New Alpha – New Rules(16)

“That’s going to cost a lot are you sure that I can quit my job?” She tittered nervously.

“We can cover any expenses because we did well in our deal with the developers. This though,” he gestured to the land, “this we are doing on our own. We aren’t paying anyone to do it for us. Before, my wolves ran a little wild. They had no sense of accomplishment. We worked, we partied, and we ran. I want more for my pack. I’ve been Alpha for a long time and in that time I’ve decided that working wolves are healthier wolves, mentally and physically.”

“Turn left up there.” She pointed. “Back way into my place because I’d like to avoid the hostile stares that I am bound to get when I pull up in this fine vehicle. Oh, my car, I need to bring my car. I can load it and come back to your house after work.” She volunteered.

“You’re quitting, remember? Or are you having second thoughts?” She shook her head.

“I just can’t remember a time when I didn’t work is all.”

“Oh you’ll be working, don’t worry about that. You’ll work harder than you ever have but you’ll enjoy it because it will give you a sense of accomplishment and that’s much more important than a paycheck.” She thought about that. In all the years she’d had a job, she had never enjoyed it. She was paid and she liked that but going to work didn’t stimulate her. He was right, she’d never felt like she accomplished anything.

“What will I be doing at your house?” She asked.

“First things first, it’s our house. All of ours, not mine. Secondly, there’s cooking, cleaning…” Her face dropped. It was Bronson all over again. “What’s wrong? Ah, I should’ve started with painting, paper hanging, floor sanding, plumbing and electrical work. Are you a skilled plumber by chance?” She shook her head grinning. “Would you like to learn? In Montana, we ran a contracting company. Lee is a master carpenter and Jack is his apprentice. Curtis is a plumber, Alan is an electrician, etc...”

“Et cetera?” Her brows rose.

“All of my guys have a skill, they can drywall and finish it, they can install wood flooring, carpet, countertop, whatever is needed. We were good but not satisfied. Cindy’s husband Mathew is an accountant but he has decided that he hates it. He is more interested in trying to run a farm, so I have him doing that. Meantime, I am learning accounting again.” She pointed to a road to the right and he took it. “Now, do any of those jobs sound like something that you would like to learn? I will put you with anyone that has a skill that you are interested in.”

“I’ll think about it.” She pointed right again and he pulled to a stop behind a small mint green house. Harper looked around not seeing anyone she hopped out before he could get around to her door. She led the way up to the back door that she always left open and went inside. Everything in the kitchen was here when she moved in. The dishes, the silverware even some food. Bronson’s family had provided their beginning. “I just need to pack my clothes. The house was furnished so none of this is mine.” She went through to the bedroom and pulled her long duffle bag and big suitcase out from under the bed. She took her clothes from the closet and folded the whole bundle over once inside the big bag.

He watched her from the doorway go to each drawer on the right side of the dresser and transfer an armful of socks then underwear and sweatpants to the big suitcase on each trip that she made. Taking the duffle bag, she knelt in the closet and loaded her shoes into the bag. She pulled a box from the top of the closet next and put it in the duffle bag as well. She looked around and spotting the laptop on the nightstand, she shoved it in the duffle as well with its cord. Ryder came over and took the duffle bag she’d snapped and zipped then picked up the suitcase. “I can carry it.” She said.

“Get your bills and anything else you want. I’ll load these in the SUV.” She nodded. Harper grabbed the picture of her parents, the picture of her grandparents and her grandpa’s Bible from the mantle. She gave the place a last look around and spotted her grandmother’s quilt. After folding it neatly and placing the pictures and Bible on top, she grabbed her car keys from the hook by the door and shoved them in her pocket on her way through. She carried the bundle outside for Ryder to put in the back.

“What do you think you’re doing Harper?” Ellis said coming around the side of the house. He reminded her of a fireplug with his stocky build, ruddy face, and red hair. He’d been growing a moustache and a soul patch on his bottom lip that made him even uglier than usual. She didn’t have the heart to tell him.