Page 11 of The President

“Not a problem, Fox.” Leaning in, she says, “I like the way things are around here nowadays. It’s pretty peaceful.”

I raise shocked eyes in her direction, but don’t ask any questions. Our club girls can stay or go; we don’t keep them against their will, so to hear that at least one of them likes the changes that have happened since both women arrived is nice.

As more brothers amble into the kitchen to get food, I simply call out, “Church once we’re all done eating.”

“Got it, Pres,” several reply through mouthfuls of food.

“I’ll pass that on in our group chat,” Popeye states, sitting down with his own plate.

“Appreciate it, Brother,” I reply.

Conversation swirls around me as I think about everything I want to cover today in our meeting. Outside of how our businesses are doing, I need to let them know I’ve found my mate and that we’re going to have a cookout to help her feel more at ease. I’m sure Tressa and Nini will take her under their wings, and anticipate a lot of cackling going on, especially if Nonna joins their group.

Chapter Six

Vivienne

“I’ll be there in a few hours,” Angie whispers when I answer the phone. “Shit went down yesterday, so I got out of Dodge, girlfriend.”

While I’m thrilled that Angie’s coming sooner than I expected, I briefly wonder how that’s going to impact my time with Fox. Then, I feel selfish for thinking that way, although she knows he’s my mate.

“What happened?” I ask as I log in some new inventory. I had to order several herbs I didn’t have in stock to compound several items, and they took forever to arrive.

“Carter lost his shit and decided he was going to find you. But first, he went on a rampage and destroyed the packhouse,” Angie confides.

“Oh, my goddess, are you kidding me? Are you sure you’re safe? No one is following you, are they?” I ask, my questions tumbling out one after another.

“Nope, I left during the height of the insanity, and have backtracked several times. I even stopped and traded in my car for a small pickup truck!” she exclaims. “Not only that, but if there was a tracker on my car, they’ll find it in a small, podunk down somewhere in Oklahoma.”

I giggle because she’s always wanted what she calls a girlie-sized truck until it dawns on me that she hasn’t mentioned my dad and fear has my heart pounding in my chest. “Angie, how’s my father?”

“He’s in the passenger seat wondering how I managed to talk him into this,” she replies.

“Really?” I question. “Daddy? You’re really on your way here too?”

Emotion clogs my throat; he’s been the one stabilizing influence in my life since the rest of our family was decimated by hunters. I get it, kind of; they were out camping and saw a bunch of wolves. They had no clue they wouldn’t be harmed and were merely looking to protect their families. Still, theywerecamping in an area that was off limits to campers.

“Yeah, sweetheart, I’m on my way too. Angie told me you met your mate. He better be good enough for my girl,” my dad says, emotions clogging his voice.

“Daddy, you know how mates work,” I chastise. “And he’s perfect. In fact, you guys will get a chance to meet him and the rest of his brothers since they’re having a cookout on Friday. I need to let him know you’re coming.”

“Looking forward to it, as well as seeing what you’ve started there,” Dad replies. “Now, you get back to work and we’ll keep driving. See you soon!”

Once the call disconnects, I finish logging in my new supplies, then decide to go upstairs and freshen up my guestroom. Angie can sleep with me, it won’t be the first time we’ve shared a bed, and Dad can use my second bedroom. I grin as I consider the living arrangements once Fox and I are mated. I suppose Angie can stay in the apartment, but I don’t know if Dad will want his own place or not. I guess I’ll have to wait and see.

“Hey, Vivi,” Fox calls out as he walks into the store.

I walk through the curtained off area to see him standing there, a smile playing on his lips. “Hey, Fox,” I reply as I move closer and wrap my arms around his neck. He leans in and kisses me until I’m breathless.

“Yep, still as good as I remembered,” he teases once we pull apart.

“Agreed. Guess what? Angie is on the way here. Guess what else? My Dad is with her! Something happened yesterday with the alpha and his son, so they decided it was a good time to leave,” I tell him.

“What, exactly, happened that forced their hand? Also, where are they going to stay?” he asks.

“Angie said that Carter went nuts and decided he was going to try and find me. It was so bad, he destroyed the packhouse. She and Dad snuck out and left while everything was chaotic. When they get here, Angie can bunk with me and I’ve already got my guest room ready for my father,” I reply. “I went up and did that when she disconnected the call. And Dad knows I’ve found my mate too, so you should probably be prepared. He’s kind of protective, all things considered.”

“I would be as well if you were my daughter, but he knows regardless of how he feels about me, it’s not going to stop what’s happening between us, right?” Fox asks.

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