Suddenly A Beta's Daughter

Chapter 12 Introduction to the pack

Gabi’s POV

Mom didn't look any different from the last time I saw her and although that meant she wasn't getting better it also meant she wasn't getting any worse. It was weird seeing her like this, she was always so loud and bubbly. Now that she was laying before me completely silent I wasn't sure how to react. I wanted to introduce her to Ben but he didn't want to come in, said I should get to spend some alone time with her but I didn't know how to do that. So there I sat, silently by her side, holding her hand until it was time to leave.

We drove back to the pack in silence, Ben and Joe Must have sensed that I wasn't in the best of moods because even after we arrived at the pack house they barely said a word to me. Just that they had to go to training and they would see me at dinner.

I made my way up to the penthouse and went straight to my room plopping face down in bed.

‘Want to talk about it?’

‘Not much to talk about.’

‘Shutting people out when you get overwhelmed isn't going to help.’

‘Who said I was overwhelmed.’ I could practically feel her rolling her eyes.

‘Did you forget we share a mind?’

‘I'm fine ivey just tired.’

‘Do you just plan on sleeping until everything fixes itself.’ I didn't respond thinking she would let it go. ‘Things will get better, and it could get better faster if you would talk about it.’

‘Yeah, because everyone has just been so helpful. I just want some time alone.’ I felt her withdrawal to the back of my mind and I let out a relieved sign.

After laying there for a while I decided to get up and get my homework done. I popped in my headphones and sat at the desk hoping the work would be enough to distract me for a while.

After I finished my homework I checked the time on my phone. It was close to seven, no wonder why I was hungry. It was well after dinner. I left my room and checked the rest of the penthouse but no one was here.

‘Ben’, I reached out to him hoping he would be close by.

‘Hey, everything alright.’

‘Yeah, I was just wondering where you were, it's getting late and I haven't eaten yet.’

‘Sorry Gabs, I'm still in training until eight. I'm sure there's food in the fridge, if not you can go down to the dining hall, I'm sure dad's there he usually eats around this time during the week. Want me to ask?’

‘No it's okay, I'll figure something out.’

‘You sure, I can send an omega to get you dinner if you don't want to go to the hall by yourself.’

‘I'm sure. I'm a big girl, I'll be fine.’ I cut my connection with him before going to check the kitchen.

The cabinets were mostly filled with snacks and the fridge wasn't much better, mostly sandwich supplies and breakfast food.

“Breakfast for dinner or room full of strangers?”

‘I vote strangers, we need real food.’

‘Breakfast is real food.’ I was pretty hungry though, bacon and eggs might not be enough.

‘Hey pup, did you eat yet?’ I don't have proof but I'm pretty sure Ben ratted me out to Rob. No way his timing is that good.

‘Not yet, I just got finished with my homework.’

‘Come down to the dining hall, we just got done with work.’

I hesitated a bit but my hunger got the better of me. ‘OK.’

I made my way down to the dinning hall. It was a good amount of people there considering how late it was, I guess wolves just eat late. I looked around for Rob, or anyone else I recognized, when I spotted all of them. Well everyone but Sandra, Dotty, Ben and Joe. They were seated at the table on the raised platform.

I slowly made my way through the crowd towards them trying my best to ignore the curious stares from everyone else in the room. Once Rob spotted me in the crowd he stood and met me halfway.

“Hey, how was your day?” He pulled me into an awkward side hug as he walked with me the rest of the way.

“It was okay I guess.” Once we reached the table I tried walking past the adults to make my way to Kelly but Rob stopped me.

“One second Gabi, I want to introduce you.”

I felt an instant panic, “oh you don't have to do that.”

“Ben told me what happened at the training fields, it would be better for people to know who you are.”

“I really don't think that's necessary.” It was almost Like he didn't hear me as he cleared his throat and spoke out to gain the attention of the room.

“Excuse me everyone,” I'm mortified as the once curious glances become full on stares. “I just need a moment of your time.” The room went silent as the two of us became the focal point. “ I'm sure many of you have noticed a new face in the pack and I just wanted to make a quick introduction. This here is my daughter, Gabrielle. She'll be with us for a while and I want to make sure she is given the respect she is due while she's here.”

There was a chorus of “Yes Beta” from the crowd before the room was engulfed in whispers. Only then was I allowed to escape his grip and make my way toward Kelly and aunt Beth. I sat down next to Kelly and dropped my head on the table.

“That was so embarrassing.”

Kelly giggled, “ it could have been worse. He could have waited until the festival to do it to the whole pack.” She waved to someone at the side of the room who began to approach.

I turned my head to the side to look at her. “What festival?”

“The full Moon festival. It's an Informal bonfire for the whole pack to gather. It's done once a month to welcome new wolves and we go on a pack run. Could you prepare a plate for Beta Gabi.”

“Right away.” the young girl responded before hurrying off.

That got me a bit curious so I sat up. “New wolves? I thought new people were a rarity here.”

“Well not new people but for pups who just got their wolves. It's more of a coming of age ceremony where they present there wolf to the Alpha and pack. They swear loyalty and then we all run around the pack's border to celebrate.”

Thinking of being introduced in front of two thousand people instead of the handful in this room did seem worse. “Do I have to do it too?”

“Technically you should but if you don't plan on staying in the pack you don't have to.”

“She's right dear,” aunt Beth joins in the conversation. “we won't force you to do it if you don't want to but you should still come. It's always a lot of fun, and you can still take the run even if you don't go through with the ceremony. I was gonna bring it up myself when you got more comfortable.” She shot a playful glare at Kelly.

“opps.”

“But that was part of the reason I got you those dresses as your birthday gift. It's tradition that the new shifters come wearing all white and after their first pack run they wear the pack's colors. No pressure though, whatever you want to do.”

“If I do it will I still be able to leave when my mom gets better.”

“Of course, you wouldn't be the only lone wolf out there. But this way your pack will know who you are so if you ever need to come back no questions will be asked.”

I nodded my head deep in thought as the young girl came back and placed a plate in front of me. “Thank you.” She bowed her head before returning to the side of the room.

Once dinner was over I made my way onto the elevator with the others. Aiden, Robb, uncle Matt, and uncle David were busy talking about some conference coming up. Meanwhile Kelly and aunt Beth were busy going over details for the festival. I stood there awkwardly, hoping we'd get to the top floor faster so I could hide in my room but once we got to the fourth floor everyone slowly made their way off.

“Where are you all going?”

“I'm sorry pup,” Rob said with a slight guilty look, “we've still got some work to do. Will you be okay by yourself.”

“Yeah,” I tried to sound casual but even to my ears it sounded a bit disappointed. Rob looked between me and the others like he was contemplating not going with them. “Really I'm fine, it's late I'm just gonna go to bed.”

“If you want some company we can stay with you while we work.” Kelly spoke up.

“No it's okay, I know you're busy.” I pushed the button for the top floor. “Goodnight everyone.” They told me goodnight and I smiled at them as the elevator doors closed. The second they closed and I was on my own I felt a sudden weight on my chest.

‘Gabi-’

“Not now!” I snapped at Ivey. I didn't mean to but I really did not want to listen to her nagging right now. I practically ran to my room and went straight to bed.

The rest of the week went on in about the same manner. I'd get up early and drive to school with Ben and Joe. In fact the drive there and back is usually the only time I got to see them. After we got back they would go off to do whatever it is they did while I went to the penthouse alone to do homework. I'd eat with the others in the hall but right after that they went straight back to their offices. I felt so isolated that I thought I was losing my mind. By Thursday night I was ready to pull my hair out.

*knock knock *

“Come in.” I opened the door to Rob's office to see him working at his desk with uncle David leaning over his shoulder.

“Gabi, everything ok?” uncle David asked me, only then did Rob look up to acknowledge my presence.

“I'm fine. I was hoping to ask Rob something.”

“Sure sweetheart, what do you need?” I looked at uncle David and hesitated a bit.

“Nevermind it's not important. I didn't mean to interrupt you.” Just as I was about to leave Rob stopped me.

“ Gabi, wait. Dave, could you give us a minute?”

“Of course.” He grabbed a few documents off the desk before leaving, closing the door behind him.

“Come here Gabi, what is it?”

“I was just wondering if,” I felt more anxiety in that moment then I thought I would. He looked calm and ready to listen but the fear I felt at him saying no was bordering on irrational.

He rounded his desk to stand directly in front of me. “You can talk to me, what is it?”

“Can I stay with Steph this weekend?” I rushed it out as fast as I could. He looked shocked, I could tell that's not what he was expecting me to ask.

He let out a sigh, “ Gabi.”

“It's fine,” I hung my head trying to hide my disappointment. “I knew you wouldn't agree, I'll go.”

As I turned to leave he grabbed my hand, “Wait. I didn't say no.” he pulled me closer and lifted my chin so I would look him in the eyes. “What's really going on? All you do is lock yourself in your room, you're not even trying to give us a chance. Talk to me please.”

“Nothings going on, I just miss them.” He didn't look like he believed me. He was staring at me so intensely that it felt like he was trying to force himself into my mind.

“OK, you can go.”

“Really?” He nodded his head. “So when Ben drops me off tomorrow I can stay with them, I'll be back Monday after school.” “Ok.” I was so happy in that moment I didn't hesitate to hug him. “Thank you.” I let go before he got a chance to hug me back and rushed toward the door before he could change his mind.