“Yes, Dad.” I rolled my eyes.
“I’ll take that honor.”
I couldn’t help myself, hugging him on my way out. There was something about the way he called my reference to him as Dad an honor that warmed my heart. His bicycle was ancient and had a basket on the back. It was perfect for running errands and, today, for going to get a job.
My first stop was Chester’s, the diner. When I went inside, the first thing I smelled were the pies baking and bacon. I didn’t eat meat, but the scent had me tempted. Looking back, this must’ve been the place that college kid had meant when he mentioned pies. I was going to have to try them.
“What can I help you with?” a waitress asked when I stood at the counter instead of seating myself like the sign indicated.
“I’m new in town and was hoping to apply for a job.”
“You’re more than welcome to leave your name and number with us, but we don’t have any jobs right now. People tend to come here and stay. The guy behind the grill over there, he’s been here twenty-three years, and me, longer than that.”
“Well, it must be a great place to work. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for a help wanted sign in case you ever do need a new person.”
They were nice, and I believed that they didn’t have a job, but at the same time, the rejection felt kind of personal. That was a me problem, not them.
My next stop was the general store. Unlike the diner, it had a sign in the window, one that looked like it had been there a while. I went in and straight to the counter, telling them I was inquiring about the job.
The next thing I knew, I was talking to the owner/manager. It was the weirdest job interview ever. Aside from getting my name, he didn’t ask much about me. He took me on a tour, showing me the groceries and the tools and the random clothes, even toys. It was a little bit of everything, but all of it was sort of practical, aside from the toys, which were definitely designed for impulse purchases from families with begging kids. He left no area unexplored, like I was on a guided tour at a museum.
“So, what do you think? Is this someplace you could work?” he asked when we were back at the counter.
“Yes, sir.” Was he offering me a job? It felt like he was offering me a job. But also, he still hadn’t asked me any questions.
“Excellent. Why don’t you come back in two days and fill out some paperwork? We’ll get you hooked up with some shifts. I’d say come back tomorrow, but Alice, who takes care of all that legal mumbo jumbo with your pay stubs and all that, she’s on her two days off, so it’s best to wait.”
I thanked him, feeling on top of the world. I was going to be able to give back to the pack that had given us refuge. It went deeper than that, though. He’d instantly seen me as belonging. There had never been any questions about my skills or what I knew how to do. He saw me and welcomed me as part of his world.
And so did the pack. I needed to keep reminding myself of that. I couldn’t allow what happened to me with my herd to convince me to keep pouring a shadow of doubt over everything. It wasn’t fair to me and it wasn’t fair to the pack.
I took a quick ride around town, checking out the different buildings and stores before heading back. I’d been in townlonger than I planned, and by my estimation, Bryden was already at the library and possibly nearly done for the day.
I couldn’t wait to tell him the good news of my employment. I’d have to convince him that being in town was safe, that this wasn’t where poachers would be, but I could do that. And if I played my cards right, I might get a reward kiss… or more than a kiss.
The road took all my focus. Between the potholes and the rocks that lined the shoulder I used, it was a necessity. I was only a hundred feet from the turnoff to our pack lands when the wind shifted slightly, and I caught a familiar scent. A horse.
I froze, braking the bike to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. I inhaled deeply, scenting it again, looking to see if I could recognize who it was. I couldn’t. They weren’t from my herd. But why were they here? Were there horse shifters around? The pack hadn’t mentioned it, but why would they? I wasn’t a horse.
As was my brain’s way, I jumped to the worst-case scenario, one where a horse was tracking me down. The question remained, who sent them? Was it someone my old pack had hired? Or possibly they were hunting me down for the poachers. The more I stayed there and thought, the more worst-case scenarios I created.
I looked around, seeing if I could find where they were. Unable to, I did the second-best thing, which was to pedal home as quickly as I could, unsure of whether or not I should tell my mate. I was probably letting my imagination get away with me. I refused to believe otherwise.
By the time I got back, I’d decided. Unless something else happened, I wasn’t going to say anything. Why worry him for nothing?
16
BRYDEN
“Are you done?”
My heart flippity flopped as Roland strolled into the library.
“Almost.”
Evelyn beckoned my mate closer as I helped Mrs. Martinson select a new romance.
“Make sure it has spicy scenes,” she whispered.
