Chapter 18 #2
“I know you do because I see it in how you care for the animals. I see it in the way you treat your team. I see it in the way you’ve integrated into this Pack and stepped up as a leader around here.
You care about people, Cruz. You care about what happens here at the Ranch and within the Pack.
You don’t hide yourself away like a hermit.
You’re out there spending time with others because you care. ”
“Yeah, I care, but what does that have to do with love?”
“They’re one in the same. Love just runs deeper. You know, you care even more.”
“But how will I know it’s love?”
He considered that a moment before responding.
“I’m assuming we’re talking about Daisy?”
I nodded. There was no reason to deny it now. I’d already made enough of a fool of myself just asking. But that’s how much I needed to know.
“Okay, you’ll know it’s love when she’s all you can think about.
She’s the first thing on your mind in the morning and the last as you close your eyes at night.
When something great happens in your day and you can’t wait to tell her about it, that’s love.
When you know without a doubt that you would give your life for hers and only regret that you won’t be there to hold her and shield her from that pain, that’s love.
And when your heart nearly bursts with pride and joy for something she’s done or said that has nothing to do with you, that’s love.
Sometimes it’s a warm sensation throughout your body, but then that can easily be confused with lust, especially with your mate. ” He chuckled.
It was a lot to take in. I already felt all those things for Daisy. Maybe I was falling in love with her. I supposed only time would tell. And I prayed that someday I wouldn’t question it because I would know for certain that it was love.
“Thanks. It’s a lot.”
“I know. And it happens so fast it feels like whiplash. But trust me when I say she’s worth it.”
I checked the time, surprised by how long I’d already been there. I didn’t want to waste too much time away, but I did want to do a walk through just to be sure everything was getting accomplished.
“I gotta go. Want to check on the rest of the guys that came in with the band and make sure they’re okay staying out here, and then do a walk around. I trust that everything is running smoothly here, but it’ll be nice to see it for myself.”
He laughed. “We never really want to know things are running too smoothly without us.”
I started to protest, but he stopped me.
“It’s normal, not a jab against you.”
I just shook my head as he walked away.
He knew damn well that things like that could easily get under my skin.
And he was right. It was a double-edged sword, knowing they were doing so well without me.
As I walked around inspecting everything, I realized they really were continuing to run like a well-oiled machine while I’d been off dealing with my unexpected mate. Damn if that didn’t suck, too.
Pushing that voice in my head aside that was already trying to say I wasn’t really needed around here, I walked over to the bunkers.
There were more roadies than I expected that had come along, so it was easy to spot them. They stood out like a sore thumb, even those in jeans and plaid shirts. It was like their shirts were too crisp and their jeans were too blue.
“Howdy. Thought I’d swing by and introduce myself, make sure you guys have everything you need. I’m Cruz.” I had to bite my tongue not to add “Daisy’s mate.”
“Are you kidding? This place is amazing,” one guy said.
“Best accommodations we’ve ever had on the road,” another praised.
I was equally glad to hear it and a bit horrified wondering exactly what kind of accommodations they were used to.
“You the one that’s going to tell us about setup plans?”
“Maybe. I need to get those instructions myself still. We’ll do all of that in the morning, if that’s okay with you. How much time do you need?”
“For a small production like this, just a few hours.”
“Great. Did anyone explain to you about the mess hall here? Or would you prefer meals elsewhere?”
“I’m already on it, boss. Wyatt put me in charge, if that’s okay with you,” Will said.
“Uh, yeah, if you think you’re up for it.”
“He’s a good kid,” the man I’d been speaking with said.
Will just beamed with pride.
“Okay, well then, I’ll leave you all to it and see you in the morning.” I clapped Will on the back. “They’re all yours. I’m just a phone call away if you need anything.”
He scrunched up his nose in disgust. That boy was so stubborn and determined to prove himself.
“Kenneth is staying over with me tonight. We’re going to hang out with the roadies and make sure everything runs smoothly,” he said proudly.
“I know you will.”
And I believed that too. He was too determined to fail.
I left them all in Will’s care and drove over to Lily’s. It was about time I learned what the plan actually was.
*****
Lily, Sydney, and a handful of others were in the middle of the living room at the Pack House when I arrived. They were all excitedly discussing the concert.
“Oh great. You’re here. Where’s Daisy?” Lily asked, straining to see around me.
“She’s at home.”
“Seriously? Is she okay?”
“Yeah. The band arrived, and I’m giving them all time to catch up with each other.”
“You left your mate alone in the house with those four hotties?” Sydney asked. “Are you crazy?”
I growled, really wishing people would stop mentioning that.
“It’s fine. They’re like family to her.”
Millie from the tavern was there and snorted. “I wish I had family like that.”
The rest of the room cracked up, hooting with laughter and egging each other on.
“I’d take any one of them anytime,” she added.
“Shit,” I muttered under my breath.
The ladies laughed again. I was pretty sure they were enjoying my discomfort.
“Just tell me the plans.”
“Alright ladies, let’s give him a break,” Sydney said, coming to my defense.
“The concert is scheduled for tomorrow at seven. We’re holding it at the country club.
There’s plenty of room and we, if word accidentally gets out, can control admission by keeping it just to the Pack.
So someone will be monitoring access from the road. ”
“That sounds good. But I thought Thomas was going to put out a gag order on the Pack so no one would discuss her being here.”
“I’m afraid word may have gotten out before that happened. Now, we don’t think anything about the concert was mentioned outside the Pack, so these are just precautions to ensure Daisy’s safety here.”
“What do you mean word may have gotten out?”
“Well, some of our pups posted up on social media about her being here. We’ve seen a little bit more human visitors around town hoping to meet her, but it hasn’t been anything too concerning,” Lily said.
I growled. “We told her we could protect her. I told her I could protect her here.”
“And you are. We all are. She’s safe here, Cruz,” she assured me.
I had this sudden and insatiable need to get to my mate and ensure for myself that she was okay. And I couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
The women just laughed at me. They all seemed to understand even if I didn’t fully get it.
All I knew was that I needed to get to Daisy as quickly as possible.