New Alpha – New Rules(17)

“Max told me to pick up my things.” She continued walking to the back of the truck. Ryder came around and Ellis who had been following her stopped. “I only took my clothes and my personals. Everything else is still inside. There’s a little food in the fridge if you want it. Thank you for your help over the years Ellis, you were nice to me at one time and I want you to know that I did appreciate it but I have to go now.”

“You need to stay here and face your future.” His eyes flashed.

“I bear no ill feelings or ill will to any of you. I know that you’re just being loyal to a friend and I forgive you for choosing him over me. I get it, he was always in your pack, and I’m just a female that tagged along. Someday you’ll get it too once you’ve calmed down and considered everything.” She turned to Ryder. “I’ll get the car. Do you remember the way out?” She asked. He nodded watching Ellis over her shoulder.

“You’re not taking that car. It was Bronson’s.”

“Really?” Harper asked. “You think that it was his? My father gave me that car when I mated Bronson. The title is in my name not his, but if it will make you feel better to keep a gift that my dad gave me, a gift that was already fifteen years old and falling apart, then you keep it Ellis.” She tossed him the keys. “Careful in second gear, it sticks sometimes.” She climbed inside the SUV, buckled her seatbelt, and waited for Ryder to climb in.

“This isn’t finished Harper!” He shouted. Ryder started the SUV.

“This is done. Let it go or I will end you.” Ryder said calmly out the window to Ellis then backed slowly out of the backyard and turned the big black vehicle around. Ellis stood watching them. She saw others coming from around the house to join him before Ryder pulled slowly away. She gave them a small wave goodbye, and not one of them waved back at her. She sighed.

“I’m glad we didn’t go in the front.” She breathed. Ryder grinned.

“Max wouldn’t be happy with their behavior, I’m sure. He seemed like a good guy.”

“He is a good guy but since he mated he hasn’t paid attention to his pack like he should. They’re all suffering in their own way. Some from lack of guidance and some from lack of uh…accomplishment. There will be a coup if he doesn’t take control again. I think you’re right about that accomplishment bit. I think that’s important to a wolf. I mean they rarely hunt anymore. Bronson did because he enjoyed killing and I enjoyed free meat but a lot of them just go to the grocery store now and what’s the sense of being a wolf if you’re going to act like a man.” Ryder quirked a smile and nodded.

“We’ll run tonight, introduce your wolf to the pack. I think we should all get acquainted just in case.”





Chapter 6


Harper pulled out her cell phone and dialed. Ryder steered the vehicle in the direction she pointed but kept his ears tuned into her call. “Mr. Stevens? This is Harper Thibodaux. I can’t work there anymore so I won’t be in today.” She listened. “Yes sir. I’ve switched packs and my new Alpha wants me at home for now. I’ll pick up my check on Friday.” She paused again. “Yes sir, thank you.”

“You worked for a wolf?” He asked.

“He’s the assistant manager, the manager is a human, but he’s hardly there because he’s in charge of three stores and the other two are having problems right now.” She dialed again and waited.

“Hi Tisha, I’m quitting. I need some time to myself. You understand right?” Harper pointed for him to turn again. “Thanks, it was nice working with you too.” She pushed the red button. “There.” She let out a pent up breath. “I like to paint.” His brow furrowed. “You asked what job I liked. I like to paint and I know how to hang paper, do laundry, cut grass, I can operate a tractor too.”

“Really.” It wasn’t a question.

“Really. My grandpa had a small farm and he had me in his lap as soon as I was big enough to walk. I know about chickens, goats, and gardens. I can bake pie, cook, clean, whatever you need. All I ask is that you’re fair and treat me nice, not like a servant.” He grinned.

“I’ll treat you real nice. I’m always fair and you can help Will and Matt figure out their farm because neither of them have a clue. It took them all morning yesterday to figure out how to run the tiller. I can imagine how crooked their rows will be when the corn comes up.”

“Do you have livestock?” He shook his head. “Are you making moonshine then?” He shook it again. “Then you won’t need a lot of corn. It sucks the nutrients from the ground.”