I linked Derrick, “Shots fired.” He replied, “The whole conversation has been shot after shot.” True. Matt asked, “Molly doesn’t know you hate her, does she mom?” Isabella answered, “Of course not. She loves the woman. She doesn’t have blinders on anymore though thanks to little miss Haley. She’s the cutest, shortest fairy of all time, and I love it. I do need to bake her a cake. I’m very late on getting her one.” Bolt agreed, “She is the shortest fairy. Even at that practice we went to with other partials.” Everyone was making good points today.

I pointed out, “Molly isn’t the type to take things lying down.” Isabella agreed, “No she’s not. She does love Cassandra though. I may not like her for many reasons, but she has done a lot for Molly. Molly respects her. Cassandra will always be important to Jackson which makes her important to Molly. I’m just happy my baby girl takes everything out of Cassandra’s mouth with a grain of salt instead of the former gospel she believed it to be.”

Isaac sighed, “She’s going to get on a soap box if you don’t stop her.” Isabella rolled her eyes, “Debbie Lyons is even cautious of the woman, and they are friends.” Nadine laughed, “Debbie and Cassandra talk every day. There is no caution.”

Isabella snorted, “Sure there is. She doesn’t ask for advice.” Nadine said, “None of the Luna’s do after a certain point.” Isabella shrugged, “I’m just saying. People know they should be cautious of her. It’s not something you would know until you have an opinion that’s different that hers. That’s what makes people like her dangerous. It’s like they draw you in and then they bite you. Then they are sweet again when you do what they want.” Matt chuckled, “So you think she’s a sour patch kid.” Derrick laughed, “Except she’s sweet first then sour.”

With that everyone left our office, and we got to work. We solved several pack disputes. Matt told me, “The pack link is going crazy. They think you are announcing Lexi as the Luna.” I groaned, “For god’s sake, maybe I should.” Derrick choked on his water then said, “Uh then we’d need people at the border of Alpha Eric’s territory… no scratch that. That would not help. A fairy could just pop in. I’m sure Lexi wants to officially tell her fairy friend first. Just a thought. We WOULD need warriors at Sophia’s border. She’ll be hurt you didn’t tell her.”

I rolled my eyes, “She has no room to be hurt. I already admitted I understand her motivations to stay married to me. She can’t be hurt I kept a secret because she’s kept one for almost four years. It’s even a doozy of a secret. That has fucked up my life.”

Matt sarcastically responded, “Because women often see those situations to be the same.” I snorted, “She should. She kept her father being murdered a secret. I am keeping my mate a secret. Those are not comparable.”

Matt’s phone rang. He smiled and answered, “Hello, Beta Caleb.” Beta Caleb said, “Alpha Eric got Alpha Chase’s email. He threw things because it solidified what he thought himself after hearing about Tyson and Alpha Sophia.” I offered, “It’s just a theory.” Matt put the phone on speaker. Alpha Eric said, “It’s a theory that rings true. We thought something similar. We were looking into Tyson. He has interesting ties.” I linked Matt, “He knows his real name.”

I said, “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me his real name.” Alpha Eric laughed, “Of course I will. I know you’ll respect his decision and keep it quiet. His name is Tyson Olsen.” I looked at Matt, “I know that name. Why do I know that name?” It was in the vague recesses of my mind.

The blood drained from Matt’s face. He said, “Beta Alfred’s wife’s maiden name is Olsen.” I laughed, “That’s who Tyson wants to avoid? His aunt. I can’t say I blame him. She’s an insufferable, title grabbing bitch. If I didn’t know Tyson was a good guy, I’d say it was Beta Alfred Sr’s wife using Tyson as a front man to be related to the Alpha of the pack.”

Alpha Eric snorted, “She’d have tried to have her son forcibly mark Alpha Sophia instead of Former Gamma Wallace. Though I suspect she is involved. I just don’t know how. Tenley is her only sibling.” I proposed, “Is there a way SHE has a pup with the Alpha, and gave him up to be raised outside the pack?”

Alpha Eric admitted, “It’s possible. We are quietly looking into her. We can add that to our inquiry. It would’ve had to have been quiet. Former Beta Alfred Sr. wouldn’t have taken Alpha Allister’s sloppy seconds.” I actually agreed with that, but it’s not like some women advertised they’d been with the Alpha. Some kept things quiet, and Allister didn’t share everything about his bed mates.

I asked, “What about a cousin or something?” I heard papers rustling. Alpha Eric answered, “They have several cousins. We will look into those too.” I offered, “Send half to Matt, and we will look as well.” Alpha Eric commented, “You should look into how Tyson found his sister.” I asked, “What does that mean?” Alpha Eric laughed, “Look into, Alpha Chase.” He hung up. Matt sighed, “That didn’t sound good.” I thought about it then said, “He was having fun. However it came about, he thinks it’s funny.”

Matt huffed, “Marvelous. He has fun now, that’s great. That goes to the backburner. It’s not really relevant, and I don’t care. I could probably get Beta Dylan to find out though.”

I laughed, “You want to involve Beta Dylan in everything, don’t you?” Matt admitted, “Yes, he’s hilarious. He’s also very good at getting information. Especially when he finds it interesting.” I pointed out, “You’re just as good as he is.” Matt agreed, “Yes, but I don’t care how Tyson found Sophia. It means absolutely nothing to me. I have millions of other things to do.”

I argued, “Millions is a strong word.” Matt started holding up his fingers and listing things off, “Tracking down multiple cousins that have seemingly vanished. Looking into threads regarding Allister’s, what I feel confident stating, murder. Getting you to mark your mate. Spending time with my mate and trying to figure out who the Black Arrow is. Trying to figure out how to spy on Gamma McCann. Now, I’ve added trying to figure out if Lexi is the Avenging Angel. I’m also working with the construction company on getting our joint pack and main house going along with all the other houses surrounding it. I’m a busy worker bee.”

Derrick pointed out, “Beta Dylan is also pretty busy right now too. Their Luna’s birthday is coming up, and it’s almost Christmas. You know that’s his favorite holiday.” I reminded them, “His Alpha is also getting married.”

Derrick snapped his fingers then pointed at me, “See? Beta Dylan is busy.” Matt said, “I’m just saying. Maybe I’ll tell him after the meeting after the New Year.” I asked, “He’s coming?” Matt snorted, “He’ll be there because I’m going to tell him about it.”

I pointed out, “That doesn’t mean he will be there.” Matt scoffed, “Sometimes it’s like you haven’t met the man. All I have to do is tell him this meeting is happening. He will BEG and PLEAD with Alpha Lucas to go. He will call Alpha Eric, who will say they can come. OR Beta Dylan will beg his Luna, and she will ask her cousin if she can come. Either way Beta Dylan will be there with snacks.” I snorted.

Nadine knocked on the door announcing, “Everyone’s ready outside.” I nodded. We stood and walked out together. Ted flashed up and joined Matt onstage. I linked Matt, “Ask where Lexi is please.” Matt replied, “She’s out with Reagan. Cameron announced the joining of the packs to his pack before she left for girl’s night.” I sighed. Bolt pointed out, “She can’t be on stage until you mark her.” Everyone was so annoying today.

I spoke out loud, “I know many of you have been wondering why we’ve gathered you today.” Sally flashed up next to Derrick. He smiled at her. I linked him, “Do you want to announce the pup?” He replied, “Sure.” I said, “Before we get to the big reason for this meeting, your Gamma and Gamma Female have an announcement.”

Derrick stepped forward proclaiming, “The future Gamma is coming soon. We are expecting.” Everyone started cheering. Sally smiled broadly at Derrick, and he leaned down to kiss her. Everyone went crazy.

After a minute I said, “Everyone settle down.” Someone asked, “Is warrior Joanie pregnant with the future Beta too?” Matt laughed, “No, she’s not. We haven’t started the process yet.” Everyone sighed. I explained, “The main reason I called this meeting was to announce a change for the future and direction of this pack.” Everyone went silent.

I continued, “As you all know my brother Cameron and Reagan left us to rule Alpha Hammond’s former pack. Their absence has been a hole in this pack, and we’ve both felt it. Cameron and I discussed the options of joining together as the Conners brothers do.”

Excited whispers started going all throughout the pack. I smiled, “Cameron had an architect out, and we’ve met with the Conners brothers to see how it worked for them. We wanted to know what pitfalls they had. We wanted to be prepared before we announced this intent. I am happy to tell you all that we will merge the packs and rule together. I will remain your Alpha and Cameron will remain his pack’s Alpha. Our new pack house and main house will be built in between the current houses. Work will be complete in March.”

Everyone cheered. I laughed, “I know you all have missed them as I have. Cameron and I believe this will strengthen us both. It also means Luna Reagan will be around which I know is what you are all cheering about.” Everyone laughed.

I gave them more details, “There will be a new school. We will be joining the two together. We are keeping the teachers and classes as they are for the remainder of the year. Obviously, next year we will mix the pups together, but we felt it would be too disruptive to move them around with only a few months left in school.”

I pointed to my friends, “Gamma Derrick and Beta Matt have been working diligently on housing. They will post that information soon. We will have to help Cameron’s pack. Alpha Hammond didn’t train them as he should. I want everyone to help them when they need it. Show them we are one big pack. I know that you all can do this with the grace and poise we possess. Make them feel welcomed.” Several people cheered.

I told them, “Cameron and I believe this is the way of the future. It works well for the Conners, and they are the strongest pack in the country. I believe this is one of the many important steps we are taking into the future of packs. I know as a group we tend to be the last to accept changes, but the tide is turning. We are on the precipice of change as a supernatural group. I want our pack to be leading the charge. I do not want to hear about any fighting or bullying of Cameron’s pack.” I gave them a stern look.

I added, “We are opening our borders to members from each pack. I want them to come here to get to know you, but I think we have to make the first step. Their former Alpha traumatized them. They did not have the leadership you know of and are still learning to accept what it is like to have an Alpha who wants to protect them and allow them to reach their potential. Go there and see them. Talk, train, cook, garden, whatever you do with them. I don’t care. Start to integrate the packs before we move. Cameron and I believe in this path, and we want it to work. I know you’ve missed both of them as I have. Don’t prove us wrong.” With that I led our group back inside.