living in for many years to come.”
“You just have the blueprints drawn up and I’ll make sure they get that added touch,” Roman said as they walked back toward the house.
“I’m glad I hired you. I like what I’ve seen so far.” Roman chuckled. “Thanks.”
Maverick stopped before they reached the back door. “How is your family doing?”
Roman shrugged. “They’re fine. They enjoy being farmers.
Although half the time I want to strangle the crap out of them. ” Maverick laughed. “I know how you feel. Living with so many different personalities has its moments.”
“Now that I can relate to. My cousin Dommy is working on these projects with me. He’s has a rep for being a troublemaker, but I’ll make sure I keep him out of trouble.” Maverick grinned evilly. “If not, you can always hand him over to your brothers. They look like they could whip him into shape.”
“I wish. We’ve been trying to make him grow up for years. It’s kinda hard to keep an eye on him when he lives so far away. He rented an apartment while he’s here working, but he won’t come to the house, no matter how much we try to convince him otherwise. It’s too bad his parents died. His pa wouldn’t have let him behave that way.”
Steven’s Journey
35
Maverick walked away from the back door and took a seat at one of the picnic tables. “I know you’ve only been here a few years, but I’m glad you’re here. I haven’t told anyone except my Beta and Commander. I wanted you guys to feel at home. Your dad asked me to keep your shifter status quiet.”
“We’re doing a good job of blending in, but I think Dommy might be trouble. I normally wouldn’t say anything about my family, but you’ve been very kind to us.” It had been kept quiet for so many centuries about the different types of shifters in the world. Now when he ran across a different breed, it always amazed Roman. He still felt strange sitting next to a Timber wolf. They had moved from a bear-dominant community when his mother passed away, his father wanting to escape the memories.
“I wouldn’t worry too much about him. We have a whole community to keep an eye on your cousin.”
“I’ll kick his ass myself if he starts any shit.” Roman shook his head. “I can’t understand how someone so irresponsible carries our family name.”
Maverick grew serious. “You know my pack as well your family will protect you and your mate. You may not be Timber wolf, but we have your back.”
“I appreciate that.” Packs were important in the shifter world.
They helped protect a shifter and his mate. Roman had his family and Dommy, but he had a feeling Dommy wasn’t much help. His brothers would kill anyone who came near Steven, of that he had no doubt. But Dommy was an instigator and a shit-starter. Half the time Roman wanted to walk away and leave his cousin in the trouble he had gotten himself into. But he was family. That’s why he hired him for this job.
Roman just hoped he hadn’t made a huge mistake.
“Just remember that you have shifters all around you that will help if you need it.” Maverick stood and stretched. “I have to head over to the Eastern Pack. My daughter needs to see her mother.” 36
Lynn Hagen
“Your daughter? I thought this whole pack was gay?” Roman stood as he stared at the Alpha.
“We are. It’s a long story. She pretty much adopted me and my mate, Cecil, as her fathers, although her brother and his mate live here. Her mom was in a car accident seven years ago, but even with her therapy, she hasn’t fully recovered. They don’t think Olivia ever will. She asked me if Melonee could live here. How could I say no?
The little brat has me and the entire pack wrapped around her pinky.” Roman smiled at the Alpha. Although most shifters craved cubs, he wasn’t one of them. He would spoil his mate rotten instead.
Maverick’s offering of his pack meant a lot to Roman. He felt better knowing a whole community had