He rubbed his flat stomach.“It’s tough work, but I’m used to it.I’ve got years of experience under my belt.”
“What happened with your old pack if you don’t mind me asking?”
“The alpha got too damn old, and there wasn’t a replacement.It happens when you join an older group.After the family dissolved, I negotiated with nearby packs to take some of my best packmates, but that city had nothing left for me.I saw an opening down here, and I’m sure you know who Tak’s father is.Seemed like a good fit, but he already had his beta picked out.Hamish’s pack is more of a challenge because of its size, and I like a challenge.What Lakota does here is for simpletons.He can mold and shape these wolves since they’re all new and eager to please.”
“I’m certain his hands are full.Organizing a newly founded pack can’t be an easy feat, especially when their resources are limited.”
“Yeah, and then there’s that.Not many packmates.”
“They’ll grow.It seems smart to start off small so you can fortify relationships.It won’t be long before some of the young wolves in your pack are looking for a new place, and this might be it.”
Deacon shook his head.“Hamish doesn’t like his people leaving.”
That struck me as odd.Once kids became adults, they left their old pack in search of careers or to gain money and experience.Others got mated and joined a different pack.It was a period of independence where they could explore their options and get their feet on the ground, especially since spaces were limited in reputable packs, who were highly selective.Another reason most didn’t stay with their original pack was to avoid nonrelated packmates from pursuing them as a mate.It caused friction in the house for numerous reasons.It also got them out from under their parents’ control.
I wondered how Hamish organized his family.For young people to want to stay, they must have had structure and rules.
“That’s how happy everyone is,” Deacon continued.“They feel protected, and we all deserve that.I don’t know how tigers go about family, but you seem like a woman who appreciates safety and dependability.”He put his hands on his hips and revealed a softer smile.“You know, I haven’t had much personal time since moving here either; we have something in common.Would it be too bold of me to ask if you’d like to join me for dinner?I’d be honored if you said yes.”
I pondered his offer.Deacon wasn’t the typical man I pursued in terms of his physical appearance.Not that I had anything against men who were built like a tank, but his muscles were like boulders, and my inner animal found that slightly intimidating coming from another predator.
But he wasn’t any random wolf.Deacon held a high position as a beta for a prominent pack.He was self-assured, motivated, charming, and didn’t give off any immediate red flags.Most of the men I’d dated were rogues, but maybe I’d been going about it all wrong.A rogue had too much freedom and might not want to stick around this place.But someone living in an established pack?Well, they weren’t likely going anywhere.Especially a beta.And that was appealing since my days of moving from city to city were over.
“I promise to have you home at a decent hour,” he said while crossing his finger over his heart.“Whatever works for you—I can adjust my schedule.”
I gazed into his eyes to get a sense of his animal, and I saw his dominant wolf watching me with interest.“Okay, Mr.Shaw.”
“Deacon.”
“Deacon.”
“Do you have my number?”
“I have everyone’s number.I’ll message you when I’m free, and we’ll work this out.”
He gave a tight smile and stroked his beard.“Lookin’ forward to it.”
When someone shouted, I spun around.Hamish’s red face and steely eyes showed he was in fighting mode, but his curly mustache was still perfectly intact, suggesting a fight hadn’t broken out.
Yet.
A red wolf bared its sharp teeth at Lakota, who appeared to be talking Hamish down.When the animal barked, Cleo jumped back and clutched her throat.
Deacon had already left my side, and I observed him heading toward Lucian.Tak and Montana hurried past me to investigate the commotion, so I followed out of curiosity.
“What’s this all about?”Tak boomed.“You know the rule about shifting during a peace party.”
Hamish pointed at the young girl, who had on an oversized black shirt and no shoes.“Your bitch over here was seducing my boy.”
One of Hamish’s young sons stood close beside him.He was about seventeen, and the terrified look on his face told a story.But pack issues were for the alphas to resolve.
Tak balled his hands into fists.“Your son wasalonewith this child?She’s fourteen!”
“We weren’t doing anything,” the boy insisted.
Hamish scowled at him.“Shut up!”
Tak turned his attention to the black-haired girl.“What happened?”
