“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.”
