Page 6 of Knot My Boss

She is a stay-at-home mom, never working a day in her life. It’s remarkable how she is referring to it astheirmoney. I guess it’s a married thing, something I have no intention of doing, thank-you-very-much. It might be great for others, but not for this person.

Releasing my hold on Dad, I straighten and run to my room. My car needs to be loaded with all of my belongings, now that I know for sure that I won’t be returning. I have never been more excited to be getting up at the crack of dawn.

Chapter 5 - Arek

It’s poker night at the Wildfire Casino.

Roderick Sereno, owner and operator of the Padston Wildfire, hosts the men for a private game in their special poker room at least once a month. It’s nice to get together and relax, and the camaraderie between the alphas is a bonus. We trade stories and help each other resolve issues regarding their packs, at least the wolves do. Bears call it a sleuth or a sloth. Tigers call their group a streak or an ambush. Lions refer to their group as a pride.

“Rod, what is going on with the food lately, man?” Crispin gripes, spitting out a bite full of cake.

“My pastry chef quit without notice,” Roderick informs us. “I have no idea why, and while the kitchen staff is okay, it isn’t the same quality it was.”

Due to Crispin’s reaction, we all avoid the display of baked goods on the buffet table. The regular patrons of the Wildfire might not notice the difference, but we paranormals have more sensitive senses.

“Where’s Kyle?” Guri asks.

“Dayton’s sister and best friend are arriving in the next day or two. He wants to make sure they are prepared,” Chase answers, causing our heads to swivel in his direction.

“What?” Chase asks, and confusion is evident about why we are staring at him. “Oh, come on. Do the math, boys. Tianey works with Kyle. Her mates work with me.”

It takes a moment for all of that to sink in.

“Makes sense,” I say with a shrug, even if they sound like a bunch of gossiping women.

“Oh, Arek,” Chase announces, getting my attention as he folds, placing his cards face down and pushing them toward the dealer. “Do you know why a petition is circulating town to change the uniforms at Simmer Down to kilts?”

Groaning, I toss my cards into the center of the table, unable to concentrate on the game. Grabbing a fresh drink from the bar, I launch into the story from earlier this summer, where the book club decided the uniforms needed to be changed at the restaurant. After a period of stunned silence, every man in the room breaks out into raucous laughter.

Darby

“You look adorable!” I gush at my sister.

“I look like a blimp,” Dayton gripes. She’s reclining in a chaise lounge, sipping on a bottle of water.

“Is there anything you need?” I ask, taking a seat on the couch next to her chair.

“How do you feel about decorating?” she asks with a cringe. “I am struggling to get into the holiday spirit without any decorations. And I want a tree, a live one.”

“Yeah, that’s no problem,” Kali answers, giving me a wide-eyed look before nodding toward Dayton.

Right.

“Uhm, Day…” I say, pausing to find the right words. “Do you know of any apartments and storefront space around here?”

Dayton’s brow furrows in confusion from my question.

“Yeah, Gypsy has an apartment above the Whiskey Genie. As far as I know, it’s empty, but you would need to check with her,” Dayton answers. “Why?”

“I am moving to Padston,” I announce, watching Dayton’s chin wobble as she fights back tears.

“Really?” she asks, before breaking down into sobs. Jumping to my feet, I rush to Dayton’s side, giving her a one-armed hug and trying to calm her down.

“Stupid hormones,” Dayton says, using her sleeve to wipe her eyes.

“Okay, how about I head into town so I can talk to…”

“Gypsy,” Dayton provides.

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