Curious, Jackson asked, “What was Cain’s reaction when you did that?”
“At first, he told me he just needed a few shirts and two pairs of jeans, but then I pointed out if he was going to work in the garden, it would be better if he had a few more as spares,” Sofia explained. “He finally agreed and I got him to take everything. Cain thanked me over and over…like it was the first time anyone had ever given him anything nice. It just made me so sad.”
Listening to Sofia, a pattern emerged that Jackson thought could explain why Cain ended up in prison so often. “It just occurred to me…do you think it’s possible the reason Cain kept committing crimes was to get arrested, so he could go back to a place where he didn’t have to make any decisions? Because prison would be very much like the foster homes he grew up in.”
“Hmm…that would make sense,” Sofia said, thoughtfully. “It was very hard for David to be out in the world after having all his choices made for him when he was in that terrible place.”
“Is David still having problems with it?” asked Jackson.
“No, not really. Zane has been very good in providing a routine that gives him the structure he needs…though he doesn’t need as much as before.”
“Maybe I should try that with Cain,” Jackson mused. “Give him a schedule so he knows what he’s supposed to be doing every day.”
“That’s a great idea,” Sofia agreed. “I’m sure it would help him as much as it did David, especially if it also included some basic life skills that would help him in the future.”
“You’re really sure he needs that?” asked Jackson.
“Oh yes. Looks can be very deceiving because while it may appear that Cain is a grown man, inside, he’s still very much a lost child no one wanted.”
“No confidence, eh?”
“Exactly…Cain doesn’t believe he is worth anything and that has to change.”
Nodding, Jackson said, “You’re right…without belief in himself, it will be impossible for Cain to make his own choices in life…including his choice of whether to stay here or leave. If we don’t do something now, history will just repeat itself with him and I don’t want that to happen. Cain deserves a break in life, so will you help me make sure he gets it?”
“I’d love to,” Sofia replied, eagerly. “Where should I start?”
“First, Cain needs some rules and a routine so he has the structure that will give him a sense of security. So, to begin with, he needs a schedule. Will you draft one for him, along with what lessons you think could help him?”
“I’d be happy to.” Sofia smiled.
“Thank you…in the meantime, I’ll talk to Zane and let him know he has a new student.”
Getting up, Sofia said, “I’ll start right after dinner.”
“Speaking of which,” said Jackson, “I was going to have Cain eat with the pack tonight, but it might be better if you joined him for dinner up in his room…like you did for lunch. Is that okay?”
“Definitely…and it might help me figure out what other lessons he needs,” Sofia replied, her eyes twinkling.
“Thank you, Sofia…very much. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for him,” Jackson said, before adding, “Oh, and I would appreciate it if you keep Cain’s past confidential.”
“I already told Cain I wouldn’t say a word to anyone since it’s not my story to tell,” Sofia said, before leaving Jackson’s study with a big grin on her face. Delighted with the results of her decision to approach the Alpha, she was determined to help Cain find his place in the world as much as Zane had helped David.
~/~/~/~/~
“This is the last group to go,” Tristan said, gesturing to the pack members standing next to him.
“Everyone else is staying?” asked Remy.
“Yes, and if you don’t mind, I want to go with you this time just so I can make sure there are enough enforcers to protect the building.”
“Sure…and then you’re coming back here, right?”
“Yup…I have some business to take care of with Rudy,” Tristan growled.
Nodding, Remy lifted his hand, and within a second, the group was transported to the last empty meeting room.
“Fuck, that was fast,” Tristan muttered, before beckoning to the member he’d put in charge of thegroup. “Tom, make sure everyone is okay.” After getting an affirmative reply, he headed out into the hallway, stopping short when he saw his brother, Kahn, handing out cases of bottled water and food boxes to his pack members. Stunned, he glanced back at Remy. “Are you responsible for all of this?”
