LOVING THE MADMAN

Aborting Plan Purge

ATHENA

“Guess what?!” Stacy announced, bursting out of one of the many rooms in her father’s mansion.

I’d just been shown into the living room by the butler.

“What?” I grinned. “And why do you look like you just won the lottery?”

“Because,” she said, sitting beside me on the couch. “I come bearing good news.”

Her blonde ponytail swayed as she leaned on her elbow, and her bangs were cut neatly above her brows.

“So… remember that bodyguard you like? The one we said we were going to purge out of your system?”

My stomach gave a little flip. “Troy. Yeah? What about him?”

“My father’s keeping him on after the party.” She explained. “Told me this morning, and I couldn’t wait to tell you in person.”

“Wait… what?!” I blurted, not sure which emotion to feel: thrill or panic?

Stacy’s grin widened. “Yeah. Dad says he’s got an impressive ‘record.’ Thinks he’ll be useful.”

She leaned deeper into the couch. “There's going to be a slight change of plans. I'm thinking we postpone Plan Purge Him Out. We could still try to make things work between you two.”

“Hold on.” I raised a hand. “Isn’t he head of security for Zephyrus Wrath?”

She blew a raspberry. “Apparently not anymore. If he were, he’d have turned down Dad’s offer. He wouldn’t even have been at the party.”

Stacy paused to think for a moment. “Or maybe…” she pinched my arm playfully, smirking, “…maybe the real reason he took the job was because of you. So, he could always get to see you, since we're best friends.”

Troy had always been loyal to Zephyr. Nothing could shake that.

So why was he working for Huck Clarke now?

Unless Zephyr had laid him off. Or exiled him for what he did to Brock.

Oh, no.

“Hello?? Earth to Athena?” Stacy snapped her fingers in front of me. “Why the distraught look? You should be a bit happy; you’ll see him almost every day now.”

“But you don’t even need a bodyguard.” I pointed out.

She gave me a deadpan stare. “Tell that to my father. Ever since Eugene and his goons crashed my party, he’s been overprotective.”

Part of me was happy that I’d see Troy again. But the other part knew better. We were nothing. We would always be nothing. And getting my hopes up was just asking for more hurt.

“When does he start?” I asked, clearing my throat.

“Tomorrow.”

“Oh. Great.” I muttered dryly. “Just what I need. More emotional trouble”

“Don’t be bothered about that,” Stacy said. “Anyway, we’re going shopping today,” she rubbed her hands evilly. “If he was acting cold before, that’s about to change once he sees you in the dresses we’re going to get.”

She cackled like an evil witch. “We should go full-on provocative. You’ve got the body for it and…”

I gulped, remembering what had happened during the annual festival.

Brock’s crude remarks.

Troy snapping.

Brock’s death.

I shook my head vigorously. “No.” My voice came out hoarse. “No provocative dresses.”

Stacy started to pout. “But, Thena…”

“I’m serious, Stace.” My voice came out firm. “Remember what I told you happened at the festival.”

“Oh.” Her expression softened. “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

“It’s fine.” I gave her a small smile.

Stacy's older brother, Killian, strode in wearing a tailored black suit. He'd just come from the office, and his face brightened when he saw me.

“Athena.”

“Hi, Killian.”

He’d never said it, but I knew he liked me.

The way he looked at me communicated it quite clearly.

Stacy sometimes teased that if he had his way, he’d marry me. But I was a werewolf, and he was human. Father would never approve of such a union.

Inter-species marriages weren’t exactly frowned upon; people did it all the time, but it was something my father had never wanted for me.

From the very beginning, he’d been clear that he wanted me to marry within the wolf species.

“I’d have brought your favorite pizza if I knew you were coming,” he said. “How have you been?”

“I’m alright. Thanks for asking.” I eyed his sharp suit and knotted tie. “How was work?”

He sighed, running a hand through his sand-blond hair. “The usual. You know, you should come work for me. Be the face of our company.”

“Haha, nice try, Kill,” Stacy cut in, rolling her eyes. “Forget it, Pa Harold wouldn’t even let it happen. She’s not even the face of her father’s company.”

Killian chuckled, setting his briefcase down instead of leaving, and taking the spot beside me. “Fair point. But I’m serious. Our marketing team could use someone with your beauty and charm, Athena.”

He sank back onto the couch beside me, loosening his tie with a grin. “Dad’s always saying we need a fresh face.”

“Stacy only mentioned that your dad's company is a ‘magical money-making circus,’ too lazy to explain the details.” I fixed her with a look. “She’s never given me actual details. All I know is he’s loaded.”

Killian laughed. Stacy groaned, flopping dramatically against the cushions. “Oh, please, don’t get him started. It’s all he talks about these days.”

He ignored her, turning to me. “Don't mind Stacy. Clarke Enterprises is into a bit of everything… real estate, tech investments, and lately, eco-tourism.”

Stacy continued in a bored tone. “Dad’s obsessed with turning Aspen into a sustainable hotspot.”

“Sustainable hotspot?” I asked curiously.

Killian smiled, nodding. “We’ve got projects lined up… luxury cabins in the mountains, solar-powered lodges, and even a partnership with some wildlife conservation groups.”

He leaned back into the cushions. “He thinks it’ll draw in the rich crowd while keeping the environmentalists happy.”

“Wow. That sure sounds ambitious,” I said. “But ecotourism in werewolf territory could get tricky.”

There was a thoughtful look in Killian’s eyes. “Not exactly, since people are aware your kind exists. Dad’s been upfront about working with the packs.”

“Yes,” I shifted to face him better. “But some wolves can be territorial. They don’t like actual wolves trespassing, let alone humans. We PaleMoons guard our lands fiercely… Tourists moving around might not sit well with Father or Slade.”

He nodded. “True. Dad’s been negotiating land rights with your pack and others, trying to avoid stepping on toes…” He paused to let out a guffaw. “Or should I say… paws. Literally.”

I giggled. Stacy released an unladylike snort.

“Eugene’s stunt at Stacy’s party only heightened our father’s paranoia. He believes someone might sabotage us, especially if the wolves feel threatened.”

Stacy rolled her eyes. “More like he’s paranoid about everything. He’s got guards on me like I’m some VIP now. Hence, Troy.”

I tensed at the name, but Killian didn’t notice, continuing with a shrug. “Yeah. I heard about the new hire. Ryder’s a good choice, though. I mean, he's a big deal in the wolf world… fearsome reputation and all, with top-tier security skills.”

He crossed his arms subconsciously. “Dad's been singing his praises nonstop, and I can't blame him. The guy's strategic, and it could be a game-changer for us if the packs get hostile.”

Killian glanced at me. “You know him, right? From the werewolf side of things?”

I shifted uncomfortably, avoiding his gaze. “Yeah, sort of. He’s connected to my father’s ally, Zephyrus Wrath. That’s all.” The half-truth came out easily. I wasn’t ready to tell him about the festival or Brock.

Also, the idea of Troy working for Huck… of being involved in pack politics and my life again was enough to give me a mild headache.

“By the way, we’re thinking of planning a launch event… inviting pack leaders, investors, the works. But the date is uncertain.” Stacy's brother continued. “Maybe this year. Maybe the next. Stacy’s supposed to help plan it, and I’m roped in too.”

He smiled at me. “You should come, Athena. Give us a werewolf’s perspective.”

Stacy lightened up, clapping her hands. “Yes! Oh my gosh. And you get to wear a dress that’ll render Troy speechless when he shows up.”

“Wait, what?” Killian frowned, sitting up as he glanced between us.

“Nothing,” Stacy replied quickly, flashing me an apologetic expression, knowing she’d slipped up by mentioning Troy.

I laughed, trying to mask the unease tightening in my chest. “We’ll see. But no promises on the dress.”

The date of the event wasn’t even certain yet. For all I knew, if it was happening next year, Troy might not be in Huck Clarke’s service by then.

I didn’t know what sort of agreement they’d had together. It all seemed wrong that he’d be working for someone else besides his Alpha.

Killian glanced at his watch. “Speaking of work, I should get back to it.”

“Didn't you just get back from work?” Stacy asked in a bored tone.

He shrugged. “Dad’s got me reviewing contracts all afternoon.”

“Liar. You're just a workaholic.” She pointed an accusatory finger at him before turning to me. “He's married to his work.”

Killian stood, adjusting his suit. “Don’t believe her.” He said to me. “See you girls later.”

With a wink, he grabbed his briefcase and headed upstairs, leaving me and Stacy alone.

Stacy turned to me, giving me her puppy dog eyes. “Oops. Sorry about the Troy slip. But seriously, tomorrow’s the day he starts. We need to get you ready… Prep you mentally. No moping allowed!”

I sighed, sinking deeper into the couch.

“And I believe I’ve found the perfect way to finally snap him out of it this time,” she declared proudly.

I let out a frustrated groan, hoping the next day wouldn't blow up in my face.