Chapter 356

Vince stared at me for a few more seconds, the wheels turning in his mind, and then he nodded. “I actually just remembered I had things I have to do. Brandon, bring her to the security offices and introduce her to Rick. Her office is the one on the right.” Vince smiled. “Settle in. Rick will know what to do.” Vince turned around and went to leave but turned back. “I’m sorry I won’t be able to settle you in, but as long as you come in, do your job, and help this pack, you won’t have to worry about your position here.”

I nodded and then bowed. “Thank you, Alpha Vince.” Then he was gone, leaving me alone with Brandon. I turned to him and smiled. “Where to?”

Brandon came around from behind and took the lead. “This way.”

I nodded and followed. “So, Rick?”

Brandon looked over his shoulder. “An old wolf. Smart. His daughter is sickly, and my father takes care of her.” I could feel my stomach clench. Vince wasn’t the caring alpha.

“That’s sweet of him.” I followed him down the rest of the hallways and to a door. I did my best to keep up the conversation, but my mind was already spinning about Rick and his sickly daughter.

“This is it.” I came to a stop behind him, and I smiled. But internally, dread has settled in my chest. I had no idea how to get here. I wasn’t paying attention. Fuck.

Don’t worry. Nix snorted. I know the way. She shook her head. You know your father would be disappointed you allowed your training to fail you so badly.

She was right. He used to make me work on word problems and math as he took me through a maze he built as a pup. It was to keep my sense of direction sharp, even if I was blindfolded or not paying attention. I think we should start training like that again. Nix nodded and then nudged me to focus.

Brandon was staring at me. I panicked, but Megan chuffed out a laugh. He asked if you were ready.

“I’m ready.” I smiled at Brandon. “Sorry. I’m nervous.” He turned to look at me with a raised eyebrow. “It’s stupid, I know.”

He released the doorknob and turned to face me fully. “Nothing you feel is stupid. But talk to me.”

I leaned against the wall and started to pick at my nails. “You know my dad was the one who told me to go into computer science, right?” He nodded. “I loved my dad. Even though he was a shitty mate, he was an amazing dad and alpha. He taught me everything I know about being an alpha. And now that he’s gone… everything I do is to make him proud.”

Brandon grabbed my hand and squeezed. “That’s understandable… but I am still a little lost.”

I sighed. “This is the beginning. This door.” I gestured to it. “Is the very beginning of my career, one I have dedicated to my dad. It’s the start of learning how to keep my pack safe.”

Brandon furrowed his brow. “You spent the last two, almost three years learning how to do this job.”

I nodded. “I know. But this, this is making it real, and I’m freaking out. What if I suck?” I pushed as much uncertainty as I could into my voice.

He laughed. “You are one badass alpha.”

I nodded. “I know how to be a badass alpha. Being able to create a security system that holds up is completely different.” I smiled. “I told you it was stupid.” I hit his arm lightly.

He grabbed my hand and squeezed it again. “I know you, and I know you are going to do amazing. I promise you, you will make your father proud.” I nodded and took a deep breath.

“Thank you.” I closed my eyes and took another deep breath. “Okay. I’m ready!” I pumped my other fist, making Brandon laugh again.

“Let’s go.” He intertwined our fingers and opened the door. I pretended to pull my hand from his.

“Brandon.” I hissed as I tugged again, but it just earned me a smile.

We stepped into a square office with a desk to the left. A sweet-looking omega sat at the desk and waved her hand. Brandon pulled me to the desk. “This is…” Confusion flashed across his face.

“I’m Omega Alannah.” She stood and bowed. “I handle the calls and schedule. I also handle all the office-like tasks around here.” I smiled.

“Nice to meet you.”

Brandon called back to the open door on the left. “Rick, this is Amy. Your new disciple.” Rick groaned from inside the office, and I heard him move back a chair.

“For the last time, I do not want nor need a disciple.” There were a few heavy steps before a big man with graying hair at his temples came around the door frame. He came to a stop right outside the door. “You’re Gavin’s kid.”