The Alpha’s Companion - Chapter 56

“Are you well, Alpha Queen?” Brogan asked as Misty glanced at her in the rearview mirror from the front passenger seat as Victor drove them through the fates, leaving the Shadow Pack.

After the frosty welcome she had received with the Silver Pack, the family she had grown up with, she had no idea what awaited them when they arrived at her stepfather’s pack. Julien had called ahead and spoke to Arkin, letting him know that she was on her way.

Lacey nodded. “Yes, thank you.” Then she stared out the window, watching the bare trees, now ready for their winter slumber.

Soon, the limo pulled to a stop in front of a mansion, one of the biggest that Lacey had ever seen. She couldn’t help but think that it would have been amazing to grow up at this compound. But then memories of the way she had been treated at her parent’s mansion came flooding back. If that was the way family treated her, then she wanted no part of it. When she and Julien had a family of their own, she wanted things to be different.

To her surprise, Arkin was waiting at the top of the steps outside the mansion along with some of his men. When he saw her, a broad smile spread across his face as he hurried down the steps and straight to the limo.

Brogan slid out first and then held his hand out for Lacey. As soon as she stepped out, Arkin pulled her into his arms, giving her a warm, fatherly hug.

“It’s so good to see you again,” he said when he pulled back. “I’m thrilled that you came to visit.”

Lacey smiled, tilting her head to the side, taken aback that he was so friendly toward her. “Although I’m thrilled to be here, I’m not here just for pleasure. We need to talk right away… pack to pack.”

Arkin’s smile quickly faced as a concerned look appeared in his eyes. “Yes, of course. Right this way.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her up the steps and into a private lounge, with couches, chairs grouped in intimate settings, and a bartender serving drinks.

Lacey looked around, surprised. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but after what had happened at the Silver Pack, this wasn’t it.

“I hope you don’t mind….” Arkin gestured toward the sofa, and then sat in an overstuffed chair kitty corner from her with his back to the wall, letting her shifters have the seats beside her. “Anyone else that comes here on business, I meet in the large conference room. But since you’re my daughter and you must be tired from your trip, I thought this setting may be a bit more comfortable for you.”

Lacey smiled, nodding. “That’s very thoughtful of you. Thank you.”

Arkin clasped his hands. “So, what would you like? Champagne? Caviar?”

Lacey chuckled, enjoying the royal treatment. It was a far cry from the way her own family that she had grown up with had just treated her. “Whatever you have is fine.”

“Well….” He looked over at her shifters, “If your men would like to have dinner with my pack, they are serving in the banquet hall. That way, we can discuss matters privately.”

“I’d rather stay,” Brogan said and her other sifters agreed. Lacey was sure that after what had just happened, they weren’t about to leave her side.

Lacey smiled. “No, I’ll be fine. You go ahead.”

“Julien would have a fit—” Brogan said, his voice low.

“I’ll be fine,” Lacey cut him off. “I promise.”

“Okay.” Brogan nodded, rising to his feet along with the other shifters. “But I won’t be far.”

Then he walked out, followed by the other shifters, but gave her one last protective look over his shoulder before he disappeared.

Arkin motioned toward the bartender and he walked toward them. “Vallin, would you be so kind as to bring us some hors devours?” He waved his hand. “Just a nice variety would be nice. And bring us a bottle of our finest champagne, as well.”

“Yes, Alpha Emerson.” Then he hurried off to do his bidding, leaving them alone in the room.

Then Arkin turned to Lacey. “So, what is it that you wish to discuss.” He tilted his head to the side, smiling. “It must be important for Julien to let you come alone.”

Lacey chuckled. “You know him well. Yes, Julien can be a bit… protective.”

“And rightfully so.” Arkin reached over and lifted her hand to his lips and gave it a fatherly kiss. “I wouldn’t have it any other way for my daughter.” Then he sighed, his face suddenly serious. “Before we talk business, may I ask you something?”

Lacey nodded, glad for this opportunity to get to know her birthfather. “Yes, of course.”

He patted her hand, his eyes filled with concern. “Is Julien treating you well?”

Lacey nodded. “Yes, he is. We’re still working out the bugs in our relationship, but I’m very happy.”

Arkin patted her hand and then released it. “Good. I’m glad to hear it.” Then he sat back in his chair. Julien may be my Alpha, but you are my daughter… and my first concern above all else.”

Lacey’s eyes widened, shocked at the revelation.

At that moment, Vallin walked in with a bottle of champagne and a stand with ice, and two long-stemmed crystal glasses. Then he silently poured the champagne and set a glass beside both Arkin and Lacey.

“Thank you,” Arkin said. Vallin nodded once and then headed behind the bar, going about his business. Then Arkin turned back to Lacey. “So, what is this business that you’re here to discuss?”

“The Wildclaws….”

Lacey saw Vallin’s head snap up at the mention of the name and sighed. “Arkin, would you mind if we discuss pack business alone?” After all, he had sent her own shifters away, and Lacey didn’t want to leave anything to chance.

“Yes, of course.” Then he turned toward the bar. “Vallin, would you mind checking on the hors devours? Give us a minute.”

He nodded once. “Yes, Alpha Emerson. Of course.” Then he headed out.

Arkin took a sip of his champagne. “So, what is this about the Wildclaws?” He shook his head. “I was so sorry that they ruined your wedding.”

Lacey nodded, and then took her time explaining the aspects of both Wildclaw attacks on the castle. “We lost three good men in the last attack, but they lost more.” Lacey took a sip of her champagne, unable to wash away the memory. “Since the attacks, we’ve strengthened our guards and have been training our warriors.”

He listened attentively, nodding at the appropriate times. “Good.”

“And the reason I’m here is to ask if the alliance between our packs is still intact, should it come to a war.” Lacey waited, studying his face to gauge his reaction. Some people were your friends but shied away at the mention of war.

“Whatever you need.” Arkin didn’t hesitate. “Just say the word and you’ll have it.” Then he took her hand again and looked into her eyes. “Lacey, all these years, I wasn’t permitted to see you or to have a relationship with you. But now you’re an adult and can make your own choices. And with your permission, I’d like to make it up to you in any way I can. If you ever need a place to go, come here first.”

Lacey’s eyes widened in disbelief as a lump formed in her throat. Here this man had only met her twice but had already given her so much more than her own family ever had.

He motioned around him. “Consider this your home away from home. Come any time you like, no questions asked. And while you’re here, you can have full run of the place. This is your pack, too, after all.”

“But don’t you have other children?” Lacey asked, unable to believe what she was hearing.

Arkin nodded. “Yes, you have two brothers… my sons. And when you’re ready, they’re quite eager to meet you.”

Lacey’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head. “They know about me?”

Arkin smiled, taken aback by her reaction. “Yes, of course. They’re pleased to have a sister and they’d love to meet you, with your permission, of course. They wanted to come today but didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.” He chuckled. “They can be a bit… rambunctious.”

Lacey was so shocked to know that she had family here and then for them to be eager to meet her was more than she could have ever hoped. “Yes, of course. I’d love to meet them when they’re ready.”

Arkin smiled. “Good! Please tell me that you’ll stay a few days. I’d love for you to see the compound and to spend time with your brothers.”

“I wish I could, but with your permission, I’ll only be here for the night.” She sighed, wishing she had more time to spend with him. She reached over and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “But I promise that I’ll come back to visit again very soon.”

He smiled, giving her hand a fatherly pat. “I’d like that.” Then he stood and behind them, Vallin had come back and set up the hors devours at the table, along with two plates of food, consisting of various delicacies from around the world.

“Oh, Arkin,” Lacey gasped., her heart filled with emotion. “You didn’t have to go through so much trouble for me.”

Arkin smiled, pleased by her reaction. “Nothing is too much for my baby girl.” Then he offered her his arm. “Shall we?”

As Lacey took her father’s arm and let him lead her to the table, she finally saw what having a true father was really like.