Page 14 of Nanny's Mate

“I’m deeply sorry, Tristan,” Mike said. “I got distracted, but it will never happen again.”

Tristan turned from the window to face him, his hands remaining tangled behind his back. He was the definition of an old-school alpha with tanned skin, sable black eyes, and sleek hair pulled back into a neat ponytail.

By human standards, he appeared to be in his early sixties. He was far older than that, of course, but it was discourteous to inquire about such matters.The deeply embedded grooves along his skin were sufficient enough to imply a long and vigorous life.

His expression remained neutral as he motioned toward the couch that faced a roaring fire.

“Sit down, Mike, please.”

He did as he was asked. Just as Tristan came over to stand in front of him, Mike caught the scent of lemon and ginger lingering in the air. A few seconds later, Barbara walked in, holding a tray of teacups and cookies.

“Mike!” she exclaimed, the steam from the lemon ginger tea casting a washing fog over her bright countenance.

She placed the tray on the coffee table between Mike and Tristan. They exchanged a look that only a long-bonded couple could comprehend.

The matriarch then gazed back at Mike, her blue eyes startlingly bright.

“I forgot to tell you last night how grateful we are for your help in Vegas. I know it was longer than we anticipated, but it meant everything to us. I hope you know that.”

Mike nodded respectfully while Barbara gave her husband yet another telling look. Tristan bowed his head, his voice the usual soft and placid timbre the shifter was used to.

“Yes, we are very thankful, Mike. Oh, also, how lovely is that young lady, Beatriz?”

Mike felt his cheeks run hot. Even the mention of her name stirred the passion inside him. He shifted in his seat, making sure his crotch wasn’t in plain view for the patriarch and matriarch to detect.

“She seems very kind,” he said.

“Oh, she’s more than that,” Barbara said, laughing. “You should see how she handles the triplets. With ease, no matter how rambunctious they get. She’s shown such loyalty to us.”

The discussion about Vegas and Beatriz seemed to have diffused the tension in the room. Mike was thankful for Barbara, who, more than anyone, knew how to calm her mate’s terminal resolve. He didn’t want to imagine what his alpha’s fury looked like. He’d heard rumors, of course, comparing his anger to that of a dragon of sorts emerging from the solitude of its cave.

Mike made a promise to himself and Tristan that it would never happen again. That was after Barbara had taken a mug of tea for herself and then swiftly left the room.

Tristan sat in the bat-winged chair opposite Mike, waving his head with an exhausted sigh.

“Don’t worry about it. Barbara is right. You have already proven yourself to be trustworthy. Let’s let bygones be bygones and look toward the future.”

Mike’s muscles softened, a wash of relief moving through him while the alpha went on.

“What I wanted to speak to you about was this situation with the drugs floating around. What do you know about it?”

“Aric told me some last night, but nothing too in-depth.”

Tristan nodded, the tired impression on his face enhancing.

“He likely didn’t tell you everything. We’ve been holding back telling Caleb and Nate everything intentionally. Caleb needs to focus on repairing his pack and having a new baby. Nate has enough to deal with, what with the triplets and running three clubs. I wanted to be alone with you and tell you everything in detail."

Mike frowned, then leaned forward on the couch.

“What’s going on?”

Tristan adjusted his position in the armchair. “We need to figure out where these drugs are coming from, and because we trust you, we asked you back here. What I’m going to tell you right now cannot leave this room. Do you understand?”

“Understood.”

The words that came out of Tristan’s mouth seemed to take on a life of their own. The more he said, the more weary he grew. That greatly disturbed Mike.

“These drugs are making their way through the lower ranks. Whoever is selling them is targeting wolves who think they need to get bigger physically or feel stronger. Essentially, the vulnerable and the desperate.”

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