A Matter of Convenience

Seven

I clear my throat in an attempt to swallow the sobs that are threatening to erupt. “What about the elders?” Lionel smirks at me as he wipes his tears away. He knows that I’m purposely changing the subject, but he isn’t going to fault me for that. Lionel releases my hand and leans back in the chair.

“I’m sure you already know what they said. She needs a mate by her side to take over the pack. They told her that if she doesn’t find a mate, Greg will take over.” A soft growl escapes my lips because that’s all Randolph can muster. I hate that she’s being put in this position, but there isn’t much I can do to change it. There’s no way in hell I will turn my pack over to Greg. He may be family, but hell no! “Looks like Scarlett Moon is in the same predicament.”

“What do you mean?”

“Young Ericson is also in the clinic, having been brought in for some kind of poisoning. From what I gather, his mate cheated and left him. His father wants him to take a chosen mate, but he’s refusing.”

“Let me guess. It was Alpha Trevor that told the elders about his son’s situation?” Lionel nods, and I roll my eyes. “He’s always been such an asshole.” The door opens before Lionel can tell me more. Issy walks into the room, looking between Lionel and me.

“Are we having a party in here or something?” I smile and motion for her to come forward. She sits opposite Lionel, perching on the edge of my bed. “I can give you two time alone if you want.” I shake my head and reach for her hand.

“Don’t do that, Issy. We always love having time with you.”

“I was just filling your father in on the woes that have fallen on the Scarlett Moon pack.”

“Yeah, Miles was telling me about that.” Lionel laughs a bit, causing us to look in his direction.

“I was just thinking that it would be crazy if you two joined together.” Issy gasps and shakes her head. If I dwell on it, it’s actually a good idea. “I’m just saying because the packs are so close together and you two are in the same predicament. It would make sense if you two decided to join together.”

“I would never! I mean, Ericson and I would never ever work.” I squeeze Issy’s hand so she’ll look at me.

“Why wouldn’t it work?”

~Isis~

I look at my father as if he has two heads growing from his neck. He can’t be serious right now. It has to be the rantings of a dying man because he’s making no sense. There’s no way this could be a real possibility. “Daddy, you can’t be serious right now.”

“I’m kind of serious if I’m being honest. Why is it that things won’t work between you two?”

“Uh, because we can’t stand each other.” I know my dad knows this because we’ve talked about it before.

“Yeah, I still don’t understand how that’s a thing. You two rarely spent time together over the years, and you’ve said that you ran in different circles while in school. I just don’t understand why you two have such a large rift between you. I’ve always been worried that it would impact the alliance that we have.”

“Dad, I would never jeopardize any alliance that we have. I just can’t stand him as a person. To do what you’re suggestion, I mean we would have to like be around each other.” I shut my eyes and shake my head. “Nope, there’s no way.”

Maybe Dad has a point, Isis.

You can’t be serious, Rona. You know how I feel about Ericson, how I’ve always felt. This is a crazy thought.

If we’re being honest, you and Ericson haven’t had any issues with one another, so why not? Why not do this so we can keep our pack? Do you really want Greg to take over? I can’t believe this right now. I feel like I’ve slipped into the Twilight Zone or something. How is it that both my wolf and my dad are suggesting that I join forces with an enemy? That’s just crazy.

I shake my head in an attempt to let it all wash over me. The whole idea is ludicrous, and I don’t plan on entertaining it in the slightest. I stand up and back away slightly. “I think I’m going to leave you old men to your musings. I’m not sure if there’s something in the air here or maybe the water, but whatever it is, I don’t want to catch it, too.” Uncle Lionel shakes his head while chuckling, and Dad just looks at me.

“You should really think about it, Issy.” I walk over and kiss Dad on his head before leaving his room. I think I need to go for a run.

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I’m not sure how long Rona and I are out there. Today has been a hell of a day, and there were a lot of things I needed to come to terms with. When I woke up this morning, I could have never guessed that my day would turn out like this.

As I get closer to the packhouse, I shift into my human form. I grab a shirt out of a nearby cubby. I throw the shirt over my head and run into a solid wall. I push my hands out to cushion my fall and end up groping a firm body. “Try a little lower.” I roll my eyes and focus in front of me. Once I’m stable on my feet, I swipe at Miles in irritation. He laughs and pulls me close to him, turning us toward the packhouse. “So how was the run? Get all that nervous energy out?”

“It wasn’t nervous energy. It was anger, frustration, confusion, and shock.”

“Confusion and shock? Am I missing something?”

“I went to see dad and Uncle Lionel was in there. Dad told me to consider joining with Ericson so we can save our packs. Can you believe that?!” Silence follows us as we walk, and I turn to look at Miles. He has no emotions on his face, and that’s not how it should be. He should be laughing or at least irritated at the suggestion. “Uh, Miles?”

“Look, girly… I’ve been thinking about this since we spoke earlier, and it’s a good idea.” I jump away from him, rage flowing through me. “Just hear me out first!” I cross my arms over my body and stare at him. “Both you and Ericson are meant to take over your packs, each of you finding your fated mates. Now, neither of you is with your mates, which will hinder you from taking over. The packs are so close, sharing a clinic and all. It just makes sense that you two work together to get what you both want.”

“Seriously, Miles?! You even said earlier that he and I would end up killing each other. We can’t stand each other, and that isn’t going to change. Why the hell would anyone think we could get along in order to claim our packs? Do you know how long we’d have to deal with each other?!” I can’t believe everyone right now. This is utterly ridiculous, and it’s beyond stupid that anyone is even suggesting this.

“I get it, I do. You can control the narrative, though. Create a contract and put your own dos and don’ts. You could make it to where you are only around each other when you have to be seen in public or something. You should really consider this. The fact that your father brought it up says a lot.” I shake my head, not wanting to hear anymore. Everyone has lost their minds, and I’m not interested in entertaining them. I turn on my heel toward the clinic. “Come on, Isis. Don’t walk away.”

I throw a hand up in the area and wave it a few times. “I’m going to go sit with dad.”