Chapter 30
Maya's wolf felt the little signals that Xander's wolf was sending to her. She couldn't help but sigh. The wolf knew that Maya would require a long time before she was able to trust in her mate again Maya felt a gentle gaze on her and turned to see Xander looking at her with a smile. She threw a glance around the gym and saw that none of the people working out had noticed Xander staring at her. Feeling a little embarrassed, she bowed her head.
Xander strode towards them and saw his nephew look at him with a smile. Sam ran towards Xander and gave his legs a hug. Xander fondly rubbed his head before picking him up in his arms, "Hey, little champ. How was your day?"
"Awesome." Sam replied.
Xander walked towards Maya with Sam in his arms. Maya straightened her stance and asked him, "How is the training of new recruits coming along?"
"It is coming along fine, Deputy Councilman. This batch of trainees are well on their way to set new records for their juniors to follow.” Xander replied his tone formal. However, even if his tone was formal, Maya could detect the underlying warmth. Xander's tone always held this warmth whenever he spoke to her.
"Aunt Maya... Uncle Xander, can we go somewhere out on the weekend? My teacher gave me an homework, I have to talk on the topic of a family trip. But.. I have never been on one with you. So... Can we go somewhere out? Please..." Sam murmured hesitatingly. Hearing the child's words, Xander's eyes shone. He wanted to go on a small trip with Maya, even a day trip would be fine. It would take them out of their daily environment and he hoped that maybe they could come a little closer to being together again.
Maya's wolf noticed the child's desire to connect and strengthen his bond with Maya. She gently nudged Maya's mind to accept the offer to go on an outing. Maya too felt that she should bond with the only family member she had left in her life. She accepted the offer without much thought. It was only after the nephew and uncle pair left, that Maya remembered Bella was supposed to arrive on the weekend. She felt slightly worried about Ryder and Bella. The sparks of anger that flew whenever the two met was definitely something to be worried about.
Maya was too caught up in the thought about how she should manage them when she herself was not going to be present. She didn't even notice when Marina came up to her.
Noticing that Maya was absorbed in her thoughts Marina placed a hand on her shoulder to wake her up. However, Maya's warrior senses kicked in and she caught the hand on her shoulder, twisted it, and threw the person over her head. Angry and embarrassed that she allowed someone to sneak on her, she turned to beat up the “intruder.
When she saw that it was Marina, and that she was lying on the floor mat of the gym slightly dazed, the anger changed to chagrin. Maya apologized and hurriedly extended her hand to help Marina up;
"What the hell, Maya? What were you so busy thinking about?" Marina asked her.
"Ah... Sorry Marina. I was thinking about Bella.” Maya replied.
"Bella? The freak vampire? What about her?” Marina asked. Maya immediately gave her a warning glare when she called Bella a freak.
"You remember how I was talking about hiring a CEO for the Forrester company?" Maya asked. "Yes, I remember it... What? You are planning to hire Bella as the CEO?" Marina guessed correctly. As Maya nodded assent, Marina burst out laughing.
"Oh my god! This is hilarious. Does Ryder know about this?" Marina asked.
"No. That is what got me stressed. You know how they are whenever they face each other. Watching them get into fight for petty reasons is so frustrating. It makes you want to pull your hair out. Also after their last fight, I hardly think there will be any display of civility among them." Maya replied. "Well... for all intents and purposes you will be their boss. Bella would be working under you and Ryder is already your subordinate. So why are you so worried? Just give an order to both of them to not fight each other and use their time to work instead of causing trouble.” Marina suggested. "Yeah... About that.. I am going for a family outing with Sam on the day Bella is supposed to arrive. I won't be here to put a lid on their temper.” Maya replied sheepishly.
Marina laughed out loudly and said, "Well then you can safely assume that at least part of the Council Headquarters will be under restoration after their fight. If anyone witnesses the fight then they might even apply for a stress leave.”
"If only there was someone who could keep both of them in line until I get back.” Maya lamented. "How about handing this over to one of the guys?" Marina suggested.
"That's a good suggestion. But who will take it up? Andy will definitely screw up and Jeff is already busy." Maya replied.
"How about Dylan? He is senior to both of them and they will definitely have to behave in front of him. He has authority over both of them." Marina said.
"Marina... You are a genius. It will definitely work. He can just scold them or give them a good beating of required." Maya said happily.
"Genius? That I am... However why are you going out with the little wolf?" Marina asked.
"It's a school assignment to talk about family outing in front of class. One cannot let it be boring.” Maya said calmly.
Marina guessed that Maya wanted to go on a trip with Sam in order to ensure his happiness and comfort. She knew Maya wanted to bond with this only innocent family member of hers. Marina wished that Maya will be able to successfully form proper relationship with both Sam and Xander. She wanted Maya to become happy and complete in all ways. Marina had a small smile as she watched Maya leave to find Dylan.