A Matter of Convenience

Six

~Isis~

I already peeped in on my dad, and he’s still resting. I don’t know how much time I have left with him, but I want to make the most of it. I would sit with him, but I need to get my thoughts together. I don’t want to fill his room with my harsh feelings; he needs peace right now. “Hey.” I look up, and a smile graces my face, and tears build in my eyes. “Are you okay?” I shake my head as the tears fall from my face. He sits next to me and wraps his arms around me.

“Miles….I…..”

“Ssshhhhh….it’s okay. Just let it out; I’m here.” Miles, my best friend in the entire world. His family came to the pack when he was around 7 years old. We immediately hit it off, and he’s been my rock since. He’s sat with me through the hardest times in my life, and I held his hand while he came out to his parents.

Miles is one of our top warriors, and yes, I should have made him Beta. I was going to, but he refused the job. He said it wasn’t for him, and he wanted more freedom. I can’t be mad at him because being a ranked member brings a lot of responsibility with it.

I haven’t given up on him becoming Alpha, though. I figure I can wear him down and convince him to take the position when it gets closer to time for me to take my vows. I won’t force him to take the position. He’s my best friend, and I want him to be happy more than anything else.

I settle against Miles, letting the emotions I’ve been holding in have free rein. I tell Miles everything that’s happened, from the mess with Jovanni to what’s going on with my dad. Miles comforts me and listens intently. Miles kisses me on the top of my head a few times as my tears dry up. “Well, I have some news for you. It could help ease some of the mess.” I look up at Miles, wondering what he could tell me to make me forget my problems.

“Go for it. I’m up for anything at this point.”

“Well, I’m sure you know that Ericson the Egomaniac is in the clinic right now.” I nod, remembering the hysterics that followed him in earlier. “A little birdy told me that he’s been visited by the elders. His father called them in to light a fire under him. It turns out that he found his fated mate, but she left him. He tried to drink himself to death, which landed him here.” I gasp, trying to imagine someone attempting to take their own life. “Well, I’m not sure he did it on purpose, but a ridiculous ton of alcohol is what landed him here. Anyway, they told him that they'd be back in a few days. He has to produce a mate, or he won’t take over, but he’s refusing a chosen mate.” That sounds super familiar. “I know we can’t stand him and all, but I kind of feel bad for him. It’s bad enough his fated mate left him, but now they are trying to force him to be with someone just to take over the pack. He can’t even deal with his loss first. And to have his father at the helm of it all…that sucks.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I mean, they visited me too and gave me a similar speech. Like I can think about a mate right now when my dad’s life is hanging in the balance. It’s like they can’t even get with the times. This isn’t the Middle Ages; we should be past all this.” Miles nods while rubbing my back. He starts to chuckle, causing me to pull back and look at him.

“It’s nothing girly, just…well…”

“Well?” Miles throws his head back and laughs.

“Wouldn’t it be a problem solver if you two were to get together? I mean, the packs are so close that they share a clinic. You two could take over your packs, and no one would bother you.” Miles laughs more as a frown grows on my face. “It’s such a crazy thought. I mean, imagine you and him together. You’d kill each other in less than a week.” I nod my head at that statement. Ericson and I can’t stand each other mutually. We would never be able to survive each other, no matter the circumstances. “Just ignore me, I’m being silly.” I snuggle against Miles, letting the sound of his heartbeat calm me. I have so much to figure out, but I just want to forget everything right now.

~Emmet~

I slowly open my eyes and notice that my room is empty. I’m actually surprised that Issy isn’t in here with me, but I’m not mad. She needs some rest after what she’s been through, and worrying over me isn’t going to help her.

My door opens, and Lionel, my best friend and Beta, walks in. He gives me a small smile before sitting next to my bed. “Well, old man, looks like you are on your last leg.” I let a chuckle escape from my lips, knowing he was not wrong. “Are you really going to leave all of us like this?” I lift my hand, and he doesn’t hesitate to grab a hold of it.

Lionel and I grew up together. He’s always been by my side, and I’d say that he made me a better Alpha. Lionel helped pull me out of my despair after I lost my mate. He constantly reminded me that my daughter needed her father by her side. I wish I could hang on longer for them, but I don’t have it in me. I owe myself and Randolph a rest. I also want to be with my mate again. “I’m going to need you to watch over Issy. This won’t be easy for her to deal with.”

“When have I ever not watched over her? She’s not my goddaughter for nothing, you know.” I squeeze his hand and let out a breath. “Three elders were here today. I’m assuming they heard about you being in here.”

“Did they talk to Issy?” The smirk on his face is all the conformation I need. Issy had a run-in with the elders, and I’m sure it didn’t go that well.

“I was able to contain her this time. She did tell them that she didn’t have a mate. Care to fill me in?” I close my eyes and relay the story that Issy told me earlier. “Fu.cking asshole! I’m tempted to run over there and rip him apart for doing that to her. He showed up here, and they told me he created a bit of a scene.”

“He wasn’t let in, was he?” Lionel shakes his head.

“Nah, he was kept out, but she went out to see him. They say that she rejected him, but he refused to accept it.” I turn my head to the side, hating that I’m lying here being useless.

“So he’s going to be a problem later, huh? Maybe I need to stick round a bit longer.” Lionel tugs my hand, making me turn to look at him.

“You need to let go.” Tears are gathering in his eyes, and I’m sure I won’t be far behind him. “You’ve held on longer than most expected. You made sure to be the best father to Issy that you could be, and you’ve been an amazing Alpha to this pack. You’re my best friend, my brother. I would love for you to stick around, but I know what pain you are in. I know how hard it is for you to get up everything and go through this life. Issy is strong, and she can handle that loser ex-mate of hers. She will have me by her side as well as others. You don’t need to hold on anymore. It’s time to have your peace.” I can barely see Lionel through the tears clouding my vision. I feel better seeing tears falling down Lionel’s face. He’s right, but this is so hard. It’s hard to leave my child and my family. It’s hard to let go.