Four new wolves popped up after the council meeting, with angry/worried parents, forcing another to be called.
Dean was called on no less than half a dozen times to talk and didn't much care for it. There was constant back-and-forth, repeated assurances that they were doing everything they could to keep them safe, and an unconvincing explanation in their eyes that they had a duty now to the tribe's safety.
After, the wolves had their own meeting, where he caught up with Sam on the way.
"Hey Sam, I forgot to ask: Did you save any of those vamps or gifted by chance for me?" asked Dean, his stomach rumbling.
Sam frowned, "No, we had day raids, and thank the spirits we did, otherwise things could have been far worse. It was one of the leading factors in our victory against the gifted after Brady's lucky bite, so don't expect us to put our lives on the line to feed your hunger."
Already in a bad mood from irritating meetings and growing hunger, Dean snapped, pushing Sam against a tree, "You watch your mouth when you talk to me, my hunger is what's going to save us," he growled, storming off.
Sam was left standing there, unsure how to react. Taking note not to say anything that might antagonize him in the future when hearing his stomach grumble.
In wolf form, Dean went to the middle of the field where they fought the Newborns to begin the meeting.
(Everyone here, good, let's get this started. First up, raids will be split into two groups; each group will be comprised of a set of veterans and a set of new wolves to gain experience. One will sweep in the day, the other at night, nearly every day, given the circumstances. Training will also begin immediately and be conducted every day around this time. Kim will keep track of the lists and schedules for patrols and the like. Emily is still graciously cooking for us while pregnant, so I don't want to hear any complaining if she chooses not to. We'll be looking for cooks to help lift the burden from her shoulders, whether she likes it or not. Let us know if any parents are interested; we could use the help. Any questions?)
Training the new wolves was painfully annoying as they didn't take it seriously. Some barks and growls from Sam and, more importantly, Dean put them in their place for a while.
Though it was becoming clearer each day how little they appreciated the danger they faced without Cullens or Newborn threats looming over them.
However, they would soon learn when they took them on raids, where they would be made to fight first while the veterans monitored their safety.
Sam found Dean later to apologize.
"Dean."
"Sam."
"I wanted to clear the air between us. I'm not exactly sure what I did wrong, but I understand it may have sounded like I didn't care about your hunger struggle, and I wanted..."
Dean held up his hand, cutting him off, "Let me stop you right there. You did nothing wrong. I was in a bad mood, and still am," he said, giving a self-deprecating grin, "Having said that, I understand your fear, but you can't let fear rule you, Sam. When they come for us, and they will come for us, it will be at night. We need to be ready for it… And I do need to eat, Sam."
He then walked away, letting Sam mull over what he said while planning future training sessions in his head, with some in human form, and some with them vs him in human form now that he could imitate a vampire's speed and strength more accurately, giving them a better chance to understand what they're up against before facing the real deal.
...
Across the sea in Italy, another meeting was being held within a castle inside an intricately designed domed marble throne room.
On each of the thrones sat one of the leaders of the Volturi, peering down at the reports and those giving them, not counting Marcus, who vacantly stared off into space, having effectively given up on life and wasn't sure why he persisted with it any longer after the death of his mate. Perhaps out of some morbid sense of responsibility towards his brother-in-law, he thought as the doors opened unexpectedly.
Standing silently near him, Chelsea turned to see who entered, as did Corin next to her, who, when not required to attend important meetings, was usually assigned to the tower with Sulpicia and Athenodora, the mates of Aro and Caius.
Demetri and Santiago stopped the intruder from going any further. Speaking in quick, hushed whispers, Demetri walked past Felix and the ever-watchful Renata, up to a curiously waiting Aro sitting on the middle throne, giving him his hand.
Aro, with an ever-present grin, took it gladly.
"Fascinating," said Aro, reading his mind.
Caius rolled his eyes. "Care to share why they felt it important enough to interrupt us?"
"And ruin the surprise?" said Aro amusedly, dropping his hand, "Bring him to us."
Demetri gave a respectful bow and turned to carry out his orders.
The twins, Jane and Alec, watched him go, wondering if something interesting was finally going to happen.
Signaling for Santiago to follow, they left and came back holding chain leashes linked to a young man warped and bound in heavy metal chains with spiked collars around his neck, arms, legs, and torso.
"What is this?" Caius frowned, spotting the old tools used to control werewolves of the past.
"This, my good Caius, is a shifter, not to be mistaken with a werewolf," said Aro pleasantly, standing to get a better look.
Caius straightened in his seat, "A shifter," he hissed.
"A shifter, not a werewolf," repeated Aro patiently, "Though it seems they do share many characteristics," he conceded.
"Then kill him and be done with it, why bring him here?" asked Caius angrily.
"Because he could be the very answer to why we are all here today, for he's not the only one," said Aro, dramatically.
"What!" exclaimed Caius, breaking his throne's expensive armrest with his grip.
Aro frowned briefly at the act, "Do try and control yourself, Caius."
Turning back to the chained man, Aro spoke, "I believe your name is Jake. Please regale us with your tale."