Chapter 11: Chapter 11

DEC

I wake up to my alarm and quickly dress. I go straight to the hospital to check on the girls. They’re still asleep when I arrive. Kya calls me on the phone while I’m outside the infirmary door.

“Hey, beautiful,” I say, sitting on a hard plastic chair. I really need to upgrade the hospital.

“Hi. Is everything okay?”

I stand back up from the uncomfortable chair and head toward a coffee cart. “Yep. Nothing at all to worry about.”

She pauses for a quick second. “Really?”

I pour a cup of dark roast and take a sip. I spit it out and dump the rest into a nearby sink. “I’m not going to lie to you. You can always ask Chase if you don’t believe me. I would prefer you just trust me though.”

Mrs. Mason enters the hallway with a smile plastered on. She gets to the coffee cart and huffs. She begins brewing a new carafe.

“All right. Well, I’m going to go to school,” Kya says.

Mrs. Mason raises her brow at me, having heard her daughter’s voice. “Hang on a second.” I hand the phone over to her so she can say hi.

I pour a cup of coffee for Mrs. Mason and then one for myself. It’s not as bad as the other crap, but still pretty bad. I choke down two more swallows before she returns my phone and grabs her coffee cup.

I have the phone to my ear as Mrs. Mason pats my shoulder and leaves the hall.

“Hey, baby.” I set my cup down not able to handle any more of that garbage.

“Thank you for letting me say hello to my mom. I have to go now, or I’ll be late for school.”

I grunt, but I understand. “All right, baby. Have a good day.”

I give a warning knock before entering the room the girls are in. I pull a chair between them. I look the girls over and realize they’ve switched places. I turn to number one. “Why did your sister tell me you two are from the Weston pack?”

They look at each other, stupefied at having their little trick blow up in their faces. Number one stutters out an answer. “We—we—our mom is from the Weston pack. We wanted to go there, but we could never find out where it is.”

Well, that’s a relief. I pull out my phone and give Alpha Ryan Weston a call. “What was your mother’s name?”

Number two replies, “Karen Weston.” I look her in the eye and I know she’s not lying this time.

Alpha Weston answers the phone. “Alpha Redd. Hey, man. What’s going on?”

I look to the two girls. “Do you happen to know anyone by the name of Karen?”

Alpha Weston doesn’t reply at first. “Um, yeah. My sister. She died a few years back.”

I nod. “I have her daughters in my infirmary.”

“What!” He growls out.

“They’re not hurt. They just needed a rest.”

I hear Alpha Weston take in a few shallow breaths. “I’ll send someone right away. Where have they been? And how did they end up in your territory?” I relay the information they gave me from last night, then end the call.

A nurse brings food in for the girls. “Your uncle is sending someone to pick you both up.” They look at each other, then back to me. Number two speaks for the both of them.

“Thank you, Alpha Redd. We’re sorry for causing trouble for your guards.” Number one nods in agreement. I let the girls eat in peace as I wait for Alpha Weston’s messenger.

After a few hours of chatting with the girls, I understand why they’d be considered a handful, but I would never hold it against them. They’re just kids having fun. I feel like they belong in my pack, but right now, they need family.

Alpha Weston and his beta are escorted into the room by Dr. Mason. I stand surprised to see that he came in person. I growl out a warning. “Ryan. You didn’t tell me you’re personally coming to my territory.”

He reaches his hand out to shake. “My apologies, Declan. I just felt that I needed to be the one to get them. After all, they are my nieces, and I haven’t seen them in years.”

I eye him for just a moment, then let it go. I would probably do the same thing. I nod and step out of the room with Dr. Mason.

I cross my arms as I lean against the wall. There’s no way I’m sitting in those damned plastic chairs. Dr. Mason looks up at me a few times. I can tell he’s wanting to ask me something.

“I’m going to improve this hospital. Starting with that horrible coffee,” I say.

He chuckles beside me. “That would be great. It’s long overdue. I’m glad Kya is doing better. I miss my daughter.”

I smile at the mention of my mate. “Me too.”

He lets out a long breath. “She’s a good girl. Special. I hope you know that.”

I turn to face Dr. Mason. “I know it. I always have. She’s always been a part of my life. I cherish every moment I have with her.” Dr. Mason gives a slight nod.

Alpha Weston walks out the door with his nieces and his beta in tow. “Thanks, Declan. If you ever need anything, you let me know. I owe you one.”

I nod as they head out the door and off my territory. Number two looks back my way as they reach the doorway. I give her a slight nod. She smiles and rushes to catch up with her sister. I wonder what will become of them.

KYA

I’m still reeling from last night. I can’t believe I did that. It’s almost shocking. Dec knew something. I know he did. I wonder if he did the same thing I did.

I bite my lip as my face heats up. I take a drink of my water as I wait for class to start. “Kya.”

I smile up at Damon. “Hey.”

He sits down and leans in to whisper to me. “You should start taking your phone calls inside. There’s a certain wolf that likes to hide in the bushes and watch you.”

My mouth drops open as I snap my head in his direction. “What? Are you serious?”

He gives me a look that clearly says yes. “My dad saw him on his patrol last night. He thought it was weird, so he kept an eye on him.”

I shake my head. “Oh Goddess, thank you for telling me, Damon.” He nods his head and focuses his attention on our instructor.

Owen has a creepy smile on his face. He’s leaning against the wall just before the entrance to our English class. I slightly shake my head in disgust. His arm shoots out, blocking me from entering the classroom.

“Owen, let me in.”

He ducks his head lower so he’s at eye level with me. “I’m just checking on you. You look beautiful today.” He creepily sniffs my neck. I flinch away, but I can’t get far. His arm drops from the doorway, and I hurry inside.

I sit in my old seat, but I can feel Owen’s eyes on me. I’m so uncomfortable that my skin is starting to crawl.

“~Are you all right, beautiful?~”

I forget that the mind-link is strong enough to reach Dec from school. Thank the Goddess. “~No. Owen is creeping me out. I'll be all right. I'm already feeling better. How did you know?~”

I’m so comforted by the connection that I forget that Owen is even in the same room. “~I don't know, baby. I just felt like I needed to check on you~,” Dec replies.

I smile down at my paper. “~Thank you, Dec.~”

Owen grips my elbow just as I exit the classroom. “What’s the rush? We’re going to the same place. Walk with me.” He sends his alpha vibes my way, but I’m not a submissive pup. I can take them.

I rip my arm out of his grasp. “Don’t touch me again.” He gives me a condescending grin, like I’m some adorable little pup.

“Hey, Luna Kya. Can I ask you a question?” Owen and I both turn to look at the cute, freckled boy before us.

“Go away. She’s not your luna,” Owen sneers at the boy. Virgil—I remember meeting him yesterday.

I growl at the arrogant jerk. Virgil pays him no mind. He looks my way. “It’s kind of personal.”

I smile and give a nod. “Of course.” Owen scoffs and heads toward the cafeteria. I exhale in relief. “What do you need, Virgil?”

He looks in the direction of the cafeteria. “Nothing. I just wanted to get you away from that guy.”

I giggle and wrap my arms around the boy. “Thank you so much. You’re a lifesaver, truly.” He awkwardly steps back. I give him a smile. “Don’t worry. Alpha Redd will be just as grateful.”

He seems to relax at my words. “I gotta get to class. Bye, Luna.”

I wave as he walks to the corridor. “~I like the new kid. He just saved my ass,~” I link with Dec.

Dec growls playfully. “~I'm glad. I'd hate for anything to happen to that fine ass~.” I roll my eyes and meet up with Alana.

***

Uncle Mark is in a bad mood when he gets home from work. He spends a lot of time in his office. “Kya, there’s something I need to clear up with you. Alpha Roberts is not very happy.”

I scoop potatoes onto Gretchen’s plate. “What’s going on?”

Mark clears his throat. “Owen claims that you’re going to be the next luna. He’s upset that you’re distracting his son from his mate.”

I close my eyes and groan. “I already told Owen I’m not interested. I’m still mates with Dec.”

Mark swallows his bite. “You rejected Alpha Redd.”

I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter. Rejection has to be from both sides to break the bond. Dec hasn’t rejected me. In fact, he wants me to go back home and take my place as his luna.”

Gretchen has her arms around my neck in a death grip as she begins to cry giant tears. “Don’t leave us. You promised.”

I loosen her arms from my neck just enough to breathe. “It’s all right, sweet girl. I’m not leaving yet. But I do have to go back some time. Your Aunt Chelsea and Uncle Kyle miss me. And Chase and Alana need me. And my pack needs me.”

I take my napkin and wipe her little face. Her big brown eyes look up at me pleadingly. I kiss her puffy cheeks. “You guys can visit any time. Actually, Dec told me to bring you all back with me, if you want.”

Gretchen looks to her daddy. “I want to go with Kya. Can we, please?”

Mark picks her up and puts her on his lap. “No, princess. We can’t just leave. This is our home, our pack. We can’t just leave them. But we can visit. Okay?”

Her lip trembles. “Okay. Can we go next tomorrow?”

We all chuckle at her word choice. We know she really has no concept of time.

“Soon, princess,” I answer. She smiles and sits back in her seat to finish her dinner. We watch a movie together, then I help Kendra get the little ones ready for bed.

“Kya. I need to speak with you.” Uncle Mark says from his office doorway.

I follow him in and sit down on the couch. “What’s going on?”

He rubs his temples with his fingers. “I was just speaking with Alpha Roberts. I told him what you told me at dinner, about you not being interested in Owen. He seems to think I’m just trying to smooth things over. He basically demoted me for not siding with the pack.”

I gasp. “Uncle Mark, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say. You’ve seen me moping around. How could I possibly try to steal the role of luna? Besides, I’m already the luna of the Redd pack.”

Uncle Mark nods. “I know it. I tried to explain that, but he refuses to believe anything contrary to what Owen tells him.”

I rake my hair with my fingers. “You were demoted? Does Aunt Kendra know?”

He lets out a ragged breath. “Yes. She picked up on my mood just as it was happening. There’s another thing I wanted to ask you.

“I’m not a very high-ranking wolf anyway, but now I won’t be able to care for my family alone. Kendra will have to return to work at the hospital. So, my question is actually two part.

“I would prefer to let Kendra stay home with the pups. You mentioned that Alpha Redd would take us in. I need to know if that is truly an option, or, if you’d be willing to stay on as long as possible, until we can find permanent childcare.”

I pick up my phone and call Dec, putting the call on speakerphone. He answers on the first ring. “Hey, beautiful. You’re calling earlier than usual.”

I clear my throat. “Dec. I’m with my Uncle Mark. You told me you would welcome them if I wanted them in our pack, correct?” I can see the apprehension on Uncle Mark’s face.

“Yes, of course. Anytime they want, tomorrow, ten years from now, whenever. Just say the word.”

Mark closes his eyes and lets out a breath of relief. “Thank you, Alpha Redd. I need to discuss the situation with my mate. I’ll inform Kya of any decision we make.”

Dec is so good. He would bring in anyone I asked for, if he could. “Thank you, Dec. I’m going to talk to Uncle Mark a little more. I’ll call you back soon.” Mark sits back in his chair.

“Bye, beautiful.”

Kendra opens the door to the office and sits on her mate’s lap. “Hey, you asked me in. What’s going on?”

She looks between us. Mark answers her question. “Alpha Redd has offered to welcome us into his pack at any time. That’s an option I think we should consider.”

She bites her lip. “Is it that bad here?”

Mark shakes his head. “I’m not sure just yet. I think we should sleep on it for a while.” He looks to me. “Thank you, Kya. I hope whatever is going on with Owen gets resolved quickly.”

I nod as I’m being dismissed. I close the door behind me and head to the living room recliner to call Dec.

“Hey, beautiful.”

I smile, getting used to his term of endearment. “Hey. Thank you for being so good to me.”

He gives a soft chuckle. “Anything for you. What happened? Why the sudden want to switch packs?” Changing packs is not a common practice.

“Uncle Mark was demoted for siding with an outsider.”

Dec rumbles in his chest. “An outsider? You mean you.”

I run my hand through my hair. “Mm-hmm. Owen told his dad that I want to be his luna. Alpha Roberts is mad at me because he thinks I’m trying to take the place of his future rightful luna. It’s ridiculous. This is getting out of hand.”

Dec grunts. “Ky, this is going to sound cheesy, but it’s fitting. Don’t laugh…”—he pauses, then launches into song—“~I see the questions in your eyes. I know what’s weighing on your mind, but you can be sure I know my part. ~

~“Cause I’ll stand beside you through the years. You’ll only cry those happy tears. And though I’ll make mistakes, I’ll never break your heart.~

~“And I swear, by the moon and the stars in the sky, I’ll be there. I swear, like the shadow that’s by your side, I’ll be there. For better or worse, till death do us part, I’ll love you with every beat of my heart, I swear.“~

Dec has a beautiful country baritone voice, and I’m melting into my chair as he sings such sweet words from “I Swear” to me. Tears fall down my face.

I wipe my eyes and swallow before I can speak. “Dec, that was so beautiful. I didn’t know you listen to country music.”

He chuckles. “I don’t, but you do. I’ve been hearing it for years. I know you love that song; I have no idea who sings it though.”

I giggle a little. “Dec, what do you want your future to be like?”

He hums as he thinks about it. “Well, for starters, I want you in it. Anything else would be whatever you want. If you want to sit around on an inner tube floating down the river all day, I'll be there to splash you when I jump off the swing.

“If you want a family, I do, too. At least two pups. I need an heir and a princess. Any more would be bonuses.” He's such a smooth talker, but it’s working.

Warm tears glide down my cheeks. That all sounds perfect, and he keeps adding to it.

“What about you? I know you want to go to med school and be the pack doctor, but what else do you want?”

I rock in the chair. “I want a quiet life. Time sitting on the front porch enjoying the day. Watching our pups play. That’s when I’m not in the hospital.” He sniffs. Is he crying too? “Dec?”

He sniffs again. “Yeah, sorry. I, uh, I did a lot of thinking today. If I hadn’t been so stupid, I would be holding you right now on the porch swing. Instead of trying to convince you to come back to me.”

It’s too much. I swipe at my cheeks, but they refuse to stay dry.

“Kya. You should be crying tears of joy, not tears of hurt.”

I clear my throat. “They’re tears of elation. I need you, Dec. You’re so important to me.” I lose it even more. I can’t even see straight through the tears.

“I love you, Kya. Please forgive me. For being so blind, so stupid.”

That’s it, I sob so hard I can barely breathe. My heart is so full, so overjoyed. Truly, my cup runneth over. I get just enough control to choke out. “I love you, Dec.”

“Goddess, baby. I wish I could hold you right now. I would be kissing your tears away. Come home to me. Please.”

I nod my head. “I’ll be there this weekend…if I can wait that long.”

He lets out a few breaths. “Oh, Kya. I don’t know if I can wait that long. I’ll be counting down the minutes until you’re here in my arms. Do I need to give the idiot alpha a call?”

I smile. He has an answer for everything. “I can handle it. I’m going to go to bed. Goodnight, Dec.”

He grunts. “I wish I could just talk to you all night. I know you have school in the morning. Goodnight, beautiful.”