Quiet. That’s all I hear as I open my eyes. No clinking of the pans from mom cooking, no newspaper shuffling from dad reading and no smells of coffee and bacon greeting me. I suddenly never felt so alone as I do right now. I don’t have Damian to mind-link for comfort. I am sure as hell not reaching out to Holly. I just can’t cope. Suddenly, I heard the front door opening and swift steps coming to my door. Before I can even reach, Zach blows the bedroom door open with a shit-eating grin on his face!
“Did I startle you?” He asked smugly. He knew he did by the face. I had clutched the blankets up to my chin and my eyes were as wide as saucers.
“Ass” I snorted as I eyed the bag, he brought with him.
“I assumed you were going to need some breakfast to start your day and a friendly face. Hurry up buttercup, I will get breakfast set up for you in the kitchen. Don’t take an hour to get ready either. I did not go out of my way to feed you cold biscuits and gravy,” Zach said as he slipped out of the bedroom, closing the door behind him. I could hear him humming in the kitchen as I got up.
Showering quickly, I decided to let my hair air dry and put in into a side braid. Going through my closet, I decided comfort is what I need today to get through all the packing and calls I need to make. Grabbing an old grey t-shirt that had a faded wolf on it and matched it with black leggings. Deciding I didn’t need make-up to just pack today, I made my way to the kitchen.
I am not sure what I was expecting when I came into the kitchen, but seeing a full spread on the table was not it. He had orange juice in wine glasses, steaming biscuits and gravy with bacon on the side with 2 sausage links. He had two places set and was waiting impatiently tapping his fingers on the table.
“Wow, you sure know how to please a woman in the morning. Why the wine glasses though?” I asked, smiling at him.
“Well, I wasn’t sure what you were all going to pack and so I brought these from my house. It was one I know my mom won’t miss and she even made the food for us. I am supposed to tell you that my dad will be expecting your call and by no way is she happy we are going on this adventure but she will watch over the house for you.” He finished with his hands in the air making quotations, and mimicking his mom’s high, pitched voice. I forgot his dad is the pack account and all my parents' finances go through him. His parents are good people and have always treated me as their daughter. They would keep my secrets, and when we got caught sneaking out when we were younger, they never told my parents. I am forever grateful for that.
“Okay, I think we have boxes in the garage if you can grab them when we are done eating and I will call him.” I took a bite of sausage. Even though it was hot and juicy, I just was not hungry. I ended up pushing the food around and making it look like I ate. I kept getting looks from Zach like he knew I was not eating, but didn’t say anything. I don’t think I need someone telling me to eat right now. That is the least of my problems.
“I’ll get this cleaned up and get the boxes. Why don’t you call my dad?” Zach suggested. Sounded more like an order. I just lifted my eyebrows at him. I have kicked his ass and have many times before, but I know he is trying to help without being extra pushy.
“Yes Sir” I responded sarcastically.
Raven has been quiet this morning. I know she is still there but she is feeling all the pain I am in too, so she is just relaxing in the back of my mind. Dialing Ben, Zach’s dad, I listened to it ring as I made my way out to the front porch and sat down on the top step. The paint was peeling and was a light grey showing the dark brown wood under it. Should I sell the house or will I ever want to return to it? Maybe do some renovations to it?
“NINA! Are you there?” Ben yelled,
“Oh crap, I am so sorry, I was spacing off thinking about what I am supposed to do with the house. I didn’t even hear you say hello!”
Chucking, he said “No worries, dear, your parents actually set up things to happen if they were to pass. I’ll just get right to it; all their money was to be put into one account with only your name on it. Only your mate will be allowed to have access, with your permission, of course. They each had life insurance policies, since they were both warriors…” his voice trailed off, I didn’t need him to say the rest, I understood what being a warrior meant. “Anyway, their policies were $250,000 each and plus their savings, your account is a little over $600,000. The house has been transferred to your name automatically upon their death.” With a little more softness to his tone and not so business like, he added, “I would suggest you leave the house as is for now. I understand you are going to do some traveling. Although I wish you would stay here and grow old, I understand why you need to do this. I would like the honor of watching over your house till you either decide to return or to sell it. I am worried you might regret the decision to sell a few years down the road. We can winterize the home and I will create a second account with enough to take care of the house for a year. If you are okay with that,” Ben finished.
My mouth was hanging open. I knew my parents had money and they chose to live an easy life, but I never imagined they had that much money or they had life insurance policies. If that wasn’t enough, I was brought to tears by Ben’s generous offer. This gave me an out with the house.
“I… That… I mean, yes, I am sorry, I am just so shocked by all of that information. Will I have a credit card to be able to access my account?” I asked, shaking my head. I can’t believe it. My parents looked out for me even in their grave.
“Of course. I have one ready for you here. You will need to come get it and sign the paperwork. The bill will be sent over email to you and we will download an app to your phone so you can pay it all online. It has an unlimited balance, so you will be good wherever you decide to go. I do ask that you watch over Zach for me. He will have his own card but I would appreciate help in making sure he is okay and…” He didn’t need to finish that sentence. I knew what and why he as asking.
“Of course. I will be the only person to kick his ass if he needs it!” I said, laughing.
“Language, young lady, just because your parents aren't here to make sure you act like a lady doesn’t mean I will stop either.” Ben said sternly, with a hint of amusement.
“Yes sir! I will be here shortly!”
“Okay, I will see you soon. I have a meeting at 10am that will last an hour, so just be aware.” Ben said, distracted. I could hear someone in the background, so I said goodbye and hung up.
Walking inside the front door, I could see Zach had made quick work of everything. He had all the pictures placed in a box, all the other décor had been wrapped in newspapers and he was playing Tetris, getting everything just right. Zach realized I had walked in and stood up and got a really nervous look at him. “I, uh, wasn’t sure, uh what you all wanted done. I have just started the basic stuff but if you are okay with dad’s offer, we, um only need to protect stuff from getting damaged. I figured we could put it in the bedrooms? Only if that is okay with you?” he finished hurriedly.
“Zach, you are fine! And yes, I accept your parents' offer. I want to run to his office now before his meeting at 10. If you don’t mind keeping going, I should be home by lunch. I will bring something home.”
Zach visibly relaxed and said okay. Grabbing a jacket. I suddenly felt excited. I was going to be getting a fresh start and, with any hope, enjoy some of my youth before I need to be realistic and get a job. With a little hop to my step, I decided to walk. It was a 15-minute walk to Ben’s office. Instead of going through the woods, as a short cut, I decided a good walk would do my soul good.
About 10 minutes into the walk, I got an uneasy feeling. Like I am not going to like what is about to happen, but not that I am in danger. Frowning, I made my way to the front door. ‘Ben’s Personal Finance’ was written on the door in gold. Walking in, I was instantly greeted with a sterile smell mixed with flowers and lemon. Scrunching up my nose, I made my way to Ben’s secretary.
“Oh, hi Nina! I was expecting you. I will let Ben know you are here. I am sorry about the smell. A mother had brought in her 2-year-old and the kid vomited everywhere! I tried to hide the smell with an air freshener but it isn’t working and only making it worse.”
Vivian sighed and slumped down in her chair. Waving her hand toward the door letting me know I could go in, she got up to open a few windows.
Laughing, I made my way to his office. He was on the phone but allowed me to sit down and signed he was almost done.
The meeting went pretty quickly and I signed all the paperwork I needed to. I have my Visa Black Card in my pocket. I went to give him a hug and suddenly we heard yelling from the lobby.
We walked out into a scene that I did not want to be a part of. Both of us realized what time it was and his 10am appointment was here.
“The hell is that smell?” Damian yelled.
“Please future Alpha, we are trying to air things out. A little boy vomited and, well, this was the best we could do” stammered Vivian.
“I would be getting on that, Vivian; this does not make me happy….” Damian shouted, but stopped suddenly when he realized I was right there. I have never seen this side of him before. His eyes were shining blue, his wolf Colt was present. I was actually a little scared of him at that moment. “Nina…...What are you doing here?” he said, taking a few steps towards me.
“Actually, future Alpha Damian, I am ready for our meeting. Please excuse us Nina, Vivian will show you out. Let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with.” Ben interjected skillfully. I appreciated it and gave him a nod of thanks, which he returned. I quickly made my way to Vivian and left quickly.
“Holy crap, what was that? I don’t remember him ever acting that way when we were around him”, Raven said, going through my memories.
“I have never seen him like that. I don’t like that at all. Maybe I dodged a bullet?” I responded.
“Most defiantly, I would not like to have to kill our mate because he was disrespectful towards us”. Raven said. I didn’t even respond, as I just nodded my head. Maybe leaving is all for the best.