Page 65 of Destined Mate

“Elder Dillard? Elder Moore? The two of you are welcome to stay, but be aware that you’re on probation. I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. You might decide how I lead this pack is too progressive and wish to leave. If so, I’ll help you relocate.”

“I honestly don’t see that happening,” Elder Dillard said.

“Same,” Elder Moore said.

“We’ll see. While I’ll welcome your advice and guidance, I won’t put up with disrespect toward my mate. Are we clear?”

“Quite clear,” Elder Dillard said.

“I believe we owe you an apology, Jerome,” Elder Moore added. “We really didn’t know what Elmer had done.”

Jerome shook his head. “No, you don’t. And honestly, I’m just glad we won’t have to put up with Rodgers’ nonsense anymore.”

Wesley gave Jerome a small, proud smile before turning back to the elders as they rose from the table.

“We’ll prove ourselves, Alpha Wesley,” Elder Moore said. “We never felt the way Rodgers did.”

“In fact,” Elder Dillard said, “this has been invigorating.”

“Good. We’ll see you tomorrow morning at breakfast. We’ll talk more about establishing roles and our expectations.”

“I do like setting expectations.” Elder Dillard chuckled.

Moore rested his hand on Dillard’s shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze.

The elders turned to leave.

Jerome caught Henry watching them intently.

“You think they’re going to stay, Alpha Wesley?” Henry asked once the door clicked shut behind the older wolves.

“They will,” Jerome said with a confidence he hadn’t felt around an elder—any elder—in years.

Lakisha leaned against the wall, and an easy grin spread across her face. “Gotta say, it’s nice seeing those other two get what they deserve.”

“It really is,” Al agreed, while Marcia nodded beside him.

“You’re already improving things here, Alpha Wesley,” Lakisha chimed in.

“They always sided with Elmer,” Marcia said. “Even as Elmer and his betas abused pack members.”

“But you stopped it, Alpha Wesley, and I believe I speak for everyone when I say thank you,” Lakisha added.

“I just hope none of us ever sees them again.” Al pointed at the door Rodgers and Horner had left through moments ago.

“Well, we won’t be seeing Rodgers, that’s for sure.” Jerome couldn’t contain his grin. Yes, he really didn’t like that wolf. Whatever happened to the ex-elder, he brought on himself.

Al made a catty remark about Rodgers, and Lakisha elbowed him in the ribs, snickering. Henry snorted while Marcia rolled her eyes good-naturedly. Keith said something, and they all cracked up.

Jerome watched their reactions—he’d never seen the pack betas quite so animated or relieved. And they got along well with Wesley’s wolves. Jerome’s heart swelled with pride when he realized how much things had already changed since last night, thanks to his wonderful alpha—his perfect alpha.

He had everything he ever wanted, especially now that the dreadful old wolf was no longer a constant threat.

Wesley’s gaze rested on Jerome. He smiled wider than Jerome had ever seen him smile before. “Things are going to get better.”

There was enough warmth there to melt the coldest of hearts. It had certainly melted his. Their bond buzzed with happiness. While the others laughed and joked, Jerome pulled Wesley into a tight hug. He didn’t care who saw. In fact, he wanted them to see.

All he cared about was this moment. This moment that showed how different everything would be from here on out. It showed how he mattered. Finally. How that first spark of something deeper than affection was taking root.

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