Chapter Four

"Thank you so much, Alpha Sterling." Jessie's mother, Tracy, had tears in her eyes as she hugged me tightly.

I patted her back gently as I returned the embrace. "Don't thank me. Alpha Thorn is the one who returned her home." I released the older female and she wiped at her eyes before patting her cheeks.

She shook her head almost frantically. "Not for that, for this." She gestured to the rather large gathering we were having behind the large former pack house. "Jessie actually smiled when she saw everyone here to welcome her home. She has been down since she arrived back home but you showed her just what she was missing when she was with Alpha Thorn." She smiled at me again and I nodded.

"It was the least I could do. Just let her know that despite returning home, we are still proud of her." I looked into her blue eyes. Jessie was certainly Tracy's daughter. They were nearly identical in some ways.

"I know. My baby was mated to an Alpha but not just any Alpha, a Mountain Alpha." Pride was thick in her voice and I nodded. The pride was well placed.

"She is quite the female your daughter. Now how about you go back to enjoying the gathering?" I could feel a few heated glares on my back and I felt Michael and Ezekiel tense from where they sat by my feet. Silent growls rumbled through their broad chests but I flicked my fingers, trying not to bring notice to the gesture. The rumblings stopped and I breathed out a sigh of relief. I didn't need them to go on a rampage.

"I just want to say you are a good Alpha. I know there is... talk going around but I think those responsible will see the light soon enough." Tracy smiled at me warmly and I returned it.

"I am sure they will see it very soon. After all, I am their Alpha." The words were meant as a warning but I made sure to keep any indication of my anger away from the tone of my voice, leaving the words just a friendly, casual reminder

"That you are and such a good one as well." She gave me one last smile before rushing back into the throngs of people in search of her daughter. Her words were comforting slightly but it didn't stop the thrashing of my wolf as he tried hard to escape. He wanted to tear the throats out of the shifters who dared to silently challenge me, the shifters who threw challenging glares to my back but smiled to my face to hide their intentions. He believed them to be nothing but cowards and I agreed. If they had stepped forward with their claims for my inadequacy there would have been no need for me to plan what was going to happen but they hadn't and they would pay with their blood.

"Alpha Sterling." Dylan said the title mockingly and I gestured with my fingers, keeping my guardians' growls from even forming. I knew they hated it when I muzzled their sounds, that I kept their natures hidden from the pack but for the next few days we needed to place nice. Five years of it and the rebellion, that had been assured to me would fade, had only grown and I was finally tired of playing nice.

"Dylan. How nice to see you." I turned and gave him a smile despite the increased escape attempts at my wolf as my rage started to grow wilder, searing my veins with hate and malice. Dylan was the ring leader but I knew you could not simply cut the head off the snake and have it die. Him and his little group were a tumor that needed to be removed completely before it killed the entire pack.

"This is a very nice gesture. Some might think you are trying too hard to win affections but I think it is nice." The back handed statement made my wolf's snarling grow more enraged and I had to force my hands to stay loose at my side and for my anger to remain hidden. I had grown very good at keeping it under wraps.

"Well Jessie deserves it." I gestured to the tall blonde who was talking animatedly to a group of people. I could faintly hear parts of her story. She was regaling them with stories from the mountains. She would probably do so for months. I could tell, that despite everything, she had a wonderful time there.

"That she does, Alpha." The slight disgust he had as he used the term was very much evident. He was testing me, seeing how much disrespect I would take before I called him out on it. I simply smiled, trying to keep my face even, letting him think I was oblivious to his obvious tactics. "Well, it was nice talking with you, Alpha, but I am sure you have much more important things to do." Disdain was evident and I nodded slowly and let out a sigh before giving him another smile. I wanted to snarl at him, bare my teeth at his challenge. My wolf fuelling more of my actions than I wanted but I forced it all back. I forced it away. I grasped his shoulder in my hand, giving it a friendly squeeze.

"Thank you, Dylan. You are a great help around here." I patted his shoulder and I could almost taste the scent of his supposed victory. He thought he had won the little game he was playing but little did he know I was the one with the rules and he was merely a pawn.

"Don't worry about it. May your rule last for no longer than it needs to be." There was a threat in his words that had Michael and Ezekiel tensing as growls escaped their mouths. I threw him an apologetic look over my shoulder before making a show of reprimanding my guardians.

"You know wilds, Dylan. Always ruled by their instincts. Enjoy the rest of your evening." I turned away and the smile left my face almost instantly. I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose as images of various ways to murder him were pushed into my mind. The images did nothing to calm the frenzy that my wolf was currently in and I sent a silent reprimand to both of my friends. I breathed in and out slowly, focusing on clearing my mind before pushing my wolf back into his cage, making it small. He fought me every step of the way and it was draining but I managed it after about a minute.

"Alpha, are you alright?" It was a slightly familiar voice and I opened my eyes to look at an elderly male. It was my father's former Beta, Benji. I smiled at him but unlike the last few I had plastered onto my face, this one was genuine.

"Just a headache, Benji. Too much paperwork." I gave him a sly grin, ignoring the pang for the lie. I didn't want to lie to him, I respected him far too much.

He laughed before patting my shoulder roughly in affection. "You don't have to tell me about paperwork. Your father used to push all of his paperwork onto me. That's what a Beta does after all. Paperwork." He grimaced as if remembering it and I nodded at him. I liked Benji, I always had. I trusted him as well. I wondered for a brief moment if I should alert him to my plan but I also knew the less people who knew about it the better. Currently it was only Ezekiel, Michael, Bennett, Gamgam and I that knew what I was planning on doing but I truly wanted Benji's input. It would be like having my father giving me advice.

"Benji, as soon as you are done, do you mind coming to my office? I have something I would like your advice on." The decision was an easy one. Benji was still very much loyal to the Alpha Blood that ran through my veins. He would not speak of what I told him regardless of what I said.

He gave me a surprised look at the request but nodded rather hastily. "Thank you, Alpha Sterling. I would be more than willing to give you advice on any matter you have." He placed a clenched fist over his heart before he bowed. A gesture of immense respect that I tilted my head up for. I could see him puff up slightly, pride filling him at my want of his advice, of my faith in him. I had made the old shifter feel needed.

"Thank you, Benji. I'll be in my office in a few minutes. Join me whenever you can." I nodded at him before turning away and heading through the crowd. My gaze landed on Bennett, he was silently watching the people in the crowd while Mari clung to his side. I could practically feel the shyness that radiated off of her as I moved closer. She was never good with crowds, too many unfamiliar people made her anxious.

I stopped in front of her before smiling at her wide-eyed look. I gestured for her to come closer. I could see Bennett's agitation and I waved him off. "Come on. I wanna give you a piggy back ride." I turned and crouched down in front of her. With Maricella closer my wolf always grew quiet. I needed that while I dealt with the anger that the heated glares filled my entire body with. I felt her crawl onto my back and I chuckled before standing up, holding onto her legs.

"Come on, Bennett. Let's go mingle." I didn't look at him but I could feel him walking beside me. People threw us curious looks but no one came over to talk as I walked through the crowd. The anger faded as Mari rested her chin on my shoulder. My wolf was quiet and I let out a tiny sigh of relief. It was easier to pretend with him behaving.

I pointed at Jessie."That is Jessie. She was the latest to fail Azrael's trials." I watched as a tall male came to stand by her side. His brown hair was nearly buzzed to his head. Noah. He hugged her tightly, interrupting her story.

"She's very pretty and looks very strong." Mari seemed more relaxed. I figured it was because I was the Alpha. She felt safer around me because I was the protector of my pack. She didn't know about the rebellion and I knew she didn't need to know about it. If being around me made her more relaxed I would let her stay safe in her bubble of innocence.

I pointed to Benji. "That is Benji, he used to be my father's Beta." I glanced at Bennett and jerked my head slightly, drawing his attention to the young warrior who was currently glaring at me intently. Bennett shifted his eyes and nodded slightly, letting me know he saw.

Mari gave a happy sigh, shifting her arms around my neck. "He looks nice."

"He's very nice. I remember him giving me candy whenever I got my training right." The memories were fond ones and one of the reasons I had decided to trust him. He had always been kind to me and I respected his input. "I think he will do well as my Delta. What do you think, kiddo?" I felt her pause before she squeezed my neck slightly with her arms.

"He sounds like a good choice, Luka." She sounded happy and I let the feeling it brought soothe me.

"Luka! Give me the gorgeous pui de lup and head to your office. Some Hunters have arrived." Gamgam's voice echoed over the backyard slightly and I shifted the direction I was walking in. I spotted the tall old female easily. Her blue eyes were warm as she headed towards us. I crouched down and Mari quickly got off. She was once again by Bennett's side, clutching his shirt in her small hands. Carrie waved a wrinkled hand at her. "Easy, pui de lup. I just need some help. I'll take good care of you." She gave her a warm smile and I watched as Mari slowly straightened, trying to act brave in an unfamiliar place.

"Okay, Gamgam." She took her hand and Gamgam gave her a pleased smile.

"Bennett, you go with Luka. I'm sure you can help him with a few things." With that she led Mari away and into the crowd. I was proud when she didn't look back. Bennett's entire form radiated a dark energy that had my wolf pacing restlessly but he knew the younger shifter wasn't challenging us.

"Gamgam will keep her safe. If anyone even thinks anything about her she will have their heart in her hand before they know what has happened." I shrugged before heading towards the house. I stopped when Michael and Ezekiel followed me. I looked at them with a frown. I trusted Gamgam, I really did but I didn't trust the dissenters. I gestured to Michael and he turned and bolted into the crowd without a sound. He would ensure her safety. Bennett seemed pleased at the action and I gave him a nod. Maricella needed to be protected, even if it was from my own pack.

Ezekiel pressed himself against my leg, his entire form vibrated with anger. I had reined him in for too long and we needed to leave before he reached the point where I could not control him. I snapped my fingers and pointed to the house and he took off without looking back.

"They respond very well to you." Bennett said it carefully and I shrugged.

"They are my second in commands, I should hope they do." I followed the path that Ezekiel had created as I walked towards the house. The Hunters were hopefully wanting to speak to me before leaving the territory. I didn't need them interrupting anything.

"Still, it's impressive." He fell into step beside me and I pushed my hands into my pockets as we left the gathering behind. "I saw fourteen." His words were low and I nodded. I had known of fourteen as well. It seemed like that was all there was. I would have to go over pack member files with him just to make sure we were speaking of the same ones.

"I kind of guessed that many." I looked at the looming house, Ezekiel sat by the door and I pushed it open. Ezekiel dashed inside, he could scent the newcomers on the territory and he didn't much care for it. I followed him rather lazily. There was no need to get riled up about a few Hunters. I headed up the stairs, Bennett following me as I made my way to my office. Ezekiel was growling at the closed door and I sent him a soft reprimand through the link. He instantly calmed down but I could sense his intense wariness with the situation.

I opened the door and he pushed past me, making sure there were no traps waiting for me. I followed in after him. Three Hunters of various sizes were ambling around the room as if bored. I raised an eyebrow but said nothing as I made my way over to the desk and sat down. I clasped my hands in front of me as Kiel took his usually spot beside the desk. He was wary that Michael was not on the other side. I sent him calm through the link and looked over two men and a single female as they lined up shoulder to shoulder in front of the desk. My gaze flicked down to their emblems. The female was a human Enforcer, the other two were shifters as well as standard Hunters, a witch lingered behind them but she didn't seem all that interested in anything going on.

I gestured for Bennett to come stand beside the desk and he did so looking completely at ease. He was a pack warrior through and through, there was no mistaking it. I glanced at each Hunter waiting patiently for one of them to speak. It was a small power play that I had perfected very early on as an Alpha. I had to. It was the only way anyone took me seriously. They shifted uncomfortably, well everyone but the Enforcer. She didn't look around but stared over my head as if completely withdrawn from the situation.

The silence grew longer as I waited. The first person to speak would lose the upper hand, would show weakness and I had enough weakness showing to begin with. One of the Hunters coughed slightly, shifting on his feet. I locked my gaze with his until he turned away, uncomfortable with my stare.

"We are requesting permission to search your lands." It was the Enforcer and I schooled my face to remain even despite the fact I wanted to smile.

"I already signed the forms. You had my permission yesterday." I cracked my knuckles, feeling a bit irritated at the situation. Usually Hunters got their permission slips signed and then did as they wished.

"Those are a mere formality. We prefer to ask in person." Her tone was bland and even and I shrugged.

"Then you should have come yesterday. Who are you searching for and why?" I couldn't help the serious tone that had slipped into my voice. I needed to know if my pack was in danger from whoever they were searching for. One of the hunters pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to me. I opened it, looking at the picture and then reading the quick file.

"Bryce Antone. Status is illegal rogue. Last check-in was six years ago. Wanted for rape, murder, arson, assault, deviant behaviour, and exposing himself to humans." Her tone remained bland but I could hear a hard edge through it. Her hunt was personal and it would explain why she was helping. A shifter exposing themselves to humans was a threat that would need to be eradicated as quickly as possible. I studied his face. He was not familiar and I quickly opened the mind links to the patrols to inform them of the potential threat to our safety. I wouldn't take any chances.

Watch the borders for this male. I sent the image of his picture through it. Kill him immediately but do not take him on without back up. I could hear their acceptance of the knowledge and new orders. I folded the paper and set it back on my desk. "I haven't seen him and my patrols have been alerted to his possible presence around the territory." I watched as the Enforcer nodded. The other two were clearly just lackeys, no real power or authority. She was the true leader of the group.

"He may be travelling with several other shifters. They are just as dangerous as him. If you see him, please sign this and Hunters will be on your territory within minutes to apprehend him. If you manage to have him killed before then, then it is no loss." She held out another folded paper that I took quickly and placed on top of the other paper.

"We will be sure to alert you if anything comes out of the ground. You are free to search the territory for the next twenty-four hours but vacate immediately afterwards. Are we done here?" I stared at her and she gave a sharp nod before meeting my gaze. It was a brave move for a mundane.

"We are done. Hunters do not interfere with pack business unless it breaks the laws. We know of your little problem, Alpha Sterling. I have a bit of advice for you." Her eyes were cold and I felt my mouth twitch slightly. I shouldn't have put it past them to know what was going on. They had their noses so far into pack business they permanently had a brown stain on it. "Whatever you are planning, keep it quiet and keep it clean. I don't want to have to come back and clean up any... messes." She stared at me, the threat in her voice clear and I allowed the cold smirk to tug up the corner of my mouth.

"As you said, Hunters do not interfere with pack business." I flicked my gaze to the door before looking back at her, the dismissal evident. She gave a small nod before gesturing to the two silent goons and walked towards the door. "Enforcer." She stopped, her hand on the door handle. "I'm nothing but clean, quiet, and precise. Remember that." I stood up as she nodded. I didn't watch them leave as I moved over to the cabinet and pulled out the pack files on the shifters I believed to be plotting against me. I handed them to Bennett. "Look through those and let me know if you see any familiar faces." I moved over to the office door and closed it carefully. I didn't need anyone to eavesdrop on our conversation. I turned to watch Bennett as he shuffled through the files.

"All of these are the ones I have spotted." He lifted a particularly thick folder and I knew whose it was immediately. "This one. Colter. He's the main one. Leader I would say. If anyone was to challenge you it would be him." He set the files on my desk and I nodded before taking my seat once more. I flipped through the files. I hated that there were several women in the stack. I didn't condone violence against women but they were planning an overthrow of my position and they would be given the same penalty as the rest. I would just make their deaths quick.

"Dylan Colter has always been against me. From day one he has been the most vocal." I flipped open the file. I had been keeping instances of every disrespectful and challenging behaviour for each of the pack members for if the hunters got a bit too curious about the bloodshed. What I was planning on doing was borderline illegal. It was well within my right as an Alpha to kill any challengers but the grey area was that they had never publicly challenged me so their deaths could be questioned and I could be on the line for murdering them.

"You seemed pretty chummy with him." Bennett was frowning as he looked at me and I felt a bit of smugness fill me at his words.

"I seemed that way?" I watched as he gave me a nod, the frown still firmly on his face. I smirked. "Good. If you couldn't see through it then that idiot certainly can't." I closed his file and looked through each of the others.

"I will say it once more. Fear is no way to run a pack." He said it low and I rolled my eyes as I set the files aside and gathered the paper the Enforcer had handed to me.

"This was never about fear, Bennett. I lied about that." I tucked them into the top left hand drawer of my desk.

"You lied to me." He didn't particularly sound like he liked the thought of someone lying to him but I shrugged. It had been called for.

"You hadn't agreed so I wasn't going to give you all the details of my plan." I turned to look at him. "This wasn't about fear, Bennett. This is about the safety of my pack. A civil war among us would tear families apart. This was never about fear, it was about respect. They will respect me and the fact I remove a dangerous tumor from growing in my ranks is just an added bonus." I let out a sigh as Bennett gave me a rather puzzled look.

"Tumor?" The fact he was confused removed the iciness from his demeanour and it almost made me want to laugh.

"Jealousy, Bennett. They covet my position and believe they can take it from me. That behaviour needs to be nipped in the bud." There was a knock on the door and before I could stand up Bennett was already moving towards it. I watched as he opened the door and Benji stepped inside. His slightly lined face brightened as he saw me. "Benji, thank you for sparing the time to come see me." He shook his head frantically before he bowed to me in the standard fashion once again.

"It is no problem, Alpha Sterling." He held his head high. He was still a powerful shifter despite his age and he was letting me see it in his bearing. The only reason he had stepped down from being Beta was because my father had died, he was still in his prime to do the job and do it well.

"Please call me, Luka." I nodded at him and he smiled at me brightly. I was making a good choice in bringing him in to the fold. He would make a good edition as well as a loyal member of my circle.

"Thank you, Luka. How is your mother? I haven't seen her in a while." He looked genuinely concerned and I coughed slightly.

"She has Alzheimer's." I had kept her condition secret to prevent the pack from becoming restless over losing another Alpha figure and over the years it had become harder and harder to say. I heard his sharp inhale and I schooled my face to remain even. "Doc Howard said she has about two years left." The words hurt as I said them but I also knew they were very much a lie. She didn't have two years left. I didn't need a doctor to tell me that.

"I am-"

I held up my hand, cutting him off. "Don't apologize for something you have no control over." I looked at him, a small smile on my face. "Please sit. Ignore the ruined furniture. Michael tends to get over-exuberant sometimes." I gestured to one of the less ruined chairs and to my surprise Bennett grabbed it, dragging it over for Benji before moving to stand beside my desk.

"So, Benji. I was thinking lately on how much you helped my father when he was Alpha and I have something to offer you." I leaned on my elbows staring at him. He nodded at me but he looked nervous. "Would you like to be my Delta? I would offer you the Beta position but Michael and Ezekiel would take offence." I watched as Ezekiel held up his head in pride. He liked how I had placed him and Michael first. Their position was assured and I also knew I could make them fight for it but that was just cruel. Benji would be killed within moments.

Benji looked stunned at the offer. "Are you sure, Alpha? I mean I am not a young male anymore." His words faded off as he looked at me. I could see the happiness the offer brought me but he also looked like I would yank it away and tell him it was a joke.

"You have knowledge and if my father trusted you, so do I. Besides you could probably fight circles around some of the younger warriors. I am completely serious, Benji." I watched as he smiled and once again placed his fist above his heart and bowed. My wolf like the respectful gesture and I had to admit it was a welcome change from the hostility I usually received from him.

"I am honoured you would choose me, Alpha. Of course I will take the Delta position." At his words I stood up and moved around the desk. I held out my hand and he quickly went down on bended knee. I had read up on all of the ceremonies I would use as an Alpha and did my best to memorize them.

"I, Luka Sterling of the Fortis pack, offer you the position and protection of Delta, what say you?" I looked at him, my face hard. Feelings could not be involved in the forming of a leadership bond.

"I, Benji Haven, accept the position. I swear my allegiance to my Alpha and my pack. I place the life of my Alpha above my own from now until I draw my last." He bowed his head and I placed my hand on his shoulder, a jolt of power surging through me as the bond was forged. He was my Delta, if he betrayed me I would know. That is why Andrew Lawrence had such troubles with John Simmons. He hadn't done the ceremony, just assumed it would apply to him as well and in the end Maricella suffered for it. That is what happened when someone took over as Alpha when they were not born or prepared for the position. People got hurt.

I removed my hand and my expression grew cold. Benji looked up an ecstatic smile on his face but it faded as he took in my energy. I wasn't fighting my wolf and the perpetual anger he felt fuelled me as I moved back around my desk and grabbed the files. "In four days we will be holding a pack meeting. There I will be eradicating an infestation in our ranks." I sat down in the chair ignoring how the two males in the room flinched under the hostility in my voice. "I require your input, Benji." I held out the files and he took them from me with a wary look in his eyes.

His eyes widened as he took in the names. "Some of these are good people, Alpha." He looked up and swallowed as I levelled him with an icy glare.

"All of them covet my position. They plot and they scheme behind my back, placing me and my family at risk. I will not abide by their behaviour. Dylan Colter is the worst of them. I know he and you have been friends for many years but I will not abide by such rebellion in my pack. It's poison and will kill us slowly from the inside out." I almost half wanted him to tell me I was taking it too far but there was a spark of something in his eyes that shut that part of me up. He agreed with me. As much as I hated it, I could see that he agreed with me.

"I am not disagreeing with you, Alpha. I was just surprised." He sat down in the chair looking over the files, a small crease in between his eyebrows. "This is why you have brought in your guests I assume?" He gestured to Bennett without looking and I nodded.

"Bennett yes. Maricella no. She is here for a vacation, which is why this will happen the day they will be leaving. I will have her under house arrest and none the wiser as to our activities in the meeting area." I leaned back in my chair, pushing my wolf away. I locked him and his anger away, much to his displeasure. I had allowed him to make his point.

"When the day comes you are going to need to inform some of the pack warriors to keep some of them from running. You don't want things to become messy." He scratched as his head as he opened a new file before he looked up. "I know which ones remain loyal to you. We will use them and only let them know the bare minimum. They will be given their names and their faces but not why you wish for them to remain in the group." He closed the file a frown on his face. I could practically see the gears in his mind turning. "Will you be..." His voice trailed off and I gave a sharp nod.

"It's my problem. I will be the one handling it." I wouldn't let anyone take the kills. My wolf demanded we do it together and I wasn't going to fight him. Five years I had been dealing with the little rebellion, holding back because people had told me everyone would settle down in time. It hadn't and now the ramifications were coming.

"Do you need help in training?" He gave me a look and I smiled at him with a shake of my head.

"I've been training for five years, Benji. Training is the one thing I do not need." I chuckled and Benji frowned at me slightly.

"You aren't in balance with yourself, Luka." At his words the chuckling grew louder. Ezekiel's ears perked up at the sound.

"Believe me, Benji, you do not want to see me in balance with myself." I waved him off. "You can continue to read those if you wish but I would prefer if we all headed back to the picnic. I am sure Bennett is just about ready to take off without my go ahead to make sure Mari is alright." I stood up and nodded to Bennett who practically bolted for the door. "Is that is what it is like having a mate? Seems exhausting." I gave a rather strained chuckle and Benji gave me a small smile.

"Every mating is different. That Maricella seems like she needs protection so her mate will try and fill that need and as a result he will need to be around her constantly to make sure she is okay." He shrugged and looked down at the files with a frown. He was going to give himself a stroke if he kept reading them. I walked over and took them away before he could hold them from my reach. He gave a noise of protest and I held them behind my back

"You can continue to read them if and when you get Gamgam's roof fixed. She has threatened to neuter me if it is not completed by tonight." I gave him a look and he laughed loudly, the bellowing sound was comforting as he let it roll out of his mouth.

"That certainly sounds like Carrie. I'll get together some people and we will make sure it gets done." He stood up out of his chair and clapped me on the back. "I'll be back later tonight to pick those up. I need to make up some strategies to make sure this goes smoothly." The frown came back as he said it and I simply nodded.

I made my way to the cabinet and opened the top drawer before waving he folders slightly. "They will be right here, Benji. Don't let anyone else see them or get their hands on them." I set the files in there and closed it carefully before locking it. I didn't need any slip ups this close to the finish. I tossed Benji the key. "Lock it up after and I will need the key back." I gave him a small smirk before tapping my nose.

"Silence is key." I watched as he nodded at me, his brown eyes twinkling as he pocketed the key. "Come on, Ezekiel, let's find Michael." At my words he was by my side. I headed to the door before I paused.

"If the roof is not fixed and Gamgam comes after me with a butcher knife. I know just where to divert her attacks." I threw a look over my shoulder and Benji reflexively clenched his legs together. I chuckled at that and slowly made my way back to the picnic. Just the thought of it brought my wolf back into an angry frenzy. I paused halfway down the stairs and took a deep breath before pushing him away, placing him in a cage so small he barely had any room to move. The relief that followed was immense and I continued to walk down the stairs.

I could get through the party and the rest of the week. After that I would be okay. The pack would be better. At least I hoped with my entire being that it would be. I honestly wasn't sure if anything would make it okay.