I snorted, “She should. She kept her father being murdered a secret. I am keeping my mate a secret.” Matt’s phone rang. He smiled, “Beta Caleb.” Beta Caleb said, “Alpha Conners got Alpha Chase’s email. He threw things.” Matt laughed, “It’s just a theory.” Matt put the phone on speaker. Alpha Eric said, “It’s a theory that rings true. We’d thought something similar. We were looking into Tyson. He has interesting ties.” I linked Matt, “He knows his f*****g real name.” I said, “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me his real name.” Alpha Conners laughed, “Tyson Olsen.” I looked at Matt, “I know that name.” The blood drained from Matt’s face, “Beta Alfred’s wife’s last name used to be Olsen.” I said, “That’s who Tyson wants to avoid? His aunt. Can’t say I blame him. She’s an insufferable title grabbing b***h. If I didn’t know he was a good guy… I’d say it was Beta Alfred Sr’s wife using Tyson as a front man to be related to the Alpha of the pack.”
Alpha Conners snorted, “She’d have tried to have her son forcibly mark Alpha Sophia instead of Former Gamma Wallace. Though I don’t discount her being involved. I just don’t know how. Tenley is her only sibling.” I said, “Is there a way SHE has a child with the Alpha, and gave the kid up to be raised outside the pack?” Alpha Eric said, “It’s possible. We are quietly looking into her. We can add that to our inquiry. It would’ve had to have been quiet. Former Beta Alfred Sr. wouldn’t have taken Alpha Allister’s sloppy seconds.” I said, “What about a cousin or something?” I heard papers rustling. Alpha Eric said, “They have several cousins. We will look into those too.” I said, “Send half to Matt. We will look as well.” Alpha Eric said, “You should look into how Tyson found his sister.” I said, “What does that mean?” Alpha Eric laughed, “Look into Alpha Chase.” He hung up. Matt sighed, “That didn’t sound good.” I said, “He was having fun. However it came about. He thinks it’s funny.” Matt said, “That goes to the backburner. It’s not really relevant, and I don’t care. I could probably get Beta Dylan to do it.” I laughed, “You want to involve Beta Dylan in everything, don’t you?” Matt said, “Yes, he’s hilarious. He’s also very good at getting information. Especially when he finds it interesting.” I said, “You’re just as good as he is.” Matt said, “Yes, but I don’t care how Tyson found Sophia. It matters not even slightly to me. I have millions of other things to do.” I said, “Millions is a strong word.” Matt said, “Tracking down multiple cousins that have seemingly vanished. Looking into threads into Alpha Allister’s what I feel confident stating murder. Getting you to mark your mate. Spending time with my mate, trying to figure out who the Black Arrow is. Trying to figure out how to spy on Gamma McCann. Now I’ve added trying to figure out if Lexi is the Avenging Angel. I’m also working with the construction company on getting our joint pack and main house going along with all the other houses surrounding it…. I’m a busy worker bee Chase.”
Derrick said, “Beta Dylan is also pretty busy right now too. Their Luna’s birthday is coming up, and it’s almost Christmas. You know that’s his favorite holiday.” I said, “His Alpha is also getting married.” Derrick snapped his fingers then pointed at me, “See? Beta Dylan is busy.” Matt said, “I’m just saying. Maybe I’ll tell him after the meeting after the New Year.” I said, “He’s coming?” Matt snorted, “He’ll be there. I’m going to tell him about it.” I said, “That doesn’t mean he will be there.” Matt said, “Sometimes Chase… it’s like you haven’t met the man. All I have to do is tell him this meeting is happening. He will BEG and PLEAD with Alpha Lyons to go. Alpha Lyons will call Alpha Conners. Who will say they can come. OR Beta Dylan will beg his Luna, and she will ask her cousin if she can come. Either way Beta Dylan will be there with snacks.” I snorted.
Nadine knocked on the door and said, “Everyone’s ready outside.” I nodded. We stood and walked out together. Ted zoomed up and joined Matt onstage. I linked Matt, “Ask where Lexi is please.” Matt linked back, “She’s out with Reagan. Cameron announced the joining of the packs to his pack before she left for girl’s night.” I sighed. I spoke out loud, “I know many of you have been wondering why we’ve gathered you today.” Sally zipped up next to Derrick. He smiled. I linked him, “Do you want to announce the baby?” He linked back, “Sure.” I said, “Before we get to the big reason. Your Gamma and Gamma Female have an announcement.” Derrick stepped forward, “The future Gamma is coming soon. We are expecting.” Everyone started cheering. Sally smiled broadly at Derrick, and he leaned down to kiss her. Everyone went crazy. I said, “Everyone settle down.” Someone asked, “Is warrior Joanie pregnant with the future Beta too?” Matt laughed, “No, she’s not. We haven’t started the process yet.” Everyone sighed. I said, “The main reason I called this meeting was to announce a change for the future and direction of this pack.” Everyone went silent. I said, “As you all know my brother Cameron and Reagan left us to rule Alpha Hammond’s former pack. Their absence has been a hole in this pack, and Cameron and I both felt it. Cameron and I discussed the options of joining together as the Conners brothers do.” Excited whispers started going all throughout the pack. “Cameron had an architect out, and we’ve met with the Conners brothers to see how it worked for them. We wanted to know what pitfalls they had. We wanted to be prepared before we announced this intent. I am happy to tell you all we will join together and rule together. I will remain your Alpha as Cameron will remain his pack’s Alpha. Our new pack house and main house will be in between both our current ones. Work will be complete in March.”
Everyone cheered. I laughed, “I know you all have missed them as I have. Cameron and I believe this will strengthen us both, and Luna Reagan will be around which I know is what you are all cheering about.” Everyone laughed. I said, “There will be a new school. We will be joining the two together. We are keeping the teachers and classes as they are for the remainder of the year. Obviously, next year we will mix the kids together, but we felt it would be too disruptive to move them around with only a few months left in school. Gamma Derrick and Beta Matt have been working diligently on housing. They will post that information soon. We will have to help Cameron’s pack. Alpha Hammond didn’t train them as he should. I want everyone to help them where they need it. Show them we are one big pack. I know that you all can do this with the grace and poise we possess. Make them feel welcomed. Cameron and I believe this is the way of the future. It works well for the Conners, and they are the strongest pack in the country. I believe this is one of the many important steps we are taking into the future of packs. I know as a group we tend to be the last to accept changes, but the tide is turning. We are on the precipice of change as a supernatural group. I want our pack to be leading the charge. I do not want to hear about any fighting or bullying to Cameron’s pack. We are opening our borders to members from each pack. I want them to come here to get to know you, but I think we have to make the first step. They were traumatized by their former Alpha. They did not have the leadership you know of what an Alpha should be. Go there. See them. Talk with them, train with them. Cook with them. I don’t care. Start to integrate the packs before we move. Cameron and I believe in this path, and we want it to work. I know you’ve missed both of them as I have. Don’t prove us wrong.” With that I led our group back inside.”
Matt laughed, “What a great parting line. A motivational speech with a hint of don’t you dare disappoint me.” I smiled, “It’s what I do.” Kincade linked me, “We are in Alpha Conners territory.” I frowned, “Ok.” Kincade said, “What do we do about men flirting with Lexi?” I growled, “What is she doing?” Kincade said, “Turning people down left and right.” I said, “Any of them touch her, and you take them down.” Kincade said, “Yes, Alpha.” I turned, “Ted, why did they go to Alpha Conners territory?” Ted said, “They wanted to go to that club we went to with Haley and Eric.” I said, “Matt.” Matt sighed, “Ted let’s go join girl’s night.” Ted laughed, “It’s not girls’ night if you join it Matt.” Matt said, “Fine, you go join girl’s night. I’ll join Kincade and Kevin.” Ted said, “Ok.” They left. I said, “Sally, why didn’t you join?” Sally smiled, “Derrick said there was an announcement. Plus, I was just so tired.” Derrick said, “Aww, let’s get you home sweetie pie.” I linked him, “That nickname.” Derrick said, “She cooks pie and she’s sweet at pie. Shut up.” I laughed as they left.” My dad said, “That was a good speech son.” I smiled, “Thanks dad.” I called Cameron, “How did your pack take the news?” Cameron said, “They were relieved. Some of your omegas are mingling with mine as we speak. They came over with desserts.” I smiled, “Good. That was fast.” Cameron said, “Oh I think some of our Omega’s are friends already. I think my pack called yours.” I laughed, “You should know there were cheers of joy when everyone found out you’d be coming back with Reagan.” Cameron said, “That’s for Reagan.” Derrick’s parents ran inside. I said, “I’ll talk to you later Cameron.” Cameron said, “Sure.”
I looked up, “How can I help you?” Derrick’s mom said, “You can tell me where that son of mine is.” I laughed, “He took Sally to their place. She was tired.” She sighed, “Well, he’s just going to get an earful.” Derrick’s dad was trying not to laugh. I said, “He couldn’t tell you until it was all confirmed.” She raised an eyebrow, “He could’ve told me when the meeting was called then.” I opened my mouth and closed it several times. She had a point. She smiled, “Exactly, you can’t even say I’m wrong.” I sighed, “Have fun giving Derrick that earful.” She smiled, “I’m also VERY excited. I miss Reagan so much. I never thought she’d leave us once we’d discovered her mate was Cameron. It was heartbreaking.” Derrick’s dad said, “Yes, we all know. We remember you cried in their room, in this very house for days.” I laughed. I worked for several more hours once they left. I went to Lexi’s, but she wasn’t home yet. I fell asleep thankfully into a dreamless sleep. When I woke up, I was alert. I smelled an unknown scent. Lexi was sleeping beside me. I looked around the room and found the dress she’d worn last night. I smelled two different scents. Someone had touched her. Red tinted my vision. Lexi’s sleepy voice said, “Chase?” I growled and threw myself on top of her, “MINE!” I claimed her for several hours. I made her scream she was mine before I let her get up to shower for work. When we walked outside, I linked Kincade, “Who touched her?” Kincade said, “Alpha Conners has both of them. Visiting wolves from out of state. Kevin and I broke their hands. She kneed both in the groin.” I nodded.
I took off for my office. I wasn’t in a good mood, and wisely Matt said nothing. He was checking his email when he said, “Oh shit.” I growled, “What?” Matt said, “You know that apartment building you own.” I said, “I own several matt.” Matt said, “The condo one.” I said, “Yes, I do.” Matt said, “Well i get notified when we run background checks on new tenants. It got a new tenant.” I said, “And?” Derrick read over his shoulder. “Oh...boy.” I said, “WHAT?!” Matt said, “Lexi Scott is your new tenant.” I said, “Come again?” Matt said, “I thought someone might be messing with us, but they just scanned all her paperwork…. It’s her apartment. She just signed the lease this morning.” I said, “Let’s go.” Matt nodded. I drove us quickly to the apartment. Fear was humming in my veins. Was she trying to leave me? Did she want someone who could give her what I can’t? Everyone was right. I should’ve marked her. I could’ve lost her because I’m an i***t. I slammed the door when I got out. I said, “Matt, which one did she rent?” Matt said, “First floor Condo A.” I said, “You’ve got to be kidding! The first floor is most common for break ins! What the f**k does she need an apartment for?! Is she leaving me?” Matt said, “She… well… she could...Yeah I’ve got nothing. I don’t think she’s leaving you though Chase. Ted would’ve given me a head’s up. All I’ve heard is how much she loves you and wants to have your pups.” I knocked on the door. I heard Ted say, “I’ll get it.” He opened the door. He laughed, “That was fast.” Lexi said, “Who is it?” She came into the hallway. She paused, “You’re right Ted. That was fast. How did you find out Chase?” I said, “I own the building.” Lexi rolled her eyes, “Sneaky vampire.” I said, “Come again? What is this?” Lexi smiled, “My apartment.” I closed my eyes in frustration. When I opened my eyes, I was determined to get answers.