New Age Werewolf Series Book 2: Hunter's Daughter, Alpha's Mate

Part 39: Taking Care of Business

"I hear you are sending me away?"

I heard Mora's voice falter on the last word. I sighed heavily, and turned to look at her. "Yes, you know I have to."

"I didn't know that--"

"I do remember telling you that she was..." I let my voice trail off. "What did I say about her, Mora?"

She bowed her head, starting to cry. "To leave her alone...that she was off limits." 

"I guess you know who she is now," I said softly.

"I heard that she is wearing the family crest," She swallowed hard. "a Luna necklace."

"Not a luna necklace," I said, stepping dangerously close. "my luna's necklace." 

"I am sorry--"

"I know you are," I nodded. "but I cannot risk her again."

"Where will I go?" Mora asked tearfully. "What will I do?"

"You can go to California, Canada, England or France," I informed. "I have connections in these places where you can make a fresh start." 

She was dismissed with Gordon, who would watch her pack and drive her to the airport.

"Thanks for taking care of her, Gordon," I sighed as he got in his car.

"I wish I could do more," he exhaled.

Quinn trotted out to the driveway. "Alpha? "

"What's going on?"

"You've got a conference call in your office."

I went in to find my cousin on video conference on my desktop. I sat down and got comfortable. "Hello, cousin."

My cousin Edward's look alone told me this was not a personal call. This was definitely business, pack business.  "Hello, cousin." He paused. "how are things?"

"I think they will be settling down soon," I said with a nod. 

"I hear you haven't officially made any decisions as the new alpha," he frowned. "Is that right?"

"If you called twenty-four hours from now, you would have a memo in your hands."

"Well," his smile was coy. "Don't keep me in suspense."

"My beta is Gordon."

"That isn't much of a surprise."

"My third in command will be."

"Who?"

I paused. "Asa."

"What?!"

"I have decided to start adopting half and quarterbreed packs, cousin--"

"Reasons?"

"The western packs have already made this change, and are thriving for it," I began. "Asa would be a great liaison."

"Agreed," his eyes narrowed. "Any other...appointments...cousin?"

I lifted an eyebrow. "You've heard about my luna, then?"

"Oh, yes, that merry little chase you went on halfway across the country?" He chuckled humorlessly. "It's the talk of the London packs. Females think it's romantic but the rest of us think it was a waste of time. In fact, I am planning on a visit in the very near future, if only to return with some juicy tidbits."

"Visit?" I repeated. 

"Why yes, the pack wants to know what the upheaval is," Edward said with a shrug. "Leila?"

"Leilani," I corrected.

"Whatever--"

"Edward?" I watched his eyes widen innocently. "Leilani." They had to respect her, and knowing her name was as good a start as any.

"Leilani." He said it as if she was a meal.

"Yes, that's her name." I said it with a growl. When his eyebrows raised, I knew that wouldn't happen again.

He took a deep breath. "There was an attempt on her life?"

I exhaled heavily. "Only my beta knew she was my luna, and Asa suspected."

"Mora?" he guessed. I nodded, and he shook his head. "She thought she was a paramour trying to get rid of competition."

"Yes," I said with a nod. "she was very apologetic for what she did, but I cannot have my luna feeling in danger, so I sent her to California."

"Makes sense."

"Yes."

"So, you will make announcements tomorrow, then?"

"That is the plan." Well, now it is.

"I will call tomorrow to see how it all goes," he nodded, and then gave a sarcastic but sweet look. "you know, offer my support?"

I clicked off with my cousin and went back to my bedroom. I spent so much more time there now. 

"Can I go out now?"

I smiled at Lani. She was feeling a lot better, and she was not the type to lounge around for days on end, especially with nothing to do. I could give her lots to do, but she wasn't ready for that...not quite, anyway. "Soon." I didn't want to tell her that I was waiting for Mora to leave the compound.

"There's nothing to do here!" she hit her pillow. I wasn't sure if she was fluffing or just punching. 

"I could make you tired," I offered, and as usual when I flirted with her this way, I felt that wave of want and attraction from her. "You can have dessert, and then I can have you." I basked in her blush daily, found ways to make it happen. She couldn't control it now, her wanting me. She'd had a taste of desire by letting me have one. It gave me hope that someday, she would truly want me, maybe love me. Goddess knows I would do anything for her.