“Like you didn't notice the way she looked at you with admiration.”
“I'd always heard you weren't the jealous type.I saw nothing of that sort, and I'm surprised that you did.”Carlos admitted.
“It’s okay.I also noticed you didn’t react to her.She noticed that as well and was very disappointed.”
Maybe this would help him with her.It was obvious that she was watching his every move as she decided whether to move forward with him.Maybe this had pushed her one step closer.
They were done for the day, and it was time to head back to his home.A fabulous gourmet meal would be waiting for them, with flowers and candles on the table.Everyone close to him knew that he was wooing his fated mate.When they entered the dining room, it was all just as he had requested.It was no surprise because his people were good and they got the job done right.He could see that Cally was impressed just as he had hoped.
“This is beautiful.”
“Anything for you.”That's what he said, and that's what he meant.If only she could see it.
Supper was wonderful, and it was at the same usual time because they had stayed late finishing up the necessary work.It was time to go on their moonlit walk on a path that cut through his property and circled around back to the house.There had been no attacks since the first day, and he hoped that there wouldn't be any more.While he was hopeful, he was also prepared.The attack came when they were furthest from the house.None of them had seen his males, who were hidden all around the path.They would never be any good at mercenary work because they didn't use their eyes or their nose.Their fighting skills were sadly lacking, and his mate was kicking butt.
This group was removed even more quickly than the previous one.What did you do with a group of guys like this?The first group he had sent to the white wolf because she had asked for them.How she had even known they had captured them, he couldn't say.She had called to say she was aware of them and would be happy to take them off his hands.Why not?He'd had a trusted male all of them up there in a semi-truck that he had on his grounds.His guy had stayed a few extra days and came back mated.The girl worked for Ariel and was a lovely little thing.His guy was the happiest he'd ever seen him, so he was glad that he'd listened to her.Should he call her again, or had there been a reason that the first group was more desirable than the second?Maybe she had just wanted the visit from that member of his pack so that the mating could take place?He'd heard she did things like that, and it certainly looked like she had this time.There was room in his jail, and he would lock these guys up and give her a chance to call him.If she didn't, he might ask Cally what he should do with them.
“That was fun.”
“I enjoyed it immensely.It was fun to watch you fight.”Carlos observed.
“Thank you for the compliment.”
“It was nothing but the truth.”
Cally didn’t answer, and it was clear to him she didn’t know how to handle flattery.She wasn’t the type to expect it.That was just one more point in her favor.
“Any suggestion on what to do with these prisoners?”
“I’d want to know more about them,” Cally observed.
“You want to question them?”
“That would be the best way to find out about them quickly.”
“Aren't you afraid that they would lie to you?”Carlos wondered.
“They might, but if they are as bad at it as they are at other things, I'll be able to tell.”
That made sense, and since they were near the house, they veered onto another path that led to the prison.
“You have your own prison?”Cally questioned.
“I wish I didn't have to have one, but enough things have happened that I feel we need it.When it's empty, no one works here.We have had to use it when we've had emergency people staying in large numbers.”
“Those freed from slave rings?”
“Yes, and those captured by blood drug runners,” Carlos mentioned.
“What's the difference?”
“Blood drug runners often capture people to be kept on site.Yes, they are used as slaves, but they have no intention of selling them.”
“I can see why you might feel it best to separate the two groups.I wasn't aware that they were sending you people to take care of.”Cally declared.
“After you were here, I decided to check into things and tell them my pack was available to help if needed.It wasn't long before we got a large group, and since the prison wasn't being used, we had a place to send those we couldn't keep at the pack house or elsewhere.We did our best to make it home, and we left the doors open so they wouldn't feel trapped.We were also able to outfit them with whatever they needed and help those who could go home, as much as we were able.A few were integrated into our pack, and they are doing well.I also signed up for the pack alpha newsletter.For some reason, I was never notified of its existence.”
“It sounds like I did a good job spreading the word.”
