A Matter of Convenience

Ten

~Ericson~

Mom’s been gone for a while now, and nurses have been in to check on me. They say I should be able to go home tomorrow, but I’m not that eager to go. Ignoring my heartache at home will be harder than in this clinic.

The door squeaks open, and his scent hits me. I really don’t have the energy for my father right now, but there will be no getting rid of him. “I see you’re still in that bed. Don’t you think you should get up already? I know you have duties you're neglecting.”

“I’m following the doctor’s orders. If you have an issue with that, go talk to him.”

“Pathetic,” Dad says under his breath.

“I’m sorry. Did you say something?” He walks closer to my bed, but I hold my ground.

“I said you are pathetic! I can’t believe something as simple as your mate walking away has you acting like some kind of invalid.” My blood starts to boil, and I try my best to ignore him. “You really need to get up and get on with things. I’ve created a list of suitable she-wolves for you to look at. You need to find a mate so you can take over the pack.”

“I don’t need a mate to take over. I’m capable of handling it on my own.”

“I’m not going to have this same argument with you. I’ve told you that if you want this pack, you need a mate. The elders have told you the same. I can plan for your cousin, Frank to take over if you refuse to see reason. I’m sure he and his mate are more than up for the task.” I throw my head back and laugh.

“Who exactly are you trying to fool? You and I both know that you’d rather stay in power forever than to give the title to Frank or even to me. I’m sure that deep down you’re ecstatic that I’m being so difficult.” There’s a flash of something in his eyes for just a few seconds before he dulls his expression.

There’s a knock on the door as it opens. It suddenly smells like wildflowers in here. I actually like that smell, but I’d deny it if anyone were to ask. “Oh, uh, hello.” Son of a bi.tch, it’s Isis Weston.

~Jovanni~

I was called to the Alpha’s office, and I don’t have a good feeling about things. It’s like when you were in school, and the principal’s office stood for discipline. This is how I feel right now, like I’m about to be disciplined for something.

I step through the open door and quietly close it behind me. I walk further in and find Alpha Felix sitting at his desk and Beta Terrance sitting across from him. They are both watching me as I walk toward them. I sit next to the Beta and just wait.

“So, Beta Terrance and I had a long talk yesterday. He told me about your little situation.” I ended up telling Beta Terrance everything that happened and had to also tell him about his daughter. He already had a feeling I may have been hooking up with her, so this was just confirmation. “So what’s the plan going forward?” I look between my Alpha and Beta, not really understanding what he means.

“I don’t understand.” Alpha Felix leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk.

“I’m interested in helping you. You would get your mate back and take over her pack. I hear you were thinking of making Nina your Luna once you take over. How did you plan to get rid of Isis?” Well, now this is a dilemma. I know what I told Nina, but I didn’t entirely mean it. I needed Nina to stay in line, so I told her what she wanted to hear. I’m not saying that I plan to keep Isis, but the path forward is clear and goes through Isis.

I can’t tell the Alpha and Beta that I was lying to Nina. If I did that, I’d definitely be put to death for my betrayal. I really have nothing to say, but I know I need to say something. “Why would you want to help me? Wouldn’t it go against some type of code among Alphas or something?” Alpha Felix chuckles and leans back in his chair.

“I get it. I understand your hesitation, but I assure you that I’m serious. You could say there’s an unspoken code, but I don’t care about that. I have an, hmmmm, an issue with the Scarlett Moon pack.” I can honestly say that I’m thoroughly confused right now. How does my being with Isis have an impact on Scarlet Moon?

“Uh, do you mean the Scarlettmaw pack?”

“No. I mean Scarlett Moon.”

~Ericson~

Now, if you had told me that my mortal enemy would walk into my room, I would have told you that you were high or something. That said, she’s standing at the door looking between my father and me. Okay, fine, she’s not my mortal enemy. I just can honestly say that I never liked her.

*Flashback*

I swear I hate coming to these stupid meetings. It was fun when I was younger, and I also spent my time running around with the other kids who were dragged along. Now that I’m older, I’m here to work. Once I get to high school, it will be even more intense.

At least my dad let me bring my best friend with me. He’s going to keep me sane while I’m here, and I love him for that. Duante is my future Beta, but we are best friends. He knows all of my secrets, and I know his. “I’m so glad these meetings are over for the day. Let’s go do something.” I look at Duante and watch him eye the area we are staying in. He chomping at the bit, and it’s contagious.

“What do you want to do?” He gets a sly look on his face before looking around us to make sure no one is listening.

“There was this girl that I saw when we first got here. I actually want to find her.” Duante has a one-track mind; I don’t think that will ever change. I can’t be mad at him, though. At this rate, our high school years should be magnificent.

Duante is looking around the area until his body tenses. He looks at me with a glint in his eye. He doesn’t bother to say anything; he just takes off. I shake my head and start to follow him until I hear my father call me. “Sir?”

“Where’s Duante?” I shrug my shoulders.

“He walked off somewhere.”

“Well, don’t go too far because you will need to be back in the packhouse after lunch.” Of course! I can’t just be a kid. Many times, I wish I were an Omega and not have all of this responsibility on my shoulders.

My father walks off, and I set out to find Duante. I decide to search the nearby area populated by many of us who came with our parents. As I get closer to the area, I hear raised voices and laughter. “Just who do you think you are that you could do something like that? Do you know who my father is? Do you know what he would do to you? Next time you see me, turn the other way!” A girl with her hands on her hips is screaming at Duante. I look closer and notice who she is. Fu.cking Isis Weston!

*End of Flashback*

I’ve never forgotten when she came up to me and pushed me out of nowhere. I haven’t seen her a lot over the years, but when I have, I’ve kept my distance. I was livid when I saw her then, saying all of that to my best friend. I was ready to defend him, but he grabbed my arm and dragged me away. It’s a memory that still pops up when her name is spoken.

I close my eyes and try to clear my mind. When I open them, she’s still standing there, looking between us. “I hope I’m not interrupting. I wanted to extend my good health blessings to Ericson.” Good health blessings from her? There’s no way!

“You aren’t interrupting, dear. I did say I needed to see about your father. I guess I will do that now.” His gaze turns to me. “We will finish this conversation later.” I decide not to respond, and I watch him leave the room. Now that he’s gone, the energy changes, and it’s uncomfortable. I have no idea why she’s here, but I’m sure it isn’t to wish me good health.

“Well, Isis Weston. What exactly can I do for you?”