work as an extension of her the same way Trent and Pax do with you. So, if that doesn't make me her beta, then what the fuck do you call it?"
"You think she's an alpha?" I asked.
She just chuckled. "I think she's the damned den mother, Ian. And so you know, I think Roman's becoming the same thing. The more time he spends with Gabby, the more he works to build the bonds with the people around her. He's the social butterfly, the one who makes sure that Gabby has a place to lean that's strong enough to hold her up, and an understanding ear for those who've been on the wrong side of that girl's attitude."
"But what do you even call that?" I asked.
"I have no idea," she told me. "It's new, Ian. I think Roman's learning from them because he wants so hard to make up for his mistakes. I think Elena is flying blind, so what we see is what we get. Most of all, I think that we don't have a tradition or wolf law to describe this, so fuck it. Let's make up our own. It's not as if we're a normal pack, right?"
"But Elena isn't my beta," I pointed out. "That means they aren't the same."
"Isn't she?" Ashley countered. "Isn't her word the same as your law? Who closed the gates for Theo's conversion, Ian? Who do you go to when you need something handled gently? Who have you begun to rely on to help with the softer aspects of leading your pack? Elena? Why, because she's a woman?"
"Of course not!" I snapped. "She's just better at that than..." Fuck. The words were halfway out of my mouth before I realized what she was saying. "Oh."
"Exactly," she said. "You use her as an extension of yourself. Like a beta. You also like to get her naked and do kinky things to her body. Like a mate. Turn that down to teenage mentality, and you have Gabby and Roman. So, what the fuck are we calling this new thing?"
"A miracle," I decided. "Ash, I don't have a good word, and I don't even care. I just need to figure out how to manage my mate having her own betas."
"Her Sisterhood," she corrected. "Or Brotherhood, when Roman does it. Either way, they're going to be the den guardians."
I just chuckled. "And there we have it. Den Mother. Den Father. The Alpha Mate doesn't have betas. They have guardians."
"Nah," she teased, "We're still the Sisterhood of Being Too Old for That Shit. But sure, guardians sounds pretty impressive too. Have you also noticed that we're all alphas or very strong beta types? Me, Kim, Heather, and Bridget. Those last two should've bonded with an alpha, but never got a chance. They're both also damned close to that line between strong-willed and leader types."
"Shit," I breathed, realizing she was right.
"Look," she said, "don't overthink it. Those kids don't need any more pressure on them, and whatever Elena is doing is working. Sometimes, little brother, it's ok to just let nature take its course. For now, just rest, recover, and don't forget that Gabby's play is coming up."
I groaned. "I know. Trent and Pax want a date night with Elena. I might ask for a little help so that can happen."
"Sure," she agreed without hesitation. "But why do I think this is something of a big deal?"
"Trent wants to be sure before he says a triplet of words. I need them on board."
"For?" she asked.
I leaned back in my chair and smiled. "I'm not letting the perfect woman get away from me, Ash. I'm also not going to tell you because I know you can't keep a secret from your alpha."
"Size seven and a quarter," she told me. "And just remember how long I knew her without telling her I was a wolf. I can keep a secret. It's Lane you need to worry about."
"He's already on board," I promised. "Seth too. Just waiting for the twins."
"Then we'll make sure that entire weekend is perfect," Ashley promised.
CHAPTER 40
* * *
Theo was back to school by Monday. The boy was slow and still aching, but he said he was fine. The week after, Gabby started the final dress rehearsals for her play. Trent jumped right in, helping with the final touches on her costume. The funny thing was that Nik also helped, giving her tips on the stripes for her Cheshire Cat and asking pointed questions about why she was