Pack Leader

After visiting everyone I returned to Sona's room to pick the girls up to head home kissing her goodbye and shaking Fetches hand once more before leaving. As we left Rosie asked why a Pony Guard and a Bitch in fine armor were following us. Stopping in my tracks I turned around to look at my mates.

"Girls this is Lieutenant Silverwing he will be training myself and our guard and as for her," I said pointing from the Lieutenant to the dog girl. "She is captain Dewclaw and she will be the head of your guards The Pleiades of the Seven Stars so I hope you show each other respect," I said as I turned back around.

Hearing this Rosie and the others thanked Poochi for what she had done and even gave her a hug. This threw the Captain off for a second as it wasn't normal for Guard Dogs to be treated this way but that quickly changed as a smile crept across her face.

"Thank you, my Ladies, I shall do my best to protect all of you and your Pups," Poochi said dropping to one knee.

Rosie stepped up to her placing her hand on Poochi’s shoulder. "Rise as our Rou has said many times you do not need to kneel before us to show respect a bow of the head is enough," She said as she helped lift Poochi up to her full height.

I place my hand on Rosie's shoulder making her look up to me. "Well said, my love, you are sounding like a true Pack Leader," I said making her blush. " Now I believe we have a dinner to prepare and a room to get ready for a guest so let us return home," I said wondering why I was speaking like this.

"Guest, who is coming, my dear Rou?" Faith asked stepping up to my left side.

"All of you remember Cadance?" I asked.

"You mean that pink mare who wants to join the pack?" Jacklyn asked making the others think back.

"Yes she was very nice and pretty, I think it would be wonderful to have her in the pack," Rosie said as the others agreed with her.

Trying to ignore what they said I changed the focus of the conversation. "Well, my aunt thinks it would be a good idea for her to come and stay with us for a while just so she can relax it seems the stress of the crown is getting to her and Celestia thinks some downtime will be good for her," I said looking at my mates as they all had a smile on their faces one I didn't feel very comfortable with.

It wasn't until we reached the house did I find out what those smiles meant.

"This is wonderful, now we can see if she loves him and is truly worthy of joining the pack and becoming our Rou's newest mate," The girls said to each other thinking I couldn't hear them.

I just rolled my eyes and opened the door letting them enter first but Silverwing and Dewclaw had other ideas moving past the girls they entered the house scanning the room for any threats before allowing us to enter.

"I must apologize, your Highness but what I was told by the Princess you must understand..." He began to say before I raised my hand.

"There is no need I understand but you must understand when I opened the door I did not smell nor hear any intruders but I still thank you for your diligence," I said holding out my hand to him.

"Thank you, your Highness," He said as we shook hands well hand and hoof.

I decided to head inside and start on dinner knowing that I still needed to check on the colony but Poochi being the excellent Captain she is handed me a folder with all the information I needed to see. Everyone, there was doing fine, in fact, the collapsed tunnel has been cleared and digging has resumed. News from Pinkie's sister Maud confirmed my suspicions that the blue clay did contain silver and a lot of it. They also uncovered large cash of titanium one hundred tons but due to its density, the dogs couldn't dig it out. So I have to think of some way for them to maybe drill through it or I don't know right now I need to focus on making dinner.

Bon-Bon and the others arrived at the appointed time meaning they showed up at seven for dinner. It went as well as expected with no complications but I did find out that Bon-Bon and Lyra did decide to cut my hours back to three days a week seeing as I had an entire colony to take care of. So that was sort of nice don't get me wrong I know I have responsibilities for the dogs. But I always loved making candies and food for that matter to see a filly or colt smile as they tasted what I made was the best.

After the meal, we said our goodnights only for Sugarplum begging her mom if she could stay the night. But in the end, she had to settle for just coming by tomorrow to see the colony. Saying their goodbyes and again complimenting me on the food we parted ways. Taking a deep breath I knew the day wasn't over, turning back to head inside I looked over to the side and saw Silverwing still standing guard.

"Hey, Lieutenant seeing as it's getting cold out why don't you come inside and warm up and get some food in you," I said looking at the pony who only nodded and proceeded to follow me inside.

Moving to the kitchen he sat down looking around the room before turning his attention back to me.

"Sir, where is the captain?" He asked as he looked around once more.

"She's upstairs helping the girls get the rooms ready for everyone seeing as you'll be staying here for the time being and the others are for our guest and the captain and any other guards," I said turning to look at him. "Thestrals are Oniveverous correct?" I asked getting a nod before I continued to cook his meal.

Finishing it I turned off the stove and placed it before him smiling. "Bon appetit,' I said setting a plate of meat and vegetables before him.

Sniffing it Silverwing smiled then began digging in letting out sounds that he was really enjoying the food. " Sir type of meat is this I never tasted anything like it?" He said between bites.

"That my friend is Gator Tail seared black with Trinity and grilled peppers with a side of dirty rice and a biscuit," I said leaning back in my seat smiling.

"Silverwing tilted his head looking at me, gator what's that," He asked taking another bite.

"Well I found out that there's this smaller kind of cragadile looks just like um but third their size and they remind me of the ones I hunted back on the Bayou so I been callin' um gators," I said getting up and to fill his plate back up as he finished it and was still hungry.

"You mean to tell me you hunt these things alone?" He almost choked after hearing what I said.

"What, oh no, I never go in the swamp alone that be a sure way to die I take Zecora and Big Mac seeing as she being a Shamen knows the swamp and all its dangers and for Mac, he just likes hunting even if he doesn't get nothing just likes to being out there," I said hearing my Cajun roots kicking in.

There, was silences for some time before I spoke up I just had to know seeing as he wasn't what you'd call a normal pony how his life was.

"Tell me Silverwing what was it like growing up as a Thestral in Canterlot," I asked him only for him to look at the ceiling.

"Luckily for me, I wasn't born or raised there otherwise I might not have lived long," He said still looking at the ceiling. "See Thestrals and Batponies were and are treated like second-class by the other ponies just because a thousand years ago my kind chose to follow Princess Luna instead of her sister but when she turned into Nightmare Moon we still stayed with her as she treated us with love and respect though that whole eternal night thing was a bunch of Horseapples all she spoke of the whole time was the loss of her precious Rougarou. So after her banishment, we became the pariah for everything that went wrong. Even now most ponies are still afraid of us," He said as he looked back down as he took a bite another bite of his meal.

Stopping mid-bite Silverwing looked over at me. "Sir, I know why you asked me that, and just so you know their called Pony Purists and their everywhere but there's not as many as you might think, And to answer your other question yes I know about Captain Armor and his mary band of scumbags, in fact, that's one of the reasons why I volunteered so I teach them a lesson about tolerances buy shoving their heads up their plots,' He said bearing his teeth only to realize what he just said and to whom. "Sorry, Sir, I didn't mean to say such things..." He began to say before I stopped him.

"It's alright I understand completely, in fact, that guest we will be having is none other than Princess Cadance," I said making him looked a little shocked. "But the thing is last night before we returned home my mother tried to persuade me into taking Cadance as one of my mates,"

"But is she not your cousin wouldn't that be you know," He said not wanting to finish the sentence.

The only ponies that I am related to by blood are Celestia and Luna for obvious reasons but Cadance is part of the royal family because she's an alicorn nothing more," I said sitting there realizing that I started thinking about her in that way too.

"Well, in my opinion, I say go for it, for one she is very beautiful and any stallion would give his left nut to be with her and to have her fall in love and marry you a nonepony would be something to see and if you two have a foal that would be the icing on the cake," Silverwing said as he started laughing.

"And what may we ask is so funny?" Rosie said as the girls came into the kitchen.

I told them what we talked about the Cadance part, not the other stuff.

"Well are you going to do it, we told you that we would love for her to join, so are you?" The girls asked me over and over.

"Look we'll see ok, but I don't want to push it if it's ok with her then yes, but it will be her decision and hers alone understood," I said looking at everyone in the room.

Canterlot Train Station

"Cadance dear are you sure you have everything?" Celestia asked her niece as they stood on the platform waiting for the train.

"Yes, aunt Celestia I'm sure," She said looking over the few bags she had with her.

"Cadance, I don't see why you have to go I mean if you need some rest I could always take you someplace?" Shining Armor said stepping closer to his marefriend.

Celestia could see the discomfort in Cadance's eyes at this action so she stepped over to stand between them. "Yes I know how you must feel Captain but Cadance is not only going to be resting but she has a very important job to do while she is gone but that will have to wait as it appears the train has arrived," Celestia said changing the subject quickly so to not give the captain any more information.

Loading up her luggage Cadance said her goodbyes but not before Shining tried to give a kiss which she only allowed him to kiss her cheek and even that made her want to cringe. Shining didn't notice this but it did not escape Celestia's eye. The Solar Princess just sighed knowing her adopted niece had learned the truth and her heart the heart of the Princess of Love had become cold to this stallion. The two watched as Cadance boarded the train waving goodbye as it began moving down the tracks heading outside of the city.

"Princess, I was just curious but where is Cadance going I mean I know she needed some rest but ?" Shining asked the Princess as they turned and heading back to the Castle.

"Do not worry CAptain, she will be well taken care of in Ponyville by my nephew Rougarou," She said stopping only to judge the stallion's expression and actions of hearing this and they weren't what she expected.

Shining stood there as his fur bristled and small sparks emanated from his horn not noticeable by any but the princess. His eyes became cold as if pure hatred was poured into his heart.

"She's going to be with that thing, that freak for how long, no I won't let this happen, if that animal even touches her I'll kill it I don't give a fuck if it's Luna spawn or not that stupid dog couldn't even do the job right when I find him I cut off his balls and feed them to him," Shining was thinking to himself before a voice shook him out of it.

"Captain, Captain are you alright?" The voice said as Shining looked to see it was coming from Celestia.

"Wh... what?" That was all he said.

"I asked if you were alright you seemed to have stopped moving after you heard that Cadance was spending her time in Ponyville," Celestia said leaving out the part of her nephew.

"Yes, yes I was just thinking that if she was going to be there she should visit Twili," Shining said as he composed himself. "Excuse me, Your Highness, I must check on a few things before returning to the castle," He said turning and trotting off without a word.

Celestia watched as he left only to feel the pains of truth that she did not want to believe that her trusted captain was indeed what she had been told.

Shining move at a very quick trot angrily mumbling to himself until he spotted one of the ponies he was looking for. This stallion when not in uniform was a green-furred, yellow-grey mane and tail pony.

"Corporal," Shining said in his most commanding voice.

The pony turned around and saluted. "Sir is there a problem?"

"I want you to fly to Ponyville and keep watch over Cadance and report everything you see and if that freak touches or tries something with her get him alone and teach him that trash should stay with trash and if that doesn't work use those filthy bitches of his as an example," Shining said giving the Corporal an evil grin.

"Yes sir," The pegasus pony said returning the grin and a salute before taking off to Ponyville.

Unknown to the two stallions in the shadow of the ally stood three figures one the Alicorn of the night and the other two were a pair of her Lunar guards.

"Princess?" One of the guards said in a growling tone as he watched the pegasus was flying away.

"Go, make sure he never reaches his destination. Let the beast of the Everfree feast on that vile carcass of his. Luna said waving her hoof to one of her guards before looking at the other. " As for you go to Ponyville and notify Silverwing of what has happened," She said as the second guard a batpony saluted and took off.

Now I must prepare for Night Court then tomorrow I wish to visit Ponyville to see my son and his family," Luna said as she turned and extended her wings with one flap she was airborne heading back to the castle.

Hovering over the Everfree Forest alone Thestral Lunarguard pony looked down and watched as the form of a pegasus stallion lay on the forest floor as a Pride of Manticores devoured the body leaving no trace not even a feather.

On the train to Ponyville Cadance sat in the private room and waited. All the while her thoughts were torn between what she had learned about the stallion she thought she loved and the man her heart had falling in love with. A slight dampness began to form on her marehood as her heart began to race at the thought of Rougarou and if that dream was any indication then what she felt was true love. But could she do this was it the right thing to do after all Shining was a gentlecolt when she had met him but now knowing what he is really like? Laying her head down she closed her eyes as a lone tear fell down her cheek and with a sigh she sat there.

"I sorry Shining but my heart is telling me this is the right path I still care for you but the truth is, I never really loved you," Cadance said to herself as sleep came over her.

Lying there Cadance could only smile as she slept because in her dream she felt the warm embrace of Rougarou and her fellow pack sisters as they laid in bed making love knowing in her heart of hearts that this is where she truly belonged.

That night Rou kept feeling that something special was going to happen, but for the life of him, he couldn't figure it out. After visiting the colony with Silverwing and introducing him to the Band of Brothers and the other guards explaining why he was there the two returned to the house only to see a Batpony guard standing at the door.

"Your Highness, He said bowing. "I bring word that Princess Cadance will be arriving on the train later this evening," He said as he stood back up.

"Thank you and may I know your name?" I asked him only for him to look at me then Silverwing who nodded his head to the guard.

"Sir, I am Sargent Eclipse," He said saluting me.

"Thank you, Sargent, would you like to come inside to rest and get something to eat or drink after your journey?" I asked him.

"Thank you, Sir but I must decline I must return to the Castle I only have time to speak with the Luetinnet of a private matter," He said turning to look at Silverwing.

I nodded to them and made my way inside to give them some privacy. I did, however, watch through the window as the two moved away from the house to speak. And judging by the reaction Silverwing showed it wasn't good news. I decided not to question him when he returned knowing if it was important he would tell me.

As it was getting late and I knew that sleep was best for women who were pregnant I ushered my mates to bed. Promising to join them after I had escorted Cadance from the train station and to her room.

"I don't see why she has to have a separate room, after all, would it not be better to share one bed as tonight will be cold?" Nickita said as she brushed her tail across my thigh.

"Now, girls, I thought we agreed that we would let Cadance decide whether or not if she wants to join the pack," I said swatting her on the ass making her yelp. "Now all of you to bed cause when I return I want a nice warm place to sleep," I told them as they all stripped out of their clothes leaving only there bras and panties on making me want to climb in bed with them right now. But I knew I needed to be at the station to greet Cadance so with a heavy sigh and a whimper I turned and left.

As I walked down the hall I stopped at the room that Poochi or should I say Captain Dewclaw was staying in and saw she was still up sharping her sword.

Seeing him she stood up quickly. "My King is there something you need?" She asked ready to bow.

"No, I just wanted to let you know I will be heading to the train station now and the girls are already in bed as for Silverwing he is downstairs so you should get some sleep," I said to her only to get a look of shock.

"But my King how am I to protect your mates if I am asleep?" She said looking confused.

I stepped into the room and stood directly in front of her. "I know you want to prove yourself to me but without proper sleep, you cannot function properly and I know in my heart you would do anything to protect them that is why your room is across from mine," I said pointing to the door. "I only ask that you take care of yourself as well Captain Poochi Dewclaw of the Pleiades of the Seven Stars,"

Hearing me say that she stood proudly and bowed her head. "Yes My King,"

With that done I left to meet the train and my new housemate all the while thoughts were plaguing my mind. Did Cadance really feel that way about me would she want to join my pack was it right to tell her the truth about Shining Armor ok that last one was a definite, yes. But still the pain I saw in her eyes when she heard how he truly was hurt me more than I realized and the dream I had that night after my mother said those words still lingered in my thoughts.

"The feel of her fur, the taste of her lips, her smell. The feel of her walls tightening around me as I plunged inside of her making her moan and scream my name over and over until I released my... Now hold on there Rougarou Boucher (pronounced Boo-shy and yes it's the waterboy name) that ain't no way to think about a lady like that. What would your Grandmere say ifin' she found out you were thinking that way, she would tan you hide is what, now put those ideas out of your mind," I thought to myself as I made my way to the station.

I stood on the platform and watched as ponies exited the train looking to see if I could find Cadance. Ater some searching I found her waiting for me walking over I smiled at her.

"Hello, there I'm glad I found you I was getting a little worried that something had happened to you," I said as I knelt to grab hold of her bags still having those thoughts flash in my mind as I looked at her.

"Sorry I didn't mean to make you worry," Cadance said as the reminisce of her dream still flashed in her mind making her blush.

"So should we head to the house or would you like to get something to eat first?" I asked her feeling a little nervous.

"Oh, something to eat would be lovely but could we stop by Twilights first so I could say hello?" She asked as she too felt nervous.

"Of course, I know Twilight would just love to see you again," I told her as I gestured for us to begin our walk through town to the library.

As we walked I could see out of the corner of my eye that Cadance would slightly turn to look at me before quickly turning back to look ahead or give me a sideways glance before blushing. The silence was a little unnerving so I decided to say something.

"So um have you ever been here before Ponyville I mean?" I asked feeling a little better.

"No I haven't but it will be nice to see Twilight again," She said not looking at me.

"Ok, that could have gone better, think, Rou, think," I thought to myself.

Before I could say something else I saw we were standing in front of Twilights place and seeing it reminded me to ask her about the book. Setting down the luggage I knocked on the door only to have the sounds of things falling over as the sound of hooves made their way to the door. In a flash, the door swung open, and there stood the mare we came to see although she did look a little frazzled for some reason. But when she saw me she quickly composed herself.

"Rou, it's so nice to see you," She said smiling as she straightened out her mane.

"Good even Twilight I just came here to talk to you about something but you might be happy to see who else came to see you?" I said gesturing to Cadance.

" Cadance," She squealed as ran over to her.

Sunshine, Sunshine
Ladybugs awake
Clap your hooves and Do a little Shake.

They both said and did this cute dance, to be honest, I did like the little shake part.

"What are you doing here?" She asked her former foal sitter.

"Aunt Celestia said I need to get away from the Capital for a while and spend some time getting to know Rou, so here I am," She said as cadance move over to stand next to me.

"That's wonderful come in we have so much to talk about," Twilight said turning around and started heading inside.

"Um sorry, Twili but Rou and I were heading to dinner I just want to stop by and say hi first," Cadance said looking a little saddened.

"Haering this Twilights ears went flat and her face dropped. "Oh, ok, well you two have fun," She said walking back inside.

I could stand seeing her like this so I stepped inside. "Um, Twilight would you like to join us?" I asked only to get hugged by said mare as she repeated thank you over and over.

Cadance POV

After Rou had asked Twilight if she wanted to join us I saw and felt a surge of love coming from her. Did she have feelings for him too?

I needed to find out as we walked through town I noticed how close Twili walked next to him, in fact, I was walking the same as her, our side always touching his and our tails lightly brushing his leg. I know that I only met him one day ago but I knew that he was the one but for Twili a mare that always used logic to acct this way was surprising.

My thoughts were cut off when I heard Rou's voice.

"Well, ladies, we're here," said to them pointing at a small restaurant.

The place wasn't much but the owner didn't have a problem with me like some of the others and the food was catered to all species. It didn't hurt that I had taught them some Cajun and Creole foods. In fact, they even changed the name of the place to The Bayou Bar and Grill.

"Wow I've never been here before sounds fancy," Twilight said looking at the name.

"Yes, the food must be expensive?' Cadance said looking at me than the place.

"Not really, plus I know the owners so I kind of get a discount," I said looking sheepishly scratching the back of my head.

I opened the door and ushered both of them inside as they both nodded and smiled. Once inside their eyes and mouths opened in shock and surprise the inside looked like as they would call it a small Prench restaurant or a Bistro.

"Well look who it is our favorite human come on in, The voice of a stallion said to our left. "Oh, and I see you have brought some guest with you but these are not your loving mates now Rou you're not cheating on those lovely ladies? No, maybe you are trying to get these two to join your pack now that's it isn't it?" He said the whole time Cadance and Twilight couldn't stop blushing.

I just rolled my eyes at first then laughed a little. "Pas maintenant mon ami, mais j'espère bientôt,"(Not right now my friend, but hopefully soon) I whispered to him making him look at both mares nod and start laughing.

"Only time will tell my friend, come sit let me tell you tonight's special, oh, for you ladies my name is Bar, Bar-B-Que," Bar said leading us to a secluded table.

I help both of them into their seats receiving thanks and after sitting down Bar came over carrying a tray with a pitcher and glasses for us.

"Now for tonight we have a delicious assortment of grilled vegetables brazened with a light glaze mixed with our secret spices with a salad of the finest fruits outside of Canterlot and if you are feeling adventures we have blacked trout stuffed with asparagus covered in a hollandaise sauce," Bar said before handing me a wine menu.

"I think I have the grilled vegetables and salad please," Cadance said smiling Twilight agreed and order the same I ordered all three seeing as I was still hungry after dinner.

"And what would you like to drink?" Bar asked as I looked over the wine menu.

"How about a Cabernet Sauvignon," I said to Bar as I handed him the menu.

After he left it became very quiet until Twilight spoke up. "So Cadance how do you like Ponyville so far?"

Giggling the pink alicorn smiled. "I just got here not too long ago actually so I haven't seen much of it sorry,"

"Oh, that's ok maybe tomorrow I could show you around and introduce you to my friends?" Twi said smiling back.

"I think I'd like that but I'm sure Rou would like to join us don't you think?" Cadance said making Twi blush.

"I'll have to see but I think the girls and I would love to go with you," I said as Twilight sat up looking very happy hearing that.

Cadance watched Twilight's reaction to what Rou said. The way she moved and looked, they were a dead give away, so she did have feelings for him most likely the same way Cadance felt about him too. Then a thought hit her what about Shining if he found out his little sister was in love with oh on what would he do to Rougarou. Cadance had to shake those thoughts out of her head Shining may hate nonponies but he wouldn't dare harm Rou the Crown Prince of Equestria, Luna own son, would he?

As the night went on the three talked about everything when their food was served they continued their conversations and after the meal, Rou escorted Twilight back to her home giving her a kiss on the cheek and saying goodnight before showing Cadance to his place. Showing her, her room before also kissing her cheek and saying goodnight did he go to his room stripping down to his boxers Rou climbed into bed having his six mates lying three on each side of him did he close his eyes to sleep. An hour later Rou opened his eyes to the sound of his door being opened. Look in that direction he saw Cadance standing there.

"Um, it's kind of cold in my room and I was wondering if I could sleep in here with all of you?" She asked in a whisper.

I laid there looking at her for a second until I felt movement on my right side looking I say it was Rosie.

"Well what are you waiting for come on then you can use Rou as a pillow seeing as there isn't much room," Rosie said whispering as she waved her arm to Cadance.

Cadance stood there for only a second until a smile crossed her face as she made her way to the bed climbing in from the foot of the bed she made her way up until she was lying on top of Rou her front hooves wrapped around his neck as her hind legs were spread haveing her mare hood resting on his crotch.

This did not go unnoticed by both Rou and Rosie. Rosie just rolled over and kissed her love on the lips saying goodnight but then she leaned in and kissed Cadance on the cheek welcoming her pack sister and told her to try and keep the noise down before she fell back to sleep.

Cadance just lied there in shock looking at the now sleeping female dog before turning to look at Rou who had shifted slightly as the heat from her marehood had caused him to become aroused and the tip was poking at her entrance. Cadance felt it too and it only caused her to heat up more. but she knew it wasn't the right time but knowing that she had caused this action in him, proved that he did care for her and maybe even love her in Faust's name she hoped he loved her. closing her eyes with the biggest smile on her face Cadance fell asleep.

Across Ponyville at the Golden Oaks Libray, a lavender-colored mare lay sleeping in her bed with visions of a handsome man holding her in his strong arms as they made passionate love only for him to fill her with his seed planting the sign of their love to grow.

"Oh, Rou I love you so much, I will love to join your pack. I don't care what that bastard brother of mine thinks or says, my soul, is your forever," The mare said in her sleep only to have two individuals hear it one being a baby dragon who just rolled his eyes before going back to sleep and the other a smiling and overjoyed Princess of the Night.