I took it all in, adding to my plan, then I told the kids to have a good time, that my betas were next door if they needed anything, and just left.
My next stop was Dad's house. As Elena's attorney, he had a copy of her divorce paperwork. After last night's talk, he'd also made up a second option. One where Gerardo agreed to waive his parental rights. But my father refused to give me any of it until I told him exactly what I was planning.
"Gabby followed us out last night," I explained. "Dad, she begged us to help. She actually wants Gerardo to give up his rights. She doesn't want him as her legal father."
"Kids are impulsive," he reminded me. "Just think about the idiot things you did at that age. Like Karen?"
I groaned. "Dad, that was Trent and Pax. I would like you to know that I only made that mistake twice. Once, when I was drunk enough to not realize who she was, and once when I thought I'd have to settle for her because my girlfriend tried to shoot me. Both times were well over eighteen. So, let's not use her as something to hold over my head. Besides, I honestly believe Gabby on this. She's been too consistent for too long."
"And you want her as your own," he said, making it clear he wasn't judging me. "But what happens if you and Elena don't work out? We're talking about a kid's life, Ian."
"I'll still step up," I assured him. "So will you, and do you honestly think Ashley will care if Elena dumps me? They'll still be best friends, and I can use that if I must."
Dad scratched at his beard, weighing that. "What is it about this kid? Honestly. Why are you trying so hard to mentor her?"
Shit. I wasn't sure I was ready to talk about that yet, but I also knew he wouldn't give me the paperwork I needed unless I answered. So I dropped into the chair before his desk and let out a heavy sigh. He'd either believe me or he wouldn't. My only concern was that if he didn't, I wouldn't get what I needed.
"She's an alpha, Dad. Not borderline like Roman. Not just pig-headed and arrogant. That girl is already collecting betas, and I'm no longer convinced that Roman isn't both her beta and her mate. I've seen a few of the older kids with her, and they're deferring to her like her dominance is inherent. I know it's not supposed to be possible, but Dr. Bridget says it's not impossible. It's just that most converts aren't trained the way we taught Seth. They're left to muddle around in their new bodies, and it weakens their pride. Gabby? We're building her up, and I think she's going to be what Wolf's Run needs. I want to make her my heir."
"And when you have your own kids?" he asked.
I shook my head. "I don't know if I will. Even if I do, they'll be so much younger that it won't matter. Gabby's the next generation. She's also the best person to modernize us. She understands what it's like to be human and wolf. She didn't learn the same biases the rest of us did. She doesn't feel the need to follow stupid traditions just because that's how it's always been. She's already talking about a pack covenant or something. An agreement all the pack members should sign making it clear what rules we do and don't follow. To leave the past in the past, she says."
"Huh." He bobbed his head to show he approved. "Ok. So, when are you going to announce her as your heir?"
"When she can defend herself."
Dad just smiled and passed over a stack of papers. "I have no idea how you'll explain this to your mate, and I'm assuming your betas agree, but that's all your problem, not mine. I'm just trying to look out for my grandpup."
"See?" I said as I took the papers, flipping through to make sure he'd included the contract I'd asked for. "There's something about that kid. Something special. I'm not convinced Elena doesn't have it too, but Gabby? She's going to change the shifter world, Dad. I want to make sure she does it for the right reasons, and you're already half in love with her."
"Completely," he corrected. "Same way I felt about Lane. Family doesn't have to be blood, Ian. For us, it's often hard to be