Lucas looked up at him and smiled. “Thanks, Garridan.”
“That’s what I’m here for.”
Lucas’ eyebrows drew together in confusion.
“I’m here for you just like anygood parent would be.”
“My own parents can’t be bothered with me.”
“It’s sad for them. They’re giving up a son over something trivial really. But you already have a family, so it doesn’t matter.”
“You remember the conversation from Christmas.” Lucas smiled.
“Oh, yes.” He wished he could have reached through that phone and choked the hell out of Lucas’ mother. That stupid bitch had no idea how much she had hurt Lucas with her words. “That’s not how good parents act, Lucas.”
“Thanks, Garridan.” Lucas laid his head against his shoulder.
“I know what it’s like to lose everything. It just makes me appreciate having you in my life more.” Garridan put an arm around him and drew him into a one-armed hug, kissing him on his temple as he did. He let Lucas go a second later.
Sage looked around Garridan and grinned. “I’m like your stepdad, Lucas.”
“Never say that to me again, Sage. Seriously, shifters are so weird.”
Garridan chuckled and everyone that knew him well seemed to stop what they were doing and stare.
“Was that strange noise a laugh?” Vaughan said from behind him. “Methinks it was. Holy crap, Bennett did you know your dad could laugh?”
“Shut up, Vaughan. Before he kills you,” Lucas said.
“If I’m his dad than I’m that for all the Somerset kids. Remember that before you start in on me, boy.” Garridan tried for sternness. With Vaughan, it wasn’t easy. He was far to funny for his own good.
Vaughan grinned. “Yes, sir.”
Ramsey stood in the center of the yard, everyone gathering around him, forming a big circle. It may have been a long time since they have had a challenge, but no one had forgotten the process.
The clan was large, much larger than Garridan’s last one. His village wasn’t even half Saint Lakes’ size and had just a few strong males. No one, including Garridan, had wanted to challenge the Alpha of his old clan. They were all comfortable with the hierarchy.
Garridan saw where leadership was needed, especially with war practically on their doorstep. Everyone in Saint Lakes had to be able to follow directions when the time came. Getting the leaders in place was the first step.
“We all know why we’re here. I’m going to start off in the traditional way and ask if there’s anyone who would challenge me for the Alpha position,” Ramsey said as he stepped in the middle of the circle.
All Garridan heard was breathing around him and the air moving through the bare tree branches. No one said a single word. Bennett eyed him as if he expected Garridan to step into the ring. Vaughan and Forrest had the exact same expressions.
Ramsey waited a full five minutes before he began talking again. “Okay then. I already picked a Beta.” Ramsey met Garridan’s gaze and nodded, silently asking him to come stand next to him in the circle.
Garridan squeezed Sage’s hand before letting go. He stood next to Ramsey and met the eyes of everyone who seemed threatening in the slightest. Several of the clan members gasped. “This is Garridan Arach. For those of you who don’t know, he is Sage’s mate so he’s already part of the clan.”
“Shouldn’t you be his beta?” Someone said from the back.
Garridan wanted to duct tape the speaker’s mouth shut. Garridan growled low in his throat.
“Yeah, he’s stronger than all of us. He should be Alpha.” That came from someone else
“Being Alpha isn’t only about strength, dumb ass. It’s about having the respect of the clan, which Ramsey has.”
“Do you want to challenge me?” Ramsey asked.
“You already know I don’t.” Garridan fell to his knees and lowered his head. “I pledge my loyalty to you.”
