Chapter 4 Alpha's Duty: Protecting My Family and

Knox's perspective

There are moments when I detest the politics that come with being an Alpha. Not because I dislike being Alpha; it's just the politics that are so bad. Every trip to the south to visit the Ray's Pack tested my patience. Alpha Bush was an Alpha and a wonderful man. His flock was strong and loyal, but I couldn't help but get annoyed with his constant matchmaking. He danced with every attractive woman in his way in the hopes that one of them would be his future partner. Unless you were an Alpha, having a second chance mate was rare. A Luna would always be near an Alpha, thanks to the vagaries of fate. I didn't want one, though.

The burden of giving birth to a shifter was too much for my first mate Kelly, who passed away nine years ago during childbirth. She refused to be transformed. But my son did make it through. Now a robust and feisty growing boy, Noah was Noah. He is a full shifter, and as he reaches puberty, he should get his wolf.

I was so grateful that the moon goddess had saved his life for me, so that I would have something to cling to. Most wolves commit themselves after losing a mate because the anguish of having a piece of their soul ripped away was too great to bear, unless there were still offspring.

The children were usually the one who kept the remaining parent alive. I was kept alive by Noah. All I needed was him, and I was happy enough with that. My wolf, Raphael, was likewise happy; instead of longing for a new partner, he devoted all of his efforts to raising our puppy.

I'd had enough of all the women practising in front of me after a week. And my men, Noah included, were packing to return home as our work was over. Even though I got updates on Sophia and Ella's condition every day, I was still curious. Alex got in touch with me to let me know what was going on the day we departed. We don't generally get involved in personal matters, but since I knew who Sophia was from our many conversations together over the years, I gave them permission to assist.

I loved Jane as a sister, and she became one to me. The least I could do was support her with the only person in her first 24 years of existence that she thought of as family. My wolf and I were relieved that we had let them find her after learning of the state in which they had been discovered.

Ella, the young child, stays in her mother's room and has not yet started to speak. It appears that she reads, draws, or watches TV during the day. But she doesn't say anything to anyone, save for a few head nods. My wolf is quite keen to see her. It is inconceivable to consider harming a child. Raphael just wants to take care of her and keep her safe. I would make fun of him for his mother's tendencies if I didn't feel the same way.

I gaze out the window, taking in the passing countryside and wondering how I may be of use to them. I've always had a natural tendency to defend those who are weaker than me, and these two fit the bill nicely. My wolf is tense, and the closer we go home, the more upset he gets.

What's bothering you, Raphael? You must become tranquil. With all of your pacing and erratic emotions, you are driving me insane. Why is that?

Knox, I'm not sure. We've needed to get home for some reason, and it has been growing throughout the week. I'm not sure why, but I have a feeling that I should be at home.

Alright, please relax. I'm nervous too, but we'll get there by tomorrow morning and we'll work things out. I swear.

My wolf finally relaxed enough for me to think clearly, so I tried to figure out what the possible causes of our predicament might be, but all that sprung to me were our newcomers.

I was curious about their appearance. How terribly did they lose? Being human causes their mending to be sluggish. The only way blood could be given to Sophia to hasten her recovery was if she was someone's mate. However, Alex claims that every single man who was available had acknowledged that she wasn't their partner. For some reason, that pleased Raphael very much.

Sophia remained unconscious. We were astounded that she managed to drive all the way from Paris with a little child in tow, considering the extent of her injuries. According to Doc Murphy, she is sleeping well, her wounds are mending well, and her bruises are beginning to lessen. Her ankle, ribs, shoulder, and arm will all mend with time. After the body has had more time to mend, the doctor warned she could wake up at any moment.

I decided to stop worrying about this problem, so I took out my briefcase and began going through the stuff I had brought with me. Beside me, Noah was calmly listening to music on his iPod. That object is attached to his hand, I promise. Oh, the pleasures of youth and technology. Before I start working, I lean over and give him a quick kiss on the head. He swats his hand at me, growling at me. I laugh and give him another kiss just for fun.