Page 113 of Mating at Midnight: Book 1

Less than twenty minutes later, Nita and other crew members came out holding numerous platters of Ballian and Skia’s raw meat meal. Nita didn’t show any but I could see the fear within the others of having to go downstairs to feed the wolves.

Taking matters into my hands, I told them to sit the platters down on the empty tables and chairs. Braxton and I would take their food to them. I could feel their trepidation fall but Nita insisted on helping us.

As Braxton picked up two platters, he leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Since when it has become a thing for the Alpha to serve his destined wolf?”

I laughed again. I swear that flight had been the most comical one I had ever been on with those two.

“Since the Alpha’s destined wolf has been graced with the ability to walk alongside of him,” I replied, then jerked my head to the other flight crew who gawked at us from the galley. “And to not put those people in a state of shock. We know how Ballian and Skia are, but they don’t. Until then, when we travel, we’ll have to make sure this is the same flight crew, so they’ll gradually get used to them flying with us.”

“You’re right,” Braxton conceded. “Come on, we don’t want to keep Sir Meat A lot waiting.”

Another round of laughter erupted from me. I knew right then and there these two were going to keep me in a fit of laughter. Their quirky banter is what I needed to keep my mind off the future. With the looming war and Levi, Kenia, and Elder Nelah having to leave for Texas, the future is not what I wanted to dwell on right now.

Three weeks have passed since the bittersweet day Levi, Kenia, and Elder Nelah left Pack grounds. I felt Braxton’s loss of his best friend and brother, and I feel the same way with Kenia.

It’s one thing to have Kenia away at one time for college studies where she would come home during breaks and holidays, but after pursuing her career with helping other shifters, daddy and I became accustomed to her popping in a few times a year. We kept in touch by video-chatting through theweeks but it’s never the same as physically being right there with that person.

I worry about Kenia as she’s about to accompany her mate into unchartered waters. Choosing to keep my feelings to myself, that morning I hugged Kenia tightly, whispering to her, “When you call on me, nothing will stop me from getting to you. I love you, sis.” Happy tears that she had found her mate with Levi steadily flowed and the fact that they were about to set off to follow their destiny.

We wept, holding each other tighter before Kenia said, “And you better come. I love you too.”

I didn’t want to let her go but I knew momma and daddy wanted to show their love while giving Kenia words of encouragement.

I tried to be encouraging after our parents lovingly embraced her but when Kenia hugged me, the floodgates reopened.

After tearfully hugging everyone and saying their goodbyes, Kenia, Levi, and Elder Nelah got inside a tinted-out black Suburban. As the driver pulled off, Pack members stood on each side of the driveway, waving as the SUV passed.

The next day, Braxton and I went to the hotel. There were some last-minute preparations we needed to handle before we left for Turks and Caicos.

We arrived at the hotel before nine and privately met with Marcel and Kelia, the two General Managers Braxton brought in from his other hotels, in Braxton’s office. They had pretended to be a married couple, spending two weeks in Tulsa on vacation. During their stay they observed each department and took notes. I was proud of the staff when Marcel and Kelia spoke highly about their professionalism and courteousness each department showed to our guests.

After looking over their notes and reports, Braxton sat back in his chair and asked Kelia, “How would you feel aboutbecoming the GM of this location? I know you’re the GM at my New York hotel, but I do remember you telling me at one point your family resides mainly in Arkansas and Texas. This move would have you closer to them. Plus, I’m willing to throw in moving expenses, and a raise.”

“I, I, I don’t...,” Kelia stuttered, seemingly flustered by the offer.

“You can take some time to think about it,” I added. “We know this is a big decision to make. You have made a home and a life for yourself in New York, and we respectively understand if you choose to turn down the offer.”

Kelia closed her eyes, lowering her head as she slowly moved it from side to side. We gave her a moment and when she raised her head with eyes filled with tears, we really didn’t know how she would respond.

“First of all, let me say thank you for this opportunity and Ms. Lightfeather...”

“Hillard,” Braxton quickly corrected her.

Kelia looked surprised, but I tell her, “Lightfeather is fine, Kelia.”

I could feel Braxton side-eyeing me, but I ignored it and ushered Kelia to continue speaking.

“As I was saying, I’m thankful for this opportunity and as you said I have made New York my home...” she paused to wipe away her tears. “I come from a small town in Arkansas and the first of my family to go to college. My family, which could be considered as the poor class, would pull all their money together to make sure I graduated. And I did with a degree in Hospitality Management. I took the job in New York because I knew it would be higher pay and I could send money back to my family to repay them for helping me achieve my dreams. So, with that being said, I accept the position of GM here. Now, I will be able to seemy family more often than once every four months out of the year.”

Pleased that Kelia accepted, Braxton turned to Marcel and said, “You will also receive a raise as well and a paid week vacation at any Hillard hotel of your choice.”

“Thank you, sir,” Marcel happily responded.

Marcel was the GM at the hotel in Miami where the majority of his family lived either there or surrounding cities. We knew he wouldn’t accept the offer which is why Braxton gave it to Kelia.

Braxton checked his watch, then said, “It’s eight-minutes before ten. The department heads should already be convening in the main conference room. Let’s go introduce them to their new General Manager.”

As we got out of our seats, I stood next to Braxton at the door as Marcel shook our hands followed by Kelia who was still wiping away her happy tears.

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