Emerald Eyes

Chapter 15 - I Quit!

  The next afternoon Amelia arrived after lunch with a bag of foundation garments that would be needed for each of the dresses. The three ladies went to Abby’s suite, and the fashion show began. Abby had brought in several stand-up mirrors and placed them around the room so Gracey could get a full view of herself in a dress.

  Amelia pulled the first dress out of the garment bag. She knew each gown would be perfect for Gracey. Much like Alfred, Amelia knew fashion and what would look best on everyone.

  The dress was pure white. It was a strapless gown with a ruched chiffon bodice which finished with a pretty sweetheart neckline. There was a rosette-trimmed ruffle which cascaded down the back of the skirt finishing in a floor-sweeping train.

  Amelia and Abby helped Gracey step into the dress. It fit perfectly, and Gracey was…beautiful was too common a word for the image. Gracey looked at herself in the mirrors and smiled as if she had just turned into a princess. Amelia took several pictures of Gracey in the gown to help Gracey decide between the three gowns.

  The second dress was a stunning organza gown with a gathered overlay highlighting the sweetheart neckline. It also had a layered ruffle which cascaded from a back rosette; with crinoline tulle which added volume to the flared mermaid skirt which ended with a remarkable train. Gracey again looked stunning.

  The third dress had a sheer beaded mesh top above a dramatic silk gown with a beaded mesh overlay bodice which flowed into a floor-grazing satin-faced georgette skirt with pleats for added fullness. The dress sparkled like Gracey’s eyes.

  After trying on all three gowns, Gracey dressed while Amelia and Abby downloaded the photos Amelia had taken onto Abby’s laptop. The decision would be difficult. Each dress was perfect for Gracey.

  Amelia and Gracey then went into Abby’s closet, to close up each garment bag. Gracey was still amazed by Abby’s closet and was sneaking a peek at Abby’s evening gowns. Suddenly back in the corner, she saw a garment bag as large as the ones Amelia was zipping. It was white, and she saw the word ‘bridal’ on it.

  “Abby, is that your wedding dress?” Gracey asked, pointing to the corner.

  “Oh yes, I had forgotten about it,” Abby replied nonchalantly.

  “Can I see it?” Gracey asked.

  “Sure,” Abby answered.

  Gracey and Amelia retrieved the bag and Amelia removed the dress and hung it on the hook. The dress was spectacular. It had the all the things Gracey liked about the other three dresses all in one. Her eyes lit up. “Can I try it on, just for fun, of course,” Gracey asked.

  “Why not?” Abby answered. “I never had a daughter to play dress up with. This is fun.”

  The dress was strapless with a chiffon bodice and a sweetheart neckline. There was beading of tiny pearls and emerald green stones along the bodice. The satin skirt was full with a stunning train.

  Gracey stepped into the dress and looked into the mirror. “Omigod,” the three said in unison. “Is it just me or is Gracey glowing?” Abby asked.

  “If I believed in fairy tales, I would swear it was magical,” Amelia replied.

  Gracey was not wearing the dress, the dress was wearing Gracey. It was beyond perfect, and they all knew it. Gracey looked back at Abby but could not utter the words. Tears were streaming down Abby’s face while she smiled. “I always hoped I would have a daughter to pass the dress on to. Do you want to wear it for your wedding?”

  Gracey ran to Abby. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” was all Gracey could say.

  “Well, we better get this off of you and cleaned and pressed. It has been hanging in the back of this closet for over thirty years,” Abby told Gracey.

  “I will take care of everything, Mrs. Rudolph,” Amelia advised. “I am assuming no veil. I will pick out the appropriate undergarments and accessories. Do you want white shoes? I am thinking white satin with a two-inch heel. And, of course, a blue garter. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue as the saying goes. I will leave the new to the family.

  “I will take this dress with me to check the beading and to get it cleaned and pressed. I will have everything delivered together. Give me a couple of weeks. I want everything to be perfect,” Amelia added.

  Between the three of them, they loaded everything into Amelia’s SUV. Abby and Gracey found Stone and Rudy in Rudy’s office discussing business.

  “We have to decide on the family dynamic and everyone’s jobs. I have been working from home, but the two of you, along with Jim and Elmer have been on a paid leave of absence from Rudolph, Inc. for a while now. HR and finance are starting to get suspicious,” Rudy was explaining.

  “They know I will be working from home from now on, but we have to set up some regular work hours and duties for us all. Stone and Gracey have been out of the office for over six weeks, since May 29. Jim and Elmer moved in on June 11. Charles is no issue has he is employed personally by me,” Rudy continued.

  “Once we make a decision about you and Gracey, we will need to talk to Jim and Elmer,” Rudy told Stone.

  “Gracey, I know you want to earn your keep, but I do not know how to keep you on the payroll and justify it will HR and the Finance department. So, I want you to quit,” Rudy stated bluntly.

  “Quit?” Gracey exclaimed in dismay.

  “Yes. You will help Abby run the household, and we will pay you a weekly stipend out of the household coffers. Another option is to have Dr. Robertson put you out on medical leave until the wedding and have you collect short-term disability.”

  “No way, I am doing that. Those bitches in the basement will have me knocked up and hiding in a home for unwed mothers. It’s not going to happen!” Gracey screamed. She turned to Abby without hesitation. “I guess you have an apprentice,” Gracey surrendered. Rudy laughed so hard he had to stop for a moment, to regain composure.

  “Okay, onto Stone. I am going to need an assistant. Your pay will be the same. I will rewrite your job description. We have been making it up as we went along, but now it is time for you to learn my job. You will be taking over Rudolph, Inc. when I retire.

  “We will be keeping normal business hours, starting next Monday. It will be the effective date for the changes. Oh and, by the way, the dress code will be business casual, no jeans. And Abby, we will talk about those unauthorized breaks of yours later,” Rudy winked.

  “I will have my office moved out to the guest house. Stone and I will share the space. Everything is already wired and with digital security in place; so not much will need to be done,” Rudy added. “This way we can separate our workspace from the house. It should help us stay on task.”

  “Gather up the boys, and we will talk to them,” Rudy instructed.

  Jim, Elmer, and Charles entered the study. Rudy explained the Rudolph, Inc. concerns to them.

  “Charles, you are my personal driver, so this won’t affect you. But now you are a part of the family…the pack…I am not sure what we are. Regardless, you need to know about the decisions made today.

  “Jim and Elmer, this affects the two of you the most. Elmer, I will be keeping you on as a security guard for the home office. I can still pay you what you were earning working at the office. You still have a place to live, here with us.

  “Jim, your situation is a bit more difficult. I do not need a trainer here at the house. And even if I set up virtual training sessions for our offshore facilities, I am not sure how I could justify why you are working here and not at the office."

  “Elmer and I knew this day would come, Mr. Rudolph. And I think we can help,” Jim started. “You have been more than generous over the years with my double duties as a trainer and bodyguard for Gracey. I have been able to save a bit of money over the years. Elmer tells me, he has quite the nest egg himself. Neither one of us is big on the creature comforts per se, so the quarters here on the grounds are more than adequate for our needs."

  "So think about
this, the two of us could work for the price of one, both as security for the home office on the books and the family off the books. And then you can justify the cost with the finance officer. Would it work?” Elmer asked. “I do not know what you classify this group of ours, a pack, or a family. Whatever we are, we are in this together, and we protect each other.”

  Rudy was flabbergasted. “This works for you, both of you?” Both Elmer and Jim nodded yes. “I will arrange it with HR, and they can start looking for a new trainer, well two actually. Gracey, I expect your resignation by the end of tomorrow.”

  Elmer, Charles, and Jim gasped with surprise.

  “I will explain later,” Gracey told the men.

  “Stone, we have three days to move me into the new Annex of Rudolph, Inc. We are going to need some boxes,” Rudy instructed. “And son, I get the big desk,” he added smugly.

  The next morning Jim and Elmer went to Rudolph, Inc. and boxed up Jim’s personal belongings. Gracey kept nothing at the office not even a photo in her pristine and professional cubicle, so there was nothing to collect from her desk. Since Elmer was in his uniform, it gave the appearance Jim had been fired. Jim explained he had a new job and was moving on. The charade worked perfectly. On the way out, Elmer delivered Gracey’s resignation to HR.

  Everything was falling into place. There would be rumors, but everyone knowing the truth was more dangerous.

  Back at the Rudolph, Inc. Annex, everyone was busy moving furniture around and setting up the new facilities. Rudy was ready to regain some semblance of normal. Abby stood in awe. As a human, Rudy was a born leader. As a wolf, he was a force to be reckoned with. My Alpha, Abby thought. How sexy is he? Oh yes, she would win the argument about the unauthorized breaks, she would make sure of it. They had planned to bond that night. The man does not have a chance.

  The group rushed to get everything completely that day; stopping for only for lunch; wanting the weekend off. Monday the Annex would officially open, and they would return to business as usual.

  Elmer and Jim worked out the security rotation for the weekdays, and Charles agreed to fill in on the weekend rotations. Elmer and Jim came up with a new design for the security uniforms. Khaki slacks and emerald green golf shirts with ‘Rudolph, Inc.’ embroidered above the pocket in white. They suggested the new uniform to Rudy, and he approved, writing a purchase order for the new uniforms. Rudy suggested Charles be attired in a similar uniform but with ‘Emerald Knoll’ above the pocket. Charles was thrilled; no more hot black jacket and cap.

  Jim put in the order with the uniform supply company and paid out of his own pocket to have the uniform requisition completed and delivered by Tuesday morning.

  The Annex was completed just in time for dinner. After showers and a change of clothing, dinner was served. Everyone ate heartily. They had put in a full day of manual labor.

  Gracey and Stone retired to Gracey’s suite as normal while Rudy and Abby retired to their suite. Rudy and Abby had planned this night since Rudy tricked Abby into biting him. After a relaxing bubble bath, Abby joined Rudy in the sitting area of the suite wearing a very sheer gown. Rudy had already dimmed the lights and set up scented candles throughout the room.

  Rudy could barely contain himself. “Are you trying to kill me, woman?” Rudy asked, watching Abby saunter towards him.

  “Not my plan but I thought tonight should be extra special,” Abby replied. Then she noticed the chocolate dipped strawberries and the two champagne glasses on the table and giggled. “I see I am not the only hopeless romantic.”

  “I am not sure I need the champagne now,” Rudy whispered, as he sighed. “You are so beautiful and sexy as hell!”

  Abby moved into Rudy’s arms, and they left the champagne and strawberries untouched. Rudy scooped Abby up into his arms and carried her to their bed. It took less time to remove the gown than it took Abby to put it on.

  After thirty years of marriage, Rudy and Abby were still deeply in love with each other. Their lovemaking was slow and passionate. They felt their momentum building, and as it did, they connected telepathically. Without hesitation, they bonded. The pain from the bites was euphoric. For a moment, they felt as if their bodies were floating above the bed; it was spiritual.

  As they released their bites, they both cried out in ecstasy; it was like their first time together. “We should have bonded years ago!” they both exclaimed.

  Stone and Gracey were at the far end of the house in Gracey’s suite. “Did you hear that?” Gracey asked.

  “I didn’t hear anything, but I sure felt it,” Stone replied. They both blushed. Just they had both felt Rudy’s pain and happiness the first time Rudy turned, they felt Rudy and Abby bond. Stone and Gracey looked at each other perplexed. Neither one asked the question aloud, but both were thinking it. Why are we feeling their pain and their happiness?

  Monday morning it was business as usual. The Rudolph family arose, and the men dressed for work. After breakfast, they walked to the Annex. “I like the commute time,” Rudy smirked. “And we can be home for lunch.”

  Elmer and Charles met Rudy and Stone as the Annex. Elmer had the first shift and was dressed in his Rudolph, Inc. security uniform. Charles was in his usual black pants and white shirt. But due to the July heat, his jacket and tie were on a hanger in the Annex closet. They had set up a small reception area near the main entrance where Elmer could sit between walks around the building. Charles normally sat in the corporation lobby, waiting for Rudy’s need for a driver. So he had an area in the reception area, as well.

  Rudy and Stone went to their respective desks and turned on their computers. When they opened their emails boxes, they were overwhelmed. “Are we that far behind?” Stone asked.

  “You might be since all you have been doing is slacking off lately,” Rudy said sarcastically. “Mine is not so bad,” he added.

  Stone spent the morning reading emails and putting together a ‘to do list.' Stone’s duties with the company had been varied, and he soon realized he was involved with too many segments of the business. While he had learned a lot from the diversification, he was certain his father’s role as his mentor would streamline his duties. But it would come later.

  When the phone rang Rudy and Stone just looked at each. “Are you going to answer that?” Rudy asked Stone rhetorically. “You are the assistant, son.”

  Stone reluctantly answered the phone, “Mr. Rudolph’s office.”

  All Stone heard was laughter. Rudy had set up the call with Elmer. “You’ve been punked!” Elmer announced.

  “Can I put a real assistant on the wish list?” Stone asked a bit tight-jawed.

  “Don’t worry, Stone, that is a private line, and only the family members will have the number. All other calls will go through my executive assistant, Ms. Calvert. The bottom one is for family only. The top is mine and then yours, and two additional outbound lines. The new equipment will arrive next week, and Elmer will help with the setup. We will each have private and business lines. Then no more pranks.”

  Then as if on cue the phone rang again. Stone reached to answer. “It’s Ms. Calvert,” Rudy told Stone, “I got it.”

  Stone was ready for a break and a nap, and it had only been an hour.

  “Start with the newest emails and work backward,” Rudy suggested when he heard Stone sigh in desperation. “You will find some long email strings and be able to eliminate the duplicates. Also, you will need to set up email folders for each department. You will probably end up deleting most of the emails but keep it organized.” After a while, Stone found it easier and had made progress.

  Abby had Gracey shadow her as she began her Monday morning routine. After a tour of the house from top to bottom and a quick walk around the grounds with a tablet in hand, she led Gracey to her office.

  Abby’s office was on the second floor next to her suite. Gracey had never been in it before. The office was deco
rated in light, airy colors with comfortable overstuffed furniture. There were ruffles, and lace and pillows. Abby’s office was a cheery contrast to Rudy’s office; dark and manly.

  Abby handed Gracey a fresh pad of paper and a pen. “I will get you a tablet and sync it with mine with all the household information. But for now, we will go old school.

  “Okay, starting from the top. The guest rooms need detailing. They have not been aired out and freshened in a while. Our suites are on the scheduled cleaning rotation, so we do not have to be concerned with them.

  “Downstairs; Rudy’s study is a mess. We moved out his stuff, and it needs to be cleaned and made presentable again. The houseplants in the great room need to be rotated, and some may need repotting. All the light fixtures need to be dusted.

  “We have kept the landscapers away too long. Joseph and his son Joey need to mow the lawn and clean up the garden. And the pool and patio need to be cleaned and detailed, as well. The boys left quite a mess last week.

  “We need to plan the menus for the next two weeks and then finish the employee schedules for the rest of the month. We have to approve timecards, issue paychecks and email the accountant with the quarterly payroll tax information.

  “After we finalize the menus, we will deliver them to Ms. Davies, who will take inventory of the pantries and coolers and provide us with the grocery list. Once approved, Billy will call in the order and pick it up. The store will invoice us.

  “We also have a stack of invoices from June, to review and pay. And then we file.”

  Gracey was winded just trying to keep up with the notes. “You do all this?” Gracey asked.

  “Sweetie, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are repairs, scheduled maintenance, holiday meals, ordering the cattle. Who do you think plans the holiday parties?”

  “This is a full-time job,” Gracey replied, frowning.

  “And you thought you were getting paid for doing nothing,” Abby laughed. “Don’t worry, after you learn who is who and who does what, I will teach you my tricks. But until then, take notes and try to keep up!”

  Abby punched a few more buttons on her tablet while Gracey tried to compose herself. After a few minutes, Abby noticed Gracey’s frown. “What’s wrong?” Abby asked.

  When Gracey did not answer and looked as if she was about to cry, Abby chuckled. “Already? You already miss him? I know you have been spending twenty-three hours a day together. But already?” Abby just shook her head.

  “Okay, let’s call Joseph Monteneri. Then we will see Daisy and Allison about the additional household chores. It will knock a few things off the list quickly. Then we will pick up the timecards so we can do all the paperwork at the same time. As we pass through the kitchen, to get the timecards, we will ask the ladies to put a tray of snacks and ice tea together for our men. We will make a surprise visit to the Annex.”

  Gracey smiled.

  Gracey was surprised how quickly Abby was able to clear half of her to-do list in just a few minutes. She was in awe. Abby advised everyone Gracey would be assisting in the running of the house and to treat Gracey’s requests as if they were coming directly from her. Since the household staff already knew of Gracey’s position in the family, it was a moot expectation.

  Soon Abby had a tray filled with snacks and a pitcher of ice tea. She and Gracey were almost sashaying as they walked towards the Annex. Elmer and Charles saw them coming and shook their heads. “Rudy doesn’t have a chance,” Elmer whispered. Elmer opened the door for the ladies and snickered. “Unauthorized break?” Elmer asked with a wink.

  “Nope, just a friendly visit!” Abby winked back at Elmer.

  “Hi sweetie,” Abby called out as she entered the main office.

  “Now Abby, what did I say about unauthorized breaks?” Rudy teased.

  “Just some refreshments, my love. I haven’t had a chance to stock the kitchen out here, so we are just dropping off some snacks,” Abby explained, alluringly.

  Stone and Gracey just watched. "Five dollars on Mom,” Gracey proposed.

  “Not a chance I am taking the bet. There is no doubt she will win this one,” Stone replied.

  As Abby got closer, Rudy got weaker. By the time she placed the tray on the desk, Rudy was almost putty in her hands. Then Abby picked up a strawberry and raised it seductively to her lips.

  “Break time!” Rudy proclaimed and pulled Abby into his arms.

  “It’s getting hot in here,” Stone announced. “I need to step out and cool off.” He grabbed Gracey by the hand and ran out of the building into the nearly 100-degree heat. Elmer and Charles were right behind them.

  “For an old guy, he is getting more than all of us put together,” Charles quipped.

  “Don’t you mean any of us?” Stone retorted.

  “No?” Charles asked, looking at Gracey and then Stone.

  “No!” Gracey exclaimed.

  “Good for you sis! Make him wait!” Charles told Gracey.

  Gracey saw the landscapers arrive and excused herself. “Mr. Monteneri, I am Gracey Newsome, Mrs. Rudolph’s assistant. Are there any questions about what we need to have done today?”

  “Lawn, garden, pool, patio, got it,” Joseph answered bluntly. “Joey and I will start on the lawn. It should take us most of the day. I have brought my niece Haley along to help with the garden and pool. She is home from college for the summer.”

  Charles was in his usual place about ten paces behind Gracey as her protector when Haley stepped out of the SUV. Haley was a tall, slender girl around twenty-one years of age. Charles almost tripped over his own feet while standing still. With Haley’s long, silky brown hair and an olive complexion, Charles was immediately smitten.

  Stone and Elmer saw Charles almost fall and had to turn away so Haley would not see them laugh. Haley reached into the back of the SUV, to grab her gardening tools and Charles had to look at the ground to keep from embarrassing himself. Haley's long tanned legs, the low riding cutoff jeans and a white blouse tied at the waist was too much for him.

  “Guess we know who will be patrolling outside today,” Stone snickered.

  “Ya think,” Elmer sniggered.

  “Mr. Monteneri, before you leave today, I would like to spend a few minutes with you discussing plans for a new potting shed and a winter greenhouse. In a couple of months, I also want to discuss next year’s flower gardens, as well as help picking a location for a salad and herb garden.”

  “Yes, Ms. Newsome,” Joseph replied.

  Gracey then turned to address Haley. “Haley.”

  “Yes ma’am,” Haley replied.

  “Actually it’s Miss…Miss Newsome, but call me Gracey, please. Do you know anything about houseplants?”

  “Yes, Miss Newsome,” Haley replied passively.

  Gracey never had anyone address her so formally. She was not sure how to feel about it.

  “Let’s go inside, please,” Gracey requested. “We have several plants in the great room which are not thriving as well as they should be. Can you take a look at them and see what they need? If you need to have them carried outside, just tell Charles, and he will carry them onto the patio for you.”

  “Yes, Miss Newsome,” Charles replied, playing along. Gracey turned to walk away. As Gracey approached Charles, and out of sight of Haley, she winked and smiled. Charles looked down and blushed.

  Gracey walked towards the Annex where Stone and Elmer had watched the entire scene. “She is going to break his heart!” Stone proclaimed.

  “Probably, but at least now he has a chance,” Gracey replied.

  The entrance to the Annex opened, and Abby stepped out. Her hair was twisted up in a loose bun, and it was wet along the ends.

  “Break time is over,” Rudy called out to Stone.

  Gracey walked at Abby’s side back to the house. “Add the Annex to the list for scheduled cleaning,” Abby told Gracey with a smile.

  “Sho
uld I add shower caps to the shopping list?” Gracey asked demurely.

  As Abby and Gracey entered the house through the great room, Abby saw Haley and Charles in the room together moving plants and looked at Gracey quizzically. “I will explain later,” Gracey told Abby.

  The next day, around midmorning there were two deliveries; one for Abby, and the new uniforms for the men. During lunch, Abby presented Gracey with a tablet fully loaded with the household apps and information, and a cell phone with the telephone numbers for the family and the pack preprogrammed. “It's got unlimited everything, so have fun.”

  Later in the week, Haley returned to help her uncle around the estate. As the SUV arrived, Charles stepped outside and smiled seeing Haley. They had exchanged cell phone numbers and had been texting each other persistently all week.

  Finally, getting the nerve, Charles approached Haley and began to ask her out. “I would love to take you to a movie, but…you see I cannot leave the estate. I wish I could explain. I want to but…” Charles could not utter a complete sentence.

  After a deep breath, Charles continued. “This may come out all wrong so hear me out first. I live in the apartment above the garage. If Stone and Gracey chaperone, will you come and watch a movie with me? With us?”

  Haley stood silently pondering everything Charles had just said. Before she could answer, Stone approached them. “Hey Charles, can you keep a secret? An advance copy of the new movie Gracey wanted to see, the action-romance one, arrived today? Can we use your place Saturday night to watch it?”

  “Is it the one with Barry Justin?” Haley asked curiously.

  “It sure is,” Stone replied. “Would you like to join us?”

  “Yes, I would like that,” Haley replied.

  “Is seven on Saturday good?” Charles asked Haley.

  “Yes,” Haley answered and then returned to work.

  “Stone, omigod, you are the best. I owe you big!” Charles exclaimed.

  “Yes you do, Charles, yes you do!”

  Stone and Gracey showed up early Saturday evening, to help Charles set up for movie night. The furniture was rearranged for optimal viewing of Charles' 72" flat screen TV.

  “Take the chair out of the room,” Gracey told Charles. “Put it in one of the bedrooms. The two love seats will be enough. The seating arrangement has to be perfect.”

  Charles finished moving the love seats and headed for the shower. After dressing, he returned to the living room.

  “Lose the belt and gently tuck in your shirt. Better yet, do you have a light colored golf shirt which might be just a bit tight?” Gracey suggested.

  “Tight?” Charles asked, his eyes showing suspicion.

  “Yes, tight. Charles, you need to let Haley see those muscular arms of yours and that...humph...fine behind as well,” Gracey mused.

  “Gracey!” Stone called out while Charles blushed.

  “I am only stating the obvious, and Charles needs to flaunt his assets. I am just trying to help the man out. With his wavy, thick hair and chocolate brown eyes, the girl won't stand a chance.” Gracey tapped Charles on his assets and pushed him back to his room to change.

  Soon Charles was ready to leave. Stone threw him the keys to his Ferrari and Charles tossed them back. “Taking mine,” Charles stated.

  “Yours?” Gracey inquired.

  “Mine will be fine,” Charles said confidently and winked at Stone.

  Charles left the apartment and soon a fully restored red 1972 Corvette Stingray was headed down the drive. “That's his?” Gracey asked peering out the window.

  “Nice, huh?” Stone replied.

  Charles pulled up to the Rose home and walked to the door. “Mr. Rose, Charles Simmons. I am here for your daughter Haley.” And Charles extended his hand.

  “I understand you are taking my Haley to your place to watch a movie?”

  “Sir, Mr. Stone Rudolph, and his fiancé Gracey Newsome will be chaperoning. No funny business, I promise.” Charles was about to sweat.

  “Well, okay, but no funny stuff,” Haley’s father growled.

  “No, sir. I mean yes sir,” Charles stammered.

  Haley entered the hallway. “Is my father giving you a hard time?” She shook her head in disapproval and kissed her father on the cheek. “I love you, Daddy.” Haley took Charles’ hand and pulled him out of the house. “Sorry about that,” Haley apologized.

  “There is nothing to apologize for. Your father is just trying to protect you. And I understand why. Dang, you’re gorgeous,” Charles exclaimed.

  Charles led Haley to his car and as a gentleman opened the door for her. After being a driver for so long, it looked natural, not staged. Haley was impressed.

  It was a short drive back to Emerald Knoll. Elmer and Charles had been banned from the apartment for the night and were enjoying a game of pool in the basement. Ms. Maple was glad for the company and joined them in the common area.

  Charles led Haley up to the apartment. "Just in time,” Stone called out as Charles and Haley entered. "My world famous microwave popcorn is ready."

  Haley looked around the apartment. "This is yours?" The apartment was furnished in an understated yet modern decor.

  "Mrs. Rudolph decorated it just before I was hired. Do you like it?" Charles asked.

  “Nice!” Haley said, shaking her head in approval.

  Stone and Gracey finished loading the refreshment cart with sodas, movie house candy, Stone's popcorn, and Gracey’s favorite champagne bead truffles and moved it into the living room. Immediately they were curled up in each other’s arms on one of the loveseats and ready for the movie.

  “Mr. Rudolph, thanks for letting Charles use your car to pick me up. It was a fun drive over.”

  “Please call me Stone,” he told Haley. “And Charles, what have I told you about using the town car off duty?” Stone said slyly.

  “I didn't use the town car. I used my car,” Charles stated.

  “The Stingray?” Stone inquired.

  “Yes, sir!” Charles answered as if this conversation had been planned.

  “The ‘Vette really is your car? But you're a dri...a bodyguard?” Haley stuttered.

  Stone and Gracey laughed. “Did you know Charles came to us from the US Secret Service a couple of years back?” Stone asked.

  “And he has a master's degree in political science?” Gracey added.

  Haley looked at Charles, who just nodded.

  “When my father needed a personal guard and driver, Charles was perfect for the job. And his driving skills, he learned from his father. Ever hear of Charlie Simmons?” Stone asked.

  “The race car driver?” Haley asked in amazement, looking back at Charles.

  “He's the one,” Gracey exclaimed.

  “Wow, I guess you are more than just a pretty face,” Haley told Charles.

  Charles blushed. Gracey winked at Stone.

  “But the Corvette? That did not come cheap,” Haley said expecting an explanation.

  “I don't have many expenses. I live here for free. Most of my meals are provided, and I am essentially on duty all the time, so my clothing is included. I have been able to save a bit of money and splurge on a few things for myself, like the car and this giant TV,” Charles explained.

  “It seems like you’re living high on the hog, as they say,” Haley joked.

  “More like the cow,” Gracey whispered into Stone's ear.

  “Mr. Simmons seems I have found me a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Haley said playfully.

  Charles' eyes got big. Gracey had to bury her face into Stone's chest to stifle a laugh.

  “Movie time?” Charles suggested quickly, changing the subject.

  “Stone, this movie isn't supposed to be released until fall, how did you get a copy so soon?” Haley asked.

  “Money does have its privileges,” Gracey answered as she winked.

  Charles dimmed the lights and started the movi
e. Soon Haley was sitting against him, and they were holding hands. “So far, so good,” Gracey whispered to Stone.

  Gracey was not surprised when Haley fell in love with the chocolate truffles. And the end of the night, Gracey put a couple into a napkin and slipped them to Haley with a wink.

  The group soon fell into a routine. Stone and Gracey along with Charles and Haley would watch the pre-released movie first and then Elmer, Jim, and Ms. Maple would watch on the following Saturday. Saturday movie night was now in effect.

  Ms. Maple was enjoying the male companionship. The three would sit on the couch in the common area with her sitting between the two men. Welcoming the company, she would set up the refreshments. Regardless of the movie genre, everyone watched. It was much-needed entertainment.

  Charles had given Haley the abbreviated and censored version of why he was not able to have her over more frequently. Instead, they texted each other throughout the day; and talked on the phone every evening. Within a couple of weeks, their relationship was becoming more intimate. Charles was getting nervous. He had to slow things down until he got more information about having a sexual relationship as a wolf. "Call me old-fashioned,” he told Haley. “But I would like to wait until we know where this summer romance is going."

  Haley was ready to go further. But Charles was not; at least not yet. Charles needed more information but did not know who to talk to. He knew Elmer and Jim were not in sexual relationships. Rudy was, but he was Charles' boss; it would be awkward and uncomfortable. Charles weighed his options and approached Abby since she had grown up with male wolves that had human lovers.

  Charles was clearly embarrassed. “Mrs. Rudolph? I need some advice, some help.”

  Abby quickly sensed Charles' apprehensions and thought this is going to be a tough conversation.

  “You know Haley, and I have been seeing each other for a couple weeks now, and I think she wants to...take our...” Charles tried to choke out the words.

  “Is this about having sex with a human?” Abby blurted out, her eyes wide.

  “Yes,” Charles said in a whisper with his eyes to the ground.

  “No need to be embarrassed Charles. This is a tough decision between two humans, but with a wolf involved, it is even tougher. I am sure you are concerned about safety, her safety. You are afraid you will hurt her.”

  “Yes,” Charles whispered, still looking away.

  “Well, the dynamics are the same, but yes, sex with a human carries risks especially if the female is the human participant. Men can get carried away, we know that. And yes, when I was younger I saw a few female humans get hurt. But it was because the male wolf just did not care about his partner, only about himself. Now for a few tough questions and please do not be embarrassed.”

  Abby asked after a quick pause, “Are you a virgin?”

  Charles looked up in disbelief and firmly answered no.

  “Is she?”

  Charles thought for a moment, “I don't know. I don't even know how to ask a woman that.”

  “Okay, you are a wolf, and you should be able to tell from her scent,” Abby replied.

  “What?” Charles said looking at Abby.

  “Close your eyes and take in my scent,” Abby told Charles.

  “Herbal shampoo?”

  “No, not that scent, my female scent.”

  Charles was embarrassed but kept his eyes closed and inhaled.

  “Remember that scent. Now think of Gracey's scent. There is a difference, she is a virgin.”

  “So Stone really isn’t getting any,” Charles chortled.

  “Charles, let’s stay on task here,” Abby scolded.

  “Sorry,” Charles grimaced.

  “And there is another scent, the scent a woman gives off when aroused; pheromones.”

  Without thinking, Charles replied, "Oh we know that scent, Mrs. Rudolph." Then in shock, he had said it aloud he added, "I am so sorry. That was inappropriate."

  “It is okay. When you are around other wolves, privacy is a little harder to maintain. Sometimes I forget about that. I will try to be more considerate. But I have to say, you and the boys have been extremely respectful and constrained. Maybe I should call first?”

  They both blushed and laughed.

  Charles thought for a moment and proclaimed, "Haley is a virgin."

  “Well, that changes everything. I will not preach. It is not my place. But do you want the added burden? Just know it is possible to have sex with a human. You just have to remain in control of your wolf and know this, you may growl a bit.”

  “I guess I have lots to think about. But at least I have all the facts now. Summer vacation will be over soon, and I am not sure if we will survive a long distance relationship,” Charles pondered aloud. “By the way, Mrs. Rudolph, why do you call us 'the boys'? Heck, Jim is about sixty in human years, isn't he?”

  Abby paused and thought about it for a moment. “I am not sure how it got started, but once the moniker had been given, it stuck. Trust me; it is a term of endearment. It is not meant to be condescending. All three of you are a part of the family. In one way or another, we are all related by blood in one form or fashion. If we were in a proper pack, we would probably say gather the pack, but with so many humans around, we used the term the boys once, and it stuck. Plus, I am older than all of you. I just hope we have not offended anyone.”

  “No, Mrs. Rudolph. It's what we figured, but I thought I would ask.”

  “Well, since we've had a mother-son sex talk; I guess you really are one of my boys.”

  “Thanks, Mom!” Charles said with a hearty chuckle and left.