A Matter of Convenience

Twenty-Five

I lift my head, feeling groggy from sleep. I look toward the window, seeing that it’s dark outside. I blindly search my bed for a bit before my hand lands on my phone. I press the button and find that it’s early morning.

I turn over so I’m lying on my back, and I blink to try to clear up my vision. I needed that yesterday with Miles. I’ve been trying to feel my feelings, but it has been hard. Miles was the support I needed to let go and feel everything finally. Now, I’m ready to face the day… I think.

I struggle out of bed and get in the shower. I try to wash days of grief away so I can at least fool people into thinking that I’m okay. I take my time getting out of the shower and getting dressed. I see the sun start to shine, so I know that others are going to be awake.

I don’t want breakfast and don’t want to deal with a huge crowd right now. I slowly make my way down to the second floor, where my father’s office is. I guess it’s my office now, and I’ll have to wrap my head around that truth.

I slowly open the door and stand in the doorway. Memories from growing up are hitting me like a wave, making things hard. I close my eyes and breathe deeply, trying to maintain my emotions. I slowly walk into the office and take in the pictures and other items that are set up there.

I walk past the doors that lead to a little closet and a small bathroom. I walk past the rows of built-in shelves. I walk past the sitting area, which is complete with a loveseat and two armchairs. I settle in his high-back leather chair and lean my head back.

His scent still lingers in the room, a woodsy scent. It invades my senses, and I try to ground myself. I don’t want to get swept away by the emotions and memories. I want to focus on my people and care for them as my father did. “I figured that you’d find your way in here.” I look toward the door to see Uncle Lionel standing there. I try to smile, but I feel my face morph to try to hold in my emotions.

“I figured it was time to get some work done. I can’t stay in my room forever.” Uncle Lionel pushes off the door frame and walks over to me. He sits across the desk from me and leans forward.

“You’ve lost a lot so no one would blame your for taking all the time you need. That said, I’m proud of your for trying to put the pack before your own needs. That’s the sign of a good leader.” I manage a small smile and sigh, shifting in my seat so I can get some work done. “You may want to wait until tomorrow to get back to work, though.” My hands still, and I look up at him.

“What do you mean? Why would I want to wait?” Uncle Lionel shifts in the chair. He looks around the room in an attempt to avoid my gaze. “Uncle Lionel? What is it?” He sighs and shakes his head.

“I got a call from the Darkfang Pack. I know that your father didn’t want anyone from there on our territory, but they begged for help with their rogue problems. They are coming by in the next hour or two.” I sigh and throw my head back. I shouldn’t be surprised that I couldn’t return to my duties drama-free. “I can call and cancel on them if you want me to.” I bring my head down and look at my uncle.

“You are such a softy.” I laugh, and Uncle Lionel joins in. “It’s okay. I’m done with Jovanni and don’t plan on going back. If they want our help, who am I to deny them? Maybe Jovanni will come, and he will finally accept my rejection.” I watch Uncle Lionel stand and look at me.

“I’ll be there with you. Everything will be okay, Issy.” I nod and watch him walk out of the office. I sigh and get back to the paperwork on the desk. I guess it’s best to get done what I can before Darkfang comes knocking.

~Jovanni~

I have to admit that I’m a bit nervous, and it grows the closer we get to Scarletmaw Pack. I’ve thought about this since Alpha Felix told me we were going to Isis’s pack, but nothing has sounded like it would be enough. I have to find the right words to get her to take back her rejection and come back to me.

I clutch the flowers tighter in my hand as I watch the scenery pass by. I bought Isis a sympathy bouquet after hearing that her father passed. I hate to say it, but maybe I can use her loss for my gain. I know that’s an ugly thing to do, but I’m really at a loss.

We are stopped at the tall, black gates that lead to the Scarlettmaw Pack. I settle back in the passenger seat, letting our driver handle the details. To my surprise, we are ushered through the gates. I can’t help but think back to the last time I was here and how I wasn’t even allowed through.

The driver follows the path for a few minutes until we reach the packhouse. It really looks like a mansion from the plantation times. There are five floors to the packhouse, but I haven’t explored all of them. The few times I was here, I spent much of my time in the training area. Their facilities are amazing, and I loved taking advantage.

The car comes to a halt, and I see a man walking out the front door. I recognize him as the Beta of the pack and Isis’s uncle. He isn’t blood-related, but he holds that special title anyway. I haven’t had many conversations with him, but the few I did, I knew that he doesn’t play when it comes to Isis.

I open the car door and get out, placing the flowers in my seat. I open the door for my Alpha, giving him a slight bow as he steps out. I turn back to grab the flower I bought and follow after my Alpha. “Beta Lionel, it’s a pleasure to see you again, though I wish it were under better circumstances.” They shake hands, and I hang back, trying to make myself small. “Again, I’m sorry about the loss of Alpha Emmet. He was a good man, a good Alpha.”

“That he was. The pack will continue to do well with Alpha Isis in his place, but Alpha Emmet will be missed.” I know the expectations the elders around her hold. Isis and I have had a few discussions about this, and she was surprised to hear that not all elders are the same. If she is next in line for the Alpha title, she would need to have a mate. I didn’t accept her rejection, so who could possibly be helping her get the Alpha position?