Page 64 of Holiday Surprise

His question caught me off-guard and I pondered it a moment while I plated him a big stack of pancakes and several pieces of sausage.

“I thought so. I really believed that was my purpose in life, because everyone had been telling me that my entire existence. When Thomas and I broke up for good that last time and I knew without a doubt that my dream of being Pack Mother was crushed, I was relieved.” I had never confessed that to anyone. “It’s so much work and sure, it’s fulfilling, and I’m not complaining. Please don’t take this the wrong way. It’s just I have a job, a thriving business that I love. I know it won’t be entirely the same just doing the online store when we move, but maybe someday we’ll be settled enough I could open a new store,” I said optimistically.

Luke ate his breakfast but didn’t comment on my bombshell of an answer. I couldn’t take the silence for long. “Your turn. Truth or dare?”

“Truth,” he said softly.

“Did you always want to be Alpha?” It seemed like an appropriate question after his.

He looked at me for a minute with a funny look on his face and slowly shook his head.

“I never wanted to be Alpha, Sydney. I only wanted to ensure the Pack was going to stay together and be okay. There really wasn’t anyone else ready to step up, so I did.”

“But I thought you battled someone for the position.” I could have sworn I heard that somewhere and didn’t think I was going crazy.

He looked sad. “I did.”

“But why? If you didn’t want the job anyway. Why would you do that?”

“It’s simple really. He wasn’t worthy. Under his leadership we would have been no better off than we had been under Jedidiah. I told you, I only want what’s best for them. I’ll always do whatever I feel is best for my Pack.”

I had a sudden revelation and I wanted to cry at the mere thought.

I grabbed my phone to text Lily.

ME: Grab Thomas and get over to my house right now. We need to talk.

LILY: Hail Mary?

ME: Let’s hope it’s more like the fat lady singing.

LILY: I love that fat lady!

I had a million thoughts running through my brain as I sat down next to Luke and dug in to my own breakfast with newfound gusto.

“If there was a way for you to merge the packs but it required you to step down as Alpha. Would you do it?” I blurted out.

He sighed. “It’s not that simple. I’ve spent every day as Alpha trying to build a sense of community to a broken pack, and I’ve successfully done that. Did Peyton tell you that she and Oliver have decided to come?”

“What?” I asked. “But why? They have everything right here.”

He nodded. “I agree. I feel guilty for it if I’m being honest. My point is, I don’t know if my pack will be willing to follow another Alpha, even Thomas, because I know you’re scheming something in that pretty little head of yours.”

I hadn’t considered this dilemma, but what if he was wrong about that? It was worth the discussion. I had to at least try.

I excused myself and went to change out of my pajamas. The knock at the door told me Lily and Thomas had already arrived.

When I got back to the living room where they were waiting, Luke grimaced at me. I could feel his frustrations through our bond which only made me smile sheepishly. I loved that I could feel him so clearly already.

“What’s all this about, Syd?” Thomas asked.

“Well, good morning to you too. Does anyone want breakfast? Coffee?”

“We just ate,” Lily told me.

“Okay, well, have a seat then,” I instructed.

Lily and Thomas sat on one couch with Luke and I on the other.

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