Chapter 45: Theo

I let Ayla sleep the next morning, taking abreak from our training sessions.

After aquick workout with Briggs and Jimmy, weheaded to my office to call Sheriff McCabe. Things had been quiet on theborder, but that wasn't surprising. Groganand his men would know we would be onguard after the last attack. So they wouldbe biding their time for the next "The task force is doing well," McCabesaid over the line."

The men you sent havebeen a big help in training some of thelocal volunteers." "That's good to hear," I said."We questioned one of the rogues yesterday.We got some information to help us trackdown some of these groups. We've stillgot the other to question. I'd like for you to come back up. I want to send someoneundercover if possible.

But we'll ncedyour help to work out the best plan Canyou make that work?" "I'm in the middle of hiring a new deputy."he replied."But that should be sorted inthe next day or two. I can head up after that"

"I can work with that,"I said."I'll emailyou the details of yesterday's interview.Look over it and make any notes you think of. And just let me know when you're on your way up."

"Will do." We disconnected and I directed myattention to my companions "How do you plan to get someoneundercover with a group of rogues?" "I've got Mina working on a possible solution for that,"I said."She's been interviewing lab companies already.

She thinks she has a couple options that could help with our man's scent. But I need you to find us the right person." "I can handle that," Jimmy said "How are things at the college with Ayla?" Jimmy had still been working with thesecurity team to monitor the campus. Hehad asked to stay on the assignment tolook for anyone suspicious paying her anyextra attention.

Maggie was great, but shecould only focus on Ayla when on the job,That's what she was there for. But if anyother threats were lurking at the school,Iwanted to know. "So far, so good," he said.

"Ive got a couple of the guards keeping eyes and earsout for any whispers or hints of the WaarPak recruiting. Colleges are usually primetargets for that sort of thing. If we findanything, you'll be the first to know" "Any luck with that?" I said. I wouldn't be surprised if we did find something. After Ayla was attacked in thepackhouse, Jimmy had been searching forany members within our pack.

Randy gavehim some pointers on what to look for andwhat to do if he had any suspects. "We have a few leads,"he said."Both oncampus and off. But nothing major yet.Could just be rebellious kids. We'll see." "Okay,"I replied."Anything elseregarding this?" "Harmon has his team together," Briggs said."He's ready to start renovating thehouse " Inodded."Ill track him down later,"Isaid.

"I think we're done for now. I'mmeeting Dad to head out to our monthlylunch with the locals." I left my office and found Dad across thehall with Mom. She was still in theprocess of redoing the office space forAyla to take over and had wrangled himinto helping her.

From the look on hisface, he was ready for an excuse to escape her clutches. I knocked on the open door "You still coming, Dad? Or did youdecide to stay with Mom?" I teased. "Oh, that's okay, sweetie," Mom said "You go ahead and help Theo.

I've got this" She looked at me and mouthed somethingabout getting him out of her hair, and Ijust chuckled. We headed out of the packhouse and into the city. The meetingwent well and was as enjoyable as always.We had some minor issues to address, butnothing out of the ordinary. It was a hugerelief with everything else I had been juggling.

When we were done, we stoppedby the library to see how it looked nowthat the repairs were done. I was able to upgrade the building a bitthanks to our successful second quarterwith the business. We were admiring thework when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Iturned to find Sarah Walport. "Good afternoon, Alpha Theo, AlphaTorin," she whispered politely."I don'tmean to interrupt. I just wanted to say hello"

"It's good to see you, Sarah,"I said.I invited her to join me in one of the small meeting rooms off the main hall."How is everything going? How's your dad?" "We're doing okay," she said solemnly "We miss Mom, of course, but we're taking it one day at a time. But I want to thank you again for everything you've done for us" Randy had found the Waar Pak operativewho was responsible for Mrs. Walport'sdeath. There wasn't a lot I could dowithout risking Randy's cover, so1allowed him to take care of the issue himself. It was enough for me to be able togive Sarah and her father some peace,telling them that the culprit had paid for his crime

"How's John?" I asked Her expression faltered for a second "Sarah?"I pressed She shifted her weight from one foot tothe other."He's fine, I guess," she saidmeekly."I don't see a lot of him these days." "Why not?" I asked."Are you two not together anymore?" Sarah shrugged."I'm not really sure. Hestill comes home most nights, but it'salmost always late at night. He says he'sbeen hanging out with friends, but it's notNicky and the others. They've said theybarely see him, either. I just don't knowwhat to think anymore."

I sighed."I'll talk to him and see what's going on,"I said. Her shoulders relaxed."Thank you, Alpha," she replied."I just want to knowthat he's not in any trouble." "So do I," I agreed."I'll take care of it."