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"I don't want to go back to my old pack; they are the reason I was mated off to Arthur in the first place. I have no real family there since my parents died when I was young. I like the idea of Ben having family around. I like the idea of having a family," she smiles weakly at us. Somehow, that last sentence breaks my heart, and I am determined to help them have a family.
"We would love to get to know you, if that is okay. As the new Alpha, I can protect you and Ben. You are my family, and I won’t let anything happen to either one of you."
She smiles again and nods her head. We spend the next hour talking. Ben joins us to have something to eat. He is a funny guy and very creative, coming up with all sorts of stories related to his Lego pieces. It feels good to see some semblance of peace come into the house. After reassuring Sarah again that Arthur isn't coming home, she seems to really let it sink in. She is so brave to have seen an opportunity to leave and taken it, but I hope she can trust us one day and know that she isn't alone anymore. She must have experienced some real hardship to be so strong at such a young age.
Paige and I eventually head back to the pack house to see what the situation is. Thankfully, Thorn has kept everything running smoothly after our swift departure to see my brother. Paige goes to speak with Thorn while I go to check in on the people hanging around the pack house. What shocks me the most is Isaac standing outside the pack house talking to a few people. I thought he would be at Twilight Meadows.
"Isaac. What are you doing here?"
"Eli mentioned to me that you were heading this way to deal with some family stuff. A few texts from other packmates told me you were going to challenge Mic. I'm ashamed I didn't stand up and do something, but you inspired me to reconsider moving out of the pack. Now that you are Alpha, I'm going to stick around and help in any way I can."
"Wow, man, I really appreciate that. I need someone good I can trust around here."
"We can finally get this pack in shape again. It's going to take a while to heal the pain and trauma, but I think it can be done."
"I agree." Just then, my phone rings; pulling it out of my pocket, I see Eli's name.
"Alpha, is everything alright?"
He snorts on the other end. "I'm not your Alpha now, Liam. You have your own pack now. I knew you would become an Alpha one day, despite you fighting against the idea."
I shake my head with a slight smile on my face. "Definitely not something I ever saw for myself."
"How are you doing?"
It takes me a minute to respond because everything is so fresh. "Good, I think. I had a moment of panic when Paige was in danger, but…I think this pack deserves a chance at a better life. I'm not sure I'm the best person for the job, but I think with Paige's help, I can do it."
"What's that quote? 'The best thing that can happen to a man is a good woman.' Yeah, that's it. Having a good partner by your side makes all the difference in the world."
"Eli…I really don't know how to be an Alpha." The unspoken fear that has been sitting with me for the past day finally leaves my mouth.
"Liam, it's not an easy job, and it will certainly keep you on your toes, but know you're not alone. You can always call me. I'll try to help the best I can."
"Thanks, man."
"Anytime."
"Well, I better get going. There is still a lot to do around here."
"Of course. Let Paige know that Quinn wants her to call as soon as possible. She has been freaking out about her safety; something about her not believing her and taking it easy. I have no clue what she's talking about." Likely about the baby. The first thing we are going to do is get her a doctor's appointment.
"Will do."
Hanging up, I look around at my childhood pack; never in a million years did I think I would be the Alpha, but now that it has happened, I will do my best to lead them and protect my family. I just hope I can be discerning enough to weed out the ones Thorn couldn't. There will be no more beating down the weak. We will build each other up. Watching Paige talk to Thorn, I am reminded that I don't have to do this alone. I have my mate.
Chapter 25 - Paige
The sun streams in through the window as I stretch out my body. My arms go to my side in search of my mate, but the bed is empty and cold; he must have gotten up early again. It's been three weeks since the fight for the Alpha position here at the Portsmill pack. It’s been a very busy couple weeks. As I sit up, my hair falls into my face. I hate going to bed with my hair loose, but Liam tired me out last night, so I didn't really care. Damn, that man and his tongue.
We're staying in the pack house in one of the guest rooms while we decide where we are going to live. With my parents gone, we could stay there, but I don't want to be in my childhood home. I can’t seem to get rid of the idea that it was the place I spent so much time being ignored and set aside. I want a place where Liam and I can set up for our future.
Sarah and Ben are staying in Liam's childhood home, though I doubt that would have been a good pick, either. I am happy, however, that they feel comfortable staying here with us. I know it scared Liam to think that they would move somewhere else. He genuinely wants to be a part of their life. We see each other a lot. Sarah cooks for us often, and Liam has started taking Ben places, like going into town or just visiting the pack. Ben has become his little shadow, which just makes my ovaries want to explode.
We need to find a place where we can make a new start. We may be in a place that holds a lot of hard memories, but we don't have to live in a house that constantly reminds us of it.
I head to the attached bathroom and jump into the shower. If I know Liam, he is likely in his office working on complaints and past grievances. He has had a hard time relaxing since stepping into the leadership role. I’m grateful for Eli coming and teaching him everything he has learned since becoming Alpha. I know Liam struggles with the idea because he never wanted to be in this position, but Seluna also has a plan, and this is apparently hers.
The past couple of weeks have been filled with resolving issues the previous Alpha either ignored or caused. Thankfully, we were able to flush out some of the more old-thinking pack members and send them on their way. The pack went from three hundred shifters down to one hundred and fifty. Honestly, it's far more manageable this way. That being said, there are still people who have stayed with the pack, and some of those people have hurt others here. It’s a bit overwhelming at times. We have managed to sit down and talk things through with different parties, but it’s a lot to unpack. There is still a long ways to go, but I see hope for this pack.
