“I have. My parents were before me and I grew up here. It wasn’t always this nice. But when Jack challenged our old Alpha and became the new Alpha, everything changed. He treats everyone fairly. He’s good to everybody, and if you don’t want to do something, don’t. But you have to contribute in some way — it’s only fair.”
“So, he challenged someone to take over the Pride?”
“Yeah. The last Alpha was brutal. He was cruel and controlling, and everyone was afraid to do or say anything at all. Even if it was in line with what he said because who knew if he’d have a different opinion that day. And he didn’t respect mates atall. He decided who would be mated and who wouldn’t. It was all about politics and control for him.”
“Sounds like it was a good thing Jack took over.”
“It really was. When his father was Alpha, we barely had anything. But when Jack took over, he gave us ownership in the leather company so we all make a comfortable living now. He hosts meetings regularly to make sure we’re all on the same page and there’s nothing he’s not aware of that needs to be addressed. If we’d rather speak to him in private, he welcomes anyone to his home.”
“He challenged his own father for Alpha?”
“And rightly so. After what he did to Jack and Bonnie, I’m surprised he didn’t do it sooner.”
“What did he do to them?”
“He gave her to someone else even though everyone always knew they were mates. She was forced to marry the male. Eventually, they had kids, and he was really good to her, but he wasn’t Jack.”
“Maybe it took him a while to get the gumption to take his father on,” Hail said.
“Maybe. But whatever it was, Jack couldn’t stand by and watch him abuse anyone any longer, so he challenged him. And when it was over, Jack was still standing, and now everything is better than ever. We’re very happy he’s our Alpha. We’re safe, we’re happy, we’re secure. Nobody’s under pressure to perform or be punished. We’re paid for our work, and we get profits.”
“And living in a beautiful place. It’s gorgeous here.”
“It is.”
“You still live with your parents?” Hail asked as she came out from behind the curtain that served as a changing room, wearing a bikini.
“No, my parents are older. They had me late in life and decided to go live in Florida after Jack took over.”
“They weren’t happy with Jack becoming Alpha?” Hail asked.
“Oh, no. That’s not it. They just couldn’t leave before because his father wouldn’t allow anyone to leave. Now that they could, and still remain part of the Pride if they needed Pride support, they moved to Florida. They’re soaking up the beach and the ocean and loving life. And wow, you look great! Red with white polka dots were a good choice.” Alison said.
“So do you,” Hail said, taking note of the swimsuit that Alison was wearing. “I love that yellow suit.”
“It’s just my usual. Nothing special.”
Hail kind of looked at Alison for a moment. “You don’t think people notice you, do you?”
“I’m not sure where that came from, but no, nobody notices me. Not ever,” Alison said. “My own fault, though. I tend to stay in the background.”
“We’re not exactly known for beating around the bush. We tend to say what we’re thinking, and I’m thinking you’re not aware of just how pretty you are.”
Alison laughed. “Like I said, I’m just plain old Alison.”
“Old, no. You can’t be any older than I am. And you’re not plain.”
“I’m twenty-six.”
“I’m… well, I don’t know how old I am exactly, but I’m pretty sure it’s in that vicinity.”
“It must be hard not remembering.”
“Not always. But when I see families out together, and it’s clear they love each other and are bonded like a family should be, it gets me then. I wonder if I had one, or if they cared.”
“I’m sorry,” Alison said.
“It’s okay. I survived, you know? And I will continue to survive. And maybe one day I’ll have a family of my own. Until then, I’m just taking in all that I can find to take in. Don’t wantto miss anything. Frenzy said that he needed two more team members, Storm was volunteering, so I did, too. One of the good things about Frenzy is that he doesn’t care if you’re male or female if you can do your job, success is all he cares about.”
