Page 3 of Nanny's Mate

“You’re not just a worker, Bea. You are family. So go ahead, eat, drink, be merry.”

Beatriz’s heart swelled at the thought of belonging to this pack. She had friends and a wonderful job she loved, and for the first time in her life, she really felt like she belonged.

TWO

MIKE

The Wolfe’s Den was busier than usual. Mike walked into the bar expecting the laidback, quiet atmosphere he was used to but was surprised to see bodies packed side by side around the counter while they waited for their beers.

At least Aric and Jordan’s business was doing well. It took him a minute before he found the table he was looking for. Aric, Caleb, and Nate already had their drinks in front of them, but as soon as they saw him, grins lit up their circle.

“Finally back from Vegas,” Caleb said as Mike pulled up a chair. “It’s good to have you back. What are you drinking?”

“It’s good to be back,” Mike admitted. “Blue Moon. Thanks.”

Aric got up to get another round for everyone. “It’s on me.”

“Good,” Nate called. “Put in an order for those fried pickle chips. Oh, and I want a rare burger, the Smokehouse Burger. Anyone else?”

When everyone had ordered their food, Nate settled down and turned his gaze to Mike.

“Feels like a lifetime since we took down Caleb’s uncle,” Nate said. He brought his mostly empty beer bottle to his lips before polishing it off. “I think that was the last time we were all together.”

Mike nodded. They had all fought side by side to take down Caleb’s uncle, the abusive, psychotic Rocco … so that Caleb could take control of the Rahound pack and heal the community.

“How’s that going?” Mike questioned.

Caleb leaned back in his chair. “Ellie and I have been working hard to bring peace to the pack. It hasn’t always been easy, but honestly, it’s going well. I can’t complain. Things are so smooth that Ellie has had time to focus on a new venture.”

“Oh, yeah?” Mike prodded with interest.

“She was sick of being the only Wolfe child without her own business so she’s in the process of opening a wine and tapas bar called Indulge. You would think, being in her final trimester, she’d slow down, but not Ellie. She’s still ready to go. She’s literally out to here.”

He held his hand about two feet away from his stomach in an exaggerated example of how pregnant his wife was, and the men laughed.

Impressed, Mike clapped Caleb on the shoulder. “Ellie never had an off button,” Mike said affectionately. “But that’s fantastic news. I’m glad everything worked out for you two.”

Mike’s green eyes began following Aric as he walked back with a tray of beers. He handed Mike a brown bottle of Blue Moon, which he accepted gratefully.

“This establishment doesn’t serve Blue Moon with oranges? Do you not serve margaritas with lime?” Mike joked.

Aric grinned. “Gotta specify, buddy. How’s everything going out in Vegas?”

Mike shrugged a broad shoulder. “Pretty good, actually. Nicole killed Grady Harris; I think you guys know that. Now, she and Jake have taken over the Vegas pack. They’re doing great, and they’re well-loved within their community. But the Vegas pack is so different from the Blue Creek pack. One of Nic and Jake’s biggest challenges is getting to know everyone because of the sheer size of the pack. We’re guessing Grady was able to kill his father and take the alpha role so quietly because the pack is so spread out.”

Aric downed half his beer as he listened intently to Mike’s story. “I can’t tell you how much we appreciate you going to Vegas to help.”

“Yeah,” Nate added. “Thank you. You have no idea what it means to us.”

Mike brushed off their gratitude with a wave of his large hand. “Anytime, guys. You know that.”

“You dismiss us, but I wish I could have gone myself,” Aric said. He took another sip of his beer. “Being second in line to run the Blue Creek Wolfe Pack, I have duties here, and Nate and Karla have the triplets. You going in our place was a huge help and a relief.”

Their appreciation wasn’t lost upon Mike. He was grateful that he was in a position where he could help his brothers. “It’s more than just helping you guys keep an eye on the clubs. I’m glad I can do it.”

One of the waitresses walked over with a smile on her pretty face. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and she smiled appreciatively at Mike. “Can I get you guys another round?”

“Absolutely,” Mike said. “This one’s on me.”

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