Welcome to the Twilight Wolves

             Sapphire was in a panic. He wasn’t letting her leave. “Why are you doing this? What are your plans for me? My uncle won’t pay to get me back. He’ll be glad to get rid of me.”

             “That’s fine. I don’t need his money and I don’t want to give you back.” Sapphire couldn’t understand what he meant. Did he mean he was keeping her? For what if not leverage? What other use did he have for her? That’s when her mind went to places, she didn’t want to explore. No, no, she wouldn’t be anyone else’s slave again. She must get out of here.

             The bikes pulled up to their packhouse, and they took the bags and such strapped to them off before someone took them to the storage garage.

             Sapphire stood there, not sure what to do. Magnus would not let her take her bag from him. The two men carried all the bags but her purse into the packhouse. People greeted them as they passed them with smiles. The noise inside was shocking after the near tomb like packhouse Sapphire was used to. Pups ran past with someone chasing after them. She looked like she was trying to put a sweater on a little girl.

             Sapphire was used to people only coming to the packhouse if they needed something, and they did it in a respectful and grave manner. One pup stopped and stuck his tongue out at Magnus, and Magnus didn’t kick him. The pup was told to be more respectful after he stuck his tongue out. He the man laughed. He thought it was funny. Her uncle would have kicked the pup out of the packhouse and told them not to return.

             “Sarah Ann, where are you, hon?” Magnus bellowed from where he stood. Hayden winced as he put the bags down on the floor.

             “I’m sure she’s around somewhere. Couldn’t you just text her?” Sapphire gasped at Hayden’s disrespect of his alpha.

             “Oh, you know she’s close by. I need her here anyway. Now I need you to get everyone together in one hour for a meeting. I don’t want to be repeating myself all night.”

             “Okay, one email blast going out now and then. Anything else?”

             “Just make sure there’s nothing pressing, okay?”

             “Sure.” Hayden turned to Sapphire now. “Hey, everything’s cool. I’ll see you later. Just try to relax. No one’s going to hurt you here.” Sapphire couldn’t believe the weird things these people said. She wasn’t staying and why would she expect to be safe among strangers that kidnapped her? Nothing made sense to her.

             An older woman came in with a beaming smile from what Sapphire could only guess was the kitchen area of the packhouse. She glimpsed a couple of people working behind the woman. “Magnus, dear, you’re late getting home. Did it all go well?”

             “Sarah Ann, it’s been a rough day.”

             “I can see that. I sincerely hope that’s not yours or Hayden’s blood on you. Who’s this? Now you must tell me everything.” Who was this woman demanding things from the Alpha? No one dared do that for her uncle. He’d have had her head for speaking out of turn.

             “Not mine or Hayden’s blood. Sadly, it’s the new alpha of the Vagas Moon Pack. He decided one mate wasn’t enough for him and I took exception to the fact the other female was not willing. Well, there’s more to it, but this is Sapphire Kilburn, and she’s staying with us from now on. I expect her to be respected. She’ll need a place to stay for now, and I believe there’s room in my wing for her.”

             “Your wing.” Sarah Ann looked dubiously at Magnus like he’d misspoken or something. “I wish you’d contacted me before this, and I would have had a room prepared for her. But I figure we can find something. Where are her things?”

             “That’s another thing we’ll need to talk about. She comes with very little and well... I’ll let you see it first. Then we’ll discuss what she needs.”

             Sapphire figured he was speaking about a uniform or something she’d need to wear.

             “Of course, come on, dear. I think I know which room will be good for you.” Magnus pointed to Sapphire’s bag and, before she could pick it up, Sarah Ann scooped it up. She headed for the stairs and waited at the top for Sapphire to follow. “Magnus only allows Hayden to live in his wing. So, I don’t know what is going on between you and the alpha, but he holds you in high regard. Now, as you heard, my name is Sarah Ann and I’m the Den Mother here. Anything that goes on in this house, I’ll know about it. You need anything, just ask me. Here we are. I’ll have someone freshen the sheets and make sure you have everything you need. Let me help you unpack.” Sarah Ann dropped the bag on the bed and opened it. She stopped when she saw its contents.

             “Oh, it’s okay. I only have a little. I can unpack it myself. It’s no trouble.” Sapphire blushed, knowing what her things looked like. She didn’t wear these things often because she worked so much, she practically lived in her waitress uniform.

             “Oh, dear. Is this all you have? No, no, this won’t do. I’ll see what I can find for now and then speak with Magnus about getting something appropriate. You just relax and get comfortable. Get used to your surroundings. I heard Magnus tell Hayden there’s a meeting in an hour, so you’ll have until then to relax. I’ll be back in a few minutes with fresh sheets and such.” Sapphire watched Sarah Ann’s mood change like someone flipped a light switch. She became disturbed or upset and made for the door. “You just stay here sweetly and relax. I promise to be back soon.” They closed behind Sarah Ann, and Sapphire couldn’t figure out what was going on for the life of her. She needed to get out of there.

             She threw her things back into her bag and headed for the door. Only to find it locked.