Summer's Alpha (8 page)

“Oh let me, I miss
this house.”  Shirley says.  “Follow me.”  She takes us down a hall and through
a door that I haven’t used yet.  We end up in the wing with the four bedrooms. 
“These are guest quarters and this,” she opens the door, “is the nicest of the
rooms.  You should have the best room Brandt.”  Then my dad does something that
I’ve never seen him do.  He checks her out.  My dad just checked Shirley out
and she looks like she approves of him doing it.  Eww.  Too much information, I
do not need to witness this. 

“Since you are
here, will you show us the house?  I found the master bedroom and unpacked our
clothes but it’s a big house.”  She is still looking at my dad but she nods and
turns to face me.  Her cheeks are rosy.  Well, well, well. 
Shirley and Dad
sitting in a tree…
I have to stifle my giggle.  Jackson gives me a look and
I paste a serious look on my face.  Shirley takes my arm and leads me away.  We
explore the guest rooms, the meeting room, and the main house.  She tells me
that early on the pack members did in fact live in the main house until they
could start building the other houses like Earl’s family house.  She shows me
the dining room table that has several leaves to expand it to seat eighteen.  I
don’t think we will need that many leaves unless Kelly wants to cook for that
many.  I sure can’t and nobody would want to eat it anyway.  Shirley shows me
the walk in pantry, I hadn’t found it yet and the walk in freezer.  It’s too
bad I’m not a chef.  This kitchen is a dream for someone who can cook.  Shirley
stares wistfully around the kitchen.

“You need to go to
the store Summer.  There is nothing to eat in here.  You will be expected to
cook for the pack for meetings and such.”  I make a face.  “You can’t cook?”  I
shake my head.  “Oh dear.”

“I mean we won’t
starve but I’m no chef.  Kelly can cook.  “She is a whiz in the kitchen.  She
can do it.”  Shirley shook her head.  “She can teach me?”  Shirley nods.

“And she can help
you.  You should always have enough food on hand to feed your pack.  That’s why
the pantry and freezer are so large.  You should also be prepared to store any
game that your pack brings in for them if they don’t have the space.”  I nod. 
I’m soaking this in because Shirley had this job before me.  My dad never
stored anything for anyone and we never fed the pack either.  New pack, new
rules, I guess.  “Come, I want to show you the office.  It’s very important for
you and Jackson to be in charge of your finances.  The pack operates three businesses. 
The cabinet business that Gregory runs, several wolves work for him, and they
do beautiful work.  There is a condominium building that we own and operate. 
Newton is the superintendent but from time to time everyone has pitched in if
something needed done, like painting or small repairs.”

“What’s the
third?”  So far, I am not going to be any help, I can’t build cabinets. 
Shirley smiles.

“The East View
Book Nook is owned by the pack.  I run it and I am paid a salary.”  I’m still
wondering how it stays in business, there are so few customers.

“I know it doesn’t
seem like much but we do an excellent internet business.  You haven’t learned
that part yet but I will start teaching you soon.  You will have to learn to do
the store’s books and the pack’s books.”  Crap.  This I do know.  Dad has been
teaching Autumn and I this for years because he hates to do it.  I’m not a fan
and Autumn has the attention span of a gnat.  She knows how to do it but she
can’t sit still long enough to get it done. 

“Dad taught us
book keeping.  I know how to do taxes too but I don’t know about doing them for
a business.”  Shirley winks.

“That’s what
accountants are for dear.  Just keep the books.  I can show you both sets since
I did them for so long.  Here we are.”  Wow.  I’m in love.  Dad’s idea of an
office is a plastic sweater box with a calculator, ledger, and pencil that he
brings to the kitchen table.  This though is beautiful.  The bookkeeping may
not be so bad if I can sit in this room.  The desk is old wood that’s glossy, a
tilting leather chair, loaded bookcases, and a computer with a huge screen. 
I’m in love with this room.  The carpet is emerald green and the paneling on
the walls matches the wood in the shelves and desk.  “All of the furniture and
paneling in this room was made by Greg and his group.  I whisper a ‘wow.’ 
Shirley pats my hand.  “This was my favorite room too.”  She seats me in the
leather chair and it conforms to my body.  It has to be the most comfortable
chair that I’ve ever sat in.  Shirley opens a drawer and pulls out a camera
then snaps a picture of me.  I can imagine the look on my face because I’m
examining the woodwork on the desk and I’m sure it is a look of complete awe. 
“For posterity.” 

“Look at you.”  My
dad grins proudly coming in and I grin back.

“Hey, I didn’t
know that this room was here.”  Jackson came in and looked around.  The awed
expression on his face probably resembled mine.  The gravity of all of this was
beginning to sink in.  We are responsible for all of this.  These people will
depend on us to lead them, to take care of them and to manage their finances. 
What were they thinking?  I don’t even manage my own finances.  I deposit and
withdraw.  I bite my lip.  This was too big for us.  Jackson and I are children
for pity’s sake.  “Whoa, what are you thinking Summer?  You look like you are
about to bolt.”  Jackson came around the desk and hauled me to my feet.  “It’s
okay.  It will be okay.  We are going to handle this.  You dad is a phone call
away.  He and I have been talking and he thinks we’ve bitten off a lot but he
thinks we can do it.  He has offered to give advice and help if needed, we are
allied and he’s there if we need him.”  I look up at my dad.  His craggy face
is softer than I’ve ever seen it.  He gives me a nod.

“You can do this
sweetheart.”  I think that is the biggest compliment I’ve ever gotten from my
dad.  He thinks that I can do this.  He has faith that I can handle this, that
Jackson can handle this.  “You’ve been preparing for this for your whole life. 
You two did it a lot faster than I expected, yes, and I always thought you two
would lead our pack but no matter.  You are the alphas of the East View pack now
and you must behave as alphas.  That means you are in charge, right or wrong,
it all falls on you.  Shirley and I will explain your responsibilities in depth
and if you have questions later, you have our numbers.”  Who was this man?  I
don’t know him.  I turn and rush into his arms and he hugs me.  “I’m very proud
of you Summer.  I don’t like the way that you went about it and I’m not sure
that I approve of you deciding whom to mate but I am proud.  You did choose
your mate well, I should’ve seen that a long time ago, but it didn’t seem like
that kind of relationship to me.  I suppose that I don’t know everything after
all.  Sometimes part of being a parent is giving your kids room to screw up.” 
I laugh.  “Now I am starved.  I want to take you out to dinner, Shirley you
will join us.  Also, Summer tell your sister and her new mate to come.  I want
to meet him.”  I nod and look at Jackson.  He’s busy with the computer.  I know
he’s wondering if the internet works yet. 

“I’m not sure if,
um…”

“I’ll take care of
it.”  Jackson volunteers and hurries from the room.  The internet is still
off.  I smirk.  Once it’s on, I may never see him again.

Shirley takes us
out to the porch and tells us about some of the pack members.  Evelyn walks by
with her dog and waves at us.  I didn’t know that she lived here but it seems
that she does.  She goes to a little pink house with white shutters that has a
white picket fence around it.  It’s cute.  Dad is studying Shirley.  He likes
her.  It doesn’t matter that he’s always thought that humans weren’t good
enough.  This one seemed to be good enough.  I smile but turn my head away so
he can’t see my grin.  They’ve moved away from me and are murmuring softly.  I
grab my broom and do some more sweeping.  I see Jackson, Kelly, and Earl headed
this way.  I wave at them and put the broom back against the house.  I go down
to meet them.

“Dad has a thing
for Shirley.”  I tell Kelly who blushes then I see it.  Earl’s mark.  “Oh
Kelly!  Already?”  I hear a chuckle behind me.  “Did we interrupt?”  Kelly
shakes her head.

“Yes you did, but
it is okay.  I wanted to spend the evening with my new mate but I want to meet
her father too.  Since he’s here and we have the rest of our lives we will put
our evening on hold for a few hours.”  Earl says.  Jackson is not happy about
this.  I think he is uncomfortable with interrupting them. 

“Earl and I are
mated and that’s all that matters.”  Kelly said.  “Daddy can’t make me leave. 
I knew that he would show up here and try to take me back so I hurried Earl. 
He wanted to have this whole romantic evening but I wanted to stay more.”

“Oh Kelly.  That
sucks.  That’s twice your mating has been subpar.”  I feel bad.  I knew when
Dad said that he wanted to see her that they may be…busy but I didn’t say
anything.”

“It wasn’t subpar,
it was beautiful.”  She glanced back at Earl and flushed again.  “Daddy can see
that I am mated to a strong and wonderful wolf.  He can go home and leave me to
live my life.”  I nod.  If she is happy then I am happy.

“I feel so bad
about interrupting Kelly.”  Jackson said as he pulled his clothes off when we
returned to the house after a great dinner.  Everyone was happy and had a good
time, even my dad with his two freshly mated, without permission, daughters. 

“They’re okay with
it Jackson.  Earl wanted to meet dad and Kel wanted to show dad that she’s
good.  It worked out.  I think Dad will be coming back often too.”  One of his
eyebrows rose.  “He’s sweet on Shirley.”

“No shit?”  I
shook my head and put our dirty clothes in the laundry basket I found earlier. 
“Good.  He needs a woman to keep him sane and content.”  I made a face.  “You
brought it up.”  He laughed.  “Now come here.”  I go to him and let him wrap me
in his arms.

“Jackson?”  He
made a humming sound.  “I don’t want to with Dad in the house.  Is that okay?” 
He gave me a squeeze and nodded but he still held onto me.  “What do you think
he thought of Earl?”

“I think your Dad
likes him just fine.  Earl did a good job of convincing him that he would take
care of Kelly and I think that he liked seeing her happy.  It doesn’t really
matter now because they have mated.  When is Autumn coming?”

“Tomorrow, she and
her posse should be here by dinner.  We need to hit the grocery store first
thing tomorrow.”  I say.  Jackson leads me to the bed and we climb in.  I’ve
made it with fresh linens that I found in one of the closets.  He covers us and
nuzzles my neck.  “We need to turn the cable and internet on too.”  He kisses
my cheek.  “Jackson.”  He pulls me close and turns me so my back is to his
front.

“I know.  I just
wanted to kiss my mate okay?”  His body curves possessively around mine and he
is so warm and comfortable that I fall asleep quickly. 

***

I wake to the
smell of breakfast, not just any breakfast but coffee, bacon and eggs, maybe
pancakes.  It’s heavenly.  It has to be Kelly.  She is my angel.  Jackson is
missing.  He’s gone to breakfast and he’s left me here.  I had better have a
pancake when I get there!  I dress quickly then brush my teeth and hair.  I
hurry through the house to find Dad, Earl, and Jackson at the table eating. 
Kelly is in the kitchen flipping pancakes and she smiles at me when I come in. 
I smile back but I scowl at Jackson.  I hear Kelly laugh.  “There is plenty
here Summer.  Don’t get nasty with Jackson.”

“Yeah don’t get
nasty with Jackson.”  He was at my side now kissing my cheek.  He sits me at
the table next to Dad and goes to fill my plate and mug.  “Jackson was a
sweetheart and let you sleep in, and then he made you a nice big plate with
lots of bacon.”  He set it down in front of me and kissed my cheek again.  Dad
watched us.  My cheeks heated.

“Don’t be
embarrassed.  I’m not.  He should be affectionate with his mate.  You should
present a united front for the pack.  They must believe that you are each
other’s champion and that you have the other’s back.  Some wolves will try to
divide the pack alphas for personal gain.  Face challenges together.  Be each
other’s other half.  That goes for you two as well.”  He gave Earl a stern look
and then Kelly.

“Yes Daddy.” 
Kelly said bringing her plate to the table.  She sat next to Earl.  He smiled
softly at her.

“Thanks for
breakfast Sis.”  I shovel pancake in my mouth.  “Our pantry is empty.”  She
nodded and sipped her mug of warm milk delicately.  Eww.  I hope nobody makes
me drink that when I get pregnant.  Milk should be cold.  Jackson chuckled.  He
knew what I was thinking.  The disgust was evident on my face.  I’m sure. 
Shirley knocked as she walked in from the living room.  I didn’t hear the front
door.  Um…

“Good morning
sweetheart.”  Shirley said.  My dad kissed her cheek as she leaned down.  “Did
you sleep well?”  He nodded and she smiled at him then went to the cabinet to
get a plate.  I looked at Kel whose eyes had gone round, then at Jackson who
was trying to hide behind his coffee cup.  “Is there a problem Summer?”  I
shake my head and take a bite of scrambled egg.

“Well maybe.  I’m
just surprised, I mean I knew yesterday that you were sweet on each other but I
didn’t expect this.  This is a surprise.”  I say matter of fact.  If Jackson
and I had pulled that trick, neither of us would be sitting here.

“You aren’t
kidding.”  Kelly murmured and I giggled.  Her cheeks turned pink.  She really
needed to learn to control that.

“What does this
mean?  Are you going home with him Shirley or was it just a one night kind of
thing?”  Shirley sat on my dad’s other side.  She took a sip of coffee.

“This is all very
good Kelly.”  Shirley lifted her mug in Kelly’s direction and Kelly thanked her. 
“I guess you are all wondering about us.  To be honest, I’m not sure.  I have
my condominium to consider and the bookstore but yes, your father has asked me
to go with him.  I’ve told him that I will think about it but I think that yes,
I would like to.”  She smiles at my dad who smiles back, it lights his whole
face up and he looks twenty years younger.  “I’m not going with him today.  I
need to teach you how to do those books that we discussed and how to run the
store.  I will have to put my condominium up for sale but I think that I can get
most of that accomplished in two weeks.  Brandt?”

“I think that we
can work with that.”  He gives her shoulder a squeeze.  Am I dreaming this? 
Kelly has mated Earl and I think my dad has mated Shirley.

“Did you mark
her?”  I couldn’t stop it from popping out of my mouth and Kelly scolds me.

“It’s okay.  You
both have the right to know.  Not yet he hasn’t but I am going to let him.”  My
dad growled then.  My eyes snapped up to his face.  It was nearly the same
growl that Jackson gives me when he wants to, oh no.  I didn’t need to know
that.  Jackson is gathering our plates to carry to the sink and Kelly pops up. 
Earl pushes her gently back down into her chair and nods at her plate.  He
wanted her to eat more.  I thought that she should too.  She’s pregnant after
all and pups suck a lot out of you. 

“I’ll get them
Kelly.  You cooked so I will clean.  It was delicious by the way.  You may cook
for me anytime.  In fact…”  Jackson gives me a look but I continue.  “In fact,
I would like for you to teach me to cook better.”  I glance at Shirley who only
has eyes for Dad and I continue.  “I should be able to cook for the pack if
necessary.”  Kelly nods.

“You need
groceries first then we will start the lessons.  I will go with you to the
store.”  Kelly finished her plate and Earl brought it to me at the sink. 

“I have to get to
work.  Promise me that you will rest today after the shopping and lesson.” 
Earl leaned over and kissed her.  I watched them.  It wasn’t overly passionate
but it was definitely sexy and by the time he finished I wanted to take Jackson
to the bedroom.  I shouldn’t have denied him last night because I was feeling
it now.  I squeezed my thighs together and he was at my side.  Earl was leaving
and everyone told him goodbye.  Jackson rinsed while I washed.

“I’m going to go
with Larry later to see the condo building and the shop.  Do you and Kelly need
any help shopping?”  I shook my head.  “What’s wrong?”  He murmured.  I bit my
lip.  “Summer?”

“I don’t know, I
guess seeing Dad and Shirley then Kelly and Earl…”

“Oh.”  He nods
knowingly.

“What?”  He rinses
another dish.  “I missed you this morning I guess and I shouldn’t have gone to
sleep so quick last night.”  I whisper.

“I have some time
before I need to leave, did you need to speak with me privately before I go?” 
Jackson asked in his business like voice.  Kelly turns to study us.  She
catches on quickly.

“Summer, I need to
go to my house for a little while before we go to the store, I want to pick up
a few things for Earl while we are there.  Dad, weren’t you and Shirley going
to take a walk after breakfast?”  His brows furrowed then his face softened.

“We were.  I
wanted Shirley to show me around the neighborhood.  I want to look the houses
over for Autumn and Tim.”

“She’ll pick the
big Victorian but Earl says that it needs a lot of work and that it’s really
old.”  Kelly offers.

“Sometimes,
working on a house makes you appreciate it more.  I think your sister could use
that lesson.”  He was right.  Autumn could use many lessons.  If she has to fix
it up, she won’t take it for granted.  “I will still take a look around if it’s
all the same to you.”’

“Of course.” 
Kelly demurred.  “I will be back in about an hour.”  She looked at me and
smiled.  I nodded.

“Come on Shirley,
let’s give these two some room.”  Shirley stood and let him tuck her into his
side.  Jackson was on me before the front door clicked.  He pressed me against
the sink and kissed me deeply. 

“Bedroom.”  He murmured
and pulled me down the hall.  I was giggling by the time we got there.  Jackson
was out of his clothes in record time.  “I need you.  I suffered all night with
your tight little rear end pressed into my lap.”  I was shimmying out of my
jeans.  My shirt and bra fell carelessly to the floor.  Jackson was behind me
now with his hands kneading my breasts.  I loved when he did that.  He rolled
my nipples between his fingers and tugged.  I moaned and melted into him.  I
grabbed at his thighs behind me while he mouthed the mark he’d left on my
shoulder.  I moaned again.  I could feel how big his erection was against my
back.  Jackson turned me and lifted my hands from his thighs to brace them on
the wall beside the bed.  He nudged my legs apart with his knee and my heart
started to pound.  Jackson is against my back and I start to sweat and pant. 
It’s my dream.  Does he realize what he’s doing, or is this just happening?  He
braces a hand next to mine and the other is circling my clit.  “You’re so
wet.”  I feel him shift behind me.  His penis is pressing against my lower
back.  I moan again.  “I’m going to bury myself so deep inside you Summer, you
won’t know where you end, and I begin.”  He murmurs against my ear and I shiver
all over then he enters me.  I climax instantly just like in the dream.  His
breath huffs warmly against my neck just under my ear.  He chuckles.  “Dreams can
come true, Sweetheart.”  Jackson pushes into me again.  He’s huge inside of
me.  This is new for us, we haven’t done this standing up, and I’m not sure how
long I can keep my legs from turning to rubber.  His hands are hot on my skin,
his mouth is working the mating muscle, and I’m on fire.  I cry his name.  My
center is heavy and my core is clenching on him.  “Come again for me baby.”  He
says right against my ear and I do.  Jackson’s body has covered me and is
pressing me into the wall as he roars his release.  I stay there with him, our
hearts pounding but slowing, our breaths returning to normal.  “I love you.” 
He says against my neck. 

“Me too.”  I whisper. 
I can’t open my eyes yet.  It still feels too good with him twitching inside of
me and with my core still throbbing with my pulse.  I don’t want to return to
reality yet.  He lifts me and puts me down gently on the bed.  Jackson lies
down beside me and pulls me close.  I turn to nuzzle his chest and he growls
low and contentedly.

We wake to a
banging on the front door.  Jackson gets up and pulls his jeans on.  “Shit, I
was supposed to meet Larry.  I have to go.  Do you need anything?”  I pucker up
and he smiles then kisses me.  “See you later?”  I nod.

“Jackson,” he
looks over his shoulder as he’s headed out.  “Thanks.”

“It was my
pleasure Missus Reynolds.  I am always at your beck and call.”  He smiles and
disappears around the corner while I giggle.  I am so happy with him.  I knew
we would be good together.  I stretch then get up and dress.  It’s been an hour
and Kelly will be back soon. 

She’s waiting on
the porch for me looking her at her list.  “I want to make Earl a cake.  Do you
think chocolate or yellow?”  She asks without looking up.

“Devil’s food.”  I
smile and try not to laugh.  Kelly doesn’t get it and jots a few things down. 
“Will you help me make my list?”

“I did it, you
need everything.  Let’s go.”  I go back inside and get my keys.  Kelly follows
me to my car.  Dad and Shirley are coming back from their walk.

“We’re going to
the grocery store, do you need anything?”  I ask them.  Both shake their heads
so I shift into reverse and head out. 

By the time we
return, Jackson is on the porch having a heated discussion with Larry.  I back
my car up to the steps and start unloading.  Kelly grabs her bags and walks
toward home.  She wants to make the cake for Earl and I should have enough
help.  “Make yourselves useful.”  I say as I pass them.  They are talking about
the condominium building.  Jackson isn’t happy about something.  I pass them on
my way back to the car for more bags.  I didn’t see Dad or Shirley and I have
to wonder if they’re in his room.  Don’t think about that, I tell myself.  I
get another load of groceries and mount the stairs.  I look pointedly at them
but they ignore me.  Okay, I guess I’m on my own.  No problem.  I get the last
of the bags and they are still at it.  I slam the car door and stomp up the
steps past them.  I looked at all of the bags that I’ve piled up in the
kitchen.  Kelly was trying to kill me that must be it.  I start putting things
away and Jackson comes into the kitchen.

“Sorry babe.  I’ll
help you.  You should see that place.”  I’m suddenly frightened.  Did it need
fixing?  Would it cost a lot to fix it?  “Those are luxury condominiums and
they are charging the residents hardly anything to live there.  They bought the
units but the condominium fee is only one-fifty a month.  I checked the
surrounding buildings and the rest of them are charging five hundred.”  I nod. 
I have no idea what any of that means.  “It’s unreal.  Larry doesn’t have a
business head at all.”