“He tried, but it went to voicemail.”
Of course it did.My phone’s turned off.
“Please give him my apologies.It’s my day off work, and I don’t get many vacations.”
He stroked his short beard and gave off powerful energy for a beta wolf.Deacon was the newly appointed second-in-command of Hamish’s pack, but I remembered him from last year when Tak sent him to me for legal counsel.
I mused over his gargantuan size and how he could’ve been a professional wrestler.He had that same air of confidence in the manner he lifted his chin, anchored his hands on his hips, and shifted balance between his feet as if he were bursting with energy and about to jump into a wrestling ring.
Deacon’s smile put me at ease.“Lucian ain’t giving you trouble, is he?”
“Not at all.He’s working on my security.”
“You don’t say.”
“Is there an emergency?”
He leaned against a post that supported the covered porch.“Nothing like that.Hamish needs you to officiate another mating ceremony.”
“What about the other Councilmen?”
“He likes the way you run them.”
“When?”
Deacon scratched his dusty-brown hair.“Sunday.You free?”
“I’ll have to check my schedule since it’s short notice.Um… does he want to do it on the property or at the jail?”
Deacon chuckled.“Nothing more romantic than getting mated at jail.”
“My office is perfectly comfortable.No bars.We’ve also performed a few outside.”
He glanced at my outfit.“Sorry for catching you off guard, but if you don’t mind me saying, I like this look on you.”
Perfect.Why doesn’t the whole town pop in and see me at my worst?
I crossed my arms.“I wasn’t expecting visitors.”
“Don’t apologize.I’m the one who should apologize for taking up your time.”
“How’s everything going as the new beta?”
His chest puffed out.“Good!I’ve been busting my ass to get the pack in shape, but I’ve got years of experience under my belt.From what I’ve seen, the last guy didn’t know what the hell he was doing.He cared more about people liking him than delegating responsibilities.Now I’ve got to clean up his mess, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
That was admirable.Betas had crucial roles in the home.Packmates often went to them with their issues instead of bothering the Packmaster.The alpha’s role grew increasingly busy over time as the pack grew larger.He managed pack affairs, handled financial decisions and investments, built alliances with neighboring packs and leaders, resolved conflict, mentored packmates on their career path, and vetted new members.Betas were problem solvers who kept the pack in line and supported the alpha.They oversaw tasks around the house and property to make sure the house didn’t fall down and packmates stayed in line.
He took the mirrored sunglasses off his head and twirled them around.“If you can free up a few minutes on Sunday, Hamish will bring them up to your office.Just let him know the time so he can schedule around it.”Deacon stepped forward and stood two inches taller.When he spoke, his voice softened an octave.“It’s always a pleasure seeing you, Miss Thompson.”He flicked his attention behind me before strutting back to his car.
I watched while he pulled out of my rather desolate yard and left behind a cloud of swirling dust.
When I turned around, Lucian was standing in the living room.
“I wasn’t expecting so many visitors today,” I said after opening the door.
He erased the distance between us and reeled me in with his eyes.“On that note, I’ll be out of your hair.”
I seized his arm.“Wait.”
