Page 69 of Wulf's Pack
Preston smiles. “Already looked into it. I can mark it as an anonymous charitable donation. As long as we pay the taxes, it’s all on the up and up. And I’ve already filled out the paperwork to register the pack with the FUA and set up an LLC so I can get a payroll started. I’ll just need you to work out what positionsyou want paid by the pack and what salaries. We’ll need to get some insurance policies in place, and I can look into setting up a benefits package too. I just need a few signatures from you.”
I blink again. Seriously, my head wants to explode. It’s information overload, and I have no idea how to do any of this. I don’t even know what kinds of things I’m supposed to know.
Sensing my distress, Skylar grabs my hand. “It’ll be okay, Wulf. You don’t have to have all the answers. You have a pack to lean on, and it sounds like they’re very capable.” She smiles at Preston. “You’re doing a great job. Thank you. And if you need help, you should ask Easton and Micah. They used to run their own business. They probably know a lot about this stuff. Have you met them yet?”
Preston sits up a little straighter at Skylar’s praise, and his expression turns hopeful. “I met them briefly at breakfast this morning, but I’ll definitely talk to them. Honestly, accounting and business aren’t the same thing, and it’s all a bit over my head.”
The poor guy. He’s only been able to shift for less than a week after spending two years in his wolf form, and suddenly he’s been handed the task of setting up a pack while I’ve been off doing other things. Important, unavoidable things, but I still haven’t been around to help him. “Skylar’s right. You’re killing it right now. Thanks for stepping up.”
The pleasure that washes over him at my compliment makes my stomach feel weird. People have always liked me, but having someone look up to me, respect me, and want to make me proud is a strange feeling. “Thank you, sir. I’m happy to do whatever I can. I’m sure with Easton and Micah’s help we can get it all sorted.”
“I’ll reach out to my old pack too,” I say. “I’m sure they’ll be happy to give us advice and answer some questions. If you needanything else from me, just ask. Sorry I haven’t been here to help out.”
Preston holds up a hand and quickly shakes his head. “Don’t worry about it, sir. You’ve got a lot more pressing issues on your plate right now. Luna Skylar’s safety is priority.”
And that comment has me filling with even more pride for my pack. “That it is,” I agree, trying not to sound choked up. I turn to Matt. “Well, it appears we have plenty of cash flow, so why don’t you give your friend a call and get the plans drawn up. I like what you’ve got here. We might have to wait on the project until after we get the housing worked out, though.”
Matt grins and rolls up the blueprints. “I’ll get right on it. Thank you, sir.”
I try not to cringe as he walks out the door. All thissirandalphastuff is going to take some getting used to. I miss hearing my name.
Chapter
Twenty-Three
After Matt leaves, I take a minute to process everything, but that moment is brief. Too brief. Elise clears her throat, obviously ready for her part in this meeting. “About the housing issue, sir,” she says, jumping right back into things. “I’ve got some ideas for that.”
I take a deep breath and focus again, despite how much my head is spinning. “You do?”
Elise smiles with utter confidence. “I hope you don’t mind, but Sophia’s brother is a real estate agent from the Island Lake pack. When we called to give her family the good news about Preston, we asked Sean about possible options for what we need. He looked into all the properties directly adjacent to us, and a couple are available. I’m not sure what it would take to get them converted into residential housing, but it can’t hurt to at least look. There’s also an empty apartment building half a block from here. I don’t know what shape it’s in or if the owner would be willing to sell, but I could have Sean contact them. Even if it’s nearly condemned, it might be easier to renovate it than to convert a warehouse.”
I smile at that. Finally, some good news. An apartment building close by would be perfect. I didn’t know there was one.My warehouse isn’t in the best area. It’s an industrial area, and most of the buildings around me are abandoned. That’s why I chose this location. Not as many neighbors, not as much noise, and it’s not like a werewolf has to be worried about the odd human mugger or junkie.
Elise continues, not necessarily talking a mile a minute, but with a quick, no-nonsense efficiency that is impressive. “Matt and I were talking to Carl about it, and we had an idea. If we were able to purchase this whole block, we could put up proper security around the pack house and the apartments. Then, we could tear down the building in between them and convert it into a small, private park so that the pack has some outdoor space to hang out in their animal forms in private. It wouldn’t be enough space to really run, but it would still be helpful. Parker was with Carl when we mentioned it, and he said he’d be willing to loan the pack the money it would take to make the purchase. Actually, he said he’d happily buy it for us, but he knew you’d say no to that.”
I smirk. Since Parker inherited his old clan’s entire fortune and all its property, including the very successful casino, he’s basically richer than God. He’s felt guilty about the inheritance since he received it and has no idea what to do with his billions of dollars. He’d probably be thrilled at the idea of buying me half the city if I needed it. But Elise is right. I don’t think I could let him do it. Still, my pride isn’t so bad that I wouldn’t accept a loan, and Elise’s idea is a fantastic one.
“That’s genius. Let’s definitely look into it and see if buying up the block is a possibility.”
Elise preens at my acceptance. “I know there’s a lot going on right now,” she says, “but I figured pack housing is near the top of the to-do list, so I went ahead and set up an appointment this afternoon for you with Sean so he can show you the places that are already listed for sale. Matthew and his architect friend areboth ready and available to go with you so they can tell you what it would take to convert any of the buildings you look at. But I can cancel if you need me to. Sean’s aware you might not be able to get to it, or that you might not want to work with him since he’s not pack, and you don’t know him.”
“No… I mean that’s…” I scrub my hands over my face and try to keep up with all the information. My head is starting to hurt. “That’s great, Elise. Thanks. Housing is definitely a top priority, so if he’s got some suggestions, I’m all for it. We can make this afternoon work.”
Elise nods, a pleased smile on her face. “I’ll let him know. Now, I hate to add more things to your to-do list, but we’ve got a few other things that need?—”
She’s cut off when her phone rings. She looks at the caller ID and sighs. “Is it all right if I take this?”
I wave her on, and she gives me an apologetic smile as she answers the call. I’m surprised by her greeting. “Wulf Winters Pack. Elise speaking. How may I assist you?”
Skylar and I share a curious glance, and I listen closely, focusing my wolf hearing to concentrate on the phone call.
“Yes, hello. I’m calling from theDetroit Free Pressconcerning the rumors that Wulf Winters has started his own pack here in Detroit. Care to comment?”
My mouth falls slack. The news? I knew word had traveled among the underworld crowd, but I didn’t realize it had leaked to the humans. That’s inconvenient. And it’s definitely going to make my life more complicated.
Elise smiles as if the man on the other end of the line can see her. “The only statement we’re willing to give at this time is to confirm that Alpha Winters has indeed formed a pack. We’re in the process of officially registering with the FUA and will issue a formal statement soon.”
“What about the rumors that he’s taken a mate? Can you confirm that as well?”
