The Alpha's Slave Mate novel Chapter 80

Caleb’s Point of View

There is nothing more satisfying than starting the day by pleasing your wife. Thankfully, Daphne had hired the catering company to be available all this week, so I knew that our guests were being taken care of for breakfast. After Daphne and I showered and got dressed for the day, I kissed her goodbye, and gave her a good swat on the butt. She has arranged for the women to go to the local spa and to be pampered. I was all smiles as I got the paperwork ready for the first round of meetings with the Alphas. Today was going to be a productive, but good day.

“Alpha Caleb, may I have a moment of your time?” I was interrupted by Alpha Jerome asking me from the doorway of my office.

“Of course, you may. Can I get you a drink?” I offer him, but he shakes his head no as he wearily takes a seat across from my desk.

“Getting old is hell young man.” He begins with a chuckle. “I wanted to speak to you privately for a moment. I know that my son Elliot will be leaving soon to head to Georgia with his mate. I would never try to stop him as I believe that he has a right to follow whatever path in life he chooses.” He pauses for a moment taking a deep breath. “I am very behind on my training with Hawk. As you know it is tradition that the eldest child takes the reigns of the pack when the Alpha steps down. Since I had assumed wrongly that it would be Elliot, Hawk’s training has now been fast tracked.” I nod in understanding. “I have full confidence that Hawk will be an excellent Alpha, but I have fears as well. I am not well Caleb. Our pack doctor has already confirmed that I do not have much time in this world. “

“May I ask what ails you?”

“Besides the fact that I have already had many years upon this Earth, I have developed cancer.” I shot him a confused look. It is not normal for our kind to develop these kinds of diseases. Our wolf counterparts normally heal us quickly before these types of diseases can manifest.

“It is an extremely aggressive type of cancer, that is attacking my cells faster than my wolf can heal me. I have seen several specialists, there is nothing that can be done now. Alma and I have accepted this, and I have lived a good life.”

“I am still sorry to hear that you are going through this. Is there anything that we can help with?” Alpha Jerome is a good man, and it is heartbreaking to know that he is going through this pain.

“Yes, actually that is why I wanted to speak with you. I assumed that we are renewing the alliances between our packs, and for that I am grateful. I have a favor to ask of you specifically though.” He pauses again and takes a deep breath. I know that it is difficult for him to ask for help. “If I should perish before I finish Hawk’s training, would you and Theo take him under your wing? He knows how to handle the day-to-day activities, but I know that social events, peace treaty signings, and such are going to be difficult for him.”

“Alpha Jerome let me put your mind at ease. I and my pack will ensure that yours is well taken care of. Hawk will always find a friend in us, and I will watch over him in your absence.” The man rose to shake my hand and I could not stop myself from coming around the desk to grasp him in a hug. Although we had not always been close since the disaster of mine and Daphne’s mating ceremony, we had grown rather fond of the Mission pack.

“I also wanted to let you know that Elliot and Winona are going to be leaving this morning. They are getting a head start on traveling to her pack.” He looked rather sad at the fact.