Page 102 of Game of Destiny
“What’s up?” Finlay asked.
“My dad has called for a family meeting,” I told him. “I will just let him know I can’t make it.”
“Go,” Sam told me.
“There is nothing we can do right now, anyway. Take the call and we will let you know if we need you,” Finlay agreed. I walked up to my room and joined the group call. My mom was in my father's lap and Elder had his arm around Becky in the other window. I felt an intense longing to have Finlay with me and an usual bitterness that I couldn’t show my love freely. I plastered on a smile to hide my jealousy.
“Good, everyone is here,” my dad said. “Amie, your mother and I had to hear from your brother that you had been injured the other day, and now that another of your pack was injured today. You need to tell us these things young lady,” he told me with a stern look. I knew I was in trouble when he used my name.
“Dad, it was just a couple of scratches, nothing worth talking about,” I tried to object and glared at Elder. “And yes, one of my pack members was injured today. I just haven’t had a chance to actually call anyone and talk about it. I’m the Beta of the pack, I need to make sure they are okay.”
“Armeria, I don’t care if it’s just a bee sting, you will tell your father and me if you get hurt,” my mom said. I felt like I was a child again.
“Yes mom.”
“Good. We are happy that you are not seriously hurt, pumpkin. How is your pack member?” my dad asked.
“He’s seriously hurt, but he will recover. Thank you for asking.”
“I’m happy he will be okay. But the situation is worrying. Are you in danger?” my dad asked.
“Dad, we are in the middle of the games. All participants are in danger,” Elder said. My dad huffed and looked at us with expecting eyes.
“I don’t know. We are trying to figure it out. But we are taking precautions to stay safe,” I told him.
“Good, good. I have only heard good things about your Alpha, I’m choosing to trust him for now. Elder, son, I shouldn’t need to say this, but just because your sister is in another pack doesn't mean you shouldn’t keep her safe.”
“Dad!” I objected.
“I know, dad. I’m on it,” Elder calmly told him.
“I’m all grown up. I can take care of myself,” I said.
“Families take care of each other. Don’t fuss,” my mom told me.
“Yes, mom.” I really felt like a child again, getting scolded.
“Are the council taking action?” Dad wanted to know.
“We have filed a formal complaint and they have called for a hearing tomorrow,” I told him. He nodded.
“Stay calm, tell the truth and remember they don’t base their judgment on emotions,” he said.
“Thanks, dad. We will remember it.” We talked a while longer and then ended the call. I took a moment to reflect on it before heading downstairs again. I realised I was out of practice. I wasn’t used to having my family who would need to know things. My family had become the wolves around me, and since most of them knew the things that happened to me the moment it happened. The need to share information was low. I needed to do better. As I walked out of my room, I tried to mindlink Ramses to see if he needed anything. I couldn’t reach him so I cracked open his door a little. He was sound asleep and next to his bed, Matilda sat on a chair, knitting.
‘Do you need something?’ I mindlinked her.
‘I’m fine. Raina will make dinner tonight,’ she answered. I nodded and closed the door. As Raina had started making dinner, Sam and Finlay had moved out to the sundeck to continue their discussions. I joined them.
“Ramses is asleep and your aunt is watching over him,” I told them as I took a seat.
“Everything okay with your family?” Finlay asked.
“Yeah. I just got scolded for not reporting regularly enough and my dad gave some good advice for the meeting tomorrow.” I told them about my dad’s advice and we discussed different approaches we could take. When we ate dinner, the mood was sombre, but as I saw the plate we had sent up with food. Coming down empty, I felt hopeful. If he was well enough to eat, there was hope. After dinner, Finlay took me to the side.
‘Maybe it’s time for you to step to the side. Accept the rejection and you won’t be a participant any longer,’ he suggested in a mindlink.
‘You are lucky that I like you, Alpha. Or I would have had to knee you in your private parts for saying something like that. Are you telling me I’m too weak?’ I answered him. Staring daggers.
