Reckless Regrets
Chapter 73

Kade

“The ladies did a good job planning all this out; now we just need to get both groups together so we can unite as one,” Alexi said.

It was Thursday morning, and the planned pack run was to take place later that night. Everything was organized perfectly, but we found that many former Canyon Woods wolves had deep-seated preconceived notions about Blue Moon. They were perfectly fine with Xander coming in and totally upgrading their lives but seemed to take pause when the time came to come together.

“They are all my pack; I don’t give a damn how they feel or what bullshit Thorne fed them over the years. I’m their Alpha now, and they are Blue Moon. They will participate in this run and f*****g like it,” Xander stated.

He’d been getting more and more irritated by the requests from former Canyon Woods members to sit out on the run or not attend the memorial service. It was apparent they were used to a tyrant as a leader, but not a strong leader. Xander would push them to become one group because it would make us all stronger. A pack of 800 was already intimidating, but a pack of 1,200 would be terrifying to go up against.

“I’d suggest we get everyone ready to move then. We have Roberto and the few decently trained warriors going around getting everyone ready for the trip, but because they’re not Captain, they are getting some pushback,” I added.

“I don’t have the patience for this childish nonsense. If I have to go to Oregon and command them to get their asses in gear, it won’t be pretty,” Xander replied with a sigh.

“Have Bean do it,” Matt suggested.

“Do what? Kick their asses? She’s feisty, but she can’t take on 400 wolves,” I joked.

“Have Bean link them all and tell them to get their s**t together. They can ignore Roberto, but not their Luna. And she can do it from right here, saving Xander the trip up north.”

I glanced over at Xander, who looked like he was already linking Alaia to request her help. A few seconds later, we all heard her message come through.

Good morning Blue Moon pack. This evening, we will release the spirits of two of our own to the afterlife, then celebrate the lives we are blessed enough to still live with a unifying pack run, led by our Alpha, Xander. To all of our family at the northern pack, please be sure to make it to the main campus by 5:30 PM, as everyone who can shift must be present for the run. Many things in life are voluntary; this event, unfortunately, is not one of them. Your Alpha, myself, and the rest of our ranked members appreciate your compliance and look forward to seeing you all tonight. Thank you.

“That was perfect. Nice enough that people can feel like it was a request, but firm enough for them to know that it wasn’t,” I thought aloud.

“If I could link 1,200 people at once, my life would be so much easier. It’s a good thing I married up,” Xander replied with a laugh. Once the issue with the northern wolves was settled, we moved onto the next item on the list. Rebuilding.

“So, I’ve got the new permits approved, but the problem we’re having now is that there is no one to oversee the work. The project manager needs a point of contact that should have been Marisol and Nate, but now we’ve got no one,” Xander advised.

“And you don’t want to use the former Beta and Gamma? Don’t they both still live on the territory?” Tyson asked.

“Yes, they do, but no. I’m sure they’re good guys, but their time in any leadership position is over. Too much bad b***d when they were in power.”

“What about Gabby and Luca? They could be a good fit. Gabby is compassionate and knows the area, and Luca is smart when he’s not thinking with his d**k,” Alexi suggested.

“Maybe down the line, but right now, Gabby is too unstable for me to put that burden on her comfortably. Especially since she’ll be back at home with all of the old sights and sounds that could trigger her.”

“Send Gio. He just broke up with Sasha and is looking for something to occupy his time while we try to figure out what the hell is going on with his love life. He took a leave of absence from work as well, so he has the time,” Matt offered.

“Do you think he’d do it? He’s got alpha b***d, and he’s responsible, so he’d be a perfect candidate,” Xander stated.

Matt took a moment to link his little brother, but it seemed like the conversation went rather quickly. Less than a minute later, he was finished. “Gio will be here in an hour to go over everything you need him to do, and he can go back to Oregon tonight after the run to get started,” Matt advised.

“How is he doing? Breaking up with your mate is unheard of; usually, only death can do that,” I said.

“He’s confused but happy. I know some foul s**t brought him and Sasha together; we’ve just got to get to the bottom of it and find his real happiness. I think this will be good for him, though, it’s a clean slate, and he can keep his mind focused on something other than six wasted years of his life,” Matt replied.

Six years, that was harsh. I’d only had my Morgan for a little over two, and somehow Gio got roped into three times that, with someone who probably wasn’t even meant for him. He really did need a distraction.

“If we’re a democracy here, I’d vote to give the position to Gio. If anyone ever repeats this, I’ll say it’s a lie, but Matt is as solid as they come, and Gio is almost an exact replica. You wouldn’t have to worry about s**t not getting done, anyone being mistreated, or your wishes not being followed. Next to the five of us, I don’t think anyone else would be better suited,” I told Xander.

“Aww, you do love me. I knew it all along,” Matt teased.

“Since when are we not a democracy?” Xander asked.

“Pretty often, especially when you want us to do something we don’t want to do,” Alexi stated.

“I’m fair. I listen to what you guys want and think; most of the time. Anyway, Gio has got the job. I’ll make sure to get him up to speed later on, but I’m confident he’ll do great,” Xander said.

“Works for me,” Matt replied.

“Next up: dragon eggs. Tyson, have you heard anything from Blaze? The eggs are secure, but if anyone finds out we have them, it puts the pack at risk. We need them gone as soon as possible,” Xander advised.

“The Badlands doesn’t really allow the prisoners to have pen pals, so no, I haven’t heard anything. Only a handful of people know about the eggs, and with the added security we’ll be installing in the coming weeks, I hope it will be enough to keep them and us safe. Blaze knows where to find me when he’s ready, but until then, I’m in the dark,” Tyson replied.

“I was afraid of that. Have you sent the link to the pack to start the census?”

“Yep, it went out right after we spoke. They’ve had a couple of days now, and about 80% have responded.”

“Okay, you start working on the scans for the ones who have submitted data, and the rest of us will go after the remaining 20%. We need this done ASAP if we’re going to be housing these eggs for the foreseeable future,” Xander said.

“No problem, I can start scans tomorrow and work through the weekend.”

“Last but not least, Kade, when are you leaving for your honeymoon?” Xander asked.

“I’ve planned it for next Saturday. We have an appointment next Friday that I’m sure Morgan won’t want to miss, so we’ll leave after that.”

“Gone for a week?” Matt asked.

“Ten days. I didn’t want Morgan to lose out on sightseeing and whatever else she may want to do because of the travel time and jet lag.”

“Cool. I’ll make sure your duties are covered while you’re gone,” he replied.

“Alright, that’s it, gentlemen. Matt, make sure Gio knows that I’ll be waiting for him here, and he may want to clear a few hours just in case. Besides that, you’re all free to go,” Xander stood to his feet and stated.

Everyone filed out, but I waited behind. I had a nagging question that wouldn’t let up, and it was driving me insane.

“Xan, have you heard from the lawyer yet? Any word on the adoption?” I asked.

“Nothing yet. But you know this takes months, right? It could even take over a year. You and Morgan will be a perfect choice for parents, and I have connections, but I can’t rush the process, at least not that much. You’ll have to wait a little while, but in the end, it will be worth it,” Xander replied.

It wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but I understood. Like humans, we had our own version of the foster care system, and Cameron was just one of the many pups who were in line for a permanent home. I wanted him to be mine, but not at the expense of another child who’d been waiting patiently. It wasn’t who Morgan and I were, and I’d never use my or Xander’s position for something so selfish.

“Alright. I’d hoped I could pass some good news to Morgan to keep her calm after everything with Gabby.”

“Well, tell her this. Cameron won’t be removed from the house. I was able to push the elders to grant temporary custody to you two while the adoption process plays out. I wanted to tell you both at the same time, but this is okay too. I’m counting this as my wedding gift,” Xander said with a smile.

“Thanks, man. We still haven’t opened most of the gifts, and I’m positive none of them can be better than this; it’s perfect,” I replied.

I felt a small weight lift from my heart. Cameron wasn’t officially mine yet, but we’d taken a massive step towards the goal with the temporary custody. And the news would be just what Morgan needed for her to be able to enjoy the honeymoon and not worry. I couldn’t wait to tell her.

“You’re welcome, but when you unwrap the air fryer Alaia got you, make sure you act like that is the best gift of the bunch, got it?”

“Sure, I can do that, but you and I will always know the truth.”