Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 128413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 514(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 514(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
“It’s going to be tight.” Mliss was already typing on her organizer. “The deadline. But I don’t want to ask them to push it—first impressions and all that.”
“I’ll send you a couple of senior people to cover your usual duties for the duration.” Remi was already reaching for his phone. “I know you like to keep an eye across the board, but nothing else on your slate is as important as this.”
Mliss blew out a breath that made her bangs dance. “Agreed. Send me Byron. I’m trying to lure him away from managing the pack’s various needs anyway.”
Remi grinned. “I’ll call him in, but there’s not a chance I’m letting you steal him.” Byron Castille was a sweet, shy submissive; he was also the quiet engine behind the scheduling and ordering and operations that kept RainFire functioning smoothly day to day.
“I have faith in my persuasive skills,” Mliss said, but it was an absent comment, her attention focused on the draft quote in front of her.
Leaving Mliss and her team to it, Remi met Kit at reception.
The auburn-haired young male, his duffel over his shoulder, lifted a hand toward Phoebe. “Bye, Bee.”
The girl went bright red but waved back with enthusiasm before Remi and Kit walked out to the rugged all-terrain vehicle that would take them a considerable way into home territory, after which they’d stretch out their legs and run.
Remi usually shifted for the latter, but with Kit having his gear with him, they’d keep to human form. “So,” he said after they were on their way, “do anything interesting during your roaming?”
“Worked with BlackSea.” He stretched out his legs. “Played with them, too.”
Remi’s leopard huffed at that smug tone in Kit’s voice. “I hope you made allies and not enemies with your play friends.”
“Definite allies. Invited back anytime.” Kit rolled down the window so he could draw in the air. “I also got drunk with bears one time. Just one time. And nearly ended up arrested.”
Remi grinned. “I’ve been there, my young friend. I woke up naked in a cave in the forest with not a bear in sight and a note in lipstick on my chest that said 10/10. All I remember about that night is that I had a damn good time—and it’s possible I wore a bear suit to blend in at some point.”
Kit’s laughter was young and bright. “I wonder if Lucas has a bear story?” he mused. “I’ve always been too chicken to ask him.” A considering look Remi could almost feel. “You’re a fellow alpha. You could ask him.”
Remi decided he really liked Kit Monaghan.
Conversation flowed between them with ease, and when it came time for the run, Kit proved fast enough to keep up with Remi even through the falling darkness that muted the spectacular dance of color that was the fall foliage in daytime. No light remained in the world by the time they reached the heart of pack territory.
“We’re on the periphery,” Remi said, bringing them down to a jog. “You want to lurk while I go lure Rina out?”
Kit’s grin was huge. “Absolutely.” Waiting until they’d reached the very edge of the aerie trees, the twinkling lights of the homes perched in the branches showing from between the leaves, he dropped his duffel to the side. “You’ll bring her so I’m upwind?”
Remi nodded. “Won’t be long. I checked with Finn before we started our run—he’s our healer, by the way—and she’s in the dining aerie shooting the shit with the other sentinels and senior soldiers over dinner.”
“Wait.” Kit frowned. “Sandy hair, green eyes, that Finn? I think I met him at Tammy’s.”
“Same one,” Remi said. “He’s friends with your healer. Back soon.”
After Remi stepped out of the trees, however, he first had to react with lightning speed to catch a tiny cub who’d jumped into his arms from a branch. Growling, he nipped the culprit’s ear. “You should be in bed, Jasper.”
The cub nuzzled his chin, patting at his chest with tiny paws.
Remi scratched the baby’s head, but dropped him off with his parents. Play was encouraged among the pack, but so was safety. Before handing him back to his parents, he held the cub up by the scruff of his neck and said, “No sneaking out after dark.” He used his alpha voice.
The cub made a mournful growling sound.
“Yes, you are in trouble.” He nipped the cub’s nose. “The rules exist for a reason.” Leopard cubs were curious to the nth degree—without those rules, they’d never make it to adulthood.
The cub hung his head.
Bringing him against his chest, Remi petted him. “You’re one of mine, and I want you safe,” he said, gentling his tone now that the message had gotten through.
Being alpha meant walking a fine line when it came to the cubs. Discipline had to stand alongside affection and love. One without the other would damage their fierce and curious hearts. “It’s too dangerous for you to be out alone after dark. Do you understand?”