Jason’s expression changed into something Daryl found hard to read. “Trust me,” he said, voice low. “Cam’s way of dealing with problems is like a breath of fresh air.”
Daryl thought about Newell, Jason’s old alpha, and everything he stood for. “Yeah, I guess it is.”
“I just hope this works.”
Daryl nodded and held the door open for Jason to go through first. “Me too.”
CHAPTER TWO
At six o’clock, Jason welcomed his unit into his flat. Will and Mark were the last to arrive and quickly took their places.
Jason met Mark’s gaze. “Have you spoken to Alec about the beta meeting this morning?”
“No.” Mark grinned at him. “You know he takes the relationship between beta and unit super-seriously. He was very tight-lipped about the whole thing. Said it was up to you to fill me in.”
Not that Jason would’ve minded Alec telling Mark—they were bonded after all—but he appreciated Alec giving him that courtesy. “You’re all aware of the proposed pack bonding that Cam has organised with the alpha council?” A nod of heads all around. “Well, Rachel and Jenn’s units are set to leave on Thursday afternoon.” He paused before adding, “And Daryl and I are going with them.”
No one seemed unduly shocked by his news, probably more curious than anything else judging by their expressions.
“Is that to help out if things go to shit?” Will asked, grimacing a little. “Because with Davies in the middle of things, you know something’s going to happen.”
“Yeah,” Jason sighed. “He and Sharp had an altercation with Nathan Kohl this morning.”
Mark growled next to him, low and gravelly. “Can’t believe he still thinks Newell was the injured party after everything that happened. After what we told him, and what Newell did to you!”
He shook his head and sat back in his seat, arms crossed.
“I know.” Jason hadn’t been the least bit sorry when Cam killed Newell, and Wes could rot in Krillick Hall for all he cared. They’d tried to kill Jason, left him for dead. If not for Gareth finding him, he wouldn’t be sat there talking to his unit. But he’d experienced Newell’s treachery first-hand.
As had Will and Mark. “We know Newell for the lying, vicious, thug he was. But you’re forgetting that he could be perfectly charming when he wanted or needed to be. I imagine he played the martyr to perfection when they visited him in prison. He was their alpha. I guess they wanted to believe him, more than they wanted to believe the overwhelming evidence against him.”
“Then they should leave this pack.” Will’s hands curled into fists. “If they don’t want Cam as their alpha, then why don’t they fuck off elsewhere? We had enough of Newell’s bullshit when he was alpha. I don’t want to keep being reminded of him.”
While a part of Jason wholeheartedly agreed, another part wanted to change Davies’ mind, help him to realise that Cam was the type of alpha they should’ve had. The one they deserved. They were pack, he didn’t want them to be thrown out because it was the easier thing to do. And besides all that, he was a pack beta. His role was to help keep the pack running smoothly, not incite ill feeling.
No matter how justified.
He put his hand on Will’s knee, grip firm enough to get Will to look at him. “I understand how you feel, believe me. But Cam doesn’t want anyone else to suffer because of Newell and Wes. And despite what they say, Davies and the others would suffer. They don’t want to leave this pack—or they would’ve gone when Alpha Wallace offered them an out—but they’re finding it difficult to let go of the past and embrace a future with Cam as their alpha.”
“And this pack-bonding stuff is going to change that?” Mark asked, sounding sceptical.
“Yes.” Jason looked around at his unit, the familiar swell of pride sweeping through him. “Daryl and I will be there to observe and intervene should either Rachel or Jenn require it.” He didn’t add that they’d be doing a little pack bonding of their own. For some reason, he didn’t feel comfortable
sharing that part.
“Wait . . .” Will’s eyes narrowed as he met Jason’s gaze. “How long will you be there?”
He’d wondered how long it would take for someone to realise. “Two weeks.”
“Oh bollocks, you’ll be there over the full moon.”
“Yep.”
Will blew out a breath and sat back in his chair. “I hope Cam knows what he’s doing.”
So do I.
“Who do we get while you’re gone then?” Mark asked. He bit his lip, then added. “It’s not Alec is it?”
