Chapter Eight
Hours later, when they finally returned to the building Fenrir and his tribe lived in, Summer was ready for a nap, but only if Fenrir joined her in the bed.
Being near Fenrir and having him touch her in the most circumspect of manners as they shopped for food, clothes, and other treats that Fenrir decided she had to have had her entire body buzzing with need for him.
He’d even treated them to lunch at an upscale bistro she’d always wanted to try but had never had the money for.
She was glad Vincent had joined them for the shopping because she never knew what looked good on her.
All she cared about was whether or not it felt right.
Between the two men, she found herself the owner of a dozen new outfits that felt soft and not scratchy against her skin, but looked wonderful on her.
Entering the building, she was surprised to see a half-dozen people lined up against the wall. They all looked nervous. She knew Fenrir had texted one or two of them on the way back. But what were the others here for?
When Fenrir entered the lobby, they all bent in a bow until Fenrir waved a hand, which seemed to release them. It was only then that Summer wondered if she was supposed to curtsey or bow or something. She’d have to ask Fenrir.
Later.
Once he acknowledged them, the first man in line stepped forward. He was only a few inches taller than she was and scrawny, with his jet-black hair slicked back from his face. He fit perfectly the Hollywood image of Renfield, the vampire’s assistant in all those horror movies.
He held an open notebook and looked more put out than nervous as he moved to stand beside Fenrir.
“Where have you been, Konungr? There are many issues that need your attention before the sunset.”
Fenrir growled low in his throat before he took a deep breath and released it in a whoosh. “Go to the end of the line, Amos, and let me deal with everyone else first. Otherwise, I’ll never get through everyone.”
Summer coughed into her hand to cover up a giggle as the little man grunted and marched down the line to the other end. She elbowed Vincent when he burst out laughing. Then she noticed Fenrir’s lips twitching, and everyone else waiting for his attention was also fighting back laughter.
The next man in line was built like a bear and wearing loose black pants and the red jacket of a chef. He bobbed his head briefly then waited for Fenrir to acknowledge him.
“What can I do for you, Chef Marco?”
“Please, Konungr, tell me what I’m supposed to do with those three pups you sent to me last night? They’re constantly fighting and not only is their roughhousing breaking plates, glasses, and serving dishes, they’ve sent two of my assistants to the infirmary with injuries.”
Fenrir frowned, but before he could order some kind of harsh punishment, Summer patted his arm.
“Can I offer a suggestion?” she asked softly.
“Of course, my mate. Because right now I am at a loss on how to deal with them.”
“Chef, is the kitchen open twenty-four hours?”
Chef Marco looked to Fenrir who nodded, before he answered. “Yes, Drottning Min. We are open all night and all day.”
“How about splitting them up, make each one work a separate shift? And make their assigned tasks such that they never want to be assigned to the kitchen ever again. Something like scrubbing the floor with a toothbrush or washing all the pots and pans by hand instead of using a dishwasher.”
She forced herself to stop talking then. Fenrir and the chef were both staring at her as if she’d just announced the cure for every disease in the world. The two men then looked at one another.
“Sounds like an excellent idea,” Fenrir said.
“Thank you, milady,” The chef bowed to her and then to Fenrir before walking away, whistling.
When she leaned against his side as exhaustion caught up with her, Fenrir led her to a seating area across the lobby. After helping her sit in one chair, he settled on the arm and waved the next person in line forward.
It only took a few minutes to solve problems for the rest of the people in line.
When only Amos remained, Fenrir looked at Liam and Beck who hovered nearby and said,
“Why don’t you two help Vincent get settled in. He’ll need an apartment with the rest of the entertainment crew. Then take him to the auditorium and introduce him around.”
“Yes, Konungr,” the men spoke in unison as they bowed low.
Summer yawned as she rested her head on Fenrir’s thigh. He stroked a hand over her hair, which sent a shiver through her. “We’re almost done, sweetness. Then we’ll go upstairs so you can rest.”
Then Amos began with questions and comments and having Fenrir sign papers. It was all boring to her, so she closed her eyes and zoned out.
****
Fenrir knew the moment Summer fell asleep and was pleased she felt comfortable enough to do so in the middle of the lobby in a building full of predators.
As soon as Amos finished with all the shit that required his attention, Fenrir decreed that for the duration of hibernation, Amos was allowed to approach him only once a day at 1:00 in the afternoon with anything that needed his attention.
He could tell the man wanted to argue, but instead gave a bow and said, “As you wish, Konungr.”
Looking around the lobby, Fenrir saw they were alone.
No doubt his tribe members, and their human guests, were all resting in preparation for tonight’s opening party.
Looking at his sleeping mate, he decided not to wake her.
Instead, he stood and lifted her into his arms. Carrying her to the elevators, he called the elevator and stepped inside when it opened.
When Summer began to rouse, he hummed to her until she settled again. Stepping into the penthouse, he was pleased to see that all of Summer’s belongings, as well as the result of their shopping adventure, had been delivered. Unpacking would have to wait.
Carrying her into the bedroom, he settled her on the bed before stripping her shoes, socks, and jeans off before tucking her under the covers. Brushing a kiss on her forehead, he whispered, “Sleep, my mate.”
“‘Kay,” she breathed on a sigh.
Fenrir adjusted the covers once more before he forced himself to leave the room. Though he would prefer to sit and watch her sleep, he did not want to disturb her as she rested.
Instead, he found himself wandering the penthouse, looking at the walls and furniture and wondering what Summer thought of the décor. By the time he heard her waking up in the bedroom two hours later, he’d decided to bring in a decorator to work with Summer to redo the entire place.
Going to the kitchen, he checked the refrigerator and cupboards and found they were stocked with enough food for his mate for at least the next few days.
Pulling a can of her favorite soda out of the refrigerator, he set it on the counter and then fixed a small plate with cheese, crackers, and a handful of grapes, which he set on the counter next to the soda.
He then pulled out a bottle of blood and filled a mug, which he then put in the microwave to warm up.
Then he waited for his mate to join him.