Page 26

26

Lucas

Watching Kaylee flitter about the cottage getting ready for the day, I sip my coffee at the dining table and try not to smile too brightly. Last night, Kaylee taught me the basics of living alone, starting with laundry. I’d always thought washing clothes was difficult, but it seemed straightforward enough once she’d shown me how to turn the machines on and dispense the laundry detergent into the washing machine. The hard part was learning how to fold.

Kaylee had warned me that my laundry was my responsibility—that we may be working on our relationship, but she was not my caretaker. She said I needed to learn these skills before our pup came, and once it did, she wouldn’t be raising the pup alone the way Ramos had forced my mother to raise me. That part stung, but she was right. If I’m to be a good mate and father, I’ll need to help her raise our pup. I will be different from Ramos.

“Ready to go to the packhouse?” Kaylee calls out through a mouthful of a chocolate chip granola bar—her newest pregnancy craving. I nearly spit my coffee out at the sight, chuckling at how happily she munches on the treat.

“Yep. Can’t miss my second day of beta training,” I manage to choke out as I stand, setting my now empty mug in the kitchen sink before following Kaylee out the door. She moves quickly to the driver’s side of her truck, and I reluctantly sit on the passenger side. Her scent surrounds me—sweet cinnamon sugar with a hint of warm spice caused by the pregnancy. Her Spotify playlist plays some pop songs that she sings along to.

Watching the scenery pass by, I can’t help but compare how small Ivory Fangs is to Oak Fur. There are only four dormitories at the moment. One was built years ago when this place was called Silver Paw; the other three were built recently.

The pack has quickly grown stronger under Aunt Amelia’s, Uncle David’s, and Kaylee’s leadership. I have a feeling that if Ramos and Marilyn were to attack, Ivory Fangs could hold its own. We may be able to sneak back into Oak Fur and take out Ramos and Marilyn while they’re distracted in attacking Ivory Fangs, even if killing a pregnant woman doesn’t sit well with me. But the world would be better without Ramos and Marilyn in it.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Kaylee asks, her hand taking mine. I smile at her, relishing in the tingles the bond brings from her touching me.

“Just thinking about how strong this pack has grown. Silver Paw was always weak and disorganized, from what I remember,” I state with a chuckle, returning my gaze to the window and watching the houses grow closer together as we get closer to the packhouse.

“Even though most of the wolves were members of the original pack, they seem happier and healthier with the structure you’ve provided. You really would have made a perfect Luna,” I continue, guilt creeping into me. Oak Fur would have become stronger had I not rejected Kaylee.

“Well, I like being a beta. I think being a Luna would bore me to death,” Kaylee says, shrugging, her smile growing wider. “I don’t think I would be happy planning gardens and organizing parties for visiting packs like Lunas do. David seems to be enjoying his Luan job, but I prefer leading and planning training schedules,” she continues with a giggle, her happy mood contagious.

I sniff the air, scenting the truth in her words, and relax. It seems she really does enjoy being a beta.

I wonder what would have happened if I’d never rejected her and we’d never left Oak Fur. Would she be a Luna, taking a back seat to plan visitations from ally packs or hosting pack dinners? Or would Kaylee lead beside me, taking charge of pack training, security measures, and expanding the pack? Part of me feels she would help me with the jobs traditionally meant for an alpha, and she’d be amazing at it.

The truck pulls in front of the packhouse, and after Kaylee shuts off the engine, we climb out. Waving at the few packmates who loiter about, the two of us walk into the building. Kaylee makes a beeline for the dining hall, her eyes lighting up when she smells the apple strudels that must have been freshly baked this morning. Rolling my eyes, I make a mental note to stop by and grab as many apples as possible to stock the fridge in the cottage.

“Lucas,” I hear Uncle David call out from behind me. Looking towards the stairs I find my uncle making his way towards me, a frown on his face.

“Our spy just reported in,” he says as he reaches me, his tone hushed but full of warning. Alarms start to ring in my mind, and for a moment, I turn back to look at Kaylee, who takes a bite of apple strudel and waves to me. I wave back, trying to smile so I don’t worry her.

“What did they say?” I ask, turning back to face Uncle David.

“Devon is making a break for the pack border. He’s trying to escape the pack.”