Page 169 of Knotting the Firefighters
"I agree," I hear myself saying despite reservations. "Think having a clear pack structure might actually help rather than hurt. Remove ambiguity, establish roles, demonstrate thatCalder's interest in me doesn't diminish what he feels for Aidric."
Polyamory.
Pack dynamics.
Multiple connections that strengthen rather than compete.
Theory sounds good.
Practice is infinitely more complicated.
Hazel shifts topics with practiced ease, moving to safer ground:
"Speaking of your situation—wanted to update you on investigation progress."
Investigation.
Gregory and his pack.
The ongoing legal battle justified this entire arrangement.
My attention sharpens, professional focus overriding emotional processing.
"Gregory and his pack are mounting significant pushback," Hazel reports with clinical detachment. "Expensive lawyers, political connections, every resource they can mobilize to dismiss charges or minimize consequences."
Expected.
Wealthy Alphas with reputations to protect.
They'll fight viciously rather than accept accountability.
"However—" Hazel's smile suggests good news is coming. "—the government isn't falling for their manipulations. We've conducted extensive interviews throughout town, gathered testimony from station personnel, and documented your pack's legitimacy through multiple independent sources."
Legitimacy.
Our pack is legitimate enough to satisfy legal requirements.
Despite being formed under questionable circumstances with unclear motivations.
"Everyone knows now," I observe with a mix of embarrassment and relief. "Entire town aware that I'm bonded with four Alphas, integrated into pack structure, no longer an independent operator."
Public knowledge.
No more anonymity.
For better or worse, I'm identified as part of this pack.
Hazel nods in confirmation, satisfaction evident in her expression.
"Everyone seems to support your pack," she emphasizes. "Testimony has been universally positive—firefighters praising the change in station dynamics, townspeople noting improved crew morale, even business owners commenting on increased sense of community engagement."
Support.
Genuine community support rather than judgment.
When did that happen?
When did small-town gossip transform from cruelty to acceptance?
