Watching Brynlee flitter about the cottage getting ready for the day, I sip my coffee by the dining table and try not to smile to brightly. Last night Brynlee spent time teaching me about the basics of living alone starting with laundry. I thought the process of cleaning and folding clothes was a difficult task but found it surprisingly easy the moment Brynlee showed me how to turn the machines on and how to disperse the laundry detergent into the washing machine. The hard part was learning how to fold my clothes.
Brynlee had warned me that my laundry was my responsibility. That we may be working on our relationship but she was not my caretaker. She said that I would need to learn these skills before our pup came and that once our pup came, she would not be raising the pup alone like how Valor left my mother to raise me alone. That part stung but she is right. If I am to be a good Mate and father, then I will help her with the chores and take on an active role in raising our pup. I will be different from Valor.
“Ready to go to the Pack House?” Brynlee calls out through a mouthful of a chocolate chip granola bar – her newest pregnancy craving. I nearly spit my coffee out at the sight, chuckling at how she munches happily on the treat with the front door to the cottage open.
“Yep. Can’t miss my second day of Bata training.” I manage to choke out as I stand, setting my now empty mug in the kitchen sink before following Brynlee out the door. She moves quickly, making it to the driver's side of her truck and I reluctantly take my seat on the passenger side. Her scent invades me. The sweet cinnamon sugar with a hint of warm spice caused by the pregnancy. Her Spotify playlist plays, some pop song that she sings along to.
Watching the scene pass by, I can’t help but compare how small Crescent Phoenix is to Pine Moon. There are a total of four dormitories. One was built years ago when this place was called Golden Fang, and the other three were built recently. From what Ricky told me; the first dorm took priority as I was sending Pine Moon wolves here for their safety. By the time I came, the second was finished and the third was halfway completed.
Under Aunt Asteria’s, Uncle Gale’s, and Brynlee’s leadership, the Pack has grown stronger in such a short time. I have a feeling that if Valor and Tanya were to attack, Crescent Phoenix would be able to hold its own. Heck, we may be able to sneak back into Pine Moon and take our Valor and Tanya while they are distracted in attacking Crescent Phoenix if it comes to this scenario – even if killing a pregnant woman does not sit well with me. But the world would be better without Valor and Tanya in it.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Brynlee calls out to me, her hand taking mine. I smile at her, relishing in the tingles that the bond brings from her touching me.
“Just thinking about how strong this Pack has grown. Golden Fang was weak and disorganized from what I remember.” I state with a chuckle, returning my gaze to the window and watching as the houses grow closer together as we get closer to the Pack House.
“Even though the majority of the wolves were members of the original Pack, they seem happier and healthier with the structure you provided. You really would have made a perfect Luna.” I continue, guilt creeping into me. Pine Moon would have become stronger had I not rejected Brynlee.
“Well, I like being a Beta. I think being a Luna would bore me to death.” She shrugs, her smile growing wider.
“I don’t think I would be happy planning gardens and organizing parties for visiting Packs like Luna’s do. Gale seems to be enjoying his Luan job but I prefer leading and planning training schedules.” Brynlee continues with a giggle, her happy mood very contagious. I sniff the air, scenting the truth to her words, and relax. It seems she really does enjoy being a Beta.
Now I wonder what would happen if we took back Pine Moon. Would she be a Luna, taking a back seat to plan visitations from ally Packs or hosting Pack dinners? Or would Brynlee lead beside me, taking charge of Pack training, security measures, and expanding the Pack as it grows?
Part of me feels like she would help me with the jobs stereotypically meant for an Alpha and I just know Brynlee would be damned amazing at it.
The truck pulls in front of the Pack House and after Brynlee shuts off the engine, we climb out. Waving at the few Pack Mates that loiter about, the two of us walk into the building with Brynlee making a beeline for the Pack Dining Hall, her eyes lighting up the moment she smells the apple strudels that must have been freshly baked this morning. Rolling my eyes, I make a mental note to stop by and grab as many apples as I can to stock the fridge in the cottage as I have a feeling she will be sending me on errands to get anything made with apples in the middle of the night.
“Rune.” I hear Uncle Gale call out from behind me. Looking towards the stairs I find my Uncle making his way towards me, a frown on his face.
“Our spy just reported in.” He says as he reaches me, his tone hushed but full of warning. Alarms start to ring in my mind and for a moment I turn back to look at Brynlee who takes a bite of the fresh apple strudel and waves to me. I wave back, trying to smile and not worry her.
“What did they say?” I ask, turning back to face Uncle Gale.
“Devlyn is making a break for the Pack Border. He is trying to escape the Pack.”