***Gennie POV***
After hearing what Trix had to say, I was perturbed. Jonas and myself always tried to give as much as possible to our pack members. But some things were just too private and personal for us to share. The pack was of course curious about Evie. Jonas and myself had instructed Trix on the type of responses she should give, if a certain question was asked. But so far, Trix had fielded any questions put to her like a pro.
But this line of questioning made my ski crawl, and I wasn't sure why.
''You're sure they didn't ask anything else?'' I probed further. Trix shook her head.
''I didn't let them, Luna. The questions made me feel uncomfortable, so I just left them with a smile and headed straight here'.
I smiled at the girl then. Even though Trix was only a year or two younger than me, I still thought of her as a girl. So much had happened to me since meeting Jonas that I sometimes felt ancient.
''alright, thank you for telling us. Would you mind taking the baby and putting her down for a nap?
Trix nodded right away, and whisked Evie to the nursery. I heard the soft 'click' of the door closing, then turned to Jonas. Who was pacing.
''what do you think''? I was keen to hear his take on all this.
''Why would a third class warrior and his mate be so concerned about my comings and goings? If not to tell someone else the answers''.
Jonas nodded in agreement, ''Do you think they are telling...... someone?'' Not able to say his father's name. It was my turn to nod. Jonas let out a frustrated growl, and slammed his body down on the sofa next to me, making me raise slightly.
''Sweetheart, we don't know this for sure. Maybe the warrior and his mate were curious about....'.
Jonas didn't let me finish what I was saying. He sat forward, holding his head in his hands.
He looked so overwhelmed, my heart went out to him. I rested my head against his shoulder and was soon enveloped in a hug. Pulling out of his arms, somewhat reluctantly, I said ''We will have to question the two pack members, but I also think this gives you the opportunity to find your father''.
***Jonas POV***
My eyes found Gennie's, and I stared at her for a few seconds. ''Find my father?'' I said, puzzled.
Seeing her nod, I felt I needed her to explain her train of thought.
''Sweetheart' she began, that made my insides twist with desire for her. She continued, ''If the two asked these questions for someone else, and that someone is your father, then we can use this. When they contact with the person who wants to know the information, we could learn where your father is hiding himself'.
I was smiling, I knew I was. My head had formed the same conclusion. I loved it when we were in sync like this. I could feel the twist of desire again. I also heard Jax say 'whoa their partner, there's a genuine problem here. Get your head out of the gutter. Or I will take over'. His warning had the desired effect, and my libido settled down.
''I think we have to play it cool, we don't want to spook these two. I have an idea, but I want the inner circle in on it. I'll set up a meeting for later this evening. You still have a few hours of practise, and I know Greg is waiting in the arena for me, as we were going to go over the new training schedule.'.
I saw her beautiful face light up at the mention of practise. It wasn't going so well at the moment, so I had stepped back and let Hilda work with my mate. Silas would be there as well, as usual. So I knew Gennie was protected when I wasn't near.
''Hilda should be waiting in my office for me, I'm a little late. I would also like to ask if Hilda could be made one of the inner circle. With us working so closely, I feel the need to be as open as possible with her. Have a think about it, okay. That's all I'm asking''. She put her hands up to show she wasn't being pushy. I walked over to her and wrapped her in my arms.
''I wish we could stay here for a bit longer'' I heard the longing in my voice, and I wasn't afraid to admit that working away from her was like a physical ache in my heart. It was the same with my darling little Evie. Just thinking about her sweet baby smell and her perfect cherub face made me walk taller. I was no longer just the Grand Alpha of my pack, I was Mated and I was a father.
Letting my arms drop to her hips, I pulled Gennie in for a swift but fierce kiss, which left us both panting. I heard a little squeak and turned to see a very red faced Trix standing in the doorway, holding Evie. 'Oh my goddess, I'm so sorry, I interrupted. What must you think of me, Alpha? Luna''.
As she turned on her heel, I laughed and asked her to turn around. 'Trix, if you're going to be a success here with us, you'll need to get used to seeing kisses and stuff'' Gennie poked me in the abs and said with a laugh on her voice ''Stuff huh? Sounds interesting''. And the little minx wagged her eyebrows at me.
***Trix POV***
The Luna skipped away from the Alpha's playful swat on her bottom. Both of them were laughing, it was so wonderful to see. They were so happy together. I didn't want a mate. I would be happy to be one of those wolves who never found one. Becoming a valued member of the pack by helping and supporting future generations. Having a mate meant opening yourself up to hurt and grief. That wasn't for me, I had watched my Mom become a stranger after my dad died. I watched as she stopped eating, stopped working, stopped life I suppose. I didn't realise I had tears in my eyes until Luna was in front of me with a worried look on her face.
'Trix, sweetie. What's wrong, did we upset you just now? I can tell Jonas to curtail his affections when you're around, if that would be easier for you'.
I looked at the Luna, stunned for a few seconds. ''What? No, no. Oh please, forgive the tears. It was just watching you both so happy together. It means a lot to know that I live in a pack with kind and caring leaders. Some are not as lucky as we are'.
I smile shyly up into Luna's stunning face. The next thing I knew, I was embraced in a tight hug ''Never change, Trix. Always be the shining soul you are now''. And I felt her kiss the top of my head. My whole body zinged as a calm feeling came over me. ''Will you be okay if I leave? I can stay for a while longer if you wish'. I looked at her, mortified now, did the Luna think I couldn't do my job?
My heart started to beat very fast, this is it, I said to myself. This is when my life fucks up again. I squared my shoulders and waited for a reprimand or firing. I could feel myself start to tremble slightly.
***Gennie POV***
Something changed in Trix when I asked if she wanted me to stay for a little. I was puzzled until Sapphire spoke in my mind, "she thinks she's fucked up." Because you asked if you should stay. She is waiting for you to fire her'. I looked at Trix, my eyes wide open. ''Trixie, you have done nothing wrong sweetie. Please don't think I lack trust in you. If anything, I trust you more than any other pack member outside our inner circle. You have my baby''.
It was like letting air out of a balloon. I saw Trix's shoulders sag a little. I saw a few tears, before she brushed them away. There was more going on with this she-wolf than I knew. I would have to spend some hours with her each day. I would get to know her better, she is after all looking after Evie.
''Are you sure Luna? I won't be offended if you'd like me to leave'.
I smiled at this. Sapphire said something to me, then that made my eyes open wide again. I got so excited. Trix looked at me like I had lost my mind.
'Trix, why didn't you tell me it's your birthday tomorrow? It's a big day. Do you want the day off so you can spend it with your family? I know you'll miss the Friday forest run with the Alpha and the pack, but there is always next Friday......''. I stopped when I saw Trix looking at me with a strange expression on her face. 'Trix, are you okay? You look a little scared. Have I scared you? I'm sorry I got so excited. It's just 18 is a massive deal to werewolves. Connecting with your wolf is like no other feeling'.
It was my turn to be shocked when I saw Trix hold up her hand. So I stopped talking and waited ''Luna, it is not my birthday tomorrow, I am not 18 for another two months. And it will be the same as every year. I haven't celebrated my birthday in years. Having to look after my brother and sisters, and my mom, kinda knocked all that stuff out of my life. I just concentrated on making my siblings' birthdays as special as I could. Turning 18 in two months will just be another day, luna. I am wolfless, you see''.
If Trix had smacked me around the face with a wet fish, I would have been less shocked at this very minute. I looked at the pretty young she-wolf in front of me. I felt my heart clench at her words. I knew how that had felt. But she was so wrong.
''Okay, let me start again, Trix. When a werewolf turns 18 years old, they get their wolf. It only happens on your 18th and not before. Why would you think you don't have a wolf waiting for you? in the other realm? Who told you this?'. I was genuinely concerned now. I had this girl in front of me, and it seemed she didn't know what she was. Could it be someone had concealed it from her?
I walked over to the console by the door and picked up the phone. I dialled the extension I needed, I waited until Peter picked up the other end. ''Peter, can you tell Hilda I will have to postpone my training today....No, there is nothing wrong....Really Peter, I'm fine. Okay thanks'.
I turned around and faced Trix, who still held Evie in her arms. Please put the baby in her bassinet and sit on the sofa, Trix. I think we need a little chat. Is that okay with you?''. I asked lightly, given her the chance to turn me down, and hoping she didn't.