Makeshift Mate

by C. E. Black

  When the elevator doors opened on the top floor at Vitale Global my shoulders pulled back, my chin lifted a notch, and a proud smile pulled at my rose-tinted lips. After years of blood, sweat, and tears–literally–I was the CEO of one of the most recognized security companies in the country, heading toward being number one in the world.

  A twinge in the vicinity of my heart reminded me who I should really be acknowledging. I may have put in the hard work, but if my parents hadn’t died, leaving me a nice chunk of change in my inheritance, I would have still made this company, that I have no doubt, but it would have taken many more years to accomplish.

  And I couldn’t forget Robert. I grinned while thinking about the old man. My uncle on my mother’s side as well as my business partner had played a big role on the financial side of things, but it was his never-ending support and love that really got me where I was today.

  Which reminded me. It’d been too long since I last visited my favorite and only living relative. He may have a say with any major decisions within the company, but he never wanted in on the day to day operations, preferring to stay at home where he could build his furniture. He saw it as a hobby, but he had his own lucrative business on his hands.

  I was more than happy with the arrangement. I just missed seeing his face. As soon as I reached my office, I’d have to schedule a visit.

  Stepping off the elevator, I gave the clean, gray walls and modern scheme a cursory look. The design carried throughout the building and said exactly what I’d intended. When you hired Vitale Global, you were getting high-end security. At a high-end cost, of course.

  “Good morning, Isa,” Trevor, my assistant, greeted as he stepped out from behind his desk.

  “Good morning, Trevor. How’s Kathleen?” I asked, in regards to his pregnant wife. I refrained from rubbing at my neck and chest. This subject had a tendency to cause my throat to tighten up.

  “Tired, but good. Only a couple of months to go." His left cheek dimpled. “Her due date is the twenty-second, but the doctors think she might deliver early.” He shrugged.

  “Then you’ll both be tired,” I teased, but the lump in my throat had grown larger.

  I usually avoided talking about pregnancy, or babies in general. When those conversations happened, I ended up being put on the spot when asked when I would be having my own bundle of joy. Answering “never” usually didn’t go over very well.

  At least with Trevor, I knew he wouldn’t go there.

  He sighed, but it was a contented sigh. His blue eyes sparkled with happiness. And though it was painful to be, I was happy for him. He deserved this.

  “Hopefully you’ll take pity on me when I show up to work looking like a zombie,” he said.

  I chuckled and motioned for him to follow me into my office. “I promise to give you a lot of pity. And six weeks paid time off when the baby’s born. No arguments,” I pointed at him.

  “Hey, if you insist. Oh, here’s your coffee,” he said, handing me the familiar paper cup from our favorite local coffee shop. He was the best damn assistant a boss could have.

  Walking around my desk, I lifted the cup to my nose and sniffed at the small opening in the lid. “What is today’s flavor?” It smelled robust with a tad of something sweet. A tentative sip had me smacking my lips.

  This was our morning tradition. Trevor and I would take turns getting the coffee. But it had to be buyer’s choice. I loved coffee, rarely had a cup I didn’t like. And Trevor was the same. So, the game made mornings fun.

  “Thought I’d keep it simple today. It’s expresso con panna. Expresso with cream,” he answered while sitting in the chair across from my desk.

  I took another sip and nodded. “It’s good. Put it down as a favorite.” I pointedly looked at Trevor’s hands. “Where’s yours?”

  “Finished,” he replied with a grin. “I’m marking it as a favorite for me as well.”

  Once our morning ritual was complete, Trevor took no time getting down to business. Crossing his legs, ankle over knee, he leaned back and began the run-down of my daily schedule. It was a light day.

  “Your meeting with Jim is in ten minutes,” he reminded me as he stood.

  “Thanks, Trevor and before I forget, I want to visit Robert soon. Can you find me a free weekend in my schedule?”

  He typed it into his phone. “Will do,” he assured me before leaving.

  Taking another sip of my expresso, I hummed in approval, enjoying the dark roast until my computer pinged, letting me know my meeting had arrived. I clicked the button and pasted on my professional smile as the head of senior management’s face filled the screen.

  Jim Harlow was in his mid-forties, but today he looked at least ten years older. The gray at his temples seemed more prominent, and the purple shadows under his eyes said he needed a good night’s sleep.

  “Good morning, Jim. When was the last time you took a vacation?” I didn’t beat around the bush. Whatever business we had to discuss today wasn’t nearly as important as my employee’s health.

  Jim’s mouth opened then closed. “Um, good morning, Ms. Vitale.”

  I pursed my lips. “Jim, you look tired. Is everything all right?”

  A blush bloomed across his umber cheeks. “Yes, ma’am. Just busy,” he replied.

  “Then you’re working too hard. You have two weeks’ vacation a year with this company, Jim. Use it,” I told him.

  He gave a frustrated sigh. “You know how busy it is, Isa. I don’t have time for a vacation.”

  Internally, I smiled, happy to have gotten him to relax in—I checked my watch—under five minutes. That was a new record.

  “Choose someone to temporarily take your place. If you need to hire more staff, do it,” I said. “But either way, I want to hear of your pending getaway soon. By the end of the month. Got it?”

  “Fine,” he huffed. “Now, would you like to know about our latest hitch?”

  My back straightened. “What hitch?”

  “I’ve waited to bring this to your attention until I knew it was a real issue. Over the last two months, we’ve had a rise in inquiries about using our bodyguard and protective services.”

  “I’m assuming there’s a but?”

  Jim nodded. “But… Most aren’t booking our services. We’re fielding multiple calls a week from high net worth companies and individuals, even one royal, all asking for the same protection detail that we don’t provide.”

  My brows furrowed. What didn’t we provide? At Vitale Global, we handled all kinds of security services—from residential and commercial alarm systems, to surveillance and bodyguards for hire. And that was only the tip of the iceberg. No client was too high profile. We had dedicated men and women who had extensive training. They were professional and discreet. In almost six years, we hadn’t had a single complaint. Obviously, something had changed.

  “What are they wanting?” I asked. Whatever they needed, I had no doubt we could provide it.

  “Shifters,” he answered.

  I cursed under my breath. Impossible. We could provide anything they wanted. Except that. Though It hadn’t been for a lack of trying. We were more than happy to hire the shifters they wanted. If any would actually apply for the job. We’d even contacted the local Alpha.

  I didn’t know much about shifters, but I’d picked up a few things over the years. If you wanted to contact werewolves, it was best to go through their Alpha. If he agreed, we could then offer work to his wolves. It could potentially bring in a lot of money for his pack.

  There were a lot of wolves in a single pack. There had to be a few who were looking for work.

  I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed. If only he’d answer our calls.

  Chapter 6

  As soon as I got home my shoes came off and I went straight for my wine collection. Choosing a favorite Vermentino, I poured a glass, filling it to the rim before lifting it to my lips.

  The first sip wasn’t enough. The knot at the center of my back
held firm, reminding me of unresolved issues. I’d spent the day wracking my brain, fruitlessly trying to figure out what to do about our clients’ demands.

  After another large gulp of wine, I was ready to push the problem aside for the evening. Grabbing my phone, I shuffled to the sofa and sat down with a sigh, then dialed Robert’s number.

  “Hello?” he answered gruffly, sounding put out already.

  His voice was deep and scratchy, almost hoarse. The familiar sound lessened the tension in my shoulders and back a little more. He sounded like home.

  “Is that how you greet your favorite niece?” I asked, earning a snort plus a bonus scoff.

  “Favorite? You’re my only niece. And if you didn’t want to hear my greetin’ you shouldn’t have called.”

  I choked on a mouthful of wine, my laugh catching me off guard. His words might sound cruel, but it was classic Robert. His teasing wasn’t for the faint hearted, and I loved him even more for it.

  “You’re just full of vinegar tonight, aren’t you, Uncle?” I said with a chuckle.

  Robert harrumphed. “Stop wastin’ my time. I’m kinda busy, so what do ya want?”

  “Busy, huh?” I teased. “Did I interrupt your marathon of M*A*S*H again? You know that television is going to rot your brain, Uncle Robert. Picking up a book occasionally wouldn’t hurt you, you know?”

  A deep, gravelly laugh came through the phone line causing me to smile.

  “You’re such a doll, Isa,” Robert said once he recovered.

  “Why, thank you, Uncle. So, what have you been up to?” I asked.

  “Oh, you know, the usual. Had a couple more orders for them kitchen tables. One tried to put a rush order on it, but I told ’em, I’ll get’er done when I get’er done. No sooner. And no discounts neither.”

  “You tell ’em, Uncle Robert,” I teased.

  He harrumphed in agreement, but I knew better. I’d bet money he’d finished that table in half the time and had practically given it to them for free. My uncle was all bark and no bite. He came off like a grumpy old southerner, but deep down he was a giving man.

  “So, business is going well?” I asked.

  “It’s just a hobby, Isa.”

  “A hobby that makes money,” I reminded him. When he only grumbled, I smiled. “I’ll take that as a yes to things going well. I can’t wait to see your newest design.”

  “Nothing but a log of wood, but you’re welcome to come see it. Though I suspect you won’t be leaving the city anytime soon.” His distaste for the city was evident in his voice.

  “Actually, that’s what I was calling about. Care for some company this weekend?”

  There was a pause on Robert’s end before he spoke. “This weekend?”

  “Yeah… do you have plans?”

  “No. I’m just surprised is all. Awfully short notice,” he huffed.

  Rolling my eyes to the ceiling, I replied, “Well, I don’t have to come this weekend. But my schedule is pretty full. Maybe next month I can fit—”

  “Now, now, doll,” he interrupted me. Just like I knew he would. “I never said I didn’t want you to come see me this weekend. Just that it’s a little sudden is all. When will you be gettin’ here?”

  “I’m actually taking Friday off. Mind if I come down then?”

  “Might as well,” he sighed as though it was a great inconvenience, but I could hear the smile in his voice. “I’ll have your room ready for you,” he told me. “And leave those fancy heels at home. Can’t ride Maggie in those stilts.”

  I melted at the thought of seeing Maggie. I’d had that mare since I was ten years old. I hated being apart from her, but horses and the city didn’t mix. I was both lucky and thankful that Robert allowed me to use his place to board her. I could have used any one of the horse farms around the area, but having Maggie stay with family meant the world to me.

  After a quick goodbye, I hung up the phone, my mood much lighter. Robert had ended our conversation no longer sounding like a grumpy old man, instead letting his glee over my visit seep into his voice.

  The trouble at work still hung over me, though. And a new idea began to take shape. Robert lived in Wild River, the same town our local werewolf pack resided. Maybe while I was down there, I could ask around, see if the Alpha would be willing to see me. It wouldn’t hurt to try anyway.

  Deciding to think more about it later, I pushed work aside. For now, I had other obligations. Like an empty wine glass to refill. I was pretty sure a bubble bath was calling my name as well. And I hadn’t allowed myself to think about it all day, but I was jonesing to take a peek at my messages on Alpha Singles.

  Undressed and a full wine glass in hand, I grabbed my tablet, placing it on my bamboo caddy before sliding into the tub full of hot fragrant water and soft bubbles. Sighing I closed my eyes, letting my head fall back against the spa pillow. Yes, I had tub accessories. Bubble baths were serious business. Especially for someone who had a tendency to work ninety hour weeks.

  As my muscle relaxed, I was again thankful for my wonderful assistant. When I’d checked my schedule that afternoon to find out when I’d be able to visit Robert, I was surprised to see my weekend free. Even more surprised to find all my meetings for Friday had been rescheduled.

  I smiled thinking about it. Trevor knew me too well. Though I had to encourage my employees to take their vacations, I was just as bad as them. And maybe some bosses would have been upset if their assistants had taken such liberties, but this wasn’t a regular occurrence and I trusted Trevor. He would never have moved my appointments if he thought it would harm the company.

  Now that I was settled into the tub, I couldn’t wait any longer. I wiped my hands on a towel and lifted my tablet. A couple of swipes and I was online, staring at my dating profile.

  I’d joined Alpha Singles a few weeks before after trying about ten other online dating sites. Each had led to nothing more than a handful of bad dates. I’d practically given up when I’d had a meeting with a very unique client. We’d hired her to design the website for Vitale Global years before. And when her new company took off she needed online security.

  Kathryn Clark, or Kate as she liked to be called, and her mate, Bram Williams, had created Meet Your Alpha. Learning it was another online dating site, I’d been curious but also more than a little leery, especially of one catering to the supernatural crowd. But Kate had roped me in with her enthusiasm, telling me all about their exclusive methods of bringing singles together. And she assured me the site was for humans too. Not to mention her vampire mate was a mathematical genius who supposedly could pair anyone with their perfect match. Though no one had mentioned how long it would take.

  Two weeks later and I was still waiting for a match. I’d gotten a lot of messages from other members, though. Mostly because of my love of football. The men found it surprising that a woman could enjoy watching sports.

  Maybe, if they took their heads out of their asses once and while and got to know more about a woman other than her bra size, they might figure it out. I’d told a few of them exactly that. Which got me blocked a few times.

  Sighing, I went through my messages, reading more of the same old shit. No one was overtly rude, or creepy, but they just weren’t doing it for me.

  As much as it pained me to be a quitter, maybe it was time to throw in the towel. I hadn’t had a decent date in years, and the few that had gone seemingly well still hadn’t panned out. No one wanted a half-formed woman. At least not for the long stretch.

  In my experience, men didn’t want anything to do with children until the woman they were seeing informed them she couldn’t have any. Though I was smart enough to know this wasn’t uncommon and plenty of women who couldn’t carry children had found men who loved them. Because of this, I still held out hope.

  However, finding the love of my life online wasn’t working out. And all other avenues hadn’t either. I didn’t have any friends to set me up. I hated night clubs and bars. And the only men I came in c
ontact with were either employees, business contacts, or clients.

  My mind skipped to the memory of a man who had decided to stick it out. Tanner and I were engaged to be married about the same time Vitale Global had taken off. Robert had convinced me we needed a prenup. To this day if nothing else, I owed him. If he hadn’t pushed me, I would have gone through with a marriage doomed to fail.

  Once Tanner found out about the prenup, that was all he talked about. We had fought constantly, with him claiming I didn’t trust him enough. Until one night he let it slip the real reason for his anger.

  In his opinion, overlooking my inadequacies had been worth more than the fair compensation my lawyers and I had agreed upon should the two of us divorce. It hadn’t taken me but seconds after that to kick him out. And though it had been a low point in my life, I was thankful it had ended when it had.

  Shoulders slumping, I was just about to exit out of my profile, maybe even for good, when my tablet chimed with an incoming message from the Meet Your Alpha team. I stared at the screen in shock. I couldn’t believe it. I had a match. And just in time too.

  I read over the message three times to be sure they had contacted the right person. And with each read-through my racing heart slowed a little more.

  I took a deep breath, my enthusiasm waning when I read over one particular clause again.

  “Though our skilled algorithms have been proven time and time again to connect you with your perfect match, Meet Your Alpha cannot guarantee your relationship will be a success.”

  Of course, they couldn’t guarantee success. But still… The words made me mentally and emotionally take a step back. No need to get excited just yet, I told myself. I hadn’t even met the man yet. Though a couple of clicks later and I found him.

  As was my habit, I read over his profile first. I was a firm believer that attraction happened two ways, from good looks or a good personality. Of course, a person could have both. However, first impressions were important. I wanted to be attracted to the personality first, not the body.

  My eyes widened. The first thing mentioned was his race. I’d never dated a wolf shifter before. Any kind of supernatural, actually. But I was open-minded.