by Cara Adams
His office was on the tenth floor of the professional suites, a place she’d very seldom been. Maelor, the head of the security guards, escorted her, Ethan, and Nolan, up there for her meeting.
Cadfael was sitting behind a large desk, the drapes over the big window closed, and Rhion Jones, his second-in-command, was standing behind him and to his right.
Ethan and Nolan stopped just inside the doorway and Maelor closed the door with himself on the outside. That relieved Georgia a little. Maelor evidently didn’t think he needed to guard Cadfael against her.
Drawing in a big breath to steady her nerves, Georgia walked across the room and stood in front of Cadfael’s desk. “Alpha,” she said, bowing her head.
That told him her meeting was a serious matter, although it was evident he already knew that. Likely he also knew what she was about to say. What she didn’t know was how he’d respond. Would he be pleased she’d found her mates? Or angry she wanted to leave his pack? Or glad to get rid of her if the project was almost completed? Dammit, her nerves were stretched way too tight to think right now.
“You requested a meeting with me, Georgia?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Speak.”
Dammit, he wasn’t giving her any clues as to how he felt at all. She lifted her head, straightened her spine, and said, “Sir, last night I mated Ethan Simon and Nolan James from the Simon pack. I would like to keep working on the genealogical project, but I’d also like your permission to swear allegiance to the Alpha of the Simon pack. We will make our home on the Simon pack lands, when we’ve finished working here and traveling for the genealogical project.”
“You aren’t averse to traveling greater distances and being away from home for longer periods for the family history study?”
“No, sir. I’m aware we’ve probably done just about all we can do for now in this neighborhood. The next step would appear to be to set up a base somewhere else where we have numerous links into several packs and learn all we can there. Nolan and Ethan would travel with me to these places.”
“Georgia, I’m very pleased you’ve found your mates and a home base from which to journey. The family history project is indeed about to take a new direction. Willow and Hawthorne will continue to maintain all the databases, but someone is needed to conduct the interviews and send them the data. You are the obvious person to do this, and Ethan and Nolan will serve and protect you in this endeavor. Won’t you, men?”
The last three words were a distinct order and the men replied instantly. “Yes, sir.”
“On that understanding I release you from your bond to me. You may join the Simon pack with my blessing.”
Georgia bowed her head and hid her relief. “Thank you, sir.”
Cadfael came out from behind his desk and shook her hand. “Congratulations, Georgia. I’m very happy for you.”
Rhion joined him and Cadfael beckoned Ethan and Nolan over, congratulating them, too.
Georgia knew she had a ridiculous grin on her face. She couldn’t help it. She had thought Cadfael would release her, but she really hadn’t wanted to upset him. He’d been more than kind, patient, and helpful to her over the years, and she’d loved working for him and being based at the mall. She would miss him and this pack when the time came to move. Now she had to swear allegiance to her new Alpha. A man she didn’t really know. But her men trusted and respected him, so that would be her guide.
* * * *
Ethan was as nervous as hell. He was wearing dress pants and a button-down shirt, clothing he almost never wore, and he had to keep wiping his sweaty palms on the seat of his pants. Nolan was dressed the same as him, and Georgia, their wonderful, perfect mate, was wearing a long dress in swirling shades of pale blue and creamy white. She looked stunning. He’d never seen such a beautiful woman in his entire life, and she was theirs. Their mate. Just looking at her made him aware that she represented everything he’d ever wanted and dreamed of, yet she was real. Once again he promised himself he would devote his entire life to worshipping her. He knew no person could make another person be contented. But surely if he was so ecstatically happy, and demonstrated that to her in all he said and did, that would help her know how much he cherished her.
It seemed to him that the entire pack was in the front room of the old farmhouse. It was a big room, but it was never meant to hold so many people. The older members of the pack were sitting on the couches and chairs, with the Alpha in his usual large armchair, but almost everyone else was standing, a lot of them leaning against the walls because there was nowhere else to go.
The Alpha stood up. As if that was a signal, the noise cut off instantly and the contrasting silence almost hurt his ears it was such a shocking change.
“Georgia Edwards, I understand you have something you wish to say?”
Georgia stepped forward into the center of the room. “Yes, sir. I am the mate of Ethan Simon and Nolan James. Because of my mating, my Alpha, Cadfael Hanson, has released me from my vow to serve him. Therefore, I, Georgia Edwards, swear fealty to you, as my new Alpha, and promise to serve and obey you unto death.”
“Your fealty is accepted. Welcome to the Simon pack. You are a wolf we can all be proud of and your mates are good men. I know they will make you very happy.”
The Alpha spoke genially but Ethan knew that was a warning as well. He was to care for her properly. But he would never do anything to endanger his woman. He loved her far too much for that.
The Alpha shook Georgia’s hand, and then a host of women came up to hug her and speak to her. Ethan’s heart almost burst with pride as he saw her surrounded by his pack, loved and welcomed and accepted by these people who meant so much to him. After a little while the Alpha cleared his throat and once again there was silence. Now Ethan and Nolan stood beside Georgia, where they belonged, her body held tightly between them so they could protect and cherish her.
“Georgia will continue working with the werewolf genealogical project for the Supreme Alpha, and Nolan and Ethan will be supporting her in her work. They will often be away traveling to interview people just as they interviewed us. Nevertheless, their home is here. They belong to our pack, and however long or short their stays are on the farm, they are one of us.”
This time Ethan saw the Alpha was warning the pack. There were to be no complaints about them not helping at harvest or sharing in the resources when they were here. They were still pack members. He was so honored the Alpha thought like that of him and Nolan. He hoped not to be a drain on the pack and would do his best always to support himself, but the Alpha had made it clear they all three were family, and Ethan treasured that thought. His Alpha cared about him and made him an important member of the family.
“Now I have some news about the future of our pack. You know I talked with the Supreme Alpha, and he directed me to some people to consult about finding new income streams for the pack.”
Ethan could feel the surge of excitement in the room. They’d been waiting for a month or more to hear this news. But it was only fair that the Alpha investigate the various possibilities carefully and not rush in and make an ill-considered decision. The future survival of the pack was a vital concern to them all.
“The Supreme gave me the names of several packs which have begun farming different crops. Crops for specialty markets that bring in a lot more money than things like corn. Starting after harvest, we will begin growing crocus sativus flowers. But not for the flower market. These are the flowers from which the spice saffron is made. Saffron is the most expensive of all spices.”
The Alpha stopped and let people talk for a few minutes about his announcement. Ethan knew absolutely nothing about flowers or spices, but if the Supreme thought growing these things was a good idea he was more than prepared to learn how to help.
“The flowers will be grown in the biggest barn on racks set waist to shoulder height above the floor. That will almost eliminate the chance that bugs or rats will eat the corms. It will also mean there�
�s no danger of them not getting enough warmth and light, because we can control all that. We have the type of soil they prefer, and we have the organic material they need, which were all things I considered before choosing this crop. But the deciding factor was that they are harvested in October, long after regular crops, so that will mean work for all our own people in a less busy time for us.”
The Alpha sat down, and all around him people began talking. It sounded like a sensible, well thought-out decision to Ethan. Suitable work and income would soon be guaranteed for the pack. But really, all he cared about right now was that the Alpha had welcomed his mate and given her a place in their pack.
* * * *
It was late when they left the farm and headed home to Georgia’s apartment. That sounded so good to Nolan. He was happy as long as he was with her. Wherever she was would be his home from now on. Her apartment was going to be their base for the time being, until they moved out onto the farm. They’d stay where they were until they knew where the family history project would take them. Then they’d move all their possessions onto the farm and it would become their new base from which they’d travel.
But for Nolan, all he needed was the three of them to be together. Their address was immaterial. They were a family. They belonged together.
When Georgia’s cell phone rang, he was surprised. It was late to be getting a call.
She must have set the call onto speakerphone because he could clearly hear the person on the other end.
“Georgia? It’s Janet Young. I’m sorry to call so late at night but we have a problem.”
“A problem? Is your father all right?”
“Yes, he’s fine. It’s Malcolm. He’s gone berserk. The judge has ordered him to present a complete accounting of his and my father’s finances to the court by next month. He’s threatening to kill me, and to kill Sierra Bond, and to get revenge on the Hanson Wolf pack. I’ve contacted my father’s care facility, and Sierra, but I need you to tell all the people who’ve worked on the family history project, and all the people at the Hanson Mall as well. Probably the people at your apartment block, too. Malcolm is extremely vindictive. You need to take this warning seriously.”
“Don’t worry, Janet, we’ll take it very seriously. And I’ll tell the managing director of the mall immediately. Thank you for letting us know.”
“Don’t thank me. I’m only sorry the fucking shit is causing us all more trouble. Well, he’s not going to get his way this time.”
The call clicked off and there was silence in the truck as they kept driving toward the mall.
Nolan was just about to ask Georgia what she planned to do when she started tapping a number into her cell phone.
“Hanson.”
“Sir, I’m really sorry to ring you so late.” Georgia gave him the message from Janet and then apologized again.
“Thank you for letting me know, and don’t worry, Georgia. The mall protected itself against the Hamilton men and we’ll protect ourselves against Malcolm Young as well. I’ll tell security. You’d best move your things into the genealogical office. We can protect you much better there than in the apartment building.”
That’s right. There are families in that building, whereas the people living at the mall are mostly single men, managers of the various stores.
“I’m sorry—” Georgia began.
“It’s not your fault,” said Ethan.
“Don’t be,” said Nolan.
“It’s lucky we’re driving the truck. We’ll be able to fit most of your gear in the back and bring it in one load.” Ethan patted her shoulder.
“But it’s so late.”
“Honey, you can lie on your bed and take a nap. Just tell us what to pack and we’ll take care of it. We’re here to look after you now and forevermore,” said Nolan, meaning every word he said.
“That’s right isn’t it? Life isn’t necessarily going to be smooth and easy. But we’ve got each other and we’ll muddle through somehow.”
“Exactly.” Nolan pulled into the parking lot of her building and kissed her.
Ethan climbed out of the truck and lifted her down from the cab, and he kissed her, too. Then together, arms around each other’s waists, the three of them walked inside to pack her things.
THE END
CARAADAMSROMANCE.BLOGSPOT.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cara Adams adores erotic romance, especially ménage, BDSM, and shape-shifters. One day, someone said to her, “Why don’t you put them all in one book?” So she did.
For all titles by Cara Adams, please visit
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Siren Publishing, Inc.
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