Tucker was still listening to him, waiting for the dance to end and the action to begin, as they say. He didn’t have to wait long.
“It is our opinion that it does more harm to this pack to remove you as Alpha and let the truth come out about why that has happened. People will wonder how we let this happen and how we let our pack be attacked as a result. It will make all of us look untrustworthy and weak. So, you will remain as our Alpha and the reigns will fall to the next in line in your family when the time comes.”
“So, you intend to just overlook the tenancies of this pack in favor of covering up what has happened here?” Tucker finally asked.
“Essentially, yes.”
Tucker smiled and stood up, holding his hand out to Leslie. They stood there together as he finished saying what he had come here to tell them once he knew what their intentions toward him would be.
“I have never belonged in this pack, not on any level. I came here out of a sense of duty to my father and my family, but this is not who I am. While I appreciate you giving me the benefit of the doubt and clearing me to remain as Alpha, I do not wish to do so. I hereby resign immediately. I would appreciate being able to remain a member of the pack, but I do not wish to lead it. My wife and my children will be relocating to our previous home and using our home on the outskirts of the clubhouse property as a weekend place only.”
“Tucker, you can’t just walk away.”
“I can and I will. One last thing, though. You have a human in your mix and I know you would prefer she not be, but her husband fought alongside you. It is he that saved not only my life but the lives of several other wolves. You should reward him for that, not disparage him for falling in love with someone you deem a lesser being. Their son, Charlie, is capable of great things. I’ve felt his potential. You’ll do well to embrace them and keep him close. Trust me on this.”
With that, he nodded to Leslie and they walked out the doors into his father’s office, gathering the box he had packed prior to the meeting and walking out. It was a new day full of questions, but they had no qualms about their decision.CHAPTER THIRTY-FOURThree days later, Leslie gave birth to two boys, identical twins. It was a bittersweet blessing as she and Tucker welcomed their new babies into the world. Though the memory of his own brother in better days would no doubt come to mind many times in the future as the two of them grew up, he was over the moon about his new sons.
The council had attempted to talk him out of resigning as Alpha, despite his determination to do so. In the end, he had agreed to maintain the position long enough for them to find a suitable replacement in return for them not exiling him and his family from the pack. It would allow them to maintain the relationships they had forged and continue to participate as a part of the club, without being forced into the time-consuming business of club politics.
Everything seemed to move in fast forward again after that;, the girls and the boys growing up so fast. They were nearly ten years old when a strange man landed at their front door, looking for her in relation to Constance Michaels. Leslie bristled at the mention of her old name. She had thought that life was behind her a long time ago, with the demise of Blane.
“What is this about?” she asked.
“It’s in regard to your sister’s husband.”
“Excuse me?” she said. “Who did you say you are with?”
“National Insurance. I’m a private investigator hired to track down the family members of the deceased.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Do you mind if I come in and sit down with you. This might be hard to hear.”
The house was full of staff and Tucker was in his office, so she saw no reason to be afraid. She stood back and motioned for the man to come inside.
“Please have a seat on the sofa. I’d like to get my husband, if you don’t mind,” she said.
“Of course. No problem.”
Leslie retrieved Tucker, telling him quickly what the man had said. Neither of them could figure what this was about. Tucker led the way into the living room and sat across from the man, Leslie taking a place by his side.
“This is my husband, Tucker Rollins,” Leslie said. “And I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.”
“Shaun Brocard, National Insurance Company. You are Leslie Rollins, correct?” the man replied.
“Yes,” she said, filling a bit anxious.