It took Jules six weeks before he was able to arrange the meeting between Alpha Jake from the wolf lodge, and Alpha Mikael from our den. They had tried several times, but each time had to get rescheduled to some issue or other within their own communities. Hector had merely shrugged and said something about us meeting when the fates chose for it to happen.

Liam had closed the dining room for the day, and we were all gathered here for the meeting. So far, we'd all been mingling and visiting with each other. It was as if we all knew why we were here and wanted to enjoy ourselves in spite of the alpha-bitch and her evil plans. We had plenty of time to worry about the war, I suppose. It was probably good that we were having a chance to bond as friends first, since we didn’t all know each other.

I sat, stroking my new baby bump that had popped out a couple of weeks ago. At first it had looked like I’d eaten too much at dinner, but now it was an obvious little baby bump. I could hear their heartbeats if I focused.

It was really neat though, when Hector and I had gone to see Dr. Dean in her office at the Alpha Manor. The sound of the twin heartbeats over the speakers of her little device was nothing short of amazing. My proud Hector had actually teared up with joy. Alphas. Always such marshmallows under those cocky ass exteriors they showed the world.

I looked around the room at everyone, marveling at how many of us there were. Alpha Mikael's group consisted of Alpha Mate Taylor, Beta Captain Peter, Alpha Heir Stefan, and his mate, Diego. Of course, Jules and his mates Colin and Sean were also here.

Alpha Jake's group were people I didn't know, except for the bear members of his pack that he'd included since the threat involved them. First Mate Kai was a lovely omega, along with Second in Command Daniel and his mate, Luke. The bears present also brought their mates.

I was excited to learn that Doc Ollie had recently mated with a female beta wolf, who was the Alpha's aunt. She was a crazy looking old lady that I was dying to get a chance to talk to at some point. I could tell by looking at her that she'd make me giggle. Doc's son, Ivan, was there with his mate, Ryan. Ryan and Taylor were glued to each other's sides, like I used to be with Dylan.

Oskar was another older omega from our den that I remembered somewhat. He was actually mated to Yvonne at one point, which was why she was shunned in the first place by our Alpha. She'd been abusive to him, even after they'd broken up. He'd found his fated-mate, a wolf named Maxx, and Yvonne had tried to kill them while Oskar was pregnant. As horrible as a shunning was among our people, she was lucky the Alpha didn't do worse. Although, if he had then we wouldn't be in this situation now.

But then, if it weren't for the war, many of us wouldn't be together. Frankie and Liam, for sure. I shook my head, thinking about the craziness of fate. Karl was also there. He was an alpha bear who was much older than me. I remember seeing him hang out with Liam when we were all younger though. Karl was there with his two wolf mates, Owen and Zane.

Altogether we made a large group, and it was easy to see why it had taken so long to get us all in one place for a meeting. Everyone hushed as a group of betas came in carrying platters of food. They set up a long buffet table along one wall. By the time they were done putting all the food out, more than one stomach was growling from the smells of the delicious food.

Urns of coffee and tea were placed along another table, and with pitchers of iced tea and water were available. I was eyeballing the dessert table, but first I wanted some of that lasagna I smelled. And maybe a few of those little empanadas. I stood taller to see what the spicy beef smell was that I was picking up.

Hector appeared at my side. It had taken me a few, but I was finally getting used to the way that he silently glided up like a kitty ninja whenever I least expected it.

"Are you hungry, lindo? Come, let's find a seat and I will fetch you a plate." His hand was already on the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd.

"Seriously, Hector. I can fix my own plate, you don't need to fuss. I'm pregnant, not an invalid." I rolled my eyes so hard that my head hurt as I allowed myself to be led to a table in the center of the room.

"He cannot help it, you are best advised to just roll with it." Diego appeared at my side, doing another imitation of a kitty ninja.

I laughed as I sat down in the chair that Hector was pulling out for me. "I can't believe that it's possible for a shifter to be surprised by someone sneaking up on them, but you cats get me every time. It's a good thing I'm young with a strong heart. Shit!" I gave a dramatic shudder that had Diego laughing and sliding into the chair beside me.

"Congratulations on your twins. I am happy to see you and Hector being blessed. My Tony is the light of my life! Here, just look at his angelic face. I dare you to find a more beautiful child." Diego was pulling out his phone and thrusting it into my hands before he'd even finished speaking. He had his photo gallery open, and was leaning over me to scroll through what seemed like hundreds of pictures of his cub.

The baby was adorable. He had the chubbiest little cheeks and a full head of dark hair. His eyes were squinted in every photo so that I couldn't tell what color they were. I smiled at each picture that was shown to me by the excited little omega. The cub honestly looked exactly the same to me in every one. I didn't understand the point of having so many, unless it was to show the different outfits he owned? The child seemed to never wear the same thing twice, based on the pics I was seeing.

"Oh, please. Tell me that my mate's not forcing you to look at the Antonio portfolio?" Stefan lifted Diego up and stole his seat before pulling the little jaguar down onto his lap. The big man smiled affectionately at his omega as he spoke.

Diego lifted his chin imperiously. "I do not need to force anyone to look at the photos of our sunshine. He is such perfection, who would not want to admire him?"

Taylor and his friend, Ryan were passing by the way to the buffet table. Taylor grinned at Stefan. "Just give up, Steffy. Diego is a proud papa. Those pictures aren't stopping anytime soon." He pulled his own phone out and held it out to show me a picture on it of the chubby little cub with an older baby. The omega had his faux hawk died a neon pink today, which made his bright blue eyes pop as he smiled.

"Have you seen the new photos of my son? I have a few on here of Alec with Tony from a playdate they had in our alpha suite a few days ago. I think they will be besties just like me and Steffy-poo."

Diego rolled his eyes and batted at Taylor's phone playfully. "You just want to show Drew your son's pictures. You're not fooling anyone with your tricks."

The omega wolf tugged at the Alpha Mate while smiling at me with an apologetic wink. "Come on, Tay-Tay. Leave the poor guy alone. Let's go get some food before those big alphas get at the table."

"Yeah, Tay-Tay. Go find your own sucker to show those pictures to, Diego has this one cornered already," Stefan said with a laugh. He punctuated it with a tickle to Diego's ribs and a kiss to his cheek, but the omega wasn't having it.

Diego waved Taylor off and looked at his mate with a haughty sniff before leaning forward to slide the screen on his phone to yet another picture of his cub. Taylor and Ryan went off giggling while I looked at a few dozen more pictures. Truthfully, I didn't mind. I understood Diego's pride.

I realized all at once that Diego and I were both going to be in similar situations soon. He'd made a new home thousands of miles from his home village with his fated-mate. That was what I would be doing when we left here in a few months. I looked over at him and said as much to him.

He regarded me silently for a minute, then began to giggle. "This is so true! And both of us because of the same silly alpha! I left my homeland because Father wanted me to mate with the future chieftain, and you are going there because you have done it!"

I looked up at my mate who was setting a plate of food in front of me. "Future chieftain? I feel like this is information I should have been given."

Hector shook his head. "Diego, you are mistaken, mi amigo. I am too far removed in the line of succession to be the next chieftain. I have brothers remember? And my oldest brother already has an alpha son of his own, which puts me back another step. Trust me, lindo. You don't have to worry about that."

Diego said, "I disagree. You know what the seer has foretold." He turned to me and explained. "Although the line of heirs is clear, the village votes on the next chieftain from within the line of Hector's family. It was foretold by our seer at Hector's birth that he would be chieftain one day. This is why my father was so determined that I would be his mate."

Hector shook his head with exasperation as he slid into his seat. "That quack is right about half the time, which is exactly the same odds that anyone could expect in a coin toss. Trust me, Diego. That seer isn't any more psychic than you are, my friend. He just has such good luck the times that he gets it right that the other half is forgotten."

Diego shrugged and nodded thoughtfully. "That is true enough. After all, the seer said that Jules would die alone after he left our village. And look at my primo now, with not one but two mates." His eyes proudly sought his alpha cousin across the room where he stood talking with the two main Alphas before turning his attention back to me.

"Still. Be prepared, Drew. Hector's family are nice people, but there is a lot expected of you when you are member of the chieftain's family. I'm pretty sure that you aren't allowed to fart, although a polite burp after a well made feast won't be frowned upon."

Hector grinned. "Drew, ignore this lunatic. My family is like just like any other when behind closed doors. Yes, we have a certain image to maintain in public. You won't be held to the same expectations though, given that you are new to our world. The villagers will be entranced by the fair skinned, blonde Americano bear shifter. I dare say that no matter what you say or do, it will be considered adorable and exotic."

Diego giggled suddenly and bounced excitedly where he sat on his mate’s lap. "This is true! I had not thought it of it in quite that way! Oh, Drew! Forget what I said. Be as crazy as you want to be. They will expect it of you anyway. I am almost jealous of you, now that I think of it."

He turned to Alpha Heir Stefan with wide eyes and big grin. "Perhaps we should take our precious Antonio to Belize to meet my padre after all. I would love to flaunt my own Yankee mate in front of those stuffy, judgemental bastards."

Before Stefan could respond, Hector spoke. "I know that you are being playful, Diego, but that might actually be a nice idea. If you returned for a visit accompanied by me and my family, your padre would be too honored to raise a fuss. Perhaps we can talk about this later? I could extend the same offer to Jules and his family as well. My plane is on standby at the airport until my business here is concluded. I would be pleased to take all of you back, and lend my jet for your return trip home as well."

Stefan raised a brow and regarded Hector curiously. "That's quite an offer, alpha. We will have to discuss it. It would mean a lot to me to reunite Diego with his family. You don't owe my mate any kindness though, I hope you know that. We don't blame you for the machinations of your father and his padre. I'm sorry we were rude when you arrived. You didn't deserve that at all."

Hector inclined his head. "Thank you, friend. I appreciate that, although I understand why it was upsetting to have me arrive here unexpectedly like I did. I'm just glad that we were able to smooth things between us."

Stefan grinned. "Hey, once I found out that you weren't here with any designs on my mate, it was all good. Kudos to you on finding your mate, by the way. Have you told your family yet?"

Hector rolled his eyes. "My father tried to insist that I bring his new son home so that his grandchildren could be born in the village of their ancestry. He wasn't happy when I explained that it was an impossibility at this time. If it weren't for the fact that he can't leave the village, I believe that he would have already been here."

I looked at Diego and Stefan. "We've skyped with them a few times. I'm excited to meet everyone and see your village, Diego. I'm just not sure how my bear will like the heat of your jungle."

Diego giggled and began to regale me with stories of his homeland while I ate. Stefan and Hector finally went to get plates for themselves while we talked. Stefan brought back plates for both himself and Diego, while Hector had another plate for me along with his own. On the new plate were some of my favorite finger foods that he'd forgotten the first time.

The rest of the people in the room settled in to different seats around the room to eat and visit a little more. After a while, the betas came in and began removing the leftover food, clearing tables, and topping off the dessert and drink areas.

Once they were gone and the doors to the dining area had been closed, Jules and the two Alpha leaders made their way to the front of the room. Jules began to speak, and briefly explained the vision that Hector had been given. He had cleared it with Hector and Frankie before revealing their secret.

"It is imperative," Jules said, "that this secret remain in this room. Many of us have heard the legend of the founding families. They are rumored to be the descendants of the first omegas. I am here to tell you that this is true, and two of them are here among us."

The entire room gasped, and Jules nodded for Hector and Frankie to come forward.

Hector brushed a kiss over my cheek as he rose and joined the other men at the front of the room. Jules continued to speak as the two descendants joined him.

"Some of you have already met Frankie, our resident tech wizard. Hector is a jaguar from Belize who recently found his fated-mate here in our den. He has agreed to stay and see this through on our behalf, despite the fact that his omega is pregnant with twins." Jules turned to clasp Hector's shoulder. "I'm going to let Hector speak now, but remember that he is here by his own gracious choice. He has chosen to honor us with his private secret, his vision, and his kind offer of assistance."

Hector nodded politely while the room applauded him. He held up a hand and spoke softly yet confidently. "Thank you, I appreciate the kind introduction. First, I know that most people need a demonstration. Obviously we cannot shift in here, but Frankie and I are going to show you our eyes in their true form."

He nodded to Frankie and both men allowed their eyes to glow as they did in animal form. Hector's beautiful eyes shined with that violet purple glow while Frankie's golden orbs were breathtaking to see. Hector continued to speak, allowing his eyes to continue glowing while he shared the history of the founding families and their magical descendants.

He ended his brief history lesson and brought his eyes back to their normal pools of chocolate brown. "Each family line has different psychic gifts. I don't know how many of the founding families remain with us in this modern era. I personally know of one other besides Frankie, but I've heard rumors of more. I have put finding them on my to-do list. Hopefully this is a job that the fates will allow me to complete."

The room was uncharacteristically quiet as everyone listened with rapt attention. I bit back a smile at Diego's look of shock as he listened to Hector. I couldn't even begin to imagine how mind boggling it must be for the little cat to learn this new information about the alpha he'd known all his life and nearly been given as a mate.

When Hector got to the part about his vision, and the danger to all of the local bears including those at the lodge, the entire room gasped with horror. The different bears around the room were suddenly being hugged by teary-eyed mates as a blur of neon pink flew to the front and the funky little Alpha Mate flung himself at Alpha Mikael.

Hector stepped back respectfully and allowed the people in the room to digest his words and comfort their mates. Jules had gone over to hold his mate Colin while Frankie had made a beeline for Liam. Seeing the reality of the threat against our communities in the faces of these people made my heart break for them. I was proud of my mate, and the role that he had foreseen himself playing in the near future. As scary as it was, I was certain that my alpha would do his part to see this end well.

The crazy little old lady cuddling with Doc Ollie at a nearby table sat up and slammed her fist on the table. She proclaimed loudly: "Fuck that alpha-bitch! Everyone calm your shit and get your asses back in your seats. We need to let the sexy young jaguar here tell us more about his vision and how we can be saved. We're all scared, but we need to put a cork in it and let the man speak. If he's had a vision of how we'll save our bears’ furry asses, then we need to listen."

Surprisingly, everyone did as she suggested and Hector was able to finish. He nodded at the old lady with an amused grin. "Thank you, Miss Kat. I appreciate the kind words. Now, let me tell you what needs to happen according to my vision."

He laid out a plan for a unified army of bears, wolves, and jaguars. Because naturally he and Jules would be there fighting as well. The next part he said wasn't quite as well received, due to the alphas’ protective natures.

"I know that there are a few omegas in our communities that will also be involved, because I saw it in my vision. The children of the lodge will be protected by the omegas there, with Oskar taking the lead. Diego and Frankie will be at the field of battle." He held up a hand when Stefan stood to his feet with a red face.

"I'm sorry, amigo. I'm not saying that we would plan to include your little mate. But Diego is a cat. We jaguars have minds of our own, and tend to be possessive to the point of obsession when it comes to our mates and families. I saw him there, which means it will be so. Knowing Diego, he probably would have slipped in without your knowledge. Instead, we should just plan on his presence."

Diego sat proudly, examining his nails smugly. He'd obviously already been planning to do just as Hector predicted. Hector continued.

"I'm sorry, Liam. I know that your mate was a soldier, but that won't make it any easier for you to stomach this idea. Please understand this though, Frankie needs to be at my side. The strength of our combined power will be needed, or Alpha Mikael will die."

Taylor was wrapped around the Alpha like a tree monkey. He had his legs wrapped around his mate’s waist with his arms squeezing the Alpha's neck so tight that I was surprised the Alpha was still breathing. My eyes watered as I heard Taylor's sniffling cries. Alpha Mikael stood there holding him and putting out such a strong wave of comforting Alpha pheromones that I felt it settle over me from across the room.

Hector waited a respectful amount of time before continuing softly. "This will be a battle, make no mistakes. I cannot promise that none of us will be injured, or that there will be no loss. I can promise that if Yvonne and her mate are taken out, the remaining rogues will scatter. Her mate must also be executed, or he will seek retribution on her behalf. The rest of her men are only there for the paycheck. Once their source of income is gone, their loyalties to her will end."

Stefan spoke up from his seat at my table. "Don't worry, amigo. That fucking little two-faced mangy ass wolf mate of hers will be mine. I will dispatch him happily for the act he pulled on us."

Frankie and Jules both nodded their agreement that Tommy the Wolf had a death warrant. It appeared as though there were a line of people ready to send him to meet the gods.

Hector finished his speech. "I will let your Alphas speak now, but I leave you with one last thought. Your communities are already united through the matings of your citizens, whether the threat included you both or not. A unified front is the only way that this will work. We must all work together under Jules' instruction to prepare for the battle. It matters not if you are wolf, bear, or jaguar. Both of your communities and the children within them are at risk if you cannot work together."

He gave a brief nod and came over to sit beside me. I reached for his hand, but instead he pulled me onto his lap. I could feel how worked up he was by everything he had just had to share. I knew that he had relived his violent vision as he spoke to the room. Resting my head on his shoulder, I rubbed my mate's chest and snuggled into him while the Alphas took turns answering questions and Jules explained the plan for every available alpha and beta of fighting ability to begin battle training.

I was a little surprised to learn that Alpha Heir Stefan and Diego would be going to stay at the lodge for awhile so that Stefan could train their men in the techniques that Jules had taught him. I hadn't been aware that Stefan had become the right hand of Jules' small army. It fit him somehow, and explained the new air of sobriety about the normally playful alpha.

After the talking was over, we all ate dessert and allowed the sugary sweets to comfort us while we visited and tried to pretend that the specter of the upcoming battle wasn't looming in all of our minds.