Page 6 of The Thief

Lakota took another piece of chicken from the platter. “I’m putting you in charge of the onion garden. How’s that sound?”

“That remains to be seen,” Lucian muttered. “I don’t garden.”

“You will,” Tak said, inviting no argument. “Some of these foods, we can grow ourselves. Onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, peppers—why am I throwing away money on store-bought vegetables that someone sprayed with pesticides? And then you pay extra for them to hold the chemicals.” He pushed his empty plate forward. “Lakota never mentioned his uncle had an onion addiction I’d have to support.”

Everyone laughed except Lucian.

Getting familiar with my packmates’ habits was a real hoot. Lucian devoured raw onions like nobody’s business, Hope enjoyed morning strolls and getting lost in her thoughts, Krys had an unhealthy obsession with checking the locks on all the windows even in the daytime, Salem always had his nose buried in a book while nibbling on black licorice, Joy sneaked out at night to catch lightning bugs, and I’d probably seen Virgil in his underpants more than any other man.

“I was thinking about getting a job,” I blurted out.

Everyone hushed.

Did I say that out loud? While we still have work to do around the house?

Tak flicked his dark eyes up and stroked his chin. “What kind of job?”

“Nothing that’ll steal me away from pack obligations,” I promised him. “But I’m not used to manual labor. You healthy boys fling tree stumps like you’re at the Olympic Games, and I’m barely able to push a wheelbarrow. I’ve worked hard outside and haven’t complained once, but now I’d like to help with the interior. We need furniture and rugs so we have a place to gather besides the dining table. All these empty rooms need a woman’s touch.”

“That’s exactly what I’m hoping for tonight,” Virgil said with a lecherous grin. “A woman’s touch.”

Robyn, who was sitting beside her man, leaned forward to snag Tak’s attention. “Mercy painted her bedroom wall, and I think you should see it. She has a good eye for decorating. Her room is a magazine spread.”

“It’s not done,” I informed them. “But I’d like it to be. I just haven’t had the time or energy. The house is a work in progress, but we’re constantly focusing on the outside. Is it necessary to work on one project at a time when we still need to paint, install socket covers, and plug in a few lamps? Some of these hallways are so dark at night that it’s a wonder nobody’s fallen down the stairs. We haven’t even bought towel bars for the bathrooms. Does every single one of us have to be outside, hauling lumber and erecting walls? Why not let the creatives work on the inside? Otherwise, you’re gonna wind up with naked ladies on the wall of every common room.”

Everyone glared at Virgil, who continued eating as if oblivious to the harsh stares.

“Mercy makes a valid point,” Hope agreed. “My gosh, we worked countless hours to complete the stable so you could get your precious pony back.” She touched her mate’s hand, a sly smile on her face.

Arms still folded on the table, Tak stared vacantly at his plate. “True. I sped things up to get my mare. Rushing is never ideal, but we also had help. There’s still work to be done but nothing as urgent as the fence. It’s a good point. I see no reason to work on one project at a time. Lakota will delegate who works inside and who outside.”

“Can I still get a job?” I asked.

He arched an eyebrow. “Is work that boring around here?”

Hoping not to insult the man, I said, “It might be a good idea for us to socialize with the people in town. Drinking in bars isn’t the best way to make friends. That’s not the reputation we should build in a new place.”

Archer put his arm around Virgil. “She means us.”

“I can still work on the house,” I continued. “If I took a job in the early morning or afternoon, that would give me enough time to come home and work on projects.”

Tak laced his fingers together and held them in front of his chin. “And you’ll have the energy for this?”

“I’m practically solar powered. Besides, I don’t plan on working at a lumberyard.”

Melody reached for the butter. “Most packs who run a business hire their own, especially around here. A lot of them are independent contractors. It sucks, but that’s how it works in rural communities. I’m not even sure if anyone’s hiring.”

“That’s because they haven’t met me.” I poked an ice cube around in my tea glass. “I’m very persuasive. And I can spot when a person needs help. If it becomes a problem, I’ll quit. But with all the work we’re putting into the house, a little extra money wouldn’t hurt us none. What better way to get to know people around here?”

Aside from my parents, I’d never had to ask permission for any choice in my life. My folks were mountain people. Our group wasn’t technically a pack, since we didn’t have an alpha.

“Of course, it’s up to you to decide what’s best,” I said, putting my hands in my lap.

Tak dropped his napkin over his plate. “I appreciate that you came to me with this. It shows respect. If you can still manage your duties around here, I have no concerns about you getting an outside job. Once we finish the big projects, everyone can decide what to do with their free time without my approval.”

“You won’t be sorry,” I promised him. “I was thinking about waitressing somewhere. I’ve got experience, and it’s the sort of job that’ll allow me to interact with more people. I’m only looking to work at a Breed establishment.”

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Lucian set down his glass. “Customers save the bigger tips for voluptuous women. Or redheads.”

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