Matt sighed. I shook my head, “Three warriors, and you can’t be there.” My dad argued, “She’s my little girl.” I argued, “And she’s my little sister. She will be on pack lands. We have the school guarded and three additional warriors near her class. One inside, two outside. That’s plenty. If we are being technical, Jenna herself is practically a warrior. She has Beta blood, and your best friend trained her himself.”
My dad sighed, “Ten kids counting Susie.” I agreed, “Done. Matt, get Jenna in here. Dad, I know this is hard for you, but it will mean the world to Susie. Nadine will be happy too.” My dad looked away, “I know. I know it’s not fair. I just panic. I was relaxed with your mother; I went against my instincts, and she was killed because of it.”
I stood and put a hand on his shoulder, “Mom wouldn’t want you to do this to yourself. We can keep Susie safe here. It’s time to let the pack see the light of joy she is.” My dad had tears in his eyes, “She’s a spitfire with a heart of gold. Just like her mother.” I encouraged him, “Go tell Nadine the good news. Susie will start school with nine other pups Monday. Matt and I will work out the split from the current class.”
My dad hugged me, “You’re a good man, son. You just handled your old man like a pro. I taught you well.” He laughed as he left. Matt agreed, “You did handle him really well. It’s impressive for someone who lacks sleep, since no argument made by anyone else got through to the man.
I ignored that comment as Jenna walked into the office and sat down. I heard Nadine squeal. She came barreling through my door, ran to me, and kissed my cheek. She was near tears, “You have no idea what this will mean to her, or me. I have a friend who is someone’s second chance mate as well. His kids haven’t accepted her or their pups. Thank you, Chase. For not only loving her but accepting me.”
I smiled, “You made my dad happy, and I have loved you from the moment I heard he found you. You saved him and brought him back to life. My mom would’ve skinned me alive if I didn’t treat you as I would’ve treated her.” Nadine’s eyes filled with tears. She hugged a startled Jenna, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Nadine left shouting for Susie.
Jenna looked at Matt wide eyed asking, “What just happened?” I explained, “I’ve opened up a teaching position that I want you to fill. You’d start Monday. You can get your classroom ready this week, and you’ll have ten students. You’d have this week to prepare lessons and catch up on what they have learned so far this year.”
Jenna looked at Matt baffled. Matt broke it down for her, “Chase found out about Frank changing his mind about Susie attending school.” I nodded, “Susie wants to go to school, and I want her to learn something of the world outside these walls. If this is the way to ease my father into that, I’ll do it. I know ten is a small group, but it’s something. Three warriors will be assigned to guard your class. One in the classroom with you, and two outside the door.”
Jenna was ecstatic, “Yes! I’ll take it! I love Susie and teaching. I knew we wouldn’t have an open position for years. I was going to try for Alpha Eric’s territory since Molly is there. I want to stay here though. I don’t care that it’s a smaller class.”
I was relieved, “Matt can show you your classroom and you can start planning.” Matt linked me, “I still know something is up with you, but this is a good thing you are doing.” I replied, “I’m fine. Also, it’s my job, and I’m kind of good at it. Plus, this is my little sister. I want her to have everything she wants in life.” Matt left with Jenna.
Susie came running back into my office yelling, “YOU REALLY DID IT!” I laughed, “Did you doubt me?” Susie shook her head quickly, “Nope but you did it so fast! When you find your Princess, I’ll help you! I’m going to go bake cookies for her with mom!”
A warrior linked me, “Alpha, if you could come outside the main house, please. I need a minute.” I told my sister, “I’ll be right back.” Susie nodded. I walked outside and greeted the man, “Bob?” Bob smiled, “Susie told me to link you in five minutes. It’s been five minutes.” I shook my head, “I wonder what she’s up to. Well, as it happens, I have an assignment for you. Starting Monday, you will be one of the three warriors guarding Jenna Miller’s classroom.”
Bob was confused, “Jenna Miller got a teaching position? Who left?” I said, “No one. She will be taking a smaller class so Susie can attend with other pups.” Bob laughed, “I accept this assignment with pleasure.” I let him know, “My other thoughts are Doug and Steve.” Bob nodded, “We all already know her, and that’s not a big group to be in. Doug and Steve will be excited to see her so happy. I think they are great choices.” I nodded, “Good, you can let them know.”
I walked back inside then started to run when I heard Susie on the phone. I heard a voice I knew all too well say, “Well, Susie we’ve never met, but I have known about you.” Susie squealed, “REALLY? I thought no one knew. Anyway, I called because Chase…”
I tried to use a stern tone, “Susie Daniels!” Susie squeaked, “Busted.” Alpha Eric told her, “It was nice to somewhat meet you, Susie Daniels.” Susie agreed, “You too. You’re not as scary as they say.” Alpha Eric chuckled, “Let’s keep that between you and me. My wife would agree with you though.”
Susie clapped, “She’s a Princess, and Chase needs his too.” Alpha Eric questioned, “Does he?” Susie emphatically said, “He does.” I guided her to the door, “Susie, go find your mom and bake your cookies.” Susie sighed dramatically, “I just needed another minute, Bob was supposed to keep you busy.” I kissed her head, “Go on you naughty little minx.” I closed my door.
I apologize, “Alpha Eric, I’m sorry she disturb you.” Alpha Eric laughed, “I don’t usually get such kind, sweet callers on my line. Your sister seemed to think I was the right person to help you with something.” I brushed that off, “Not at this moment.”
Alpha Eric was quiet then said, “You know, I will help you if I can. I’ll talk to Alpha Sophia if you’d like. I know your arrangement was supposed to be done by now.” I don’t know why I was surprised, “How could you possibly know that?” Alpha Eric laughed, “I know a great many things. Just as I’ve known you have a little sister named Susie.”
I questioned, “How long have you known?” Alpha Eric smugly stated, “For five years.” I sighed, “Of course you have. I’ll let you know if you’re able to help.” Alpha Eric’s tone turned serious, “See that you do.” I admitted, “I don’t want to cause you problems. I know your mate doesn’t like me.”
Alpha Eric disagreed, “It’s not that she doesn't like you.” I laughed, “I was at her birthday, and in that field after battle for my brother’s new pack. She doesn't like me.” Alpha Eric confessed, “It’s more about me than you.” I admitted, “I don’t see how that is possible.”
Matt walked back into my office smiling. I spoke into the phone, “I have to go. I apologize again for the interruption to your day.” Alpha Eric reiterated, “Again, it wasn’t a problem. I hope she calls again. She’s pretty funny.” He hung up.
Matt asked, “Who called Alpha Eric?” I rubbed my temples, “Susie.” Matt groaned, “Your dad will kill us.” I disagreed, “He’s not going to find out.” Matt frowned, “Why did she call him?” I said, “That is between Susie and me. We crossed our hearts and everything.”
Matt complained, “You’ve got to be kidding me. You do remember me, right? Your best friend, right hand, and Beta?” I sarcastically replied, “Yes, I do remember you. Quite vividly as you are standing in front of me.” Matt growled, “Yet you confide in your five-year-old sister instead of me.”
Bolt growled at me. I held my head. He’d been content with Susie around. Maybe I could just have her sit in my office until she started school. I told him honestly, “Bolt is upset.” Matt rolled his eyes, “We noticed. What’s wrong with him?” I sighed, “Sophia not signing the papers is pissing him off.” Bolt snorted, “That’s half true.” I answered him, “I can figure this out between you and me. We don’t need everyone else to deal with our mate.” Bolt grumbled, “Susie will figure it out before you do.”
Matt sighed, “I’ll talk to Alfred Jr. again. He said he was making progress.” I stated, “I need it to be done. I’m afraid I’ll get no peace until I do.” Matt frowned, “Why is Bolt so upset all the sudden?” I answered vaguely, “Proximity.” Bolt snorted, “Our mate probably is a fairy. These are some evasive truths you’re throwing out.” I said, “Maybe she is. I don’t know.”
Bolt continued to whine in my head for the next two days. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I got in my car and drove to Alpha Eric’s house. Mansion, castle, whatever the hell he called this place. All it was missing was a moat.
I parked my car and stalked inside. I knew I looked crazed. Alpha Darrin Conners was passing by the door and stopped short. He asked, “Alpha Chase? What’s going on?” I began to pace, “I need to talk to Princess Luna Haley. Or Alpha Eric. One or both of them. I don’t know.” Alpha Darrin frowned, “They are out back. Haley has her fairy lessons that she teaches on Wednesday’s. I can get you an appointment for tomorrow morning to speak with them both.”
Bolt growled at him. I took back over, “Sorry. Sorry I can’t wait. I need to talk to them now. I can’t sleep. I can barely eat. My wolf is becoming uncontrollable.” Alpha Darrin frowned. “What’s going on?” I paced admitting, “I don’t know, alright? I don’t know. She’s here but she’s not.” Alpha Darrin was clearly confused, “Who is here, but not? Will you at least sit down?”
I ignored him and kept pacing. The only thing calming me down was the faint scent of my mother’s cinnamon bread. Mrs. Blanch must have gotten the recipe from her before she died. It made me feel like my mother was here with me.
Alpha Darrin started speaking to someone and I realized Alpha Eric and Alpha Lucas had come into the room. My gaze narrowed on Alpha Lucas. Cameron said his mate could find people’s mates. Hope swelled in my chest. She could help me! Alpha Lucas dashed my hopes by saying his Luna didn’t know who my mate at this point. Alpha Eric questioned what was going on. I couldn’t very well ignore him since I stormed into his home and refused to leave.