I wake in my bed with my choices from last night creeping back into my memory. I lay there and hide under the blankets, knowing that wine or illness or stupidity aren't possible excuses for any of it. It was all me, and she's still here.
I don't think my defensive, angry self is back because the first thing I thought of when I opened my eyes was our kiss, and the last thing I felt was regret. My eyes close again to relive the moment in my head, but my dreaming is cut short by firm knocks on the door. The abrupt banging is followed by Jeremy's voice calling, "Brigette? Brigette, you've over-slept."
Jeremy gets me up—and once I'm ready to leave the house—he takes me to do my first task on my schedule. "I thought we were done with busy schedules now that Alpha Nicodra is gone," I say as I shield my eyes from the sun.
"This is not busy in the slightest. You have your meeting with the Alpha."
"What? What meeting?"
Jeremy glances back at me. "He wants you to learn the basics of self-defense. We had to move this lesson because of Alpha Nicodra's visit. We've had this conversation."
"Yeah, b-but they just left this morning. I thought I would have more time."
"Time to do what?" He questions.
"Prepare. I needed to prepare for this lesson."
Jeremy assures me, "The Alpha is aware you lack these skills. Everything you do will be for beginners—there's no need to prepare."
"So the Alpha is waiting for us now?"
"Yes. I'm taking you to the grounds where all pack members learn and practice these things. Remember the tour? You've been here before."
"Right. Of course. I remember."
Jeremy looks back again. "Are you feeling alright? I told you to watch how much you drink at events."
"I'm fine, just tired, I guess."
"Good. There's no room in the Alpha's schedule this week to push it back again."
"Really? So the Alpha is busy then? He has no time to—to do anything else?"
Jeremy explains, "There is time set aside in the evenings since he prefers to have his nights open. There is no room to reschedule his days, however. It's common for Alphas to spend such time at home—dinner with the family, time with the Luna, and so on."
"Did I ever ask how you know all these things?"
"I've worked for leadership before, and this is far from my first pack."
I consider, "But you're not old. All the men who helped my father and previous Alpha were old."
"I'm not exactly young anymore either," he mutters. "Now come along; we're going to be late."
My gut stirs. I'm sure David can act discrete, but my feelings will be as clear as day, and I can only hope this meeting is private. I don't need other pack members witnessing my blushing and stumbling and gushing; it's already hard enough knowing David has such access to my truths.
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