The way she bloomed under my praise was breathtaking. Her eyes brightened, her smile widened, and her entire body seemed to glow. It was like watching the sun break through clouds, and for a moment, I was transfixed by how beautiful she was when she felt valued. I felt an almost overwhelming urge to take her to our bedroom and praise her until she came apart in my arms. To whisper admiration against every inch of her skin until she trembled with it. To show her physically how much I cherished her mind, her thoughtfulness, her kindness…
But that would have to wait. She had a mission to complete first.
#
In the library, my brothers had claimed their usual spots: Zane sprawled across an armchair like he was posing for a magazine, one leg thrown over the arm, and Ko standing by the window, silhouetted against the light. Foster seemed mildly confused, but intrigued as he leaned against a bookshelf, looking like a shaved grizzly.
Seri stood behind her desk, notebook open and a pink gel pen in her hand. At her side, Brumous sat wearing Ko’s aviators like a furry Secret Service agent. Our beloved, however, looked small and uncertain faced with all of us. I gave her an encouraging nod, and she cleared her throat.
“Thank you all for, um, answering the call to assemble.”
Zane smirked, catching my eye with a knowing look. I shot him a warning glare that promised pain if he mocked her, and he mimed zipping his lips shut and throwing away the key. Good.
“I’ve gathered you here because I’ve identified a critical mission objective that requires immediate attention,” she continued, her voice gaining confidence. “As you know, we’ve been without an estate manager since April, which has led to various logistical failures, most notably the toilet paper incident.”
Foster’s eyebrows shot up, but he stayed silent.
“Don’t remind me.” Zane groaned. “My ass still hasn’t forgiven any of you.”
“Zane,” I warned.
“What? It’s relevant context!”
“I propose that we recruit Foster for this position,” Seri declared. “The duties would include ensuring the staff perform theirjobs, ordering supplies, overseeing their delivery and dispersion…” She looked up from her notes and turned to me. “Dispersion?”
“Distribution might be more common, but dispersion works, too,” I assured her, and she nodded.
“Dispersion, and maintaining inventory.”
Foster’s face remained blank, but surprise shone in his eyes.
Seri seemed to anticipate his thoughts because she quickly added, “I know it might not seem like a full-time position, which is why I’ve developed a comprehensive role that would use all of your abilities.”
She flipped to another page in her notebook, and weallheld our breath when we saw the array of glitter on it.
“In addition to managing the estate, you would be an asset to our training squad. You’re the right size to spar with Koko,” she observed, making both Ko and Foster glance at each other with hidden humor. “You could also help with Brummy. Not only with his communication, but with training him and helping Addison learn to train him.”
The wolf pup in question, who had been staring up at her adoringly through the sunglasses, thumped his tail against the floor.
“And finally, you could assist with missions since you are strong, fast, and obviously capable.” She emphasized this by gesturing vaguely to his formidable physique. “At first, you could get your feet wet by working with me in my command center, examining surveillance footage, assisting with research, and planning hunts.”
Foster listened with a funny little smile on his lips, one that seemed caught between amusement and something softer, more touched than he’d probably admit.
“However,” Seri’s voice suddenly grew serious as she closed her notebook. “If you agree, there are three promises you must make.”
This was news to me. I hadn’t seen this part in her notes.
“These promises matter more than any job description or contract with full terms,” she explained, her face grave. “They’re what really count. Non-negotiable.”
“What are these promises?” Foster asked a little warily.
“Promise one: You won’t hurt Brummy, Addison, or me in any way.”
“What?!” Zane squawked from his chair, nearly falling over as he jerked upright. “What about Fosterino hurtingus?”
“You three can take care of yourselves.” Seri rolled her eyes.
“What about Mrs. Wentzel?” Ko’s lips twitched.
