CHAPTER ELEVEN #2
“What? Is she going to shift now?”
Enzo shrugged. “Why not? It’s not like we have anything better to do tonight. At least, I don’t. Penny?”
She shook her head slowly. It took all her self-control not to burst out laughing at the sight of Goldman’s terrified face.
He was so uncomfortable, that even she could tell.
She was sure Enzo and Theresa, or any other shifter, could have smelled the fear on him from miles away.
She was glad to see that her boss could be intimidated, too.
By the right people. It meant it wasn’t impossible to outsmart him.
“I want to see,” she said.
Goldman stole a glance at her, then cleared his throat and poured himself more wine.
“If you think she has enough space to shift here, then sure. Go ahead. I was just concerned about the furniture.”
Penny rolled her eyes discreetly.
Enzo nodded, stepped aside, and motioned for Theresa to do her thing.
The woman looked around her, decided the office was spacious enough, then focused on her own body.
Penny watched her in amazement. Theresa was tall and curvy, with long black hair and kind brown eyes.
She was wearing jeans and a cute, feminine blouse, which she chose to remove so she’d only remain in her bra.
She got rid of her shoes, too, then allowed the first sounds of bones snapping and moving around under her skin and muscles to fill the room.
As with any shifter, the transformation was smooth, quick, and painless.
In a matter of seconds, a strong, massive she-bear was standing where Theresa had stood.
The gentle brown eyes were the only indication that the woman and the she-bear were the same creature.
“Incredible,” Goldman whispered.
Penny’s eyes skipped between the shifter, Enzo, and her boss.
It was interesting for her to observe the energy in the office.
Goldman was almost cowering behind his desk, while Enzo was leaning against the back of a chair, his hands crossed over his bulky chest, a smug look on his handsome face.
The she-bear did not make a single move.
Even though Penny knew she wasn’t dangerous, she felt better knowing Enzo had probably told her to stay as calm as possible and speak only when spoken to.
She couldn’t deny that Theresa looked majestic and dangerous at the same time.
“The others will be crazy about this.”
Enzo nodded, walked over to the she-bear and patted her on the back, then pulled at her right ear as if it was no big deal. His confident attitude made Goldman relax.
“So? Have you reconsidered my proposal? Are we going to organize a special night with all the members of your club and all their shifters?”
“I told you, Enzo. It’s not safe. While we all have full control over our shifters, we’re smart enough to avoid bringing them all together in the same place. You never know what might cross their mind… when the silly idea that if they join forces they could escape might get into their poor heads.”
Enzo huffed. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, Richard, but if any of you thinks for a second that you might lose control of your shifters, then you just don’t have full authority over them.
I’m sorry, but that’s the naked truth. You know I like to be honest.” He leaned against the she-bear’s muscular side as if she were a mere piece of furniture he could use however he pleased.
“You know, I’m starting to think this is not a good fit for me, after all. ”
“What are you saying?”
“Well, I have a bear-shifter. You have, what? Dogs, sheep, cats, monkeys? Not even a wolf. If I throw Theresa into the ring, she’ll rip all your shifters apart in minutes, and that won’t be too much fun.
Not for me. And if you say they’re not even devoted to their owners one hundred percent, then they won’t put on a real fight.
Too easy. I’m thinking this club of yours might not be for me.
I’m looking for something more reliable. ”
Penny couldn’t believe how good Enzo was at manipulating Goldman with just a few well-placed words. Her boss immediately started fidgeting and smiling awkwardly while his eyes moved from the she-bear to Enzo. It was obvious he didn’t want to lose him and his shifter.
“They’re devoted to us,” he said. “Even Juniper and Thorn. You’re very quick to judge, Mr. Salvador. Our group is solid. Reliable. These doubts have no place here. I, for one, know you won’t regret joining us. Am I going to regret bringing you in?”
Enzo was silent for a long moment, giving the impression that he was thinking hard about his question. Eventually, he smiled widely. His shoulders relaxed, and he stepped away from the she-bear, right arm stretched to shake Goldman’s hand.
“No one is going to regret anything. I can see how it was sensible for you and your group to stay alert around your shifters, but you have nothing to worry about. Not anymore. I give you my word that as long as my Theresa is there, none of the other shifters will dare to think a thought or move a muscle without a direct order from their owners. She is strong, intimidating… She’s an Alpha.
The only authority she recognizes is mine, and if I tell her to keep an eye on your shifters and make sure they all play nice, she will. ”
Goldman nodded thoughtfully, then shook Enzo’s hand.
“Alright then. It’s settled. I’ll let the others know we’re organizing an epic night. They will bring all their shifters.”
“Three nights from now?”
“Done.”
Penny breathed out in relief. She hadn’t even noticed she’d been holding her breath through their negotiation.
She wasn’t sure what Enzo’s plan was, but Theresa surely played a key role.
When Enzo took off his jacket and threw it at the she-bear’s feet, telling her to shift back, she knew he had just won the first battle right before her eyes.
A battle of wits, but a battle nonetheless.
For now, it was over. She could sneak upstairs for a few minutes to see the twins, then go home, have a peaceful dinner she’d actually be able to hold in, then sleep.
“Oh, one more thing.” Enzo turned to Goldman while retrieving his wallet from the pocket of his dress pants. “Can I have Penelope for the night?”
Penny’s heart jumped. What was he up to? If he wanted to spend the night with her, all he had to do was ask her in private.
Goldman waved him off, a wicked smile on his lips.
“There’s no need for that. We’re partners and friends now, and I’m sure Penny doesn’t mind. If you promise to buy her a nice dinner, then I don’t need a single cent.”
Enzo nodded and shoved his wallet back into his pocket.
“I appreciate it.” He turned to Penny. “Shall we, cielo?”