Chapter 43: Teeran.

Bella’s pov.

“I’m sorry…” I mumble, not able to think straight, “what was your name again?”

The she-wolf in front of me huffed as she glared slightly at me.

“I’ve said it three times now, Alpha Bella… it’s Teeran… I’m twenty years old and I’ve been helping with young pups my entire life. I even worked in the darecare at my pack for the last three years… that’s why when I heard the alpha was looking for someone to help care for her daughter I immediately felt it would be a great opportunity for me. I’m great with kids, I can do dinner and bedtimes, I like to keep them entertained and busy… and I can promise I’d keep her safe, I am a trained fighter,” she said with her chin up, confidence radiating off of her.

I stopped rubbing my eyes and really looked at her, noticing her blond hair, kind green eyes that held more maturity than they probably should.

The way she stood there, the way she knew what she wanted to say.

“I’m sorry, Teeran. I wasn’t able to get much sleep last night and you’re the thirteenth person I’ve met with today… I’m beyond exhausted. No one else felt like the right fit, but… I am getting a good feeling from you,” I said softly, amusement in my eyes as I watched her composure slip slightly from my words, her eyes widening a bit before going back to the way they were before, “I already closed the other files I had. I’m going to keep yours and when I need you I will mindlink you to come here. Does that work for you? Would I be able to count on you to be here last minute if I needed you? Can I trust you’ll protect her if we’re under attack and I need to be out there helping the warriors fight? The kind of person I’m looking for is someone that will feel like family, someone who will care enough to drop what they are doing to be here when needed. You’ll be paid fairly and you’re welcome to eat here, shower, sleep, do whatever you need. As long as you give Megan the best care and everything she needs first.”

She stared at me with wide eyes, her mouth opening and closing as she gathered her words.

“Ye- yes!” She stuttered at first, laughing slightly as she smiled at me, “of course! I’d die for you and the heir. I swear on my life if you mindlinked me, telling me to get here I’d be here quicker than you could blink. I promise.”

“Then it’s settled. You should expect to hear from me soon. As the alpha you may be needed lots. And I need someone Megan can connect with and trust… and someone I can feel comfortable leaving her with. The last person I had, she was family, she was special to us. Her name was Martha. Megan may bring her up and her long trip she went on… but Martha died protecting Megan, and I don’t want her to know that yet, okay?” I said calmly, watching her face as I mentioned Martha’s passing.

Her eyes widened a bit before she composed herself, rolling her shoulders and nodding her head.

“I’ll be strong for you. I’d do whatever needed to be done to protect Megan. I promise you that…” she replied quietly, looking into my eyes.

“Let’s get the tour done and then you can meet Megan, I might even need you to watch her later today while I speak to elder Elian,” I said while standing up, walking into the kitchen, “obviously, this is the kitchen. In that drawer are the good snacks. I keep them hidden from Megan, the fridge is always full, and same with the cub boards above it, they have all the snacks and other food that you can make. Down that hall is mine and Megan’s rooms and at the end is the bathroom. I also have a bathroom in my room if you need to use it.”

I pause and look towards her, watching as she takes it all in.

She nods her head while listening to every word I say.

“Megan likes her space. If she’s upset or being mean just ask her to go calm down in her room… she went through some traumatic stuff and it’s turned her into someone I don’t recognize. I’m hoping she’ll like you so you don’t have to deal with that but she’s five and has big emotions, don’t take it personal,” I mumbled as I opened her bedroom door, her back turned to us as she colours on her books.

I watched her for a second, not saying anything as I let our presence linger.

She placed her markers down before turning towards us, a shy smile on her face.

“Mommy?” She asked quietly, looking from me to Teeran, “who is she…?”

I walked towards her, crouching down to her level, “this is Teeran. She’ll be watching you when I need to go work… I think you’ll love her. She’s great and loves to draw and play. She’ll be watching you later today, how does that sound?”

She looked behind me towards Teeran, her eyes squinting with curiosity as she studied her face.

“Teeran?” She asked quietly, looking back towards me, waiting for an answer.

“Yes, hun. Teeran. She’s going to be a great fit. I can feel it,” I whispered, giving her a wink.

A smile slowly made its way onto her face as she stood up from the floor.

She walked towards Teeran, only looking back at me once.

I nodded my head, encouraging her to go to her, to follow her instincts.

“Hello, Megan… it’s so nice to meet you,” Teeran said to her with a soft smile, getting down to her level as Megan got in front of her, “what’s your favourite colour?”

“I like blue,” Megan whispered while looking at her, “like my eyes!”

Teeran chuckled while searching Megan’s face.

She looked at me suddenly, “I don’t know why… but I am getting a powerful… ancient feeling from her right now…”