“We’ve had enough attempts at males with nefarious agendas trying to get into the park to learn a few things,” Caesar said.
“It’s a first for the employee lot, though,” Joss said.
“I’ll have my guys repair the security bar,” Atticus said.
“It was a weak point,” Joss said.“We’ll add some more security measures to that area, and maybe change the gate into the park from here so it’s more secure.”
Caesar looked at the wrought iron gate in the stone wall, the only way into the park from the employee lot.“We’ve relied on the security bar as well as the booth to be a deterrent, but replacing the gate with something more fortified is a good idea.”
“Agreed,” Joss said.
Caesar thanked each shifter personally for coming to stand with him, then sent messages to Marcus and Alistair to thank them for their help.
He looked at his watch and said, “We’ve got less than an hour to get to the paddocks before the tours start.I’ll take a turn in the paddock.”
“Let’s make sure there’s enough of our unmated males to staff the tours, and the rest can help with security,” Joss said.
“Sounds good,” Jupiter said.
“I’m going to talk to Sera,” Caesar said.“Thanks again, everyone.”
“Hey, she’s our mom,” Amadeus said.Lucius nodded in agreement.“She’s not only precious to you and our family, but also the pride and the park shifters.We’ve got your back like you always have ours.”
Ahell yesrose up from the shifters, followed by a chorus of cheers and claps.He was one blessed male.
Waving at the shifters, he jogged away, through the gate and down the path toward the employee cafeteria.He’d tell Sera what happened and then make sure she knew that he would keep her safe no matter what.
Sera had been pacing for at least fifteen minutes after the pride females left when the front door opened.She spun on her heel and rushed across the floor right into Caesar’s arms.“You’re back.”
He shut the door behind him and drew her close against his chest.His scent wrapped around her, tall grass and warm sunshine.She didn’t realize how tense she’d felt until she melted in his arms.
“I’m sorry I had to leave so abruptly, it couldn’t wait.”
She leaned back to look at him.“What’s going on?”
His jaw ticked as he clenched his teeth and his eyes flashed.“Otto.”
Just the one word sent a chill down her spine.“He came here?”
He nodded.His fingers kneaded her back where he held her, his lion rumbling in his chest.“He showed up with three males at the employee lot.He broke through the security bar across the access road and was stopped at the guard station.”
As Caesar told her about the confrontation with the jaguar alpha, she slipped from his arms and sat heavily on the couch, too stunned to do anything but listen.
“He’s spouting a whole lot of nonsense,” Caesar said, scrubbing a hand through his hair, “but he also clearly believes all he’s saying.”
“I really hoped he’d give up,” Sera said.
“I did as well.Even telling him that you’re the pride alpha female and my marked mate didn’t sway him.”
“What are we going to do?”she asked.
“Wearen’t going to do anything.I’mgoing to protect you.He’s a power-hungry jackass with an inflated ego.But he’s not going to get to you.You’re mine and I’m yours, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to keep you safe.”
Her jaguar stretched inside her, a deep purr rumbling in her chest.Caesar was all alpha right now, radiating strength and determination.
“I just don’t want him to ruin anything.”She blinked against the tears that made her eyes sting.
Caesar joined her on the couch and put his arm around her.Kissing her temple, he said, “He won’t.”
