Chapter 5: Saige

"I can watch her, Lori. I'm sure you have you hands full with the others."

"Thank you, Lia." Lori disappears into the crowded room.

Lia sets Saige down but keeps her little hand tucked in her own. They make their way over to Jael and Tyler.

"See, like a shadow," Jael whispers to Tyler.

"Hey, kiddo," Jael smiles at Saige.

"Hi Jae," Saige mumbles but she is staring at Tyler. Tyler looks between Jael and Lia.

"I'm not exactly great with kids," he admits, avoiding looking at the small child who is just staring at him.

Lia grins. "Saige, this is Tyler, he is one of your dad's students. He is from another pack."

"You know my dad?" Saige says.

"Uh yeah," Tyler nods. "He's a good trainer."

It is awkwardly quiet for a moment before Saige smiles at him. The small child begins talking the younger alpha's ear off now that she knows he is not a dangerous stranger really.

Tyler isn't sure what to do. So he just nods and listens to the little girl talk. He glances up at Lia when Saige let's go of her hand and takes his. Lia just shrugs.

"I guess she likes you," Lia grins, trying not to laugh.

"Hopefully won't damage your strong alpha image having a pigtailed 4 year old glued to your hand," Jael says.

"Nonsense, would be a difficult job if an alpha can't balance pack dynamics and a warrior."

They look up to see Luna Mira.

"Luna," they all greet her.

"I'm glad to see you all made it here safely," she says. "How has your stay been, Alpha Tyler?"

"It's been great. Made lots of new friends."

"I see that," the Luna smiles at the way Saige has latched onto him. "And your new friends will make for strong allies someday. The council will be pleased to know you are doing well. Your mother and father will be proud."

"Thank you, Luna Mira."

"The attack should be completely handled shortly, and you will be free for the rest of the afternoon while the Warriors assess and repair damages. I must continue my rounds."

"Of courses, Luna Mira." Tyler nods

"Thank you, Luna." Both Jael and Lia say.

Once the attack is ended and everyone begins to go back to their normal responsibilities, Lia is about to head to her house when she is stopped.

"Well done, Dahlia."

She turns to see the pack delta, James. She smiles. Praise from the ranked of the pack would make anyone feel good, but it meant more to her. He was one of her father's best friends. He was even her godfather. So Lia believes every word of his statement, James loves her like family.

"Roger says you got Alpha Tyler and your training group to the pack house, and helped administer aid," he continues.

"Just doing what any pack member should," she repeats what she had been taught to say.

"Your parents would be proud," he added, patting her on the shoulder.

"Thank you, sir," she smiles sadly.