She’s scared of me. Good.
“Kit,” she says, “I understand, but—”
“Good,” I answer. “I’m glad you understand. Now, show me what you have here.”
The others pass the paperwork to me, and I spend a few minutes crossing out most of the orders on the invoices.
“Since Loretta is so keen to help, we can get her to cancel these,” I say, shuffling the paperwork into a big stack andhanding it to her. “I’m going to give you guys some jobs relating to my new orders.”
I pull out my phone and see a text from Cass inviting me to a new group page. When I get into the site, there are comments from others as well as pictures and links for food, games, and stalls.
“Okay, guys, join this chat.” I text the link to everyone, hearing phones buzzing all around the table. Cade opens his immediately.
“Wow, a Ferris wheel,” he says. “I haven’t seen one of those in a while.”
“Looks like it’s going to cost a lot,” Derrik mutters.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I say. “It’s less than the rosebuds. This entire event is going to come in under budget.”
“Then we should still hold a formal ball,” Loretta says. “Maybe a smaller one, but—”
“Sorry, Loretta,” I answer. “Any excess funds have already been allocated.”
“To where?” she asks warily.
“We’re opening a soup kitchen and expanding the charity center in West End,” I say, looking up to see how she reacts.
Her face pales, and she seems to shiver all over as if she’s about to be sick. When she sees me looking, she looks down at the paperwork, clearing her throat.
“I better get started on this,” she mutters.
“Very good,” I say. “I like to see you taking some initiative.”
Loretta’s eyes flick back to me, just briefly shooting daggers before she slides her gaze away again.
I spend the next half hour going over things with Derrik and Jones, organizing invitations and security for the event. When I talk about inviting first families from other packs and telling them it’s informal, Loretta pales again and has to leave the table. She takes her paperwork with her, so I have to assume she’s canceling the orders.
The others get fully involved in the work, and I can see the old guys getting excited about the new plan. They both have grandkids now, and without Loretta looming over them, they readily admit they like the carnival much better than a formal ball.
After about half an hour of planning, I step back from the table, feeling satisfied about the progress we’ve made. The group chat has been updated with everyone’s work, and the event is almost fully planned.
“I’ve got things to attend to,” I say, stepping back from the table. “You guys are good here?”
“Yep,” Jones says. “I’m pairing up with Mabel to get a few of these things done. I think we’ll have it settled in a couple of days.”
“Good,” I reply.
Loretta comes in from the back garden, looking more like her usual bitchy self. She’s holding the stack of paper against her chest like she doesn’t want me to see it.
“All done, Loretta?” I ask.
She nods. “Yes. Of course, my alpha.”
“Okay. Cade, follow up on those canceled orders, won’t you? Make sure they’re finalized.”
“Will do,” Cade agrees, barely even looking up from his work.
“What?” Loretta splutters. “Why?”
