The Vow (Black Arrowhead #1) - Dannika Dark Page 0,8
female in business affairs. Just ask the women in our pack. It intimidates a lot of men in the community who don’t strive as hard. If anyone threatens you, let us know. We’ll always have your back.”
My eyes darted away.
“What’s wrong?” He leaned in tight, and it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Male Shifters possessed a palpable energy when provoked or in protective mode, and he missed nothing.
I withdrew my hand. “Someone wrote on our window with shoe polish.”
That was why I’d spent all my afternoon scrubbing those windows. It offended me to know that someone had targeted us, and I didn’t want a single trace of it left behind.
“What did it say?”
My cheeks heated. “Slut.”
His jaw clenched, and he sat back. Will usually kept his cool and wasn’t one of the aggressive wolves in the pack. Only twice had I ever seen him lose his temper, and it wasn’t a pretty sight.
Before he could say anything, I continued. “We can’t put cameras up since security cameras aren’t allowed in the Breed district, especially outside. It’s probably kids or maybe even some jealous competition. Anyhow, we’re wolves, and wolves stand their ground. The writing washed off, and we’re not dwelling on the matter. Aunt Lexi told me she had some trouble with her bakery in the beginning, but people got over it.”
He scraped his teeth against his bottom lip. “She was also mated to a Packmaster. People see you as an easy target—someone they can push around since you’re unclaimed.”
“And that’s why I don’t want to mention this to the pack,” I said, holding his gaze. “You don’t have legal rights to take action against someone who’s harassing me since I don’t belong to the pack anymore. The last thing I want is retaliation. I love my family but not enough to see you go to Breed jail over a few dumb rednecks who are intimidated by a couple of women.”
Will gave a handsome smile, erasing his dark expression. “You make a fair argument, but you mustn’t keep secrets from us. If there’s no one you trust in the pack, then speak with me. I have connections, and if you receive continued harassment, then maybe we can figure something out. You know all about the bidding war with real estate. A lot of packs want commercial property, so that’s why they’re hoping that you fail or give up. You won this property over a long list of people, so don’t be surprised by a little backlash in the community. They’ll get over it.”
I straightened my back. “I don’t give up. Never have, never will. And I promise to tell you if we run into trouble again. That’s been the only incident. Hopefully the last.”
Hope approached the kitchen island, clasping her hands. “Hi, William.”
Will turned in his seat and stood, arms wide. “How’s my girl?” He gave her a quick hug and looked between us. “Have you been watching over our Mel and keeping her out of trouble?”
Amusement danced in her eyes as she folded her arms. “She’s in capable hands.”
“Of that I have no doubt.” He glanced down at her bag near the door, his eyes brimming with concern. “I think it’s time that you tell me why I’m here. Are you two going somewhere?”
Her eyes darted toward me, and I stood up.
“That’s why I need to borrow your Jeep,” I confessed. “We ran into a last-minute snag with one of our contractors, so we’re on borrowed time to find a new one as quickly as possible. We have separate meetings set up tomorrow, and Hope’s taking the car. My scooter isn’t going to get me very far on the highway.”
“Do you need someone to escort you?”
“No,” I blurted, sensing that protectiveness kicking in. “And please don’t mention this to Lennon or Hendrix. You know how they are, and they’ll follow me. I don’t need two macho alphas flanking me at all times and intimidating the hell out of everyone. What if they insult the dealer and ruin our chances? The thing is, no one is going to take me seriously if I show up with a male escort.”
Hope erupted with laughter.
“That sounded all wrong,” I said, shaking my head. “What I meant was—”
“No need to explain.” His lips twitched before he nodded in agreement. “They’ll assume you can’t make decisions on your own. If this person is a Shifter, he’ll have more confidence striking a deal if you negotiate alone.”