“No, you did the right thing. Chain of command exists for a reason.” Connor made a note on his laptop. “Anything else?”
“Nope. That’s it.”
Janet left, and Connor returned to the enforcer rotation schedule he’d been building. Leyden handled most pack administration - finances, territory negotiations, inter-pack politics. Connor managed security, background checks, and enforcer coordination.
Except lately, pack members kept bringing him everything else too. Neighbor disputes. Cleaning schedules. Who parked where. Complaints about noise levels, borrowed tools never returned, someone’s kid digging up someone else’s garden.
Petty bullshit that had nothing to do with his actual job.
Connor understood why it happened. An alpha mate was typically more accessible than a pack alpha, less intimidating. Connor snorted at his thoughts. Leyden was actually the more approachable of the two of them. He listened to everyone and anyone with the same calm and patience. Connor knew the pack was testing him - checking him out. It had to be the only reason for his first morning annoyances.
His phone buzzed. A text from Leyden:How’s your day?
Connor typed back:Mediating tree-related disputes. You?
Budget meeting with neighboring packs. I want to stab everyone. Miss you.
Connor’s mouth twitched into a small smile.Miss you too.
Dinner at 7?
I’ll be here.
Connor set his phone down and pulled up the next item on his list - inventory for the armory. Actual security work that required his attention and expertise.
He’d barely started when another knock interrupted him.
“Come in,” Connor called, not bothering to hide his exhaustion.
Lonnie entered, all bounce and artificial sweetness. “Hi, Alpha Mate. Got a problem I’m hoping you can help with.”
Connor’s wolf perked up, sensing trouble. Lonnie hadn’t approached him since coming to ask for Connor’s help when Leyden was facing his challenges. Connor had forgiven the stupid kid because Lonnie helped save Leyden’s life, but that didn’t mean he trusted him.
“What’s the problem?” Connor kept his voice neutral.
Lonnie settled into the chair across from Connor’s desk, crossing his legs. “It’s about the pack hall. Sarah scheduled me for cleaning duty this Saturday, but I’ve got plans. Can you reassign someone else?”
Connor pulled up the cleaning schedule on his laptop. “You’re scheduled on Saturday because you missed your last two rotations. Everyone pulls their weight, Lonnie.”
“But my plans are important…”
“More important than pack responsibilities?” Connor raised an eyebrow. “What are these plans?”
Lonnie hesitated. “A date. In the city.”
“Cancel it or reschedule.” Connor turned back to his computer. “You’re on the rotation for Saturday.”
“That’s not fair. Marcus got out of his shift last month…”
“Apparently, Marcus got out of his shift because his sister was in the hospital. It’s right here in the notes.” Connor looked up, meeting Lonnie’s eyes directly. “Did you want to claim a family emergency?”
Lonnie’s mouth tightened. “No.”
“Then you’re cleaning on Saturday. Anything else?”
“Actually, yes.” Lonnie leaned forward. “I’ve been thinking about the enforcer positions. I’d like to apply.”
Connor studied him. Lonnie was small, pretty, and about as suited for enforcer work as a house cat - actually a house cat would be better at it. The kid had decent speed but zero combat training and even less discipline.
