Chapter 8
Making it to the office nervous and excited at the same time. The office has not been opened in sixteen years. “Are you feeling well sweetie?” My dad asks as I make it to him. “I’m okay, dad. I just have been having issues sleeping. My wolf has been jumpy maybe I need a good run or maybe my mate is close.” I end with hope blooming in my chest.
“Let’s hope it’s the latter. I’m sure having your alpha would be helpful.” My dad chuckles. Smiling I nod as he hands me the key. Putting it in the lock the clicking of the pins jumps as the key slips in. The final click stops the key. Turning it to the right the lock groans as it disengages.
Turning the knob I push the door open slowly. The curtains are closed leaving little light in the room. Musty dusty scent flood out of the room. Finding the light switch I flick it on. I can see a thick layer of gray covering the deep rich wood and stone of this room. The bay-style windows have a padded seating area. Looking around this room looks like it once was a bedroom.
“Can you ask someone to bring cleaning supplies up here for me?” “sure thing do you want any help?” shaking my head I step inside. It’s like I can feel the sadness in this room. Walking over I throw open the curtains. I don’t know if I’ll be keeping the pad or the curtains one of them is gonna have to go.
Looking out the soft blue tint of the old glass I see the wavy figures outside going about their daily business. Father had the pack turned into a small village now mixed with humans. I have heard the older wolves complain about that over the years. Nothing past old women complaining things just ain’t how they use to be. I for one wouldn’t mind if my mate was human or wolf I mean look at my mom and my best friend slash sister, they are human.
I wanted to appoint Sally as my beta but it’s against pack law. I know I’m the alpha but there is a council of elders as well. The alpha is the head but nothing gets done without the councils saying so. Stepping down I walk over to the desk pushing the power button on the computer. Okay, that needs to be updated. Note pad. Note pad. Okay if I was a note pad where would oh there you are now Mr. Pen where are you?
Could this thing start up slower? Okay so notes to self. I write down underlining it three times. The prompt screen pops up. Password. Oh for the love of the goddess. Well, guess that means time to clean the desk out.
A knock has me glancing up to see Sally and our mom with bags and sweats on. “we thought you could use a hand. And by the looks of it oh do you.” Sally whistles. Rolling my eyes at her. Mom shakes her head and we start by first pulling everything off the shelves. A small pink diary was hiding behind all the books. Picking it up I try to open it but it’s locked. Setting to the side I’ll look for a key. The password could be in there.
Two hours later we have the bookshelves cleaned and organized. “alright I say we call it a day Sally is no longer blonde on the bright side you will look old and gray.” She growls her tiny human growl and springs over at me but I’m faster. “girls knock it off. And you Athena is that how your father said the alpha acts?” cocking her hip. Mom’s they just got that tone that snipers wish they had in aim.
Dropping our shoulders we gather the bags and rags. Leaving the rest of the supplies I’ll be at it for a while. Shutting and locking the door once we are out. Taking everything out to the proper binds. Plastics can’t be broken down for paper or firestarter logs. The dead plants go to the compost area. I know nothing about plants but some of the others do. They will make sure they are taken care of. There are a couple who work wonders in the gardens. One year we had a food shortage scare the vegetables were not growing. After a few months, a couple of volunteers were able to mix the right fertilizer and save them.
Getting to my room I take a quick shower and head to bed. I know it’s early and I know I have a pack to run but the council won’t be giving me full control for a few years so I can get a handle on what’s in the office. The entire pack was under my mother’s Luna order that lasted even after her death until after I took the alpha title. So no one knows what’s in there.
Dropping off into the endless darkness sleep provides.
Waking early the light just starting to shine through my window I stretch and roll out of bed. A spot on my window seal shivered. Shaking my head. That’s stupid wood and stone can’t shiver. I slept too well this time. One of these days I will find the sweet spot for sleeping perfectly. Until then coffee is my best friend. “Come Jeeves let’s get coffee,” I say to my imaginary friend. If you haven’t guessed by now I was a lonely kid. Heading to grab a coffee and a muffin then off to the office.
My goal for today is to go through the desk and maybe start in the file cabinets. I want to find any of the business dealing or bank accounts the pack has since I don’t know the computer password yet files will be my hell.”
“alpha here’s your coffee just like you like it gross. And her goat poop muffin” Gabe says. “you’re a jerk. But thank you I have no idea what you have against my breakfast.” “nothing well other than your cup of sugar and a teaspoon of coffee. How do you drink that I mean there’s so much sugar in there I’m surprised you don’t have cavities even if we are wolves.” He barks out laughing at his own joke. “glade to see you haven’t changed.” He just kinda and smiles. “need a hand today?” he gives me puppy dog eyes “why?” I ask slowly. “can't a guy help out a friend once in a while geez.” Raising my brow at him “fine. Master fin assigned me to the daycare today for character building he said. But if you as the alpha.” He smirks and I shake my head. “I have no clue what you did for diaper duty but I bet you earned it.” Leaving him standing there in shock.
