Page 62 of Wulf's Pack
It doesn’t take me but a few seconds to realize that, yes, I would do anything if it’s best for my mate. Even leave Detroit and join a pack clear across the country.
Alpha Grant’s face softens, and he clamps a hand down on my shoulder. “I’m flattered, and honored that a wolf of your status would consider joining me. Under normal circumstances, I’d take you in a heartbeat, but it’s not good to have more than one omega in a pack. It’s not healthy for the omegas.”
My wolf deflates, crestfallen by this news, and gives me back control. My feelings, so closely tied to my wolf’s, are a jumbled mess. Relief and disappointment are playing tug of war inside me.
Alpha Grant gives me a moment to pull myself together before squeezing my shoulder. “You back?” he asks.
I blink a few times and scrub my hands over my face. “Yeah.” I let out a long breath, feeling more than a little stupid. “I’m sorry.”
He lets go of my shoulder and holds up his hand. “Don’t apologize.” My humiliation must be written all over my face, because he sighs and gives me a sympathetic smile. “No need to be embarrassed, son. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to provide the best possible home for your mate. It’s admirable that you’d be humble enough to take a step down when it’s clear your wolf’s first instinct is to lead. I really would be honored to have you, but your mate and Quinn need a different solution.”
My shoulders sag. I feel like such a pup. Skylar must sense my turmoil, because she slips her arm around me and leans into my side.
Luna Grant mirrors Skylar’s movement, shifting to stand close to her mate’s side as well. “Maybe you could consider joining one of the large packs in Detroit,” she says. “You’re a strong wolf and a good man, and there aren’t many packs that would turn down you or an omega.”
It’s something to consider.
Luna Grant smiles at me with so much motherly compassion I’m tempted to ask her for a hug. I lost my parents years ago. I don’t really have anyone to mentor me through this. I think that’s part of the reason my wolf asked to stay. He can see the goodness and wisdom of the alpha pair in front of me. Part of me craves the idea of having parental figures in my life. The desire is surprisingly strong. I didn’t realize I need that. Maybe that’s why I’d been so happy to join my old clan. Terrance filled that position. Now I’m on my own again.
“My advice?” Alpha Grant says. “Stay with the pack you’ve created. You’re a strong alpha, and your wolf’s instinct is to lead or he wouldn’t have started claiming shifters instead of turning to your old pack for help.”
He’s right. I never even considered taking Skylar to my old pack.
“Complete your mate bond, get to know your new pack, and lean on them. You don’t have to do everything alone. Packs work together for the good of the whole. It’s what makes us strong. Take ownership of what you’ve created, stabilize it as best you can, and then, if your wolf is still determined to grow your ranks, listen to him.”
He makes it sound easy, but it feels daunting.
“You’ll find your footing, Wulf. I have no doubt.”
His confidence makes me feel a little better. When he holds out his hand to me, I’m able to shake it this time without my wolf interfering. “If you ever need any help or advice, I hope you’ll give us a call. You have allies,friends, in the Santa Fe pack.”
I’m surprised by the declaration. To declare yourself an ally officially isn’t something taken lightly. How could anything that’s happened in the last eighteen hours have convinced Alpha Grant that I deserve his loyalty? Still, I’m glad for it and will take any help he’s willing to give. “Thank you.”
He and his mate step back. “Go home to the rest of your pack,” Alpha Grant says. “And keep in touch. I look forward to hearing updates.”
After one last round of good-byes, we head to Albuquerque and eventually catch a flight back to Detroit. It’s only been three days, but I’m so ready to go home.
Chapter
Twenty
Our flight gets in at 10:30 p.m. I’m surprised when it’s Bree who arrives to pick us up at the airport. I’m also a little confused by the Escalade she’s driving, but I’ve got suspicions about that.
We all pile into the brand-new, very tricked out SUV. Bree continues driving, I hop in the passenger seat, Skylar and Isabella take the middle, and Ben jumps in the back. Bree beats me to the questions. “Good to have you back safely, sir. How did it go in Santa Fe?”
I settle into the cushy leather seat with a yawn. “Good. Informative. Haven’t figured out an exact solution, and it sounds like it’s not going to be an overnight fix, but I have a lot better grasp on what’s happening and why. It’s helped me settle down a bit, if not my wolf.”
“Not going to lie, boss, that’s a bit of a relief.”
I laugh. Bree and I are going to work well together. “For you and me both. How’d things go for you? When did you guys get in? And do I dare ask where you scrounged up this luxury vehicle?”
Bree shoots me a frown. “The car? Carl said it’s a pack vehicle.”
“Terrance. I should have known.” At Bree’s questioning glance, I let out a chuckle and shake my head. “My old clan leader owns a dozen or so car dealerships. He’s stubborn as hell with unwavering loyalty and protective to a fault. And he’s been my best friend for nearly fifty years. I’m sure it’s driving him crazy that he can’t step in and help us with Victor.” I slide my hand along the armrest. “This is probably the only way he could think to help that he could get away with.”
Bree smiles. “That’s nice. Convenient too.” She smooths her hand over the dash. “It’s a pretty car.”
I snort. “Yeah, Terrance has a fondness for Cadillacs that borders on obsession. The real question is: Just how many cars is our pack now in possession of?”
