Page 1 of Big Bad Wolf: B.B.W
Forks, Washington
“It’s so good to see you, little brother,” Alexi proclaimed to her younger brother, Agamemnon. “When you called to tell me that you were coming to visit, I almost lost it. Add to it that you surprised me and brought my nephew!”
It had been over ten years since Alexi saw her brother. The only reason that she saw him was because of her trip to their childhood home in Patras, Greece. Agamemnon was a true Greek man when it came to never becoming a citizen of any other country outside of his home country. She knew that for him to voluntarily come to America, there was something more than a brotherly visit. She’d seen her nephew, Orion, more oftensince he frequently came to America for business. This was, however, his first time on the reservation.
When the impending visit was announced, Alexi started to plan the menu. This would be a joyous occasion for the entire tribe and pack. Arrow, the chief, welcomed them graciously and suggested having the dinner in the barn that was often used for events. It was where he wed his wife Daanis years ago. The entire pack came out to meet Mama Alexi’s family.
In their minds, it was a chance to meet two more centaurs. The Lourie children and Orion had seen each other through the years when he came to Los Angeles to check on the branch there for his family’s business: Leventis International Marketing Firm. Although Orion, Mason Sr., Kyle, and Kirk Jr. were first cousins, Orion’s age aligned more with their children. His father was considerably younger than his Aunt Alexi.
Alexi and Agamemnon were of Greek and African descent. Alexi’s late husband Alo, who passed many moons ago, was of Native American and African descent. That contributed to the rich melanin that often made it difficult for individuals to believe there was Native American blood in them. Over the years, the population of the Quileute and Lumbee tribe had added the beauty of black men or women by way of marriage and mating. Some loved this addition and others detested it. Alo’s brother Patrick, who was the chief of the Lumbee tribe, was one of those who detested it to his detriment and death.
“Aunt Alexi, it’s good to see you too,” Orion said with a prideful smile. He loved his heritage and how far it came when his cousins connected with a pack of wolves to create a new species of wonderfulness. He always enjoyed watching his cousins and the diversity of the beast that they transformed into.
The same special genetic marker lived in Agamemnon and his son that allowed them to transform into their centaur beastat will. They were also two legged. Where they lived in Greece was surrounded by woodland, which gave them the space to transform. Also, in those woods lived a few families of centaurs that did not have the special genetic marker. This meant that they were four-legged and lived their lives as centaurs until mating season.
Everyone enjoyed each other in the barn with food and music. Agamemnon leaned forward on the table. “Sister, can I have an audience with you, MJ, and Arrow in private?”
Like she said, Alexi knew there was more to this than just a visit. It didn’t bother her because her brother was not a man who ever asked for anything. She would give him the moon if she could for that fact alone. They all agreed before they moved to a private room. The room Arrow opted for them to use had a table and seats in it for their comfort.
Once they were all comfortable, Agamemnon began to go into his request. “I came here to ask something of you three specifically.” He turned his head slightly in his son’s direction. “Orion has recently made the decision to move to America permanently to have better oversight of our firm branches here. I worry about him and his beast’s safety.”
Arrow gave an understanding nod. “That is understandable, Agamemnon. Orion, you are welcome here if you would like to reside on the reservation. My pack and tribe welcome you.”
Orion knew this, but if felt amazing to hear it said.
“Thank you, Arrow. That means a lot knowing that I am welcome here. I’m actually moving to North Carolina in the Raleigh area.” He paused so that information could sink in before he continued. “I know that there is a tribe with a pack of wolves there. I have no connection to them, but I know that you all do.”
“Yes, our cousin on our father’s side, Thaddeus, is the chief of the Lumbee tribe there. They do have a pack of wolves,” MJ, who was the pack leader, confirmed. “Are you interested in moving on their reservation to ensure the freedom of your beast?”
Orion dipped his head. “Yes, if that is a possibility. I have thought about it, and I am willing to join the pack to forge my loyalty. I know how important pack life and laws are.”
That revelation surprised the group, even his father. It was a welcomed surprise because he was right. Pack law was everything. It governed how the wolves moved as a unit and as individuals.
Alexi’s chest filled with pride for her nephew. Her brother raised him to be an outstanding man.
“We can make the connection for you. We still own our land and homes there. Main house is vacant. The others are leased out to tribe members.”
MJ’s cheeks turned upward. “Yes, as the pack leader here, I will travel with you to meet with their pack leader, Farad. He’s a cool dude.”
“Yes, I will also accompany you to speak with Thaddeus chief to chief. I don’t foresee it to be an issue. Your willingness to join the pack says a lot to us. Therefore, I know it will to them as well,” Arrow said. “I will forewarn you that more than likely they will take a vote among the pack. As chief, we have the authority to make the decision without the pack’s input, but that is never how you want to lead.”
Arrow had met a chief or two that led in that manner since he’d been the chief and even before when his father, Askil, was the chief. His father instilled in him that the respect of the tribe and pack was cardinal. Many have failed because of their ego.
Agamemnon felt better about his son’s move to America. Orion asked his father to make the move with him, but thatwas a never. Agamemnon would never leave his homeland, the place where he found love, lived in love, and lost love with his late wife, Eleanor. Her death was still fresh as she passed three years ago from complications with Lupus. At fifty-eight, he never thought he would be without his love.
“That would be amazing. We are forever grateful for your acceptance, love, and grace,” Agamemnon said with appreciation. “My only son’s safety is just about one of the only reasons that I will step foot on these American soils. My sister is well covered by the protection of her family. Don’t be confused. If I’m ever needed, Alexi, I’m here.”
She knew this. “You are right. I have an army behind me filled with love and crazy.” Alexi side eyed her son and chief.
MJ’s neck drew back. “Mama, I’m an angel! Why would you say that?”
The room erupted with laughter. “Yeah, a fallen angel. Don’t play with me, Mason Jr. Arrow didn’t even rebuttal because he knows himself.”
Arrow’s quiet laugh slipped out. “Yes, I do know myself. For my family, pack, and tribe, I’m a psychopath.”
There was no need to deny it. He’d proven over the years that he would turn the world upside down for those that he loved. They sat for a while longer to make plans to travel to Lumberton, North Carolina. The Summers owned a private jet that they would use to make the trip.
Orion was ready to start his new life in America. He hoped that it brought him more success than he currently had. He also hoped that it would lead him to his forever. At thirty-five, he was ready to meet the woman that he would love and have children with. Agamemnon had mixed emotions about his son’s move. One thing that he didn’t have mixed feelings about was the potential to expand the centaur footprint to anothercountry. The centaur population in America was less than 2 percent.
