Page 45 of Targeted By Fate
I scurried in, and my gaze rested on a framed photo on Alpha’s desk. He picked it up and ran a finger over it, and his face softened.
“I’m retiring.”
“What?” Shoot, I’d never screeched at Alpha, but he didn’t glare or yell back. “Why? What are you going to do?”
He handed me the photo. “I’ve been given a second chance, Boaz.”
Second chance? At what? No, he couldn’t go anywhere because that would leave me in the hot seat. It was my dream to become Alpha, but not yet. I wasn’t ready. He had to be joking.
Does Alpha joke?My beast wasn’t following the ins and outs of the conversation.
“I met someone while I was on holiday.”
This didn’t sound good. He was talking about affairs of the heart. I wanted him to stop, and I was tempted to slap a hand over his mouth.
“I mated again. The universe has blessed me with another mate.”
“But why retire? You could still head the pack and be a loving mate.”
“I want to devote the rest of my life to being with my new mate.”
What could I say to that?
But he hadn’t confirmed that I was his successor. That entailed calling a meeting of the pack council. This was the prize I’d been working toward all my adult life, and instead of running toward it, I was backing away.
“This is your future, Boaz. I’ve arranged a meeting of the council this evening.”
I had to get home and tell Keane. If he was against it, I’d give it up. It’d be hard, especially as the new Alpha would choose his Betas and I probably wouldn’t be included.
I could join my brothers in the private sector, but that future looked pretty bleak. I wasn’t a computer guy. I hated wearing a suit, and I was hopeless at selling anything.
Alpha gave me an hour to speak to Keane. I called him from the car and said I was on my way with some big news.
“You’re not pregnant, are you?" he quipped.
“Very funny.”
“So spill. What’s the news?” My mate was sprawled on the sofa, a bowl of cherries resting on his belly.
I filled him in, and he didn’t say anything until I was done.
“Do I have to give up my life for the pack?”
“Not at all. You can work and make the Alpha Omega role your own. There are no rules.” He’d have to be more visible than he was now which was… Ummm, I doubt he’d visited headquarters, and he’d never been to any pack functions.
“Maybe we could start a daycare. Many omegas work, and paying for childcare is expensive.”
I latched onto that idea. It’d be popular with everyone, and we had a lot of unused space at headquarters, especially on the first floor. “That’s perfect.
“So, is that a yes? We accept the positions of Alpha and Alpha Omega?”
Keane’s blank expression was puzzling. “Were you seriously willing to give up your dream?”
“Ummm, yes.” Was that a trick question?
My mate beckoned me closer. “You were willing to do that for me?” He grabbed my collar and wiped his tears with it.
“Of course. I’d give up everything for you and our little one. I cradled his bump and kissed it. The baby kicked a response.