Chapter 12

Autumn

I woke up alone in my room, with my laundry done and my house completely cleaned. I had to rub my eyes to make sure it wasn’t a dream. They had fixed the boiler in the building too. The water was able to actually get hot in half the time, and I was thankful. I know the rest of the people who lived here were too.

After I dried off, I put on a nice long sleeve dark blue dress and dark gray leggings. The news report last night said it was finally jacket weather, and I put on the nice jean jacket that I brought from home. Sapphire got snow almost every year, being deep in the woods.

I made myself some cereal and drank some coffee. I looked out the window to see it was raining already, and got my umbrella. I sighed. I would have to walk to work in the rain. Or maybe not… Oliver wouldn’t mind. I would get to see him, and maybe let him know that I wasn’t scared of him.

I figured I should knock on Oliver’s door, and I was greeted by some of the guys that were always in the lobby. His head reached the threshold of the door, and he leaned against the frame casually. He had red hair and bright green eyes, and they all seemed to be genuinely happy I had come to the door for help. “Good morning Luna.” They smiled, I returned it, but I was legitimately disappointed. “I have to go to work, so I guess-” I was cut off.

“Of course, Joe toss me the keys!” shouted the man over his shoulder. “I’m Clint’s Third, Name’s Tim.” He reached for my hand and we shook. He put no grip to it, like he was scared I would get my hand broken. “Feels weird doesn’t it?” Shouted one of the men. “Shut it Dave.” Tim growled a little bit, which didn’t scare me. They all acted like roommates and I smiled a bit. Tim threw a black hoodie over his shoulder, and I got into the blue minivan with them.

The ride was nice, and I was thankful. The drizzle really didn’t let up, and the car was really roomy. It was enough to fit maybe one normal sized person if they were willing to get squished. I looked out the window while he drove, watching the cars go by, and the other people… I wonder how many of them were supernatural? I felt a light tap on my shoulder.

“Alpha said not to leave your side, not that we would, so we’ll just sit inside.” Said one with a smile. I agreed and got out with the others while he went to find a parking space.

Mr. Smith smiled when he saw me, but frowned at my protectors. “Welcome back Autumn, but I remember half of you! You got blood all over my store!” He shouted shaking his finger, like a father would a misbehaving child.

“What we did to the interloper was well deserved and you know it. Plus now, you don’t need to pay that asshat protection money.” Said Tim, who somehow was directly behind me, making me jump. Four of the men already sat at the small table, and Tim decided it was a good idea ‘to be a cashier’ with me.

Mr. Smith put his hand to his forehead and shook his head. “No fighting, or growling, or scaring off my customers…and I’m not paying you.” He chuckled.

“Alpha pays us more than enough.” Joked one of the guys at the table, pulling out his phone.

I guess in all the commotion about me… Mr. Smith found out about werewolves too? But old as he is, that kind of shock could put him in the hospital, so he must have known beforehand. I didn’t ask, I just helped roll out the dough with him, and Tim put it in the oven for us. Mr. Smith actually needed the help, as much as he hated to admit it, and they lifted heavy boxes for us like it was nothing. I sold bread, chatted with customers, and it almost felt like a regular shift. It was peaceful until noon, and the 4 men at the table swapped, while Tim switched with Clint. “Sorry I’m late.” He said casually. Tim nodded, and left out. “Later.” He said.

I noticed that there was blood on Clint’s shirt. He noticed me staring. “Don’t worry about it, a Rouge tried to cross the territory on my way here.” He said with a smile. “We defend the line, because those lowlifes don’t want to join the pack, they just make trouble.” He said with a growl.

He got spritzed with a water bottle. “I said no growling!” shouted Mr. Smith. “Lady Moon, damnit!” He growled louder. Mr. Smith smiled. “I’ll get you again if you don’t shush, now come help Autumn and me get the cinnamon rolls, you can have one if you behave.” He warned with a smile.

They were his specialty, and he didn’t make them every day. When he did, the store would be crowded until we sold out. Sure enough, it was swamped with people. For the last 3 hours of my shift, we sold cinnamon rolls. I happily clocked out, and left with Clint. He opened the door for me, and we drove off.

But we weren’t headed the direction of my apartment, and it made me nervous. “Where are we going?” I ask worriedly. “I thought you would like to ride with me around the border. Alpha should be off by the time we’re done.” He said with a smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t get out, or stop the car.” He looked at me somewhat seriously.

I looked out the window, and he pointed to all the shops and buildings that he thought would interest me. “And that’s the World Fitness, were we train in the basement. If you ever want to know were Alpha goes on his time off, besides you, it’s there.” He chuckled. I smiled.

We drove for another 40 minutes, until he got that strange look they make when their talking. He looked like he had seen a ghost. He looked at me with a small smile. “If I don’t get you home before he gets there, I’m apparently going to be a new rug in his office.” He said with a dry laugh.

----------Oliver----------

I was in an emergency board meeting with the elders. They had summoned me into the conference room on the basement floor of the hospital. I sat at the head of the table, and listened. “Alpha, Delta found a discrepancy, and it has been brought to our attention that you went to West Verginon?” Said Elder Amos.

“What I do with my time doesn’t concern you.” I growl, narrowing my eyes at him.

“It does when we have as of yet to see the Luna, as well as know why you went so far… and why you aren’t marked yet.” Said Elder Neko. He was always too bold, even when my father was alive. They murmured to themselves, all in agreement with his statement.

“We have had quite a few fatal vampire attacks this past year… one of which killed our former Alpha … would it not make sense to hide the Luna until he knew she was safe?” Spoke up Marcos.

“They are not the discussion here, Elder, Alpha Oliver and his worrying choices are.” Retorted Neko.

I let my eyes turn yellow. East wanted out, but for now I let him sit right in the forefront of my mind. They grew silent. I was still the strongest in the room, and they knew they were testing me. I wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t a loyal wolf in that room, save Elder Marcos.

“My Luna and I have chosen to keep our engagement hushed. No one will know who she is, or where she lives until I say so. We will not speak of this again.” I boom, pounding my fist on the table hard enough to crack it.

They showed their necks for now…. If they knew, they would be plotting, most likely to have one of their granddaughters in my face…again.

The thought disgusted me enough that I left them to rot in their own fear. They had offended me, and they knew it. I would not kill them though. A strong leader needs wise advisors, and as annoying as they were, they at least knew that. I went to my office to tell my secretary to let everyone know I was gone for today, it was 5, and I needed to be with my Luna.

My secretary wore a very thin white blouse that was too tight. It revealed her cleavage, and her skirt was much too short. “Sandy, I’m giving you a write up for breaking dress code.” I tell her, not looking anywhere but her eyes. She does not interest me; I already have a mate.

“I’m sorry Alpha.” She said with an attempt at a puppy dog pout. East took over for a second, letting out a growl. “Unless you want to get mauled by my wolf, I suggest you fix your attitude, I’m not interested in your nonsense.” I give her a firm warning. She nods, but she probably needs to be fired. If she tries anything I will, but this was too small a transgression at the moment.

I left some files on her desk to give to Beta, and I walked through the basement floor. I was headed to the garage, but my pack members didn’t know that. They bowed and stumbled out the way, the ones that were on their phones, or slacking off jumped out their skins. I just wanted to see what everyone was up to. Today was a busy day, since the border was starting to be maintained extra tight. No one must discover her, yet I give her so much freedom it’s unreal. Her wishes are to be considered though. I was born into this life, yet, she has to choose it.