Chapter 29 Georgie Days turn into weeks as I get used to my new routine. Im back full-time at work, except instead of training after patrolling, I either take small groups for staff lessons or work with Alaric. The renovations are complete, and the offices and conference rooms are all fitted out. Ive also been asked to teach music to the packs daycare, and Alpha Jed has approved. So once a week, on Thursdays, I teach music to the three- and four-year-olds. Its untuned percussion play, meaning noise, but I love it. Ive also been approached by families with older children to teach them classical instruments, so I now have two students learning the piano and one learning the guitar. Im disappointed no one wants to learn the violin… yet. But Im getting involved with my first love again, and Im playing instruments more as a result. My relationship with Alaric is getting stronger. He is so affectionate and loving. I see him as my rock, my safe place. Because ever since he marked me, whether I liked it or not at the time, hes been there for me. And I cant help but love him for that. We have yet to move into his forest house but have moved into his corner apartment. With the renovations to the training rooms and new builds, our focus has been on that. But we plan on going to Little Vallis to look at their furniture shops tomorrow. Im excited. I have an idea of what I want for the place and its just a matter of convincing Alaric. Ive also claimed Alaric. I know I said I wouldnt, but I cant imagine life without him, and it made sense. This has also strengthened our bond, making our relationship stronger. I now can sense his emotions, and theres nothing but love there when Im around him. Although he has been stressed about the Northern Rangers coming, theyre due today. I dont see them coming as a weakness on his command but as a positive. Theyre here to strengthen the pack, not put us down. Im secretly excited to see what skills they bring with them. The rebuild hasnt been the only thing that has changed recently. Alarics had two meetings with his department heads, which I was privy to. Being the mate of the Commanding Delta has its perks. Plus, Im a Delta, so I understand what things are like on the floor. Greyson Miller, who was in charge of Boarder Patrol, resigned. He didnt like it when I told him what doing the job entailed. But Drew was there and backed me up. Its on Greyson that I was captured by the younger Deltas. I look over to my phone to check the time (Yes, I now have a phone!) when I feel Alaric pull me into him. I grin and roll towards him, snuggling into his warmth. Are you awake? I asked. How long have you been up? A little while. I read for a little but fell asleep again, I admit. Im worried about these rangers coming today. But youll be fine. Do you know what time theyre arriving? I ask. Afternoon. Hey, Alaric? Yeah? After this is all done, and the Rangers are gone… would you mind if we went back to my home pack? I miss my family, I say. Alaric traces my hair along the edge of my ear. Of course. I would love to meet your family, he says. And then we can tell everyone my real name. You dont want to be called Evie anymore? he asks. I shake my head. You dont look like an Evie. Georgiana suits you, he says, making me smile. We should get up, Alaric finally admits. Do we have to? I pout. I snuggle into him more, not willing to let go of his warm body. Yes, my strong beautiful girl, he replies, kissing me. Are we still on for tonight? I ask. Im having dinner with my friends and then were meant to meet up at Howling Moon for drinks. I dont know what time Ill be there, though. Its all good. As long as you arrive, I say, tying my shoelaces up. When were both dressed, we hold hands and walk to the fields for morning training. What are we doing today? Rob asks once our team have all arrived. Run, and then breakfast at mine, Drew replies, making us all cheer. Drews mate, Melanie, is an awesome cook. The day goes by quickly, and I wait for Isabella to finish work. Shes on the afternoon shift today, from ten to six, so I wait with her while all the parents pick their children up. Some of them say hello to me, as my music lessons are becoming quite popular. I so need to change, Isabella sighs when weve said goodbye to the last family. Hectic day? I ask. Fallon is still toilet training, and she wore tights today. We had to call her parents and ask if we could throw them out after her little accident. Oh, gross! I cry, making a face. And guess who had to try and clean it? Mwah. It was a lost cause, believe me. The things you have to do… I know. But I love it, she says. Isabella enjoys her job, and I dont think shed want to do anything different. We walk up to her suite, which is my old room, and she lets me in. Isabella has made the place more homely than I had. She has artwork on the walls and more pillows on her bed. She loves flowers and has a vase of white roses on the coffee table. The whole place smells like roses. So, what are you wearing today? Isabella asks. I shake my head. I love my simple clothing, and although Ive been shopping since the Tatum took me, Ive only gone to replace the underwear, my lovely mate, has so kindly torn. Im happy in just jeans and a shirt, I tell her. Isabella makes a face and I grin. Ive spent years dressing up and having my hair and make-up done. Ive worn ball gowns since I was six, so going casual is a treat for me. But Isabella just shakes her head. What about jeans and a nice blouse? Isabella asks. I watch as she opens a drawer and rummages through the clothes within. Try this on, she says, pulling out a black-striped material. I take it and strip out of my shirt. The blouse has balloon sleeves that go down to my wrists, and the top is close-fitting, with small material-covered buttons going up the front. The blouse itself covers the top of my high-waisted jeans, sitting nicely. I like this, I say, looking at myself in the mirror. You look good, Isabella says. Shes wearing a blouse as well, but her blouse has large butterfly sleeves and is a wrap-around, tying up at the side. She swops her work pants for black skinny jeans, and I approve. We look alike, I comment, admiring ourselves in the mirror. We do, Isabella grins. We pick up Dawn at her apartment and then drive out to pick up Erin and Dawns friend Selma. Selma is a werewolf from our pack and were meeting her for the first time tonight. Thank you for including me, Selma says, getting into the back seat next to Erin. No worries, the more the merrier, Erin smiles. I look at her through the rearview mirror. I never know when Erin is being sarcastic or not. Dawns told me lots about you guys, Selma continues. Dont believe a word you heard, Isabella says, making us laugh. So, Selma, what is it that you do? Erin asks. I work at the Marias Flowers in Little Vallis, Selma replies. Oh, that must smell nice, Erin comments. I dont notice it anymore. But I bet I smell like a flower shop, Selma laughs. The restaurant we go to is called That Turkish Place, and Dawn chose it. I walk in and take in the bold colours and beautiful mosaics that decorate the walls. Hello, how can I help you today? a woman with a strong accent asks when we walk in. We have a booking under Dawn Dawn says. Ah, table for five. Please come, she says, leading us to a table. The place is busy and were seated surrounded by people. Our server hands us a menu and promises to come back. We always get the banquet, Selma tells us. I have a look and see that it has three courses. Why not? Ive never had Turkish before, I admit, shrugging my shoulders. I like that idea, Isabella agrees. The food has strange names like mezes, sumac and halloumi, but each dish presented to us is absolutely delicious. I dont think Im going to be able to finish this, Erin admits as we near the end of our second course. I nod in agreement. If it wasnt for Alaric, I think Id go home, Im about to have a food coma, I admit. We can always get to go bags, Dawn says. And how would we divvy up the food then? Erin asks, making me smile. Reluctantly, we ask our server for take-home counters for the rest of the meal and then go to pay. That was nice. Im definitely taking Alaric, I admit when we leave. Just dont eat beforehand to prepare your stomach, Selma suggests. Thats what I did! Dawn laughs. Howling Moon is already busy by the time we arrive. Erin leads us to a booth that will fit all of us, and when we sit, Dawn takes our drink order. Have you been here before? I ask Selma, who nods. Once or twice. If it wasnt for Dawn, Id probably never go out, Selma admits. You have us now, Isabella says. Thanks, Id like that. So can you sing? Erin asks. A little, Selma admits. I laugh, knowing exactly what Erin is up to. What? Nothing, I grin. Evies just jealous because we sound so much better than her, Erin teases. But seriously, youre singing with us, Erin says, pulling Selma by the arm out of the booth. I smile as I watch them walk through the crowd towards the DJ. I saw Henry with some guy at the bar, Dawn says when after theyve left. Henry? I ask, wondering who she means. Alarics dad. Oh! I completely forgot all about Alaric being here tonight, so engrossed with my friends. Im going to see if Alarics here, is that okay? I ask. Dawn smiles. I knew you would. Are you sure? I ask, knowing that Id be a bad friend, leaving her alone. Go! But… Isabellas coming back, look, Dawn says, nodding towards the crowd. I see Isabella come back, alone. Selma and Erin are booking songs, Isabella admits, rolling her eyes. Have a shot first, Dawn tells me as I get up to leave. Whats going on? Isabella asks. Im going to look for Alaric, I sheepishly admit. Oh! Go, go! Isabella urges. Dawn hands me a shot glass, something with fluro-green liquid in it. I hesitate, making her raise her eyebrows at me. Fine, I say. I take the glass and Dawn and Isabella pick up one of their own. On three, okay? One, two, before Dawn says three, we all gulp down the contents of the drink. I make a face and slam the glass back on the table. Man that was strong! I exclaim. Midori Sour baby! Dawn chuckles. I grin and shake my head, before waving them goodbye and entering the crowd. Because its late, the place is busy and its hard to distinguish one scent from another, so I have to rely on my werewolf sight and bond to find Alaric. I walk towards the DJ first before steering right and heading for the tables on that side of the room. I smile when I see him, sitting with a group of men and talking. His emotions are happy and content, so I know his introduction to the Northern Rangers has been a good one. Alaric notices me before I get to him, standing up to meet me as I approach. Hi, I greet, wrapping my arms around his waist and enjoying the warmth of his hug. Did you just get here? No, Ive been here for about ten minutes? I reply. I want you to meet the guys, Alaric says, leading me back towards the table. Everyone, this is my mate, Georgie. Georgie, this is Joal, Laythe, Conner, Max and Zac, Alaric says. Hi, I smile, looking over at each person. I double back and look at the third guy, Conner. My heart drops when I recognise him. He looks older and is broader in the shoulders, but its definitely him. My ex-mate. Are you okay? Alaric asks me. What? I thought you said your mate was a Delta? Conner snorts before I can respond. She is, Alaric replies. Conner laughs. Im sorry, but arent Deltas meant to be able to fight? No wonder you need us! He laughs, nudging Laythe, who looks annoyed. I do know how to fight, I reply. Yeah right! I bet youre… Conner begins, before being interrupted by a voice behind me. Of course she does. She was taught by the best, the voice, which makes me stiffen, says. I let go of Alaric, who was about to protest and slowly turned around to match the voice to its person. He looks older. Worn, but still good. His hair is a mess like hes just run his hands through it. D-dad? I ask. Instantly the man smiles. Is it you peanut? he asks, stepping forward. Im so so sorry Dad. I couldnt stay, I admit, tears brimming in my eyes. Im not sure if I should walk up to him and hug him, or just stand here. Dad decides for me and wraps his arms around my shoulders, burying me in his strong chest. We thought you were dead, Dad whispers in my hair. I almost did, I reply, holding back my tears. Its my dad, and hes here! And hes not mad at me! Dad takes a step back, not taking his eyes off me. But youre here. Have you always been here? he asks. I shake my head. Maybe we should have this conversation somewhere else, Henry, Alarics dad says. I look over at Henry and then nod. Im not leaving you, Dad says, looking over at Henry with a nod. I watch as he fishes his keys out of his pocket and chucks them towards Conner. Youre DD tonight son, Dad tells Conner, making me want to vomit. He called Conner son. Well take my car, Alaric says. I reach for Alarics hand and squeeze. I love you, Alaric links, and I smile because thats exactly what I need to hear right now. Dad drops his arms from my shoulders and lets me walk out of the bar with Alaric. Im stunned. Out of all the things to happen tonight, the people… I let Alaric lead me to his car, turning now and then to look behind me and see if it is really my dad walking behind us. I forgot to tell my friends I was going. Something came up. I have to go, I link Erin and Isabella. I dont get a reply, but I dont expect to because I assume theyre on stage singing. Alaric opens the car door for me, and I let him close the door behind me. Where to? Alaric asks as he turns the ignition on. Miss Coffee. Talon and his team are staying at the pack house, Henry says, which I think he does for my benefit. Talon Athentree. My father. Hes really here. Peanut? my dad asks. I turn to look at him and smile. He reaches forward and I take his hand. We hold each others hand all the way back to the pack house. The trip back to the pack house is quiet. I want to say something, to ask my dad questions and explain myself to Alaric, but my words disappear. Alaric puts on the radio and we listen to that instead. Were quietly walking to Miss Coffee from the car, and I feel scared. Like some naughty child whos finally been caught and now has to face the consequences of her actions. Ive got you, babe, Alaric links, making me smile. Thank you. I dont know where to start… I admit. Let things come out naturally. Youll be fine. Im here, Alaric confirms, and I feel comforted with that knowledge. Coffee has one customer, and the guy behind the counter smiles when we come in. Good evening. Sit anywhere and Ill come by with the menus, he says. We nod and find a table for four near the bookshelf, away from the other customer who types furiously away at his laptop keyboard. From what I can tell, hes playing an online game. Alaric sits next to me and squeezes my knee. Dad sits opposite me, watching me closely. Hello, Im Jim and Ill be your server tonight. Because its late, there are no specials. Just what you see in the cabinet and of course, coffee. We also have decaf, Jim says with a smile. Oh, and yes, we do table service at night. Boss says it helps keep us awake, Jim says, before scurrying off. Okay then. I didnt know that, but okay. Anyone want coffee? I could do with a coffee, Henrik says, shuffling in his seat. We give him our orders and Henrik disappears to talk to Jim. We thought you were dead, peanut, Dad says, repeating what he said in the bar. Im sorry Dad, and I would have if Id stayed. I didnt want to tell you Id been rejected because I was ashamed, I admit. We found blood in the bathroom. There was so much. We thought the worst, but youre here, youre safe, and you looking healthy! Has Alaric been treating you well? I glance at Alaric, who nods. Yes, we started badly, but that wasnt his fault. Not entirely. I dont know where Id be without him, I admit. Dad smiles. Thats good peanut. Thats good. Where have you been? How long have you been here? Ive been here a few months. Before that, I lived on and off in human towns or the forest. You taught me to survive, Dad, and I did. Im so proud of you, peanut. Ive missed you. Your mum misses you. Your grandparents miss you, Dad says. I miss them too. Drinks, and pastries, Henry says, placing a tray of food on the table. Well, the drinks will come soon, Henry adds, settling himself in. Can you tell us your story peanut? Dad asks. I look over at Henrik, who accused me of Evie Daniels not being my real name all those weeks ago. How right he was. I take a deep breath in, and begin my story, starting from the moment I hit the tree line back in Swan Valley. I knew I couldnt fight all four of them, so I let them herd me over the territory and down the cells. I kept wanting someone to see us, to help, but there was no one, I say sadly. The boys took her the long way to our cells, so she was undetected. Our surveillance didnt even detect her arrival, Henrik admits. Which is why I think this pack needs a central security room, where you can see all the cameras at once, I say. You dont have a security room, Henry? Dad asks. But the former commander dismantled it for some reason. I think its sitting empty at the moment, Henry admits. No… Its now the weapons room, Alaric says. Really? Fuck. He made a lot of changes since Ben then, Henrick muses. And not all of them are good. How is Ben? Dad asks. Bens good. Hes got grandchildren now, so he and his mate have their hands full. Ill arrange a dinner for us while youre here, Henry says. Hold on, wait a minute, Alaric and I say together. Dad and Henry grin. Do you two know each other? Alaric asks. Yeah! I add. Did you know the Southern Rangers are free at the moment? When I saw which pack needed help, I volunteered my team instead. Which is why were here, Dad admits proudly. H-how? Alaric asks. Henry was my commanding officer during the war. I was eighteen and had just met my mate, Dad explains. Yes, the team called him Dickenson during that time, Henrik smiles. Because of how much I missed your mother, Dad adds. Ive heard this story before, but Im older now. Dickenson is my mothers maiden name, which got abbreviated over time by Dads team to Dickson. And not just for other reasons? Alaric asks. Yes, that too, I admit, remembering Mum and Dads periods of hibernating in their room after he returned from trips. No! Dad scoffs, but Henrik laughs. I thought you looked familiar, Georgiana. I met you when you were little, remember? Henrik asks. Yeah, I remember that. Ive met Raven too, Dad trained him when he came to our pack as a teen, I admit. Raven? Dad asks. Raven Stoddard. Hes originally from the Skathi Pack, Alaric offers. Dads face flushes with acknowledgement. Yes! I remember him. Is he too? Dad asks. Hes my eldests mate, Henrik says proudly. Wow, youve got yourself a strong family, Henry, Dad comments. Thank you. I think so, Henrik replies, looking at me. You know what I have to do now, dont you peanut? Dad says, looking at me. I begin to shake my head and say what, when Dad speaks up again, Tell your mother.