Meanwhile; over at the Alpha’s residence…
Alpha Gordon and Gamma Stephen are inside the Alpha’s chamber, privately discussing a rather sensitive issue needing to be handled as expediently as possible. The Gamma doesn’t appear to be too thrilled with the Alpha’s suggested solution…
“I don’t know … can you give me a little time to think about it. Maybe there’s another way we could…”
“What’s the problem, Stephen; you seem to be somewhat resistant to this idea … am I not a suitable enough Alpha in your eyes to run this pack; or, is it you’re doubting my decision making capability?”
The Alpha appears perturbed, now; and, the Gamma immediately tries to placate him…
“I’m sorry if I’ve offended you in any way, Alpha; I certainly didn’t mean to. I think there’s been a misunderstanding.
Come on, Gordon; how long have we known each other … we’ve been friends since we were little kids. You should know me by now; and, know that I’d never doubt your capabilities as an Alpha. In my eyes; you’re the only one in this pack who’s suitable to be my Alpha.”
The Alpha quickly looks like he’s calmed down a little; and, even evokes a small smile…
“Thanks for saying that, Stephen; and you’re right … I should have known better; and have believed in our friendship of all these years, trusting that you would never question, nor undermine, my authority as Alpha.”
“Of course I wouldn’t. And also, for as long as we’ve know each other; I’ve rarely ever questioned your judgment … heck, in over the forty years that we’ve known one another; it’s safe to say that I could count those times on only one hand … and, even then; I’ve always remained loyal to your leadership, and followed your instructions.
But, this time I can’t help wondering; perhaps there’s a better solution for this. I mean; are you sure that we should really handle it this way … is this the right thing to do?”
“Why wouldn’t it be; what’s wrong with doing this? … Besides, weren’t you the one telling me that Bellona’s been incessantly hounding you; insisting that you let her accompany Pomona when she leaves to meet her future husband … and; to stay down there with her until she becomes accustomed to living in the Stratus Pack?”
“Well; yes. … But, I told her because of the recent uprising with the rogue insurgency, there’s no way we could afford to have one of our best DSD members be away from the pack; and, that I refuse to allow her to go away with Pomona just because of some capricious whim of hers.”
“And; you were right in doing so. Still … I’m sure that Bellona must be livid over this; right?”
“Yes.”
“Then; this solution can kill two birds with one stone.”
“What do you mean; Gordon?”
“Think about it … wouldn’t Bellona’s mind be more at ease, if Helena were to accompany Pomona; knowing that she wasn’t alone the next few months in a strange, new pack?”
The Gamma incredulously huffs, “Probably not. I’m certain the only thing that would ease Bellona’s mind would be if she goes along with Pomona, herself.”
“That may be; but regardless, we’re sending Helena off with Pomona to the Stratus Pack … and, she’ll stay down there with her until just before Alan and Helena’s wedding. I want her as far away from here as possible, until then; understand?”
“I understand. But, with all due respect, Alpha; it’s like they say, ‘it takes two to Tango’ … and; Walter is your nephew.”
“I know that … which is why I’ve been trying to overlook their little indiscretions, and not make that big of a deal over it. But; last night was … not just the first; or, even the second … but, the fifth time they were seen secretly rendezvousing together in a secluded place; and, not just briefly, but spending quite some time while there.
Plus; they’ve also been seen spending a lot of time openly hanging out together in public, as well. Most everyone here in the pack already knows that they’ve been really close friends since childhood … and; even kind of sweet on each other … and, they’re starting to talk; speculatively gossiping.
Bear in mind, I specifically chose Helena to be Alan’s future bride, the moment he was born. You and Elaina both agreed to this … and, everyone knows about it, as well. I won’t allow those two to embarrass me, or my son, in front of our pack over some tawdry, scandalous affair. Am I making myself clear?”
“Crystal clear. Again; I totally understand. … But; have you ever considered the possibility of having Walter transferred over to another one of our alliances’ DSD, instead?”
“You mean … like you did with Adam Pearson, years ago?” The Alpha grins. “Are you sure you’d be willing to open up another can of worms, again? Don’t you remember the rumors that spread like wildfire throughout the pack after that?
How they started accusing you of being biased for your own daughter’s sake; and openly discriminated against your DSD subordinate … flagrantly kicking him out of our pack, by transferring him off to another pack’s security detail.”
“Yes; I remember.”
The Gamma appears to be slightly affected by this prickly subject for him being brought up; and, seems to be briefly reminiscing over it, while remaining momentarily silent. But then, he expresses his concern over the Alpha’s plan…
“Even still; I don’t think sending Helena away to the Stratus Pack would be our best option. … It may actually wind up turning out to be more problematic than it currently is.”
“What do you mean; Stephen?”
“I’ve heard rumors … as I’m sure you have, as well … that Alpha Casper can be quite lecherous, at times; especially around beautiful women. Are you sure it’s a good idea to have Helena be in close proximity with someone who’s somewhat renown for being notoriously lustful?