Chapter 23: Work

Once I felt like my mind was taped back together adequately I pushed myself up from the chair. As I came closer to the men drinking down the water Beth handed James and I a glass of yellow liquid. "Here sweeties, I made some lemonade just for you all", she said. Eric and Logan stared with jealousy when I took the first sip. The sweet cold liquid felt and tasted so good. "Beth, why didn't we get any lemonade?", Logan asked. Beth gave him a scornful look, "because you're out here fighting each other over a food fight. I should have made you clean the whole kitchen! You boys know better.". Logan and Eric both looked down before Logan responded, "Yes ma'am. It will not happen again". These men respected her like a mother and it warmed my heart to see it.

One thing I knew for certain is I would have to stay in Beth's favor if I wanted to keep getting her delicious treats. I had only been on Beth's good side so far but when she was mad she sure was a force to be reckoned with. I could not imagine if she was ever angry enough to take away her delicious cooking. My wolf and I whined mentally at the thought of never getting to eat those perfectly cooked eggs again.

We finished off our drinks quickly and Beth went back inside with the empty glasses. "Well it's been fun and all but Eric and I are going into the city. Eric has to open up the gym and I have to get some supplies. We will go get cleaned up and head out.", Logan said. Eric grunted next to him and walked into the kitchen door. "We will be back in time for dinner at six. See you later, Little Wolf", Logan finished before leaning and down and giving me a peck on the cheek. As he started to walk away he gave another wink. I did not flinch this time or growl when he came close and I felt like maybe I was making some kind of progress mentally when it came to the men.

I looked up to James questioning, "What does Logan mean by a gym?". He responded with, "We all have our own lines of work, but Eric specifically owns a gym downtown. He is a trainer and a lot of people seek him out. He has taught some fighters who have gone on to win prestigious titles. I can take you one day to visit, if you would like?.". I reached out to James' hand with excitement, "Yes, I would like that very much.". I would love to go to the city. I had always been taught to stay away from highly populated places, but with James and the other men by my side I think it would be fun now. I wanted to explore.

I thought about the way in which James spoke about Eric with such respect. This must be why everyone knew Eric would win the sparring match easily. James looked down at me with a smile. "Are you ready to go inside?", he asked cutting off my previous thoughts. I nodded and he opened the door for me before we entered the house.

Chase was sitting at the bar reading a newspaper. "That was uneventful. I was expecting... more after last night.", he said in a bored tone. "Eric had prior obligations he had to attend too and ended the match quickly", James said coolly. "Indeed", Chase responded as he peered over the paper in my direction. Could this conversation be about James and Eric talking through the pack bond? Their double meaning conversation was irritating.

Chase placed the newspaper beside him and stood up from his chair. He walked silently towards us never losing eye contact with me. "I will be in the library today if my presence is needed.", he said before continuing out of the kitchen area.

After Chase was gone from the room James looked at me again. "I'm going to show you around the house today.", James said as he grabbed my hand and walked with me to the next room. I could not wait to see how much more this beautiful house had to offer.