by Milly Taiden
Bastien and Luke gaped at him as he finished explaining.
“Wait. Aren’t you the same guy who told me to send Carly a dick pic? Why the hell do I get that advice and you plan shit like this?”
Luke nodded slowly. “I’m so confused.”
“There is more to me than the playboy I give off. Women like me. Hell, they throw themselves at me. I took advantage of it; why shouldn’t I? They didn’t care about me, they just wanted to use my body and brag to their friends.” Garrett sighed. “So, I can be an ass to women. I also have the legendary leopard charm. As my father says, that makes it easy for me to talk any woman out of her pants without trying very hard.”
Bastien frowned. “Wait, so sending a dick pic actually worked for you?”
“Hell yeah, it has. You’d be surprised how well it does. Well, for me at least.” Garrett shrugged. “Toni is different. I want to keep her around, so I don’t want to screw it up. Unfortunately, she’s heard too much about my playboy lifestyle and won’t give me a chance without all of you being there as back up.”
“I have to admit, I’m shocked as hell. I had no idea you were such a romantic underneath that rakish gigolo act you put on,” Luke said with shock ringing in his tone.
“That’s my mom’s fault. She’s a hopeless romantic who brought us all up believing that when you find the one, you do anything to make them happy. You move the sun, moon, and stars to bring a smile to her face. So, between the leopard charm and the hopeless romantic side of me, I’ve never had a problem impressing women.” Garrett sighed. “Finding the woman I want to impress has been the hard part.”
Luke stood and shrugged his massive shoulders. “Honestly, I’m not sure what help we can be. Seems like you have this planned out pretty well. We’ll do our part and bring baskets for our mates and pass it on to Caelen as well.”
“Wait,” Garrett said with alarm in his voice. “Since you’re here, I want to ask you guys to set up a meeting with Brannon and Caelen. I need to fill you in on some things I’ve been noticing. I just need a day or two for the last of my informants to get back to me. Something is seriously going on and I need everyone’s help on this.”
Bastien and Luke exchanged puzzled frowns. “You sound frazzled. How bad?” Luke enquired.
Garrett sighed. “I’m a bit scared, if I’m honest. I’ve never heard of anything like this, and from what I can tell, it’s spread wide in not only my pride, but the whole mountain.”
“Why don’t we meet Thursday for lunch? We had already planned on meeting the girls anyway. This would be a perfect time to fill them in on the date while we’re all together.”
“Yeah, not a problem. Are you sure you want to discuss this in front of the women?”
The two men laughed at that. “Spoken like a single man,” Luke called out as he moved to the front door. “I’ll see you Thursday at eleven thirty.”
Bastien stood. “Yes, include the women. It’s mountain business and they’re part of the mountain and have an integral say in our decision. That’s what mates do. You’ll see, if you know who stops fighting and gives you a chance.”
Garrett felt stupid for that blunder as he watched Bastien leave. He hadn’t meant it the way it came out. His mother was his father’s equal in every way. He made no decisions without discussing it with her, and she did the same with him. Garrett just wasn’t sure he wanted this brought into the open yet. He had fully expected them to discuss it with their mates at home later. Maybe they were right. He was just not thinking straight. His head had been full of Toni since the wedding and it was starting to affect his thought process.
She was feisty and hell bent on keeping him at a distance. This weekend was his chance to show her he could be a gentleman and that she was the only woman he wanted in his bed and out of it.
6
“Hey, grab Kasey and let’s go meet the guys for lunch,” Carly called out as she ran by Toni’s desk on her way to get Kira. “We’re gonna be late if we don’t hurry.”
Toni groaned and stood to stretch. Time had flown by and if Carly hadn’t reminded her, she would have continued working through the lunch break. Having Kasey to fill in had been a blessing. She had picked up the duties and took on extra ones, eliminating a lot of stress for everyone. It helped that she was easy to get along with, too.
“Hey, boss,” Kasey said as she walked up, smiling, “I’m starving. What a week this has been.”
Toni laughed. “Hard to believe it’s only been a week since you started here. You’re a natural.”
“Thanks. Are you guys sure it’s okay I come to lunch? I don’t want to interrupt your time with your guys.”
Kira walked up to hear Kasey’s statements. “Nonsense. Garrett is supposed to be filling us in on the date plans today. You’re still coming, aren’t you?”
Toni gasped. “If any of you three hoe bags try to back out, I will kill you. It’s all of us or none of us. Carajo, I didn’t agree to this to let you bitches back out on me.”
The girls laughed and quickly calmed her with reassurances they all still intended to go.
“Besides, how could we miss Garrett’s idea of a date?” Kira tried to hide a smile as she bit her lip.
“Right, I’ve heard stories about him from Bastien. This is going to be so entertaining,” Carly said before she glanced at Toni and cringed. “I’m sorry. This isn’t helping, is it?”
Toni sighed. “I already know his reputation. It’s why I refuse to go out with him. I rescued him at the wedding and now he wants to take me on a date to thank me. There is no way a man like him would be interested in me. I’m just trying to keep myself from getting hurt again.”
The women crowded around Toni for a group hug. Within moments, they were all laughing again as they headed back to what they were fast considering their restaurant.
“I think you guys need to be fessing up and telling me some of these stories about Garrett. I deserve to know what I’m getting into so I can be prepared,” Toni said as the hostess sat them at a large table in a private room.
“Guys, why are we getting special treatment?” Kasey asked as she glanced wide-eyed at the room.
Kira laughed. “It’s nothing. They open this room for us when we all get together or have news to share that we don’t want overheard. The restaurant owner is a friend, of sorts.”
“Stories, before the guys show up,” Toni demanded impatiently.
Carly cringed and shot Toni an apologetic look. “We shouldn’t have said anything. I wasn’t thinking. You see, they aren’t really dating stories. Garrett’s never really had to pursue a woman before. They literally stalk him.”
Toni scowled. “Well, that explains a lot. I’m the first person to turn him down and push him away. No wonder he’s so damn persistent.”
“Luke told me about this one time when Garrett showed up, knocking on Luna’s back door begging for a place to hide. This woman had followed him home and was sitting on his door step refusing to leave until she had a chance to prove how happy she could make him.”
Kasey and Toni gaped at her in astonishment. “Women don’t really do that kind of stuff, do they?” Toni whispered in embarrassment and shock.
Carly nodded. “Sadly, yes. Another time, Garrett had brought a girl home, only to find three in his house waiting in his bed, naked.”
“What did he do?” Toni demanded to know.
“Well, the date he brought home said she was okay with an orgy and started stripping to join them in bed,” Carly finished with a blush.
“Are you telling me he slept with four women at the same time?” Toni asked, aghast at what she was hearing.
Carly shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know how that one turned out. Bastien got called away before I could hear the rest and I forgot to ask later.”
Toni growled. “Why would you tell me that and not know the ending? I don’t know if my opinion of him needs to drop lower or not.”
“You mean, it can go lower?” Kira asked with a la
ugh.
7
The women continued to gossip until the guys came in. Luke and Bastien were first to arrive. They were quickly followed by Caelen, who smiled and moved to sit beside Kasey.
“So, what have you beautiful ladies been doing? It would seem from the amount of noise coming from this room that it’s been way too much fun,” Caelen said with a wink.
“Bastien, do you remember telling me that story about Garrett and the women in his bed when he came home from his date?” Carly asked as Toni elbowed her, trying to make her shut up.
“Yeah, why are you bringing that up now?” he asked in confusion, wariness evident on his features.
“You never finished the story. What happened? Did he sleep with them all or just a couple or what?” she persisted over Toni’s objections that she didn’t want to know.
Bastien was saved from answering as Garrett walked in and greeted everyone. He moved to take a seat near Toni, but hesitated when he saw the glare she was giving him.
“I know I just walked in, but how can I be in trouble already? I’ve done nothing, I swear.” Garrett looked wide-eyed to his friends for some sort of answer. They wouldn’t look at him or acknowledge he was speaking to them. Garrett frowned, “Ladies, would someone please explain what happened?”
Toni sniffed and turned her attention back to her friends without replying. She didn’t know why she was so mad at him. It’s not as if he cheated on her. It was the point of the thing, though. Proof that no matter what he said, he’d never be seriously interested in someone like her.
“I forgot to tell you, I received a deal at the local gym down the street. The whole company is being offered the use of the facility and classes at a discounted rate. I mean, like a big discount,” Kira excitedly blurted out.
“That’s awesome. I really need to get my butt back in gear. Again. Besides, I’m so tired of the ‘lose some weight and you’d be hot’ comments,” Toni interjected with a roll of her eyes. The ladies made plans to meet before work the next day to begin their new regimen.
“People are saying shit to you guys?” Luke demanded, fury making his voice shake.
“It’s nothing, baby. Just stupid men on the streets who feel they have the right to criticize our weight and shit. They aren’t even worth our time. I promise.” All the women nodded in agreement. “Besides, men like that usually have tiny dicks. So small you need a magnifying glass and tweezers to find it,” Kira finished as the girls burst into laughter once again.
“I don’t know what is wrong with those fuckwads, but I think you ladies are fine as hell just the way you are,” Caelen said from his seat at the end of the table.
“Pretty sure I’ve proved that to you by now,” Bastien said as he cuddled next to his mate. “I love every sexy inch of your body. In fact, would you be willing to meet me in the bathroom right now?” Bastien wiggled his eyebrows in invitation.
“Behave, Bastien,” Luke said with a shake of his head. “But for what it’s worth, I’m with them. I love a woman who looks like a woman. Kira, babe, you know the moment I saw you I was lost to those curves of yours. There isn’t a thing about you I’d change for all the money in the world.”
Toni sighed at their words. The girls were right. Shifter men did know how to use their tongues. Sadly, not all men thought like them. She’d been on the end of too many taunts and cruel words. Her ex had left his mark and it wasn’t something she was going to forget anytime soon.
“I know you aren’t talking to me at the moment for something I apparently did, but I want you to know that from the moment I first laid eyes on you crossing that dance floor, my world tilted on its axis. We danced and I could barely hold a thought in my head. Watching you move to the music, your body mesmerized me. You’re a gypsy who has enthralled me, and I never want to be let loose.”
Toni tried to ignore Garrett’s words, but it was hard when he said things like that. Add in that look of lust and adoration he was giving her and she was a goner. No way could she stay mad at him. Not that she was going to let him know that, of course.
“Flattery flies easily from your tongue, but the question is can you walk the walk?”
“Baby, tomorrow I’m picking you up for our date.” Garrett turned to the rest of the table. “This goes for everyone. Tomorrow, one p.m. Let’s meet up in the parking lot here. We can carpool in two cars if you want or go separately. Ladies, dress comfortably and plan on not getting home till late.” Garrett turned back to Toni. “Tomorrow, I will show you the side of me that only exists for you. Who I was died the moment my eyes met you. The new me is your devoted slave and worshipper.”
The room fell silent as his words resonated in the air between them. No one dared to speak and break their moment. Garrett smiled gently and moved to sit beside Toni finally. She nodded and gave a slight smile before she turned and faced the girls again so she could discreetly hide the tears threatening to fall. Never in her life had she heard sweeter words. Part of her hoped it was the truth, but the realistic side of her screamed caution. It was a minefield trap lying in wait.
“Hey, everyone, am I late?” Brannon asked as he sauntered into the still quiet room.
All eyes turned to stare at the newcomer. A soft gasp filled the room as Kasey quickly turned and faced the table.
“Not at all. We were waiting on you to get started. They haven’t even taken our drink order yet,” Luke said as he waved his friend over.
“Ladies, I don’t think you’ve met Brannon yet. He’s been out of town for a bit. Brannon is the Wolf Alpha for the mountain. Brannon, this is my mate, Kira. Bastien is sitting next to his mate, Carly. Next to Garrett is Toni and there between you and Caelen is Kasey. She’s a new coworker of the ladies.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ladies. I’ve heard a lot about most of you.” He turned and glanced at Kasey as she hid her face from him. He scowled but turned his attention back to the table.
“Garrett, you ready to fill us in on what’s going on?” Bastien asked with a raised eyebrow.
Garrett nodded. “It’s bad, guys. Really bad.”
8
“I noticed a difference in my little sister's friends. They aren't the kids I knew. They've changed, and not just normal teenage things. I mean moody, erratic behavior. They're staying out all night and even sometimes for days at a time. My sister is starting it now, too.
“I started looking around and it's spreading through the whole mountain, not just the leopards. I saw evidence within all the groups." Garrett glanced from face to face and shrugged. "If I didn't know better, I'd say it was drugs. Their behavior is so similar. Lying, stealing and staying out all night, the glassy and barely open eyes."
"Shifters can't get addicted to drugs, so what else could it be?" Luke asked with a frown.
"That's what I can't figure out. There is nothing in my sister’s room to indicate anything. Let me tell you, I did find things I wish I hadn't but that's just an older, protective brother thing. Seriously, though, there was nothing that would explain what's happening."
Caelen cleared his throat and leaned forward. "I've seen it, too. I didn't think anything of it, really, but I also didn't realize it was wide spread like you’re saying."
"Is it bad, do you think?" Carly asked in wide-eyed shock.
Garrett shrugged and didn't say a word. There wasn't anything he could say. He'd spent the last two weeks searching for a clue.
"Hey, guys, you ready to order?" the waitress asked as she stood with pen in hand.
The group quickly ordered and watched as she left before they picked up the conversation again. This was shifter business and they didn't need outsiders listening in.
"Kasey, I know you aren't part of our world, but since you’re working so close with the ladies and will be hanging around us, I have no problem with you listening in to this. I just ask that you don't repeat it to anyone. Is that okay?" Luke said in a stern manner as he stared at her.
Kasey shifted in her chair and gave
a quick nod of approval. "I promise I won't speak of this."
Garrett wasn't sure but something seemed off with her since he had started talking. She went from having a good time to being edgy and withdrawn. She practically jumped out of her seat when Luke had called her name.
"What do you suggest we do?" Bastien said, bringing Garrett's attention back to the table at large.
"I wish I knew. That's the frustrating part. None of the kids will talk to me. I even tried using the Alpha card. They, and I, don't know how, but they refused to answer and actually walked away." Garrett shook his head in disbelief. "I've never even seen an adult able to do that when I used my Alpha voice and tone."
All the men stared in shock at his words. No member of their packs or prides should have been able to disregard their Alpha in that manner.
"Fuck," Brannon whispered.
All nodded in agreement. Things were a lot worse than any of them had expected. Garrett looked from face to face for some sign of an idea, but everyone looked as perplexed as he did.
Toni let out a weary breath and tentatively said, "I'm new to the shifter world, and I admit, I'm still learning, but have any of you ever heard of anything that could cause these types of things? I know you guys are immune to almost everything it would seem, but anything at all you've ever even heard whispered about?"
Again, they all said they hadn't. Garrett felt his frustration level rising to epic proportions. There had to be a logical explanation. If they couldn't figure it out and put a stop to it, he feared for the future of their people on the mountain.
"All I can suggest, right now, is for everyone to keep an eye out. Talk to your people, especially the kids. The ones not affected yet may know something." Garrett shrugged and sighed. He didn't know what to do and he was getting scared.
