“What’s your expertise?” Ray cut in.
“IT, computers and stuff like that. For instance, we should get a website set up to showcase Lunar and get some more business that way. Also, I’ve got ideas for specialized hunting trips for high-end businessmen, again with a site to promote it and I’ve got some contacts that can help. The waterfall is a great location for that . . . I’m not suggesting a huge building project. Maybe three cabins at most, set back in the trees so the landscape isn’t ruined, but the area is ripe for the type of thing I have in mind, especially the waterfall itself. It can be used for abseiling and rock climbing. It would go down a bomb with city guys and they’d pay a king’s ransom to do it. It could bring in a ton of money for the Pack and we could put a cap on the time it’s allowed. Say three months out of the year, so it doesn’t impact too heavily on the area, or the Pack. Those are just a couple of ideas I’ve had, but I’ve got several more.”
Ray whistled through his teeth, sitting back in his chair and looking at Fox hard. “Wow, those are good ideas. The website for Lunar sounds great and the cabins at the waterfall, so long as it doesn’t ruin the area, well, yeah, those sound good too.”
“Just a start, but this area is stunning and the Pack could be making a lot more than it is just now with some tweaks here and there and a little work.” Fox shrugged. “I have some other ideas too but if we start with those then we can see what happens.”
Sheba finished the bacon she’d been enjoying before joining the conversation again, wiping her fingers and pushing her plate away. “First, we need to sort out the stupid asses in the Pack and get back to normal. Then we can see about the other stuff.”
Ray stood. “Dion is aware you’ll be out and about today so he and his men are sticking around, just in case, and I won’t be far away either.”
Fox finished his coffee, giving Ray a nod. “It’s appreciated but I think I’ve got this.”
“I think you do too. See you later.” Ray gave them a two-finger salute then left out the back door, thanking her mom as he did. “Thanks for the breakfast, Alisha. I might pop in later for a snack.”
“Always welcome, Ray.” Alisha laughed. “That man could eat all day long and still be hungry.”
“Are you ready?” Fox asked as he got up, holding a hand out to Sheba.
“What would you say if I said no?”
“I’d tell you to get your ass up out of that chair anyway.” He grinned.
“Well, I suppose I better say yes then.” She dragged herself up, grasping his hand tightly. “Guess we should go face them and get it over with.”
“Yes, guess we should.” Fox pulled her to his side, leaning down and covering her lips with his for a quick kiss before whispering, “It’ll be all right, My Queen.”
“I hope so.” She prayed he was right. She’d worked too damn hard to make it to where she was and now everything hung in the balance . . . again.
The sun shone brightly as they stepped onto the porch, Fox’s hold on her hand tightening as he felt her unease grow. Damn, he was reacting to their mating link. He could feel her emotions and he sensed how nervous she was. She was an expert at hiding that from everyone. For him to know it was disconcerting and she wasn’t entirely sure she liked it.
“It’s all right, Sheba. I’m with you and it’s going to be fine.” His thumb circling on her skin and calming her. Shoot, that felt good.
She looked up at him and saw his eyes twinkling mischievously. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“Just a little.” Fox shrugged. “They’ve no idea of the show I’m about to put on for the first idiot that crosses me.”
She patted at his chest, trying not to laugh. “Can you do a great big roar for me? A really big one?”
“I surely can,” he said, lowering his voice further. “My Queen.”
Her insides quivered. The insult that usually brought her to anger now produced nothing but arousal when dripping from his lips. “Not in public, Fox!”
“Why?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, wait, I know.” He laughed loudly. “Sorry.”
“Come on.” She pulled him after her, down the stairs and toward the first people she saw, smiling as she went, raising her hand in greeting as she passed.
They waved and smiled, but that was all. Wonderful. On they went, with more people coming out to see the Alpha’s mate. Some stopped to say hello and be introduced. Some gaped, some seemed awestruck, but so far there were no bad vibes. Thank goodness. But it didn’t last, not for long anyway.
And the person who caused the problem was the last person she expected: Tucker Ball.
Tucker wasn’t a youngster, he was an older Wolf who helped Tilly collect herbs and supplies, and generally assisted the Healer. He was respectful to Sheba, or had been up until now. But right now, he was standing in front of them with a weird look on his face as Sheba smiled at him.
“Morning, Tucker, how’s things?”
Tucker looked between Sheba and Fox, then back at Sheba. “I’m fine.”
“This is Fox, my mate.”
Tucker looked directly into Fox’s eyes and shit on a fucking brick, the look of distaste was plain to see. Sheba straightened, her fingers digging into Fox’s hand, but he loosened his hold on
