A Beta's Determination

The Invitation

Sam

"Sam, I have an idea of how I want Serenity's room rearranged and the color I want it painted," Colleen handed me a sketch she drew describing Serenity's bedroom with three color schemes to go with it.

"I like the teal and the salmon color, but I don't know about that yellow. I'm not really feeling it," I told her, trying not to hurt her feelings in the process.

"You know Sam, I been thinking, what do you think about talking to Elijah and see if we could move out of the packhouse? He and Julia have a house, so maybe he would let us build one close to his and the packhouse. It's nothing against the packhouse, but I feel like we need our own privacy, you know, where we can walk around in our living room naked if we wanted to and have s*x where ever we wanted to without having to worry about someone coming in on us, or kids running through the packhouse." Colleen hadn't talked about moving out of the packhouse for a while, and I am beginning to think it may be another way for her to try something different for our family.

"I can talk to him; not sure what he will say. I don't think he would have a problem with it. After all, I am his Beta, and it is about time we had our own home. We can still do things as a group and family in the packhouse and make time for everyone, but I do see where you are coming from."

"I just feel it is time for us to spread our wings and do our own thing. Plus, it can give more room for the other members where they can use our old rooms for storage or more bedrooms for guests or children."

"That's not a bad idea. I know we are having visiting packs and family members who want to visit now and again. Let me talk to him and see what he says. Hold off on the painting and rearranging for now, please."

"Okay. Link me as soon as you know something. I love you, Sam."

"I love you too, my love." I kissed her on the forehead and made my way up to Elijah's office. Here lately, he had been doing more office work in the packhouse than he did at home. He says it helps him concentrate without the kids running around, and he can get stuff done. 

Elijah, you in your office?

Yes, Sam. What's up?

Can I come to talk to you for a minute?

Yeah, that's fine. I need to take a break anyway; my brain is hurting from thinking. 

Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes.

I disconnected the link as I approached his office door. I knocked and turned the knob. Elijah was sitting at his desk, rubbing his temples in a circular motion. Maybe this was the wrong time to come ask for a favor. 

"What can I do for you, Sam?" Elijah sat back in his chair and propped his hand on the back of his head.

"I know with the holidays and all, we aren't really going to be starting any new projects in the next month or so, but for future requests, Colleen and I were wondering what the possibility would be if her, Serenity, and I have our own home built? You know, we have a home of our own. I know we are technically supposed to live in the packhouse, but I didn't see an issue with asking."

"Sam, you do realize you have a lot on your plate right now, and after the holidays, we have to move forward with the investigation with the child and the paternity. I don't know that now would be the best time to add more to your load. Once the girl's ordeal is taken care of, we can try and break ground for your new home. I don't see an issue with the ranking members wanting to have a home of their own. I know my father put in the pack laws stating ranked members are recommended to stay in the packhouse in case of emergencies, but it does not require them to. So, if you and Colleen want a home of your own, I don't see an issue with it, but it is going to have to wait until at least February or March."

"I don't think Colleen will have an issue with that. Plus, having our own home will give other members more bedrooms for visiting packs or for the children that live in the packhouse and are getting older and want a sense of privacy."

"Sam, that is not a bad idea. We will talk more about it come January. Do you have anything else for me?" Elijah leaned back up, collected his papers to start back to work.

"That's all for now. Did you ever figure out the plans for the Christmas trip? Do you know who all is going yet?"

Elijah opened the top right drawer to his desk, pulled out a paper with a list of names, and handed it to me, "Take this list, go revise it and see if I have left anyone off, then take it to Julia, so she can make arrangements for the cabin."

I took the paper and went down to my office. The list had at least twenty people on it: Julia, Elijah, Cat, Christian, me, Colleen, Sophia, Evan, Easton, Hope, Ethan, Cass, Rex, Evie, Lucius, Maria, Lucy, Connor. He had all accounted for. I wonder how much this trip was going to cost, plus the ladies shopping cost, dinner, and souvenirs for the kids and the family. 

Money was not an issue when it came to the Alpha and Luna spoiling us or doing something special for everyone. I did have one concern, I had invited Lucy to go with us since Connor was going, but I haven't even asked her if she had plans for Christmas. Maybe I should call her and talk to her, but I needed to tell Colleen about her so we don't have an all-out war when it's time to go.

Elijah, the list looks good. I am going to take it to Julia, then go talk to Colleen about Lucy. I haven't even mentioned Lucy to Colleen, and I don't want any more unnecessary issues to arise with any more women.

Yes, Sam. You definitely need to make that conversation a priority. I don't need any drama on this trip whatsoever.

Yes, Alpha.

I made it to Julia's office, her door was cracked and I could hear her talking on the phone. I poked my head in; she held up a finger to give her a minute. I waved the paper in the air to show her what I needed.

"Yes, I need the money transferred over by the end of business today. Yes, thank you, Claude. Tell your wife I said hey, and you two make a point to come by the packhouse on Christmas. Elijah and I will have gifts for your family. You too, Claude. Thank you. Bye, Bye."

"Jules, here's the list of everyone going on the Christmas trip," I handed the paper to her, noticing a large stack of brochures sitting on her desk.

"Thank you, Sam."

"What's all this? I asked, waving my hand over her pile of papers.

"I have decided to take your advice. I'm going back to school. I went by Columbia and The City College the other day and got tons of information, admission forms, and maps of the campuses. I just can't figure out which one I want to attend. Columbia has a great accountant program, but on the other hand, The City College has a public internship program I would love to look into. I haven't had a chance to sit down with Elijah and talk to him about it. I know he is not going to like the fact I am considering going to a public university. Still, I want to be able to have a life outside of my pack duties and wife and motherly responsibilities."

"Jules, Elijah might be upset at first, but I think he will be more proud of you for pursuing something else in your life that you know you are great at. Just talk to him; it will work out. You know you have all your family, friends, and pack behind you supporting your decisions 110%. After all, we have such a kickass Luna to look up to." I gave Julia a hug and made my way to go find Colleen.

"Oh, Sam!" I turned before leaving her office, "Yes, Julia."

"Thanks for the pep talk."

"It's no problem at all. I am glad to see you expanding your knowledge and using that brain of yours for better rather than not."

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I stepped downstairs into the kitchen to find Colleen and a few other ladies laughing and gossiping as they always do.

"What's so funny?" I decided to break in the conversation.

"I was just telling Hope that one time, Easton dared Even to jump into the lake when it froze over back when we were all kids, and he almost got frostbite on his dick." Colleen was rolling with laughter and wiping the tears from her eyes.

"That s**t was hilarious. We didn't actually think he would do it, but damn was we wrong."

"Hey, babe. What's up," Colleen hopped off the barstool, walking to me and giving me a kiss.

"I actually needed to talk to you about a few things for the Christmas trip. I had to review the list of everyone that plans to go and make sure we have enough cabins or a big enough cabin to hold all of us."

"Okay?" She looked at me a little confused and went back to sit down.

"So, do you remember the other night when all of us guys went out to the club?"

"Yes, Sam. What are you trying to get at?"

"Don't be mad when I tell you I met a she-wolf there, and we became friends. That's all, nothing more. She was actually our waitress; I kind of made a fool of myself and got pretty drunk and ended up running into her, literally making her drop all of our drinks and food. I tried to help her clean it up, and I thought she would kick my ass, but she just laughed and brushed it off. It was when you and I were split up."

I could tell Colleen was getting mad. Once a creamy ivory color, her face was now the color of blood, and she was fuming as she started to get up and make her way over to me.

"Nothing happened, I swear. I put it on Serenity. I would never do that to you or break our bond." She stopped in her tracks and took a few deep breaths, "Samuel Black, you better have a damn good explanation of why you are telling me this kind of s**t. I don't want to hear about you meeting some skank at a club."

"Well, she did talk to me for a little bit, and I talked to her about some problems; she told me her name and gave me her number. She doesn't have a mate and knows I have a mate and family. Her name is Lucy and seeing how Elijah's cousin, Connor, and his family are coming here for Christmas this year, Elijah is inviting him to go on the Christmas trip. I was going to see if Lucy wanted to go, then just maybe Connor can possibly find his mate and Lucy could find hers."

"So you and Elijah are going to try to play matchmaker, is that it?"

"Pretty much. What do you think about it?"

"Well, I don't care that she goes as long as she knows her place and doesn't think she can become all best friends with my husband."

"I love you, Coll, and you know there is no other woman that is ever going to take your place. You are my one and only, so that is never going to happen. I am going to go call Lucy and see if she even wants to go. I don't even know if she has plans with her family or not for Christmas. I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Sam. I am just worried about everything we are going through right now. I don't want to let my guard down and have any more surprises or anything else popping up in our life."

"I understand, love, we are going to get through all of it as a team. Once it is all said and done, regardless of the situation's outcome, just know I love you and Serenity with all my heart and will always be there. I love you, and you have nothing to worry about. Come with me and talk to her too; I'll call her and see if she has facetime, then we can facetime her. Does that sound good?"

"I am only doing this for you and the possibility that Connor may find his mate," Colleen stated, crossing her arms.

I know she was still wary of the plan I had come up with, but if it meant two people finding one another to become mates, then I was going to see this thing through. I just hope it doesn't backfire on me, and with luck, I have had lately, the cards were not in my favor, but you have to try somewhere.

We walked out of the kitchen, me holding her hand and kissing it the entire time up to our bedroom.

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"Hello, who is this?" Lucy sounded unsure, answering my call.

"Hey Lucy, it's Sam from the club. Do you remember me?"

"How could I forget, you made me dump all my drinks in the floor, then cut yourself trying to help me clean it up," Lucy chuckled on the other end of the line.

"Yea, I can be a clutz sometimes," I laughed, making Colleen give me a "are you serious" right now face.

"So, what made you want to call? How have you been? You seem happier than the last time I talked to you."

"Yeah, my wife and I made up, and we are working together through our issues that are going on. Hey, do you happen to have facetime?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"I am going to facetime you and explain everything then, okay?"

"Sounds good."

Lucy answered the call. She was still red-headed and freckle-faced since the last time I saw her. Colleen scooted closer to me on the bed so she could get a good glimpse of the woman on the screen.

Colleen's eyes got gigantic when I told Lucy about her and me. I told Colleen I had talked to Lucy a little at the club, but I didn't mention what the conversation was about. I knew I was going to hear an ear full as soon as this call was over.

"Hello, I am Lucy," Lucy waved, giving Colleen a genuine smile.

I felt Colleen relax a little, "Hi, I am Colleen, Sam's wife and mate," she waved back.

"I heard a lot about you the night I met Sam at the club. He is definitely head over heels for you. He was having a rough night that night and just needed a friend. You have a kindhearted and loving man."

"Okay, ladies, back to the call," I interrupted their little chat.

"So, I know this may be way out of left field by asking you this, Lucy, but I was curious to know if you had any plans for Christmas?"

"No, my roommate and I were just going to spend Christmas together like we do every year. Why you ask?" Lucy's tone became more cheerful.

"Well, my pack usually does the secret Santa thing every year at the packhouse, but I came up with an idea to do something different this year. We decided to take a trip to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, and there are going to be many of us going, including my Alpha's cousin from another pack. I was wondering if you would like to go?"

"I could see the wheels turning in her head as she raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms," So this cousin of your Alpha, is he mated?"

She stared at me, knowing damn well what I was up to by asking her to tag along. Collee turned to look at me with the same expression as Lucy, "Yes, honey, do tell? Are you wanting Lucy to come along in the hope of her finding her mate?"

Colleen was smirking, knowing she enjoyed throwing me under the bus, "Okay, so I wanted to try to see if you and Connor were mate. Is that so wrong?"

"Sam, you can't play matchmaker with me. You hardly know me, and I have no clue who this Connor is," Lucy stated, sitting back in her office chair, her arms crossed against her chest.

"I know we don't really know each other, but you seem like a good friend and person. It could be fun; getting out of the house and going on a mini-vacation. We plan to leave the weekend before Christmas and come back on the 23rd because we have more family coming in that day. What do you say? Fun trip, snow, meeting new people?"

Lucy huffed, making Colleen snicker. I was hoping she would say yes to the trip. Colleen and the ladies loved to meet new people, and even if Lucy and Connor weren't mates, maybe the ladies could become friends, and Colleen could broaden her friendships with people outside the pack. It never hurts to meet new people.

"I guess, but on one condition," Lucy grinned ear to ear, showing her shining white teeth.

"If I go, can I invite my roommate, Gabby and my brother, Jonas? They were at the club the night you and your friends were there. She was the girl that helped me out with cleaning up the rest of your mess, and he is the bartender and owner of the club," Lucy just had to throw that in there again, making me feel like an i***t.

"Yeah, yeah. I get it; I was drunk and made a fool of myself. As far as the other question, I will run it by my Alpha and get back to you. I don't think he would have a problem with it, but I have to make sure. Hold up, how is Jonas, your brother? He's a full-blooded werebear and you are a wolf?"

"Jonas has taken care of Gabs and me since we moved to New York. He took us in for a few years to help us get on our feet and find our own place and a job, so I consider him like my big brother. He looks after us, making sure we don't need anything or are struggling when times get tough. Gabs and I had it rough growing up and trying to survive. We have known each other since we were younger; we both ended up in the same orphanage; since then, we clicked, like sisters."

"I am so sorry to hear that," Colleen piped in, showing empathy, giving Lucy a genuine smile. 

"I guess it is settled then. I will talk to the Alpha and get on okay from him and let you know. Ask Gabby and Jonas, let me know what they say. You have my number now, so just text me when you get an answer from them, send me your address, and we will pick you up the morning when we leave."

"Okay, I will go talk to Gabby now. She just walked in the door, so you should get a message in a bit." 

"Talk to you later," I waved.

"You too, Sam, and it was so good to meet you, Colleen. I can't wait to meet everyone else," Lucy smiled and waved.

"It was good to meet you too," Colleen replied, waving back.

I disconnected the call, "That went well, don't you think?"

Colleen looked at me, shrugging her shoulders," It went better than I thought it was going to go. I thought I was going to have to turn my b***h mode on, but she seems legitly pretty cool and very down to Earth with morals and respect."

"Let's go find Elijah and see what he thinks about the idea," I grabbed Colleen by the waist, pulling her up against me and placing a deep, passionate kiss on her lips as I cupped her cheeks in my hands.

"I love you, Colleen. I have a feeling this is going to be the best Christmas yet."