Lily and James (werewolf novel) novel Chapter 201

Chapter 0201

(Derek POV)

I already mentioned that I take on side jobs. Almost all human celebrities do; that is where the real

money comes from. The most common side hustle is to endorse products and film commercials, but I

find most commercials demeaning, and I legit could care less about what brand of soap some f&&ing

human wants to use.

After trying-and failing to fake my way through a few bullsh&t commercials, I discovered almost by

accident that I was uniquely qualified for a very different type of side hustle. Even better, it pays a ton

better than commercials.

Specifically, desperate wolves from around the world pay me big money to travel around human

territories, enter populated areas, and locate missing (or hiding) werewolves.

Here is why it makes sense, and why I am uniquely qualified: Werewolves are inherently social

creatures, and while in human territories, our subconscious tends to draw us to any other wolves that

may be nearby. Given that subconscious draw and the fact that I typically go to 5-10 different cities a

week for various public events and races, I have good luck just accidentally running into wolves.

Just as importantly, as a celebrity, I am considered by most to be “non-threatening.” It is amazing the

amount of information that people will voluntarily give me about themselves and others around them

without a second thought. I once even had a mother give me her adult daughter’s phone and phone

password within ten minutes of meeting her.

Generally speaking. I can generally locate a missing/ hiding wolf within around nine to twelve months or

so… sooner if the customer can narrow down places that the wolf is likely to go. I am only paid if I am

successful, so it is a risk-free proposition for the customer and the work only increases my travel slightly

overall.

The only dangerous or uncomfortable part of the job is the “secure and transport” part–especially with

uncooperative targets who have been in hiding– but I have figured out reliable methods over the years. I

have not lost one yet.

Anyhow, as I already mentioned, just before I left for the gym’s grand opening, I received a new

assignment. This one was to keep my eyes out for a she-wolf named “Lillian, Lillibet, Lillith, or something

like that” who “looks a lot like” a picture the customer would send me and “probably went to human

territory outside of the western part of the United States”

It was very little to go on, but that was why the pay was so good. And I have worked with less. I agreed

to send over a proposed contract the next day.

I was floored when the picture came through my text messages thirty minutes later. Assuming I was right, it would be the first time I found a missing wolf BEFORE I had even been hired.