“We check for orders in case someone took an early one.”Checking through the desk and on the top, she found no orders.
It was time to open, and the first call came in.Calls came in steadily with an order, maybe every five calls.For sending out limited invitations, calls were high volume.Carlos went out to pick up lunch while she covered the phones.She was happy to see that business looked good.
Carlos came back with sandwiches, and he took the phone calls while she ate.Once she was done, it was his turn.He was doing well at securing the business.His trucks were already on the way to install the new security systems ordered today.This part of things was going well.How their relationship would go was still left to be seen.
By the end of the day, she felt Carlos had learned a lot, and they had a dozen new customers.They headed home tired but happy after working overtime on the paperwork.Supper was waiting for them, and they ate and then went for a walk.It would help her keep her trim figure to get that exercise every evening before bedtime.Wolves rarely had weight problems, but changes from humans could cause problems until their bodies fully adjusted.It was called residual human issues.In time, they went away.
Her alpha walked at a slower pace than usual so she could keep up easily.“It’s such a pretty night,” Cally observed.
“The moon and stars are out, and it’s not too cold.”
“Are you sure it’s safe?”
“I believe so.Those who tried to get you before were dealt with.Not that it’s ever safe with a beautiful woman that other males want.”Carlos noted.
She was aware he had guards just out of sight.If anyone attacked, they would rush up to save the day.There was the sound of a lonesome wolf howling.“One of yours?”
“No, that’s a strange wolf.Some of my guards will head that way to see what’s going on.”
“Maybe that’s what they want?To divide up your guards?”Cally wondered.
“Those headed that way will be from the pack house.The ones with us will stay with us.Do you feel like a good fight?”
Yes, she did.“Wouldn’t bother me.How about you?”
“I live for a good fight,” Carlos admitted.
It didn’t hurt that she’d changed to wolf months ago and taken several courses, including advanced fighting techniques from Tyne.She was quite good if she did say so herself.The change had so far had nothing but positive effects on her life.Carlos seemed to forget, even though he’d encouraged her to do it and was aware she had.The scent was a clear indicator.That was okay, though.If he wanted to baby her by walking slower or trying to protect her, that was fine.
He just wanted to be her protector.That was Carlos being a gentleman.Nothing happened for a while, but when it did, all hell broke loose, and he couldn’t have done it alone.Cally’s instincts and training kicked in, and she went on autopilot.No one had to tell her she was amazing to watch, but Carlos had better start fighting or he’d get sidelined.Ouch!That had to hurt, but getting punched would get Carlos’ head hacked in the fight.
She was like a tornado, refusing to be taken.Some of her cousins had been taken in the past, and none had a good experience.One of them, she was sure, had even killed an alpha who had force-mated her.Then she escaped.That’s what Cally would have done, too.No way would she allow someone to do that to her.
The opposing force was being taken out, and anyone with sense would run, but they kept trying to get to her.That made no sense.The only time she’d heard of a similar thing was when a female alpha had bred and trained males to do this.That female had only been after males.No way it could be her.There were only a few left, and they still didn't have the brains to run.His men were taking out the last few stragglers who had entered the fight later.
Carlos came over to her.“You were amazing to watch.We need to get some training like that here.”
“Most of my training came from Tyne.I'm sure you could work out a deal with him.Do you plan to train those females who want it?”
“Most of the females in my pack have had self-defense.If they wish to participate, I'm all for it.I guess I need to talk to Tyne and see what we can work out.”Carlos replied.
“I wanted to go on the walk for the exercise, and I thought it would relax me, but instead, all the excitement has gotten me worked up.It's a good thing I have my e-reader with me.”
“What kinds of books do you read?”
“I've read Ariel’s and Roc’s books, but I also read detective books and cozy mysteries.Do you read?”Cally asked.
“I read detective books once in a while, but mostly I read action-adventure books.”
“Right now, it seems like we're living in an action-adventure story.I know they took out many of the wolves that came after me before, so this must be a new group or the remnants of the old one with new wolves added.”
“It seems there's no end to alphas willing to abduct a white wolf regardless of the punishment,” Carlos observed.“Let me walk you back to the house.Would you like a hot cup of tea?Maybe that will settle you so you can sleep.”
“That would be nice.”
They walked back to the house and sat at the table.Then Carlos placed an order, and they sat there chit-chatting until the tea came.“What kind of tea is this?It smells familiar.”
“It's mostly chamomile, but it has a few other teas mixed in.Probably all the soothing, calming ones that will make you go to sleep easily."
