If she truly was as competent as everyone believed, she’d welcome the challenge and strive to prove her worth. But if there was anything questionable going on, she’d likely react defensively, angry that her work was being scrutinized so thoroughly.
She’s fortunate, really. Real estate is my world, and construction plays a massive role in that. Having her team work alongside mine could be a huge advantage**if everything falls into place as planned.
“Who else has access to this office, the safe, and the financial records? And who holds any decision-making power that could impact the pack?” I asked, my voice steady but probing.
The rest of the morning was spent bringing me up to speed on all the key figures within the pack. I took careful notes, especially on the immediate changes that would affect my Beta. So far, everything aligned closely with what Edward had described earlier.
I made it clear to them that their titles and roles within the pack would remain intact. I would never strip away their heritage or the respect their families had earned. They were established leaders, but from now on, all orders would flow through me, my Beta, my Gamma, and my Delta.
Of course, some adjustments were inevitable. New leadership meant new protocols. For at least the next three years, this pack would be a prime target. We had to prove, time and again, that our strength remained unshaken, even when I wasn’t physically present to defend it. This wasn’t unfamiliar territory for us; my team had refined this transition process to a science. We now had a clear protocol for training each leader and a schedule for me to visit regularly, to re-scent the territory and remind everyone of my presence alongside that training.
Once I assigned their new responsibilities and set expectations, I requested a formal tour of the pack’s territory.
The place was stunning. Nestled just a couple of hours away from my own packhouse, this pack was home to about two hundred members. Small, yes, but the community was tightly knit, like a family forged from the very earth beneath us. Every building seemed deliberately placed, designed to blend seamlessly with the untouched landscape. It felt like a small town that had grown naturally**without a trace of neglect or decay.
The packhouse itself was modest, more like a cozy cabin compared to my sprawling home, but it was impeccably maintained and inviting. Perched atop a gentle hill, it offered a sweeping view of the pack’s living area in front and a vast forest with a shimmering lake behind. This was exactly the kind of refuge where you’d bring your family to escape the chaos of pack life.
I paused for a moment, the thought settling over me**a rare one. The idea of bringing my family here, to this peaceful place, was something I’d never considered before.
That fleeting thought pulled me back to my sister and her new mate. A small, nagging twinge of jealousy stirred deep inside me. I hadn’t realized how much not having a mate weighed on me until I heard her news. It was clear now that my wolf and I craved that bond more than I’d admitted to myself. And yet, I resisted the idea. I’d witnessed what happened to Alphas once they found their Luna, and I wanted no part of it. I refused to be ruled by jealousy or possessiveness. Such distractions could be dangerous. Worse, if something ever happened and an enemy tried to use her against me… The thought of some innocent woman suffering or being tormented because the Goddess forced her to be with me made my stomach churn.
I shook off the heavy thoughts as we continued our walk through the heart of town, stopping at each shop to introduce myself and build rapport. Despite the long tour, an unexpected surge of energy coursed through me.
We returned just in time for dinner, prepared by the kitchen Omegas. They all seemed eager to impress, their enthusiasm obvious. I appreciated their efforts but kept my praise measured and my attention guarded. I wanted to observe them longer, to see if this attentiveness was genuine or just a fa?ade for the new Alpha. The sycophants were the worst**always quick to flatter, but the moment your back was turned, their tune would change. They were usually the biggest troublemakers when change came. And change was coming.
Ryker
I rise early and decide to patrol the pack’s borders once more, this time alone. Moving deliberately, I ensure my scent saturates the entire perimeter thoroughly. This task can feel tedious and repetitive, but it’s vital**I want this small pack to remain secure at all times. Afterward, I head toward the training grounds. Only about twenty warriors have gathered, which aligns with my expectations given the pack’s size. It’s part of the reason Edward sought me out initially.
We get straight to work. My Beta, Gamma, and Delta had collaborated with Edward yesterday to establish training plans. With Edward’s sudden passing, we’ve had to adjust quickly, and my presence here is essential. Still, I wanted my core team back home to welcome my sister and her mate, since I couldn’t be there to greet them myself.
I proceed to run a series of rigorous tests designed for all our warriors. These assessments help me truly gauge their capabilities. Samuel, Drake, and Jacob are watching closely, jotting down notes on my methods so they can replicate the process in my absence. Naturally, we’re evaluating raw strength and power, but just as important is how they think on their feet**how they solve problems under pressure. When one of our packs is attacked, it’s rarely a minor skirmish. Delayed reactions can mean serious injury or worse.
The evaluation stretches over half the day. Ideally, it shouldn’t take so long, but I insist on thoroughness. We pause for a late breakfast when one of the packhouse Omegas**Jean, if I recall correctly**arrives with a basket of food. She takes a moment to scold me, much like a mother would, for pushing the warriors so hard. Yet, she does it with a playful wink and a warm smile, and I immediately know she’s someone worth keeping around. Our warriors are undoubtedly undertrained, but their potential is undeniable. I have to be strict now so they can rise to greatness and protect the pack in the future.
Danny and I have come to the conclusion that, given the pack’s size, we can only afford to send three to five warriors at a time to our home training facility. We can’t leave this place undefended. Since the numbers are small, I’ve sent Danny back with instructions to prepare rooms and check on the whereabouts of other trainees**seeing if we can fit small groups into ongoing sessions. I plan to run through drills with these warriors again after I finish sorting out some business matters. It will take most of the day for my sister and her mate to arrive, so I intend to use this time wisely. Thankfully, reviewing paperwork is something I can do from anywhere.
Making my way into the office, I find a tall, leggy redhead leaning casually against my desk, absorbed in a file. A sneer tugs at my lips. I don’t appreciate anyone invading my space, especially without an introduction. She’s far too comfortable here, and that needs to change immediately.
“Is there a reason you’re not waiting outside my office? Do you often enter rooms that aren’t yours?” I growl, striding in without sparing her a second glance. My tone isn’t rude, but it’s far from welcoming.
At least she has the decency to step away from the desk.
“Hello, sir,” she replies, her voice deep but still feminine, carrying a confident edge. “My name is Linda. Delta Jacob mentioned you wanted to meet with me. I thought it would be rude to mindlink you without a formal introduction, and I had no other way to contact you. I apologize if I’ve intruded.”
She’s tall and fit, clearly someone who knows how to make an impression. I’m sure that skill serves her well in negotiations.
Without looking up from the sluggish computer screen, I say, “I want to review your last twelve jobs, including all associated invoices and research. Also, I need to know who your primary contacts are for the jobs you regularly submit.”
“Of course, sir,” she replies, leaning forward just enough to reveal a hint of cleavage. I’m unsure if she’s flirting or if it’s simply part of her bold personality. “I can have everything ready within a few hours. Is there anything else you need in the meantime?” This time, as she casually sits back on my desk, it’s clear there’s more history here with Edward. The question is: is she a liability or an asset?
“No,” I answer without looking at her. “And just to be clear, I don’t mix business with pleasure. You’re an employee, and from what I understand, you’re valuable to the business that supports your pack. If you want to keep it that way, keep your intentions professional. Am I clear?”
She jumps off the desk as if stung. “Yes, Alpha. Of course. I meant no disrespect. Alpha Edward had certain expectations…”
I raise my hand to cut her off. “What Alpha Edward expected no longer matters. You know my standards now. I want those files on my desk in less than two hours. You’re dismissed.” I turn to my phone, which is proving faster than the computer. “Linda, have this desktop replaced with one that actually functions at a speed conducive to business.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.