Alpha Desmond novel Chapter 7

I threw on a tank top and some sweats. Going down to the indoor gym, I started through my routine. Running, weight lifting, and today was specifically abs, back, and pecks. My home gym had more equipment than you found at the local gym. I preferred to work out alone. I would even help Liam out sometimes but I wouldn’t even work out with him.

“Show no weakness.” I inhaled as I hung from the bar upside down, doing crunches while holding 50lbs. Breathing in and out, I counted out.

“One. Two. Three. Four.”

My mind wandered off, thinking about the Summer Festival that we would be throwing this year. We brought in a lot of money last year and we were wholly unprepared for just how many people wanted to come to our little town. This year we had ramped up our preparedness but we also were thinking about running some ad campaigns for the daily activities that people could join if they were in the area. We also set up a specific summer camping area.

“Fifty one. Fifty two. Fifty three. Fifty four.”

I breathed on pace as I thought through the pack business. As much as I had finished the paperwork yesterday that Ricky had given me, a few of them were only half finished. There was a fey family asking for refuge in the territory after being thrown around by one of the packs to the east. They didn’t specify which pack but I didn’t really want to throw more of a wrench into things. If they were already out of the pack though, it didn’t matter but I wouldn’t risk anyone by doing a rescue mission.

“Ninety nine. Hundred. Hundred One. Hundred two.”

“Goddess Alpha, can you not even chill on your birthday?”

I dropped the weight that I held at my chest and quickly flipped around. Ricky was standing in the doorway. He was wearing a t-shirt and jeans. I raised my eyebrow.

“A little casual for work don’t you think?”

He shrugged. “I’ve got some phone calls but nothing that requires me in person. Not all of us act like business attire is casual. Wearing some jeans would not kill you or turn you into a cowboy.”

I shook my head. “Why are you here?”

“May is leaving.” He gave a conflicted look and I eyed him.

Grabbing my towel, I rubbed the sweat off my face and head. “What do you mean May is leaving?”

“She found her destined mate two days ago. She told me last night. They are leaving together, so I wanted to tell you so you knew that she was going to come into the pack house to submit the documentation for it.”

I growled. “Are you okay with that?”

May had been Ricky’s chosen mate for the past twelve years. They had been together even longer as high school sweethearts. It broke them that they weren’t destined mates but as soon as the two of them turned eighteen they chose each other. They have been happily together ever since. I looked at him, surprised that he was holding it together so well.

“I can’t keep her, Desmond. What kind of monster would I be if I asked her to reject him? I just have to let her go.” He leaned up against the doorway and his eyes filled with tears but he looked up at the ceiling, refusing to show his own weakness.

My heart broke for my Gamma. “I could…”

He shook his head. “It’s better this way. If she leaves the pack at least I don’t have to worry about seeing her every day with him. Seeing them happier than we would ever be.”

I put a hand on his shoulder. He was fighting back a frown on his face. “I’ll take care of it. I’m sorry Ricky, really. You don’t deserve that from her. Not after twelve years.”

He chuckled. “I’m just glad we didn’t have kids. That would have been a nightmare.”

I shook my head. “Well, you can ask the new human on a date now.”

Ricky chuckled and shook his head. “Shit, it’s so fucked up.” The tears he had been holding back started to fall and pulled him into a hug. “Fuck.” His shoulders shook and I just held him tight.

I had known Ricky his whole life. Same with Scott. While our age difference meant that we weren’t in school together, it didn’t mean we weren’t in each other’s lives at a young age. Our fathers were just as close and made sure that we held the same respect and, really, love as our fathers did. We were brothers and that would never change.

He took a deep breath and stood away from me. “You smell Desmond, go shower.”

I laughed. “That is what is supposed to happen when you work out. It’s why both you and Scott will never beat me.”

“One day, one day we will.”

I smiled and threw the towel around my neck. “That’s the day I will retire.”

Ricky laughed, wiping his eyes with his palm. “Sorry, didn’t mean to break down on your birthday.”

“Hey, I would have rather you told me what you wanted before. I would have absolutely denied it otherwise.”

He nodded and gave me a slight smile. “Thanks.”

I clapped his shoulder before heading up the stairs to shower.

“I’m going to head off. Clear my head for a bit.”

“Whatever you need. The east side could use a once-over if you’re looking for an excuse to kill a few hours.”

He nodded. “Thanks Desmond.”

I nodded. “Just stay away from the north. I don’t need any more peeping toms today.”

Ricky laughed. “I heard about that. I’m a little jealous.”

“Is she really that hot?”