Page 4 of Fractured Mates

The way her head rises, strands of dark-brunette hair framing her round face and golden eyes briefly glowing, tells me my answer, but it’s the pride in her voice that makes me happiest.

“I’m handling all alpha duties for the pack now.”

Before she’s even finished the sentence, I clasp her shoulder and match the smile on her face. “It’s about damn time.”

She doesn’t boast. Instead, once we’re inside the pack house, she leads the way toward the stairs on the right. “How about we chat in my office?”

I nod and follow behind, noticing tension building in her shoulders.

She’s nervous, my wolf says.

Yeah, I’m seeing that, too. Though, there’s no way she could know why I’m here. Suddenly, I’m even more glad I decided to stop at the pack first.

We climb the steep stairwell through the turret and arrive at the small landing that leads only to what used to be Roman’s office. Dawsyn pushes open the door, and I blink several times.

The walls have gone from darker tan to a light, cream color. The dark wooden desk I remember from before has been replaced with a sleek, metal one, and the previous hardwood floors are covered in a plush, grey carpet that feels soft, even under my boots.

On the wall are colorful abstract paintings, along with a few family photos that I don’t linger on long. “I like what you’ve done with the place.”

She sits in the white, leather chair behind her desk and smiles. “Take a seat, Sophie.”

When I do, I set my sights on her. “You weren’t expecting me today, but you have something to tell me.”

Her head shakes lightly, and there’s a glint of approval in her bright eyes. “Always so insightful.”

“What happened?” I ask, wondering if it has anything to do with why she’s in the office and I was never notified. Just because I haven’t been in the pack doesn’t mean I’m not still tied to this place and these people.

In fact, I should have felt the change of power, but I don’t have an increased connection to Dawsyn. Not like I felt being around Roman before I left.

“Is your father dead?” My question is cold and direct and has her flinching back.

“No. Why would you think that?” she replies, face paling.

My hand gestures toward her. “You’re not my alpha.”

Her shoulders drop ever so slightly. “Well, not officially, but I am in charge, as I said before. We’re waiting on the next new moon before the transfer of power goes from Roman to me.”

“Then I think I do need to speak with Cait and Roman,” I say. Dawsyn won’t be able to release me from the pack. Not yet and I’m not waiting another two weeks.

She folds her hands over her desk and leans forward. “Listen, Sophie?—”

I shake my head. “I came here because I respect your family. I didn’t come here for permission to do what I want.”

“You can’t go back to South Carolina,” she says pointedly.

“And who says that’s where I’m headed?” I counter, not having the slightest interest in revealing the truth.

Her lips thin, and she stares intently at me, but I don’t break. “Fine. Keep your secrets, but you need to listen to me and know I’m not just saying this because you’re here. You were on my list of people to call today.”

She slides a piece of paper across her desk toward me. Sure enough, it’s a to-do list with my name second on the list.

“Why?” is all I ask.

She shifts back in her seat and swallows. “Your old pack. The alpha is missing, and the beta has been killed.”

“Your uncle?—”

Dawsyn shakes her head. “He moved on just over a year ago. He and Kelly decided to retire on a beach, minimizing their responsibilities.”

---