“Are you crazy? Dogs can’t own anything.”
“Our orders were to kill you, but you’re a pretty little thing. I think I’ll take you out into the woods and we can have a bit of fun.”
“Maybe you should look behind you before you make your plans?”
“That’s the oldest trick in the book.”
“Okay, suit yourself.” The fool just stood their salivating over Trail’s mate until Trail knocked him over the head.
“He’ll have a headache. What a maroon.” Twila said laughing and snorting in turn.
“You must be an honorary white wolf. You’ve picked up all their bad customs.”
“Don’t you mean bad habits?”
“Why don’t you help me by calling Naqi and see what he wants me to do with these maroons?”
“It’s only funny the first time. Now they are idiots or morons.”
“Make the call, Sweetheart while I restrain the other one.” Trail said as he let the fool he’d just tie up fall to the floor. Yeah, that one would have a headache and Trail was happy about it.
He dragged the guy out of Twila’s place and down the steps. Thud! Thud! “Sorry about your head man. Not really.” Trail declared as he let his head hit every step down to the landing the other guy was laying on.
Trail restrained the other man and carried them down the rest of the steps and into the office one at a time. “Assholes.” He said as he looked down at the two of them sitting up against the wall side by side. There was an early morning appointment he had hooking up a system and hour away. Their bad timing displeased him greatly.
There was a knock at the door. “Hey, Naqi. You made it fast.” Trail observed as he opened the door wide so Naqi could come in.
“Just two yahoos?”
“Is that the same as idiots?”
“I believe so. Joey declared it the word of the day.”
“Yes, just two I saw. Maybe I should have looked for their car?”
“Search their pockets for keys and IDs.”
“That rhymes you know.” They each took a man and searched.
“Keys and ID.” Naqi yelled.
“ID and a pile of cash.” Trail took the money and piled it on the floor.
”How much?” Naqi asked.
“Ten thousand dollars. My guess is they were paid to kill Twila and me.”
“Was she upset?”
“She didn’t seem to be. Twila got him talking about why he was here. Said he was supposed to kill her but she was cute and he’d like some fun first. They know a dog owns this store and they were ready to kill her even though they thought she was human and might not even know who she was working for.”
“Scorched earth tactics. Kill them all so no one will work for them. Tyne may have to come himself. This is bad, very bad. If he had more trained personnel, it would be different. I’m not sure why he opened this place with so few assets in place.”
“The timing seemed right. He’s opened several recently and even trained a pack so they could open one of their own. It’s important for our kind to be able to defend against this level of hate. Would your pack be prepared for an attack? They’re looking for us and eventually they’ll find us. Will that be bad for us or for them?” Trail questioned.
“My pack is close to their inner beasts. If they go around there at night, they’ll be torn to shreds. The dogs will chew on their bones.”
“You mean the sled dogs like the taste of humans?”
“No, they like the taste of enemies.”
“Okay, remind me never to sneak into your pack’s camp.”
“You used to do that regularly. You made some bitches pretty mad. It might not be the dogs you need to look out for.”
“They’ve had many years to get over it.”
“Maybe, but word is they haven’t.”
“Where do we want to send these two?”
“Just leave them until the morning. I’ll send two guys to load them on the plane and Tyne can handle them.”
“Good. I’m ready to get to bed.”
“I’m ready too. I left my mate wanting.” Naqi grinned. “But not much longer.”
Trail smiled, but his heart wasn’t in it. He wanted what Naqi had, the mate of his heart. Twila wasn’t ready and he worried that she never would be. Now she was even in danger from enemies who wanted to kill her. He went back up the stairs but went to her place instead. He knocked then opened the door. She was still asleep and the asshole had broken her lock. He just laid down on the couch and was almost asleep when he heard her move.
“Trying to get your foot in the door?” She asked with obvious amusement.
“Trying to guard you. The lock was pathetic, but it was something and now it’s broke.”
“Okay. See you in the morning.” It looked like she’d just fallen back to sleep.
At least she hadn’t made him leave. When he woke in the morning he ached all over. He went downstairs and got the coffee started and waited for Naqi’s guys. Twila came down a little later. “Why don’t you go and get us something for breakfast and I’ll watch these guys.”
One was awake but he looked scared. The other guy was still out. Maybe he’d taken one hit too many. Trail didn’t give a shit. They’d come after his mate and that was a big mistake. He called Mad’s and put in the order. Her place was closest so they’d get their food sooner. He took off walking because that would be quicker too.
Once he got there, the food was ready in no time. He grabbed the bag and headed back. “Damn that was quick but I’m glad. Hand me some food, I’m starving.” Twila said.
‘You’re getting awful bossy and we’re not even mated yet.”
“Best you get used to it.”
Hope blossomed. “If you say so. Here’s some more of your food. I’m going to get some coffee. You need some?”
“No, I just got a cup. Thank you anyway and thanks for the food.”
“It’s my pleasure to take care of you.”
“Hmm.” She looked at him suspiciously.
Trail got his coffee and he sipped it slowly. “I hope Naqi’s guys get here before I have to leave.”
“I’ve got your back, Trail. Just go ahead and leave. I don’t want you speeding to get there on time.”
“I like it when you try to look out for me.”
“We’re coworkers, I can hold up my end. I’ve had a lot of training and life has made me tougher than you can imagine.”
“I know all that, it doesn’t stop me from wanting to take care of you.”
“Get a lid on that travel mug and hit the road.”
“Bossy. I kinda like it, but I’ll deny it if anyone ever asks.”
“Drive carefully and watch in case you’re followed.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Everyone likes a little ass but no one likes a smart ass.”
Trail had to laugh. “Another hillbilly saying?”
“Not sure where that one came from but if it fits…”
“Okay, I’m on my way. Call if anything comes up that I need to know.”
“Okay already. Get to work.” Twila insisted.
Surprisingly, he liked this side of her. It showed her past hadn’t prevented her from taking charge and demanding what she wanted out of life or out of him. It was the closest that their interactions had come to friendship or camaraderie. He’d finally come to the conclusion that to win the girl, he needed to be her friend first. Only then would she see how he really was and that he could be trusted with her heart.
He was in his truck headed out of Wilde when he passed Naqi’s brothers. Thankfully they were heading to deal with the prisoners. It was screwed up that non-local anti-wolf haters would be spewing their BS here in Wilde. Why? Because this was the land of the wolf, both werewolf and natural.
In this area, the Wilde pack thrived and had as long as anyone could remember. Few humans, and many of them had ended up as mates, were tolerated here. Tourists were fine, they stayed briefly, most follo
wed the rules, and they left. These haters were coming here without a clue as to who the wolves really were. Alaska had drawn werewolves because of the very things humans didn’t like. It was secluded, inhospitable to strangers, and underpopulated in many areas.
Even though that was changing, it would be generations before it became a problem. In Wilde, it never should have been. The pack owned the town and thousands of acres. Only a few places, like Joey’s house had slipped through their grasp. Naqi had mated Joey so that was no longer a concern.
Tyne had bought the property they were using, but there was a clause returning it to the Wilde if he or his heirs stopped using it. That was only to protect the pack and Tyne hadn’t minded signing off on it. The clause had been added to any new properties sold and they were only sold to werewolves.
Trails phone rang. “You have a call coming through. Do you want to answer it?” His hands free device asked. He could see it was Tyne.
“Yes.”
“Trail. What the hell is going on down there?”
“Yes, I’m fine and Twila’s fine.”
“I already knew that. Who are these assholes and why did they target my sister?”
“Okay. Let’s go through this step by step. I heard something and when I checked I saw an intruder. I took him out and moved up the stairs where another was talking to Twila.”
“Was she scared?”
“Didn’t seem to be. She got him to talk and someone has found out your company is owned by a wolf. They thought she was human so they have no way of knowing who is or isn’t human. They plan to kill anyone and possibly everyone involved with our company. The men last night had a pile of hundreds. Looked like they got a bunch of money to kill her and do goddess knows what else.”
“Damn, I never expected trouble in such a remote area. What is your opinion?”
“Next time, it won’t just be two fools.”
“Agreed. They sent nearly a dozen after Greg. Either they didn’t expect you to be there or they thought they were stealthy and you’d never know they were there until they were gone.”
“Yeah, when I was woke by fire I’d bet.”
“Find anything?”
“I left the investigation to Naqi since we’re understaffed and I’m on my way to an appointment. Naqi’s brothers are with Twila and they will take the prisoners to the plane. Naqi will have someone keep an eye on Twila in case.”
“I feel like the worst brother ever. She’s been in one shitty situation after another since she escaped, on her own I might add. Can you find any more agents for us? Maybe ex-military or ex-enforcer types?”
“I’ll put out the word. Maybe you should take out an ad like the Strong pack did. Visit the wilds of Alaska while you train for a security job of self-defense? Maybe the number of people hanging out here would put them off their game.”
“Maybe or more likely they’d kidnap the weakest link and send them back in pieces.”
“I guess that’s a possibility too. I just got the feeling they didn’t want any attention. They think they’re some kind of super spy guys. They want to come in, kill a few people and hide and watch the fallout.”
“Complete cowards is more like it. They didn’t take out Greg so now they are after females. If any kids were around, they’d target them too.”
“Preachin’ to the choir, Boss.”
“I know. I just had to rant a bit. I’ll try the training here and send those I feel qualified your way, but in the meanwhile, let’s both look for agents and have Naqi help you.”
“Will do, Boss.”
“Oh and Trail?”
“Yes?”
“Having any luck on that personal thing?”
“Maybe a little, but it’s going to go slow.”
“Just as long as you move forward, try to be happy with that. It took me years, but I’m a happy wolf now.”
“Thanks, Boss.”
The line went dead. A few minutes later, he made his first turn and headed down the highway. About an hour later he made his second turn and it wasn’t long before he was at the address he needed to be at. The people seemed nice enough and an hour and a half later he was done. It was a relief to be able to get back to the office and check on Twila.
His next appointment was in the opposite direction. Half his day, or four hours was set aside for each appointment. Right now, three appointments were set for each agent because of short staffing. He used his time on the road to call Twila.
“Wolf Investigations and Securities Inc. Twila speaking. How may I help you?”
“You can give me a kiss when I get back to the office.”
“Trail. How did your appointment go?”
“It was easier than most. I’m on my way back right now.”
“Okay. Did you need something?”
“Tyne wants to hire more people. I know we have some applications and I’d like you to sort them for me.”
“Really?” She sounded doubtful. It wasn’t something she’d ever been asked to do, but she would know the job requirements as well as anyone. That and to show he trusted her abilities was why he asked. Well. That and he could use the help.
“Of course. You can simplify my process by using your knowledge and experience. I need the top ten applicants and notes on anything good or bad in their applications. If you’re too busy…” He trailed off. This wasn’t intended to overwhelm her.
“No, I’d be happy to do it. I doubt I’ll be done by the time you’re back, but we’ll see.”
Trail smiled to himself. This would make them closer as coworkers. Twila wanted to be needed and he knew she was bored because her skills were underutilized. This was a way to use her abilities without adding an element of danger.
Now he needed to stop patting himself on the back and get to the office. If he could pick five applicants to start with, he could have Twila set up appointments for interviews. Even five agents would ease the burden and allow him extra time to work on the problem with the racists.
It was easy to feel caught in the middle. There were racist humans on one side and wolf purists on the other. At least the humans were the only problem right now. They were causing enough trouble as it was. Relief hit him as he entered the home stretch. That he had felt it too soon became obvious quickly.
There was no warning of any kind as the car came out of nowhere and smashed into the side of his truck. He’d never been happier that he drove a truck because while he had some damage, his vehicle was still drivable. The car that had hit him was out of commission and the terrified human kept trying to get it to move to no avail.
Trail got out of the truck and approached the car containing a human. “Looks like you should have thought this out a bit better. Police are on the way and you’re stuck in there.”
“Get away from me. You’re a fucking dog. I’ll tell everyone what you are.”
“You do that. See where it gets you.” A trooper, possibly one of Naqi’s friends was coming their way, lights and siren on.
He came to a sudden stop next to them. “What do we have here?” He asked even though it was pretty obvious.
“My name is Trail Smythe and this man rammed into my truck as I was driving down the highway headed to the store I work out of.”
“What is the store’s name?” Officer Jackson asked. Trail had read the name off his nametag.
“It’s Wolf Investigations and Securities Inc.”
“You’re on of Tyne’s guys? Tell him Jimmy Jackson says hi.”
The guy in the car groaned and palmed his hand. “What’s the matter with you? You clearly caused this accident. Once your insurance pays, you’ll be lucky to get coverage anywhere. Any explanation as to why this happened?” Officer Jackson asked.
“He’s a fucking dog. Don’t you care that humans everywhere are in danger?” The man ranted.
“Mental issues. We’ll find a nice safe place for you. There’s a tow truck on the way and they’ll have a way to get you out of there. Just remain calm an
d everything will be alright.” An ambulance pulled up and Trail could hear the discussion.
“How’s the patient?” The paramedics asked.
“He’s delusional and dangerous. I recommend sedation before he’s removed from the car.”
Trail heard a sound and turned to see what the guy was up to and it was a good thing. He had a gun in his hand. Trail grabbed his hand and moved it so no one would be hurt and the gun went off before he could wrest it away. Once he got the gun he held it out barrel down.
“Give me back my fucking gun. We have to destroy the dogs and the people involved with them.” The guy screamed frothing at the mouth with fury.
“See what I mean guys?” Jackson asked the ambulance team that had come up behind him witnessing the lunacy of the man in the car.
“We’re here to help you, mister.” One of the paramedics softly explained.
“We’re all going to die.” The man moaned. “We have to kill them all before they kill us.” The paramedic gave the guy a shot before he realized what was happening. “You tricked me.” He said as he slumped forward.
“Thank goodness that’s done. Let’s get him out of here and restrained. He’s a live one.” Jackson said.
“We haven’t had one this crazy in a while.” One paramedic observed.
“I hope we don’t see one again anytime soon.” The other paramedic agreed. They worked quietly to extract him once the tow truck guy arrived and helped. As soon as they loaded him, they drove away lights and siren blazing. They wanted rid of him before he woke and if was hard to blame them.
Now that Jackson and Trail were alone, it looked like Jackson had more to say. “Is he one of the human racists?”
“I’m afraid so. They are radical and extreme. Not only do they enact violence on us, they are planning to do violence to any humans that work for us whether those humans know about us or not.” Trail explained. He sniffed a slow deep breath. “You’re a bear?”
“Polar bear. Our people have lived beside Naqi’s since the old days sharing the hunt and helping each other deal with the humans. If they hate wolves, they’ll really hate my people.”
“How do you hide your scent?”
“Cologne.”
“How can you stand that?”
Bad Habit (Wolf Investigations and Securities Inc. Book 2) Page 3