I growled softly, allowing my wolf the briefest moment to flash his irritation. “I do not keep slaves, Celeste,” I said firmly, watching the woman flush. “Nor do I brainwash anyone. Walter is simply a human I find to be useful.” I paused, shaking my head. “Before you ask, he is paid what would be considered by some a generous wage. It is important to me that he wants for naught.”
Walter’s loyalty to me was worth much more than money, and I had no problem paying the man exactly what he was worth. Walter’s family had been with me for generations. They kept passing down the truth about the paranormal, and many of his relatives had been my assistants. If my needs were to be met, their needs had to be met. I offered stability, and in return, I found Walter often saw problems and fixed them lon
