Despite herself, she smiled. “It was exactly like that. But I’m so glad I went. I needed to see her.” Pushing thoughts of Sara away, she took a deep breath and broached the topic she wanted to talk about. “Cam’s given me permission to discuss the other aspects of our meeting with you, actually. But it’s not to go beyond you two for now, okay?”
Nathan nodded but frowned. “Not the rest of the unit?”
“No. It’s nothing bad. Cam has a few things to sort out before he tells the rest of the pack. I’m telling you as part of me preparing you to take over when I leave.” They both stared at her. “Whenever that might be. Come on, it’s not like it’s a big surprise. Gareth discussed this with you already.”
“I know, but…” He glanced at Jared, and they had some silent conversation. “We’re used to having you around.”
Rachel smiled at that. “And I’m used to being here. But it’s not forever.” They only had a few minutes before the others arrived, so she sat forward, all business-like, and told them about Cam’s plans.
Nathan and Jared listened avidly but Rachel concentrated on Nathan, trying to read his facial expressions and body language. It wasn’t easy; he didn’t give much away. Jared, on the other hand, was almost vibrating in his seat.
“We did something similar when I used to work in the offices. Went away for a weekend to this retreat place and did all sorts of team-building exercises.”
“Such as?” Nathan asked, turning to face him.
“Er…” Jared listed them off on his fingers. “Orienteering, trust exercises, preparing meals as a team, building rafts. All sorts of stuff.”
Nathan’s expression was almost comical, and Rachel swallowed down laughter. “I think Alpha Cornell has something a little different in mind, but the end result will hopefully be the same. We want Jenn’s unit to work together and feel like part of this pack. Like they belong and aren’t outsiders.”
Silence settled in the room, and Rachel let them have a minute to absorb what she’d said.
“It’s our unit, well me mostly I guess, that Davies and the others have a problem with, right?” Nathan said, meeting her gaze.
“Well, I think it’s Cam mainly—”
“But I’m probably a close second. Newell hated me after all that stuff with the rogue pack, and he made no secret of it.”
Rachel hummed. “Maybe. What are you getting at?”
He sat forward, getting more animated. “It makes sense that out of all the units in the pack, ours is the one they’d have an issue with. First with me, then with Gareth bonding with Cam. So… if Davies’s unit is going on this team-building thing, maybe our unit should go with them.”
Rachel had been thinking along similar lines, but to hear Nathan suggest it made her smile bloom. “You make a good point.”
“And that way,” Nathan added, “they won’t feel that Cam’s singled them out for special treatment. Even though they bloody well need it and should expect it after their behaviour.”
Rachel agreed with him on all points. A knock on the door stopped her from discussing it further though. “I’m going to bring your suggestions up with Cam and the others this afternoon,” she said as she got up to answer the door.
Nathan’s answering smile was a mix of pride and gratitude, and Rachel’s chest filled with warmth. Cam’s words rang in her ears as she looked at the two members ofherunit.You’re pack, and I will always fight for your best interests.
That might only be true for a little while longer, but while she was here, she’d help make Nathan the best bloody beta prospect ever, so Cam would have no doubts in promoting him.
“RIGHT.” CAM CLAPPED his hands together and the betas fell silent. “I know it’s a Sunday, and you’d all rather be doing anything else but this, so I’ll make it quick.”
Rachel smiled, and some of the others laughed, though only Alec elected to answer in the affirmative.
“Yep.” He yawned, his jaw cracking. “Anything.”
“We all know where you’d rather be, Alec,” Daryl shot back, grinning. “And what you’d rather be doing. Or should I say who?”
Alec bared his teeth, his eyes alight with amusement. “Jealous, Daryl?”
“Nope. I’m sure Mark’s great, but I’ve no wish to bond with anyone.”
Rachel’s smile faltered, her hands curling into fists in her lap.
“Mhmm.” Alec looked less than convinced, but whatever else he might have added was cut off by Cam clearing his throat.
“Have you finished?” His tone had an icy touch to it that had both Alec and Daryl sitting up straight, all signs of teasing gone.
