Page 45 of Wulf’s Pack

Chapter

Twenty-Three

A fter Matt leaves, I take a minute to process everything, but that moment is brief. Too brief. Elise clears her throat, obviously ready for her part in this meeting. “About the housing issue, sir,” she says, jumping right back into things. “I’ve got some ideas for that.”

I take a deep breath and focus again, despite how much my head is spinning. “You do?”

Elise smiles with utter confidence. “I hope you don’t mind, but Sophia’s brother is a real estate agent from the Island Lake pack.

When we called to give her family the good news about Preston, we asked Sean about possible options for what we need.

He looked into all the properties directly adjacent to us, and a couple are available.

I’m not sure what it would take to get them converted into residential housing, but it can’t hurt to at least look.

There’s also an empty apartment building half a block from here.

I don’t know what shape it’s in or if the owner would be willing to sell, but I could have Sean contact them.

Even if it’s nearly condemned, it might be easier to renovate it than to convert a warehouse. ”

I smile at that. Finally, some good news.

An apartment building close by would be perfect.

I didn’t know there was one. My warehouse isn’t in the best area.

It’s an industrial area, and most of the buildings around me are abandoned.

That’s why I chose this location. Not as many neighbors, not as much noise, and it’s not like a werewolf has to be worried about the odd human mugger or junkie.

Elise continues, not necessarily talking a mile a minute, but with a quick, no-nonsense efficiency that is impressive.

“Matt and I were talking to Carl about it, and we had an idea. If we were able to purchase this whole block, we could put up proper security around the pack house and the apartments. Then, we could tear down the building in between them and convert it into a small, private park so that the pack has some outdoor space to hang out in their animal forms in private. It wouldn’t be enough space to really run, but it would still be helpful.

Parker was with Carl when we mentioned it, and he said he’d be willing to loan the pack the money it would take to make the purchase.

Actually, he said he’d happily buy it for us, but he knew you’d say no to that. ”

I smirk. Since Parker inherited his old clan’s entire fortune and all its property, including the very successful casino, he’s basically richer than God.

He’s felt guilty about the inheritance since he received it and has no idea what to do with his billions of dollars.

He’d probably be thrilled at the idea of buying me half the city if I needed it.

But Elise is right. I don’t think I could let him do it.

Still, my pride isn’t so bad that I wouldn’t accept a loan, and Elise’s idea is a fantastic one.

“That’s genius. Let’s definitely look into it and see if buying up the block is a possibility.”

Elise preens at my acceptance. “I know there’s a lot going on right now,” she says, “but I figured pack housing is near the top of the to-do list, so I went ahead and set up an appointment this afternoon for you with Sean so he can show you the places that are already listed for sale. Matthew and his architect friend are both ready and available to go with you so they can tell you what it would take to convert any of the buildings you look at. But I can cancel if you need me to. Sean’s aware you might not be able to get to it, or that you might not want to work with him since he’s not pack, and you don’t know him. ”

“No… I mean that’s…” I scrub my hands over my face and try to keep up with all the information. My head is starting to hurt. “That’s great, Elise. Thanks. Housing is definitely a top priority, so if he’s got some suggestions, I’m all for it. We can make this afternoon work.”

Elise nods, a pleased smile on her face. “I’ll let him know. Now, I hate to add more things to your to-do list, but we’ve got a few other things that need?—”

She’s cut off when her phone rings. She looks at the caller ID and sighs. “Is it all right if I take this?”

I wave her on, and she gives me an apologetic smile as she answers the call. I’m surprised by her greeting. “Wulf Winters Pack. Elise speaking. How may I assist you?”

Skylar and I share a curious glance, and I listen closely, focusing my wolf hearing to concentrate on the phone call.

“Yes, hello. I’m calling from the Detroit Free Press concerning the rumors that Wulf Winters has started his own pack here in Detroit. Care to comment?”

My mouth falls slack. The news? I knew word had traveled among the underworld crowd, but I didn’t realize it had leaked to the humans. That’s inconvenient. And it’s definitely going to make my life more complicated.

Elise smiles as if the man on the other end of the line can see her. “The only statement we’re willing to give at this time is to confirm that Alpha Winters has indeed formed a pack. We’re in the process of officially registering with the FUA and will issue a formal statement soon.”

“What about the rumors that he’s taken a mate? Can you confirm that as well?”

I sigh. Of course that information is already out there. Why the nation is so fascinated with my love life, I will never understand, but at least the she-wolves will back off.

Elise shoots me a questioning look, and when I nod, she says, “Yes, I can confirm he’s taken a mate. We’re not releasing any other information at present.”

“Is Alpha Winters available for an interview?” the man on the phone asks.

Elise stays warm and professional with her response.

“Not at this time. He’s a bit busy at the moment, as I’m sure you can imagine.

But once he’s ready, we’ll see about doing a press conference or scheduling interviews.

There’s an interest form on the pack website you’re welcome to fill out, and someone will get back to you once we have more information. ”

“Thank you, ma’am. I’ll do that. I appreciate you speaking with me.”

“You’re very welcome. Have a wonderful day.”

Elise hangs up and gives me a sheepish smile. “Sorry. The phone has been ringing off the hook for the last twenty-four hours.”

I flounder, unsure where to start with my questions. “How did the news break? And when?”

Elise shakes her head. “We’re not sure how word got out, but the story broke day before yesterday. Luna Skylar was outed as your mate, and Matt, Preston, Sophia, and I were outed as wolves and linked to you as your first official pack members.”

I groan, but this was inevitable and bound to come out sooner than later. I was hoping for another week at least, but I’m not surprised it got out so quickly. Still, worry fills me. “What has the response been?”

Elise scrunches her mouth sideways and bobs her head from side to side.

“Reactions have been mixed, but more positive than negative.” She smirks.

“You’re pretty popular. People are excited that you’ve found a mate and more curious about you having a pack than anything.

The shifter community seems thrilled about it, though.

At least, that’s the attitude here in Detroit. ”

“What about you guys? Have you had any trouble?”

She shrugs. “Nothing too outrageous. There’ve been people with cameras stalking the warehouse, but Oliver was kind enough to place a strong ward around the edge of the property that’s keeping everyone out.

Leaving has been a bit of a challenge, but Parker got us in contact with a security team he trusts, and they’ve offered to escort us whenever one of us needs to go anywhere.

” Her mouth falls into a crooked smile. “The most interesting side effect so far has been Sophia’s books.

When she was outed as a werewolf, her book sales skyrocketed.

I guess the country is curious about the wolf who writes werewolf romance. She hit number one overnight.”

I chuckle. “Silver linings, I guess.”

Elise grins, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Sophia can’t decide if she’s excited or mortified.”

This time I full-out laugh, and Skylar giggles.

I’m glad there’s some levity in all this chaos.

“We’ll have to do something to celebrate her success,” I say, surprising everyone.

“Everything is messed up right now, but it’s important to acknowledge the positives whenever we can.

It can’t all be stress and doom and gloom.

That’s not healthy for morale. We need as much balance as we can get. ”

Elise and Preston both give me grateful smiles, and Elise says, “Well, if we’re looking for things to celebrate, Sophia’s not the only one who needs a party.” Her pointed look tells me she’s referring to a mating ceremony.

I’ve never been opposed to a good party, and I like the idea of celebrating my mating, but we need to complete the bond first, and Skylar deserves a real party.

“Oh, we’ll get to that,” I promise. “But it’ll take time to plan, and I want things to be settled first so that we can all enjoy it without so much stress.

For now, let’s stick with crowning Sophia the werewolf romance queen.

” Preston snorts a laugh, and I smirk. Sophia is never going to live this down.

“We can make it an impromptu pack social and get to know each other, since we’re all basically strangers. ”

Skylar squeezes my hand. “That’s a great idea. If you’d like, I’ll see if I can put something simple together for this evening. I’ll bet Isabella and Ben could help me with that.”

That’s my beautiful omega. She’s going to make a great luna.

I’m such a sucker. This one offer from my mate has me swooning like I’m Romeo and she’s my Juliet. She’s so caring, and compassionate, and beautiful, and I’m just so damn lucky to call her mine. I lean over and kiss her. “That would be great, babe. Thank you.”