Werewolf and 71 Summary
In this chapter titled “Her Office,” the protagonist, Dallas, reflects on the entitlement some individuals exhibit, particularly in a workplace environment. She grapples with her past hardships and emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their social status or job title. The narrative highlights her desire to understand the Elders’ perspectives, particularly Elder Jeff’s, and her determination to ensure that the Shifters are properly represented in their Kingdom.
As Dallas and her colleagues, including Quinlan, Benton, and Daxton, sift through chaotic files in the office, they encounter various challenges, including a stubborn document glued to the table. Their camaraderie is evident as they work together to organize the office, showcasing their commitment to improving their environment. Aunt Eliza’s arrival signals the end of their workday, and her humorous demeanor lightens the atmosphere as she instructs everyone to clean up and prepare for dinner.
The transition to dinner reveals Dallas’s feelings of isolation, as she recalls her previous experience of dining alone. Surrounded by laughter and lively conversation, she finds comfort in the familial bonds that are forming around her. The discussions at the table revolve around the disarray in the Beta office, with Grandpa expressing disbelief at the state of affairs. Dallas’s light-hearted suggestion for him to join them the next morning reflects her desire for him to understand the challenges they face.
Throughout the chapter, Dallas navigates her emotions of belonging, responsibility, and the desire for familial connection. She subtly acknowledges her cunning nature while also expressing genuine concern for the unresolved issues stemming from her mother’s negligence. The chapter encapsulates a blend of humor, camaraderie, and the complexities of family dynamics within the Shifter community, setting the stage for further exploration of these themes.
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**Her Office**
**Dallas’ p.o.v.**
Why is it that some individuals feel entitled to look down on others, as if they are somehow superior?
I never sought out the hardships that accompanied my childhood; those experiences were thrust upon me. Yet, I never projected that bitterness onto anyone else. I never held the belief that the world owed me anything simply because my father was a jerk.
Everyone has their off days, where they might say or do something out of character. However, to treat others with disdain based on their job title or social standing is utterly absurd. Acting as if life owes you favors for some unfathomable reason is just as ludicrous.
“Can we sit in on that meeting?” I murmur to Quinlan, a spark of curiosity igniting within me. I’m eager to hear Elder Jeff’s justifications and, perhaps, uncover whether other Elders share his viewpoint.
“Absolutely. Even if I have to demand it from them, I want the Elders to represent the Shifters in our Kingdom, not dictate who has the right to what information,” Quinlan replies, his voice resolute.
We begin to sift through the chaotic files scattered across the table, searching for a date to organize them systematically. Stacking them in order, we decide to tackle the oldest ones first, determining which require thorough examination and which can be swiftly discarded.
“Uh, what do we do with this file that’s glued to the table?” Benton inquires, gripping the stubborn document with a puzzled expression.
“I’ll fetch you a new cover. Is there anything written on that one?” Quinlan asks, already moving to retrieve a fresh cover for Benton. They both scrutinize the old one, but it remains blank, devoid of any markings.
We collectively decide to clear off the desk and coffee table first, aiming to make some headway before confronting the remaining stacks. Daxton strides purposefully between the Beta office and the Guardian office, ensuring each file is placed according to its correct date.
“Alright, that’s enough for today. Lock both offices and we’ll continue in the morning,” Aunt Eliza calls out from the doorway, her voice cutting through our focus.
We brush off the remnants of dust from our clothes as we rise to our feet, and Aunt Eliza scrunches her nose in a comical way as the dust settles around us. She would have been horrified had she seen the state of the floor before Quinlan had the foresight to ask a servant to vacuum it—though the effort hardly made a difference.
“Go take a shower, change, and meet us in the living room,” Aunt Eliza instructs before ascending the stairs.
Quinlan and his brothers dutifully follow their mother, while Dave leads us towards the elevator. It dawns on us that Dezra, in her laziness, had installed an elevator that only services the Beta floor. Yes, you heard that right—one solitary floor.
“This ridiculous contraption needs to go or be modified to stop at every floor,” Daxton grumbles as he steps inside the elevator.
“Aunt Eliza will probably have it adjusted for the benefit of the entire family,” Benton mutters under his breath, his tone laced with resignation.
Even with a towering 6’6” man behind me and my brothers, both just over 6 feet, I feel surprisingly at ease. The elevator is spacious enough to accommodate us all without making me feel cramped.
“Yeah, you’re right. This thing should serve the entire family, not just us,” I agree, pondering why Uncle Vaughn would allow Dezra to install such a one-dimensional elevator.
“Perhaps she misled him when she requested its installation,” Charna interjects, echoing my thoughts.
Considering her history of deceit and half-truths, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least. I make a mental note to discuss this with Uncle Vaughn during dinner and to inquire if there’s a way to adjust the elevator’s stops.
Our shower took a bit longer than necessary, but I relished every moment. I know my brothers are aware of what transpired in there, and frankly, I couldn’t care less.
“You took your sweet time,” Benton remarks as we exit the bathroom.
“Not long enough,” Daxton shoots back playfully, leaving me torn between laughter and playfully smacking my mate on the head.
Dinner is a cacophony of laughter and lively chatter, reminiscent of meals shared with Preston and Pearl. It still catches me off guard at times, as I’ve grown accustomed to dining alone.
No one ever invited me to the Alpha floor or the main dining room for dinner, and I adapted to that isolation quickly.
The Omegas always ensured our fridge on the Beta floor was stocked, and the pantry was never bare. For a long time, I prepared my own meals, cultivating a sense of independence.
I respond to questions directed at me, but mostly, I immerse myself in the conversations swirling around the table. Complaints about the disarray in the Beta office dominate the discussions, alongside queries about how no one had ever noticed the chaos before.
Grandpa’s gaze is fixed on me as Benton recounts the story of the cover that had been stuck to the coffee table, disbelief evident in his expression.
“Yeah, it really was stuck to the table. Guess I’ll need to invest in a new coffee table,” I tell Grandpa, my tone light. “I’ll wait until we’ve cleared every surface; there might be more furniture that needs replacing.”
“It can’t possibly be that bad,” Grandpa replies, but the skeptical looks exchanged among the others tell him a different story. One of the servants whispers that it truly is that bad, and I can see Grandpa’s expression darkening with irritation. He likely never expected his daughter to let things spiral out of control like this, nor would he have anticipated her abandoning her daughter.
“Why don’t you join us in the morning, Grandpa?” I suggest, my voice laced with sincerity. “So you can see for yourself that we weren’t exaggerating.”
“Trying to trick him into helping, are we?” Daxton teases through our mind-link, and I bury my face in his chest, stifling a grin that threatens to escape.
I can be cunning when the situation calls for it, but that wasn’t my primary intention. I genuinely want Grandpa to witness firsthand what kind of Beta his daughter has become, to grasp that there are likely unresolved issues that she has neglected.
How many problems have gone unaddressed simply because she chose to dump files in her office without even glancing at them?
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Conclusion
In this chapter, Dallas navigates the complexities of her past while finding solace in the camaraderie of her newfound family. The chaotic environment of the Beta office serves as a metaphor for her own unaddressed issues, reflecting the disarray she has endured throughout her life. As she engages with Quinlan and his brothers, she slowly begins to embrace the warmth of connection and the laughter that fills the dining room, a stark contrast to her previous isolation. This shift signifies not only her acceptance of her role within the family but also her determination to confront the remnants of her past. The light-hearted banter and shared responsibilities symbolize a healing process, where Dallas is not merely a bystander but an active participant in her own story.
As dinner unfolds, the laughter and lively discussions become a backdrop for Dallas’s awakening. Her invitation to her grandfather to join them in the morning is a pivotal moment, showcasing her desire for acknowledgment and validation. It reflects her hope that by confronting the mess—both literal and metaphorical—she can reclaim her narrative and foster a sense of unity within the family. This chapter closes with Dallas standing at the precipice of change, ready to face the challenges ahead with newfound strength and support. The emotional arc culminates in a promise of growth, hinting that while the journey may be fraught with difficulties, she is no longer alone in her struggles.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect a deeper dive into the dynamics of the family as they confront the chaos left behind in the Beta office. With the promise of uncovering long-buried secrets and unresolved tensions, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. As Dallas and her brothers prepare to tackle the mess, the stakes are raised high, especially with Grandpa’s potential involvement. Will his presence lead to revelations about their mother’s neglect, or will it ignite further conflict within the family? The tension is palpable, and the balance between loyalty and accountability will be tested.
Moreover, as the family gathers for breakfast, the playful banter will take on a more serious tone, revealing the underlying issues that have been swept under the rug for too long. Expect a clash of perspectives as Dallas champions the need for transparency and accountability, while others may resist the change. The conversation around the disarray in the office will serve as a catalyst for deeper discussions about the family’s values and responsibilities. Will they come together to address the chaos, or will the rifts widen? The chapter promises to blend humor with heartfelt moments, setting the stage for critical decisions that could alter the course of their relationships forever.
Lateefa Khanam is a contemporary romance author celebrated for her emotionally rich storytelling and unforgettable characters. Blending passion with heart-felt realism, her novels often explore themes of second chances, unspoken desires, and the quiet strength of love that grows through struggle.
