Jane |18+| ✔️

6. The time realization crashed with Implausibility

Silas

The intensifying addictive scent of the little one is becoming all-consuming as I step out into my office. Adjusting the Windsor knot for the fifth time since sliding the silk tie around my neck twenty minutes ago, I growl with impatience. She should have been here by now. I hate using the shower and dressing from my office chambers here at High Court – where I conduct most of my business whenever visiting Sweetwater.

In contrast to my other townships, there are many shenanigans and mishaps in and around this little posh village—even though many try to conceal their actions from me. It would be implausible and, frankly, ignorant on my behalf to assume my other municipalities are free of corruption and other perfidies considering who we are as a breed. However, Sweetwater is unquestionably my Achilles' heel regarding overall harmoniousness.

This is why I typically live and sleep at my private cottage on Minnow Lake, a needed distance away to think and recharge. But it's currently occupied by an unexpected guest. I smile before the approaching footfalls of my Beta wipe it clean off my face. "Enter," I command before Callum can even raise his clenched fist to knock.

I keep my gaze on the front gate with my back to the door, waiting for the human to arrive. "Silas, welcome back, brother... when did you get in?" The ordinarily easy chime of his smooth, laid-back tone is shaken with guilt and nervousness, causing a lofty grin to cross my lips. "We weren't expecting your return until..." turning his words trail off as his overly muscular neck bends from my sheer expression.

"The next time you use any of my private dwellings as a fuck-pad, I will personally claw off that minuscule cock of yours and feed it to you in front of your pups," I voice as he laughs uncomfortably before shifting in this stance with his eyes still cast low. "Don't test me." He swallows as he sniffs, risking a glance upwards.

"I'll have my assistant clean—"

"I fucking think no," I snarl, stepping closer to my desk. "You have a mate, Callum. You're gonna lose her and your pups if you keep fucking around with humans. Swinish Spawning will be here before you know it. Transgress then." His easy grin returns as I gauge the guy. He's been my Beta here in Sweetwater for decades, his father before him... handed down as it is tradition only when their predecessor dies. Regardless, their family bloodline is robust, and they have been loyal and obedient until recently.

This last impromptu absence was a test, and he failed miserably. To say I'm disappointed... nope! Not one bit, as we are not friends... not in the least. It's funny, as most Alphas I know are tight with Betas... brother-like. Not me. I keep business, business. My friends are my friends... it's easier, and no one gets mixed signals or slacks off thinking they're in with the Alpha.

I've seen that, too, in other packs, leading to their ultimate demise over foolish mistakes. Running a successful pack is no different from overseeing a successful business. There are rules and guidelines—a time to celebrate and let loose. But all in all, it's a tight ship I run, leaving little to chance or falter.

"It's not the same." He struts toward my couch, flinging his body down as my eyes trail up from the case orders I will observe over the next few hours. I've already received all I need to know about sweet Jane. I can't wait to see her and hear all the crazy that will flow out of her mouth, making me, without a doubt, chuckle. "Are you smiling?" Humming in discontent, he chuckles. "Anyway, humans love shifters."

"They're charmed, Callum. It's not the same," I correct, begrudging our influence over them.

"It's fine," he shrugs, folding his massive pipes across his chest. "They smell like candy when aroused and taste even better. You should give one a try." Ignoring him, I close the file and reach for my Navy blue suit jacket. "I know you're into monogamy—"