Chapter Fifty-Two
Willow
W: Bigfoot did so amazing yesterday; I think he’s about ready to start being in the house all the time.
O: I can’t wait. My place is so quiet; I’m ready for puppy snuggles.
W: He’s got an insanely powerful bite. Nearly ripped the practice pole right out of my hand. We’ll be switching over to moving targets soon.
O: As long as he’s sweet and a cuddle champ.
W: He is! Wish I could talk longer, but I’m off to work. Love you!
O: Miss you! Love you!
Gravel crunches under my feet as I make my way toward the MC’s mechanics’ bay. Both my Alphas should be there because they had work to catch up on. Or something.
The last few days, since the Black Plague attack, they’ve been distant.
Love still hits me through the bond every now and again.
But my Alphas are agitated, and on high alert.
I’m sure there’s some club business going on that I’m not supposed to know about.
And though they are likely trying to keep me safe, it’s still pissing me off.
With everything that happened, I probably should have canceled the private training session, but truth be told, I forgot, and now it’s too late. So I just have to hope that someone is around to be my babysitter. Even though I can drive myself, I don’t want to be fatally dumb.
A loud, rhythmic thumping builds as I get closer to the bay, but there’s no one outside. Usually, the area close to the clubhouse is bustling with activity. Especially on a beautiful day like today, but everything is silent, ghostly, and anxiety prickles along my spine.
The garage comes into view, and the doors are closed, sealed up tight. What the heck? It’s usually open to let the air flow through. A frown creases my face, and my footsteps stutter, slowing. Pulling out my phone, I’d send a quick text to our group chat.
Me
Hey, I’m almost at the bay. Are you inside?
When no answer comes, I straighten my shoulders. Their hands are busy. Maybe they’re building something or whatever. I remind myself as I walk to the front door.
I’m safe here. I’ve never had a reason to think otherwise. With a deep breath, I yank it open, hearing a mallet thump down on metal. The familiarity of the sound makes my fingers curl reflexively, then pulse with discomfort.
Tiptoeing forward, I peer into the workspace. A row of shiny chrome stares back at me, but there’s still no Hellbent Hounds. My mouth goes dry, and I consider running out of the building.
What the hell is wrong with me?
My hand reaches down to touch Bruce’s head, but when I come up empty, I’m reminded that my loyal pup is at our house because tonight’s client is dog-aggressive. Dammit. His steady presence and teeth are exactly what I need.
Maybe my men are just in the back, grabbing a break or something…
The thumping stops, and the sound of footsteps plays in my ear.
“Willow?” a voice asks, and it sounds somewhat familiar.
A man appears in the shadows, and my already painful fingers slide to my thigh, ready to pull out my trusty knife.
The figure comes closer, eyes trained on my movement, and I recognize him instantly.
Pup. We haven’t spoken since that awkward day at the shooting range.
“Hey. What are you doing here? I’m supposed to meet you at Gy’s in thirty minutes. ”
His face is open and friendly, with brown hair standing straight on end. Sweat drips along his brow. My eye falls to the mallet in his hand, and I swallow hard, fighting the urge to flee.
“You were?” It takes me by surprise, and I wonder why this prospect would come looking for me.
“Yeah. Cujo and Gy asked me to follow you to work tonight. Keep you safe. It’s one of my new jobs.” He grins at me, and it calms my nerves. Pup drops the mallet on a workbench with a loud thunk, and I do my best to fight the urge to fall into my memory.
“They did?” Gosh. My brain. I must have told them. My heart melts at the thought that, even with all the craziness going on, they remembered something so small.
“Yup. And I’m pretty excited. Last prospect with this position got a big promotion.” He winks good-naturedly, and I laugh, thinking of Puppy—now Lassie.
“Wasn't Lassie supposed to take me? Are they here? Or…” I drift off. Of course they aren’t. But where are they? We’re going to need to have a chat about all this disappearing. Sadness swells within me.
“Nope. Cerberus called them all away on some top-secret business, so they asked me.” He shrugs, but I can sense his longing to be a part of it.
“Is something going on? Should I be worried?” I ask, and he grunts.
“No idea. They don’t tell me shit, either.” There’s an uncomfortable pause. “So, are you ready to leave now?”
Though I had been hoping to see my Alphas, there’s not much point in sticking around without them. My time would be better spent heading to work early. At least I might run into Bert or someone.
“Yeah. Do you want me to drive, or…?”
“Well, I’m not too keen on cars. And if you get on the back of my bike, your Alphas will rip out my guts then choke me with them.” He chuckles as if it’s a joke, but we both know it’s not. “You could drive, and I’ll follow on my bike?”
“That works.”
“Why don’t you go ahead? I just need to grab my keys. Got a new bike, courtesy of Cujo. Not totally sure why he wanted my old one, though.” My cheeks flame, and I spin on my heel, heading for the exit.
Good thing Pup is a Beta, or I’d be worried he could smell the spike in my scent.
It doesn’t take long before I climb behind the wheel. Waiting, I pull out my phone and fire off another text in our group chat.
Me
Heading to work with Pup. You two owe me snuggles and a movie night.
There. Hopefully, they’ll get the hint that this omega needs a little more attention.
Pup pulls up, motorcycle roaring, and waves me on. After checking my mirrors, I exit and drive down the familiar street. A sense of disquiet bubbles in my gut. I’m not sure if it’s coming from me or Cujo, but I do my best to shake it off and focus on getting to the training center safely.
Doing several deep breathing exercises, I manage to calm my anxious mind. Deep breath in, deep breath out. In and out. By the time I arrive, I’m ready to put on my most professional face and help with a dog-aggressive pup.
The sky is a bright array of colors. Brilliant pinks and oranges paint the horizon as the sun sets, and I park my car in front of our building.
As soon as I turn off my engine, a motorcycle goes flying by.
He gives me a two-finger salute, and I frown, surprised he is leaving so quickly.
Most of my babysitters wait outside while I work, shop, or do whatever I need to.
It’s rare that someone leaves, but I guess to each their own.
I’m not going to complain. Though I have a feeling Cujo will be displeased, it doesn’t upset me. Bert’s is a safe space.
After unbuckling my seatbelt, I climb out of the car, then lock it behind me before scurrying across the street.
Glancing left and right, I make sure nothing is amiss before unlocking the front door and letting myself in.
The main drag is quiet, just a few townsfolk strolling along in the lovely evening air. Exactly as it should be.
I turn on the lights as I walk through the training center, heading to the back room where we store our keys and other personal items. The familiar routine calms my nerves.
I go in, grab a pocket full of treats, and gather everything I need for training. The bell above the door jingles, and I peek at my watch. The client is five minutes early.
“I’ll be right out.”
But no one answers…