Chapter 3

"So...this is Sofia?" Zane asked, looking down at the sleeping beauty, smiling softly as she held onto his medallion tightly.

"And how did you lose her?" He asked his daughter, looking back up at Ellie, his eyebrow raised in silent query.

"Well...It's all Britney's fault!" Ellie exclaimed, not wanting to elaborate further.

Zane shook his head, disappointed that Ellie was blaming someone else.

"Ellie...you are a responsible child and I know you wouldn't intentionally blame another person."

Ellie slumped into the chair before her father's desk, defeated. Her Dad had taught her to be a responsible individual and she couldn't wholly blame Britney.

"I'm sorry. I was taking care of Sofia, when Britney came in, spewing nonsense and my wolf felt protective. I let my wolf take control, I only set Sofia down, to keep her out of harm's way and basically turned into a mamma wolf, protecting her cub." Ellie said.

"I'm proud that you would protect an innocent...but, what did Britney do, that made you forget your little charge?" Zane asked.

'Britney hates humans, so she wasn't exactly welcoming in seeing Sofia in the pack house," Ellie sighed in frustration, rubbing her temples. "And...I don't know why, but my wolf and even Jason's is very protective of little Sofia."

Zane looked at his son, "Is that true Jason?"

"Yeah Dad, ever since I met Sofia, my wolf and I feel a deep connection, almost...brotherly." Jason replied.

Zane contemplated on what to do, Ellie clearly felt remorseful, but...he needed to set an example, "Ellie...you have to control your wolf. I understand that you were protective, but...your emotions almost lost you this child. Luckily this little girl is safe for today. So...even though it seems unfair, I have to punish you."

"But...Dad!"

"No, Ellie! You are a young wolf and I understand that your emotions are high and short. But as an Alpha's daughter, you have to learn to control your emotions. Discipline is needed and don't take this as me being unfair or unjust. Any good leader learns as they go along and from their mistakes, so those around them won't be hurt. It will be a lesson in humility and perhaps save many lives."

Ellie understood where her father was coming from, sighing in defeat, "I understand and accept my punishment."

"Good. As for your punishment, you'll be helping Mrs. Thomas this whole week with the pack meals." Zane said, happy that Ellie complied.

"And what about Britney?" Jason asked.

"I'll worry about that. Now...both of you leave my office. As you can see, Sofia is resting peacefully, once she wakes, I'll bring her to you."

"You feel it too...don't you?" Ellie asked her Dad.

Zane wasn't going to lie, something about Sofia drew him in. As his children said, he felt a deep connection with the little girl and he couldn't explain it.

"Yes, I feel it too..." Zane said, lowering his head, sniffing her baby scent contently.