Gregory stood starring out his office's large picture window overlooking the open grass that led to the forest behind the packhouse. His hands were stuffed in his pants pocket, fisted. He knew his eldest son was ready to lead. Tom had proven himself many times over. It was time to turn over leadership to him. if he was honest with himself, it was beyond time. Tom had been patient. He had his mate now, the pack's Luna-to-be. He sighed. He knew the pack needed her probably more than they needed Tom. How many years had it been now since his mate, the Luna, passed? Too many, that Gregory knew. And the pack showed her loss.
He turned from the window and walked back to his desk. He sighed.
"Alpha?"
He was pulled from his thoughts as he heard Glenn, his Beta, call him.
"Yes, Glenn?"
"You alright, sir?"
"Glenn, you and I have been friends since infancy. When we are alone, call me Gregory. I have told you this so many times over the decades." Gregory shakes his head in disbelief and looks up at his Beta and best friend.
Glenn smiles, " Gregory, you are still my Alpha. I respect you and the office. Allow me this pleasure for a few more days. Soon, you will hand the title over to Tom and ...well... we can retire together. Sam is ready to assume the role of Beta, and we can retire together, my old friend." Tom grasps Gregory's shoulder in a friendly hold.
Gregory chuckles and grabs hold of his friend's hand on his shoulder and squeezes it as affirmation.
"What is it, Alpha? Something is bothering you, I can tell. Your aura is 'off.'...not second guessing Tom's readiness, are you?"
"Not at all."
"Then what is it? I know you well enough to know something is wrong."
"Not wrong, exactly, Glenn." Gregory stares off into space. After about 30 seconds of silence, Gregory clears his throat, "What do I do now?" and sighs as he lowers himself absent-minded to his chair behind the large oak desk . He has sat behind this desk for nearly 40 years now. He was lost in thought. Glenn sat down opposite the Alpha's desk, like,he has for decades. He observed his friend and Alpha. He sat quietly waiting.
"Glenn, you have Sally. I...well...I have..."
"Alpha..."
Gregory looked over at his Beta and closest friend. He sighed again.
"What will I do to fill my life with meaning now?"
Glenn knew his Alpha and friend was grieving again the loss of his mate and Luna, Robin. He was a strong Alpha. Many Alphas would have lost their humanity and gone feral after losing their mate/Luna. Gregory fought hard to remain present for his son and the pack. Glenn had wondered when this conversation would come up. He was concerned about Gregory, if he was truthful. Sally had asked him what would hold Gregory sane once he gave up the Alpha position to Tom. Glenn had no answer.
Glenn cleared his throat, "Alpha, you are a young..."
"Don't ... just don't Glenn...we both know once I give the title to Tom, I will begin to lose it. It won't take long for me to go feral...will it. How long have I held in here now? 10 years? 11? "
"11, Alpha."
"11 Years without her.... I miss her, Glenn. I miss her terribly." Gregory's voice cracked, and Glenn swallowed hard. He didn't want to admit his friend probably would not last long after the transfer of power. It is one reason Tom had not pushed his father. Tom was nearly 30 years old, way beyond the time he could have taken the reigns. But he knew his father needed to remain Alpha to remain sane. Tom loved his father far more than he loved being Alpha.
"Robin would be so proud of Tom, don't you think, Glenn?"
"Absolutely she would be!' Glenn immediately responded.
Gregory turned his head to Glenn and gave a half smile, but his eyes were filled with sorrow, and...was that loneliness? Yes, it was. He heard the Alpha's deep sigh, almost boarding on a sob that caught in his throat.
"Glenn, I think I need to go on a run. Want to join me, ole friend? One more run around the parameter of the pack lands as its Alpha and Beta? We won't have time to do it after tomorrow. There is so much to prepare for the transfer of power."
Glenn transformed into his wolf, Savor, right there in the office!
Gregory chuckled, "Let's go." he walked to the large French doors leading to the grassy area out thenoffice and opened them. Glenn darted out, turned to face Gregroy. Gregory shifted in Trevor and off the giant black wolf, and the large brown wolf ran ... deep into the woods they sprinted. One last run around the packland's parameter.