My Laughable Fate

16. Not a compromise

LEIA POV

NEXT DAY

I get that every pack does things.... differently. I just assumed the one thing we all had in common was that we knew how to prioritize our wolfpower efficiently. It's necessary since we don’t have the luxury of hiring an outside crew to keep a pack functioning. We strive to be self-sufficient because we have to be. Therefore, everyone must work, and the “weekends” are not an exception. Duh.

The higher your ranking and / or responsibility within the pack, the less likely you are to spend a full weekend at home. Unless you're a pup. At best, the high-ranking members take turns giving each other a day off. Before they do that, they should make sure that the pack members with the most strenuous jobs, those that require you to be the most on alert, get adequate rest and time off. Logically.

Yet, as I sit here and let Alpha Paul’s words sink in… I’m dumbfounded as to how this pack is still standing. “Did you just ask me to help you with the packs security protocols and then proceed to tell me it will have to wait until Monday, since the high-ranking members ALL take the weekends off?” I needed him to hear the udder stupidity in that statement. His statement.

What should I expect from a pack that used other smaller packs as sacrificial lambs? Something I did not put on my report because, while it doesn't take an i***t to figure out that's what they were doing, I have no proof. Besides, Alpha Daniel could just claim ignorance. Something he wouldn't have to prove at all.

My head was tilted, and my brow arched as I watched him gape at me. Why did that gorgeous and pouty mouth belong to him? That reminds me that I’ve yet to f**k with him for basically forcing me to take a seat and wait my turn. It’s his fault that I still find him attractive, and I’m going to make him pay for that.

My head was spinning with ideas about how to torture him when he smiled in what looked like a genuine fashion. Once again, making stupid butterflies flap around in my belly. “It’s not what you think, Master Sargeant. We are on-call, but it’s a rule that my father instilled a long time ago that I do find merit in.” He said confidently.

It was the first time he was that confident about anything and the part of me that wanted to snark back at him, didn’t react right away. That didn’t mean I was going to accept his excuse without any question. “What merit?” He sighed in exasperation and his brows knitted together.

His Beta looked amused from where he was leaning on the wall by the door. The Gamma was filling in for Alpha Daniel with his cara de fuchi (stank face), who was probably getting a manicure. He needn’t fret, his adopted son was here to represent. There we were, waiting for him to say something. Instead, he bore a hole between my eyes.

When he realized I wasn't backing down, his eyes began to narrow, and a small smirk formed on his lips. “High Ranking members are responsible for creating the next generation of leaders.” He opened his arms, gesturing at his Beta and Gamma. Ryce gave me a sheepish smile, which looked strange since he was a huge wolf. Bigger in mass than Robbie, but shorter.

It had me wondering how the hell Kendra even… Anyway. The wolf looks like a mountain man that’s blushing right now. The masses of dark brown from his beard can’t hide the blush on his tan skin. Ulysis, on the other hand. Ice. He hadn’t found his mate yet, and I was about to voice that before Alpha Paul opened his yap.

“You see, it’s important that those of us who find our mates have time to bond. We also want to give those who haven’t the adequate time to look for them.” He said in a patronizing tone. Sian was whimper growling. She had every right! This motherfucker just lectured me about mates and the importance of nurturing the bond in order to procreate.

A low growl left my lips and the smug smile slipped off his lips. His blue eyes darted to his Beta and then Gamma, who was now behind me. s**t, had I released my Alpha aura? “Just a little.” Sian whispered, knowing that was a big no no. I scanned the room and while they all looked confused, none of them seemed to suspect what had really happened.

They were linking one another, trying to figure out what was going on. I needed to hurry up and say something before they formed a brain cell among the three of them. What would my mom do? I’d call her, but that woman could sniff chime (drama) a mile away. There is no way I could get any hypothetical help from her.

As it was, I had to beg Luke to give me a little time and space. Something I’ve never done before. This whole situation isn’t just shitty…. It’s… humiliating. Since I'm a spiteful shewolf, I'd like some company. “I don’t agree, but it’s the most logical thing you’ve said since we met.” I said, startling him and the other two.

It was hilarious how his eyes bugged out. It looked like he was trying to read a painting. “What?” He stuttered. “Are you surprised that I think you said something logical or that what you said was logical?” I asked out of genuine curiosity. Ulysis smacked his thin lips and stepped closer to me.

I didn’t bother turning to face him. “Our Alpha’s decisions are logical and final.” He stated firmly. I didn't suppress my eyeroll but kept my gaze on Alpha Paul. “Best you all feel that way, because first I’m not going to help you create your security protocols. That responsibility falls on you three.” I turned to each of them respectively.

They all looked disappointed, one clearly more upset than the other two. Not that I cared. “The council sent over a package. Julious will be by later to drop it off.” The Alpha was finally getting his bearing and was preparing a rebuttal when I interrupted him. “Have a nice weekend Alpha Paul.” I chirped and turned heel to stride out of his office. See, I can do peppy.

HERC POV

I may or may not have worked everyone a tad harder than usual. "I think I twisted my knee!" p***y. "Rub some dirt on it." I said dismissively as I walked away from the Senior Patrol Guard, Gerry. He was a decent enough guy but not a leader. More of a whiner. That's why I was taking out my confusion and uncertainty out on him.

Suddenly, boss lady’s voice sounded in my head and I smiled like the simp that I am. She’d been avoiding me ever since she cried in my arms, which is why Gerry is sitting on the floor holding his ankle like a pup. If I couldn't kill the Alpha, I could maim one of his pack members. A little maimed, not a lot. "She didn't even hide our clothes when we went for a run last night." Aries complained.

She finished giving me everyone’s assignments for the rest of the day, and it was obvious things still hadn't been resolved between her and... I can't even say it. “J. Sarg wants you to drop off the starter kit to the Alpha's office.” f**k, the asshole haunts me at every corner. Still can’t believe his luck. “I’ll go now.” He linked back.

After I linked everyone their orders, I walked back into the gym and retrieved my clothes from the locker and began to walk toward the showers. “Sarg, meet me at my place in thirty, please.” I didn't ask, but made sure to say please. "We like our balls attached." Aries and I agreed on that. She didn’t respond, but I knew she heard me and I also knew that she would show up.

It took my time in the gym shower, once again going over all my thoughts and emotions. Fun? No, but necessary. It's obvious my wolf and I have developed feelings for her. The respect and admiration that had grown over time is now turning into something else. She let me in and allowed me to see her for who she really is. I can’t let her shut me out now.

All of a sudden, I couldn't get out of the shower fast enough. I think I almost ripped my clothes as I put them on with way too much determination. I was still pretty wet too. I forgot about how uncomfortable I was when I caught her scent, she was in front of my cabin, early as always, waiting for me. “What is it Herc? I need to make some calls.” She got straight to the point but wouldn’t meet my eyes.

A frown formed on my face and a low rumble reverberated in my chest. Leia gasped and finally met my eyes. “Wha…” She began, but with three quick strides I was in front of her before she finished speaking. “I don't like being ignored.Not by you anyway.” I tried to sound more angry than hurt, but I couldn’t hold back the grumble in my voice.

The frowny lines in between her eyes disappeared, and her eyes darted away from me. Since she was throat punching me or yelling, I went for it. Taking another step, I got even closer to her. "I’m going to tell you three truths.” My breath fanned her cheek and her lips parted, and her light brown eyes revealed how vulnerable she is right now.

One of her perfect eyebrows went up, and I knew time was up. She was rearing to strike. “One. You are my Master Sergeant, and I respect you. Not because I've been told to, but because you’ve more than earned and deserve it.” The eyebrow froze mid-way to its destination. “Two, you are my friend.” I paused, waited for her to deny it. Thank f**k she didn’t.

The slight pout meant she cared for me more than she wanted to admit. I hope. "That means I have your back no matter what. Werearmy be damned." She had my loyalty. “Three..." This one was hard. "I care for you... a lot... and although I’m not sure exactly what that means. I know that I trust you with my life and that I would die protecting you.” You could hear a pin drop.

Her pink lips formed a small o and for once she had no snappy remark. She seemed shell shocked. Her shoulders began to slump forward as she put her hands in her pockets. “Herc… I wasn’t trying to ignore you, really.” She finally looked into my eyes after speaking softly. “I’m not sure what you mean by care for… but…” Her head was already shaking in the negative. Ouch!

She began to step back, but I strode forward, remaining in her vicinity but still giving her space. “I know you don’t f**k around with anyone you work with directly.” I stated and reached for her hand. She flinched but allowed me to take it in mine. The lines of her body went straight, stiff, then relaxed when my thumb caressed her palm.

Her eyes trailed down to our joined hands, as if she was analyzing them and what I was doing. “I want her.” Aries asserted, making his decision known. Good, we were on the same page. “I’m not asking you to do anything that would jeopardize your reputation or what you’ve accomplished.” I would never do that.

When her face shot up to search mine, she saw that I wasn’t lying. I could tell by the soft expression on her usually mischievous face. “Then?” She asked in confusion. “Don’t shut me out. We’ve both been through very similar situations and… there might be a reason for that.” I was beginning to think so.

When Leia asked me about my mate, I simply said I didn’t have one. No details. It didn’t hurt to speak about her, but I didn’t see the point in it. Now I do. “How so?” There was a hint of irritation in her voice and the frown lines were starting to form. My time had long expired, and I was on borrowed time.

“When I met my mate, we both agreed we weren’t a good match. We wanted very different things.” I explained. “You guys didn’t even try?” Leia growled, and now she was full on frowning at me. Boss lady looked like she going for my balls, not in a good way either. “Hold on! I admit it sounds selfish, but you need to hear me out.” I took a step back and raised my hands in front of me.

Taking a deep breath, she relaxed and rested her hand on her hip. That meant I wasn’t out of the woods yet. “There was no way I could be what she wanted. Helena wanted a wolf with status, like her grandfather, High Elder Marcus.” I started with the one thing that would never happen. Ever.

Understanding shone on her face. “You don’t even like talking to the Elders.” She muttered with a small smile. That’s my boss lady. “You know I don’t like politics.” I affirmed and she finally grinned. It didn’t last though. Once again she looked disillusioned. “You don’t wish you had tried? Maybe compromised with her?” Leia asked seriously.

I shook my head before elaborating. “It shouldn’t feel like a compromise.” That was something I realized long ago. “At first, when I wasn’t given a second chance, I thought we should have worked it out. But everything else in my life is amazing. If I had made the wrong choice, wouldn’t I be miserable?” Loney at times, yes. Sad, not at all.

Leia was thoughtful for a moment before she spoke again. “So… you don’t need a mate?” She said in exasperation and threw her hands in the air. “Relax boss lady. Sometimes you find your mate and everything else in your life just seems to fall into place.” At least that's the way it seems to the rest of us.

“Some of us don’t have it like that. We find our place in life and then, we find our other half. Fated or not.” I purposely held her gaze. At this point she was frustrated, flustered and furious. "I could think of another f we can add." Aries muttered. “Herc.” She cleared her throat to hide the croak in it. “You’re my subordinate.” She reminded me.

I nodded, that was true. A smug smile formed on my lips. This was my first time seeing Sarg out of sorts. I like it. The deer in the headlights look, looks hot on her. “Every look, looks hot on her.” Aries asserted. “I am.” I took another step forward; she stepped back, actually retreating, and bumbped into the cabin door behind her.

Leaning my face down to her ear, I whispered. “But I don't have to be, and that's not a compromise.” I felt the heat off her skin, heard the shudder in her breath. That’s when the scent of her arousal hit me. “Damn it Herc!” She groaned and pushed me away before storming back in the direction of hers. Now I was damp and she was wet. Again.