Page 74 of Fated to the Alpha

He glanced at Paul. “And I’ve been made to realize that I wasn’t being a true leader. All I can do is atone for my mistakes, make adjustments, and move forward to make better decisions that will help to rebuild the trust and respect that I lost recently.” Shane leaned in his chair, making the wood frame creak. “Therefore, if anyone has absolutely any opposition to Oakfield, I am all ears. Everyone will be heard and respected. We are trying to find a new home, not shoehorn you into some place you’ll hate. Everyone deserves to feel happy and safe. If Oakfield doesn’t do that for you, we will find somewhere else. I don’t care how much time or effort it takes on my part. The pack matters more.”

Wanda, who sat next to him, shoved a playful fist into Shane’s bicep. “Look who’s getting all introspective.”

A few chuckles bubbled up from the pack, including one from Shane.

“We know you’ve been through a lot,” Chelsea said gently, like a mother would, even though they were close in age.

“We all have,” her husband added. “We’re all bound to act out of character. Things definitely aren’t smooth in our house.”

“It’s like our wolves all feel out of place,” Becca remarked, wrapping her sweater tighter around her. The cold-natured shifter never left the house without a jacket, even during summer. “I’ve been out of sorts for the last few weeks.”

“Me too,” Trent said eagerly. There was a five-year age gap between them, but Trent was fooling no one. He was sweet on Becca. “I’m so glad I’m not the only one.”

“We get it,” Wanda said. “I, for one, forgive you for being an asshole. Andy always rubbed me the wrong way, and Cole leaving was like the trash taking itself out. I’ll miss Thea, though.”

By the enthusiastic nods, Shane started to feel better but knew it was too soon. “Regardless, it wasn’t the right way to deal with things.”

“It’s the way your dad would have,” John said.

“That’s the problem,” Shane lamented. “I’m not my father, and I don’t want to be the kind of alpha he was. I never did. I lost sight of that in all the stress of finding a new home and trying to be the kind of alpha who could hold things together. I forgot that taking care of the well-being of the pack was more important than controlling it.”

“And that’s the first step toward change.” Paul looked at him with pride, and Shane returned it with a shy smile of appreciation.

“As for Oakfield,” Chelsea said, “it sounds nice.” She took John’s hand. “As long as there’s plenty of opportunity for work, it’s good for us.”

Becca beamed. “Same. And it sounds like you really listened and did your research.”

“I’m glad the college offers the major I want,” Trent said.

Wanda crossed her arms. “The gym sounds nice. Plenty of classes and the rate is reasonable.”

They looked at Paul, and he gave his nod of approval. “Good fishing spots and I’m a happy man.”

Like air being let out of a near-bursting balloon, Shane relaxed. This went better than he could have ever hoped. The next steps were to get the financial help, then submit all the necessary applications in Oakfield. Jobs, apartments, and college for Trent. With this final green light, they could make plans to leave Tolstone.

Then, the deflated bubble in Shane’s chest became like a heavy stone that crushed his lungs.

Leave Tolstone.

Leave Kimberly.

While his pack chatted excitedly over the prospect of Oakfield, Shane might as well have been sinking into a deep mudhole.

Kimberly still hadn’t called him back. No call, text, or smoke signals. It had been four days since their fight, and he knew it was wishful thinking to expect any word. That didn’t keep him from wishing for it with all his soul.

Bolstered by the approval from his pack, and a positive direction of where to take his new role as a leading alpha, Shane knew he had to win Kimberly back somehow. If they were going to leave Tolstone, he wanted her by his side. He needed her to keep him steady. Just as Dominic and Erica found their way together, Shane was sure he could find his way to being a better alpha and a better man with Kimberly as his mate and alpha female. He just needed a plan, the right words, the right grand gesture to convince her that he was worth a second … a third chance.

His phone vibrated, and when he saw Kimberly’s name and the secret picture he took of her during their trip to Oakfield, he nearly knocked over his chair when he rose to his feet. It was like fate, like the Universe heard his intention and brought it straight to manifestation. Here was his chance.

The pack all paused and turned to regard him with worry. He waved off their concerned looks and excused himself out of the apartment and into the hall.

“Kim?” Hasty excitement colored his voice.

“Hey.” In the same way, hers was a rosy shade of timidity. “Is now a good time?”

“Always. Did you listen to my messages?”

“Yeah … Multiple times.”