“Do I need to know all of that?” Shane asks.
Christian turns that gaze to Shane who blinks, obviously as unused to such an intense gaze as I am.
“A good Alpha can run a pack. A great Alpha needs to know how to run every part of that pack so they know if and when there’s a problem before it becomes a bigger problem. You don’t know how long it will be before you meet your mate. You can’t assume that someone else will tell you what you need to know. It’s your job as the Alpha to always have your thumb on the pulse of this pack. All aspects of the pack. I realize this may be different than what your father taught you or how he ran the pack, but this is how I believe a great pack should run. And when I turn this pack back over to you in two years, I intend to hand you a great pack.”
Shane nods. “Okay.”
“I’d like to be involved as well, if that’s okay,” Braden says.
“Even better,” Christian says turning back to me. “So, can we get a tour of kitchens tomorrow after breakfast.”
“Sure thing,” I say.
Christian grins at me.
“What?” I ask, wondering if I have something on my face.
“Should I call you Numero Uno of the kitchen?” he teases.
I open my mouth, but no words come out as my cheeks heat with
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embarrassment.
Shane chuckles. It’s not his old laugh, but it’s more than I’ve heard from him in weeks.
“He’s not going to let you live that one down, sis,” he says, a soft smile on his face.
When I look back at Christian, he winks at me. I’m pretty sure my cheeks could light a match they feel so hot.
The rest of the afternoon goes by quickly and at dinner, Christian stands with Shane and announces the new patrol schedule.
“Are you kidding, Alpha? This schedule starts tonight!” one of the warriors grumbles.
“Yes, it does. What’s your name?”
“Gabriel, Alpha, but everyone calls me Gabe.”
“Warrior Gabriel,” he says, pulling up a sheet of paper that has the previous schedule of patrols listed on it. “It appears that you haven’t run a patrol in nearly three days. You had the easy morning shift three days ago. Since that time, multiple members of this pack have run up to five patrols. So yes, Gabe, you will be running patrols tonight. Anyone else want to question their assignment?” he asks, shutting down any further argument.
There is some grumbling, but no one questions their assignment. When we finish dinner, Christian asks Shane to show him our father’s
office.
“I’d like to start looking through the pack’s finances with you tomorrow to make sure everything is in order. I know it may be difficult, but it would be easier if I was able to take over your father’s office until you‘
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Chapter 10
re ready to take over the pack,” he says to Shane.
I feel the twinge in my heart, knowing that I’ll never see my father in his office again. I feel Christian’s presence strengthen in my mind as his warm hand covers mine.
“I can never replace him. If it’s easier, I can create a new office,” Christian says gently.
I fight the tears that want to come. Even with Christian here, I can’t show weakness in front of the pack. I look down as I fight for control. I realize that Christian’s hand is so large that it completely engulfs mine. While he’s putting pressure on my hand to let me know he’s there, it’s not painful at all. It actually feels warm and comforting.
“It’s really up to Shane,” I say, not looking up.
“It’s up to both of us, Enya,” Shane says. “I don’t like it any more than you do, but I think Christian is right. Eventually that office will be mine. It doesn’t make sense to move everything out of it just to move it back in two years when I take over.
“I know,” I say, forcing a smile and looking at Christian. “I’m not going to act like a foolish little girl.”
“You’re not,” he says kindly. “You’re a daughter who loved her parents and is grieving their loss. It’s understandable.”
My throat tightens and I nod, once again fighting tears at his gentleness. I feel the pressure of his hand over mine again, reassuring me until I regain control of my emotions. Then he pats my hand and goes back to talking to Shane. Even though he removes his hand, he keeps a presence in my mind, as if making sure that I’m okay.
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Chapter 11
