by Maggie Walsh
“At the café, and the manager said I could start tomorrow. Isn’t that great?” Bailey asked as he jumped up to sit on the counter.
“Bailey, that’s fantastic, and it’s a good fit for you. You can start learning the business for the day you open your own restaurant,” Evan said and gave him an encouraging smile.
“If that day ever comes. But yeah, that’s what I was thinking, too. I’ll be serving for now, but the manager says I can start learning while I’m there and if I get good enough, he’ll give me a shot in the kitchen,” Bailey explained.
“That’s fantastic, Bales. I’m so happy for you.”
“Happy about what?” Josh asked as he walked into the kitchen. Evan gave Bailey a big smile and nodded.
Bailey looked at Josh with a big grin on his face. “I got a job at the café,” he said.
Josh’s jaw dropped and then a smile spread across his face. He walked over to Bailey, scooped him up off the counter, and swung him around. “Bailey, that’s fantastic. I am so proud of you,” Josh said and then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Bailey laughed at Josh’s excitement. Josh placed him on his feet. “So when do you start?”
“Tomorrow,” Bailey answered with a bright smile.
“That is so great, Bales. I am so fucking happy for you,” Josh said and cupped his cheek.
“Language, Josh,” Evan admonished.
Josh rolled his eyes. “Come on, Evan, we’re not children anymore. Some of us are actually over eighteen. We’re grown men now. We should be able to curse without getting reprimanded.”
“First of all, Bailey, Sage, and Syn are the only three over eighteen. You still have four months to go. I know you’re all almost grown. It’s force of habit,” Evan said and shrugged.
“So this calls for a celebration,” Josh said and walked to the fridge. He opened it and grabbed a can of soda. He turned and leaned against the counter as he popped the top.
“What kind of celebration?” Bailey asked as he started helping Evan with dinner.
“I don’t know. How about we borrow the old man’s car and head into the city and catch a movie or something?” Josh said with a laugh.
“Old man? I’ll have you know, I’m not that much older than…” Josh raised a questioning brow at him as he smirked. “Okay, I don’t look that much older than you.”
“So can we borrow the bus and take off into the city?” Bailey asked.
“I don’t like the idea of you two going off into the city alone. And before you start protesting, it’s not because I don’t trust you. It’s because everything in our world is still too unstable and it makes me nervous,” Evan explained.
“Okay, I’ll give you that. But what are we supposed to do? I want to celebrate me and Bales getting jobs today,” Josh said with a smirk.
Bailey and Evan turned to face him. “You got a job, too?” Bailey asked in excitement.
Josh smiled wide. “Yup. The tattoo place right across the street from the café.”
“Oh, Joshie, that’s great!” Bailey yelled and ran to him, giving him a big hug as Josh laughed. Bailey pulled back and looked at him. “It’s what you always wanted. I’m so proud of you, Josh.”
“Thanks, Bales,” Josh said with a big smile and they hugged again.
“Oh, gods, the two fruit brothers are at it again,” Matthew groaned as he walked in from the back door.
“Shoes,” Evan said.
“Yeah, yeah,” Matthew grumbled and took his shoes off, leaving them by the back door.
“Hey, gopher boy, call us a couple of fruits again and don’t be surprised to find a snake in your drawers, and I’m not talking about my dick,” Josh said nonchalantly.
“Okay, you guys, knock it off. Josh, nobody wants to hear about your dick. And, Matthew, what did I tell you about phrases like that? I don’t want to hear them and if you keep using them and upset the Alpha, we’re all gonna be out of here,” Evan warned.
“I’d like to hear more about Josh’s dick.” Sage said seductively as he sashayed into the room.
“Of course you would,” Matthew said and rolled his eyes. Then his gaze fell on Sage. “Oh, gods, not another one,” he grumbled.
“What? Don’t you like it?” Sage asked as he twirled around, causing the skirt he was wearing to flare out.
“I think you look sexy, Sage,” Josh said and walked to him. He gave Sage a kiss on the head and stepped away. He went to the cabinet and started pulling out plates.
“OMG, people,” Matthew groused. “Maybe it was a bad idea for us to come here. Now you’re all really starting to get fruity.” Matthew dropped into one of the chairs in a huff.
“You’re just jealous because you know you want me, but you can’t have me,” Sage said in a singsong voice and began helping Josh set the table.
“In your dreams, woman.”
“Evan,” Sage whined.
“That’s enough, Matthew. I don’t want to have to go to the Beta and tell him you haven’t learned your lesson,” Evan warned.
“You’re gonna tell my daddy on me? Pathetic,” he said and rolled his eyes.
“He won’t tell your daddy on you, because your daddy dumped your ass,” Shane said as he walked in with Tucker, Syn, and Mitchell.
“Fuck you, butt fucker,” Matthew growled.
“As usual, Matthew can dish it out but he can’t take it,” Shane said.
“Boys, that’s enough,” Evan said sternly. “I don’t want to hear you putting each other down in any way.” He brought the pan to the table and set it down. Bailey and Josh placed other dishes on the table and everyone took their seats. “And today is a good day,” Evan said as he sat to join them. “Both Josh and Bailey found jobs today, and I may have found a lead for a job myself.”
Everyone congratulated Bailey and Josh then began putting food on their plates. “So what did you find, Evan?” Syn asked.
“I hear that the club in town was looking for a―”
“Stripper,” Sage interrupted in excitement.
“No, that’s your dream job, cupcake,” Matthew said.
“No, Sage. I heard in town that the club is looking for someone that’s good with computers. So I figured I would head over there tomorrow and see if it’s true and apply for the job,” Evan explained.
“Well good luck, Evan. We’ll keep our fingers crossed,” Josh said, then tucked into his food.
“Thank you, Josh.”
“Ass kisser,” Matthew grumbled around a mouthful of food. Josh just smiled at Matthew and gave him the middle finger.
* * * *
“Can I help you?” The voice came from the shadows. Evan turned to face where it came from and an older gentleman walked toward him.
“Hi. My name is Evan Donaldson,” he said as he held out his hand.
“Hi, Evan. I’m Frank Gerard.” Frank introduced himself as he grasped Evan’s hand and shook it. “So what can I help you with?” Frank released his hand and walked behind the bar.
“I heard in town that you may be looking to fill a position in computers. I was wondering if you had anything available and if I could apply for the position?”
“Yeah, we are looking for a computer wiz. The job consists of keeping the books, dealing with the accountant, keeping the employees’ time sheets accurate, developing the website, and then keeping an eye on it and updating it when needed. It’s actually more of an office assistant position with a little extra,” Frank explained with a chuckle.
“Then I think I’m your man, Mr. Gerard. I have experience in all of that. I also have experience with payroll, insurance, medical, taxes. I also know how to place your orders and deal with the distributors,” Evan said.
“I think I love you, Mr. Donaldson.” Frank chuckled. “I’m the manager here. As you know, our Alpha owns the place, but I run it. Well technically, our alpha’s mate owns the place now. Micah gave it to Jesse for Christmas, but I’m still the manager. I have been wanting an assistant for years but never got around to it.
When Jesse took over as owner, he insisted I finally get one.”
“Wow. Well, if you’d like to give me chance, Mr. Gerard―”
Frank held up his hand, cutting him off.
“Please call me Frank.”
“Okay, Frank,” Evan agreed and blushed. “I’d like the opportunity to show you what I can do. You don’t even have to pay me for the first week―” Frank cut him off again.
“Of course we’ll pay you. You got the job. Show me what you can do. If it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out. When can you start?”
Evan smiled brightly. “I can start right now,” he said enthusiastically.
Frank laughed. “How’s tomorrow sound? Three till midnight.”
“Oh.” Evan’s face fell.
“What’s the problem?”
“I have a group of boys I take care of and even though some of them are over eighteen, I really don’t know about leaving them alone at night,” Evan answered in defeat.
“Ah, so you’re the guy with the teen boys? Well, I’ll tell you what, Evan. Come on in tomorrow at three, we’ll go over everything and see if we can adjust those hours to the daytime, okay?” Frank offered.
“That would be great, Frank. I don’t even know what to say. Thank you.”
“We’re a pack here. We do what we can to help each other out. We’ll see what we can come up with.”
* * * *
“Boys!” Evan yelled up the stairs. “I’m leaving in ten minutes! Whoever needs a ride into town, now’s your chance!” He walked back into the kitchen as he heard what sounded like a pack of wild animals running around above his head.
Bailey was standing by the sink rinsing off his dishes and placing them in the dishwasher. “Thanks, Bales,” Evan said as he walked in.
“No problem. Can I get a ride in with you, Evan? I have the noon-to-nine shift today,” Bailey said as he grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulder.
“Sure. Do you need me to pick you up later? I’ll be getting out about that time.” Evan offered and grabbed his travel mug off the counter.
“That would be great. Thanks. Well, that is if I get out on time,” Bailey grumbled.
“Why’s that?” Evan asked and sipped his coffee as he walked to the back door.
“With all these extra people still in town, Gypsey has been staying open longer to accommodate them. So I may have to work overtime.”
“Give me a call over at the club if you’re working late and I’ll send one of the boys back to pick you up when you get out.”
“Thanks, Evan,” Bailey said.
“Maybe your boyfriend Joshie will come pick you up and the two of you can have a little alone time,” Matthew teased and made kissy noises.
“Bite me, Matt,” Bailey grumbled. “You know Josh isn’t my boyfriend.”
“Could have fooled me,” Matthew snickered. He walked over to the fridge and grabbed a soda.
“Soda for breakfast, Matthew?” Evan asked in disgust.
“I need my caffeine and that sludge you drink is just gross.”
“I thought you were done over at the construction site. Did you get another punishment from the Beta for flipping that car, or starting that fire?” Bailey snickered.
“What! What car?” Evan asked sternly.
“I don’t know what the little twerp is talking about,” Matthew answered as he shot daggers at Bailey. Bailey turned red and lowered his head.
“Matthew, I better not get one more call from the Beta for at least six months, do you hear me? Or so help you,” Evan threatened.
“Yeah, yeah,” Matthew grumbled under his breath.
“Evan, can I come to the club with you today?” Sage asked as he strolled in.
“Why do you want to come to work with me?” Evan asked.
“He’s hoping your boss will offer him a job as a stripper,” Matthew offered with a snicker.
“Sage, really?” Evan asked with disappointment.
“I want to dance, Evan, and I want to strip,” he said with a giggle.
Evan sighed heavily and shook his head. “Everyone who’s coming to town, let’s go before Bailey and I are late.” They all made their way toward the back door. Evan gently grabbed Sage’s arm, stopping him before he stepped out. “Frank will probably tell you no. You’re only eighteen, Sage. Everyone who works at the club is over twenty-one. But if this is really what you want, then maybe some of the guys can give you pointers. Let you know what you can expect before you even start.”
“That would be great, Evan. Thanks,” Sage answered brightly and stepped past Evan to head out. Evan shook his head and sighed, then headed out the door.
* * * *
Josh walked into the café and looked around at all the people. His gaze shifted to behind the counter and he spotted his best friend Bailey handing someone their order. He smiled brightly at the customer and handed them their change. His eyes shifted and caught Josh looking at him. His smile widened as Josh made his way to the counter.
“Getting out on time tonight or working late?” Josh asked as he leaned a hip against the counter.
Bailey sighed. “I have to work until closing at midnight. One of the girls called out sick so we’re short on help,” Bailey answered.
“I was gonna head home now, but if you want I’ll hang around until closing so you don’t have to walk home alone,” Josh offered.
“Thanks, Josh, but you go ahead. You have to be at work early. I don’t want you wearing yourself out on my account.”
“It’s no big deal, Bales,” Josh said and his head turned as his eyes followed a cute guy walking across the café.
Bailey chuckled and patted Josh’s shoulder. “Or you could go over and introduce yourself to the hottie over there, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Josh smiled wide and looked at his best friend. “Thanks, Bales. I think I may just do that.” He stepped away from the counter and started toward the cute guy. “I’ll catch you at home, Bales,” he said over his shoulder. Bailey laughed and shook his head.
* * * *
Gods, he was starting to freeze his nuts off. They had been looking for Adam for hours and still nothing. They must have checked the town three times already. He just wanted to go home, take a shower, and maybe head over to the club. He had been trying for over a month, to no avail, to get the hot little vampire Shelby to give him the time of day. Maybe tonight would be the night.
Lexi sighed in frustration as he spotted Evan’s little troublemakers making their way down the street toward them. Did these kids really have to cause so much trouble that Micah might have to throw them out of town? Come on. From what he heard, they had been chased out of everywhere they went because they were gay. Maybe they had been chased away for other reasons?
Lexi and the other’s stepped into the café and made their way to the counter. “Why don’t you two go get us a table? I’ll order and bring them over,” Raith said and gave each of his mates a quick kiss. They moved away and crossed the café to an empty table.
“He’s not here,” Viktor said in frustration.
“Let’s get a drink and then we can continue looking, okay?” Raith asked. Viktor nodded and looked at the menu board. “Besides, you look like you could use a pint or two.”
“I only wish it were a pint from my mate,” Viktor grumbled.
“I know, Vik. I promise you we won’t give up,” Raith said and patted Viktor’s back.
“What can I get you, gentlemen?” Lexi heard the voice of an angel and his head snapped in the direction the voice had come from. Holy shit! This guy is fucking adorable, and hot as hell. Where the hell has he been hiding? Lexi thought. The hottie was about five-ten, maybe one hundred thirty pounds, slim, twinkish, with an adorable face. Full pouty lips. Gods, I just want to nibble that bottom lip. Oh Lord, and look at those eyes. They were the most stunning amber pools he had ever seen. And that beautiful long sandy-blond hair looked soft as hell. Lexi’s eyes raked down to the little hottie�
��s ass and he almost whimpered. It was the cutest bubble butt ever.
The little hottie’s eyes ran over them and then went as wide as saucers as they landed on Lexi. He leaned slightly over the counter and flared his nostrils, sniffing the air. He pulled back as if he was struck by lightning and his mouth dropped open.
Lexi took a whiff himself as the hottie leaned over the counter, and he couldn’t believe what he smelled. Mate. This beautiful wolf was his mate? Oh fate, I really owe you one, Aurora. Thank you. Gods, I just want to wrap my arms around him and drag him away. No, I can’t do that. I’ll probably freak him out if I do that. Lexi’s jaw and fists clenched to stop himself from grabbing the little hottie.
He could feel Raith and Viktor both turn to look at him, but he couldn’t take his eyes off the sight in front of him. His mate was here. After all these years of dreaming and hoping, his mate was right here standing in front of him. “Lexi, man, what is it?”
“What’s your name?” Lexi asked through clenched teeth.
The hottie just stared at him. He cleared his throat and answered. “Bailey,” he whispered shyly.
Lexi’s face softened and he smiled at the kid. “Bailey. I like it, it’s a beautiful name.”
Bailey turned red and looked down at the counter. Oh gods, look at that blush. Could he get any more adorable?
“Um, Lex. What gives?” Raith asked.
“Raith, meet Bailey. My mate,” Lexi said happily with a huge grin on his face. “Bailey, this is Raith, our Beta.”
Bailey looked up shyly and met Lexi’s eyes. He smiled and then looked to Raith. “It’s nice to meet you, Beta Angel. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Really?” Raith chuckled. “From who?”
“My guardian, Evan. And Matthew can’t stop talking about you.” Lexi’s smile fell and his eyes closed. Fuck! His mate was right here, so close he could touch him, he could smell him, but he couldn’t have him. If Evan was his guardian, that meant his mate was still a kid, and he couldn’t claim a kid.
