I think of my father’s control and how, over the years, his patience has gotten shorter and shorter. “You can give too much of yourself to the role. Is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes.”
“But Mack doesn’t do that?”
“No, he’s had me to tap him on the head to remind him. You haven’t been so fortunate. And neither has that father of yours, or even Mack’s.”
I stifle another yawn. “Adela?”
“Yes, child?”
“Where did you come from before? And how did Mack become your alpha? He’s only twenty-five and you’re—”
“Old enough,” she interrupts, though I can tell she’s smiling. “I’m surprised Mack hasn’t told you the story of us settling here.”
I remember what Tina said in the car about him collecting strays and forming a pack out of them.
“I didn’t want to ask,” I say quietly. “It has to do with a
