The Pack Lord was relaxing next to the Goddess though in this case they were in his realm. He had felt her starting to reach out and he simply held her until she came back, "That was a good thing you did for Singer. And you wonder why I love you, you silly Goddess. I am still waiting for you to answer my question. I mean seriously it has been many millennia since I asked." He brought that up occasionally just to tease her.

She grinned at him once she was back from what she had been doing, "It keeps you on your toes. Besides I have to have something to keep your interest you know." She gave him a knowing grin as she glanced at a few of the females in his central room. They all grinned back at her since many of them were from her realm.

The Pack Lord laughed before snatching a People Bone out of thin air and offered it to the Goddess, "Can I bribe you with one of these?" He waved it under her nose and pulled it back when she tried to get it, "I want an answer first..." Before he realized it one of her females snatched it from his fingers and sniffed it before nibbling on it. He started laughing again.

~~~

Salty was sitting with Rain and they were watching one of the wretched movies Hands and slipped in. In this case, it was something with those dogs which were pets. It had something to do with small dogs in snow. To make it even weirder they were talking even though she knew they were just animals. Both were giving it odd looks as they and some of the other pups were gathered around the display watching it. She was still feeling frustrated at knowing what Rain was yet not being able to say anything about it.

When she had renamed him, she had felt the Pack Father side of him. It was far more muted than it had been for Hands. That was even when he originally came to the temple. Salty wasn't sure if it was because he was her age or not which also bothered her. They had been quietly talking a fair amount over the last couple of days.

She really liked him and so did the other pups in their pack. Dreamer and River had connected with him and they were really enjoying spending time with him. One thing they had learned was that even with the limited education Rain was smart and was sucking up what they had to say. He was incredibly curious and now that they were away from the Pack house he had access to so many things. There were books, stories, shows, and information he had never imagined.

*Matriarch do you have a few minutes?* Normally Salty would have used Kyth's name but in this case she needed to talk to Kyth in her pack role.

Kyth turned and looked at Salty and sampled her feelings. Since Salty was feeling serious she didn't mutter at her, *What do you need Salty?* Since a number of the girls had contacted her and some of the older girls she didn't have any idea what she might want. Heck, Kyth didn't even have a vague idea of what Salty might want to talk about.

Salty started nibbling on a claw, *We will need to talk to Hands, Toes, and possibly even Golden. I can't tell you why since I have been ordered not to talk about it. I think Rain might actually fit in our pack quite well. Pack Father Hands was talking to us about it and I like Rain and he is a really nice person.*

~~~

Before Hands left with Golden he turned to Savory and Nuzzle, *I need to talk to Golden. Take Dreamer back and comfort him. I will be back soon.* He gave both a good hug, *This is pack father stuff Nuzzle and I know you would want to be there I need to talk to him in private.* He licked an ear to tease the little girl, *Love you Nuzzie.*

She looked at him with sad eyes before she returned the hug, *Is understand Pack Father.* Nuzzle grumbled quietly when he licked an ear, *Loves you to Hands. Be back soon Hands.* After one last hug she leaned back against Savory and relaxed.

Dreamer was leaning against Savory's side as well and was holding one of her hands. This had brought back memories though they were of his mother. He didn't remember what had caused the three to be bad people since he had been asleep. Now he just wanted to go back to be with his temple sisters. Dreamer no longer thought of himself as part of the pack his mommie had been in. He was part of Pack Liraque and he liked all his pack sisters.

Savory gave him a good hug and light kiss, *Do what you need Hands and I will take care of the pack. Go and talk to Golden and we will be there when you get back.* She had felt and understood his confusion. It was somewhat hard for her to understand since she wasn't a pack father. It was also hard since she was a Liraque, even if a trainee, since he wanted satisfaction.

Hands returned the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers, *Thank you Savory. Take care of our pack and give them my love. I will be back as soon as possible.* He turned and walked over to where Golden was and ended up between his Temple Mother and Temple Father. It no longer felt weird saying that. This world had changed him in so many ways he probably wouldn't recognize the kid he had been.

Hands settled down next to Golden and leaned back and closed his eyes and relaxed. For now, he was just going to let Golden's scent help to relax him. The decision he had made earlier had been so damn hard. Damn it he was just a kid. He shouldn't have to make these types of decisions but he was being forced to. If he was back on earth he would be making decisions on what to wear, where he and his friends might want to go. Hell, he should be back home making a decision on if he wanted to talk to some cute girl.

Now he had twenty-one people he was responsible for, had not just a Pack Mother but his future Mate. That wasn't mentioning having a Matriarch barely older than he was. Hands was also involved in dealing with a murder case, the take down of an entire pack, and even indirectly the death of many people. That as much as anything was what he needed to talk to Golden about. Hands knew he wasn't directly responsible since he hadn't put the bombs there or activated him but it felt like he was. He rescued Dreamer, which he didn't regret at all, and talked to the investigators. That started it.

Before he realized it, they were at the Pack Lord's temple. Golden had been watching Hands as he was thinking and even if Hands was having trouble Golden was so very proud of him. The boy was doing some serious thinking and Golden didn't blame him. That was what was making him such a good Pack Father. He actually thought about things. He considered ramifications of what he was doing. Mind you that wasn't saying the Folician Pack Fathers didn't but Hands was so new to it he had to. There was some carry over from his parents and how he had been raised as well, "We are here Hands. I hope you like the temple."

Hands opened his eyes and looked at Golden before looking around. Since he was so used to the Goddesses Temple, Hands didn't know what to think at first. This was a vastly different type of building and he could feel the age of it. Since he had never been to the Pack Lord's realm he didn't know what to expect. It was a large place and had a presence about it. He felt a draw to it. The structure was of heavy stone and wood. Some might say it had a brooding presence to it. He would say it had a welcoming feel to it. Something deep down inside felt a call from the building, "I like it Golden, I'm sure you know the feeling but it's very welcoming."

Hand climbed out of the vehicle and waited until Golden joined him. When he did, Hands walked next to him as they walked into the building. His eyes were traveling around the building as they walked in. In the Goddesses temple there were paintings, motifs, and artwork. Here there was just a very masculine feeling with dark wood, well-crafted masonry and what looked like torches though there wasn't any smoke. It really did feel welcoming and he felt – he had come home. As he walked slowly next to Golden tears of happiness trickled down his face.

Golden wrapped an arm around Hands' shoulders though he didn't give him a hug, *Welcome to the temple of the Pack Lord. I wish I could have brought you sooner but things have to happen as the deities dictate. I think once the trials are over it would be good for you to spend some time here. As your Temple Sisters are doing their Liraque training I want you to come here for Pack Father training. That and it is time for you start training to be one of his priestsl.*

Hands leaned slightly into Golden's side, *Thank you Golden and I think that would be a really good idea.* He hesitated slightly and juggled what he wanted to say. It was something he had just really started to realize. So much had happened in the last few months that who Hands had been had long since felt lost, *Pack Father I am losing myself. I am not sure who I am any more. Not even a year ago I was just another kid from a ranch. I played with my friends, noticed girls, worked around the ranch. Now I am a Pack Father, have a male pup and twenty female pups looking to me. I have a Pack Mother, a matriarch who is only about a year older than I am, and considering bringing another male into my pack.*

Golden passed one or two of his junior priests and gave them a nod. He aimed towards his office which was similar to the Pack Lords central room, *Hands I wish I could say I understand but that would be a lie. I grew up here so this is what I know. I honestly can't imagine all you have gone through before coming here and after. Not only that but you are still a pup which makes it even more impressive what you have overcome. I do wish that I could have met your parents since they did such a good job teaching you right from wrong.*

As they walked into the office Golden sent to one of his staff, *Bring me some permon juice and an ale for me.* "Come Hands have a seat and relax. We can talk in here and we won't be bothered. I have some refreshments being brought to us." He urged Hands towards a couch before settling down in a different one. Even though he didn't really think about it two females came in. One settled down next to Golden and the other Hands.

"Hello Hands I am Spring Dream and one of the Pack Lords ladies. Let me offer you some comfort while you talk to Golden." She wrapped an arm around Hands and gave him a good hug. He might not realize it but she was an avatar from the Goddess who worked for the Pack Lord. Hands needed help and she had been asked to give him some support.

Hands leaned against her and for some reason instinctively relaxed, *Thank you and I need it.* "Golden what do I do? How do I deal with what I was saying? I don't know who I am anymore." The warmth from the woman was helping him to relax. Why he wasn't sure but she was.

Golden wrapped an arm around the female next to him and he took a sip of the ale he now had, "Hands what you are experiencing is something we all do at one point or another. Not as extreme but we all have to grow and change. It isn't always easy though nothing like what you have gone through. As the Goddess told Ray anyone who is important has to be tested. The Pack Lord has tested you and has found you worthy." He looked out a window for a moment, "It is never easy for those chosen but believe me when I say you have passed. What is happening currently is simply the results of the testing."

Hands decided to change the subject, "Pack Father how do I handle... Damn it I am just a kid. How the hell can I decided on the fate of a person? It is hard enough to deal with being a Pack Father. Now I am dealing with adult stuff and what, no how do I deal with it?"

The female shifted and drew him closer to her, "Pack Father Strong Hands I am going to tell you once this current issue is over you will be able to return to being as much of a pup as possible. The testing is over and done. You will have time to recover, deal with your pack, grow, and become who you are supposed to be. Now relax, go to sleep and wake up feeling better." Her voice softened and with a faint touch Hands fell asleep.

She looked at Golden, "When he wakes he is going to be back at the property with Toes. Don't interfere and all will be well." She looked down at Hands as she gently stroked his face, "The Pack Lord and Goddess are pleased with you and Hands." There was a slight surge and she twitched and then a slight snicker, "Poor Hands, he is going to be horrified. I will talk to you later." The two of them faded from view.

Golden rolled his eyes since he knew his Pack Lord's sense of humor. He wasn't going to ask and was going to wait. Considering what happened to Ray he wasn't even going to guess what was going to happen to Hands, "Damn you, what are you doing?" He hadn't talked to the Pack Lord for some time.

~~~

Misty had been so glad that she and Skye had been able to come to the trial even if it had been short. Both of them had needed the time away from the Temple. For Skye, Misty knew it was related to dealing with not just the Folician issue but also from helping Misty. For a brief moment, she considered asking if she could go home with Ray but her other half was calling. She had to go back and help. It wasn't an option as far as she was concerned, *Well Skye shall we go back and see what is on the schedule?*

Skye turned so she was facing Misty and pulled her into a good hug, *We will and I can feel this impacting on you. I love you Misty and you are a special girl as well as a Trainee I can respect.* She gave her a good kiss and lightly nuzzled her neck for a moment before turning and capturing one of Misty's arms. The two of them walked to the transport they had come in and ended up settling down off to one side and relaxing somewhat.

When they did reach the temple, they stepped out and after checking their implants headed to the supplicant's section. The flow of those in need had slowed down somewhat but that was relative. There were still many who needed help. When they walked in they were stopped by one of the Liraque.

She reached over and stroked both of their faces, *You will be on until dinner time and then you will report to your Pack tomorrow Misty. Skye will go with you as well as the rest of your section. It has been arranged. All of you are being stressed more than normal. Before you complain the rest of the trainee's are starting to cycle through days off. Now go and do what you have been doing.* She stroked their cheeks one more time before turning and urging them towards the stations they had been managing.

Misty couldn't help but lean into the touch, *Thank you Liraque. I am not sure I could handle another day at the moment. After a day or maybe two at the most I will be back. This is my calling and what I have to do.* She looked at the woman before moving away along with Skye.

The Liraque gave her a warm smile, *Spoken like a true Liraque. We do tend to see our people at their most stressed but keep getting called back since we can help them.* She gave her an additional stroke of her hand before letting go.

It was hard to step back into what they had been doing but both feel the need of the others calling them. It was going to be a long rest of the day but they could do it. This was their calling and they had to respond.

~~~

Toes, Thunder, and the others arrived shortly before lunch. When they walked in they found most of the pups were not in the room. This included the Liraque Trainee's, they had to smile when a message pinged their implants. It indicated they were now back in school. Since Hands' pack wasn't being trained as Liraque at the moment they were all in full time school. Everyone felt it was a good idea since it would hopefully help the other pups to strive to do the best they could.

Toes looked around to see if he could locate Singer and found her curled up next to an older female asleep. He looked over at the woman and sent her a message, *Let me know when she wakes up please. We do need to talk further.*

Spring looked over when Toes contacted her and nodded, *I will let her know. She is pretty stressed right now but we talked and I think it helped. It might be a good idea of you had a private meal with her. I can see about arranging it if you want.*

He looked across the room at Spring and gave her a slight nod, *That is a good idea and thank you. I have some other things to take care of but contact me when she wakes.* He turned towards Thunder and contacted her, High Tower, Kyth, and Savory as well as several of the senior females, *Since we didn't get the meeting this morning we will have it shortly. Come to my office as soon as possible.*

Kyth turned towards Toes, *Salty talked to me about something which we need to discuss. It deals with Gentle Rain. I am going to have her come to the meeting towards the end. It will be just before lunch so it shouldn't be a problem.*

Toes wondered what it was about but decided not to ask, *That is fine. I do want to know if it is something urgent or might impact on the pack though.* Since Gentle Rain was a pack father it very well could impact on this pack. He had talked to the pup a number of times and each time came away wanting to beat the crap out of someone. Rain was a good young man but he had been so suppressed it was going to take a long time for him to recover. That was assuming he ever really did recover. In his own way, he had been as hurt as Singer had been. His natural instincts as a Pack Father had been squashed and denigrated so much that now he... Toes took a slow deep breath before he started getting angry again.

Kyth, she had left the training when she felt Toes arrive, debated on what to say, *Salty knows what he is as do I. Actually, most of the older girls have figured it out since we have been living with Hands for so long. It is in relation to his being a pack father which she needs to talk to us about.* She wasn't going to say anything else.

Toes wanted to sigh but instead he turned and handed out a few hugs, *We will talk later about it.* The need of the pack for even a brief hug during the day had become obvious since they were hugging Hands as well. Even High Tower was getting a large number of hugs. They were starting to calm down though.

One thing Toes had made a point of was to start integrating the Harem into the normal Pack routine. It was hard on the older males since it honestly scared them but the younger males were starting to adjust some. Thunder had been spending a fair amount of time comforting and talking to the older males in the Harem as well. As far as he could tell it was going to take a long time before the pack really started integrating and started feeling normal again.

If he could he would ask for a few more Liraque but they were being strained beyond belief at the moment. He had talked with Golden several times and Golden hadn't pulled any punches. The entire temple system was being strained more than it had been in recorded history. Golden had also informed him they had been using trainee's as young as fifteen for some of the work showed that. Hopefully after the trials things would calm down but for the moment they were working as hard as possible if not harder.

Even the Pack Lord's priests were getting involved and there were far fewer of them