This was his inaugural outing with them independently, without Bella. He had observed on other occasions that they could be somewhat demanding and hoped that today would proceed smoothly, without overwhelming him and Benzy. He had left Lanky at the pack on the pretence of assisting Franklin, the pack doctor, with research, while his true purpose was to inform him of the situation.
He informed Lanky of his suspicions, advising him not to be overly concerned if Macky abruptly vanished from pack territory, as he anticipated such an occurrence. Lanky only shook his head and chuckled, stating, “I honestly didn’t expect him to still be here.”
The call arrived promptly after thirty minutes, affording him sufficient time to distance himself, ensuring he could not return in time to prevent his Gamma from departing, which was not particularly unexpected.
Although the subsequent contact from Lanky, received barely ten minutes later, elicited a scowl, Lanky informed him that Bella had also departed from pack territory with Macky, and that they had taken Bella’s automobile.
Tomas, his father, entered the Alpha’s office where Lanky was seated and directly addressed him, saying, “Vacate my chair, boy; the Luna has appointed me in charge until Luke returns.” Considering that she is no longer present.
Lanky had investigated her whereabouts thereafter. Discovered that Luke’s aircraft was getting prepared for departure; the audacious woman had commandeered his plane to transport the Gamma to her associate. He appreciated that she had taken her car and that she utilised it frequently. Clearly, she intended to transport Macky to the airstrip herself. The pilot is likely instructed not to return if Luke calls and requests it.
“Presumably instructed him to proceed to his companion,” Benzy remarked with amusement.
He will not be penalised for this, not even by confiscating your aircraft. If she placed that order as well, you are aware of that, correct?
“I do,” he stated with a smile. “It is acceptable; now that I have observed her genuine happiness, his absence for a few days or a week is permissible.”
“Hmm, did you just listen to your own words?””
“I am aware of my previous statement.” He grinned.
“However, I believe you do not fully comprehend the extent of your Mate’s cunning nature, nor the implications of your recent statement.”
He gazed at Benzy with a hint of perplexity.
“We shall defer that, shall we?”Benzy directed a smile towards him.
They parked at the shopping mall, allowing the youngsters to explore in search of a gift for their mother. Inside and outside of businesses, none of them truly understood what they intended to get for her. They were content observing the surroundings till they encountered the ice cream establishment.
Subsequently, their focus was entirely redirected towards it, and they all hurried over, eager to obtain ice cream. It was about ten thirty in the morning when he shook his head at them. “Let us continue shopping, enjoy lunch, and subsequently indulge in ice cream.” He considered this a satisfactory compromise. Additionally, he demonstrated effective parenting by refraining from providing children ice cream at that time of day.
He observed all three of them gaze up at him, three pairs of green eyes fixed upon him, and then they abruptly implored him and clutched at him, reminiscent of that day in the pack when he had succumbed and granted them their every want. Bella instructed him to learn to refuse them.
He remarked, “Not now, later.” The children gazed up at him, pouting, and he recognised he would likely relent. He steeled himself against the three endearing, pouting faces of his offspring, seeking moral support from Benzy, who merely shook his head, saying, “Your children.” He laughed directly at him.
He inhaled deeply and attempted to place his foot down as delicately as possible, wishing to avoid causing any distress. He had not needed to reprimand them during the preceding few weeks of their presence in his life and was uncertain about the outcome.
Minka immediately informed him, “Mother would permit us.”
He perceived Benzy’s snort of amusement, inhaled, and replied, “No, Minka.” “After lunch, you may all have ice cream.” He maintained a light yet authoritative tone while attempting to guide the girls away from the ice cream shop by taking their hands. He could not comprehend that he was losing all three of them, observing as both his daughters fled from him as Karis chuckled softly.
He needed to inhale again, as he was unaccustomed to members of his pack disobeying him; even the young youngsters complied with his directives, fully aware of his identity and authority. It appeared that he did not capture his children; but, he successfully apprehended Arana. Meanwhile, Minka veered away, darting behind and then past Benzy and Karis, who were merely observing him.
His children were attracting undesirable attention to him.
