Filthy rich werewolves by Taylor Caine novel Chapter 29

JASON

Grace prattles on a bit about trying to get me ‘set up for success’ as if I need her to hold my hand to find a job or get on my feet.

It’s silly.

But I play the part.

“I will look around," I say. "If you want me to get a stable job, I'll do that."

“Wonderful!” Grace squeezes my hand, smiling happily.

She’s taking this sisterly role seriously.

I want to laugh. But I know that would hurt her feelings, so I dip my head so my hair covers my eyes, and fork another bite of food so she won’t see me smiling.

What would Grace say if she learned that I am the President of one of the wealthiest corporations in the city? That my pack and our subsidiary corporations earn revenues that rival some countries’ GDPs.

I have money, power, and privilege.

As the Alpha of Reed Pack, there is nothing denied to me.

As I think it, my gaze dips to the woman sitting across from me.

* * * * * * * * *

GRACE

After another inspection from the Urban Management Bureau ended, Mia tells me, “We’re having a reunion with our high school classmates this weekend. Come and join us."

"A gathering?" I laugh. Given my current situation, I’d just be mocked and humiliated if were to go.

No doubt, that’s exactly what Mia intends.

“You’re so kind to think of me,” I tell her. “But, no. I'm not free, and I won't be going.”

“Oh come on, Grace. These events are impossible to pull together. It’s a rarity. What is it you're busy with? Come and join us!"

Did Mia think I was born yesterday?

This woman had been rude, spiteful, and petty. I can only imagine how a ‘reunion’ will play out—with Mia, no doubt, telling everyone how I, former ‘beauty’ and valedictorian, lost it all, went to jail, and was currently working in Sanitation.

Good times.

Nope. Not happening.

"I need to work over the weekend. But thanks for thinking of me!”

“I’m sure we can make changes—“

“I really shouldn’t be conversing when I’m on the clock.” I force a smile. “This rubbish won’t clean itself. Let's talk another time."

I hurry to leave and keep working with my back to Mia, hoping she’ll finally leave me alone.

I’m not stupid. And, seriously, Mia is so obvious.

I can’t control the mean or shallow people around me, but I can control myself.

I can choose to meet each experience with positivity.

I’m not in prison. I’m not beholden to any person or pack.

I am in charge of myself and my own destiny.

Two days later, the Vice Director instructs me to send a document over to someone from the Urban Management Bureau, only problem is it’s the weekend, and the Management Bureau representatives are at a country club luncheon.

Ordinary sanitation workers are not allowed to enter such a place, and more than one employee at the prestigious club tries to intercept me as I enter the lobby.

Truly, I wish it was anyone but me assigned to this task.

I’m a street cleaner not a FedEx or mail-carrier employee.

I catch the odd stares of other wealthy people, their looks saying clearly, ‘what is SHE doing in here!?’ Like I’m some other species or something.

Well, on some levels I am. Or was.

My wolf would’ve been amused by this.

She’d have bared her teeth just a little.

I’ve been to this particular place many times before for dinners and charity events. Sean belonged to this country club.

One of the staff nods to me. “We’re expecting you,” he says. “Follow me.”

“Sure.”

The sooner I can hand off this paperwork, the better.