The first thing Regina felt, were stones beneath her fingertips. She heard the sound of running water, lots of it, and smelled it in the air. She opened her eyes and inhaled the fresher, cleaner air of the Enchanted Forest. The sky was overcast and one side of her was a barren land of gray sand and sparse trees, the other was dominated by a massive river with a powerful current. In the distance, she could see a line of trees, the beginning of a forest, but she had no idea where the hell she was. Groaning alerted her to the people scattered about her and she immediately started trying to locate her pack. "Lycia? Lycia?!"

"Over here." Her mate walked towards her, dripping wet with water. Tala and Quinn followed at her heels. "How the hell did we end up in the river?"

Regina smiled as she kissed her mate's cheek and dried them off with magic. They gathered their family and she smiled at seeing her children whoop and holler in happiness.

"We made it!" Anita yelled at the top of her lungs. "Whoo!" Bron picked her up and swung her around.

"Yeah, now let's go kick some wolf ass and score us a territory."

"I doubt it will be as simple as that, my love." Regina smirked.

"I think we're on the other side of the Infinite Forest." Tala said, looking around. "This might be River Wolf Territory."

"River Wolf?" Regina said.

"Wolves that fish more than they hunt." Tala explained. "The border should be just down the river."

"No wonder we've never heard of Alphas if you guys live on the other side of the Infinite forest." Ruby added. "The Enchanted Forest is bigger than I thought."

"Indeed." Regina agreed.

"We'll set up camp here for the night." Lycia said. "Once we get our bearings and plan our next move, we'll head out tomorrow. Tala, Quinn, come with me so we can scout along the river and see if we can find the border." She turned to Regina and gave her a quick kiss and a grin. "We're here."

"I know." Regina smiled at how happy her mate was. She could feel the Bond singing with her joy. "Go, I'll hold down the fort here." They both looked over at their children and godchildren playing in the river and the sand like little kids. "After they're finished of course." Lycia nodded and shifted, taking off with the others.

Regina waved her hand, conjuring tents and a firepit for her packmembers. The heroes and their followers were just pushing to their feet and setting up a camp of their own. She took count of her family, making sure everyone was near and safe. Seth suddenly grabbed her in his arms.

"Please put me down, dear." Regina said.

"For a kiss, I shall consider it." Seth smirked, lowering his head. She kissed his forehead and he placed her gently on the ground and put his arm around her. "Home at last."

"Not quite. We have a lot to do."

"Just enjoy it for a moment, Ma. Close your eyes." Regina rolled her eyes and obeyed. "Now take a deep breath." She sighed and took a deep breath. "Now open them." She opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Look around you. You're not in Storybrooke anymore." He grinned. "We're in the Enchanted Forest!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. Scarlett came and leaped onto his back and he laughed as he stepped back, shaking himself to dislodge her. She let go and he shifted into his wolf form, towering over them all as he pranced around. That lead to a chain reaction of shifts from the others and Regina rolled her eyes as they started chasing each other back and forth and tackling each other. Ruby leaned against her with a laugh and followed her over to the heroes camp.

"Seems like you guys are settled for the night." Robin chuckled as they approached.

Regina smiled. "It would appear."

"How long will you stay?" Roland nearly knocked his father down rushing over to ask. "You guys aren't leaving now, are you?"

"No, Ro. Relax. We're staying until Lycia gives the word. Probably tomorrow." She said. He let out a sigh and went over to the pack. She magically pitched Robin's tent, something he seemed to be struggling with.

"Thank you for that, milady. I may be getting too old for all of this."

"Sure." She scoffed.

"We should start working on the weapons, right?" Ruby whispered.

Regina nodded. They said their good byes and returned to their own camp, to the main pavilion and cleared off a table. Regina set about conjuring a set of weapons. She covered the tables in weapons of all shapes and sizes and the pack gathered around to pick and choose their instruments of destruction. They outfitted themselves in their new tack and dressed in more Enchanted Forest-like attire mostly in dark colors and leather. Night had fallen by the time Lycia returned with the scouting party. The pack remained gathered to hear the latest news.

"We're in the No Wolf Zone so we don't have to worry about getting attacked in our sleep." Lycia said. "We met some wolves, the Lower Colville Pack. They were green, just a young alpha pair and an omega, but they gave us some good information."

"All of the Alphas are at the Sun Rocks, a place in the southern forest where we go for one of the festivals." Tala piped in. "With the Royal Pack out of command, they're looking to fill the High Council. Until then, no pack can claim any territory."

"Can they really do that?" Regina asked. "I mean, just stop people from finding a place to live?"

"It's meant to make sure that each pack has a proper expanse of territory. And since the original families were either killed or forced from their lands during the Wolf Wars, all bets are off."

Quinn nodded. "It's also meant to keep packs like the Lower Colville Pack from getting their paws on territory they have no hope of defending. Our species was nearly killed off in the Wars, it would make sense that they're trying to protect it now."

"Filling the High Council could take years, which is why they're debating over it." Lycia said. "When Tala first came through the portal almost a decade ago, the Alphas were still trying to fill the council and they're still at it."

"What does the High Council do exactly?" Seth asked.

"They regulate peace between the packs to prevent more Wars. They decide our foreign policy and even possess the ability to call every single Alpha pack under one banner to fight."

Scarlett sighed, leaning against her husband and lazily stoking the fire. "Let me guess, all these High Council wolves are the oldest and strongest and therefore the wisest right?"

Lycia sat down. "Not exactly. There have been some young ones."

"I think the youngest was actually 100 years old." Tala said. "But the youngsters are mostly war heroes and stuff. You don't get a place on the High Council without earning it."

"Wolf politics." Regina ran her hands through her hair. "So what do we have to do?"

"We go to Sun Rocks and do what we can to move this little process along. Maybe even get some more wolves in the pack to bolster our numbers." Lycia answered. "If possible, one of us could get a spot on the Council."

"How?" Regina asked. "You guys said that you're pretty young compared to most and the Wars devastated all that you knew and probably everyone that knew you."

"You are a Queen. The Evil Queen as a matter of fact. Your reputation reached all the way up here already, Regina." Lycia replied. "To the heroes you were a story to get bad little children to go to bed, but here you are a legend. We can use that."

"Quinn and Lycia's birthright alone could get them a spot." Tala added, nodding to them. "The children of Natasha and Bron, two of the greatest wolves in history."

"What about you?" Lucia asked, looking at her mentor.

"I have some plans." Tala shrugged.

"I thought you said you were leaving." Ruby said.

"We are. But I want to see if my daughters are at Sun Rocks. We can travel with you guys until then."

"It's a 3 day straight run to Sun Rocks." Quinn said thoughtfully.

"i'm not gonna push you guys that hard." Lycia looked over at her. "It'll take us an extra day, but you won't be bone tired when you get there. I want everyone asleep early and ready to go as soon as possible in the morning. Regina, can you conjure up a deer or something for us to cook. There's no time to hunt or fish."

Regina nodded and conjured a cooking banquet over the fire. Lycia chose to lead her outside after warning everyone to leave them some and Regina watched her mate as she crouched and ran her fingertips through the sand. "You okay, Lycia?"

"I'm happy, Regina." She took a deep breath and stood back up, taking Regina's hand and lazily leading her forward along the banks. "My ancestors once walked in our very footsteps. They once camped along this shore and fished from the river. Perhaps even my parents."

Regina tilted her head, looking up at her mate. She'd always wondered just why Lycia was willing to give up electricity and indoor plumbing and air conditioning for the forest. Now she knew. "This is your homeland, where you belong."

"I belong with you, and our family. But this place is so familiar to me. I love it."

"You lived here for 700 years, it should be." Regina smirked. She purred as Lycia leaned down to kiss her forehead. "I'm really not sure about this whole Council thing."

"Why not?"

"I barely understand all this stuff, and now you expect me to make decisions for an entire species?"

"Don't worry, Beautiful One. You won't be alone. Everything will work out. We should focus on one thing at a time, and right now that's just getting to Sun Rocks."

Regina nodded slowly, turning away to look out over the rushing river. "I thought this was going to be like we kick some pack's ass and take their territory and then we're set."

"Not even close. That's regular werewolves." Lycia said, wrapping her arms around her and leaning her head on her shoulder. "We are far superior."

"That just complicates things, thinking you're superior to everyone else."

"We are. It's a fact."

Regina sighed and leaned her head back, enjoying the warmth of her mate. Lycia let out a familiar deep purring growl and she felt soothed by the sound. "I love you, Lycia. You are the greatest thing to ever happen to me."

"I love you too, Regina." Lycia purred, kissing her temple. "Don't worry about the future."

"I have you, why should I?" Regina asked, smiling as Lycia gave her a little spin. "But we should turn in early, shouldn't we? Can't have you tripping over your own paws tomorrow and making us look bad."

Lycia scoffed. "We need to get a den as soon as possible." She said, going back into the tent to get them something to eat. They sat down on the soft dirt and enjoyed their dinner together. As they finished, Lycia looked up at the stars. "Have they ever looked so beautiful?"

"Never." Regina agreed.

"Are you sure you wanted to come here? I didn't force you or anything, did I?"

"Wherever we are, I'm home, Lycia. That's all that matters to me."

Lycia purred and kissed her forehead. "Want to come with me to talk to the heroes?"

"For what?"

"They need directions on how to make it back to their castle. Getting through the Infinite Forest isn't easy."

"They can just follow the path. It's literally only one path."

"Yeah, but they won't be alone in those woods. We grew it, so we know how to navigate it."

"The Alphas planted the Infinite Forest?" Regina asked.

"Indeed we did." Lycia smirked, standing up and offering her arm. Regina stood up and accepted it. "Don't worry about it. Once they leave, you'll never have to see them again."

"That day cannot come soon enough." Regina sighed, following her mate down the shore and into the heroes camp. People had constructed tents and fire pits, but they clearly had forgotten the ways of cooking on an open flame. She hoped someone would burn off their hand. The prince and princess of course had the largest tent. They were using their old war pavilion and Regina smirked in satisfaction at seeing patched holes in the roof from the arrows of her soldiers. Snow was standing next to Neal, looking at a large map on the table. David was on the other side of it while Emma was sitting nearby, clearly not understanding the topic of conversation. Henry and Paige were sitting in a corner flirting and giggling.

"Hey Regina." Snow said cheerfully once she saw her step-mother.

"Hey Gina." Neal grinned.

"Hello Young Prince." Regina greeted with a smile.

"I love the new outfit."

"And I love yours as well." Neal had outfitted himself in better garbs for the forest with a hint of his princely status. She smiled as he came to give her a hug.

"Do I need to keep an eye on you?" Lycia asked, looking at her mate. "First Roland and now him?"

Neal grinned. "I am not worthy of such an extraordinary woman."

"Both of you are ridiculous." Regina sighed. Lycia smiled and turned to showing the Charmings the path through the forest. She raised an eyebrow as Emma rose to approach her. "Yes, Miss Swan?"

"I guess I should say good bye. Won't be seeing you anymore after this, will I?"

"I sincerely hope not."

Emma sighed. "You can pretend to care, you know."

Regina tilted her head. "Pretending isn't really my style, is it?" She smirked. "I do wish you well though. Just don't write and don't try to visit."

Emma rolled her eyes. "I'll miss you at least."

"I will miss watching a monster throw up all over you." Regina replied, scratching her ear.

"Fleas?" Henry muttered.

She shrugged. "Probably. I don't think we brought along the wolf flea and tick shampoo."

"Show respect." Neal said firmly, looking over at his nephew. "She is your elder and a queen." He fixed the older boy with a glare before turning back to the others.

Regina grinned at his tone. He was truly going to make one great leader one day. Henry pouted in the corner like a child. She paced until Lycia finished and then waited impatiently for her to leave. Lycia turned to Neal, and he pulled out the symbol of the moon necklace that she'd given him so long ago. "Regina, can you enchant this so it doesn't break or something?" Regina waved her hand, doing exactly that.

"Thanks Gina." Neal smiled in her direction.

"I intend to keep my promise." Lycia said. "The whole pack does. Whenever you need us, we'll come running."

"Thank you both." Neal dipped his head respectfully.

Lycia dipped her head as well. She turned to Regina and took her hand before looking back at the prince. "You will be missed."

"As will you."

Regina smiled and hugged Neal before turning to Snow and Charming. "I want to ask your forgiveness."

"For what?" Snow frowned in confusion.

"One thing I have never done is learn from and accept my past mistakes. I can't tell you how many times I scolded Zelena for something that I did as well. I should've never blamed you for Daniel's death. But at dawn tomorrow, a new day comes and my new life begins. I want to enter this one with no regrets, no entanglements."

"Of course I forgive you, Regina." Snow said.

Regina nodded. "Good then." She gestured to Neal. "Keep an eye on that one. He is gonna surprise us all one day." Neal grinned and made sure to get himself another hug before she and Lycia finally left for the night and headed back to their tent. The others were asleep and she conjured them a bed to curl up in. Regina was soon asleep as well, wrapped in her mate's arms with her friends and family around her.

The next morning, the pack was up early. Regina took a quick bath and returned to accept some roasted meat and vegetables from Ruby. Everyone was filling their bellies and nearby, the heroes were packing up their camp to leave. She ate her food and did a few morning stretches for the run ahead. Lycia had assured them that she wasn't going to push them too hard getting to Sun Rocks, but as the second in command, she didn't want to hold the pack back for even a second with a cramp or something. The younger members were raring to go.

Regina smiled, watching Cara say bye to Roland. She said her goodbyes as well and was ready to join the others in formation when she was approached by a familiar blonde.

"I suppose this is the official goodbye." Emma said.

"I suppose it is. Good bye Miss Swan. I wish you well in all your future endeavors." Regina replied.

"I wish things had worked out a little better between us."

Regina shrugged. "I also hope you find someone who can get me out of your system. I mean, just out of it."

Emma sighed. "I know I still act like a pathetic ex." Regina nodded firmly. "However, I would like to start over."

"Maybe one day. If you aren't dead by then." Regina shifted and took her place next to Lycia, her tail wagging excitedly. Lycia gave her a quick nuzzle and signaled to the others. The pack was paired in twos in a straight line. Lycia with Regina, Seth with Scarlett, Cara with Granny, Natasha with Anita and so on, with Tala and Lucia and Ruby with Quinn pulling up the back as the final pairs. Lycia and Regina stepped forward as one, the entire pack surging forward like a well oiled machine. They ran along the water's edge, whooping and howling with pleasure at finally being underway. The heroes were soon left in the distance. Then the going got serious and Lycia hardened the pace as they broke away from the river, crossing a small part of it and entered the land of the Alphas. The natural beauty was breathtaking, untouched by man. The wilderness was full of prey, which they passed. A juicy rabbit running across her path made Regina's mouth water. Lycia gave her a quick nudge to keep her focused. For the first time, Regina realized, she was truly and utterly free. Her mother was gone, no longer a dark force constantly hanging over her head. She and her sister had reconciled. She was no longer tied to those she didn't want to be, and she was free to be herself, to do as she pleased. She was truly happy, and it was all thanks to the beautiful she-wolf running at her side. Lycia kept the pace swift, but she didn't force them any faster, and they didn't even stop until the sun reigned down on them from straight above. They drank at a stream, laid down for a bit, but soon they were off again. They crossed fields and tore through forests, leaped streams, swam across rivers. Through it all, Regina just felt sheer joy at beginning a new life. She was an Alpha now, and an Alpha second. She had a family to lead and protect and defend.

When they stopped for the night at a small cave, Lycia took Quinn, Bron, and Granny hunting. Regina got a quick fire going after sending Tala and Lucia off to keep watch. They weren't in the No Wolf Zone anymore and she was on edge knowing that they could be set upon at any moment. Sure all the packs were supposed to be at Sun Rocks, but there could be some rebels hanging around thinking they could score themselves some free turf.

Ruby collapsed with a sigh, rubbing her paws together. "Today has been exhausting."

"We have about 2 or 3 more days to go." Regina said, laying down next to her longtime friend.

"Can you give me a potion or something for my feet? They're killing me."

"You're such a baby." Regina said, casting a spell to soothe her friend's aching paws. "Rest and they'll be better in the morning."

"What do you think the hunting party will catch?" Anita asked.

"Hopefully some caribou." Red replied.

"Those are up north. Royal Pack eat caribou. They don't venture far enough down the mountain." Eugene said with a duh look at his sister. Red kicked at him and Eugene leaped on top of her.

"Okay, enough." Ruby called. "You guys can play fight when we get our territory. Save that energy. You'll need it for tomorrow."

"Yes ma'am." They said in unison.

Regina smirked. She turned her head as Quinn returned carrying a large hunk of meat. Bron came after him with nearly an entire antelope. Granny had some quails and a few rabbits. Lycia had a slab of meat as well, but she was also carrying a plump, juicy rabbit, which she dropped at Regina's paws. The former queen purred at her mate's thoughtfulness as she settled down next to her. Cara went to collect Tala and Lucia and the pack divided up the spoils and settled into their dinner. Afterwards, the bones were cleared out and Regina enjoyed a gentle bathing from her mate. Lycia made her want to jump up and do a little dance sometimes, just because of the little things she did. The she-wolf paused and nuzzled her neck before laying her head across Regina's back. Regina sighed contently. She growled when Seth shoved his face under her neck and she lifted her head so he could lay his across her paws and she settled down across the back of his neck while Scarlett curled into his side. The pack started moving closer, cuddling together for warmth and companionship.

The morning yielded familiar results as Tala lead a quick hunting trip to feed the pack before Lycia lead them out again. Here, in the shadow of a great looming mountain in the distance, prey was bountiful. Having had no predators and enemies for many years, the elk herds and rabbit clans and deer and moose populations had overtaken the land, creating a near garden of Eden setting. When they stopped for their midday rest next to a small creek, Regina asked her mate about the mountain.

"That's the Mother of Mountains, believed to be the birthplace of the first Alpha werewolf." Lycia answered, looking at the dark peak. "We used to have a city inside of it, the center of trade and the home of the High Council."

"What happened?"

"The Royal Pack happened." Tala growled as she passed.

Regina frowned and looked to Lycia for a more detailed answer. "They attacked the city, caused some rockslides and many of the roads leading into the city were either destroyed or blocked. The city was abandoned during the Wars."

"The High Council is gonna make the Royal Pack descendants pay for the crimes of their ancestors, aren't they?" Lucia asked.

"They shouldn't." Regina said. "But I bet they will."

"Shouldn't?" Lycia asked.

"Well it's not their fault their ancestors were crazy. Most of the wolves are too young to have had ties in the Wars anyway. They would be punished for no reason."

"And what punishment would you impose?" Tala walked back over, sitting in front of Regina. "If you were forced to do so?"

"I don't know." Regina shrugged. "Maybe keep an eye on them. Check in once every few weeks sort of thing. Monitor them for a while, have them give some of their prey to needy packs or something." She shrugged again.

"What about leaders?" Tala pressed. "The old ones are dead. Would you let them choose or would you choose?"

"Me choosing their leader could put another crazy idiot in power." Regina said. "Let them choose, but again keep an eye on them. At least for a little while. A pack's leader should be someone worth following, not someone just appointed."

Tala flashed a wolfish grin. "It might not be so bad having you as a Council member." she brushed Regina's shoulder affectionately as she trotted off for a drink.

"She's pleased." Lycia growled.

"That's a bad thing? I was just giving my opinion." Regina said.

"I know." Lycia licked her cheek, making her purr happily. "But you're trying to be neutral. One day you may be forced to pick a side."

"I'd choose one I believed was right."

"I know."

"Do you disagree with what I said?"

"No, not really, but many wolves will. The Royal Pack probably won't even be at Sun Rocks. Too ashamed to show their faces."

"Maybe it is time for things to change." Regina murmured, stretching.

"Come with me for a second." Lycia said, walking off into the bushes. Regina sent word for the pack to remain where they were and took off after her mate, finding her sitting in the grass in human form a good ways away from their makeshift camp.

"Baby? What's wrong?" Regina asked.

"Change into a human please." Lycia said. Regina obeyed and crouched next to her mate. Lycia immediately pulled her close for a heated kiss. Regina moaned and leaned over her, pushing her onto her back. Lycia growled, sliding her hands under Regina's bodice. "I love you. I need you, Regina."

"Baby, you said we had to get a den first." Regina purred, pulling her hands out and pinned them above her head. "You're so fucking horny."

"Because of you. Just a taste." Lycia kissed her lips again, trying to slide her hand inside her mate's pants.

Regina moaned when Lycia's fingers started to tease her swollen lips. She was wet within seconds, such was the effect that Lycia had over her, even after almost 20 years of being together. "Baby, we have to get going." She hissed, groaning when the fingers went deeper.

"One more minute. You know I would need to have you." Lycia whispered, kissing her along her neck. Regina just closed her eyes and let it happen. Her mate was too insatiable to wait much longer. She growled when her orgasm hit and Lycia started hungrily licking her fingers. Regina magically cleaned herself up and glared at her purring mate as she shifted forms and gave herself a quick wash up in the creek. "Hope you enjoyed that." She said, shifting back into a wolf. Lycia sniffed along her tail and Regina kicked her. "No, you said a taste."

"I lied! It wasn't enough." Lycia whimpered. She tried to grab Regina's tail and she took off back towards the others with her sex crazed mate hot on her heels. "Regina!" Lycia stopped just before breaking through the trees, but Regina continued to hide behind Ruby.

"What's going on?"

"Lycia's lost it. She's nuts. And horny."

"It is a miracle she lasted this long to be honest." Ruby chuckled.

"Switch with me in line."

"Gina, you know Lycia is not gonna agree to that."

"Please?" Regina whined.

Lycia suddenly stepped out of the bushes, calling the pack to order. Everyone quickly fell into line, except Ruby walked to the front and Regina went to the back with Quinn.

"What's going on with you and Cia?" Quinn whispered.

"She's horny and if I were to be honest, I am too. Now's just not a good time."

"Regina!" Lycia barked sharply. Regina flattened her ears as she slunk back to the front, passing Ruby who was doing the same. Lycia glared at her and lowered her muzzle to her ear. "I am going to destroy you for that." Regina shuddered, but she didn't have much time to think about it as Lycia lead them out at a fast pace. She nearly struggled several times to keep up. Lycia was hardly paying attention, trying to burn off her excess energy. She even kept them running partway through the night. The pack devoured their late dinner, but Regina couldn't rest. She didn't want Lycia to be horny and upset the whole way to Sun Rocks. She nudged her mate to her feet and lead her away from their small cave that they'd commandeered for the night. Lycia silently followed her away from the others. Regina conjured up some pelts to lay on. She shifted back into human form and got down on her hands and knees, removing her clothes, offering herself to the waiting wolf.

"Regina." Lycia growled deeply. She wagged her tail and lowered her head between Regina's legs.

"Baby, aren't you going to change- ugh." Regina groaned hard, shaking as Lycia's large, long tongue lapped at her center, curling itself deep inside her to draw out her juices. "Lycia, for the love of-" she nearly screamed when the wolf placed a paw on her back to keep her still and alternated between licking her anus and her clit. "Lycia." Regina whimpered her mate's name over and over as she orgasmed even harder than she had that afternoon. Lycia let out a satisfied purr as Regina all but collapsed.

"You are the most delicious thing ever." Lycia praised as she finally shifted and took in the sight of her exhausted lover. "Are you okay? I didn't overdo it, did I?"

Regina magically flipped the wolf onto her back and caused shackles made of dirt to rise of the ground and pin her down. She pulled Lycia onto the pelts and pried apart her legs, getting rid of the sexy leather she wore. "My turn."

Xxxxxxxxx

"Bad idea." Regina grumbled. "Very bad idea." She was sore and exhausted. Tala and Lucia had had to take over leading the pack for the day because she and Lycia were far too out of it. Both pack leaders fell behind a few times trying to keep up with Tala's brisk pace. Regina started to notice the forest shifting around them, becoming more gravel and stone, the earth turning hard and hot beneath her paws. By the time they stopped for the night, her pads were raw and bleeding. Lycia licked them for her and brought her some water to cool them in.

"How much farther?" Natasha whined.

"We should be there late tomorrow morning." Tala assured her. "Not much longer."

"It's so hot in the South. Why are the packs meeting here?" Quinn growled. Ruby was grooming the mane of fur around his neck, but it did little to help the heat because it was indeed hot. Regina felt like a furry apple turnover in an oven.

"The Council wouldn't be out in this heat. They must've cleared out a cave or something." Lycia said, giving Regina's paws another few licks. "We'll find out tomorrow. Everyone get some sleep. Granny, you mind leading the hunting party in the morning?" The old wolf shook her head. "Take Natasha, Anita and Red." Granny nodded.

Regina curled her paws under her as she settled down to sleep, pushing Lycia away when her mate tried to cuddle up with her. It was far too hot to be cuddling. Lycia whimpered and nuzzled her chin, hitting the spot that the kids used to do when they were hungry. Regina's body reacted on instinct and she regurgitated most of her last meal. She glared at Lycia, who immediately took off running out of the cave. Regina made the throw up disappear and rolled her eyes as she lay back down, only for Lycia to come out of nowhere and land on her back. "Damn it, Lycia." Lycia pulled on her ears, tail wagging excitedly like a dog's. "Get off me. I'm tired." Lycia snorted and yipped at Ruby, who leaped up and started licking Regina all over her face. It only lead to everyone else getting into a playing mood despite the heat, and Regina sighed as she joined in. After things had calmed down, she curled up in the corner and tried to fall asleep once more.

"Regina?" Lycia crawled to her side, laying her head next to her mate's.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry for making you throw up. That was not my intention."

"It's okay, dear."

"You still like me, right?"

Regina opened an eye and looked at Lycia. "No, I don't like you. I love you. Now, please go to sleep so we can be ready for tomorrow."

"Can I please lay next to you?"

"Baby, it is hot. We're both covered in fur. Don't you see the problem?"

"I'm not cuddling with my mate, that's the problem."

Regina sighed. "Get over here." Lycia purred happily as she settled close to Regina, giving her cheek a pleased lick.

"I love you."

"I love you too. Now, please go to sleep."

"Okay." Lycia purred again.

Regina found herself smirking, feeling Lycia's happiness through their bond. Her mate took so much pleasure in little things like sleeping next to her. She leaned over and laid her head across Lycia's neck. Lycia purred even harder.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next morning, the pack ate breakfast, had a dip in a nearby lake and started off at a light pace for the final leg of their journey to Sun Rocks. They met up with some more newly arrived packs and Lycia shared words with the leaders, but Regina hardly paid much attention. It was late morning when they finally arrived. Climbing to the top of the rise, Regina's jaw dropped at the sight of the hundreds of werewolves below. Most of them were in wolf form, all shades and shapes except for white. Others were in human form and coming in and out of their tents and pavilions situated along a long river. She spotted some bringing in fresh kill and others sparring, probably youngsters.

"Whoa." she whispered.

"No Royal Packs." Lycia commented. "They must be banned from coming here."

"What's first?" Regina asked.

"You, me and Quinn are gonna talk to the Council. Everyone else can mingle if they want."

Regina frowned at the sight of the dust cloud suddenly springing up and barrelling towards them. Alyndra appeared out of its midst, bouncing on her paws. She was lean and tall just like her human form. Not to mention fast.

"Regina! You made it! You have to come with me."

"What? Why? Is it Zelena? Is something wrong?" Regina asked.

"Nothing's wrong, but you have to come see this." The wolf begged. "Come on!" She took off and Regina quickly followed as best as she could. Lycia and the others followed her, but they were soon separated in the mixture of pelts and furs. Alyndra suddenly popped back up and lead her to a large green tent. There was nothing inside it other than what she assumed were the other members of her pack, lounging in the shade. Other than them, there was only a large hole in the ground. Alyndra went inside and Regina followed, letting out a sigh at the cool interior. "Over here!"

Regina rounded a bend and found her sister in her own wolf form, stretched on her side in a thick nest. She was a typical plains wolf type with long legs and bright red fur. "Zelena?" She froze at seeing the little bundles snuggling against her sister's belly. Zelena raised her head, looking confusion for a moment, until she saw Regina that is.

"Hello Baby Sis, took you long enough to get here." Zelena wagged her tail and Regina touched her nose in greeting.

"Congratulations on the little ones. How many are there?" It was impossible to tell with all the tiny bodies clambering over each other. They all had pelts in pale browns and golds and a couple that bore Zelena's dark red fur. Regina tilted her head noticing that they appeared to be from different litters.

"12." Zelena answered. "But 2 of them, I took them in when their mother died giving birth to them."

"That leaves 10 as yours. Don't you think that you should raise one litter before having another?" Regina asked.

Zelena pointed at a proudly grinning Alyndra. "My first litter had 6 and then 4 more just pop out. It's all her fault." Alyndra started nuzzling her and licking her like crazy. The golden wolf was so proud, it made Regina smile just remembering how Lycia acted the same way. "Okay, enough."

Alyndra gave her pups a couple licks before turning to Regina. "It is weird that I want to show them to everyone but I don't want anyone to come near them?"

Regina chuckled. "No, it's not. I'm happy for you both."

"Have you spoken to the council yet?" Zelena asked.

"Not yet. We just got here. What are they like?"

"A bunch of old blow hards. I was gonna get me a spot, you know Wicked Witch and all, but I gave it to Alyndra."

"Why?"

"Because, I want to restore the city." Zelena looked up. "It was the centerpiece of the Alpha world and if it can be restored, then maybe a little order can be brought back as well."

"A noble goal." Regina said.

Zelena shrugged. "Also, if I succeed I'm sure I'm gonna be filthy rich because of it. You should help. I could always use an extra hand with the magic. It's gonna take a lot clearing off the roads and tunnels."

"I would, but Lycia has her heart dead set on me being on the Council."

"You don't have to do what Lycia wants all the time. I certainly don't listen to her every second of every day." Zelena glanced at her mate.

"You are mine and we have 12 kids." Alyndra said. "Whatever happens, I still win."

Regina smirked. "I should go, but I'll see you guys before we leave."

"See you, Regina." Zelena said, going back to cleaning her little ones.

She left the den, dipping her head to Alyndra's pack as she exited the tent, following the sound of a commotion. She spotted Lycia and went over to her. "What's going on?"

"Tala. We have been here two fucking minutes and already we're in the middle of something. Why do you smell like milk?"

"Zelena has kids now. What's going on with Tala?" Regina growled at the wolves in front of her and shoved her way forward. Tala was in the center of the circle with two silver she-wolves and Lucia standing behind her, who Regina assumed were her daughters. Across the circle was a large gray male wolf with a torn ear and a long scar stretching from his back down his right leg.

"What's wrong, Tala?" Asked the male. "Miss me?"

"I should kill you, Fenris." Tala growled. "You stole my pack."

"Stole? No. They recognized a better leader when they saw one."

"You got your ass kicked trying to be a big shot and I nursed you back to health. I should've slit your throat instead." Tala's hackles were raised and she was crouching, prepared for a fight, but Fenris had a whole pack behind him.

"We've got to help her." Regina said, looking at Lycia, who'd managed to stay at her side.

"Fenris is older than us both." Lycia replied.

"She's our friend and he deserves to get his ass kicked." Suddenly a white wolf stepped into the clearing. He was big and rippled with power. And he was quite handsome. Regina glanced at her mate to find her glaring at her. "What?!"

"I know what you were thinking." Lycia snapped.

"He's sexy, it's a fact. What do you want me to do?" She paused. "He's not as sexy as you. How's that?"

"Regina, I will destroy every wolf here if you keep playing."

Regina laughed. "You're ridiculous."

"I'm serious!"

Tala looked up at the wolf, the first white one to be seen and no doubt a member of the Royal Pack. There was no fear in him as he took up position at her side. "Roque?"

"The one and only." He growled deeply. "I've been dying to rip the tail off this Alpha wannabe since I found out what happened. Allow me."

"Well if it isn't Roque." Fenris chuckled. "You really think that you can defeat me?"

"I don't think, I know." He looked at Tala for permission. She flattened her ears, but stepped back alongside her daughters. Roque wagged his tail as Fenris attacked, who was easily knocked aside with a hard paw. His pack leaped in to defend him and Roque soon went down beneath a swirling mass of claws and teeth. He didn't stay down long. Regina began to see why the Royal Pack were as feared as they were. Based on Roque alone, they were powerful and extremely efficient when it came to fighting. She could imagine a fighting unit of this type, using every method possible to attack other packs.

"Did the Royal Pack kill whoever they attacked?" Regina asked softly.

"They slaughtered them." Lycia answered. "See why no one trusts them anymore?"

"I understand...but still, I stand by what I said before. I just feel bad for those who had to endure it."

"They will be remembered, and honored." Lycia assured her.

"I know what we have to do with the Council." Regina said. She let out a roar of satisfaction, surprising her mate, when Roque sent Fenris flying across the clearing. The white wolf was limping slightly, but he was bouncing excitedly, still more than ready to go.

"Listen, Fenris. I can do this all day. You can't." Roque said, crossing the clearing and leaning over Fenris. He rolled the gray wolf onto his back, exposing his belly. "Now apologize to the lady before I split you open and feed your guts to your pack."

Fenris was shaking now, knowing he was defeated. "I...apologize."

"Louder!" Roque commanded.

"I'm sorry for betraying you, Tala." Fenris called.

Roque snorted in his face and trotted back to Tala. "This was fun. We should catch up later."

"We...should." Tala was clearly stunned. The wolves were cheering, but Roque simply melted away. As though he were never there at all.

Regina quickly to check on Lucia and make sure she was unhurt before turning to Tala, watching Fenris being helped back to his paws by his pack. "So who was that? Someone you know?"

"Roque's an old friend. Thought he was dead." She shrugged.

"Friend. Right." Regina purred. "You okay?"

"Yeah, Fenris knows his place now." Tala shook herself, turning her back to her former lover and introduced Regina to her daughters, both of them as beautiful as their mother. One was named Tosca and the other, Trina. She had a little more peace of mind knowing that Lucia would be with three wolves instead of one.

"Now that that craziness is over with." Lycia said. "Regina, come on."

"You don't have to be so rude." Regina hissed at her mate as she followed away from the others.

"We have a mission. We shouldn't stray from it."

"You mean you shouldn't, right?" Regina asked. Lycia immediately turned to face her, one eye cocked, demanding her to explain. "Lycia, I get that you want to restore the Alphas to their great glory and get us a spot on the High Council and this and that, but don't forget that we're supposed to be enjoying ourselves. This is going to be our life."

"We can enjoy ourselves when all this mess is dealt with." Lycia said firmly.

"I don't want to be on the Council." Regina sighed.

"Regina, I told you you wouldn't be alone. You have nothing to worry about."

"I'm not worried, I don't want to do this. I have a better idea. Once I clear the Council, I'll give my spot to you and help Zelena reopen the city."

"She wants to restore the city?"

"That's why she gave her spot to Alyndra. With magic, it can be done, given time. Trust me on this, I think this is better suited to me." Regina tried to explain. She didn't want another rift between them. She wouldn't be able to bear it. "I don't want you to be upset-"

"And I don't want you to think that I'm commanding you either." Lycia sighed. "That's the last thing I want. I'm sorry, I just…"

"You want what's best for us and your people. I understand. Don't even worry about it." Regina said. "Are we on the same page?"

Lycia nodded. "What's your plan?"

"For the High Council to meet the Evil Queen."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The High Council were originally to be made up of representatives of each pack, but with so many, a decision on any matter could hardly be reached. So the Council was simplified, one member from each pack type so to speak. One River Wolf, one Plains Wolf, one Royal Pack wolf and so on, eventually equaling 13. The current members were either young and reckless like Alyndra, or old and set in their ways, like the bastard that Regina stood in front of now. She was accompanied by Lycia and Quinn, standing before the other 11 councilmembers in one of her favorite Evil Queen dresses, the tight blue one that Lycia adored. The head councilmember was an old wolf with black fur that was steadily turning gray everywhere. His name was Rorah and he'd already made it clear that he didn't like Regina.

"You show up here like your older sister making demands, making changes to a system-"

"That failed!" Regina roared. "When the Wolf Wars were upon the land, no one knew what to do. People came to the lot of you for guidance and leadership and you sent them to their deaths. How many did you send to fight? How many packs are no more because they listened to your words?"

"None of this would have happened, had it not been for the Royal Pack-"

"The Royal Pack is half dead! If you punish them, you are punishing those who escaped the Wars, who didn't fight, who were too young to do anything. It would be wrong. You want to help your people, then let us do that. The old ways are dead. Things must change. Everything eventually changes. If you can't adapt, then you die." Regina paused to look at the other wolves and people of the council, the only spots being empty were Alyndra's and the one vacant position left. "My name is Regina Mills. I was once called the Evil Queen. Very few know how I came to be called such. Very few could fathom such a story. But I am here now, asking for a chance. I am an Alpha, not by blood, but by choice. I chose this path, to walk the world as one of you. The Royal Pack that committed these heinous crimes are dead. Their leaders, their lieutenants are dead. No one can hunt where the Royal Pack hunts. No one can survive in those conditions but them. They have lost their power, lost the respect of the other packs. They have nothing left because of their ancestors. They shouldn't be punished for this."

"Then would you have us do?" Asked one of the council, a small gray female. "Shake hands and kiss?"

"Ban them from the Festivals for 2 years. Have them give an offering to the lesser packs. Monitor them for 2 years." Regina answered. "Let them choose their leaders, let them be. They deserve a chance too."

"Why 2 years?"

"Because 2 years is long enough. We have our own lives to live. Those that died, deserve to be honored. Bron, one of the greatest wolves ever to live, lost his life defending me. We did not honor him with a piece of stone, but something live and that would continue to love and grow. We planted a tree. Unlike any other. I would have one planted for every life lost in the Wolf Wars." She paused to survey her crowd. "Territories need to be chosen. I could do easily with magic. Give me the name of every pack leader and the number of wolves in their pack and I can divide up the Alpha lands as they should be. If anyone wants to fight after that, then fine, but we should be focused on living, trying to build ourselves some semblance of a life on the ashes of what was. And I would restore the city. My sister, Zelena will help, and my daughter will assist. One more step to becoming greater. The Alphas will never be what we once were, but that doesn't mean we can't be even better."

"And I suppose you want to be one of the Council." Rorah growled.

"And deal with you every other week? Nonsense, no. My mate, Lycia will take the last place. Also, every other year, the wolves will have the chance to choose new council members. Simply because of you are too young to fully understand the complexity of where you sit an the others, are too set in your ways to change. The Alphas owe allegiance to different packs, but in our hearts, we are united. This is the path to something better, something greater. Who is willing to walk it with me?" She waited patiently while they debated. Sure, some changes could be made to what she'd just proposed, but for the most part she believed that they were fair choices. Eventually it was 7 to 4 vote to follow her lead. It took a day to get the names of the pack leaders and the number of how many were in their pack. Regina conjured a table with a miniature model of Alpha lands. She waved her hand, magically dividing it up perfectly to sufficiently sustain the packs. She then brought Bron's tree through a portal and Sun Rocks would serve almost as the memorial grounds for those lost in the Wars. More of the pink petaled trees sprang up, creating a thick forest of pink and purple. Then the packs moved out. They would be given 3 days of peace before crossing borders would be 'illegal' and the packs would have the authority to defend them.

"So where's your territory?" Zelena asked. The sisters were sitting on a rock overlooking the departing wolves.

"To the east." Regina said.

"You made it bigger than necessary, didn't you?" Zelena smirked.

Regina shrugged. "Perhaps. Maybe you got a little extra too. But I honestly think you needed it with 9 adult members and 12 pups."

"13 adults. Alyndra picked up some more members." Zelena corrected. "We'll have to whip them into shape soon."

Regina nodded. "Lycia decided not to add in any new members, but I'm pretty sure we're gonna have to do something about it sooner or later."

"You'll be fine for now. I should go. We have a good 2 day walk to our territory and the little ones are gonna have to be carried and watched carefully."

Regina nodded. "We should meet up later about the city. You know, when you can spend some time away from the babies. By the way, I want to meet them at least once a month."

Zelena chuckled. "You can babysit all 12 as often as you like, dearie. I'll meet you in a few months to start work on the city." They touched noses and nuzzled necks before Regina watched her sister trot down to her pack. She retrieved her little ones. Most could walk, but the youngest litter had to be carried. Alyndra made sure that Zelena and the pups were in the middle of their large pack, with the biggest males and females on the outside for protection before leading them off.

"You okay?" Lycia leaped onto the rock and sat next to her.

"I'm fine, dear."

"That was some speech you gave in there."

"Thank you, I just...spoke."

"Yeah, and they listened. You think the Evil Queen could've done that?"

"Or course not. She almost came out to kick Rorah's ass. I don't like that guy. He's like an annoying grandpa or one of those politicians." She shook herself.

"So...you want more kids?"

"Absolutely not." Regina said immediately. "At least not for a while. Maybe we'll have another litter one day, but we have too much to do right now."

"True. If there's ever anything you want, Regina, please let me know and I'll do whatever it takes to get it. I really just want you to be happy."

"I am happy. With you." Regina leaned her head against Lycia. Her mate purred gently. "We have to get to our territory."

"We will. It won't take long." Lycia paused for a moment. "Tala is heading up North with Roque and her daughters. Lucia's going with her. I can't imagine what she's up to, but Lucia said to tell you she loved you."

"I know she does, and I'm not worried. If anyone can help the Royal Pack, it's Tala. I'm so glad she found Roque. They're cute together, aren't they? I hope they Bond."

"You mean he's cute." Lycia growled.

"Baby, half the wolves I've seen today have actually been sexy as hell. The slender ladies, the big masculine males. Not to mention that one female with blue fur and the white paws." She licked her lips. "I would've loved to strap her to a bed." She stopped and looked at Lycia's unamused expression. "But you know why I don't care about all of those wolves?" Regina asked as they started walking down to find their pack.

"Why?" Lycia growled.

"They didn't change my life. They didn't give me children. They... cannot make me wet with a single look." She let out a wolfish grin as Lycia perked up completely. "They cannot compare to my mate, my one and only true love."

"Aw, Regina." Lycia purred, touching noses with her mate.

"Now, don't worry about jealous. My mind is being dominated by one thing at the moment."

"And what's that?"

"Getting to our territory and building us a den so I can fuck you silly for as long as I please." Regina said, tapping her mate on the nose with her paw. They found Ruby and the others waiting next to the river.

"It's beautiful, Gina." Ruby said, looking around at the breathtaking new forest.

"It's well earned." She looked towards the highest where Bron's tree stood tall above them all, like a guardian, along with the second tree that had been planted in honor of Natasha, Lycia and Quinn's mother. "Lycia, do you have any more siblings?" She asked offhandedly.

"Yes, but you needn't concern yourself about them."

"Them?"

"They're both pricks." Quinn added.

"Don't worry." Ruby whispered. "Give me a night with him and he'll tell me anything you want to know."

"Alright, everyone, form up!" Lycia called. "It's time to go home." Regina wagged her tail, stepping into place next to her mate. For their territory, she'd chosen land to the east, where the weather was usually warm and rarely cool. Prey would be plentiful and it was close to the mountain so they could use it for a den and it would give her easy access to any paths leading into the caved in Alpha city. The pack set out, moving as one. They had made it to the Enchanted Forest, they had succeeded in helping the Council and order was steadily being restored. But their work was just beginning. As they left Sun Rocks behind them, they didn't see the pairs of eyes watching with hatred and anger. Sure, they'd completed their mission, but in doing so, the Mills Pack had unknowingly painted a large target on their own backs. Here in the Alpha lands, anyone could be waiting to bite them in it. One wolf was already waiting for the moment to strike.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Read and Review! A/N: There you have it, the second installment of Beautiful One. Let me know if you guys have any suggestions or questions. I love feedback. Sorry for any mistakes.