Count and barreled his way through tackling the Quarterback on the 5 as the clock expired. Chaos erupted around them as he put his hand out to help Tristan's youngest son up and said, "Good game." He ran off the field and was immediately tackled to the ground by his teammates.

"Hell of a game boys. Get off Paulo before you smother him," said Coach JR as he laughed. After Paulo got to his feet, JR threw an arm around his shoulders and said, "Great read on the offensive line. You spotted their weak spot and took advantage of it." Glancing around at the players, he shouted, "GO GET CLEANED UP." The boys ran to the locker room with the cheers from SMP ringing in their ears and Sal turned to look at Gabby who was smiling broadly before turning around so he could see she was wearing his hoodie. He was so intent on looking at her he tripped over his feet falling to the ground taking several players with him.