The Price They Paid: Imprinted Mates Series

so leaving it to one is definitely not going to work.”
“Can you tell me some of the things that need to be done?” I looked around the room searching for a pen and paper to take notes.
“If you don’t mind going out, I can tell you as we walk. I’ve still got a lot more things to do today.”
I confirmed by nodding then walked into my room to put on shoes and a jacket of Seuss’. I met Maddox in the hallway to head outside. I found a notepad and a pen on the lower level of the house before we exited. I took note of the things that he listed were done by the Alpha and on which days. Then he explained to me which things he did. I was also able to get him to list the things that they weren’t doing that needed to be done. As we walked, he spoke to the people in the town, and I made note of things that I saw on the way.
The Wessex pack was huge. There was no valid reason why Seuss was doing all of this with only himself and Maddox, but maybe I didn’t understand.
“Can I ask you something?” I turned to Maddox as he began chopping down a half-fallen tree.
“Sure.”
“Is the Wessex pack the average size of a normal pack?”
“God, no. We have the largest pack on the eastern half of the U.S.”
“Then why …”
“Why does Seuss think that we can do this alone?” He said the words for me. I nodded. “I have no idea.”
I looked around me at all the trees that were in danger of falling. There were nearby houses in danger, and Maddox would be out here for days getting them cut down. I looked at my list and sighed. There had to be a way.
“I’m going to go for a walk,” I said to Maddox as I began walking away.
“Hang tight.” He ran over to me and took off his work gloves and dusted his soiled hands on his denims. He reached into his back pocket retrieving a platinum signet ring. He slipped it onto my ring finger and I looked up to question him.
“There are a lot of wolves who haven’t met you yet, and even though his scent clings to you lightly, you haven’t been fully claimed, and it’s noticeable. It would help if you introduced yourself as the Alpha’s mate with the ring as proof.”
I started to object but he covered my hand with his. “Even if it’s temporary. I can see something brewing behind those eyes of yours, and something tells me that you’ll need it.”
I sighed, not liking this idea, but he was right. To get the people involved in anything I came up with, they were going to have to trust me and know that I am just as official as the Alpha. Maddox held up his hand showing his signet ring as Beta.
“Does your mate have one?” I wondered out loud.
“I don’t have a mate, but if I did, hers would be a family crest. The Beta’s wife doesn’t have a role to play in the community. Besides, I’m old fashioned. The Beta should never take a mate before the Alpha.”
I wanted to say something, but I chose to keep my comments to myself. I could only fix so much while I was here. The most important was to free up Maddox’s time so that he could handle the political aspects of the job. I headed into town to look around. What I found was even better than gold: The Community Center.
As I entered, I heard a lot of commotion coming from the gym. Looking inside I could see the boys horse playing while the girls were standing in groups talking and carrying on. I went to the community board to see lots of ads seeking work, but not a single ad looking to fill positions for employment. This could work in my favor.
I chatted with Ms. Kento, who oversaw the after-school program. There was plenty of valuable information to be gained from her as well. We chatted so long that after closing she offered to give me a ride back to the Alpha house. We checked on Maddox and dragged him back with us. She stayed for a quick supper, then I went upstairs to check on Seuss.
I stood watching him and wondering. If I’d met him in a social atmosphere, I can’t say that I wouldn’t have been drawn to him. His skin was naturally tan which complimented his long, dark hair. I’d never admit this out loud, but Seuss was beautiful, and normally that was a turnoff for me. There was something about his rugged appeal that drew me despite my usual reservations.
“Justice, can you bathe Seuss for me? If not, I’ll have to wait until the morning. I’m tired, and because he’s mated, it’s either you or me.” Maddox leaned on the doorway and I felt sorry for him. He was worn out and it showed. My day was not nearly as draining as his.
“Absolutely. Want to show me where everything is?” I followed him to a different room that was connected to this one.
“There are plenty of towels, washcloths and linen. I’ll grab his soap from his bathroom.” Maddox turned to exit.
“No, I’ll grab that stuff. I’ll get changed into something more comfortable and take care of the rest.”
Maddox filled a large metal washing tub of sorts that he rolled into the bedroom and set it next to Seuss. “If you can pull this aside to the wall when you’re done, I’ll get rid of it in the morning. I’ll send Alice in to check on you after a while.”
I nodded and followed him to the door locking it. I went into the master room and changed into a pair of sweat pants and a sleeveless shirt then grabbed something easy to dress Seuss into.
I entered the room and turned on Seuss’ iPod that I’d found. I played it