Page 17 of Alpha Wolf's Nanny
She gave a half-laugh. “Is that supposed to be comforting?”
“It’s the best I can offer.”
She looked at him then, really looked, like she was seeing past the gruffness and the professional distance and the joking, and for a split second, he wasn’t sure who was evaluating whom.
Then Logan’s voice echoed down from upstairs.
“DAAAAD! Danny stole my tablet again!”
Cassie choked on a laugh.
Felix sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “And that’s my cue.”
“Should I…”
“No,” he said firmly, “I’ll handle it. Your job doesn’t start until tomorrow morning.”
He turned to go, then paused in the doorway.
“Thanks. For today. You handled them better than most.”
She beamed at him, and something shifted in his chest.
“Don’t thank me yet,” she said. “Wait for the novelty to wear off. Then I’m sure they’ll be back to their chaotic ways.”
He snorted, “Trust me. They will.”
And with that, he disappeared up the stairs, already preparing for whatever disaster awaited him.
Chapter 7 - Cassie
The barbecue was in full swing as they drove towards the grand Victorian manor house at the top of the hill. The gardens, meticulously sculpted with lush green grass and impressive topiary, were full of members of the pack chatting and laughing. Towards the edge of an old wall, presumably leading through to further gardens, there was professional catering set up with several grills and plenty of tables laden with food and drink.
The boys were off in an instant as Cassie stepped out of the car, racing towards a group of children with battle-like cries. Cassie moved to catch them, but Felix put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a half-smile that made her stomach swoop. “They’re fine, they know not to go beyond the boundaries of Rick’s estate. A couple of the alphas will keep an eye on them.”
“Okay,” said Cassie, rubbing her sweaty palms on her jeans. “Sorry, still have a lot to learn about…all this.”
“You’re doing great,” he said, dropping his voice low and leaning in. “I know it’s a lot, but I’m here to help. You won’t be learning it all alone.”
Cassie swallowed as their eyes met, her breath hitching in her throat. Felix’s eyes dropped to her throat as it bobbed, his jaw tightening, the hand on her shoulder flexing.
“Alpha,” a cool, slightly detached voice broke her from her reverie, and she leapt back, smoothing her hair guiltily.
“Rick,” Felix grasped the other male’s forearm, giving it a firm shake. “I see you pulled out all the stops.”
“Naturally,” Rick replied, his voice silky, “only the best for the Iron Walkers.” His gaze flickered to Cassie, an eyebrow rising. “Who’s this?”
“This is Cassie.” Felix placed a hand on the small of her back, a hard note entering his tone. “She’s my new nanny.”
“Lovely to meet you,” Rick held his hand out. “How are you settling in?”
Although his words were friendly, Cassie couldn’t help the slight shudder that ran down her spine. It was something in his eyes, she decided. He was testing her.
“Wonderfully,” she said, shaking his hand. “The boys are certainly very energetic, it’s lovely getting to know them. And Silvermist is beautiful. So is your house.” She was stammering, she knew, but she couldn’t help it. Rick’s gaze pierced right through her, and she felt inexplicably like every one of her secrets was being laid bare.
“You’re too kind,” he purred. “The house has been in the family for generations. We were some of the first shifter settlers coming over from Europe, you know.”
She didn’t know. “How nice,” she replied with a nervous smile. “You…you must really love it here!”
