Bad Situation (Wolf Investigations and Securities Inc. #6)

Chapter 6

The Visit

They had been waiting for nearly a week and shared the news with the others because they felt they needed to know. Some seemed happy about it, but others seemed to dread it. Grant couldn’t understand why most of them would care. The new guys were curious and wanted to meet the bosses, and he could understand that. A few of the employees who had been there a while seemed to be worried as if they thought they would lose their jobs. He didn't think that had anything to do with why they were coming, but he didn't want to assure anyone that their jobs would continue as it was because he really didn't know.

A few days passed, Sylvia was working with Jason, and Robin was working independently. They were fast and nearly caught up, which was a good thing because Tyne was about to extend the area they covered. From the amount the phone rang, he also ran some kind of special, and it was drawing people in. It had been tough, but Jenna had made it through her heat without missing too much work. Some of their team had not even noticed, although others clearly had.

She had to cook more food, and he helped her a little. The money she was making would help her support her grandmother and her young daughter. She had finally told him about them. Grant thought he now knew everything about her and that she knew everything about him. He felt they were growing closer, and their relationship would be solid. In the morning, the bosses would arrive and finally find out what was happening.

Being mated calmed him and made life easier for him. The sex every night was great, too, and male wolves really needed that. They also talked a lot, and they seemed to agree on many things. A little disagreement was alright because it kept things interesting. They went to bed early because, in the morning, they would have company, and they wanted to be prepared. Jenna seemed a little tired, so he kissed her and wrapped his arms around her so she would sleep easily. It seemed they slept easily, and neither woke until morning. They ran around getting ready and finally went downstairs to eat breakfast, which Jenna cooked.

No one was there yet, which was good because they wouldn't want to keep them waiting. Jenna had cooked extra because she knew that Harry would be hungry. While it was true that Harry was always hungry, she would be extra hungry because she would bring people with her, and traveling that way strained her magic. It was like just thinking about her made her appear. Grant didn't think he would ever get used to it, and it took everything inside him to prevent him from jumping.

“Here we are!” Harry said. “Got any food?”

“We sure do. I fixed some breakfast and saved a plate for you," Jenna admitted.

“You love me.”

“Of course I do.” Jenna heated the plate and set it down in front of Harry.

“You got any more?” Moe asked.

Jenna fixed two more plates from the leftovers and heated them together. She set them on the table in front of Moe and Tyne. They sat with him and waited until they were through eating.

“This is some good food. Thank you," Harry said since she was the first to finish.

Moe and Tyne both agreed. “This is great. Thank you, we were both hungry. Now that we're done eating. I'd like to say that everyone is doing a good job here. Things have improved a great deal. We are extending the area just a bit, and Rita and Ray'll get an extended area as well. Soon, we hope to add some things to our offer list. That will not happen immediately. We also want to welcome the new people to the crew. We are happy to have you. I'm sure you've been given a list of various bonuses you can receive. Our method is to encourage those who do something above and beyond what is expected of them. Hopefully, you will all get an opportunity to get some bonuses. Everyone except Grant needs to get their list and head out. We have some things to discuss with the managers, and hopefully, we'll get to talk to you again before we leave this afternoon," Tyne said.

Everyone hurried, grabbed their lists, and went out together to load their trucks. That was not normally how things were done, but the boss had basically said leave, so they all did.

“We have some things to discuss. Where would you like to go to discuss them?” Moe asked.

“There is a small meeting area in the storage room. Is that okay?" Grant asked.

“Sounds good.” Tyne approved.

They all headed to the small table and managed to fit around it in the chairs that were available. Grant could see that Jenna was nervous and had to admit he was nervous, too.

“Should we get some drinks?” Jenna asked.

“We'll get them after the discussion is over. I think you two may have some idea what this is about. There have been a lot of things going on in the northwest part of the country. The alphas in that area, except for one, were terrible. It got so bad that the council finally saw that action needed to be taken, and they gave permission for a small group to take that action. The results have been good, but we are not done yet. As two people from that area, you can understand what we have had to do and what remains to be done. Before we get into California, which is going to be a terrible mess, we need to get one last pack straightened out in the area above. George is the last one left in Washington and Oregon, and that needs to be dealt with," Tyne explained.

“You know what we expect you to do, but it is completely your decision. We will not force you to act, but if you take action, you will get all the help we can provide," Moe offered.

“When would you want us to do this?” Grant asked.

“You've just mated. We would give you time to settle in and also time to train your replacements. It is a good thing that we have partially trained people here already. Both Jason and Sylvia can take over with just a little training.” Tyne explained.

That made sense, and he understood where they had been, so he was thrilled to get the extra help quickly. They had gotten lucky because both of those people were very well-trained and capable of taking over quickly.

“When do you want us to start the training?” Jenna asked.

“Tomorrow morning, Grant will work with Jason, and you will work with Sylvia. It will only be for half a day, and the other half of the day, after lunch, they will go back into the field. That way, we will not get too far behind on setting up new orders," Moe explained.

Grant thought that that would be easy. At least, he hoped it would be. Jason and Sylvia were out there, getting a lot of work. They continued to talk, but much of the talk was about George and the pack more than anything else. The pack had suffered greatly, and they needed some relief. Most of the packs in that area had suffered a lot, but George's was the last one that needed to be cleared up. As far as the fight went, Grant’s biggest concern was cheating. He was a fighter, and George was not. But George was a cheater who had often used that to kill enemies.

Harry explained that she had a spell that would prevent anyone from cheating. He trusted Harry, so he wouldn't worry about that. That moved him on to the next concern, which was the condition of the pack and what he would need to do to straighten it out. He'd had some training when his dad was still alive but was too young to truly understand everything he'd been taught. Even so, Jenna was the biggest problem because she had no training.

“Jenna is very concerned because she's had no training being an alpha bitch. What are we going to do about that?” Grant asked.

“We will bring in someone that is a trained alpha bitch that is no longer doing the job in her own pack. I believe she will be able to train Jenna with no difficulty. Since she is currently not mated and not working, we will pay her to get Jenna where she needs to be," Moe explained.

“Are you for real? Fully trained alpha bitches aren't just hanging around waiting to be called," Grant said.

“You might be surprised. We've had several bad alphas taken out, and the alpha bitches we're glad to be freed. They are willing to help because none of them like George. I'm not sure that anyone who knows him likes him," Moe admitted.

“How do we know that they're really willing to help and not just trying to mess us up?” Grant asked.

“Neither of you are stupid. You'll know if you get bad advice. There will also be other people who can also give you advice," Tyne threw in.

It was almost unbelievable that this had come up. He couldn't deny that he had always fantasized about taking George out. Maybe it was wrong, but this revenge could taste sweet. His grandmother would enjoy it even more than he did. He'd never known his mother, but his grandmother had lost a daughter that she had known all her life. She raised her and loved her, then was devastated by her loss. Jenna had also had a loss, and he was sure that Jenna’s grandmother would be happy to get closure when George faced justice. Some might say it wasn't justice, but it was wolf justice.

Tyne went on to discuss some of the pack's financial issues. The pack was in pretty good shape and just needed some good business decisions to bounce right back. The pack members needed the most help because they had been downtrodden and needed to be brought back. They needed an alpha pair that would show them that they cared, build a relationship with the pack, and show each member that they were important.

That didn't sound too bad, but Grant knew that sometimes the way things were presented wasn't always the way things were. There was no way that this would be as easy as they made it sound. Harry was a great witch, and he had faith in her magic, but what if George had somebody with stronger magic? If that happened, he wouldn't have to worry about it because he would be dead. These kinds of battles were almost always to the death. It was a chance he was willing to take, but what happened later worried him more. The fact that the pack had businesses was helpful, and most were running all right.

The emotional support stuff was something he'd never been good at. Jenna had always kept herself apart from the others, so he suspected this wouldn't be an area she would be good at either. Grant sighed deeply and knew this would be a worry until it wasn't. Once Tyne and Moe were gone, he and Jenna would have to talk this out and figure out what the hell they were going to do.

“Are we good?” Moe asked.

Grant looked at Jenna, and she nodded. “Yes.” They would do it and hope the goddess was with them.

"We need to get going," Tyne informed.

“Thanks for the food.” Harry offered as she grabbed Moe and Tyne before they disappeared.

“Just like a tornado," Jenna observed.

“Just what I expected, what we expected," Grant agreed.

“Are you good with this? The fight will be all yours, as well as the possible risks that go with it. After you win, the real work will begin," Jenna said.

“I can handle it, but I had some training, and I'm sure that will all come back. What about you?”

“I don't know, but I'm sure that managing the office has given me some of the skills I need. All I can do is give it my best, and with the right help, I hope that's good enough.”

“I think it will be, but we will have to take this on one step at a time," Grant concluded.

“We'll see what happens. Meanwhile, we'd best get back to work.”

Grant checked out the equipment and began to load what was needed. He realized that he didn't have a list. Once the truck was loaded, he hurried back inside to grab one. His list was lying on the counter, and Jenna was cleaning a crock pot to get the food ready for the next meal. She might have to cook that on the stove since the crockpots took time to heat. Grabbing the list, he hurried out and got on his way.

There were three jobs on his list, and the first was fifteen miles out. He started there. Grant was sure some of the others were even further out, and Jason and Sylvia were probably on those. They hadn't been doing any jobs that required overnight stays. Plenty needed to be done within the twenty-mile area. Tyne was starting another office soon. He wondered where the people would be coming from.

He was always cautious when starting a new job, but he was lucky, and there was no trouble today. Grant finished the three jobs, but he arrived a bit later than usual. Sally was no longer happy about beating him because the other experienced teams still beat her. Jenna had cooked something in the oven that smelled like lasagna, which was one of his favorite foods. It was hard to deny that he was happy, and when he saw the garlic bread, salad, and asparagus, all he could do was wonder where in the world she had gotten this from. The only thing that came to mind was Harry, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Everyone seemed to be eating, and they all looked happy. It was a great meal, and he had a feeling it was a free one. He saw a fixed plate sitting next to the stove and wondered if that was his. Jenna handed it to him and then filled it up herself. They sat at the table with the others and ate. Meals like this were great for a group that had to work closely together, and many lived together. Sylvia was the only one who had a local home to live in.

Everyone seemed to be in a lighthearted mood. Maybe they all felt the visit with the bosses had gone well for them. Although the visit hadn't been about them, none knew that. It could also be that a free meal just brought out the best in everyone. Grant knew that it brought out good feelings in him when he got one. They were beginning to bond as coworkers, and some of them as friends, at least those who were not already friends like many of the new ones were with each other. He couldn't be sure why, but he would enjoy it because he didn't know what the future would bring.

Life could be short for some and too long for others. Damn! Now, he was becoming a philosopher, and that was the last thing he wanted to be. Grant decided to enjoy his food and the good company, and hopefully, he would get lucky later. The lasagna was amazing. He knew she had made it just for him. Asparagus was difficult to get here and probably in most places. She added cheese for the garlic bread, which made it even better. He wondered if Harry had gotten some before she left, and he bet that she had. She needed the energy to make it all the way back to Missouri.

Grant got himself some water, which was what most of them drank most of the time. The coffee was usually reserved for the morning and the working day, and teas were only enjoyed occasionally, if available. Powdered drinks were rare but not nearly as rare as soda or other things. Wine and beer were like unicorns, and they rarely showed up. If someone was coming in from Missouri, a case or two of wine or beer sometimes came with them. Tyne was nothing if not appreciative when his teams were doing well.

The new security officers weren't used to bonuses or signs of appreciation. The previous company had pulled out every dime they could find and had nothing left to pay with, and in the end, even the last paychecks hadn't been paid out. He thought all of them would enjoy working for Tyne and appreciate the little extras that he gave them. The bonuses would be great if they worked hard and did a good job.

No one could be Tyne as an employer. The problems here in Alaska were unusual for his organization, and he did everything he could to ensure that no one got hurt. Some of those who had gotten hurt had quit, and he had done everything he could to make sure that they got to travel to wherever they wanted to go and a small bonus to help them get started. He was just that kind of guy. He understood that not everyone could handle the pressure that the haters put on them. It was better if they left, and he usually offered them a job in a safer location.

Things were getting quiet here because people were full, and now the tiredness of the long hours that they were working began to catch up with them. Slowly, one by one, they began to disappear into their rooms. When only the two of them were left, he helped with the dishes so his mate would get done sooner and not be as tired. Even though the heat was gone, the change continued, and he could see she was tired. When he thought about it, a change like that was just unbelievable, and it wouldn't be long before they needed to go somewhere so she could make her complete transformation.

They were done cleaning up, and it was time to go upstairs to their room. Jenna always carried the radio with her in case there was a call. So far, they'd been lucky, and most of the places under their security had not been bothered. She set the radio down on the nightstand, and they sat down to talk first.

“Moe sent the ingredients for the meal so we could have a mating party. As you probably guessed, Harry brought them, and she taste-tested the first plate.” Jenna giggled.

“I imagine she enjoyed it since it was not usually available here, and you did an excellent job of cooking it.”

“Yes, she was very complimentary.”

“Was there any other news?” Grant asked.

“No, she just mentioned that everything else would proceed as had already been explained. We are getting a little time to adjust to each other as couples often need to do.”

He wasn't sure if he was happy about that or if he wished they could just proceed. This would be on his mind constantly up until the time he was able to fight. It would be the first step and maybe even the easiest step. Taking over the pack would be the biggest step. These were strangers to him and to Jenna, and the only reason they might welcome them was because the alpha they currently had was so awful and evil. They were both average wolves. Maybe a better description was average alpha wolves.

The people that were bringing them there were legends in their own areas. None of them would know him or Jenna because they had been removed as children. Would it help if they knew their mothers? It was impossible to say. The family was big with wolves, but not all of the family was helpful. If everything proceeded as expected, his grandmother, Jenna’s grandmother, and the little girl would move to the pack. He wasn't sure how they would feel about it, but he would make it happen.

Grant felt free and happy lying next to his mate. They had made love, and they were relaxed and ready to sleep. It would be good to build their strength and relax their mind for what was coming. He could tell that she was sleeping by her deep, relaxed breathing. If only he could follow her and get the rest that he needed. At some point, he drifted off, but his sleep was anything but relaxed. His sleep was filled with battles and concerns. That was not unlike his waking moments. The alarm went off much too early. It was set for Jenna, who would go downstairs and check on the cooked food.

He wanted success in what was coming more for her than for him. It would also be good for their family members if things worked out properly. Grant waited while she showered and dressed, and then he got ready. When he went downstairs, he did as he always did, grabbed his food and paid for it before sitting down to eat. Maybe that was a little weird now that they were mated, but he was in the habit and knew she needed the money. Once they got to the pack and fate determined how things would work out, it would be different.

Grant had not considered being a father, but now he was one. This made him wonder about the little girl and what she was like. He knew she was young, but she passed her baby and toddler years. That meant she was probably in kindergarten or first grade. Jenna would have to tell him so that he knew more about his daughter. Nothing was more important to a wolf than family. Maybe the little girl looked like Jenna, and he was sure that she was cute.

He finished eating, grabbed his list, and loaded his truck. The radio was kept in the cab, so he would always have it with him on the job. As soon as the truck was loaded, he headed to the first job, which was 20 miles away. Grant would head back toward the office with each job that he did. It would not be much closer the first time since it was nearly as far as the first job. Tyne was an aggressive businessman who wanted to get this business going as quickly as possible.

All things considered, it had gone remarkably well. Tyne had advised them to check the previous wiring and use it if it was in good and new condition. Most of it was, and that sped up jobs a great deal. It was also better for the customer who had fewer wires hanging around. The first job was done, and he headed to the second one. Unless something changed, he would be done at his usual time. The second job was not far away, and he headed there. When he got there and went inside, he could see it would not be as easy as the last job had been. This job had never had security of any kind.

At least it looked like there were no other surprises. It was just a large house with many windows and doors that he would need to work around. Also, he would have to run all the wires and everything else it needed. The best thing to do was get started and work fast. Things went slower, but he got done and could move on to the next job. The last job was ten miles from the office. Grant was careful, and something about this house concerned him. When he got closer, he walked the rest of the way and peeked in the window. It looked like there was a party waiting for him.

He sent out a call to Jenna and then went back to the truck to get some weapons. Normally, he only carried one. This time, he carried a Taser as well. Knocking on the door, a little old lady opened it. She looked like somebody's grandmother but was sweating and a little fearful. It wasn't nice for these bastards to mess with people's grandparents. A vicious-looking man stepped up and pulled her back, making her fall. At least that got her out of the way, and his Taser was able to get to him.

That scared the other guys, and they decided to run away, leaving their downed comrade behind. “Are you injured?” He asked the lady.

“I'm afraid he may have broken my hip. It's been a problem for a while, but I wasn't ready for hip surgery," she admitted.

Grant restrained the guy and called the police. It wouldn't take them long to get there since Jenna had already called them. Whenever he thought they would quit, they seemed to start up again. It made him wonder if this part of the country was peaceful for the paranormals. The ambulance arrived first because a hospital was not too far away.

“Put in my security. I've just seen why I should have it," she called out as they loaded her on the ambulance.

“Got another one? Seems like it's been a while," the officer said.

“Many run away once they see they're not on top of things. There were several others with him, and they all took off running, leaving him behind.”

“No loyalty in this group. We'll take him off your hands, and if we find any money, we'll divide it between you and the lady. Sometimes they carry a big wad of cash, and sometimes they have nothing at all.”

Grant nodded. That was exactly right, and he wasn't going to worry about it. He hoped there was some money for the lady who had been dragged into something that had nothing to do with her. He went ahead and finished the job quickly, and this was an easy one except for the attack. Now, he got in the truck and headed to the office. He would be glad to get back because he was tired and hungry.