SWNOVELS Chapter 175
Chapter 43
Bronx's POV "So, what pack did you come from, Tessa? I need to let your Alpha know you're here," I ask the blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman. Her clothes look inexpensive but brand new, unless you look at her shoes. She is wearing top of the line running shoes. I know because Kas bought a pair for herself a couple months ago. She felt uncomfortable spending so much money, so she took them back and bought a cheaper pair. I had Lenora and Ashley go out and buy her the original pair, but have not had an opportunity to give them to her yet.
If Tessa was an average wolf, she would be nervous sitting in a one-on-one meeting with an Alpha Regent, but she isn't. She sits up straight and confidently looks me in the eye as we speak, as if this is an everyday occurrence for her. Her formal mannerisms and the way she speaks hint at wealthy upbringing. She may have even had formal training to meet with high-ranking wolves.
"Oh, no, Sir. My Luna knows I left. This is temporary until I figure out what I'm going to do," she gives me a measured smile. I notice she intentionally avoids the question about her pack name.
"So they haven't banished you for leaving? That is a patient pack you must have," I nod with my hands folded in front of me on the desk.
"Yes, Sir. Very patient," she nods, trying to convince me. She is very convincing. If I didn't know what I already know about her, I might believe her. 1
I watch her carefully, noticing the similarities between her and Lenora, but I can see how if the bakery was busy, Kas would have not recognized her with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is definitely wearing contacts. I can't tell if she dyed her hair or if she is wearing a really good quality wig. Eithe way, she doesn't realize that I'm not fooled by the disguise.
There is something about her that makes me feel there is more than meets the eye beyond her disguised features, but I can't put my finger on it. Her movements are graceful but precise at the same time, just like my sister. If I closed my eye and listened to her talk, I would believe I was sitting i the room with a pensive Lenora, but with something a little more to her voice. Just like Kas said, even with the contacts, her eyes look older than Lenora's even though she looks like she is Lenora's age.
"Alright, well, you are welcome to stay as long as you need while you work things out. While you're here, you will have a job with the housekeeping staff. Five days a week, eight hours a day. Half hour lunch break and fifteen minute morning and afternoon breaks. The supervisor will show you around, explain your responsibilities, and go over your wages when we are done here. Since your stay is going to be temporary, we will have a room on the second floor of the packhouse with a roommate. If you decide to stay permanently, we will move you to a more permanent dwelling on you own," I explain.
'Thank you, Alpha Mason. I appreciate this opportunity so much," she smiles gratefully at me, "Um, will I get to meet the Luna? I figured she would be here to greet new people into the pack."
"Gotcha, bitch," Saint snarls in my mind, "You're not getting your filthy paws on our mate." 1
I push him back, "Now's not the time, Saint. We have a plan and we need to stick to it." "The Luna is away on business. I'm sure she would be happy to set up a meet and greet when she gets back," I hold Saint's emotions back and keep as calm as possible.
'That would be great," Tessa smiles, "I've heard so much about her!"
I don't reply, I just smile at her the best I can. Kas always tells me I'm better off not trying to smile if it's not genuine, because I look like I just smelled something bad. In this case, I might as well have.
"Just let me scare her a little," Saint paces impatiently.
"No. Stop it," I cut off our link to avoid getting interrupted by him again.
There is a knock on the door. I bid them to enter and the housekeeping supervisor pokes her head in.
"You sent for me, Alpha?" she asks nervously.
"Natalie, this is Tessa. She will work on your team full time until further notice," I advise.
The supervisor looks at Tessa curiously, then holds her hand out to shake Tessa's, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Sorry if I smell like bleach, we've been doing some sanitizing down in the weight room today."
Tessa stands and gives her a firm handshake, "It's alright. I understand." The only difference between her and Lenora that I can tell, is that she doesn't have Lenora's dagger and heart tattoo that has Mom and Dad's names incorporated on her forearm.
"Natalie, Tessa is going to be temporarily rooming with Carly. Can you take her down and show her where her room is so she can drop off her duffel bag? Then you can show her the ropes, go over her duties, pay, all that jazz."
"Rooming with Carly?" Natalie looks suspicious.
"Yes, I've already given Carly the heads up and she has a guest bed ready in her suite," I confirm.
"A-Alright, Alpha, right away," she nods, still looking confused why I would put a new pack member in my assistant's suite, "Come on, Tessa."
Tessa picks up her duffel bag and follows Natalie out of the office, closing the door behind her. I mind link Carly to let her know they are on their way and to search the duffel bag as soon as they leave her suite.
I mind link Milo and Reggie to meet me in my office. They both come in five minutes later.
"What's up, Bronx?" Milo asks.
"Tessa DeCaul is here. Natalie from housekeeping just took her down to drop her bag in Carly's suite. She conveniently avoided telling me her pack name and didn't seem to have a problem working in housekeeping," I drum my fingers against the desk as I speak, "Guys, she looks just like Lenor except blonde and she's obviously wearing blue contacts. It is unnerving how similar they look."
I explain her interest in meeting Kas and that we can't underestimate her. We go over our game plan and decide to beef things up a bit. Milo agrees to have one of his guys tail her from a distance and Reggie will speak to Natalie to make sure Natalie puts her on cleaning duty for the suites the Santoro Enterprises team will stay in. The more uncomfortable we can make her, the better. Hopefully, the pressure will make her slip up.
When they leave, I look at my watch. Two-thirty. Kas and Lenora should be getting close to Silver Moon. I send Kas text to make sure she's okay.
Bronx: Hey Baby. You guys good?
Kas: Hi Sweetheart. Yeah - almost there. Just a little nervous. Lenora has been awesome 1
Bronx: Good. If you need anything, call right away. I will be there in a heartbeat.
Kas: Okay. Oh - also - no more telling my guards to intimidate humans trying to snap my pic >:(
Bronx: Sorry Baby. Won't happen again.
Busted. I would get ahold of the guards later to find out what happened.