"Wait, additions?Plural?"
"Richard is staying.He's Jagger's mate."
"I did not see that coming," Andrew mutters as my brother goes back inside.
"I should have when he insisted on walking home.But he's so damn moody all the time, it didn't seem out of character."
"Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the spell?"Andrew asks.
"No.Callum will handle everything.Would you like to go on a hunting date while we wait?"My mate needs to finish getting his dinner.
"I'd love to!"Andrew replies with a smile.
I may not be the most romantic person, but for my mate, I'm willing to try.
Chapter Eighteen
Andrew
Thespellwasabit anti-climactic.I guess I was expecting something flashy with pyrotechnic effects.Damn entertainment industry, setting unrealistic expectations.This magic is subtle.There's a lot I need to learn about the paranormal world – the real one.Much of what I know is from watching TV, movies, and reading books.The lover of mythology and folklore in me is curious about what is truth and what is fiction.A silver lining to the upheaval of my life, I get to indulge my scholarly curiosity through lived experience.
"Let's talk in my office," Jericho says to me after the Pack finishes dinner.
Butterflies erupt in my gut.Have I done something else to earn the Pack Alpha's disappointment?Grudgingly, I follow him and find Cordelia already waiting for us.Not wanting to risk upsetting Jericho any further, when he motions to the chair in front of his desk, I sit without argument.
"I have a proposal for you," the Alpha states as he takes his seat across the desk from me.
Not what I expected.There seems to be a lot of that lately.Perhaps I should forgo setting expectations from now on.
"Okay," is all I can get out as my brain processes I am not in trouble again.
"I understand you and Arthur were working on a database before you were turned."
"Yes.We were compiling data on myths and folklore.Our plan was to create a searchable database for academics, authors, game designers – pretty much anyone who needed it for research."
"We'd like to use that idea to create a database for the Pack to use.Ours would include more specific data.Information that could be helpful for missions and the like.As Pack Enforcer, Cordelia, would oversee the project to make sure it has all the necessary data we need."
Between the adjustment to being a vampire, having my powers come in, and the detour to see Richard, I haven't given much thought to the project's future.This opportunity would keep part of Arthur alive, while also giving me a purpose.
"I can do that."
"We'll be coordinating with the Ravenswing Coven, Lorne's family, and Hex's MC, to collect as much information as possible."
The scope of this venture is enormous.It will keep me busy for quite some time.
"Thank you for this opportunity.I won't let you down."
"I know things got off to a rocky start, but I also know you weren't trying to hurt anyone, Andrew.You're a part of our family now.We won't hold grudges.This will be a fresh start, and an opportunity for you to contribute to the Pack."
"I welcome the challenge," I say, grateful Arthur's legacy will live on through the work.
Chapter Nineteen
Wyatt
Andrewcontinuestogeta better grasp on both his hunger and his growing abilities.I believe Jericho giving him the database project to focus on has been a powerful motivator.He must be in control of the hunger to stay focused on his research.The increased control of his power is a benefit as he practices to hone it when he keeps a regular feeding schedule.
The unfortunate aspect of this database undertaking is, we've barely spent any time together.My mate is hyper-focused on his work, partially driven by the need to please Jericho and make up for is actions regarding Richard.Mating connection aside, our relationship won't grow if it's not nurtured.
