Page 18 of Wolf Trapped
“Good man.” I sigh. I should have known that Patrick would volunteer. “You know we are in danger, right? Maybe next time, let your mommy answer the door, cub.” I raise an eyebrow at her, and she hangs her head.
“Sorry, alpha.” She whispers, her chin wobbling.
“Hey, don’t cry. It was just a reminder to be careful, okay?” I pat her shoulder, and she nods but still doesn’t meet my eyes.
“Alpha? I was just looking for you.” Patrick jogs up behind me. “I wanted to get my girls home safe before I volunteered. They told me that I just missed you.”
“Family is the number one priority.” I agree. I also ensured my mate was safe before conducting business, so I can relate.
“Would you like some help getting volunteers?” He asks, eyeing the clipboard.
“No, it’s fine." I smirk. "You don’t have the same intimidation tactics that I do.”
“This is true, Alpha.” He chuckles. He grabs the clipboard and writes his name down. Did I react too quickly? Maybe some of the other members of the pack had the same idea as Patrick.
“Thank you, Patrick. Have a good day, Libby.” I wave at the girl. “Make sure you stay out of the woods, okay?”
“I promise, Alpha.” She nods seriously, her ringlets bouncing on her shoulders.
We amble to the next house. I’m not as angry about the shifters not volunteering, but I shouldn’t have to waste my time with this bullshit. Libby can do that to the even scariest shifter. That little girl is a charmer and absolutely adorable. I feel bad for Patrick because all the boys will be after her when she gets older.
“I have a feeling this next place is going to have some pushback.” Angela chews her lip. I nod because it’s Alex, one of the pack's most hotheaded shifters, but he’s never outright refused an order from me before.
I knock on the door and wait. The man is nearly as big as me. He folds his arms over his chest as he answers the door. “Alpha, why do I have the pleasure of your company?” His words are polite, but there’s an underlying edge to them.
“Why isn’t your name on this list?” I growl.
“I didn’t realize signing up for patrol was an alpha command.” He shrugs. I really want to punch him in the face. He winks at Angela as she shoves the clipboard at him.
“Put your name on the list so we can make a schedule.” She barks at him.
“What will you do for me, Beta?” He asks in what he probably thinks is a seductive tone, but it just grates on my nerves.
“Alex, you are one of the strongest wolves in the pack. It’s your duty to help protect those weaker than you.” I take the clipboard from Angela and slam it into his chest.
“You mean your mate?” he sneers. “I don’t think Rochelle is all wrong about them being here for her.”
“My mate’s wolf is just as strong as yours. This isn’t about her. It’s about the vulnerable. The cubs and our elders are not equipped to protect themselves. How would you feel if you could have done something to stop them from being hurt and refused?” He would never be a good alpha, the selfish bastard.
“If humans have discovered what we are, then none of us are safe,” Angela shouts, throwing a pen and smacking him in the forehead with it. Alex takes a threatening step forward.
“Watch it, Alex.” I snarl at him with a raised eyebrow and fists clenched at my side.
“Fine, I’ll patrol the fucking borders.” He grumbles and writes his name down. “A good portion of the pack is going to give you trouble. Rochelle is an influential member of the pack.”
He hands back the clipboard, and we walk off. “We need to just have another meeting and be done with it.” Angela sighs.
“You’re right. I’m just going to make a list of all capable pack members and make a schedule. If they want to test me like this, then a little of the alpha my father was will have to come out. They are getting too lax and lazy, and I’m not having it anymore.”
“I’ll let everyone know that we are having another meeting.” Angela strolls away.
I turn, going back to the pack house. My damn pack is losing their loyalty, and I need to get it back, even if I have to use an iron fist.
Walking into the pack house, I call out to Jara. The music blasts through the speakers, making me grin. She loves to play music when she’s cooking.
A delicious sweet smell fills the air, and I breathe deeply as I lean against the door frame and watch her. Her caramel hair is in a messy bun on top of her head. There’s flour brushed across her cheek.
“Are you baking a cake?” she’s mixing as she hums, dancing around. The batter is chocolate, and I can’t help but wonder what she’s doing.
