Page 22 of The Alpha's Envy
Looking through the window to the lobby, I notice Sarah showing Emma something on the computer, their heads bent together in concentration.
"Better to teach them to collaborate," I muse. "Especially if they’re going to be working here full-time now."
"Exactly. And speaking of working together..." I pull up a spreadsheet.
Michael's eyebrows rise with interest.
"I was thinking we could trial a pre-breakfast childminding service for the pack. We have pack members who'd prefer earlyshifts so they could be back at home with their kids after school. We’d reduce the need to hire externally, and staff would have more flexibility in their hours. It could be a win-win."
"That's a great idea, Luna."
"Would you help me draft a proposal? We could present it to Jonathan when he returns and speak to some of the wolves in the pack who might be interested in running it so it’s already ready to go if he agrees."
"Of course. I might have a couple of people in mind, my mate, in fact. This is something she could do without leaving the kids." He grins. "You're going to be great at this, you know."
For the first time since taking on the luna role, I actually believe it. I'm not just Jonathan's mate. I'm a luna in my own right. And I'm going to help this pack prosper, my own way.
"Thank you, Michael." I turn back to my computer.
I have more ideas. A lot more. And hopefully, a mate and a pack of wolves who will support their luna’s work to improve things for everyone.
14
FIVE YEARS LATER
Marie
"Mom! Cooper stole my toy again!"
Rex's indignant shout echoes through the packhouse as small feet thunder down the hallway. At four years old, our eldest is already showing alpha tendencies—and a remarkable talent for tattling on his baby brother.
"Did not," Cooper's defensive squeal follows immediately after.
Setting down the staff schedules I'm reviewing, I share an amused look with Sarah across my desk. Five years into being Luna, and I've learned to take interruptions in stride.
"We'll finish this later," I tell her, rising from my chair. "But I love your idea about the seasonal spa packages. Draft up the details?"
Sarah nods, gathering her papers. She's come so far from that confrontational young wolf who once fought over booking systems. Now she manages our entire spa operation.
I find the boys in the great room, Rex trying to climb the bookshelf, while Cooper clutches the plastic figurine behind his back, bottom lip trembling. At three, he's more sensitive than his brother, but twice as sneaky.
"Cooper," I say firmly, holding out my hand. He hands it over with a dramatic sigh that makes me bite back a smile. "What have we said about taking things without asking?"
"Not to," he mumbles, scuffing his foot on the carpet.
"Rex, what have we said about climbing furniture?"
Rex slides down with a guilty look. "Dangerous."
"Right. Now, who wants to help me set up the treat table for after the pack dinner?"
Both boys immediately brighten. Pack dinner is their favourite, with everyone gathered in the huge dining room, sharing food and stories.
The full moon run is special, but more for the grown-ups, as the young pups still to get their wolves can’t join in yet. This is for everyone.
Jonathan says it reminds him of his own childhood, when packs still maintained these traditions regularly.
Many don't anymore. Especially not Silver Creek.
