Stanley (Red Wolf Book 2)

by Dawn, Crystal

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s no problem.”

  That’s what she thought. It was ten in the morning and Maisy didn’t have a thing to wear and needed a haircut and shoes. Damn, I’d forgotten about shoes. Most of the pack went barefoot. One of the little kids was underfoot in the kitchen and I motioned him over.

  “Have you seen Maisy?”

  “No, Ma’am.”

  “If I gave you a cup of soda for finding her, could you?”

  He broke out in a big smile. “Yes, Ma’am.” He tore out the door like he was on fire.

  A few minutes later, he brought a dirty, bedraggled Maisy in after him. I grabbed a cup and got the soda out of the fridge. Pouring the drink, I spoke to Maisy at the same time. The boy guzzled his soda, set the cup in the sink and ran off.

  “You want me to go now?” Maisy’s voice screeched with nerves.

  “We have just enough time to get you ready. Go take a shower but first tell me, does anyone around here know how to cut hair?”

  “Kristen used to own a beauty shop.” By now some other little kids had found their way inside. Maisy went to take a shower.

  “Can one of you find Kristen for me?”

  “I can.” One of the dark eyed girls said.

  “Go, get her.”

  “I get the same reward Todd got?”

  “Yes, if you hurry.”

  Todd must have told all of them. “I need someone to take a note to Liza in the sewing room.”

  A blue eyes boy steeped forward watching as I wrote out the note. I handed it to him and he rushed off. Gathered around me was the under ten crowd even including a few toddlers. “Who is the oldest?” The tallest boy stepped forward. “I need to know somethings. How many of you live with your families?” No one stepped forward. “How many of you have families?” A couple raised their hands. “Do you want to live with them?”

  “My father is in jail. My mom left first chance she got.”

  “Who is your dad?”

  “Jergens. He don’t like me no how.”

  “How old are you?”

  “Five and a half.”

  “I need you to come see me and the alpha after supper, okay?”

  “You’re not getting rid of me, are you?”

  “No, honey. I wouldn’t do that. Have you all heard that alpha and I are putting people in houses?” I looked at all the kids gathered and saw heads nod. “We are going to find homes for all of you too. Tents are fine for camping out, but we don’t want anyone to have to live in them.”

  A little girl stepped up. “But we got the big tent now.”

  “Is that the one Ezra’s family lived in?” They all nodded their heads. “It won’t be as warm as a house when it’s cold or it snows. You’ll have some say in where you live. Just give it a chance, okay?” They nodded, most of them, anyway.

  The winds of change were blowing through the pack and some of the members were confused and even downright scared. None more than these kids who had known bad times and saw things were finally getting better. They were just waiting for someone to dash all their hopes and pull the rug out from under them. Soon they would learn to trust that it wasn’t going to happen. There was a new boss in town and he would do right by each and every one of them.

  “One at a time, guys. We’ll see you each into a loving family.”

  “What happens if no one wants us?” A male about six years old asked.

  “You will have a home, no matter what I have to do to see it done.” The kids nodded but didn’t look convinced. About that time, the little girl dragged Kristen in and Maisy came to the kitchen her hair wet and dripping with every step. Before doing anything else, she pulled out the soda and started pouring all the kids a glass. It took three bottles, but they each got one before she was done.

  “Kristen, can you fix Maisy’s hair?” Kristen looked at Maisy as if she was a giant turd. Then she looked at me as if she was stunned I would ask her to help her enemy. “We need to leave the past in the past. The pack needs to get our people working and right now Maisy has a chance to get a job. Once Maisy is done, I’m going to help you. You may need Maisy’s help then.”

  “Okay. You’re right. We all did awful things we aren’t proud of. I need scissors, a blow dryer, makeup, a round brush, and a comb for now.”

  I hurried to fetch the stuff from my room grabbing the diffuser that came with my blow dryer just in case. Once I got back to the kitchen, Maisy was on the stool and Kristen had towel dried her hair. Looking over my offering, she nodded. “You have some good stuff.”

  Kristen began to comb, snip and measure until the cut was done. Next she began to dry using the round brush to put a slight curl into Maisy’s hair. While Kristen worked her magic, Liza came out with an adorable pair of scrubs with cartoon characters on them.

  “Will they fit her?” I asked.

  “She’s a perfect extra small. If she gains weight, I’ll make new ones and one of the kids can use them for PJs.”

  “You are amazing. Tonight after supper I need to talk to you and Kristen about a business plan.”

  Liza nodded and went back to work. All these ladies were so hard working and easy to get along with. Damn James for what he’d put them through and how he’d terrorized their lives. The sad thing no one else seemed to realize was that Maisy had been the biggest victim of all. It followed her even now when the pack was trying to pull itself back together because many of the females hated her. All she had done was try to survive by the rules such as they were.

  When Kristen was done, my mouth dropped open. Maisy was gorgeous. “What?” Maisy asked.

  “Come with me and I’ll show you. Kristen, do you want to give the kids haircuts?”

  “I’ll do that, Alpha.”

  I grabbed the scrubs and led Maisy into my room. “This room looks great.” Maisy admitted.

  “Look into the mirror.” I directed.

  Maisy gasped. “Is that really me?” Tears formed in her eyes and she blinked them away.

  “It certainly is.” I pushed the scrubs into her hands. “Put these on and we’ll go.”

  She dressed and came out. “You look great.”

  “Thank you.” She said and I knew she really meant it.

  “You’re welcome. Try not to step in anything. We’re going to stop and get you some shoes and socks.”

  We took my car because all the other ones were in use. I didn’t mind, my car was a crossover. It had more room than a car, better gas mileage than an SUV, and sat high enough to go off road in most places. I loved to drive it. We headed to Howlington and I pulled into a well-known shoe store. Maisy followed me in and we found shoes and socks quickly.

  Maisy had found something she didn’t need yet, but soon would. A pair of winter boots with fringe. I personally liked the look myself. “Try them on.” I encouraged.

  “I shouldn’t.”

  “We have the time, what would it hurt?”

  “Okay.” She pulled them on and they looked good on her.

  “What do they feel like?”

  “Comfortable and they’re so pretty.”

  They were also on sale and I loved sales. “Let’s get them too.”

  “It’s too much.”

  “It’s exactly enough.” We had a pair of sneakers, a pair of work shoes, the boots, and a pack of socks. Maisy was set until winter except for the clothes Liza was making for her. I paid out of my personal account and we were off to the hospital. It was just after one so everyone should be back from lunch.

  We walked up to the information desk. “We are here to see Brenda Hook.”

  “I’ll let her know you’re here. Just take a seat until she can see you.”

  I led Maisy to the seats and we sat. “Can you drive?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you have a driver’s license?”

  “No, alpha said we didn’t need one.”

  I was getting so tired of what alpha had to say. “If you can pass one, I’ll loan y
ou the money to get a car.”

  Maisy broke out in a giant smile. Then she frowned. “Why are you helping me?”

  “We’re pack. Pack helps pack all the time. I’m the alpha’s mate. Females are mine to help. Understand?”

  “You feel responsible?”

  “It’s my privilege as well.”

  “Okay.”

  “Brenda will see you now.” The lady said.

  We got up and walked to the office she indicated. A neat, clean professional sat there looking at us. “Hello ladies. Who is applying for the job?”

  “Maisy is.” I sat back while Maisy answered the questions until they got to references.

  “I’ll be a reference. You can also put Reese down. Stan will be the third one.”

  “What about banking information?”

  “Can we send that back to you? We’ll go open an account as soon as we leave here.”

  “Picture I.D.?”

  “She has none.”

  “She’ll need it.” Brenda said.

  “We’re going to the State DMV so we’ll get one there and come by so it can be scanned.”

  “That will work. I know you have a lot on your plate and I’ll try to make it as easy as possible. Anything that can wait, I’ll put off.”

  “I appreciate that.” And I did because we were going to go through this with each of our people except for the older ones. Some of the young ones probably didn’t even have birth certificates.

  “I have all I need for now. If you get me her ID, she can start training tomorrow. Normally we charge a fee, but since she’ll be working for us I’ll waive that.”

  “Thank you. What time will she start?”

  “Training is eight to four. She can eat in the cafeteria but it costs or she can pack a lunch. They have a twenty minute lunch and at least two ten minute breaks. Welcome to the team, Maisy.”

  “Thank you, Ma’am.” Maisy replied.

  We left in a hurry going to the State DMV in Howlington where any state ID was done. The lady at the desk looked bored. “Take a number and get in line.” She said automatically. I grabbed a number as Maisy mouthed off.

  “No one else is here.”

  The lady ignored her. “Number twenty.” She yelled. “What can I help you with?”

  “This young lady needs a picture ID.”

  “Okay, I need two forms of ID, fill out this form, and pay eleven dollars.”

  “Reese said you would understand if I said she used to be with James.”

  The female’s eyes went wide. She grabbed her phone. “I need a supervisor right away.”

  “That’s above my pay grade. Help is on its way.”

  In a few minutes a short peppy lady appeared and the other one whispered to her. She approached us cautiously. “Why don’t you ladies follow me to the back?”

  We went back to her office and she indicated we should sit. “I’m sorry for what you went through. We’ll do everything we can to make this easier for you. Do you both need IDs?”

  “No, just Maisy. She has a job to start tomorrow if we can get through this.”

  “We’ll do the ID, but we’ll need her to fill out the form as best she can.” The lady handed Maisy a clipboard and Maisy began to fill out the long form. It took about ten minutes and she handed it back.

  The lady looked through it and nodded. “I know you or at least I used to. What happened to your mother?”

  “She’s dead.”

  “How?”

  “They never told me.”

  “I hope James rots in hell. Your mother was my first cousin. I kept hoping she’d contact me. She was angry when she left because none of us supported her position.”

  We looked at her, what the hell did you say to that? “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “Thank you. Where does Maisy live? We heard some of them are in tents.”

  “Maisy is in the pack house. We are fixing the homes for families first. Some of the singles will stay in the pack house and Maisy will probably be one of them. If she wants to buy a house after things stabilize. That’s her choice and we’ll help her. Right now she has a chance at a job and maybe an education.”

  “Okay. I get it. Let’s take her picture and I’ll get her documents fixed.” We went back out front where the lady took Maisy’s picture. “You don’t look like your mom but you look exactly like our grandma when she was young. She was a beauty too.” The lady smiled but her eyes were shiny. “I’m your cousin Ethel.”

  “Thank you, Ethel.” I said and Maisy parroted me.

  “If you ever want to meet some of the family, let me know. They want to see you.” Maisy nodded, but I think she was overwhelmed. Family could be a wonderful thing to have.

  We left and went back to the hospital where the lady at the information desk copied Maisy’s ID. I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment. “Let’s go to the Chinese place, okay?”

  Maisy nodded her head but her expression was dazed. Poor girl had been overwhelmed with all that was going on. We pulled into the Purple Dragon and she followed me in. “Everyone should get to try Asian food. Do you know what you might like?” I gestured to the menu.

  “I’ve never seen any of these dishes.”

  “The one most people like is the cashew chicken Springfield style. It has chicken nuggets, gravy, and rice. I like it, but I prefer the chicken fried rice.”

  “Okay. Order for me.”

  I gave the waitress our order and she brought our drinks right away. Maisy drank hers in a few minutes and I could see she was nervous. “It will all settle down. Just try to keep a calm center.”

  “Why did I never know I had family?”

  “When did your mom die?”

  “I was ten. Old enough to know.”

  “Maybe she worried that they’d take you away. What Alpha James did wasn’t legal.”

  “He wasn’t as bad until my mom died.”

  We stopped talking when the waitress brought us crab Rangoons and egg rolls. “Maisy, what was your mom to him?”

  “She was his last mate. I was six when they mated and ten when she died.”

  That sick bastard. He’d ruined Maisy’s life and then he’d taken advantage of her. I was hoping he’d rot in prison and suffer every day. We ate in silence because I couldn’t think of one thing to say to make it better.

  “Do you wish you hadn’t been nice to me now that you know who I am?”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “Everyone thinks I’m bad because of Alpha. They said it was sick and wrong.”

  “You weren’t the one that was wrong, Maisy. None of that was ever your fault.”

  “I felt bad when I gave up my baby.”

  “You had a baby?”

  “Yes. Alpha made me let her go.”

  “Where did she go?”

  “She’s with the pack. The kids stay together.”

  “Do you want her back?”

  “Yes, could I get her to live with me?” Maisy looked so hopeful.

  “Yes. Do you know which one she is?”

  Maisy gave me one of those superior wolf looks. “Of course and she knows she’s mine. We just couldn’t let anyone else know we talked.”

  “Do you have room to keep her with you?” Maisy shook her head.

  “There’s four of us in one bedroom.”

  I felt bad because I hadn’t realized they were packed in like sardines. All these plans, but they all took time. “I’ll work on something so you can get a room as soon as possible.” Who would think Maisy would embrace a normal life as fast as or faster than the others?

  Maisy and I got to go containers because we couldn’t finish it all. First we went to the bank to open a checking account and it went fast. We left to head home after we ran her ID to the hospital to get scanned first. I knew Maisy would be alright eventually. Her daughter would be too. Stan and I were making inroads and things were progressing fast. We arrived back at the pack house right after the males made it back. Supper was
on and everyone was digging in.

  The food smelled wonderful but Maisy and I were full. We put our leftovers in the fridge and sat down with a drink to talk to the guys at the table. “Maisy starts work tomorrow.”

  “That’s great. How did you pull it off?” Stan asked.

  “Maisy was a big help. We managed to get her ID and Reese’s name greased the machine.”

  “I bet it did. Congratulations Maisy.” Stan said and everyone else added theirs. I noticed everyone looked better. They were clean, dressed, and those who were undernourished were looking so much better.

  Liza and Kristen approached me. “Are you ready to talk?”

  “I am. Stan do you have a moment?”

  “Sure. Let’s go to my office.”

  We entered and the door closed. “I was wanting to discuss setting up a business with the two of you. We’ve been given permission to buy in Howlington, but I’d rather try Greyville. I’ve found a perfect building on the square. Kristen would have one side and if she chooses to, she would live in the apartment upstairs. Liza would have the other side. Both sides are big enough for a work room or storage in back. Stanley’s guys would do the work to fix things the way you want them.”

  “It costs a lot to start a beauty salon.” Kristen cautioned.

  “The building is the biggest expense. Do you still have your license?” Kristen nodded. “That makes things easier.”

  “What do you think, Liza?”

  “I’m good to go.”

  “Where is the money coming from?” Stan asked.

  “I have some money I was saving for a house. I get a retainer from the witch council for services. I also had clients until recently. I’ll provide what’s needed to set them up. After all expenses are paid, they get half the profit, a fourth goes to the pack, and a fourth back to me.”

  “I accept.” Liza said.

  “What about if there is no profit for a while?”

  “I’ll help you until you are established.”

  “I accept too. I also want the apartment over the shop.”

  “Where are you staying right now?”

  “I live in the pack house with some other females.”

  “I suspect they’ll be glad to have you go.”

  “How long before you get this set up?” Stan asked.