Page 76 of His Rejected Alpha Mate
Something passed between us and I felt like I’d passed a test. The moment broke as T and Axel entered through the French doors off the dining room. Teárlach’s tinkling laugh preceded him. Axel looked tired but happy as he leaned against the elf. He couldn’t walk long distances without help of some kind and, more often than not, it was T that was by his side.
Blake and Kade exchanged a weighted look, and I hoped they wouldn’t do anything to discourage what was blooming between the wolf and the elf. “It’s okay, Dad. We just want them to be careful. There’s a lot that wouldn’t accept a mixed species mating and we’re still trying to weed them out of the pack. It’s about safety, not prejudice.” Kade’s voice was soft as he whispered into my ear so that the others wouldn’t overhear.
“I’m sorry. I know better.” It was true. Guilt rose at my doubt. Blake was a progressive alpha. I shouldn’t have questioned his feelings. Of course he would only want happiness for his brother. For any of his pack. Kade wrapped an arm around me, giving me a squeeze.
“Daddy, can you ask him?” Angelica piped up from her place on the sofa with a coloring book in her lap. Roan was holding the crayons and discussing her color choices. She was shy about asking the elves anything directly, but would speak when spoken to.
“T, would you like to visit the factory tomorrow? Angelica would like to take a tour, but I might be called to fix something or sign paperwork, so don’t want us to go alone. I know Hakeem wanted to go there. The school children do a tour, but that isn’t until after Christmas.”
Teárlach looked confused at the word, and Axel muttered some words to him that had him nodding. “Ah, the human winter holiday. I would love a tour. Axel, will you be up to it?”
The beta gave a tired yawn and sat heavily on the sofa. “If we could shift and walk over, that would be great. Dr Flemming says that I have to shift more. I managed an hour the other day.”
“I’d love to meet your wolf properly.” T blushed and added, “and your bear, Dakota. I’m sure Miss Angelica’s fox is very impressive.”
Angelica gave a little giggle, happy that she was getting her own way.
Four elves walked beside a wolf, bear and fox towards the sprawling factory where Shelby, the nymph I’d once worked with, was waiting. It hadn’t taken her long to climb the ranks, and now she was one of the assistant managers.
“Goddess! Is this your daughter, Dakota? She’s so pretty in fox form! I have a little space for you to shift back and some hard helmets for you all to wear when we go onto the factory floor. I know Angelica doesn’t need to be told not to touch anything because she’s a clever little girl.”
Our elven guests laughed as Shelby intended and waited to the side while I ushered Axel and Angel into the room so we could shift. There was a small screened off area that Angel dipped behind. I left her clothes in easy reach and let the shift take over. Quickly dressing, I checked on Angel as Axel’s shift took that bit longer than usual, like his wolf was fighting him. He sat in a chair to get dressed and I nearly went to him to offer my help. Something about the mulish set of his jaw had me holding back.
Axel finished dressing, took a deep breath, and stood carefully. His face was pale, and I thought I detected beads of sweat along his forehead. “I’m fine, Dakota. I swear.”
I didn’t argue.
We shuffled into the vestibule where the rest of our party was waiting. Immediately, T gravitated to Axel’s side, and I saw the younger man mouth something to the elf before leaning on him slightly.
The tour began with Shelby pointing out features and our more diverse workforce. Instead of a purely shifter staff, we now had Shelby, a nymph, the ogres, and even a couple of vampires from a different coven to that of Isaac’s.
As predicted, I was called upon to sign things before we got halfway around. Angelica was tired, so I ended up carrying her. “Here, let me carry the girl.” Teagan offered.
“Thanks.”
Angelica was happy to go to Teagan, and I left them to whisper together. The elves had admitted that they missed having children, so the pack was a refreshing change. Far from feeling frostiness from the elves over our lowly shifter nature, there was an eagerness we hadn’t expected. If a shifter parent wanted some time to themselves, there was usually a willing elf ready to provide childcare.
“Hey, Dakota? Would you mind looking at this machine? It’s stuck fast.” Avery called. They were standing by a top loading press and the conveyor belt for the apples was jammed.
I looked down at the smart button down I’d picked out for the day. It was a light gray that made me look more tanned. Jasper loved this shirt on me and peeling me out of it. He’d kill me if I ruined it with dirt and oil. I removed the shirt, handing it to a smirking Hakeem. “Look after this, would you?” Then I stepped onto the factory floor to wrestle with the machine.
Keeping my curses to a minimum was difficult, and I heard Angelica giggling every time that I swore. The knuckles on my hand ached from rapping them on the metal frame. The damn thing just didn’t want to work. Most of the equipment was reaching the end of its days, but re-investment had been low until Blake took charge. We needed more investment badly. I reached up and wriggled the wrench, getting it into place finally.
“Daddy? What’s that?” I heard Angelica ask.
“I believe your dad has a bear tattoo.” Hakeem said. “I didn’t realize shifters liked tattoos.”
The stuck piece finally moved and there was a cheer as the belt crawled along. I rejoined the group. “Tattoos aren’t that common with shifters because we need to use magical ink to suppress our healing long enough for our skin to accept the design. This one was really important to me, though. I’d love to get another.”
“You would?” Hakeem asked. “You should have Teárlach work on you. He did a remarkable piece for me that wraps around my leg from thigh to ankle. Teárlach, my friend, do you have any of your supplies?”
“No, but it wouldn’t be much of an issue to head home for a bit and grab them. There’s a portal point not too far from here.”
“Could I come with you?” Axel asked.
The pair shared a whispered conversation before Axel deflated. T rushed to soothe him. “Next time. When you can enjoy it better. I fear you are tired.”
We ended our tour shortly after with both Axel and Angelica needing to be collected by car, both exhausted having pushed their limits. I watched T and Axel before the elf got into another vehicle to make a brief trip to their realm. Whatever was happening between them was moving quickly, and I prayed to the goddess that no one would end up with a broken heart.
