The View From Here

18. Cookout

*Ambrose POV*

"Dad, did you have to invite virtually everyone in the pack?" I asked walking over to where he alone was grilling up the assortment of burgers and hot dogs.

"I did no such thing."

"Then can you explain to me how this small cookout turned into me having to go back out to the store TWICE for more food because more and more people of the pack keep showing up." I complained while shaking what felt like hundreds of grocery bags in his face making him chuckle.

"See the boys on patrol saw Veronica and Lucy entering this morning and got curious as to why they were here. I told them that we were going to have a small cookout for Lucy's son and they got curious since they've also seen how... interesting you have become since his arrival so they came to check him out." He supplied before while helping me out with all the bags.

"I–I have not been acting interesting. I have been acting perfectly normal considering he's aunty Ver and Lucy's son... and my mate." I whispered out the last part hoping he didnt hear me.

"Yeah people are noticing how their usual intimidating future alpha is going mushy over a boy. I mean some people are speculating that you've just temporarily fell for a pretty face while others are thinking you've finally found your mate. You know that things spread like wildfires here, so now people are here to evaluate."

"Evaluate what exactly?"

"Both the future Alpha and Luna of the pack. Listen son despite your future position already being decided for you there will still be some people who will judge your every move despite your position. You will be their leader so if they see that you aren't fit enough to lead they won't be willing to follow you. So far you've been exceeding their expectations with everything that's been put in front of you but now an unpredicted variable has entered the picture. If you aren't careful they might suggest some new leadership." He expressed making things come into perspective for me.

"So now do i not only have to worry about the unpredicted variable that is Conner, but also the possibility of being replaced as the next alpha depending on how the pack views me. What am I supposed to do?"

"The best advice I can give you is to not act foolish. If you think about it this is a good chance to show a softer side to you, but just don't be too soft or they'll think you're too weak to lead them. Oh looks like it's show time for you, go get em tiger." He cheered before patting me on the back and motioning with his head towards the open sliding door where Conner, Jenny, and Howard were walking out of. What I wouldn't give to be able to see him everyday for the rest of my life. I think before making my way over to where they were just standing by the wall.

I never thought I'd have to even consider my public image within the pack, but I guess even within packs our hierarchy can be considered almost political. In a sense I understand what my dad was saying about them using today as an opportunity to observe the future leaders of the pack, but i think it's a little harsh to think that they would think about replacing me for a different model.

"To think I didn't know there were wallflowers in my own home." I joked making both Conner and Jenny's heads snap towards me and away from their previous conversation.

"Someones gotta make the walls look pretty, I mean just look at us, aren't we a full course meal?" Jenny joked back making me take their appearances and I'd be lying if I didn't say that Conner takes my breath away everytime i see him.

"Yeah, I definitely like the way Conner's curls look." I said reaching out to just touch at least one curl only for my hand to be slapped away by Jenny.

"Please dont mess up all the hard work i put into making his hair look nice, also," she announced before giving the crowd around us a once over and then signaling me to come closer, "Are you really related to everyone here because if you are that's a lot of faces to remember."