South Mountain Pack Ch. 16

"She could say it's to show us how the Alpha Council works and how we self govern, it could be part of our education," Erin added.

"You all have put a lot of thought and effort into this," Carlo said as he looked at Gina who nodded. "You're right, Maeve has a very special gift but I'm not certain the rewards outweigh the danger, but we will think about it and discuss it as a family to make our decision."

"Well, I'm not changing my mind," Enzo said in a stubborn tone.

Carlo looked at his watch with a smile, "It's almost eight, let's get everything brought into the house and then begin our relaxing weekend."

An hour later, Frank and Joe finished installing the braces on the doors on the bonus room, safe room and theater room and joined the rest of the adults who were watching the youngsters play volleyball and horseshoes. Carlo took a long pull of his beer and said, "Damn, it's good to be here."

"I know, I've been looking forward to this all week," Frank said as he leaned back in the chaise and pulled Rose tighter to his chest. "I wanted to ask with everything going on; do you think it's the right time to expand?"

Carlo was silent for several moments, "It's a great business opportunity that Rossi's can't afford to pass up and we have decided to proceed as if everything is normal. We also have a responsibility to the people who live in our territory, even if they're human. When we see a need we must be willing to step in to help, and by helping them we help ourselves." He looked at the youngsters and said, "Let's get a bonfire started, we can sit around and talk some more and then after the girls go to sleep we can have our talk with the boys."

Twenty minutes later they were around the bonfire eating bowls of chili Annie had heated knowing they would be hungry. "The first thing we need to discuss is the dating rules," Carlo said with a smile as the youngsters began to groan. "I know you're tired of hearing them by now, but it's AC rules. Since Erin and Caitlin are sixteen, they're allowed to be kissed by their intendeds, but you're not allowed to be fully against their front or back."

The youngsters waited and Carlo took a sip of beer and the silence resumed. "Is that all? There's nothing else you're gonna say?" Lorenzo asked.

"Nope. You've heard the same thing four times now in the last month, what more do you want me to say?" Carlo asked with a grin.

Damian threw his hands in the air, "Thank Luna for that. I'm sick and tired of hearing about these damn, I mean darn rules. You need to bring it up at the next AC meeting that they should be printed and have the intendeds sign instead of putting us through this misery... and it is misery."

Carlo threw back his head and laughed, "How do you think I feel? Every time the Pack has a declaration, I have to give this speech."

"I hadn't thought about that," Damian admitted with a sheepish smile. "You must be miserable doing that all the time, I feel bad for you."

"I get dinner and beer, so it's not so bad," Carlo replied with a grin.

"If you're going to feel bad for anyone, feel bad for me. I have to go with him and if he can't go, then I have to do it," Gina said with a shudder.

Carlo kissed her gently, "We make a great team." Gina smiled and laid her head on his shoulder. "Now that we've gotten the dating rules out of the way..." He looked at the Millers, "Have you ever heard of the Snarly Yow?" They shook their heads while everyone else smiled.

"It's an urban legend centered around South Mountain which started in the early 1800's when a large black dog, as big as a small horse was sighted by the early settlers of the area. He would appear as if by magic startling them and spooking their horses if they were traveling by horseback or wagon. His eyes were described as glowing red and he would growl at people as if warning them away from the area." Carlo stopped and took a sip of beer.

"One night, when the moon was full, a known marksman encountered this beast and even though he was terrified, he took aim and shot the beast several times with no effect. Frightened, the marksman ran back the way he had come and refused to ever go out on the mountain after dark again. According to legend, within a year he moved away from the area and was never heard from again. Over the years the Snarly Yow has been seen by dozens of credible witnesses and has been known to chase cars, hikers, bikers and has even been run over several times. When they get out of their vehicles to investigate, the dog has either disappeared or been standing behind the vehicle growling. At the top of South Mountain there is a roadside marker telling the story of the historic inn and the Snarly Yow."

He stopped and smiled before taking a long sip of his beer before leaning forward. "I'm letting you in on a secret, it's no legend... the Snarly Yow is real." The Millers eyes were wide and full of excitement. "The first documented sighting was actually the first Alpha of SMP, one of my great-grandfathers. He was patrolling the territory and came across a lost group of travelers. Needless to say they were scared shitless; they thought they'd seen a ghost or some giant beast. After that, random sightings have been us running around the woods. Though the story about one of them getting hit by a car is real, that was my Grandfather, he wanted to add something to the tale and after he got hit, he got up growled and ran away."

The Millers began to laugh and Todd said, "That's fantastic. So instead of having people chase beasts, they put up a plaque honoring it."

"It's perfect cover if somebody sees one of us," Frank said with a laugh. "Check the internet, there's all kinds of stories about it." His phone beeped and he pulled it out of his pocket, "It's from Joel. The permits for the bakery came through so we're going to start the build-out this week and it should be done in three weeks, maybe less. How's the ordering for supplies and equipment going?"

"Good, we placed our initial food order, and they'll deliver within 24 hours after we call. The cooling racks, baking sheets, cookie trays, muffin tins, pie pans, mixing bowls, utensils and the thousand other things we need have been ordered. They're gathering the order and they'll ship when we call and we'll have it within two days. The Hobart floor mixer, ovens, proofers, coffee machines, refrigerator units and dishwasher have been ordered and like you suggested, we'll have them installed once everything is ready," said Holly with a smile.

"I'll set up the computers with a touch screen Point of Sale system so you can keep accurate inventory and be able to see what your best selling items are. The website's started and I'll make templates of the different types of baked goods which you can upload daily so you can feature them," Paulo said with a blush.

Todd looked at him with a smile, "We never discussed price for all this."

Paulo squirmed and said quietly, "Well, we're family. I wouldn't feel right taking money from you, how about if you just pay for the equipment?"

Todd looked at Joe who shrugged. "Pretend I'm not a family member. How much would your expertise and all the equipment cost?"

"$8,000 to $10,000 to start, and it would go up depending on what was involved. By that I mean how many pages and items are on the website, how many items need to be put on the POS, how many computers you need, wiring, scanners, if you want to buy or rent the credit card machine, and photos too but Mom does all the photos for me," Paulo said as he played with his shoelaces. "That includes the Pack discount; I charge more for regular customers. It includes a year contract for monthly website updates, cyber-security, maintenance and if anything happens I'm on call. After that we renew the contract at $1,200 per year."

Todd looked shocked, "How many customers do you have? How do you find the time plus play sports, train, go to school and college and be a teenager?"

"To be blunt Sir...I'm damn good at what I do. Right now, I have 100 accounts and a waiting list," Paulo replied as he blushed. "That's why I always have my laptop with me. I'm constantly doing things for my accounts plus all the stuff I do for the Pack." He looked at Todd and gave him a crooked smile, "How about this, you pay for the equipment and for my time I get three cakes a week?"

"You want cake? Are you kidding?" asked Holly with a smile.

"Ma'am, I'm a teenage boy with a never ending appetite...I never kid about food," Paulo said with a smile. "You can throw in some cookies, brownies, muffins, bread, pies, whatever you need to get rid of, I'll take."

Holly looked at Nana Ellen who nodded and she said, "It's a deal."

Nana Ellen sighed, "We still need to come up with a good name for the bakery and until we do that we can't order the signs, napkins, cups, bags and boxes."

Everyone was quiet as they thought of names then started to say them. "Decadent Desserts" "Millers Munchies" "The Blarney Scone" "Sweet Temptations" "Millers Sweet Shoppe" "The Sweet Indulgence" "Your Just Desserts" "Sweet Scents Bakery" "Sinfully Sweet" "Sweet & Kneady" "Sweet Endings" "Millers Confections" "South Mountain Sweets" "Rollin in the Dough" "Rising to the Occasion" "The Sweet Life" "Decadent Delights" "Sugar & Spice" "Sweet but Sassy"

"What was that you said Lorenzo?" asked Holly with a thoughtful look.

"The Sweet Life, because your life is so much better here than at your old Pack," he replied with a grin before looking at his intended and his expression changed to one of possession. He whispered in her ear, "And you are pretty fucking sweet, la mia piccola fragola." Erin blushed and buried her face in his chest as he pulled her tighter to his side. (My little strawberry)

"I like that," said Holly with a grin. "Millers, what do you think?" They nodded before everyone started talking excitedly. "Now we have to pick out a color scheme. Rose, you're good at decorating, what do you think?"

"Well, you want something comforting and warm, light in color but not too feminine because you want men to come in and feel comfortable...," she trailed off as the fire crackled loudly. "I'm thinking rust slate flooring, green and brown braided rugs, celery wainscoting, white upper walls and trim, pictures of baked goods in cocoa frames with celery matting. For seating; round oak tables and chairs with celery and cocoa patterned seats, darker cocoa leather love seats and oversized chairs with celery and sage throw pillows, oak coffee tables and end tables with different accent lamps. For the windows, white plantation shutters with paisley curtains in shades of celery, sage and brown." She turned to Holly who looked stunned.

"That sounds beautiful," said Nana Ellen with a wide smile. "You have any thoughts about the logo?"

"I'm not a graphic or logo designer, but something like... 'The Sweet Life' on top with a cake on a stand, a loaf of bread, cup of coffee and cupcakes and cookies around the base with a whisk or something," she said.

Frank pulled his mate closer to his chest as he said proudly, "I keep telling Rose she should open a design firm to use her Art degree, she has an eye for color and details. She designed our offices, our house, Joe and Annie's, updated The Manor House and helps in our construction projects and so does Annie."

Joe tightened his hold on his mates waist as she sat between his legs, "Annie takes a photo after we complete each build and we frame it for our clients. It's gotten to the point that when we're bidding on a project, they ask if the picture will be included. Her photos and Rose's design ideas have set us apart from other companies and helped in our success...well that and mine and Frank's charm."

Everyone groaned or rolled their eyes as Carlo drawled, "Better pick your feet up youngsters, anytime Joe starts talking about how charming he and Frank are, you know the shits getting deep."

Their laughter echoed around the fire until a comfortable silence enveloped them. Phil said quietly, "You wanted to know how we established the bond. Let me start at the beginning..." He described the shopping trip with the Millers and how Papa Mike asked what led Todd to adopt them as brothers and after Matt told their story everyone had started to cry. How the girls started hugging them and calling them Uncle Phil and Uncle Matt like it was the most natural thing and Nana Ellen and Papa Mike agreeing they were now part of their family and they had felt the family bond form and Papa Mike tried the bond it worked. After he finished his story, the Millers smiled at each other and reached out to hold hands.

Phil looked at his family and feeling the encouragement from Matt through the bond, he said quietly, "I have something to add to what I told you about our previous Pack. It's something I've never told anybody, but I think Alpha Carlo knows." He took a deep breath as he held hands with his Mom and Holly and he stared at Todd and his Dad. "The Alpha in our old Pack was my Grandfather; he was the one who abused and banished us." Tears started falling down his face and he closed his eyes so he couldn't see the pity on the others faces. "My own Grandfather did that to me and my mate.... and my family stood there and did nothing to help. Why couldn't they love me and accept me? Am I that horrible of a person?"

Papa Mike recoiled in shock, but seeing the defeated look on Phil's face he hurriedly said in a gentle voice, "Come here son." Phil opened his eyes and looked up expecting to see pity but instead saw nothing but love and took the two steps to his Dad who engulfed him in a hug. He patted his back as Phil cried on his shoulder and said quietly, "Its okay Son, let it out. Those people can never hurt you again; you have a family who loves you now."

The Miller girls started crying quietly, unable to understand how their Uncle Phil's grandfather could hurt him. One by one they got up and went to their Grandfather and Uncle and put their arms around them. Gentle whispers could be heard "I love you, Uncle Phil" "Its okay, you have us now" "We need you, Uncle Phil" "You're our family now", they were echoed over and over and then Maeve said, "We won't ever let them hurt you again, Uncle Phil. I won't let them ...Enzo, Mr. Frank and Mr. Joe are teaching me to fight and I'll protect you." Matt, Holly, Todd and Nana Ellen joined their family as they whispered words of love and support.

"Did you know that was his Grandfather?" Frank asked Carlo with shock in his voice as he held Rose's hand and heard sniffling from Sophia and Maria as their intendeds held them and comforted them.

"Yes, as soon as Matt called and told me their names. I debated on whether or not to tell you, but it wasn't my secret to tell," Carlo said and hesitated before continuing. "Years ago, I was playing poker with several Alphas' in the games room after meetings were done for the day. I'm not sure how the topic came up, but Moeller said he hated gays and if he found out there were any in his Pack they were disciplined until they weren't gay anymore. I saw Matt's reaction and I said any gay members would be welcomed in my Pack. He never responded or sought me out to talk and to be honest I forgot about it, until he called me."

The four Carlucci boys joined their intendeds providing even more support to the Miller family. A couple minutes later, Matt looked at his mate and after kissing him gently, said to nobody in particular, "Unconditional love and a deep need for each other, that's how we established a family bond."

"A family isn't about being bound by blood, it's about being bound by love and loyalty," Carlo agreed quietly as the fire continued to crackle.

Phil nodded and looked at Carlo, "We have a new family and we owe it all to you. You saved us..."

"You saved yourself; it was your strength and determination that got you through what you suffered," Carlo interrupted in a firm voice. "All I did was provide some assistance but I know you would've gotten here on your own."

"Even if you would've been walking from North Carolina bare assed nekkid," added Joe as he began to laugh.

"I'd rather be naked then wearing SpongeBob or Tweety bird boxers," retorted Matt with a grin as everyone began to laugh and after giving each other one last hug the Millers went back to their seats, the four older Carlucci boys holding their intendeds closely to their sides.

Todd looked at Frank and Joe and asked, "I got a question for you two. Were you seriously considering the Alpha positions?"

"Let me explain a bit of our history," Frank said as he looked at his twin. "Except for being away from each other for a day when we mated with Annie and Rose, we've never been apart more then a couple hours, and that's only when we sleep. Even without using the bond, I know what he's thinking and what he'll do before he does. Except for my mate, he's closer to me than anyone and it sounds weird, but even when we dream we often dream of the same things. I can't imagine not being with him everyday, it'd be like a part of me is missing."

"I feel the same, hell, it's been that way since our conception," Joe smiled at his older brother and took a sip of beer. "Mom was in labor for eighteen hours and Doc was getting ready to give her a C-Section but she wanted to deliver naturally and pushed even harder. Frank came out feet first and I followed immediately so we were born within seconds of each other. That's when they noticed what the problem was, our hands were fused together and Doc had to cut us apart." Joe held up his left hand and Frank held up his right showing matching scars.

Frank smiled, "We'd been holding hands our entire development. When they put us in separate bassinets we cried until we were together and only slept if we could touch the first two years. The only time we wouldn't cry if we were separated was when Carlo was there." He looked at Carlo and smiled, "When we were a couple of minutes old, you were put in the bassinet with us, me on your right and Joe on your left. I believe that's why the three of us are so close."

"We did the same thing when Gianni, Marcus, Lorenzo and Damian were born; we placed Anthony in the center, with Vin and Dom watching over them. That's the way it should be and always will be," said Joe as Frank and Carlo nodded. The five boys smiled, thinking of the secret pact they made when they were seven.

"Earlier, I said except for Rose that Joe was the closest to me but that's not entirely correct," Frank stopped talking and looked at Carlo. "Carlo, you're as much a part of my soul as Joe and I can't imagine not being around you. The three of us were always meant to be together. Rose said we do it without thought; when we stand we always stand the same way, you in the middle, me on your right and Joe on your left. It's not something we were taught, its instinctive with us."

Carlo nodded, "Even though I knew it would be an excellent opportunity for both of you, I prayed to Luna you wouldn't take the positions. I don't know what I would do without you both." The three men were quiet thinking of everything they had been through and what was yet to come.

"So yes, we were thinking of taking the Alpha positions. Not for the prestige of the position but the advantages it could bring our youngsters. It would've been difficult for us but if it was something they wanted, we would've done it," Frank said with a sigh. "But personally it would've killed me."

"Why didn't you tell us this Dad? We could've made a decision you wouldn't have been happy with," asked Vin with a frown.

"Because as a parent you do everything in your power to make sure your youngsters have every advantage available to them, even if it means doing things you don't want to. When you're blessed with little ones you'll understand what I'm talking about," Frank said as he looked at his family.