False Mate, True Mate

Chapter 21

Angelique realized she didn't understand the majority of what he was doing. She got the general idea that he was giving money to companies, and made part of the profits, but that was about it. She could recite what he'd done, but not explain why. She also understood that he was negotiating various agreements with various Alphas.

She gathered that in the next decade or two, wars would start again due to their increasing population. Apparently, every forty to fifty years, the packs got so large that conflicts broke out, and they would go to war. Then, after the wars, a certain percentage of the survivors would have lost their mates and gone rogue. They would clump together and start raiding until they were wiped out.

"Xander?" she whispered.

"Yes?"

"I need to go back to school."

He paused what he was doing and turned to her. "What grade were you in, last?"

"I started seventh grade," she admitted nervously.

He was silent for a bit, his eyes unfocused. Finally, he stated, "I'll get you enrolled in online classes, and a computer. Trying to get you into a regular school probably wouldn't be possible and would raise too many questions."

She furrowed her brow. "Online classes?"

He nodded. "It's a fairly new option. You can take your classes online and submit homework through your computer."

Okay, so I can learn this stuff. She nodded slightly.

He did a few more things, then shut down his computer. Turning back to her, she felt him fill with concern. She gave him her absolute attention. "Do you want to try eating in the dining room tonight?"

Angelique felt a spike of panic. I'd be in front of everyone, was her first thought.

"You don't have to. It's your choice," he added.

She forced herself to relax. He wants me to be part of the pack. He wants me to be at his side in front of him. He wants me to... She felt his hand come to rest on her own. She hadn't realized she was trembling.

She glanced up into his eyes and became aware of his concern for her once more. "Or I could introduce you to the pack a few members at a time. You've already started to become comfortable with a few of them, I know."

She nodded slightly. I'll have to meet them eventually. I can do that.

"Then let's go eat dinner in the kitchen. We can get you some more clothes tomorrow, if you'd like."

Again, she nodded slightly, then followed him down to the kitchen for dinner, where they had an uneventful meal.