Apparently the pack house was that massive castle like building we visited yesterday. Technically it’s a part of it and not the entire thing; the other part that houses people was another building about thirty minutes away.
Jake spent a few minutes with Logan trying to convince him to let me work here. There were a few raised voices (I was listening in from outside) and I honestly thought that Jake would come out and tell me Logan refused but then finally Logan relented and I was allowed to help out with the children at the daycare.
“I tried to make him give you something else; I know children can be a menace.” Jake said but I stopped him.
“It’s okay honestly,” I said, “I’ve always loved children so this should be easy for me.” I sighed, “Besides I’m grateful that I’m even allowed to do something.”
“I told you not to worry about Logan,” he said, “He may come across as mean but he’s a good friend and he will do anything for me.”
“Thank you,” I said and he just waved me off
“If you need me then just give me a call okay?” he asked and I nodded, “Or ask someone to take you to me. No matter what I’m doing; I’m never too busy for you.”
“Relax Jake, I’ll be fine. I’m going to be here all day.”
“I just want you to be safe.”
“I am safe,” I said, “No one except you and Greg know what I’m here.” He didn’t seem convinced about my safety but he nodded.
“This is where the children stay; Diana should be in there, she’ll tell you everything that you need to know.” He gave me a kiss on my forehead, “I’ll be back to get you at the end of the day.”
I hummed in response and he made sure I had walked in through the doors before he left.
I had barely gotten in when a girl ran up to me. Her brown hair was in a braid but a few strands had come loose. There was a stain on her shirt that smelt suspiciously of spilled milk and she looked half crazed but relieved that I was there.
“I’m Diana and you must be Charlotte; Logan told me you were coming.” She said and my eyes widened, I didn’t know he allowed his pack members call him by his name, “I’m so glad you’re here. The last girl Kelly quit after a kid threw up on her.” When she saw my face she cursed, “Shit Logan always says I shouldn’t start up new people with talks of vomit.”
“That’s okay,” I said, “But I have a question though; why do you call your Alpha by his name?” Her face went blank and I realized I had crossed a line, “I’m sorry if I crossed a line.”
“Oh I don’t have a problem with your question,” she said, “Really, I’m used to hearing it from a lot of people. Logan is a childhood friend so I call him by name. I usually don’t do it in front of new people; it was a slip-up.”
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding and she smiled, “Welcome to the torture chamber; I hope you can handle.”
Diana explained to me that the children were kids of the people who worked in the pack house and couldn’t look after them while they worked.
“All we have to do is feed them, change their diapers and just make sure they’re entertained and don’t miss their mummies or daddies too much.” At her words a child made a small sob and muttered a heart broken wail for his mum. “Shit; well I guess it’s time for rule number one, don’t ever mention mummy or daddy near them. It triggers fireworks.”
“Mummy,” the boy wailed again and she cursed under her breath.
“Feeding time is in an hour,” she said as she picked up the little boy, “Just find something to do.”
Turns out kids aren’t exactly the easiest set of people to handle but it wasn’t really that bad. The worst part would have to be feeding them. I never knew how hard it was to feed a two year old until I had to do it. I have an orange stain on my shirt from where one of the kids threw a handful of chewed carrots at me.
“I hope you brought a change of clothes,” Diana said as she eyed the patch and I shook my head, “Oh well then I guess that’s rule number two, always bring a change of clothes because there is absolutely no way you’re leaving here unscathed.”
I let out a small laugh when I noticed one of the calmer children walking over to me. She’s a pretty dark skinned one year old with chocolate colored eyes and curly black hair. When I asked, Diana said her mum was in charge of accounts and brought her here after she drew all over the tax receipts.
She walked over to me and held her arms open for me to carry her. I turned to Diana in confusion and shock and she just shrugged.
“Amelia does that a lot,” she said, “She loves to be held and it seems she wants you to carry her.”
I stood to my feet and lifted the little girl. She buried her face in the crook of my neck and put her little thumb into her mouth. It was honestly such a beautiful sight. I saw Diana wink at me and just as I was about to say something she rose to her feet and somehow I knew who was behind me before I turned.
“Can I have a moment alone with Charlotte?” Logan asked and Diana nodded.
She tried to take Amelia from my arms but she let out a small wail and Diana had to leave her with me. She whispered a good luck into my ears as I followed Logan out.
“Thank you for letting me stay here,” I said after a minute of silence, “And also for letting me work with the children; I love it.”
“I don’t trust you Charlotte,” he said and I swallowed the lump in my throat, “In my opinion you’re a lot more trouble than you’re worth and you’re a liability to this pack.”
“I know and I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
“I only left you here because I’ve learnt it helps to keep our enemies close.”
“I’m not an enemy,” I whispered and he just smiled coldly.
“That is yet to be determined Charlotte,” he said, “For the meantime enjoy your stay but know this; you can’t run away forever. One day, sooner or later, your family is going to find out where you are and I hope you know that I have zero intentions of hiding you once that happens. You will be on your own.”
“I know.”
“I really hope that you do,” he said, “But on that note; have a good day Charlotte.” He had only walked a few steps when he paused and called over his shoulder, “I do believe it’s bad for babies to chew on hair.”
It took a second to figure out what he was saying and then I noticed Amelia who was chewing on my hair. I gently pulled it out of her mouth and looked up to say thank you but realized he had left me standing in the hallway alone.
I took a minute to myself to steady my breathing before turning around and making my way back inside.