Page 87 of A Chance at Redemption for the Alpha

“I am really glad to hear that.” Liam sounds relieved.

We both exchange some more information with each other, and set up our next meeting before we hang up. I remain sitting in my office, just staring at my hands. Alpha Eugene. Blue River Pack. I haven’t thought about Olive much ever since I met Silas, but Eugene still haunts me, as does the thought of my parents.

I feel like a young teen again. Insecure, overwhelmed and anxious.

“Marcellus?” The door opens slightly, and Silas steps inside. He gazes at me. “The mate bond is a peculiar thing,” he mutters. “Ever since you marked me, I feel different. Sometimes I feel you. Like now.”

He steps closer, hugging me from behind. “So, what happened? Did Liam reject the plan?”

“No, he is on board,” I explain. “But he told me we have two potential new pack members. Two teenage boys who were abused by their pack.”

“Okay,” Silas says tentatively. “We have the resources.”

“I said the same.”

“But?”

“They are currently at Blue River pack,” I admit.

I can feel the surprise in Silas’ stance, before he hugs me a bit tighter. “I will go and fetch them,” he says. “I know usually it’s you and Micah going, but I can do it this time.”

“Is that really okay? It’s inevitable that…” My voice trails off, but Silas gets it anyway.

“Yes, it’s inevitable, and sooner or later, they will find out about you and realize where you are. In fact, I think the moment we take in these new pack members, they will know. For various reasons. Your smell is all over me, then the bureaucracy following the whole exchange. They will ask questions. But it doesn’t mean you need to go there. Let them come to you instead.”

“Alright,” I say, taking a deep breath. “I will let you handle it, but I won’t run away anymore. If they ask questions, don’t lie to them.”

“Got it,” Silas says. “I have a couple of meetings scheduled with Alex. I want to meet my nephew and Liam, but if you set the meeting in your brother’s pack for Saturday, I should be fine.”

thirty

The Ex-Mate

*BENJAMIN*

Lori and I play hide & seek with Maddie while we wait for Nova to pick us up for the party. The last couple of days were wild. Lori and I worked on her cottage, and then started to make lists for the work that needs to be done to the packhouse. Furthermore, I intensified my training with Lucian, who isreallynot kidding around. After every training session, I feel sore and drained, but it doesn’t matter because whenever I meet Lori, I feel all my energy return.

“New pack members?” Lori asks me, after Sheila picks Maddie up for dinner. The kid won every game. I am not even trying to make it easy anymore, because somehow her senses are incredible. She is truly good at it.

“Yes, two teenage boys,” I tell her. “Silas is going to pick them up this time around, and guess who is supposed to accompany them?” I can’t help but beam at her, and she smiles.

“He asked you?”

“Yes, Micah and I are going with him. Oh, if you want, you could come, too,” I offer.

“I don’t know, Benji. I don’t want to disturb anything.”

“You won’t. I cleared it with Silas first. He said it’s good when a female pack member accompanies us. But only if you want to.”

Lori has tied her hair back into a high ponytail. It’s mesmerizing how it moves whenever she tilts her head. She is so beautiful. She is only wearing a pair of jeans and a white crop top, but she looks stunning. “Would it really help if I come?” she asks.

There is a hint of hope in her voice. It’s weird, but just like me, it seems she constantly needs to prove herself. “Absolutely. Often, male wolves, especially those of higher rank, are intimidating to teenagers. The boys are omegas, so they might not feel comfortable around Silas or me. It’s the reason Micah always joins these trips. But depending on their trauma, they might feel wary if it’s only male wolves picking them up.”

“If it’s honestly a help, I will join you,” she says, making my heart jump faster at the prospect of being able to spend even more time with her.

I am so glad she is giving me and the pack a proper chance.

In the distance, I hear a car honking, making me jump up and pull Lori with me. “That’s Nova. Let’s go.”