The Trouble With Two Alpha's

by Brenda Westfall

  “Hey now what is this (he reached up and wiped the tear away). Why the tears? Did I say something wrong? I didn’t mean to upset you Gabi.”

  “It’s nothing. I should be getting back to work. Thanks for dinner. It was nice to have someone to talk to. Again, I am sorry for making a scene with the Mayor.”

  “Don’t worry about him. Gabi you sure you’re, all right? Maybe you should take the rest of the night off?”

  “Oh no, I’ll be fine. Really, I can work.”

  If she went home, she would just sit there and think about Jack and her little house in the woods which she missed something awful.

  She headed back to her table and started back to work flipping cards. She really did like working in the casino. It was fun to talk to so many different people.

  Miles had seen Gabi and Irwin go into the back room alone. That had captured his interest. He sat in his office alone watching his son. Watching as he talked to Gabi. Watched as he made her laugh. Then he saw his son get up and rush to her side and kneel in front of her.

  Until then he hadn’t hit the button to listen in. He wanted to trust his son. Although he could tell his son had feelings for Miss Cross. How couldn’t he, Gabi was very beautiful and sweet. Listening in he had heard she was crying. That did it, he was out of his chair and on his way downstairs.

  When Miles got to the room Gabi was gone. Irwin stood staring into space. He didn’t even seem to hear his father come in the door.

  “Irwin, son what happened to Gabi? Where is she? Did something happen to upset her?”

  “I don’t know exactly what I said, but something upset her. She was talking to me one minute, then I saw tears sliding down her face. I tried to get her to tell me what was wrong, but she wouldn’t. Someone has hurt her father. Someone has done something to her. I could feel it.”

  Miles was growling. He didn’t know who or what, but he was going to find out and take care of them. His Gabi had no reason to be upset. He didn’t like her being upset. Even though he really didn’t know her, she already held a place in his heart.

  “I will get to the bottom of this. If anyone has hurt, her they will answer to me!”

  Irwin watched as his father paced the floor. The two of them both had feelings for Gabi. He knew it now more so than before. Before his father the pack Alpha had just wanted her to be protected. But watching him right then made it clear he had feelings for her.

  Gabi spent the rest of her shift at the table not taking any more breaks. She stayed busy and it helped keep her mind off things.

  The Mayor hadn’t won this battle. She had thought for a minute she was going to be fired only to have Irwin tell her the Mayor deserved to be hit. That put a smile on her face.

  Miles wanted to go to Gabi and shake her till she told him what had upset her. He had asked Irwin what they had been talking about before she got upset.

  Irwin had said he asked her why she had moved. That was when he saw the tears. Whatever had happened to her happened before she moved to town, to work in his casino. He knew then it had nothing to do with his pack. None of them had touched her.

  He went back up to his office and pulled her application up on his computer. He read over it to see where she had moved from. Then he started researching the area.

  He was determined to find out all he could about Gabi Cross. He would figure out what happened to her before she moved. If he couldn’t then he would insist she tell him.

  Chapter 15

  Jack and his pack had gone on a trip to see if they could locate Gabi. There had been several cell towers in the area where the trace had led them to believe she was. But maybe they could get close or possibly even pick up her scent.

  When they arrived in town, they found out it was a much bigger town than they had first thought. Jack found them a place to stay, then they sat and went over the plans.

  “Now I know we don’t have a clue where she is. But from the information the trace got us, she is in this town somewhere. First thing in the morning I want us to split up into twos and take different streets. We will walk and look and hopefully come across either her or her scent. I want her found. I want to take my mate home with us.”

  Gabi had woken up in the middle of the day feeling odd. She couldn’t describe the feeling. It was almost like she could hear her name being called. But there was no one around. She had gotten up and searched her little house. No one was there. She opened the window and listened, nothing. What was it?

  She had two hours to sleep before her alarm would have gone off, but she couldn’t go back to bed. It was just a feeling, but someone was looking for her. Why she had no idea.

  She had no family to be looking for her. Jack and Elliot had no idea where she was, so it couldn’t be them. She just couldn’t shake the feeling someone was looking for her.

  She got in the shower and started getting ready for work. She wouldn’t go in early, but she could run a few errands. She needed groceries for one. She could go shopping and then drop it off by the house in plenty of time to get to work.

  Jack and Elliot had taken off in different directions. All in all, there were six sets of them on the street searching for her. He hadn’t brought the whole pack only his most trusted wolves. The ones who were better trackers then others. Not that any of his pack was that bad at tracking.

  Gabi parked at the grocery store. When she got out of her car, she looked around to see if someone was watching her. She felt like she was being watched. But when she looked, she didn’t see a soul.

  She shook it off and went on inside the grocery store. She quickly grabbed her groceries and headed for the check out. When she was standing in line a young man bumped into her with his cart. She turned ready to lay into him, but he smiled and apologized.

  “Sorry I didn’t mean to hit you. I was trying to pick up my bread I dropped, and the cart rolled into you. I do apologize.”

  He smiled so cute at her, she had to smile back. He didn’t really mean to hit her. She was sure he was telling the truth. How she had no idea.

  “That’s all right. Just pay more attention next time.”

  “Yes of course. Are you from around here?”

  “Not really. I moved her about a month and half ago. You?”

  “No just arrived in town a few nights ago. I am totally lost. I was hoping to find a job. You wouldn’t know of anyone hiring, would you?”

  “I don’t really know. I work at the Casino. The Royal Dice casino. I got on their pretty easy. I don’t know if they are hiring. It would be worth going by and asking. It never hurts to ask.”

  “Could I use you as a reference? I don’t really know anyone here. I don’t have any family to use.”

  That she wasn’t sure about. Was he trying to get her name and number just to call her later? She didn’t really want to give him that information. No, not a good idea. She already had too many men calling her number.

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t see how that would help you. Look, I am in a hurry, I got to get my groceries home before I go to work. Good luck with your job hunt.”

  He smiled at her then nodded. He watched as she paid for her groceries, then walked out. If she only knew he was her tail. Alpha Miles didn’t want her left alone for any reason. He quickly paid for his groceries, then ran out to his car. He wasn’t alone, so he wouldn’t have to worry about which way she went his friend and pack brother Andrew would see where she went.

  Ricky put the bag on the back seat, then jumped in. Andrew already had the engine running.

  “Man, I thought I was going to have to go without you. You’re slower than an old woman with a walker. Gabi is headed back home from the looks of it. We will catch up to her in no time. She didn’t see you, did she?”

  “Not exactly.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Well, I sort of bumped into her and we talked. I didn’t mean to let the cart roll into her, but I had to apologize when it did. I acted like I was new in town and looking for work. She
suggested I try the casino.”

  They both laughed. If she only knew the casino boss was the one ordering them to follow her. They had even stayed outside her house while she slept.

  Once Gabi had her things put away, she got ready and headed to work. She had to stop and get gas on the way.

  Jack was walking along the side of the road when he thought he got a whiff of Gabi. He stopped, raised his nose in the air, and sniffed long and hard. The wind was blowing in all directions, so it was hard to be sure. The scent came and went so fast he wasn’t sure if he had smelled her or not.

  “Did you catch that?”

  Watson lifted his nose and took a sniff. He didn’t smell anything. Well excepts for the food being cooked somewhere close by.

  It wasn’t long till they came to a gas station. That was when Jack was sure he had smelt Gabi. They searched inside and all around the outside of the gas station. She had been there recently, but she was nowhere to be seen now.

  Jack went inside and ask the attendant if a young woman had been in and described Gabi to the young man behind the register. He said he had just come on duty, so he wasn’t sure.

  Back outside Jack was cussing up a storm. He had been so close to finding her. He was sure she had been there very recently. He called Elliot to let him know where they were and that they had come across her scent, but she was already gone.

  “At least we know she is in this town. We will find her. Now we know for sure we’re looking in the right area. What do you want us to do?”

  “Let’s meet up and have lunch. It’s past lunch time. I don’t know about you all, but I am starving. How about we hit one of the casinos for a while after. We can’t just walk the streets.”

  “Sounds good. Where and when?”

  They decided on a casino that was known for its food according to the phone book in their hotel room. It would take them about an hour to get everyone there.

  Gabi walked into the casino and toward her table. She no longer had to check in with Brett when she came on. She relieved the young girl working her table and went right to work.

  As soon as men seen Gabi at the table they started gathering around. Miles didn’t like it one bit. No, sir, too many men wanting her attention. Too many men trying to get in her pants. So not going to happen.

  He had to think of a way to get her away from so many men’s eyes. Then a thought came to him. Mrs. Bixby could use a personal assistant. He would have her as his assistant, but there were things that went on in his personal office he didn’t think she needed to overhear.

  He picked up the phone and called Mrs. Bixby to his office. He waited for her to get up to his floor while he watched Gabi being surrounded by men.

  Mrs. Bixby wondered what she had done now. Miles Redwood was the pack Alpha and a pain in her ass. She had been doing her job at the casino for years and knew what she was doing. Lately, every time she turned around he was having her do something else.

  She put a smile on her face and knocked on his door. He told her to come in. His back was to her as he was spun around in his chair looking out the window. She could smell the anger and feel it the minute she walked into the room. She was shaking in her shoes. If he was this upset at her she was done for.

  “Mrs. Bixby come in and have a seat. We have something to discuss. I have been watching Miss Cross closely. I think it is time for her to have a new job. I believe you need a personal assistant. You will see to it she has an office close to yours. One out of the way of too much traffic. She can type up letters for you or whatever. I don’t want her out on the casino floor. Too many men are taking notice of her.”

  Too many men are noticing her. What the hell? Isn’t that why they had the dealers dress in such skimpy outfits? Wasn’t that what they wanted was more people letting go of their money? Didn’t Miss Cross bring in twice as many men as the other dealers? Women too some nights. Mrs. Bixby was confused.

  “I think she needs a better salary and a desk job. See to it. You can have her work the same hours as you do. Which from now on will be the late shift.”

  She started to object, but he turned around to face her. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer. She had worked the early shift for years. She didn’t want to work nights. That would leave her wolf mate home alone.

  “But sir, my mate is home nights. I should be with him. Please can’t she work my shift that I have now?”

  He was on his feet and around the desk. He was very polite when he told her no. So polite it sounded like a threat. She cowered in her chair.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I have her under my protection so if anything should happen to her someone will pay. I don’t like the way you treated her in the past. You make sure your pleasant to her. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, sir. Alpha sir, if I may, is there something going on with Miss Cross that I should know about? Why is she being protected?”

  “That is my business. You just do what you’re told. Now go prepare her an office and get her started. I don’t want her on the floor any longer.”

  Mrs. Bixby got up and left his office in a hurry. All the way back to her office, she talked to herself.

  “Human. She is just a plain human and he treats her like she is special. I will give her something all right. Just wait till I get her in my care, she will do more than typing. He will think twice about making me ward over her.”

  Irwin happened to be in the hall and overhear Mrs. Bixby talking to herself. He stopped and looked at her then ask what she was talking about.

  “That man, our Alpha he is protecting the human female. What is it about her that makes him treat us like dirt? She is just some stupid human female. He wants…

  Before she could finish her sentence, Irwin had her up against the wall with his hand around her throat. He was growling at her.

  “If the Alpha tells you to do something you do it without question. If he wants Miss Cross protected that is what we do. You Mrs. Bixby are pushing your luck. I know you know better than to question the Alpha. I don’t know what he told you to do or not do, but when it comes to Miss Cross be very careful what you do or say. Do you understand?”

  She tried to answer him, but with his hand around her throat it was impossible. She nodded her head. He slowly let go of her throat but didn’t move back. He looked like he was about to rip her throat out.

  Irwin didn’t like the way Mrs. Bixby had treated Gabi the first time he had been called to her office. He had witnessed firsthand the awful attitude she had when Gabi was in her office. No, sir, he didn’t like it one bit.

  Slowly he stepped back. He glared at her. If she thought, she was off the hook she was wrong. Wait till he reported her to his Alpha. His father. He wouldn’t be happy about it.

  Mrs. Bixby had no idea what was going on. Had all the male wolves gone crazy? What was it about Miss Cross that had them ready to attack their own pack members?

  She very carefully slid past him and rushed to her office. She was in a foul mood the rest of the day. But she still had to get the office space ready for Miss Cross. First thing in the morning she would call Gabi Cross and tell her of her new position.

  Miles Redwood had witnessed his son attacking Mrs. Bixby. He knew she had said something about Gabi. He called Irwin to his office.

  “You wanted to see me father?”

  “Father? Aren’t we forgetting where we are?”

  “Sorry sir. Alpha sir, you wanted to see me?”

  “That is better. Yes, I caught your little argument with Mrs. Bixby. I couldn’t hear what it was about I wanted to know what she was going on about?”

  “She was angry because Gabi was being given protection. I set her straight. She won’t be questioning things again. If she does, I will punish her good and hard.”

  Irwin was looking into space as he said it. He was picturing torturing the old wolf. She had been a pain in his side for a long time.

  “Irwin what did she say about Gabi other than questioning her
protection?”

  “That she just didn’t understand why everyone was fussing over the human. I got the feeling she was very jealous of Gabi.”

  “Yes, I suppose she is. A very long time ago Bixby wanted me. She tried everything she could to get me to notice her before she mated with Don. I wouldn’t have her in my bed for any reason. That wolf was loose and willing to do anything with anyone. She had no morals.”

  “I didn’t know that. But I do know she gets under my fur. She acts like she owns the casino herself. She treats all of us as if we were dirt. I would like to take her out back and…

  “Now son, I don’t think I want to know this. Just keep her in line. If she so much as touches a hair on Gabi, I will be the one to take her out back and punish her. I would really enjoy it too. She has been a pain ever since she joined our pack. I often wish she hadn’t found us.”

  “What is she supposed to do with Gabi, if you don’t mind my asking?”

  “I have decided Gabi needs her very own office. She is going to see to it that Gabi is given an office. Gabi will be Mrs. Bixby’s personal assistant for now.”

  “What! That wolf will eat her alive. Father, I mean Alpha sir, you can’t do that to Gabi. She doesn’t deserve that kind of punishment. Gabi hasn’t done anything wrong. The Mayor was out of line. Not Gabi.”

  “I wasn’t referring to that incident. Come take a look at the monitor and tell me what you see?”

  Irwin walked over to the wall and found the monitor with Gabi’s table. He watched as a dozen or more men stood around talking to her while six sat at her table. She was overrun with horny old men.

  “I see what you see. Men hanging all over her. I don’t like it. She should be in a safer place. Why with so many men so close we couldn’t get to her in time if one of them tried anything.”

  “I know. I don’t like that they are drooling all over her. I don’t want any male, human or wolf drooling over her. I want to go down there and kill them all. I don’t like the way my wolf has gotten since Miss Cross showed up. I have a few things to deal with over the next couple of weeks. Once those are taken care of, I think I will be taking Miss Cross out to the den. I need to spend some time with her. I need to make sure what my wolf is thinking is correct.”