The Pack's Nemesis (Quirin's Story) novel Chapter 46

After returning to the packhouse, I watched my daughter and Quirin. I know my mate struggles with him being Kennedy’s mate. He and Quirin have never had a good relationship. I’m no sure they ever will. But as long as they can be civil to each other for Kennedy’s sake, that’s all that matters to me.

My relationship with Quirin is different than Warren’s. He’s always been much more kind and gentle with me than he has been with Warren. I have no doubt that it’s because he feels indebted to me for saving his life, but it’s given me an insight into a side of Quirin that not many people see. There is a kindness, a desire to please, and I believe, a deep–seated need to love and be loved in side of Quirin. I think he has the ability to live, but I also believe that he didn’t have the best role model for a father. The man was willing to give up his chosen mite and Luna to take me as his Luna. There is no one in the world that could ever take my place in Warren’s life, heart, or be. So, while I understand that Quirin has the ability to love, I also know that he doesn’t have an understanding of how to truly show that love to someone, not even his mate.

It’s good to see my children all together again. I know it’s only been two weeks since Kennedy left us, but it feels like forever. So much has happened in those two weeks. Kennedy moved out Connor found his mate and has now taken his place as Alpha of our pack. My mate is struggling to figure out where he ts now that he’s not the leader of a pack and he’s also still struggling with how the Moon Goddess chose Kennedy as Quirin’s mate.

I watch Quirin while my children tease each other, tormenting Kennedy by telling Quirin embarrassing stories about her childhood, not that there are many. But sisters and brothers always seem to know these things and love to tell them to anyone who will listen.

One thing I realize as the evening goes on is that even though hes a bit older than Kennedy and has been the Alpha of his pack for years, he’s still emotionally very immature. I guess that makes sense. He never had any siblings, he lost both of his parents when he was still a pup, and the only friend that he’s ever had that I know of is Henry. He hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to learn how to build emotional relationships. In times like this, that becomes very clear.

The difference between Quirin and Henry couldn’t be more obvious. Henry laughs and teases as if he’s part of our family, while Quirin sits outside the group, watching, looking after Kennedy, but only participating at the most minimal level.

“Oh, come on, Quirin! That was funny!” Wendy whines, after telling a story about Kennedy that had everyone laughing except Quirin.

“I refuse to laugh at my mate’s expense,” he says seriously.

Spoken like a true mate.

Quirin’s head snaps to me and I look at Warren. “Did I say that out loud?”

“Yes, my love, you certainly did. I’m so glad you never changed,” he says, taking my hand and pulling it to his lips for a kiss. Since I recognize the fire in my mate’s eyes, I turn to the group.

“Don’t stay up late. Don’t harass Alpha Quirin, his pack, Alpha Harold, Luna Farrah, or Beta Kier,” I say to my pups.

“I notice she left you out, Henry,” Yorick says to him.

“Yeah, I guess it’s open season on Henry!” Yvonne, my youngest daughter squeals.

“Yeah! Get him!” her twin Wade says, and the two of them leap at Henry.

“Henry, I can add you to the list,” I say as I stand.

“Nah! These two obviously need a reminder, of what happens when they poke the Alpha!” Henry says, standing with one pup under each arm.

“It’s about time they started poking another Alpha,” Connor says standing and helping Madison to her feet. I look between

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Chapter 147

my oldest twins, wondering which one will give me a grandbaby first.

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Warren and I say goodnight and head to our room. When we get there, I think about my conversation with Kennedy today as we begin getting ready for bed.

“Warren, didn’t you say that Quirin was wealthy?” I ask him.

“Yeah, really rich. He gave Connor one hundred thousand dollar for his birthday,” he asks.

I stop

and look at my mate, shocked. “He did? Why?”

“Connor and I talked about it. We both think that it was Quirin’s way of letting him know that he’s powerful in more ways than one. Remember, when he wrote that check, he didn’t know that he and Kennedy were mates. He may not have done it if he had.”

“Why do you think Kennedy doesn’t know that? She told me today that she didn’t order an x–ray machine for the pack when the one they have is probably older than I am. It costs a third of what he gave Connor for his birthday.”

“One thing I realized today is that Quirin really loves Kennedy. I know you and I have differing opinions about him, but I wasn’t sure that he was capable of love. However, I saw it in his eyes whenever he looked at her today and I believe that it’s real. But he didn’t have a great role model when it came to mates. I mean, look at how easily Quinton was willing to toss Yasmin aside to get to you.”

“Oh, that wasn’t a joke. I was very serious and I’m so thankful that we now have a library in the educational side of the hospital in case I ever have to look up that or any other word for you,” I say, making my mate laugh, like I knew he would.

“Goddess, I love you, Yara. My point is, I don’t think Quirin knows the definition of communication.”