Chapter 186

[ 1,111 words ]

Third person pov:

It had been only a week after the oath, and Chris had never imagined that sitting behind a desk could feel this good.

Who would have thought that a mere warrior like him would one day be sitting in Alpha Cedric’s chair, giving orders to the very people he used to answer to? He certainly hadn’t.

Only a few weeks ago, he had been one of the warriors reporting to Alpha Cedric every morning. He had spent years following orders from the Alpha and all the high-ranking werewolves.

Now things were different.

His mornings began with officials and pack members coming to his office, waiting for his instructions. Even the senior warriors who once ordered him around addressed him respectfully as Alpha.

And Chris was enjoying every bit of it.

“Alpha, we’ve received a request to increase patrols along the eastern border,” one of the senior warriors informed him, placing a report on his desk. “There have been a few rogue sightings recently.”

Chris went through the report before approving the additional patrols. He also instructed the warrior to send him an update by the following evening.

“Of course, Alpha.” The man bowed respectfully before leaving. Chris leaned back in his chair, pleased with how smoothly everything was going.

He had been nervous during his first few days, especially when the senior officials came to him with matters that Alpha Cedric would have handled without a second thought. But he was learning quickly, and the council members seemed satisfied with his decisions.

When another knock came at the door, he straightened in his seat. “Come in.”

Rick entered, carrying a folder under his arm. Chris immediately noticed that he wasn’t wearing his usual friendly smile. “Good morning, Alpha. I need your approval on a few changes to the warriors’ training schedule.”

“Morning, Rick. Have a seat.” Chris gestured toward the chair opposite him, but Rick remained standing.

“No, thank you. My father has already reviewed the changes, but he wanted me to get your approval before implementing them.”

Chris began reading through the folder. The proposed changes were reasonable, although he had a few questions about the number of warriors assigned to night training.

Rick answered each question properly, but there was something stiff about him. He addressed Chris as Alpha throughout their conversation and made no attempt to speak casually, as he normally would have.

Chris had a pretty good idea why. He was aware of his attachment to his wife. Still, they had to work together.

“These changes look good,” Chris said, signing the document before handing it back. “You’ve put quite a bit of thought into this.”

“Thank you, Alpha.” Chris watched him tuck the folder beneath his arm.

“Rick, you don’t have to be so formal with me. We’ve known each other for years.”

Rick gave him a brief smile. “You’re the Alpha now, Chris. It’s only right that I address you properly, especially when we’re discussing pack matters.”

“Well, then I hope you’re prepared to help me with those matters.” Chris gestured toward the pile of documents on his desk. “I know how to fight rogues, Rick, not how to run an entire pack. At this rate, I might accidentally bankrupt Blackthorn before the month is over.”

Rick seemed surprised, perhaps he was not expecting the new Alpha to speak so openly about his lack of experience.

“Your father has been handling these responsibilities for years,” Chris continued. “And you’ve learned a great deal from him. I’d appreciate having your help while I get used to everything.”

Rick nodded. “Of course, Alpha. I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Good. And how’s your father doing? I heard he’s planning to retire soon.”

“He is. The healers have advised him to reduce his workload, so I’ve been handling most of his duties lately.”

“Well, I think you’re doing a fine job. Your father has served this pack faithfully for years, and I’m sure you’ll make an excellent Beta when the time comes.”

Rick thanked him politely and excused himself, leaving Chris alone with his paperwork.

Chris knew Rick still had feelings for Angela, but he hoped that wouldn’t interfere with their duties. The man would soon become his Beta, and Chris needed someone experienced to help him manage the pack.

Besides, Rick was respected by the warriors, and his family had served the Westwoods for generations. Having him on good terms would certainly make things easier.

Chris picked up the next report, feeling rather satisfied with himself.

***

That evening, Angela was waiting for Chris in the living room when she heard his car pull up outside.

She immediately put aside the magazine she’d been reading and went to greet him.

“You’re home!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him as soon as he stepped inside.

Usually, Chris would scoop her up, spin her around until she complained about getting dizzy, and then kiss her before putting her down. It had become their little routine ever since they got married, and Angela always looked forward to it.

But tonight, he barely returned her hug. Instead, he gave her back a brief pat before walking toward the sofa and dropping onto it.

Angela followed him, wondering what had happened. He had seemed perfectly happy when he left for the office that morning.

“Chris, is everything alright?” She sat beside him and placed a hand on his chest. “Did something happen at work?”

“Nothing happened, sweetheart.” He ran a hand through his hair and let out a tired sigh. “I’m just missing Ava.”

Angela wasn’t sure if she’d heard him correctly. “A…Ava? Who’s Ava?”

“My childhood friend,” he answered, rubbing his forehead. “We grew up together. We were in love before I found you.”

Angela slowly withdrew her hand from his chest. Chris continued, unaware of her reaction. “She left the pack after she saw us together. I haven’t heard from her since.”

For a moment, Angela didn’t know what to say.

But hearing that he’d been in love with another woman was one thing. Hearing her husband admit that he missed that woman when his wife was right next to him was quite another.

Chris glanced at her. “I’m sorry, Angela. She was my best friend long before we became involved. Of course I miss her sometimes.”

Angela looked down at her hands. She couldn’t understand why he’d suddenly brought up Ava tonight, especially when he’d never mentioned her before.

She had been so busy thanking the Moon Goddess for giving her the best life partner that she’d never once wondered whether Chris had thanked her for the same thing.

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