Page 70 of The Rabbit's Foot
That gave Alp an idea. “Would you mind if I talked with him?”
“Why would I mind? Go for it.”
Damn, he loved Cece. She’d told him all about taking his mother shopping. His mom thought they were going to the Wal-Mart, which was where she bought all the kid’s clothes. She’d cried when Cece told her that they were going to New York, that there would be a private showing of fashions, and that Nura could pick out anything she wanted. Cece was shocked when Nura Dawkins turned her nose up at the “fashion” and said a good pair of overalls would do her just fine. What use did she have for an $1800 dress that would get spit up on by the new babies?
Just like she had with Mal, Nura wormed her way into Cece’s heart. They ended up spending seventy-three dollars at Farm & Fleet to get her the overalls she wanted, plus some bulbs for her garden. Cece said she’d never realized people like Alp’s parents existed and she was humbled to meet them.
“Alp? Are you with us?”
Shit. “Sorry, I was drifting.”
Mal chuckled. “I kept trying too, but Damon would kick me every time I started to nod off.”
“We were talking about the walls in the hallways leading to the kid’s sleeping area. What do you think we should put on them?”
Alp sat up. “Oh, I have that covered.”
Damon arched an eyebrow. “Really? Do tell.”
“Well, see, Cece showed me the painting Micah had done before you all came here, and I loved it. I asked him if he’d like to do something for the kids in that wing, and he jumped at the chance.” He swallowed. “I hope that’s okay?”
That earned him a smile from Damon. “Thank you for making him feel included. Things like this are where Wiley shines, and Micah is always afraid he’s invisible.”
“Not to me,” Alp promised. “His work was remarkable, and I think it would be a beautiful addition.”
“I agree,” Damon replied. “And look at you! Only First mate for a few weeks, and you’re already stepping up.” He sat back, folded his hands over his stomach, and smiled. “I knew you two were the only choice for this place.” He sat up again and picked up his tablet. “Okay, back to work.”
Mal groaned, but Alp knew it was teasing. He’d been intent on all the aspects Damon had discussed with him. How the council would be pumping funds into the newly minted Wald pack, helping them with the care of the affected shifters, and continuing to try and find out who the kids belonged to. Another problem facing them was identifying the bodies kept by Hyde. It was possible that the kids were the offspring of some of the people Hyde had killed, and they’d now be alone in the world.
The more Alp watched the interactions between Damon and Mal, the stronger Mal became in his eyes. He had started out tentative, but that had changed when Damon said they were going to make the rooms for the kids so they’d each have two people living there. Mal had nixed that, stating that the problems these kids may or may not have meant they needed their own safe space. He did offer an alternative. A group room, where mats could be laid out and the kids could all sleep together—in human or in shifted form—if they wanted.
“And you thought I’d made a mistake wanting you to be in charge here?” Damon said, his tone amused.
“Asshole,” Mal had grumbled, but then he smiled.
“Where the hell are you, Alp?” Mal asked, tapping Alp on the head.
“Just thinking.” He glanced down at their itinerary and realized he’d missed his cue. “Oh, is it my turn?”
“It is,” Damon assured him, grinning like a loon.
“Okay, then.” Alp stood, glanced over his notes, then turned to Mal and Damon. “The new kitchen equipment has been installed in all the kitchens. It’s heavy-duty, restaurant quality and should last us for many years. From the people who have said they wanted to join our pack and work with the kids, eleven of them have asked about the cooking positions. We’ll be able to feed everyone three meals a day, and have a few people who will help with cleanup. The doors are being changed to allow easier access to everyone. We want to ensure those missing limbs won’t have issues going from room to room.”
Alp took a deep breath, then continued.
“We’re doing everything we can to make the place a home for everyone. Wiley had some amazing ideas, and even the workmen told him he was bloody brilliant, and if he was looking for a job, they’d all take him.”
“Excellent,” Mal and Damon echoed.
“And how many people will be part of the pack?”
Alp sighed. “We have seventy-two children and twenty-three adults, plus the incoming members of the other packs who will join ours.”
“That’s good,” Damon said. “And the number will grow in the future, as more people hear about it. Though I have to say, I’m a bit concerned about the number of kids. There aren’t enough people here to watch them properly.”
“They’ll be my responsibility,” Alp said, crossing his arms. “I’ll work with the incoming people, find out who likes kids, and go from there. I don’t want to introduce too many new things all at once. I want to give them some stability first, so they know they’re safe here.”
“That sounds good,” Damon agreed. “Let me ask, though. How bad is it?”
