Alpha Raphael

6

It's like 40 away from 2000 words damn it.

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Raphael's POV

I glance over at Ariel and turn the music off when I see she's asleep. I hope she sleeps okay, I don't want to accidentally wake her up.

It's like the girl hardly sleeps. She's never asleep before I am and she's always up before me too. I'm scared she'll become sleep deprived.

I'm not sure how I feel about her. I care for her, but she can be very rude and she's extremely distant. Ignoring each other is one of the best things we've mutually agreed on without actually meaning to.

I've always wanted a mate, and when she said she didn't want one it hurt. But I'm sure someone will help her see that it's great to have one. I just hope she gets on okay with my pack... I'll make sure she's protected at all times too of course.

I look over at her again, goosebumps cover her exposed skin and I frown. She always seems to be cold. I pull over and grab a blanket from the back, putting it over her before continuing the long journey home.

It's another few hours before I get to my territory. I link my beta and third that I've arrived and to meet me at my house.

I pull up at my big house and park the car in the garage. Liam and Parker walk in as I open the passenger side and carefully lift Ariel out, trying not to wake her.

"Is that really her?" Parker asks excitedly. He's like a child in an adults body sometimes, though he makes a wonderful third.

"Yes. Now shut up. I don't want to wake her up." I hiss and bring her inside. I lay her down in my bed and pull the covers over her.

"Raphie...?" She murmurs as I start to leave.

"Yes?" I sigh looking back. I didn't mean to wake her.

"Are we home now?" She whispers, sounding already back asleep.

"Yeah, we're home." I look back at her to see her fall right back asleep.

I walk downstairs and sit in the living room with Parker and Liam.

"So? How was it while I was away?" I ask lowly.

"The nursery needs... Help. Ms. Croft can't handle all the kids on her own any more." Liam sighs. "Parker went to help, but even an extra hand wasn't enough. There's too many babies for one woman. Or two people."

I nod. "I'll find someone to help tomorrow. Are all the kids in school doing okay?"

"Elementary level all the kids are fine. Secondary, a few kids got into some trouble while you were away." Parker scrunches up his nose. "And they wouldn't listen to me. I dunno if I'm really a good third."

That was the only issue. Most of the teens wouldn't listen to Parker. We were trying to figure out why it was just them at the moment, but maybe Parker just fit in too well with the crowd. Despite that he's still a fine third.

"It's fine Parker, you know you can always come to me for help." Liam smiles.

"No issues with the pack house? Or the adults? And no rogue problems?" I question.

"No. We're good there." Parker smiles.

"Good." I nod. "I'll speak with the high school kids tomorrow. Can you get them to see me at the pack house in my office for seven, before school?"

"I'll do that." Liam nods.

"You should get some sleep, it's two AM if you haven't checked the clock." Parker says.