Page 56 of Tempting His True Mate
I braced myself as we pulled up to the alpha house. The last time I was there, Neil had tried to force me into a mating bond, so it wasn’t someplace I was looking forward to returning.
Surprisingly, it didn’t feel as bad as I thought it would. Of course, that was probably because Gabe was there, squeezing my hand reassuringly.
“You okay?” he whispered. I felt a surge of protective love burst through our connection. In our shared consciousness, his wolf nuzzled mine, curling his bodyreassuringly around her.
“Yep,” I said truthfully. I brushed a kiss across his lips and led the way to the front door. Being here again on my own terms and knowing that Neil wouldn’t be able to touch me, actually felt really empowering.
Gabe knocked on the door, and we waited. Nothing. He rang the doorbell and knocked again. I was about to call Jeremy and see if we could schedule a meeting when we heard some sounds coming from inside.
Jeremy cracked the door open, squinting at us from the darkness within the house.
"Ella? What are you doing here?"
His eyes were bloodshot, and his speech was slightly slurred.
"We, uh... wanted to talk to you about helping out the pack," Gabe said slowly, his hand still gripping mine.
Jeremy sighed and stepped back, opening the door wider. "Come in."
We followed him into the living room, where he motioned for us to sit down. The slight unsteadiness in his gait told us he was either a little drunk or had just woken up. Maybe both.
"Do you want a drink?" he asked gruffly. We both shook our heads, watching Jeremy make one for himself at the wet bar. "Whatever help you want to offer the pack, it won't be enough to save it. Dark Claw is in shambles, and I'm working on relocating the members who are left."
Gabe and I exchanged a glance. No wonder Jeremy was a wreck.
"Are you sure there are no other options?" I asked. "Have you thought of applying for financial assistance? I bet youwould qualify for help with APU.”
While every pack was run independently, there were organizations set up to prevent pack failure during times of hardship. The largest, American Packs United, would be able to give Dark Claw a loan or grant to tide them over.
"The council is overwhelmed," Jeremy said. "Even if I had the money, we don't have adequate leadership to keep things going."
Gabe nodded. “What do you need? A new beta and a few council members? Would some of the pack be able to step in temporarily?”
Jeremy sighed and swirled his liquor around in the glass. “A year ago, probably. But pack loyalty is at an all-time low. Even the members who didn’t leave with Neil don’t really want to step into a leadership role. A lot of them have families and want stability for their kids. Pouring themselves into a failing pack is just too risky.”
It was clear that Jeremy was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. He had been trying to hold the pack together for too long and had finally reached his breaking point. I could sense the desperation in him, and I knew my mate could, too.
Gabe leaned forward in his chair. "What if Tumblewild offered to help? We could find other wolves willing to step up and lead the pack temporarily until you can figure out a more permanent solution."
Jeremy looked at us skeptically. "Do you really think it's possible? Dark Claw needs experienced members with proven track records."
Gabe smiled reassuringly. "We know people who would be willing to lend their expertise to the pack, even on atemporary basis. And if that doesn't work, the APU does offer some non-financial assistance. They might be able to send some leadership our way, too."
Jeremy and I stared at Gabe.Send some leadership our way?I asked through our mental connection.Are you including us in this scenario?
We need to stay and help out here, Gabe answered.They need us, Ella.
I nodded, a smile growing on my face. I didn’t have a place in Tumblewild, but we were needed here. I could help get the bakery, and the shipments going, and Gabe had lots of experience supporting a thriving pack council. Still, none of that prepared me for what he said next.
“If you’ll have me, Jeremy, I’ll be your beta,” Gabe offered. His voice was strong, unwavering.
Jeremey’s eyebrows shot up, clearly as shocked as I was.
“I know I’m an omega by birth, but I have the skills and knowledge to step in as beta. I’m sure you’re aware of other instances.”
He was right. Sometimes a beta wolf would yield the position to another pack member for the good of the group. In a situation like this, where there really wasn’t any other option, a flexible omega could be the pack’s only hope.
“Are you prepared to be part of a beta couple, Ella?” Jeremy asked. I could see the gears in his head turning, adjusting to the idea.
