Page 40 of The Return
“This place is clean, and health code says no fucking in the kitchen.” He leaned against me, and I relished the feel of him in my arms. “I want this, so don’t think I’m teasing. Just can’t do it now, especially with the Council coming.”
The Council? Shit, I’d forgotten. It wouldn’t do to have my mate reeking of come when they arrived.
“Tonight?” I asked, hearing the whine in my voice.
“Definitely” came the lilting reply. “Now get out of here, so my dick will go down, okay?”
And with an ache in my groin, I did as he asked. And hated every goddamn step I took.
COREY
As soon asthe door swung shut, I leaned against the counter and tried hard to catch my breath. Holy hell, that had been a close thing. I wanted to drop my pants, grab a stick of margarine, and tell Jonas to have at it. Being near him made me weak in the knees, and I didn’t think I had the strength to say no if he’d pushed the issue. Counters could be cleaned, right?
The bell sounded, and I heard Jonas say hi to DD, then the faint sounds of them speaking. The introductions were made, and everyone seemed to be getting along well, which made me happy. It took me a bit, but eventually I was able to get back into my opening routine. I trayed up the baked goods and placed them in the displays where customers could let DD know what they were interested in, then went to start the machines to get the water up to temperature. Afterward, as I usually did, I went to help DD with the morning prep, only to have her tell me it was done. I glanced over at Jonas, who was talking with Kinsey. He winked at me, and I gave him a grateful smile.
The morning was brisk, just the way we liked it. By eight, we’d already sold six dozen choux buns, which was great for so early in the day. At nine, the doors opened and in walked a group that could only be the Council Jonas told me about. There were three of them who led another nine, each glancing around the shop. Jonas, Kinsey, and Matt were on their feet, and they rushed to the door. When they got to the group, they all bowed.
Whatever.
I strode over to where everyone was. “Hey, welcome.”
One of the men, probably about sixty, with silver hair and deep gray eyes, seemed as though he’d be more comfortable on the cover of GQ or something. He wore a black wool Burberry coat that I’d seen in magazines for five to six hundred dollars or more. He’d swapped out the usual buttons for some kind of blue gemstone that complemented the coat beautifully.
Beside him was a woman, probably around his age, with her almost-gray hair subtly textured. It was radiant, with the beige-blonde highlights, and the style suited her oval face. She had on a navy blue pantsuit that hugged her slender form, with a streamlined blazer dress, accentuated with peak lapels and waist flap pockets. Goldtone buttons fastened the double-breasted front for a classic touch. If I had to guess, I’d say it was insanely expensive.
The last man was probably younger, maybe late thirties or early forties. His jet-black hair was cut in a harsh buzz that was perfect for his masculine face and square jaw. Unlike the others, he was dressed down. He had on a burgundy T-shirt with COUNCIL written across it in gold lettering, and gray sweatpants with black tennis shoes. When he saw me looking, he grinned.
“Sorry, I was running and lost track of time. My assistant had to chase after me, and he’s not nearly as fast. By the time he caught up to me, we were on the cusp of being late, so I came as-is. So we’re clear, if I’d had time to change, I would have put these two to shame.”
The woman snorted, and the other man rolled his eyes.
“If you would be so kind as to introduce us, Jonas?”
“Of course, Councilor. Corey, may I present the esteemed Council of the Wolves.” He gestured to the older man. “This is Councilor Yawen, the prime wolf for the group. His is the tie-breaking vote, should it be needed.” Then he stepped closer to the woman. “This is Councilor Delray. She’s the liaison to the packs. She hears complaints and adjudicates and resolves them.” And finally he gestured to the other man. “This is Councilor Entwhile. He knows pack law inside and out. He is the one who steps in if Councilor Delray has questions regarding the validity of a law.”
“It’s a great pleasure to meet you, Corey,” Entwhile said. “We are here to offer our sincerest apologies for our lapse in following up with a pack member. That is an unforgivable sin on our part.”
I smiled at him, because it would help me get what I was about to ask for.
“I’m glad you’re here, because I wish to make a change, and I’m assuming the Council will have to approve it.” I nodded at Matt and Kinsey. “These men? I no longer want them as my Council designated driver and bodyguard.”
Matt whimpered. “Corey… Alpha Mate. Have I displeased you?”
The three scowled at Matt, and I pushed forward.
“No, Matt. Far from it. You’re amazing, and I’m happy to have you as a driver, but I don’t want it to be at the behest of the Council. I want both of these men to leave your employee, and join our pack.” I shot a glance at Jonas, fearful of what I’d see. His beaming smile soothed my nerves.
“This is quite a situation,” Delray muttered. “We’ve never had anyone ask for their staff before.”
“I’ve never had anyone come to me and say if they failed in this assignment, they were done. What kind of crap is that?”
“Corey, don’t—”
I ignored Matt. “He’s a person, with a heart and feelings. If he fails, and I sincerely doubt those complaints he received were failures, then it’s up to you people to train him better. It’s not on him to be told some garbage about him screwing up, without even trying to find out if what you were told is true.”
“Now, see here—” Yawen started.
“No. See, I’m on the outside looking in. You might be great people, but as leaders, you absolutely suck. You didn’t follow up with me, and you’re treating those under your employee like they don’t matter. I won’t have it. Matt is an amazing person, and so is Kinsey. If you can’t see their worth, then you don’t deserve them, and I want to keep them here.” I turned to Jonas. “With your permission, Alpha.”
