Fire and Rain

The Boss

I wake up soaked in sweat, great now I have to take another shower before heading out. I hope in the shower still putting together my dream, I just know that it is on repeat and I’m over it. I don’t even know what I’m seeing; shadows, blood and screams. I shake it off and head downstairs for some breakfast.

“Morning fam” I say looking at the table. “ What is for breakfast, I’m starving”

“Pancakes, bacon and eggs” my mother says while smiling up at me.

“Dad already head out for the day? I know he has been busy since the Elders became concerned about the increase of unwanted guests around the boarders.”

“Yes, he didn’t even take his lunch. I have a meeting today and I have to pass his office I will stop by. Hopefully you taking over the boarders will put a stop to him working from dawn until dusk” she says in a cheerful tone, but I know she misses their lunch dates and late night talks.

“Speaking of which! On my run last night I bumped into Jace, of course he laughed at my new job. However I asked if he wanted to be my sidekick and he accepted! I hope that’s okay with you.” I tell her while eating another strip of bacon.

“That’s perfect, if you plan on him being your Beta when you takeover this will be a great way to strengthen your bond. His pay will increase so he can afford that mate of his.” She chuckles.

Jace has been my friend since before we were born. Our parents swore we would end up fated to each other; but the moon has big plans for me. Or at least I keep telling myself that, because I know everyone in this town and nothing pulls at my heart.

“Mom, Sarah is nice. She has her high and low points but don’t we all. I think I’m going to leave a little early so I can stop by Maria’s bagel shop! I’m sure young wolves would love homemade bagels to start the morning. Plus I haven’t seen her in ages!”

She looks at me with loving eyes, “I’m sure she misses you too. Be careful and tell them I said hello!” She sees me off and begins cleaning up breakfast.

Maria is my best friend, girl wise and a caster. Jace, Maria and myself were born within weeks of each other and with are parents being close we became the “Tiny Trio”. Maria is an amazing caster but she would rather focus on her Café, which is fine by me! I pull up to the shop and pop my head in. Maria all but drops everything and runs over for a hug.

“I haven’t seen you in 8 days! Where have you been?! I have so much tea to spill, you would think these wolves know we can hear anything they say but I guess not” she says in a giddy voice then finally let’s me breathe.

“I know, I’m sorry. I’ve just been busy. Between training the young bucks and apparently being in charge of the boarders now. It’s been crazy” I already know what’s coming, she has always been the gossip girl but I love her anyway.

“WHAT! and you didn’t think that this would be a call Maria right away type situation! Let me guess, Jace is going to be your beta in training” she says very loudly looking at me with her bright blue eyes.

“Well I didn’t think it would be a big deal but I guess it is. You have the cafe to run, this was your dream. Which by the way, I’m going to need some fresh bagels and homemade cream cheese to go. If you happen to fix an americano while bagging that up, I wouldn’t object.”

After she gets the order ready, I tell her goodbye and promise to call her tonight. Maybe she can give me some advice on how to do makeup and how to walk in heels. I make my way to the truck and head down to the city office. It would be nice to have my own office but this will do for now.

I walk in and see Jace already there. I guess talking with Maria did put me a little behind. I look over and see the reason why we are getting unwanted visitors. I see 14 wolves just sitting there watching TV and now eating bagels. Ranging ages are anywhere from 20-26. You’ve got to be kidding me, this is what I have to work with. Turn these men loose and it’s possible they wouldn’t come back. I glance over at Jace who is stuffing a French toast bagel in his mouth, his eyes know exactly what I’m thinking. Guess we will get this s**t show started. I clear my throat and have 15 pairs of eyes on me.

“Good morning everyone! I’m sure you know who I am. I’ve seen some of you around but don’t think we have formally met. My name is Jocelyn, please call me Joc. I have been put in charge of boarders and am taking over as of today. Jace will be my right hand man. If I am not around, please feel free to ask him in my absence. I know some faces here but names I’m rusty at, so please introduce yourselves and enjoy the bagels, Maria made them fresh this morning.” I say with a smile, but in the pit of my stomach, I know I have my work cut out for me.

The guys go around and introduce themselves and I make small talk with them. They are actually very nice and willing to do what is needed of them. First things first though, we have to get on the same page. As we move into the small conference area, i look at Jace. With a knowing look we fist bump and walk in ready to do this.

“As you know, we have had some issues with Vampires and other wolves crossing the boarders. We cannot have this, although our town is perfectly able to handle themselves, our littles pups aren’t ready. We are supposed to be the protectors of this town and this is simply not acceptable to this town.”

I know they are listening because they know that I’m not afraid to dismiss them from their position and replace them. Which if needed, I have some in mind. I would like to bring them on but the budget simply doesn’t allow it. Jace steps forward and says his peace on the situation.

“We will train for the next few weeks. Improving stamina and reconnecting with our senses. Our concern is this town, and protecting those in it. If this isn’t what you were looking for, then by all means, leave. We have some interested in your positions, if you want to keep them then I suggest you put your all into the next few weeks.” If I didn’t know him, I would be intimidated by his tone. But I know him, he’s rehearsed this in the mirror at least 10 times.

“Please call your mates, it’s going to be a long day and you will be home late”

We spend the remainder of the day talking about what problems they see that could be fixed. Jace takes notes as they speak. One said that the problem lies with lack of communication between the other wolves. Point is valid, but one wolf takes me by surprise.

“Our problem is that they picked the weakest to protect these boarders and leaving it to the Alphas to take the fall”

Nailed it, he isn’t wrong. They picked this group just to have them there. Leaving my parents to come up with a solution. Fences get torn down, contracts get broken and even the casters protection veil failed. Here we are at least getting somewhere to solve the problem. Even if it does hurt to hear it. We go out and train for a bit before letting the men go home for the night. Jace and I go to what is now our office to talk.

“Well this day was s**t” he says while grabbing a cherry soda.

“No s**t! Let’s just look over some of your notes before we leave” I say in complete exhaustion.

“ Look Joc, I’m not saying that we need to replace them, but it would be a start”

“I know they aren’t as strong as our warriors and it’s not going to be fixed overnight. But I feel something in these guys. They have what it takes, but they haven’t been given the proper tools. Our warriors have a top notch trading facility. Look around, this used to be an ice cream shop and it barely looks like it’s been updated.”

“And you think the Elders are just going to build you a top notch facility” he says with sarcasm.

“Well they aren’t, I have a slight advantage, one that this branch hasn’t had before” we smile at each other with a knowing face.

We clink our sodas and head out. Mom is probably going to be p****d that I missed dinner. Dad is going to ask detailed questions about the day. I’m tired from the day I’ve had. Tired from the talk with Jace. Now I have to go home and be interrogated. It’s days like these that I wish I would have moved into the guest house on the other side of the property when offered. It’s not not much, but it has a kitchen, shower and a place to lay my head. It might be a good idea to bring up since I will up early, out late and restless at night. I walk in the house and to my surprise, my parents are waiting to hear about my day. Of course mom comes running up,

“How did today go Joc? Anything exciting or something we need let in on.” She asked with questioning eyes.

“Beth at least let her put her things down first” he says with a chuckle.

“Of course, of course I’m sorry. I made lasagna with homemade breadsticks. Already made your plate and cannolis for dessert.”

I sit down and begin eating, this woman knows the way to my heart. I express my concerns on our strength and weaknesses. But my main concern needs to come to light. No better time than the present I suppose. I take a big breath and just say it.

“I need a better facility. I know the Elders will fight me on the funding. But how am I supposed to make these men strong with a broken down ice cream shop?”

“Well I knew this would be brought up. And you are also correct that the Elders rejected the idea, but we are the Alphas and get the final say. They will be done next week, until then use the warrior facility.” Dad has said his peace on that, I bet those old flea bags hated that.

“Understood. I will have to increase the guys stamina and strength. Their bond isn’t strong so they can’t link. Something we will resolve”

“Enough work talk. Dear will you pass the breadsticks please?.”

We are almost finished with dinner, I need to ask about the guest house. However I did just ask for my building to be remodeled and properly equipped. Asking to leave the house maybe a bit much. Dad is finishing his cannoli and I see him looking at me. He of course knows there is something else on my mind.

“Well? I’m done with dinner but I’m not done with this conversation. Is there something you would like to add?” he’s looking at me with a puzzled face.

“Yes, since I’m out of the house early and in late, plus I like to go on late night runs. Is it possible that I can move into the guest house?”

I see mom and dad linking, they do this just to annoy me. I can’t hear the conversation, so I can’t object and just have to be satisfied with the answer. After a cannoli and what feels like hours later mom finally speaks.

“That would probably be best. I know that you can cook and clean. Having a space of your own may do you some good. It’s fully furnished so you could move right in if you like. I can gather your clothes up tomorrow while your training” mom smiles at me with such love in her eyes.

I know this will be a change but it was going to happen at some point. Of course I thought that I would be moving onto my own land, building my own house with my mate, but it is what it is. I go upstairs and take a shower. Ridley was supposed to run tonight but we are both tired. She was pacing all day trying to withhold her annoyance with the situation. So we agree that sleep is more important for the night. Possibly the next few weeks. As Im almost asleep, my phone rings, ugh of course because me getting a second of peace wouldn’t be right.

“Hello?” I answer.

“Why did you not call me and give me the scoop on everything? I feel left out” Maria pouts through the phone.

“I was going to it’s just been a long day. My parents agreed to let me move into the guest house, mom is packing up my clothes tomorrow while I’m at work. By the way, do you have time to come over one day? I need help.”

“That’s exciting! Having your own space will be good for you. What do you need help with?”

I scramble around looking for the right words, “well I’ve been thinking, it might help me look a little more professional if I wear something other than sweatpants and a tank top with my hair in a bun. Maybe a little makeup and business clothes.”

Silence on the other end as I check to see if we got disconnected. “Are you feeling ok? Because this is not something my best friend would say! But of course I will help you! I will get some clothes and makeup ready. I will be there in the morning to help, mom can open the cafe. I’m going to go put it some outfits together, bye!”

Ok, then. She didn’t even give me a chance to object. Well I guess I should pack a bag in the event that we go through some training. Hopefully I won’t look too extra tomorrow. I finally fall asleep and my dream starts to come into focus.

I see a man, maybe 21. He has dark hair, brown eyes that a girl could fall head over heels for, jeans and a white shirt. Put him on a horse and he would be a white night. His eyes look full or sorrow and pain, he looks at me and instantly runs away. He looks rather built, he must be a wolf. I walk closer to where he was, I see a field of blurry black dots. Then I hear his voice call my name.

“Joc, Joc, Jocelyn!!!! Wake up we have work to do” it’s Maria. Somehow she has gotten in my room. Probably by my dad since leaves so early.

“Do you think you could not shake me?” I ask, half a question and half annoyance.

“Next time yes, not now though get up and shower your all sweaty. You feel hotter than usual too, are you sick? I can make you a tea.”

I tell her that I’m fine, I just need to wake up. Which isn’t lying, but it wasn’t the truth. Who is this guy in my dream and why was he so sad and what about those blurry dots? Ugh never ending questions