The Duty of an Alpha (Book 2)

Diner

Chapter 10

Arden POV*

It didn’t take much effort on my part to find a neutral place for us to meet, so I started asking around if anyone had any ideas about the rogues that attacked us. The only one who had anything useful to say, other than the fact that the rogues were strong, was James.

He had reminded me multiple times that he could have been mistaken since he was so out of it, but he told me he though he picked up a scent that he recognized. It wasn’t much, since rogues usually have an overwhelming stench to them once they give into their feral side, but even the possibility that he might have recognized one of the attackers was something.

Unfortunately, the bodies of the rogues had already been burned, so I didn’t have the option to see if James knew any of them.

Nothing else could be found, and I spent the next few days trying to think of ways to up security for the pack. Roman had told me how easily he had gotten through the border when he showed up the week before, and it made me realize how lax the patrol was being. It made me wonder if that was what gave the rogues the opportunity to attack in the first place.

I had left the pack, driving the two hours to the diner I had picked to meet Roman at. Andrea had wanted to join me, but I insisted she stayed and made sure things ran smoothly. Normally, packs would be able to run just fine for a day without having their ranked members step in, but my pack was still adjusting to the new way of life. It was almost abnormal to not have a problem pop up at least once a day.

I stood outside the diner trying to prepare myself to go in. Fae had been going crazy in my head the entire drive, nearly giving me a headache from all of her pouncing around. This meeting was more to her. She would get to talk to Jaxon, and I knew how important that was. I reminded her during the drive that she promised to get Jaxon on board to help, but she just ignored me, too happy over the prospect of seeing our mate again.

As I pushed the door of the small diner open, Fae finally quieted. I could smell Roman inside, so it became obvious that she had started talking to Jaxon the moment we stepped in. A few seconds after I entered, I was swept up in a massive hug.

“Andrea!” a girly southern voice screamed I my ear, “Oh my god, I thought we’d never see ya again!”

The arms wrapped around me loosened, and the woman leaned back enough for me to see her face. Kyra looked nearly exactly the same as she did several months before. She still dressed head to toe in black and wore dark make-up on her face, and her smile was just as comforting as I had remembered.

“Hey Dad!” she yelled over her shoulder towards the kitchen, “Andy’ is back!”

“I missed you too, Kyra.” I said sheepishly, “I should have called or visited or something. Life just got in the way.”

Before she was able to answer me, a short, rotund figure pushed her to the side. Benny yanked me against him and squeezed me with more strength than I would have expected the older man to have, especially since he was human.

I heard a small growl coming from the corner booth and easily looked over Benny’s head to see Roman watching with an unimpressed look.

“Darlin, I was so worried ‘bout ya.” Benny said in his smooth baritone, “Ya disappeared for a week, then all I got was a text. I didn’t know if it was you or someone else, but we didn’t know where to look for ya.”

I could sense the love and relief coming from both of them, and it made me feel guilty for not having reached out to them sooner. Benny had tears forming in his eyes that he was holding back, and Kyra was looking like she just wanted to hold on to me and never let me go.

For people who only knew me for a month, the amount of love they had for me made me smile. They didn’t even know my real name, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they were aware of the fact, but they still opened their hearts to me when I was in need.

“I’m so sorry I left like I did.” I said gently, trying to pour all the honesty I could into my voice, “Things got really rough for a while, and I had to move on.”

“We understand, darlin’.” Benny assured me, “It’s jus’ nice to see ya healthy and in one piece!”

“Really, we’re just glad you’re doin’ ok.” Kyra smiled at me.

“Well, I guess you should know my real name now?” I threw out there, and Kyra and her dad both laughed.

“I expected as much.” Benny said without any judgement. “So, out with it!”

“Arden.” I told them.

“Well, Arden.” Kyra joking shook my hand. “Nice to meet ya!” she leaned in close to my ear and whispered, “But I’m still calling ya Andy.”

I laughed loudly and used her handshake to pull her into another hug.

“I wouldn’t expect anything else.” I stepped away and looked at the two in front of me again. “Where’s Harvey?

“Oh, he’ll be in later.” Benny shrugged, “If you’re plannin on stayin ‘round for a bit, ya should catch him.”

“I’ll be here. I have a meeting with a friend that will probably take a little while.” I assured him, and Kyra nudged me with her elbow.

“I’m gonna guess it’s that handsome hunk o’ man sittin in the corner.” She whispered and gave me a wink.

I looked over and saw Roman trying to hide a laugh, having heard what she said due to his wolf hearing. I felt my cheeks grow warm in a blush, and elbowed Kyra back.

“Yes, that would be who I’m meeting.” I said, glaring at her for making me feel embarrassed. “I should go over and talk with him. I don’t want you two to worry, I’m going to start trying to make weekly visits out here to see you guys.”

“That’d be fantastic darlin’!” Benny beamed, “Well we will let ya get to your friend. We should be working anyway. Jus’ don’t be surprised if Harvey interrupts y’alls conversation once he notices ya.”

I laughed and waved at the two of them before making my way over to Roman. He had been patiently waiting for me to have my reunion with my old friends, but I could see the tension in his eyes. I probably shouldn’t have, but I reached out to see if I could sense what was bothering him. I almost laughed when I realized that he was jealous. Most mates are extremely protective over their partners, but the only reason he would have to feel jealous was about Benny, and the thought was just too funny. Benny was easily in his 50’s, and I was a month away from being 20. I could only imagine how he was going to react to Harvey.

“Jealousy doesn’t look good on you.” I teased him, making his chest rumble with a growl.

“Hush, I don’t want to hear it.” Roman scowled, and then pulled a file from his side. “Let’s get business started, then I was thinking we could stay for a meal.” He looked at me hopefully, and I felt butterflies in my stomach. Seeing him be vulnerable in front of me was different than before we found out we were mates. Now it made me want to pull him close and assure him that everything was fine.

“Of course!” I managed to breathe out. “I would love to have some food. Benny is an amazing cook.”

“Ok then.” Roman cleared his throat and started flipping through the file. “Let’s get to work!”