Page 27 of Rejected Wolf's Secret Baby (Rejected Moons 4)

“David’s been clear about the fact that he doesn’t want to do it,” Kayla says.

I nod. Even I know that. He and Pat were teenage sweethearts, and even though he’s mated into the bloodline, David’s never been interested in being alpha. He doesn’t have the right personality. He’s not even dominant over my sister. He definitely couldn’t control the pack.

Actually,sometimes he kind of reminds me of human men.

“I could order him,” Dad says. “I’m sure he cares about the well-being of this pack. If he knew we needed someone to step up, maybe he would prove himself capable.”

“Do you really think so?” Kayla asks dubiously.

“I don’t think he would be any better than Lonnie, anyway,” I speak up. “David might not be into random cruelty and pushing people around, but he’s too soft to make life-and-death decisions. We’d be no better off.”

Dad sighs. “Honestly, one of you two would be the best pick for pack leader. You’re both so strong-willed and determined. It’s too bad I can’t have one of you do it.”

I laugh. “Sure you could. Name Kayla as a she-alpha.”

“The pack would revolt,” Kayla says. “I wouldn’t be able to give commands. Only a properly chosen alpha gets the loyalty of the pack.”

“Yeah, I know,” Dad sighs. “It was just an errant fantasy.”

My heart aches for my father. He loves this pack, and he’s put the best years of his life into making it great. I can see that he’s worrying about his legacy.

I wish there was more I could do.

Dad looks from Kayla to me. “If one of you had a mate,” he said, “that person would be able to challenge for the alpha seat.”

Kayla shakes her head. “Dad, you can’t ask that of us.”

“I know,” he says. “I know. I’m not asking you to be with someone just for this. You know I won’t. But if there’s anyone you’ve been considering, anyone you like, even as a close friend, anyone who would bewilling…You’ve got to at least think about it.”

My mind goes straight to Brandon. How could it not? But I’ve already made this decision so many times. I’m not going to be with him. If circumstances were different, I might actually consider it for my father’s sake. But I can’t.

“I’ve got Emmy, Dad,” I say. “I have to put her first. Before the pack. Before myself, even.”

Dad frowns. “You do owe something to this pack, you know. Even though you decided to leave us. I won’t force you, but you should include us in your decisions.”

He looks so lost. It must be awful to know that you’re declining, to know that your mind is slipping, and to worry about what’s going to happen to the pack you’ve cared for all your life.

There must be a way. Maybe I can help him find it.

16

BRANDON

Thedoortomyhouse bangs open and Lonnie storms inside.

“What the hell?” I demand. Lonnie’s a dick, but I’ve never known him to barge into anyone’s private home like this. I’m going to have to start locking the doors.

“She’s got ababy,” he barks, looking absolutely incensed. “You didn’t tell me she had a baby!”

“How do you know that?”

“Never mind how I know! The question is, why didn’t I hear it from you!”

“I didn’t really think it was relevant,” I say. “She’s single. Whoever the dad is, he isn’t in the picture. So what difference does it make if she has a baby or not?”

“You’re such a fucking idiot,” Lonnie says. “I don’t know how I put up with you sometimes.”

I can’t hold back a laugh. It’s just such an ironic thing for the king of the idiots himself to say to me.

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