Rosalyn

After a long turbulent time, things are finally getting back to its tracks. Dad, aunt Denise and Uncle Nate made a full recovery and are all back to their usual selves. Delta even took over our warrior training again and is back to making our lives a living hell, including Paul's, who now trained with us as he'll be Beta of the pack when my brother ascends.

Things with John are also great. And by great I mean fantastic! We managed to get people to stop commenting on the mate situation and respect the time that we have together. I mean, even my brother was on our side. Imagine that!

So, we finally have some peace for a while. I mean, we still couldn't leave the compound unaccompanied. That much is given. But other than that, everything was all right.

Yes, John had to do the school project with THOSE girls from his class. Nothing to do but give him space and trust. Also, the best damn blow job a boy can have at his (or any) age. That probably didn't hurt either. That's what secret rooms are for, anyway! But he took his time with me too, it's not a way one street, you know?

Hey, don't judge me! Wolves are possessive creatures, even if he's not my...

I don't care! He is MINE! For as long as I have him, I will not back down!

I'm doing great at school, but that isn't any surprise. Especially if you're basically not allowed to see your boyfriend socially during the week days. But that is about to change!

The holidays are upon us. Emmett's doing great too. He just celebrated his mate's 18th birthday. And for all accounts, Sam was killing at Luna classes with daddy.

Before the school break, we're having Saturday night dinner with special guests Paul, his little brother and mom. Uncle Nate invited them over. I guess he wanted him to get acquainted with the pack house, not that he's never came here before, of course he did. He's Emmett's best friend since they were kids.

"So Paul, the reason I invited you and your family here before the holidays is to inform you start Beta training with me the first week of January. And so I'd like your mom and brother to get better acquainted with what's gonna be your second house coming next April." - Uncle Nate stated.

"I thank you, Beta Underwood. We appreciate the invite. The food here is delicious. Do you eat here often?" - Paul asked him. He looked very pleased.

It is a great honor to be Beta, as you can imagine, it's the second highest rank of the pack. But especially in a pack this size, the name Underwood for instance is known throughout the entire state and beyond among the packs. That is without taking into consideration the Underwoods founded our pack with the Huntingtons, so we were the 2 oldest families of the entire town.

"I do, indeed. Especially lunch. My mate works full time as you know and both my boys study, so I eat lunch here everyday when I'm not out on the pack's behalf." - He replied.

"Beta Underwood, is my boy going to be in any real danger?" - Mrs. Johnson asked, worriedly.

"Well, Vanessa, you know what happened to us 3 months ago. So yes, the Beta is the protector of the pack. But we're not in the front lines everyday like the warriors such as your late, great, mate. I work mostly in planning, strategizing, making sure Denise doesn't kill any warrior from training. You know, boring stuff!" - He snickered. Aunt Denise glared at him.

"I see..." - She sighed, not exactly pleased with his answer.

"But I'll tell you this. Beta is certainly less dangerous than being a warrior, which is what your son will probably be in case he doesn't ascend." - Uncle Nate argued.

"Yeah mom, chill! No Beta has ever died in the pack since..." - Paul trailed off. Everyone knew why.

"That's okay Paul, you can say it. Since my parents 33 years ago. But the point is: you're welcome to guide your son to any job he wishes, Vanessa. He's free like all of us. But between warrior and Beta, I'd place my chips on Beta being the safest!" - He replied, not missing a beat.

"But nothing is without risks. And he needs to know that if he wants to take on this job, because once you ascend, it's forever! And your son's descendant will also ascend, depending on the relationship they have with Emmett's heir." - Uncle Nate explained.

"I know, Sir. Don't worry, I understand the risks. I'm ready! Me and Emm will be good for the pack!" - Paul cheered, radiantly.

"I hope so, cause this is the easy part. The job is tough. Sometimes you're gonna have to make calls you don't like or cared to. But you need to know everything that could potentially hurt the pack. Remember, the warriors are the arrow, but the Beta is the bow!" - Uncle Nate stated, confidently.

"The warriors can't be effective if they don't have a strong hand behind them! And trust me, my sister will defy you every step of the way! You have to train the hardest just to earn the warriors' respect!" - He lectured.

"I know, Sir. I will. I am training." - Paul stuttered. He was nervous, obviously.

"That's good, puppy, because before you get to be my boss, you'll need to survive ME!" - Aunt Denise looked at him threateningly. She does not play. His mom looked scared.

"I know, Delta. I'm ready. Bring it on!" - Paul said with some conviction.

"Good! is there any question you'd like to ask me?" - Uncle Nate spoke.

"Yes, what is the nature of your dynamics with the Alpha?" - Paul asked. I gasped at how smart he actually is.

"Good question! Paul, the first thing you have to understand is that the Beta HAS to know everything. He's like the FBI of the pack. He gets all the reports from the warriors, paperwork from the gate activity, he has access to all the security cameras. Basically, he gathers all the information and pass over to the Alpha the pressing matters he needs to know of." - Uncle Nate explained.

"I get it. You inform the Alpha so that he makes his own decision?" - Paul asked excitedly.

"Exactly! But remember, you have to discern what the Alpha needs to hear or not. So, you're not gonna tell him that the Luna sneaks chocolate bars to the Alpha's quarter, even though the maids told him repeatedly it attracts bugs to the room!" - He said and daddy gasped. Paul laughed. So did everyone.

"You're not gonna tell him that one of the cooks has a side hustle selling leftovers from the kitchen." - He continued. We all looked astonished. Specially dads.

"You need to be aware what stuff the Alpha really needs to know or not. Small stuff you can handle yourself. He has 450 people to take care of!" - He observed.

"But my point is: you need to know everything! Even if you don't tell anyone, you need to know it. You can't be caught off guard! Remember, we work FOR the pack. Not the other way around!" - He said with conviction.

"Great! Got it, thanks, Beta Underwood!" - Paul was static he's so happy.

"I can't believe you know about my chocolate, Nate! Damn! Do you have cameras in my room?" - Daddy whined. Uncle Nate laughed.

"No, Luna, I don't. But we do have cameras everywhere else!" - Nate teased him.

"Anyway, that was easy! I cross referenced every time my niece and son left the compound in her car with the hospital visitors log, just to see if they're keeping their word and not sneaking out somewhere together!" - Uncle Nate announced and everyone gasped, especially my dads.

"They didn't. But I had to check!" - He continued and John sighed in relief. My dads also exhaled deeply.

"What a waste of time! Did you really wonder if instead of visiting my dad on the I.C.U., I went to the falls to be alone with my girlfriend? Seriously? I'm offended by the assumption!" - John barked at his father. He was annoyed.

"Yeah, that would be shocking to me, but I know the gate warriors log every entrance and exit of everybody inside the compound. So, if you thought you could catch us with the hand on the cookie jar, you've seriously underestimated me!" - I stated, smug and proudly.

"Of course, niece. I know you know. But I had to check! I always do!" - Uncle Nate replied to me, humbly. He took a big inhale and dropped it on us, just when we thought we're safe! Damn, he's good!

"So, remember Paul, you are the sheriff of the pack, the gate keeper of the Alpha. But think about what you need to say or not. Even if your son and niece have a secret room they go to and think no one knows about it." - He spoke and the bomb went off.

"What?!" - Dad and Daddy shouted. Everyone was shocked.

"Oh, come on! What the fuck, dad?!" - John yelled, furious at his father.

I was gobsmacked. I did not see this coming! He just sat there and watched the mayhem.

Paul was smiling with all the drama. So was Emmett, who gasped like everyone.

"What secret room?!" - Dad asked in a demanding voice.

"It's an old room that got taken down decades ago. It's when the pack house had living maids." - Uncle Nate informed.

John was livid.

"You couldn't let us have one spec of privacy, dad? We weren't doing much! We weren't having sex in that filthy place, just so you know!" - John tried to defend himself. I was utterly shook.

"I know, son. I know everything!" - Uncle Nate spoke in an ominous tone. But my dads were fuming! My dad chastised me for almost half an hour, in front of everyone! Honestly, it's so embarrassing... I can't even imagine what Paul's family will think of me.

So, that took a turn. I certainly did not think this would happen at diner. But hey, at least we're entertaining! Dad had that room locked and boarded. No one is coming over there now!

But I'm a strong, confident woman. Nothing is going to deter me! And yes, I see you uncle Nate. But I have contingencies. After the first time, you learn to prepare yourself.

The following day, Sunday, I was at John's house as mine was insufferable with dad's revolt towards me.

We had a nice breakfast and spent a good day together, but I couldn't help but ask him.

"Uncle Nate, I have to ask. How did you know? That part of the house doesn't even have cameras on it!" - My voice's dripping in curiosity.

"Well, my darling niece, you should know by now nothing can be kept from me." - He started,  very smugly. I would punch him if I didn't admire him so much.

"But, if you must know, it was my son who told me." - He said and John gasped.

"What?! What do you mean I've told you? I didn't say shit!" - John was furious at the insinuation.

"Language, John!" - Aunt Daphne yelled, furiously.

"Yes, you did. You were talking to Rosalyn in your room and mentioned it. That's how I know! You forgot to close the door. Wolf hearing!" - He smirked.

I glared at John so many daggers he diminished at his seat. Damn, boy!

How could you forget to close the door? It's like you want your parents to find out, am I right?

https://youtu.be/izGwDsrQ1eQ

A|N: Usually, I write the chapter and then I find a song that fits the story.

For this song in particular, it was the other way around. I bounced around a few chapters trying to incorporate this title but could never fit until this one. And the story line only came together at the last minute.

Long live George Michael!

Love,

Léo.