by A K Michaels
The Alphas were aware of him and several had given him permission to roam on their land, if he gave them prior warning, but Rocky felt uneasy at doing so. He preferred to drive far enough away to ensure he wouldn’t come face to face with any other Shifters. That way his beast could truly behave as it should: king of the jungle. Albeit there was no jungle for him to be king of and no subjects to be king over. But if any other wildlife crossed their path they soon found themselves being hunted by a wild and ferocious Lion that was mighty and much larger than anything you’d find in any zoo.
The bell over the door jingled, startling him and bringing him out of his thoughts. Pasting a smile on his face he turned to the two females: mother and daughter who were dressed as if they were going to a nightclub instead of a local bakery.
“Is it ready?”
No, preamble, and no hello. Apparently good manners weren’t the order of the day either. Rocky did his best to remain professional, his smile tight as he nodded. “Yes, it’s been done exactly the same as the pictures you provided. If you’d follow me, it’s through here.”
He led the way, the clicking of their impossibly high heels grating on his ears as they followed, although not as annoying as the pop pop popping of the gum the daughter was playing with. Damn, his nerves were frayed and he fought to keep himself from turning and snarling as he strode faster toward their abominable monstrosity.
Instead he cracked his neck, stopped in front of the damn thing and waved them forward. “Here it is.” He picked up the photographs, holding them out. “These are the pictures you gave me, and I’ve followed them exactly.”
A high-pitched scream filled the room, quickly followed with a similarly piercing shriek. One from each of them. He watched as the girl jumped up and down, clapping her hands, screaming loudly, as the mother shrieked just as loudly, with words he had trouble following.
“They’ll be so jealous, sweetie! So jealous! It’s the best damn cake ever! Just look at all that bling!”
The mother was apparently overjoyed and Rocky was sure he saw freaking tears leaking from her over made up eyes. What? The woman was crying over this thing? Was she insane? Or did she just have that bad taste.
Her eyes swung to Rocky, her smile so wide he saw every one of her false white teeth. “It’s wonderful! Absofreakinglutely fabulous. I didn’t think you’d do it, but you’ve done it! My little girl’s friends are gonna be so jealous and so are their mommas.”
She reached into her bag, pulling out a thick wad of cash, and thrusting it toward Rocky, but he held up his hands. “Hey, that’s more than we agreed. I’m sure it is.”
“Hey, you deserve a bonus, especially if you can deliver it today. You can, can’t you?”
“I thought you needed it tomorrow?” he asked, bemused.
“Well, yeah, but that’s just so fabulous I want it on display early. You can deliver it today . . . can’t you?” Her tears were gone and her tone had gone from friendly to cold in a heartbeat.
This was the woman he knew. The one he’d met before. He sighed. Shit, he’d do anything to get the dang thing out of his shop and welcomed getting rid of it. “Sure. I can bring it almost straight away. I just need to wait for my assistant to come back from her break. Is that soon enough?”
The fake smile slid back into place, her daughter flinging her arms around her mother’s neck as she smothered her face with kisses as she pressed the cash into Rocky’s hand. “That’s perfect. You’ve got our address, get it to us as soon as you can.”
And with that the two squealed again, held hands and tottered off on those heels that clicked across the floor. For a fleeting moment he pictured them slipping on an errant piece of pie and falling flat on their faces . . . but it didn’t happen and they disappeared out the door like two toddlers hyped up on too much candy.
All he felt was relief. Relief that it was over, that they actually liked the cake, and that the bill had been paid, and more importantly . . . the dang thing would be out of his shop soon and he wouldn’t have to see it ever again.
He snatched his phone out and fired off a quick text to Jilly. The quicker she got back meant the quicker he could get the cake delivered and that would be the end of the order from hell. At least it was a well-paid job and he got a bonus.
Truth was, if he had to do it over again the answer would be a resounding no.
Rocky loved what he did, had worked hard to build up his business and he’d allowed his pride to get in the way when the customer had come to him grumbling loudly that she couldn’t get anyone to take on the job. That everyone else had turned her down saying it was “impossible” to create. He’d bristled at the word and heard himself say he’d try . . . even though he’d been flabbergasted at the absolute lack of taste in the design. The fact she’d offered a huge sum of money for him to do it hadn’t even registered, not really. It had been the personal challenge of creating the damn thing that had forced his lips to utter his agreement to take on the job. But never again.
He couldn’t create anything so grotesque ever again, no matter how much he was offered.
With the decision firmly made a long sigh escaped as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, just as Jilly arrived back. “Thank goodness.” He grinned. “Now I can deliver that thing and get it out of my head forever.”
Jilly giggled, her eyes twinkling. “I assume they liked it then?”
Rocky turned away, throwing his hands up in the air. “Yes, freaking loved it, and paid to have it delivered today so they could show it off. I’m happy with that because it means I can get the damn thing out of here. I’ll take it out the back and into the van, and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“That’s fine, we’ve got a couple of orders getting picked up, but other than that it shouldn’t be too busy.” Jilly removed her jacket and donned her apron, before going to wash her hands. “I’ll see you when you get back.”
“See you.” Rocky left, knowing Jilly was more than capable of looking after the shop in his absence, but still eager to get back. He had a weekend coming up where he planned on leaving early to get away and allow his beast to run free and he wanted to let Jilly off early to make up for her covering for him on Saturday afternoon.
He had to make up a batch of his signature Rocky’s Cinnamon Rollers for the weekend rush and also Rocky’s Heavenly Twists. They were two of his biggest sellers and he loved the scents that permeated the entire shop when he was baking them, as did Jilly. Although she’d moan at him constantly about the temptation of both.
The perils of working in a bakery for a human. His metabolism meant he could indulge whenever he wanted and it never impacted on his waistline. He did, at times, have a sweet tooth, but he preferred a cold beer, a good movie or book and a pizza, and that’s exactly what he was going to do later . . . relax after a long day with a beer and pizza.
Chapter Six
Gerri smirked as her plan came together. Theron had come through for her, although there was no doubt that he would, but he’d gone above and beyond this time. He’d agreed to place a large order with Rocky and at the same time he’d sent his assistant, Jilly, an all-expenses paid spa trip “prize” which meant that Rocky would be left high and dry in urgent need of help. Timing was of the essence though. Theron would have to ensure that Jilly had received his letter first, and told Rocky that she was going, before placing his order. But her nephew had that sorted. He’d used “tracked and signed for” so he knew as soon as the letter had been delivered and he’d wait for a couple of days before going to the bakery. In fact, he planned on chatting with the girl first, just to make sure the plan was in place before he spoke to Rocky.
And that’s where she came in. Gerri had already emailed Connie asking for her telephone number. She wasn’t leaving anything to chance with this. It had to be carried out just so, and she wanted Connie ready to start work as soon as Rocky needed her. With Theron even offering to help, if Rocky mentioned a problem, if not, then Gerri would have Conn
ie going to the shop soon after Theron left and asking if there was any work available. Gerri was certain that if she put these two together that it wouldn’t take long for them to realize they were meant for each other. No. No doubt in her mind whatsoever.
The sassy Wolf who hid her sadness behind her brash façade and the quiet and lonely Lion were definitely a match. All she had to do was get them together and with Theron’s help it looked like it was going to happen. Gerri grinned as she picked up her coffee, sipping from the steaming cup. “I can’t wait to get you mated, Connie. Maybe then I can get you out of my dang head, girl.”
~~~
Connie couldn’t contain herself. The last few days had gone so fast and here she was in her own place at last. Her dad had just left and she was standing in her bedroom . . . her own bedroom, in her own apartment.
Her dad had managed to get the place for her at a great price, even when she’d been ready to agree straight away. His hand had shot out, grasping her arm and shutting her up. He’d taken over and negotiated with the agent and she’d watched with a new-found admiration for him as he’d parlayed with the woman and got her down to a rent that was far better than she could ever have imagined for such a wonderful place.
It was right in the center of town, only a few minutes walk, and had plenty of room, with a large bedroom with attached bath, a small kitchen, extra half bath, and a lovely lounge area featuring a huge bay window that looked over the gardens to the rear of the property. It was on the ground floor which meant she didn’t have to carry groceries upstairs too. Although that was one of the points her dad had used to get the rental down, stating the fact that he was worried about his daughter being in the back of the building and on the ground floor and open to possible break-ins . . . or worse.
She’d had to stop herself from giggling aloud at that. Heck, if anyone was stupid enough to try any of that nonsense they’d soon regret it when she allowed her beast to rear her head. But she’d managed to remain quiet, going so far as to gasp and to grab her dad’s arm and ask if he could maybe add some extra locks for her . . . just in case.
He’d got the reduction in rent and filled in the necessary paperwork there and then, as well as making payment. That meant she could move in straight away, so here she was, in her very own apartment and she was so excited she could burst. Now all she had to do was find a job.
She’d already been out looking and there were some possibilities, but she was going to have a relaxing night and get up bright and early and hit the town refreshed in the morning. A beer and pizza was about all she could manage tonight, she was exhausted. After that she was going to drop into bed and sleep.
She was almost ready to do just that when her phone lit up, alerting her to a new email. At first she was going to ignore it, but that wasn’t something she could do, hoping it was from Cyndi and a little shocked when she saw Gerri Wilder’s name. Quickly clicking to open it, Connie frowned when she saw the woman who owned the Paranormal Dating Agency requesting her phone number. “What does she want with my number?” she muttered as she hit reply, giving her the details without question.
After all, who wouldn’t? It was Gerri Wilder after all.
Connie sat waiting, looking at her phone expectantly. After half an hour when nothing happened she shrugged, yawned and went to bed. The first night in her very own place.
She slept like a log and woke refreshed and raring to go. After a shower and breakfast, she got herself organized and went in search of work . . . and searched, and searched, and searched. Although there were some positions available, there wasn’t anything that excited her, or that paid enough to cover her bills. Washing dishes wasn’t what she saw herself doing, although if it came to it she’d suck it up and go back and take the job. Then there was the sleazeball who’d eyed her chest more than anything else when she’d asked about a job . . . yeah, he’d offered her one, but she’d said she’d think about it. Mainly because she saw herself giving him a black eye and a kick to his balls when he tried to grope her, and that was definitely what was on his mind. It was so damn clear in the way he was looking at her that it wasn’t worth the trouble.
It ended with her feeling down and stopping off at Silvers to chat with Cody, just to cheer herself up. His piercing green eyes bored into her as he offered her a job as a waitress, again, but she shook her head. “No thanks, Cody, you know my mom wouldn’t be happy, and the whole point of me moving to town was to get away from the Pack. If I worked here that would kinda defeat the purpose, ya know?”
He’d nodded. “Yeah, but the offer is there if you don’t find anything. You don’t need to rush into accepting something, kid. Take your time and just settle into town life. Relax and enjoy your freedom for a few days and then start looking. Go around and get to know the people some more and once they get to know you, then you never know, someone might offer you something.”
“Thanks, I might just do that.” She’d thought on his advice and realized he was probably right.
She’d been so caught up in trying to get something, anything, that she was more than likely being too pushy, forward, and coming across as desperate. Connie decided to just chill and get to know the town properly, walking the length and breadth of it, and spent time chatting with anyone who would spare her the time. She had a lot of fun and learned a lot about her surroundings, the town, and the people.
She also found places to spend time, shop, and eat, including a great pizza place and an amazing bakery with a girl who was so chatty she spent almost twenty minutes telling her about all the different kinds of pastries, cakes and donuts the owner made. Connie had settled on a selection and left, but not before she’d had a severe case of the jitters that felt similar to the feeling that had happened when she’d come to view her apartment. It wasn’t quite as intense, but that might have been because of all the other scents invading her nose. With so many different aromas in the small area she found it difficult to separate them, but something else was there and it had her heart speeding up and her beast acting very strangely.
The girl, Jilly, was on her own because the owner was away, so maybe that’s why she was so chatty, but she was nice and welcomed Connie to the town. Connie liked her and said she’d definitely be back for more of the delicious goodies and Jilly had offered to help her if she needed anything, telling her to just drop in and ask for her if she needed her.
Connie thanked her, smiling and thinking Chad’s advice was spot on.
She was wandering back to her apartment, munching on something absolutely delicious called a Rocky’s Cinnamon Roller, when her phone rang. Connie’s heart jumped, her first thought was it was Gerri Wilder, and she almost dropped her box from the bakery as she fumbled to retrieve her phone, but she managed to hold onto it just barely as she answered the call. “Hello?”
“Connie, hi, how are you? It’s been ages since we spoke and I thought I’d call and check in to see how you were?”
Cyndi’s voice came through, not Gerri’s, and Connie’s heart soared at hearing her friend. The fact that she’d called and not vice versa somehow made it so much better. “Hi! I’m good, in fact I’m great, Cyn, I’ve got lots to tell you.”
“You do? Well, why don’t we chat now? That’s if you’ve got time?”
“I’m just on my way to my apartment . . . I’ll be home in a few minutes but I can chat and walk at the same time.”
“What?” Cyndi’s voice rose several octaves. “Your what? Oh my gosh. Spill now, Connie! You’ve been hiding things from me, girl!”
“Yeah, I’ve moved out of the Pack and I’m in town. I’ve got my own place now and I just moved in . . . so, where do I start?”
The next hour was spent with catching up and her filling Cyndi in with everything that’d been going on in her life. Her friend squealing with delight when she told her all about her place and the fact that she’d set out on her own. Cyndi said she was over the moon for her and they had a long chat with them both promising not to let time slip awa
y again between calls. Connie felt much better afterward and Cyndi promised to come for a visit soon too, which cheered her up to no end. The relief that she and her friend had sorted things out between them was huge. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her chest and she could breathe properly again.
Connie settled back, much happier than she’d been for ages, and noticed the box from the bakery. “Yum,” she licked her lips, picking it up and opening it, the tantalizing scent wafting up to tease her. She reached in, snatching up a Rocky’s Heavenly Twist. “Oh hell, I’ll go for a run tomorrow,” she promised herself as she tucked in, sighing as the taste exploded on her tongue . . . it was beyond delicious. It was almost orgasmic. It was that good.
No wonder it was called Heavenly. It was out of this world. Connie savored each morsel, taking her time with the pastry, and moaning when she finished, opening the box to check and see if she’d bought more than one. “Dang!” she moaned when she saw no more of the delicious twists hiding inside. So she made her way through the rest of the contents only to find that each and every one of her purchases were just as scrumptious.
“Shoot! I’m going to spend all my salary in the damn bakery.” She giggled as she scoffed down the last of the delectable delights. “When I get a job that is.”
She sat back, closed her eyes, and drifted off into a sugar induced coma.
Chapter Seven
Rocky hadn’t had the enjoyable weekend he’d hoped for. His beast had been unsettled and so had he, they’d not been in harmony as they’d hunted, and he’d ended up coming home early. His Lion chuffing inside his head the entire journey back, uncharacteristically snarky and grumpy the whole way home.
