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“Boo!” Sally said as she acted as if she were going to run at him, and he turned and fled.

Maybe she should have tried to run him down and take him out, but she felt exhausted from what she had already gone through and was willing just to let him run. She figured he would be in village history, making it sound like he had been attacked by a group or even a witch like Harry. Sally headed back out to the truck where Dolores waited for her.

“No trouble?” She asked.

“Nothing but trouble. Five are down, and one escaped. We need to call the State Patrol so they can get these guys. We probably should restrain them, or they will escape too.”

Dolores agreed, and they headed inside, where one of the guys had already disappeared. They restrained the rest of them and made the phone call, and they were told that a car was nearby due to another complaint and would arrive in half anhour if they could just wait. It ended up being more like an hour, and once they were done, they headed back to the office. This had not been a good day, and she suspected their days were going to get worse. At least they were at the office where they could rest and recuperate. As she had suspected, Dolores and Mike were mated and usually worked together as partners. Sally took Dolores to the other suite so she could settle in. It was now lunchtime, and when Dolores came back from settling in, they sat down and ate lunch together while Sally explained how things worked at the office to her.

They got along well. Sally thought that, given time, they could be friends. There were a few calls, but the office was slow. A few hours later, Xantos and Mike returned with their list completed. At least someone had a fruitful day and took the time to explain the problems they had encountered. It had slowed their progress, but there was nothing to do about it, and Mike and Dolores would go out tomorrow to work as a team. Xantos had decided that Mike was an excellent worker, and since Dolores had been tested at one location, there was no reason not to put them together and let them work as trained security specialists.

There would be another arrival either tomorrow or the next day, and they were beginning to build a team that at least might have a chance of catching up on their list. They had no information on who the next new person would be or when they would arrive after this one. Sally had to admit it was a little frustrating to have so little information when she and Xantos were supposed to be in charge. Perhaps this was a test of some sort, although she couldn't imagine why they would be tested in this manner. It is to ensure that they can do the job they were given. Honestly, Sally wasn't sure that they could, but herpartner seemed confident, so maybe he had enough confidence for both of them.

Everyone ate supper, and then they headed to their rooms. The rooms all had TVs, and Tyne had satellite TV because it was necessary for communication in any office setting. She preferred to read, but she knew that Xantos watched TV and often until late at night. Sally figured he had trouble sleeping, and that wasn't unusual. She had to admit there were times that she had bad dreams and couldn't get back to sleep when she woke up. Sometimes, she remembered the dreams, but other times, she didn't. When she remembered them, they were the things of nightmares, and she wished she couldn't remember them. Sally dreamed of an abusive alpha wolf and the pleasure that he got when he took out his anger on females. She was just an observer, and there was nothing she could do, but she wished she could take a gun and shoot the SOB.

These terrorists were similar to him, only they weren't as bad, and they didn't have the kind of control that he did. Why was she having these dreams? Maybe so she would know where the bodies were buried if she ever came face to face with the evil one. Sally didn't really understand, and she figured it must be one of those talents she had because she was a wolf, even though she didn't have enough blood to shift. Her gifts included improved senses but not as well as paranormals had, and slightly enhanced speed and strength, but again not as good as paranormals had. Since she couldn't shift, she didn't really understand why she still had some qualities, even if in lesser amounts, than a wolf would.

Breakfast was ready, and she had made a little more than what was required for those who were there. No one had come out yet, but Sally's eyes turned to the door. There was a knock just moments later, and then someone came in. She tried not toshow any emotions, but damn, the guy was gorgeous. His hair was black as coal, and his eyes were too. His complexion was swarthy, and the male was tall, almost seven feet tall, and well built.

“I think I'm at the right place. My name is Renard. Who might you be?”

“My name is Sally, and I am the office manager.”

He held out his hand, so she gave him hers, and he turned it over and kissed it. It was hard to deny that she almost melted into a puddle on the floor.

“I catch a hint of other but not enough to determine what it is. I am a wolf. Tyne said I might have to train, even though it's not necessary. Maybe I can train with you?” Renard suggested.

“I don't think so. I am the field manager, and I make those determinations," Xantos clarified.

“I am Renard, and you are?”

“I am Xantos. You will be training with me.”

“That's fine. There is a marvelous aroma here. Is the food available to everyone?” He asked.

“It is.”

Sally rushed around to fix his plate and hand it to him. She fixed her own and then sat down by him. Things may be looking up here now. She felt drawn to him, but not in the same way she was drawn to Xantos. This guy would be fun to talk to, flirt with, and hang out with. It was amusing that he and Xantos didn't get along, but perhaps that was just two alpha wolves competing for dominance. She was sure that Xantos would let Renard know that he was in charge in many small ways. It was just another reason to stay away from Xantos. He was too controlling and too alpha.

Maybe having Renard here would help put him in his place. It might or it might not. She needed to stop worrying about Xantos and concentrate on her job. All the crew were gone, and she needed to check supplies. She checked them daily and ordered them as required. Some linen and a few small items would be needed soon, especially since more crew members were on their way. Tomorrow, the next one would arrive. This one was newly trained and may need to work with Xantos for a while. That wouldn't make him happy. Sally started to hide her smile, but no one was there, so she let it show.

She could hear the door open, but she wasn't expecting anyone right now. Sally made sure both zappers, as she called them, were ready, then headed to the front desk. The girl standing there was pretty but looked shy.

“May I help you?”

"I'm early. My name is Cindy Lou, and Tyne sent me. I thought it would be better to come now and settle in than in the morning just in time to start work.”

“That sounds logical. Let me take you to your room so you can put your stuff away.” Sally offered.

Cindy Lou turned to her as she moved through the door. “Thank you. I'll come down after I get settled in.”

The girl had good manners, and that impressed Sally. Not everyone she worked with had manners. It was good to have her new person here and not have to worry about it. It was always a worry whether they would arrive or if something happened to them before they got here. As much as working with the girl would annoy Xantos, her being pretty might make up for that. Sally wouldn't worry about it because she had plenty to do. Even if they didn't make appointments in the office, they were still available to take them on the phone and online. Tyne consideredcanceling any appointments in the offices due to the risk they presented and the extra time they required. Most people said they preferred making their appointments from home.

Sally had to admit that she preferred not having people constantly coming in and out of the office. It was difficult enough to deal with specific customers on the phone where at least you could move the phone away from your ears, so they didn't blast it. Sometimes, their complaints were ridiculous, and she really didn't know what to tell them except by giving them the number to the headquarters. Moe was good at dealing with these things, and she certainly was getting enough practice since everyone sent their troublemakers to her. Poor Moe, but she had a great mate that would make her feel better at the end of the day so Sally wouldn't feel sorry for her.

Cindy Lou came into the room around lunchtime. “Why don't you come in and sit down? I will get you something to eat," Sally offered. “Tyne sent some free food until everyone got settled. I've been fixing some.”

“If it's not too much trouble, I would appreciate it. Traveling makes me hungry.”