by Dannika Dark
Viktor stared at his plate. “I do not know.”
All hope seemed lost.
And then Christian spoke. “Perhaps you can bring him on for a trial period. See if he’s as good a teacher as Raven suggests. We don’t exactly know if he’s teaching arithmetic or how to bake bread, so this will give you a chance to look into the matter. I don’t see any other options if you’re waiting for someone to come along who’ll be loyal to Keystone. The man doesn’t know us, but he knows Raven. And if Raven trusts him, well, that’s a good enough place to start.”
I stared at Christian, his unexpected support leaving me speechless.
“Very well,” Viktor agreed. “We have an important job ahead, and it would give me comfort knowing that the boy is under someone’s constant watch. If the packs still employ your friend, they must trust him immensely. But first his wolf must meet the boy, and I will need to supervise this. There is not much time.”
I scooted my chair back. “Do you want me to call him?”
“Nyet. Give me his number. It would be best if I present him with the opportunity directly. We’ll invite him over so I can decide if I have a good feeling about the arrangement, but we must do all this immediately.”
My heart did a quickstep at the idea of Switch living in our home. This would be an opportunity for him to make good money and earn respect from the packs, but more importantly, I selfishly wanted a friend around. Someone not linked with Keystone secrets.
Christian coolly sipped his wine and then gave me a long look. Though no one else caught my excitement, Christian could no doubt hear my racing heart and quickened breath. I wondered if the tables were turned, how I would feel about him inviting a beautiful woman who was attracted to him to live with us. I decided I wouldn’t care. If they had no relationship history, I’d trust him. But I wouldn’t trust her, so I understood Christian’s reservations.
“I’ll give you his number after dinner,” I said to Viktor. “If he accepts, Christian’s idea about a trial period is a good one. That’ll give us a smaller window to scrub his memories if we decide it’s not working out.”
“He’ll have to prove himself in more ways than one,” Viktor tacked on as a condition. “Shepherd, do you have any issues?”
“Nope. But I want to talk with him before I decide.”
“Perhaps I should have a private talk with him as well,” Christian muttered before finishing his wine.
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
Chapter 4
Immediately after dinner, we skipped the usual wine and conversation and went to our rooms to pack. Well, everyone except for Wyatt and Gem, who stayed behind to have extra helpings of apple torte. I grabbed a camouflage backpack and considered Viktor’s instructions to pack light. Without knowing where we were going, I packed a grey hoodie, a T-shirt, underwear, sweatpants, socks, gloves, and daggers. Just in case we had to look presentable, I threw in my toothbrush, hairbrush, and a little makeup. Uncertain if we were heading north, I draped my leather jacket over the bag.
I took inventory and glanced around my dimly lit bedroom. “What else?”
Clothes I could live without. I certainly wasn’t a stranger to wearing the same thing for weeks at a time. As long as I had weapons, that was all that mattered.
“Pack light,” I muttered. “What’s light?”
Did that imply a short trip, or did it mean we were going to be carrying our bags for long distances? With Viktor, you never knew.
I ventured toward Wyatt’s World on the second floor. His desk lamp was on but the TV off. “I’m out of change. Can you open your machine and give me some of those packaged peanuts?”
He wiped up torte crumbs from his plate with his finger and licked it. “What do I get in return?”
“To live another day?”
“I’ll take the jerky,” Shepherd said from behind me. “Hurry it up, Spooky. I’ve got shit to do.”
I noticed the holster on his belt. “Great minds think alike.”
“Always pack for survival, not comfort.”
Shepherd’s dark hair was so short that he didn’t have to do anything with it after a shower. It looked glossy, and his face was freshly shaved.
Wyatt stood up and straightened his threadbare orange shirt, which had somehow survived since the 1970s. “Seeing how this is a special assignment, I’ll make an exception.” He jingled the keys as he opened the front panel. “Switch working as a nanny at Keystone, huh? That’s a twist I didn’t see coming.”
I caught the peanuts he threw my way. “I like easy solutions. Hunter needs a good teacher, and Switch needs a better-paying job.”
Wyatt tossed a couple of bags of beef jerky to Shepherd, one of them sailing off in a different direction.
Shepherd ambled over and dipped down to pick it up. “You don’t trust anyone, so that’s saying something.”
I glanced down at my peanuts. “You got that right.”
Wyatt shut the front panel to his vending machine and locked it. “I’m offended. Who’s the one who gives you pertinent information at the drop of a hat when you’re supposedly”—he used his fingers to make air quotes—“on a routine errand?”
I gave him a frosty glare for bringing up Christian’s call earlier regarding the red Corvette.
“Your lethal stare doesn’t frighten me, buttercup.” He sat in his chair and spun around. “If you don’t mind, I’m doing super top secret James Bond shit around here. Privacy please.”
“Thanks for the snacks.”
When he looked over his shoulder at me and flashed his green eyes, a smile line carved into his cheek. “I’ll collect interest later.”
I went back upstairs and tucked the snacks in my bag. Curious what Christian was up to, I snuck over to his room and peered inside. Only one candle was burning, and I noticed a small bag by the bed. Smaller than mine.
When I turned around, I must have jumped a foot in the air as Christian was standing not an inch away.
I smacked him on the chest. “Holy crap! You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Now that I’d like to see. The first Mage to ever die of a coronary.”
“Do you know CPR?”
He cocked his head to the side. “If you ever see a Vampire administering chest compressions to revive a corpse, be sure to take a picture. Aside from crushing a person’s ribs in the process, Vampires are famous for stopping hearts, not making them start again.”
I leaned into his warm body. “You started mine.”
A crooked grin touched his lips, and he wrapped his arms around me. “Aye, lass. I did. Before me, it was just a cold dead thing taking up space in your chest.”
I kissed his neck. “Is that a purse or a travel bag?”
“Vampires know how to pack light.”
Christian definitely wouldn’t need all the “just in case” clothing items since he was impervious to cold and heat. He didn’t even need weapons since his hands and fangs were weapons enough.
“I hope you at least brought a change of underwear.”
He stepped back and stared daggers at the door. “Your wolf is here.”
“Switch?”
Christian folded his arms. “Could you turn down the excitement a notch?”
I gazed up at him earnestly. “Thanks for having my back earlier.”
His eyes lowered to my ruby necklace. “Don’t make me regret it.”
I could have hashed out all the reasons why he didn’t have to worry about Switch, but I didn’t need to. Christian’s support had given me all the affirmation I needed.
With lightning speed, I flashed down the long hall. The wide staircase curved to the first floor, the stone steps porous and easy to tread over. I jogged to the dining room and spotted Switch through an archway that divided the two rooms.
I strode into the gathering room and steadied my heavy breathing. No sense in showing that I’d raced all the way down to greet him like an excited puppy. “What are you doing here?” I asked.
Switch turned to face me. His long brown hair hung past his shoulders, but I guessed he’d wanted to neaten it up for his meeting with Viktor because it was tied at the nape.
Switch’s wolfish eyes met mine. His dark brows slanted down, no smile greeting me this time. “Raven.” He inclined his head, speaking to me as if we hadn’t grown up together.
“You have an impeccable record,” Viktor said, ignoring my presence. “Before summoning you here, I called the Packmasters in your territory. They speak highly of your work with children.”
The wood in the fireplace snapped as the glow intensified in the otherwise dark room. Both men stood before the massive hearth, Viktor with his hands clasped behind his back. I lingered by the entryway and quietly listened.
“Then you heard the full story,” Switch said flatly. “You know why I haven’t joined a pack.”
Viktor gazed up at the high ceiling. “Not every man can hold his head high when his good name is dragged through the mud. You could have fled to another state, but you continued working here. That is admirable.”
Switch hooked his thumbs in his jean pockets. “I love my job, and I’m not the kind of man who runs off with his tail between his legs. I regret how I handled things, but I’m not ashamed of what I did. In the end, that kid is living a better life because of me. Who’s to say if the Packmaster would have believed me? Kids don’t confide in just anyone. He hadn’t even told his parents.”
Viktor glanced at his watch. “I am satisfied with that answer. As I said before, this is only a trial period.”
“When can I get back to you?”
“We have an emergency and no time to wait for an answer.”
“If it works out?” he asked.
“Good money. I will ask you to live under my roof and follow my rules. You will eat with Kira and not ask questions about our work. We need not only a teacher for the child but also someone to watch over and protect him when we are away. More specifically, when his father is away. You cannot interfere with his father’s discipline or rules.”
“Understood.”
“You will find that Shepherd is more than lenient with the boy, perhaps too much. You can help provide the structure and education Hunter needs. Your responsibilities also include confidentiality. We will not discuss sensitive matters in your presence, but there will be times you hear us talking about work. I expect you not to pry into our business, discuss it with anyone on the outside, or betray my trust.”
“That’s not a problem. And what if this doesn’t work out?”
Viktor turned around and paced. “Then we will scrub your memories of this place and release you. As you can see, it is very important that you make this decision while in your trial period. The more time that passes, the more we have to erase. You must consider this offer carefully and whether or not you can commit long-term. This job will exist until the boy is grown.”
“And then? I’ll have no place here and you’ll scrub my memories?”
“Nyet. I have decided that is an unjust decision. You will not be leaving by choice but by circumstance. The less you meddle in our business affairs, the easier it will be on my conscience to let you go. No spying, no eavesdropping, no going through our papers. If you betray us, I will be forced to take action.”
Switch stroked his circle beard. “What about the thing you mentioned earlier about dating?”
Viktor pursed his lips and fidgeted with the buttons on his cardigan. “You are a male with certain needs. This I understand. But as long as you live here, mating is not an option. She cannot live here, and if you leave, that will be by choice. I will be forced to scrub your memories, and that may include memories of your chosen one.”
Switch walked to the leather sofa on my right and took a seat. He held his hands in a prayerlike gesture, his gaze pensive.
“You are a wolf.” Viktor gripped the back of a chair facing Switch. “That means you have hundreds upon hundreds of years to settle down. All we are asking of you is thirteen years of service. Is that not a reasonable number?”
I hadn’t given that any consideration and felt a sudden pang of guilt that Switch had to sacrifice his love life. How much did settling down and having children of his own mean to him?
“This job will not only give you stability but also good money. Substantial money,” Viktor stressed. “That will put you in a stronger position for entering a reputable pack. I believe a good alpha will overlook your past. Your service with us will outshine all that nonsense, and I can provide a glowing recommendation. Because I am also a wolf, that will mean more. In a few years, you will have much to offer a pack.”
Switch rubbed the hair on his arms. “That’s a nice offer. Too nice. Why would you single me out above anyone else?” Then he turned and looked at me, disappointment playing on his features once he figured out that I’d had something to do with it.
Viktor motioned to me. “Raven offered your name, but I am very particular about who I trust within my organization. She feels you are loyal, and we have seen you show that loyalty to her family. That is a noble quality. Every Packmaster I spoke with said the same thing. They were not willing to let you join their pack, but they trusted you with their children.”
I could tell that Viktor’s answer pleased Switch more than the thought of a pity offer.
Switch brushed a stray tendril of hair away from his face. “Just one kid?”
“Hunter is a special boy who requires special attention. It is not just an education or nanny we seek but someone who can help him overcome his challenges.”
“I’m in.”
“Not until I say you’re in,” Shepherd barked from the dining area as he strode into the room. He walked right up to Switch and squared his shoulders. “Give me your hand.”
Switch looked up at him with trepidation but did as he was asked.
Shepherd seized his wrist and gripped it tight. “Have you ever hurt a child?”
Switch’s face turned red, and his eyes blackened. “No.”
“Will you protect my son with your life? Without hesitation?”
“Yes.”
“Are you just here for the money?”
Switch met his eyes. “Fuck you.”
Shepherd let go and nodded at Viktor. “I approve.”
Viktor gave him a curt look. “Hunter is in the kitchen with Kira. Go fetch him.”
Shepherd pivoted and did as instructed.
Viktor folded his arms over the back of the chair and smiled. “Shepherd is a Sensor. Forgive his boorish behavior. Your wolf must meet the boy, but not when you are in control. I must see how your animal behaves without your influence. I’ll supervise you for fifteen minutes. That should be long enough.”
Switch sat back and gripped the armrest. “You wanna do this now?”
“If we have an agreement, your duties begin immediately. I would advise you not to make any drastic decisions like breaking a lease or spending money. I will know more about your abilities when we return from our trip. But you may hurry home to retrieve clothes and additional items you require. No pets allowed.”
Switch snorted. “What kind of idiot do you take me for?”
Viktor turned his palms up. “The newer generations these days are not like the old. They do not see the insult behind owning an animal. They call it love, and they dress their animals like people. But they have not experienced slavery firsthand to recognize that animals are meant to be free.”
I mentally laughed at the idea of wild poodles.
“I have integrity. You got nothing to worry about, old man. My former pack taught me well.” Switch stood up and stripped out of his T-shirt, his muscles flexing. “In here or outside?”
Viktor glanced at the windows over his shoulder and then back. “In here is acceptable. The courtyard is much too dark.”
I stepped inside the room. “Is this a good idea? It might scare the kid.”
“We have no choice,” Viktor said. “If there is trouble and Switch
changes to a wolf, I need assurance that his animal will not turn on the child.” His eyes darted over to Switch. “And do not do anything foolish. I may look like a polite old man, but my wolf is anything but civilized.”
The idea of their wolves tearing each other apart made my stomach do a flip. “Maybe there’s some other way—”
Switch winked at me. “Don’t worry, Raven. I do this all the time.” In a fluid movement, Switch morphed into a wolf. He lumbered forward and raised his snout, his nostrils widening as he took in the scent of his new surroundings. Unlike Viktor, who was a grey wolf, Switch was an earthy brown. The chestnut color was darkest on his ears and neck, his coat silken and incredibly soft to the touch from what I remembered.
He caught my scent, and his tail wagged. But the moment he spied Viktor, a low growl settled in his throat. His toenails clicked against the floor as he weaved around furniture to approach Viktor.
When he bared his teeth, I rounded the chair.
“Stay out of this, Raven,” Viktor commanded, his tone calm and collected as he slowly turned to face the wolf.
When the two were close enough to kill each other, Viktor stared down at him. He spoke softly in Russian and extended his hand.
I flinched, thinking Switch might bite off his fingers. Instead, his wolf sniffed Viktor’s palm and then licked it. Switch could have still been in control, but I had doubts that he would lick another man’s fingers.
Viktor spoke in a soothing but dominant voice, and after a moment he knelt down and ran his fingers over the wolf’s ear.
“I guess he likes you,” I said in utter relief.
“One must establish who is the stronger wolf. I am not an alpha, but I am his superior. He will not touch me.”
Shepherd brushed past me. “I’m having second thoughts.”
Viktor stood up and wiped his wet palm against his trousers. “I will not let the wolf harm the boy, if that is your concern. I’m quite skilled at reading the body language of wolves. If he behaves aggressively, I will throw him out on his haunches.”
Shepherd ran his hands over his buzz cut and swung his gaze to one of the archways where Hunter was peering through. “Come on, little man. There’s someone you need to meet.”
