“Thank you, Alpha,” Rance said. He reached for the doorknob of the front door and pulled the door open.
“Rance?”
Rance looked back at Jack.
“Your home is perfect for you, but it’s very, very small.”
“Yes,” Rance said.
“Maybe get with Titus sometime soon after he finishes with the rushed houses we’re throwing up for those requesting sanctuary, and discuss plans to renovate it, or even build a new one. Whatever you’d prefer. Something that can accommodate a growing family.”
Rance smiled at Jack. He nodded, then bolted through the door, not even closing it behind himself.
Jack walked over and closed the door, locking the doorknob when he did, then went back to the kitchen to serve himself some of the buffet the females of his Pride had laid out for Gwen and her people. It wasn’t long before Bonnie joined him.
“Where is everybody?” she asked.
“The females went home to see about their own families. They said they’ll be back in a few hours,” Jack said.
“I’m really glad you’re home. I missed you so much,” Bonnie said.
“You have no idea how badly I wanted to get home. I am so looking forward to climbing in bed and holding you all night while I catch up on some sleep.”
“Same. I don’t sleep well when you’re not here.”
He kissed her and held her tight. Then he glanced around himself. “You have any idea on where we’re going to put everybody?” Jack asked.
“Not really. I just know we’ve got some new places ready, and if we need it Rance said his place is available, too.
“I think we have enough available for everybody. Some of the females will have to share for now, but they’ll have their own places soon enough.”
“Yeah, and like you said, we’ll put the guys with some of our guys. It’ll be fine.”
It wasn’t long until loud, insistent footsteps came down the steps. Their daughters came downstairs completely unaware that anyone else was in their house. They reached the bottom ofthe steps and glanced to their left into the family room, and came to a sudden stop when they saw all the kids sleeping on their sofa and on the soft, thick carpet of the family room.
“Momma!” Izzie shouted.
“Hey! We’re right here. Why are you shouting?” Bonnie said.
“Do you see all those people?” Izzie demanded.
“I do. And there are more in here,” Bonnie said. “They’re trying to sleep.”
“Why are they here?” Izzie asked, as she eyed the adults sleeping in the formal living room.
“Because they needed a place to stay. They’re our friends and they came to us for help,” Jack said.
“How are they our friends if we don’t know them?” Bella asked.
“Because they are from the Pride that helped Momma when she was away for a while,” Jack explained.
“Oh,” Bella said. “Well, then we should help them.”
“Are they nice, or am I gonna have to make sure they’re nice?” Izzie asked.
“Future Alphas, do not force anyone to do anything. They welcome people graciously and treat them with respect unless they prove they are not deserving of it,” Jack said.
“He’s talking to you,” Bella said as she climbed up on her mother’s lap.
