by Bryce Evans
Ryder informed his assistant to get the cabins ready on his property for London and Donnie to live in. Zoey lived on the property too, and he had two cabins down at the edge of his property near the lake, and he wanted London near him in case something happened.
Will didn’t question Ryder when he said he wanted new furniture and fresh flowers to be added to her cabin. He wanted her to have a king size bed and all new stuff. Both of the cabins had been renovated when Zoey moved back home from college. She wanted her independence and Ryder wanted her close by so it was the perfect solution.
“Alpha, you had a visitor today. Jim Sanders stopped by and wanted to speak with you. He gives me the creeps. I wish we had a video of his face when I explained to him that you were not here and I could leave a message for you to call him back. His face looked distorted and mean. I thought he was going to hit me.” Will sounded scared.
“Did he hurt you Will? Or threaten you in any way?” Ryder asked, now even more concerned about what was going on in Alpha City. Will wasn’t an Alpha wolf in any way shape or form. He was a submissive wolf by nature, but an awesome assistant and pack member. If he was scared then something was wrong with Sanders and he needed to step up security.
“No sir. He just…scared me a little,” Will replied.
Ryder took a deep breath before he spoke. He needed to calm down before he did something rash. “Call Nick. I want the offices protected. Jim Sanders is not allowed to enter any of them. I want guards on all the properties until further notice. I will be home in a few hours.” Ryder lowered his tone, because Will was scared enough, and he didn’t want to make it worse. “Damn it, Will, you know to call me when that nut case comes in. I don’t trust him and I won’t have him hurting you or anyone in the pack. Get Jamie to meet me at the airport. You have a lot to do, Will. Be careful and activate the alarm and let the pack know about Jim and what he did and said to you. Are you sure you are okay Will?”
“Yes sir. I will take care of everything before you arrive.” Will answered.
“I know you will.” Ryder smiled as he hung up the phone.
He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Something wasn’t right with Jim Sanders and now Meryl saying that the Coven felt dark magic in the area was a red flag. Will said that when Jim got angry his face looked distorted. His father taught him about witches and dark magic. He said that it was something that nobody including witches should mess with. Once it gets a hold of you it doesn’t want to let go.
Ryder reached down, picked up his phone, and unlocked it. Flipping through his pictures, Ryder found the one that calmed him. The picture was of London asleep in the bed. While she was passed out he captured the peaceful moment that was on her face as she slept.
She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and he was in love with her. How could he not be? She was everything he ever wanted in a mate except she wasn’t a shifter. Ryder shivered at the thought of someone else claiming her or loving her. He wouldn’t be able to stand it.
At that moment, Ryder knew she would be the only woman for him. Nobody could compare to her. He struggled for control every time he was around her. He wanted her mind, body, and soul. No one had ever touched him the way she did, or looked at him with so much fire in her eyes. He loved every moment he was around her, even when they argued. The searing looks she gave him made him want to ravage her. She was the one, and she was the one person he could never have.
Ryder exhaled. He was tired of always being the one in charge. Never having anyone to just sit and do nothing with. Watching a movie with any of the girls he had been with was out of the question. He couldn’t see Jena sitting down and just enjoying the movie. London would. Zoey told him about all the times they just laid around watching movies and eating popcorn. Damn he missed that part of life. Something so simple was never easy for him.
Since he was a young pup, he was taught how to be an Alpha. He never got to just relax and watch TV. His life was talking to clients and building the business up to support the pack, taking care of his little sister, and answering and dealing with complaints from others in his pack. He never, not even one time sat down on his couch and watched a movie and relaxed. Wondering if he ever would be able to, tore him apart inside.
Chapter 17
Late that night, Jamie Foster met Ryder at the airport. He walked out toward the jet and grabbed Ryder’s bag out of his hand.
“You look tired,” Jamie remarked, as he hugged his Alpha. Humans wouldn’t understand how wolves acted toward each other. It was in their nature to greet one another that way. This was his second and he owed him a lot.
“I am.” He half smiled, but he knew Jamie could hear the anxiety in his voice. Ryder could see his other Enforcers scattered around the airport watching for anything out of the ordinary. They adjusted throughout the airport as their Alpha and Beta walked toward the car. Ryder felt uneasy as he rubbed the back of his neck.
“What is it?” Jamie asked, tensing beside him.
“I don’t know but something is making me feel uneasy, and I trust my instincts.” Ryder responded, as he got in the back of the SUV.
“We all trust them,” Jamie replied, as he reached up and spoke into the black, blue tooth device hanging down from his ear. “Alpha feels like something is up. Keep your ears and eyes open out there. He’s never wrong when he gets those feelings. Jason and Kenny, I need you to change and see if you can scent anything.”
“Alright tell me what is going on and what you found out?” Ryder smiled at his Beta in the review mirror.
“You knew I had some information?” Jamie laughed. “You don’t miss much do you, Ryder?”
“That’s why you are my Beta, Jamie. I don’t have to tell you what to do. You know your job and you go out and do it. I trust the decisions you make,” Ryder explained, as he made direct eye contact with Jamie letting him know he was sincere.
In the beginning, Jamie wasn’t used to all the love wolves showed. The pack he grew up in wasn’t like that. They lived in fear all the time from their Alpha. Ryder knew that it wasn’t until his mom and dad died from being attacked by one of the Enforcers in his pack, that Jamie made the decision to leave the pack and join the military. He wanted to know how to protect himself and others. He was very young when his parents were killed, and the military was his passion. The Seal Team he was attached too became his family.
Jamie was a special wolf. When he got out of the military, he drifted around the country until he found his way to Alpha City. Ryder took one look at him and opened up his home, fed him and gave him a purpose. Jamie told him he would never forget it and has been working for Ryder ever since. With his skills and knowledge, he made the pack more secure and safer for everyone including his Alpha. Ryder loved his wolves and wanted them to succeed. He gave them the tools to do the job and he made sure that they knew he appreciated everything they did for him and the pack. Every pack member had a job and was well taken care of.
“I did some checking, and now I’m sure Jim Sanders is up to something. Apparently, he’s mated to a witch. Her name is Metilda Blackwood, and Meryl said she comes from a long line of witches who mess with dark magic. The Council of Covens watches her Coven closely. Her mother Claudia Blackwood runs this particular group and according to Meryl, she is very evil and ambitious. I’ve hired some people to keep a watch on her Coven.”
“I hear from my sources that Metilda doesn’t fall far from the tree. There’s a reason they’re here and it can’t be good. I’ve got Sanders being followed. His sister is home too, but I saw her leave and go rent an apartment in town. She looked like someone had punched her in the face. I don’t know Alpha, but something doesn’t feel right about that pack. I can’t put my finger on it, but I think you need guards on you whenever you leave.” Jamie explained like it was so simple. His expression was unfathomable as he spoke about the dangers he felt.
“Only one guard, Jamie. I don’t want the pack stretched thin because they are guarding me. We
’re meeting with the others tonight at ten. They need to know what’s going on. I don’t want us to be caught with our pants down.”
“Yes sir,” Jamie answered. Ryder listened as he gave out instructions to the Enforcers on what needed to be done. He was worried now that Jamie had the same feelings as he did about the Sanders Pack and now the witch he was mated too.
* * * *
London finished packing all of her clothes in the suitcases and boxes she had stored in the back of the closet. She didn’t have much to pack, and she was an expert at packing anyway. When you moved as much as she did growing up one didn’t keep a lot of stuff, because it was less to pack up. She wondered if her life would ever be normal. Always moving and never feeling like you were at home.
Did others feel like this before they found what they were looking for? Would she ever feel like she belonged somewhere? Most people, she figured didn’t understand. Maybe she was expecting too much. Maybe, but one could always dream, she thought.
“Hey I’m back.” London heard Zoey clamoring through the door. She walked into the living room and found Zoey pulling a cart behind her with boxes on it. The boxes had the Apple emblem on them.
“Hey what have you got?” London asked excitedly. Apple computers were her favorite.
“Well when I went to buy the computers I found some more things and I wanted you to take a look, and tell me if you think we could use them. I got Donnie a computer too. You think he will be happy about that?” Zoey asked, her eyes big, with excitement shining through.
“Lord yes, he’ll love it. He is a lot like me when it comes to likes and dislikes. Kinda like you.” Walking over, she looked at all the boxes. She hadn’t had much time to talk to Zoey in private to see how she really felt about Donnie. “Are you really okay with hiring him? I know yesterday, I just assumed that you were okay with it. Honestly, I didn’t think Ryder would allow him to come to Alpha City, but he said that Donnie had some Panther in him and that he would be allowed in. Ryder said that they would explain everything to him once he got settled.”
“Of course I’m good with him. I love the man already. Everything you said about him is true. He is so sweet and such a good guy. Most of all, he loves you like I do and that’s reason enough for me to love him. He has been here for you when I couldn’t.”
London hugged Zoey. She hoped that her friend knew how much she meant to her. “I need to call Me-Len and let her know what’s going on. I don’t want her to be upset that I didn’t tell her that I was moving.”
London walked into her bedroom and sat down on her bed. She almost had everything pack as she dialed her grandmother’s number.
“Me-Len. It’s London.” The phone was static sounding as London listened.
“Hey sweetie. I’m so glad you called. I wanted to share some exciting news with you.” Me-Len said. London could hear the excitement in her voice. “I got a job offer today and I couldn’t refuse.”
London couldn’t believe it. She didn’t know that Me-Len needed a job. “Me-Len, do you need money? I would have helped you if you needed something. I have that money Mom and Dad left me. I would have given it to you.”
Her heart was hurting thinking that her grandmother needed money. How could she have been so stupid worrying about this if the only family she had was in need?
“London, honey listen. I didn’t need the money. It was a job offer that I couldn’t turn down, and to be honest, I wanted to be with Meryl.” Me-Len said, gently.
London could hear it in her voice. It took on a sweeter tone with a touch of excitement that she had never heard from her grandmother.
The tension she was feeling eased as her grandmother spoke. “What is the job Me-Len? What are you going to be doing?”
“I will be moving to Alpha City today, and the movers are here to pick up my stuff and I’m flying out in three hours. I will be the—”
“What? You’re moving to Alpha City?” London asked shocked.
“Let me finish dear and I hope it will answer all your questions.” Me-Len continued. “I will be part of the Coven in Alpha City that advises the Alpha’s on anything that is magic. Apparently, there are some things going on and they need my help. London they are going to pay me eighty-five thousand dollars a year, and a fifty thousand dollar signing bonus to come today. They have taken care of everything, even packing up our house. All I need to do is get there today. Can you believe that? I’m so excited,” Me-Len giggled like a girl.
London sat there listening to her grandmother’s excitement in shock. She was thrilled that her grandmother was falling in love again. London’s grandfather had been dead thirty years, and she always said she was too old to fall in love again, that she’d had her time, and now it was over.
“Um, Me-Len I’m so happy for you. I like Mr. Pierson but I have some news of my own,” London said quietly.
“Okay dear, what is it? Nothing is wrong I hope?” Me-Len quizzed her.
“No ma’am. It’s kind of funny. You see, I will be moving to Alpha City too. I quit my job yesterday,” London whispered. She knew that Me-Len would be upset because she knew how much she wanted that job and for her to just quit then something must have happened.
“What…what…why? Oh my London, are you okay? Do you need me?” Me-Len fired off her own set of questions.
“No I’m fine, Me-Len. It’s a long story and I will tell you tomorrow when we get there. Just know that I’m fine and I’m going into business with Zoey. My friend Donnie is also moving with us. We will finally be in the same city. I think this is good Me-Len. I really do. I promise I will explain everything tomorrow in person. Please don’t worry because I think this is a good move for me and you too.” London could hear Me-Len sniffle like she was crying. “Are you okay Me-Len? Please don’t cry.”
“Yes dear, I’m fine. I just got worried that something bad had happened and I was so excited that I didn’t even know that you…” Me-Len sniffled more unable to finish her sentence.
“Stop crying. We are going to be together now and I feel good about this move. For both of us. I would tell you if something was wrong. I would. But just think Me-Len we will be able to have dinner together and go get our toes done. Just like we did before. So be happy and get to packing. You want to collect that fifty thousand dollar bonus, so get your butt in gear, woman.” London chuckled as she teased her grandmother who finally started laughing.
“Okay, okay. I will see you tomorrow then. I love you London. I really do,” Me-Len said softly.
“I love you too. See you tomorrow.”
London listened and when she heard Me-Len hang up the phone, she hit end on her phone and saw that Zoey was watching her.
“You knew?” London asked.
“Just found out before I came in. Ryder had to fly back to Alpha City. Apparently, there are some things going on and he needed to get back before us. He told me that he offered your grandmother a job. That’s good right?” Zoey smiled, as she waited for London’s reaction.
“Yeah, I’m glad we will be together. She’s the only family I have left. It will be good for her to be near me in case she needs me for a change,” London answered.
“Well technically, I’m your family too.” Zoey quipped jokingly while winking at London.
“Yes you are. You are my sister and I can’t thank you enough for helping me out like you are. I don’t know what would have happened Zoey if you….” London looked down quickly. Her emotions were lying on her shoulder already. She didn’t want to cry anymore. This was a positive move and she could finally be her own boss and create products for Zoey and her company.
“Hey, I was just thinking about what we would name our company. Do you have any ideas?” London asked.
“Well I was thinking about that. Let’s sit down and go over some stuff. Do you have everything packed? I can help you so we can go over some things that way we are ahead of the game,” Zoey said. “Hey let me get my trusty new laptop out to copy it down.”
&nb
sp; London smiled as Zoey pulled over the cart. It had three Apple laptops on it, and Zoey took a laptop out of the box. “While I was at the store I got them to load all the programs we would need and had them set it up. The desktops are being delivered tomorrow.”
“Did I ever tell you how proud I am of you? I couldn’t think of anyone I would rather go into business with. You never gave up on me and I want forget that my friend,” London replied. Zoey nodded her thanks. She had big tears dropping out of her eyes. “I really mean that.”
Chapter 18
Ryder sat down in his seat in the Council meeting room, his assistant Will Chambers sat next to him. He had asked Will to accompany him so he could describe what he saw when Jim Sanders came into his office.
“When did you get back?” Brody King asked.
Brody was the Alpha over the King bears, and he was every bit as big as a bear at six foot seven and weighing two hundred and seventy pounds. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on the man. If you looked at him, you would think he would break you in half but underneath was a sweet teddy bear. Or at least that was what they called him to get under his skin. Fortunately, he was one of Ryder’s best friends and he would do anything for the man and vice versa.
“About twenty minutes ago. Sorry to get you guys out so late but I think we have a problem and I want you all to hear what’s going on now before anything bad happens. I have the feeling that something bad is about to happen. I want Will to tell everyone what happened while I was in New York.” Ryder looked at Will to start.
“Well I was working and Jim Sanders came in the office. He looked agitated when he came in, and he asked if he could see the Alpha. I explained that he wasn’t available but that I could take a message if he wanted to leave one. Before I could get my pad out to write something down, he slammed his fist on my desk. When I looked up his face looked distorted somehow.”
“What do you mean distorted?” Judd Walsh the Alpha of the Jaguars asked.
