I pace the small space of the hospital room dragging the IV pole.

"Tala, you need to lie down," Trent states from the corner.

"If I move the flush moves through my system faster."

"Tala, lie down," Regal snaps entering.

"Waiting on my bear," I grunt.

"Ah, yes, the surly young man you sent to represent you with the Alphas," Regal chuckles. "Bold move, Sigma."

"Please," I sigh. "The only reason I took that title was so Marrok would allow the wolves…allow Bayley to live in the Ursidae and away from Orton. And that surly bear reminds me a lot of you, old Beta, so tread carefully."

Grabbing my shoulders, he turns me towards the bed. "In bed."

"I will sit," I sigh.

"It is a start," he chuckles. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"That's nice, Mark. Now let's try the truth."

"I'm fine."

"You took two bolts coated with wolfsbane."

"Grazes. Marrok took a bolt directly to his shoulder, go hover around him."

"Only one thanks to the quick thinking of his favorite Sigma."

I grunt in response.

The Beta is quiet as he examines the healing wounds on my shoulder and hip. "You are progressing well," he finally states.

"Well, I was trying to speed the process," I smirk.

"I'm giving you a low dose of antibiotics just to be safe. Stay still until…" He starts, adding the medication to my IV.

"I need to…"

"Will you keep her in bed," Regal turns to Trent.

"I have found that no bear can make Ursus Tala do anything she doesn't want with the exception of Ursavus."

"Stubborn leaders seem to be a curse we both suffer," he smirks. "If I didn't know better, I would say this one was Mark's daughter."

"The bears find her stubbornness amusing mostly."

"I'm right here you know."

"Tala," Pete states, entering with file in hand. "There are wolves to see you."

"How long until…" I motion to the IV.

"Ten or fifteen minutes."

"Ask them to wait fifteen minutes, Pete."

"Why…"

"It is seen as bad taste for a wolf to see their leader in a weaken state," Regal states. "The Marrok will keep himself in isolation for the next three days to ensure he is one hundred percent. No wolf will pledge themselves to a weakened leader. Stay seated until this finishes," Regal states before turning to leave.

Pete slips from the room behind him momentarily before returning placing the folder in front on me. "Everything the Alphas know."

"Sit," I nod to the end of my bed. "Until I have some wolves, I need you to act as my second."

"What does that mean?"

"Right now, it just means you're my eyes and ears regarding pack matters. If it were a permanent role there would be more to it. Don't worry," I smirk at his panicked expression, "this is just until I'm healed. It's bad enough the pack is going to come onto the radar of every Alpha prick with the itch to lead a pack and take it away from a weak Sigma. Awarding a bear a role in the pack… Both sides would implode." Flipping the folder open, I sort through the pages of photos and various reports. "What am I looking at?"

"No one claims the wolf shooter but…" He rifles through the papers coming up with a single sheet. The pictures printed there show a recognizable crossbow and bag of bolts. "He was using a King's Guard bow and bolts."

"How accessible are their weapons?"

"They are stored in the armory. Since the treaty, only guards have access there."

"So a guard had to have given him the bow."

"Or access. No one in the Southern Territories would blink an eye at a strange wolf wondering around," Trent points out, joining us.

"Is there any kind of logging system at the armory? A way to see who has been coming and going?"

"There is an electronic lock, we all have distinctive codes. There are a few cameras inside. I will find you a copy of the log."

I turn my attention to the photos of the shooter. I don't recognize the wolf but that means nothing. "Did he say anything?"

"Mainly curses towards bears and traitor wolves," Pete shrugs. "Nothing worth repeating."

Something in one of the pictures catches my eye. "What is that," I point.

"A tattoo," Pete answers.

"Of a snake?"

"Yes," he states hesitantly.

"That stupid son of a… Regal," I call, bringing the Beta back into the room. "Get this out," I hold out my arm with the IV.

"Tala, I'm not…"

"I know who the wolf belongs to," I snarl, holding up the pictures. "He's a Viper."

"Let the Alphas…"

"That bastard attacked my family."

"The Alphas…"

"I'm a pack leader."

"With no pack!"

"Fine. Pete, will you please ask the Alphas to come to me. Trent, let the wolves in and then find Konnor."

"Tala, please don't start your leadership…" The end of Regal's sentence dies at the look I give him.

"Bears, go."

"Tala, I don't think it's best to leave you alone," Pete starts.

"Tala," Ember crows, strolling through the door.

"Ember," I smile. "Are you giving up your lone wolf status to join my pack?"

"No," she smirks. "But I would like to request entrance into the Ursidae."

"For?"

"There is a position on your guard, I've heard."

"There is," I reply hesitantly.

"Here I am," she smiles.

"Any new guards have to go through the Wolfs Guard leader," I return the smile, nodding towards Pete.

"What?"

"You are the leader, aren't you?"

"Yes, but Ursavus…"

"Is not here. I trust you to make decisions about my safety."

He swallows thickly. Turning to Ember, "Can ya fight as well as Tala?"

"Better," she smirks.

"You'll get the chance to prove it back in the Ursidae. Ya can have a trial run. Run gather the Alphas for Tala."

"Yes sir," she mock salutes.

"Trent…"

"Don't, Tala," Pete interrupts.

"I don't believe I asked…"

"If the wolves don't show weakness then you should wait. Minutes are not gonna make a difference."

"Listen to the boy," Regal states.

"Fine. As soon as this is out I am going."

"Understood, Ursus" Trent nods.

"Since I'm stuck here twiddling my thumbs, sit," I pat the bed as I readjust.

Pete resumes his spot near my feet.

"You too, Trent," I smile.

His eyebrows meet his hairline as he joins us. "Tala?"

"So, since you are still my mysterious guard, I was hoping you would tell me something about yourself."

"What would you like to know, Madam?"

"Whatever you're willing to share. Your past. Your family. Your intentions with Ms. Jax," I smile as his face flushes. "Anything really."

"There is nothing in my past that is exciting, I'm afraid. Just the normal family life."

"So how did you end up here?"

"Peter needed a chaperone," he shrugs.

"And you were his rescuer," I prompt.

"As much as he hated the fact."

"And what are your feelings on the matter?"

"I miss my family but I love my life here. I'm learning a great deal. I hope to continue learning now that I have more access to wolves."

"Oh? Why are you so interested in the access to wolves?"

"I…"

"He is a historian," Pete smirks. "Been trying to solve the great mysteries."

"Like?"

"Well, ummm…Madam, the one I have been putting the most research in is…Well…No one knows why or how our war started."

"Huh," I huff. "I never really thought about that?"

"Most of your life you had greater concerns Madam."

"Well after we get this assassin taken care of, you are welcome to comb through the library here. The Marrok is a big proponent of learning. We have a vast history section, it is probably a bit biased but there."

"Thank you, Madam."

XXX

"Wake up, Orton," I state, bears at my back.

"You have no power here Omega," the blonde beside the hospital bed sneers.

"No one is speaking to you, Mandy," I smirk. "And it's Sigma."

"I don't recognize your made-up title."

"Like Queens of the West that you and Liv like to throw around."

"What do you need Omega," Randy mutters, not opening his eyes.

"We need to talk to your involvement with the assassin that tried to take out the Marrok," Jericho states. "And I would like to make this quick. I need to get home soon."

"Missing Tyler already Chris."

"Open your damn eyes, Randy," Baron barks.

"Bears and the Alphas. Are you really that scared of me little Omega?"

"Who was he, Orton?"

"In case you missed the fact that I'm currently lying in a hospital bed, I have to remind you that I was hit too. Why would I hire someone to hit me too? I don't know who did this."

"You're wound wasn't too severe. The fact that you were hit means nothing," I smirk. "The fact that you are still here just means that Regal hasn't given you a flush yet."

"What makes you think I had anything to do with anything," he glares.

"He had the mark of one of your men," Tony states, tossing the photos onto the table over the downed Alpha's bed.

Randy paws through the photos. "This isn't one of mine," he growls.

"He's a Viper," I return the growl.

"No, he isn't. He has the tattoo but he's not one of mine."

"Why should we believe you?"

"If you were a true Alpha, you would know. Alpha's can hear a lie."

"Not always. Tala is one of us. We will treat her with the same respect as an Alpha," Tony corrects. "I vote to bring this to the Marrok."

"Seconded," I state.

"So, it passes," Chris claps. "Let's get out of here."

"If she is one of us now, wouldn't there need to be one more vote to pass now," Randy sneers.

"Third," Baron states. "Happy?"

"Get out. I will face the Marrok, you are no longer needed."

"You heard him. Out," Mandy snaps.

Konnor and Pete grip my forearms.

"You are needed back at the Ursidae, Madam," Trent whispers.

"We all need to get home," Chris states, heading for the door. "Dismissed?"

"Let's get out of here," Tony sighs.

"Enjoy your new pack, Orton," I smirk. "Guards."

"You need a second, Tala," Baron states as we enter the hallway. "You can't always have the bears at your back."

"I have a few Betas that have pledged themselves to me. I just need a second to choose."

"None with any experience in the higher workings of a pack."

"As much as I love Corey, I am not taking your Beta. Him and Ruby have too much business in the Packlands to uproot and move to the Ursidae."

"What about me?"

Turning I find Tyler Breeze. "Does Jericho know you're trying to deflect," I smirk, wrapping him in a hug.

"Yes."

"You're serious?"

"As the Marrok," he smirks.

"Don't joke like this Breeze."

Kneeling in front of me, he drops his gaze to my feet. "My loyalty belongs to my Alph…uh, Sigma. Her Pack is where I choose. Her Pack is my defense. Her Pack will be defended by me. This is my pledge."

I stand frozen at the pledge. My new pack so far consisted of mainly Omegas wanting to escape their packs to somewhere where they will lose the expectations on them. A few Betas merchants wanting to expand their shops into the Ursidae. No one that would want to help in the leadership aspect of the Pack.

"Sigma?"

"Oh..,Um… I will hold you up when you cannot stand. I will wipe away the tears when you cry. I will fight for you when you give up. I will love you. This is my pledge. Rise my wolf."

"My Sigma."

"Beta. Why would you join my pack?"

"You will be viewed as the weakest pack. You need someone experienced in pack politics because let's face it...Well, you suck at politics."

"I'll have you know I have been doing a great job as the bear princess."

"By clashing with the bear king every chance you get. You can not do that with the Marrok."

"I am aware," I smirk, rubbing my throat.

"That won't happen again," Pete growls.

"There is nothing you can do to stop him, bear."

"Tyler, that is my head guard, Pete. I trust him more than you, more than me, more than anyone. If there is a way to prevent the Marrok from killing me, I know Pete would die finding that way. Never doubt that and never doubt him."

"Dango told me about him. I think we will be able to make a good team once I clean him up a little."

"Bayley will rip your throat out if you touch him."

"Tala," Tony calls.

"Yes?"

"I need you to take something with you."

"What?"

A body slides to a stop at our feet. "Him."

Nudging the wolf onto their back, Tony's Beta, Seth. "Why are all the Alphas trying to give me their Betas?"

"Mine will be of no use to you unless you enjoy hounds that can't keep it in his pants."

"Then why do I need to take him?"

"It's still my responsibility to ensure he stays alive," the Alpha shrugs.

"I'm not the White Lion. My pack is not the dumping ground for Alphas to dispose of their undesirables. I only want wolves that want to be in my lands and work with the bears."

"I do," the wolf at my feet groans. "Let me show you."

"Who did you fuck this time, Seth?"

"Liv."

"Gods above," I sigh. "Pack your shit, we leave in an hour. Orton won't step foot in the Ursidae. He will be safe," I state to Tony.

"Thank you, Tala."

"I'm going to need some housing built for all the incoming wolves. Can you gather a crew willing to work in the Ursidae again?"

"Sure thing."

"Then we're even. Seth, go. I expect you to be ready when we are."

"Yes, Sigma," he groans before slipping off.

"Trent do you have a way back home?"

"Yes Madam."

"Then our library is yours. I will see you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Madam."

XXX

"The cubs have made it safely home and are halfway to the North," Konnor reports as I pack.

I had told Drew to take the cubs and start his planned vacation early. "Thank you, Konnor."

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I'm fine. Thank you," I huff as another wave of dizziness passes over me. They have been coming more frequently since returning to my rooms to pack. A weight settling on my shoulder as each pack bond made today starts to settle over me.

"You look pale, Tala."

"Just a little dizziness from the excitement of the day."

"Are you sure?"

His hand wraps around my forearm and concern overwhelms my senses.

"I'm fine. Just coming down from the adrenaline of the day. And the Pack connections are going to make my head spin until I learn to control it, I'm told."

"That's not it," Regal states, holding a stack of papers.

"Please. Come right in. Make yourself at home, Old Wolf. Tell me how I don't know my own body."

"You don't," he smiles gently. "At least not entirely. It's more than your new pack bonds and adrenaline."

"What is it then?"

"You are pregnant, Ursus Tala," he grins. "Congratulations."