Page 5 of Plus-Size Sold Mate
Even if the others doubt me on this, I trust my instincts. They haven’t failed me yet.
“That brings me to the next order of business,” I begin, looking around again. “We’re implementing formal border checks and increased patrol frequency. Dawson has been licking his wounds for several weeks now, and he’ll likely be on the move again.”
Many of the young wolves groan or huff their irritation at the mention of it, well aware of what that entails.
“That’s unnecessary,” one of them mumbles, just loud enough for me to catch beneath all the noise.
“It’s precaution,” I correct.
“There are many people and wolves constantly moving in and out of Coldreach. We have never needed border checks, as it would be inefficient,” another elder adds.
“Then we’ll use trial and error until we can fine-tune it and make the operation efficient,” I resolve, arms crossed over my chest. “I’m not willing to take any chances when it comes to the Vosses. I’ll take first watch tonight until we establish a proper rotation.”
A bigger murmur catches me off guard, and my brows furrow in question.
“You’re Alpha,” one of the older wolves says stiffly, as if it’s a ridiculous notion. “You shouldn’t be out there—”
“I will be exactly where the pack needs me. Not sitting responsibilities out,” I return, not leaving any room for discussion on the matter. “If anyone has a problem with that, then by all means, sign up for the rotation.”
At that, I earn a few nods, at least. While they don’t like my talks of magic or the implication that tradition isn’t sacred around here, they can’t fault vigilance or my instincts to keep the pack safe.
It’s not truly victory yet, but it’s progress, and I’ll take it while I can.
Eventually, the meeting starts to wane as every topic is addressed, and when they’re dismissed, the other wolves start to file out of the boathouse.
For a long moment, I stand at the edge of the platform overlooking the boats as they bob languidly in the water, letting the weight of my situation sink in.
I haven’t been Alpha long, but it has been long enough for me to feel a notable shift in the pack dynamics. I’m their leader, and they respect that, but it doesn’t stop them from finding the smallest issues to poke at, trying to determine weak points. For as loyal as they can be, subordinates don’t like the smell of hesitation or doubt.
Regardless of how many times I reaffirm my position to myself, it still doesn’t feel entirely real.
“You handled that surprisingly well.”
My eyes dart over to my sister, Eve, as she walks over with Isaac in tow. Dad lingers just outside the boathouse while he speaks to a few of the elders, gaze cold.
“Define ‘well’,” I murmur, catching her pleasant look despite the tension still present in the air around us.
“They hate the thought of magic,” Isaac says bluntly.
“They hate change,” Eve states. “But they’ll come around eventually.”
“Will they?”
She doesn’t hesitate, and instead, she gives me an obvious look. “Yes, they will. They’re still feeling you out, just like you’re still getting used to everything.”
“You’d think knowing me my entire life would make them a little less apprehensive of everything I say.”
“You know what it’s like…not every Alpha lives up to the image they create for themselves.”
Isaac smirks to himself. “And after being the golden child, you have a very big image to live up to.”
Even with the pressure weighing on me, their faith in me never wavers, and it helps keep my head on straight. I let my lips pull as I put a hand on each shoulder. “When did you two get so wise?”
I receive matching expressions that sayreally?before they even have the chance to say it out loud, and I chuckle.
The familiar sound of Dad’s footsteps against the wood planks as he reenters makes me stiffen again, just enough for me to feel it.
Even without the Alpha mantle, he still carries that presence like a second skin, and even with a few more streaks of grey in his hair than last year, he looks just as intimidating. Just as careful and calculating.
