Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell
Chapter 16 Adam, Please
Adam’s car was waved through the heavily guarded gatehouse without having to stop. The guards stiffened and saluted respectfully as they passed through.
Ann felt Maeve’s approval wash through her as they drove through the busy streets of the self contained town.
The houses were well maintained, and with a quick glance at the buildings surrounding she could see that the training grounds were being put to good use and from this distance at least seemed to be in good order. Ann noticed a couple of schools on site and frowned. “Alpha…” She began.
“Adam, please, Ann.” He interjected flatly with the ghost of a smile on his face.
“Yes, of course, sorry, Adam,” She corrected hurriedly, “You have your own schools within the pack?”
“Yes. I know it’s unconventional and doesn’t adhere to the guidelines but I want my pack to be able to think for themselves.” He said firmly as he pulled off the road and into a sweeping driveway that nestled between immaculately manicured lawns and flowerbeds.
“They can do that at a normal school too, you know? The whole point of having mixed species schools is to ensure the supernaturals integrate with each other as well as the humans. We can’t afford for the races to be separated again.” Ann replied.
“I understand that, but how then do I enable my pack to grow and be successful beyond these walls? Here, they are taught critical and strategic thinking at an early age, they are encouraged to be active and spar with their friends, grudges are not tolerated they are resolved amicably. They are taught the history of the world, not just the human history, but that of the conflicts between races and species…”
“I understand, however, there are other options available Adam. That’s what the academies are for when they leave middle school, they follow the same curriculum instead of being segregated from other packs.”
“But they lose all those years of crucial study…”
“Instead gaining years of unmonitored education and the possibility of a superiority complex. Why can’t you add those as a compulsory study in the evenings or weekends? Or even as residential camps?” Ann argued back.
“So tell me, Ann, If I then introduce these programs after a full day at human school, how is it fair for the children to be studying until late at night or giving up their weekends?” It is imperative that they understand everything about the world we live in and why we coexist peacefully without revealing ourselves. The earlier they learn that the better.”
“But…”
“I’m not discussing this Ann. We aren’t doing anything wrong. This is my pack…”
“Our pack…”
Adam growled lightly.
“The education we provide will not change Ann. The pack is free to choose whether or not they want to attend the schools offered here or in the city. Most choose here because we do not tolerate b*ull*ying behavior.” He snarled.
“But…”
“No. In the mainstream schools do you have any idea how many of our Omega’s are bullied for being lesser than the ranked wolves? How many Omega’s do you think are mistreated within the pack structure? Do you think they enjoy mainstream school where they are subject to the superiority complexes of other wolves from other packs? Or the att*itudes of their Alpha’s when I am f0rced to confront them because our pack members have been so heavily beaten?”
Ann remained silent.
“Every wolf, regardless of rank deserves the same education. Of course, it is not practical for them to hold combat positions because of their wolves’ inferior strength and their submissive traits, however, that doesn’t mean that they can’t teach the theory that dominant wolves need to learn in order to be successful. It doesn’t mean that they can’t excel in their own careers in areas of their choosing if they so desire.”
Adam braked suddenly and pulled to a stop in front of an enormous mansion. He sighed heavily and ran his hands through his hair, turning to look at Ann with a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
“In this pack at least, Omega’s are not f0rced into servitude, they are the backbone of the pack that provides for all our basic needs. Food, cleaning, hospitals, gardening whatever it is they do, enables us to not worry about our basic needs so we can focus on protecting and providing for the pack. They might be weaker than us in strength and combat capabilities, but their minds are still sharp and they are skilled in other areas. They are paid a fair wage, work in rotating shifts, and are free to come and go as they please. I won’t change this Ann…I won’t compromise on the community and the ideals that I intend to uphold.” He finished quietly as he opened the door and got out.
Ann sat silently for a moment trying to take in everything that he had said. She swallowed nervously.
‘I don’t see the issue, Ann. You’re being pedantic. I think Adam’s vision of a healthy pack hierarchy is far superior to the structure and politics in most packs.’ Maeve offered thoughtfully.
‘I understand that but it’s not how it’s supposed to be done. We have established procedures and…’
‘Just because things are supposed to be done one way, doesn’t always mean that it’s the best way. A good Alpha knows this and will challenge established practices in order to improve them.’ Maeve answered smugly.
Ann huffed and took her seat belt off, turning in her seat and getting out of the car.
‘I think I liked it better when you were quiet.’ She grumbled back to her wolf as she hurried after the retreating form of Alpha Nocturne.