Ciaro (Big Cats Book 3) Read online

  His brother would be his first concern, his sister his second. Thankfully, his sister had a job. Many of the female cat shifter were artistic, only a few of the men were. His sister did sculptures, some that resided in the famous museums around the world. Often when a museum wanted the bust of a famous person, they contacted her. It wasn’t just a living, it was a good living. With his brother and second both being security specialists, he would need to move up his plan to start a small security company.

  It wouldn’t be easy competing with Seb and Tyne, but he would carve out his own niche. He didn’t want to compete directly with them, so he would work with Jase and Fiaro to figure out where they could fill in without upsetting anyone. The pack needed businesses to support its people and he wanted businesses to invest in.

  He’d answered or deleted at least a hundred emails and he looked up to see Mairi walking toward him. “I had my second take the work truck to Ariel’s. I’ll ride with you to the house and then you can drop me off at Ariel’s when we’re done. If you decide to take the house, we can start the paperwork at Ariel’s before you leave.”

  Ciaro nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

  He packed up his computer quickly and efficiently then led Mairi to where his SUV was parked. Opening the door for her, he closed it once she was in. When he got in, she was putting the address in his GPS. “It’s ready to go.” She said as he started the car, shifted, and pressed on the gas.

  The roads had little traffic, but he could see it becoming an issue as more of his people came into town. They made it to the house in five minutes, it was that close. As he drove, he’d noticed Mairi examining him, but he pretended not to. She found him interesting and that much was obvious. The house they pulled up to at the end of a mile long gravel road, was much nicer and larger than he’d expected. There were few houses around the area, at least where he’d been, that compared to this one.

  Mairi had given him a price that made him expect a smaller or less striking looking home. Maybe the inside was lacking. “You can see the house is large. The roof is a new metal roof and the windows were all replaced with ones that guard against the loss of heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. The insulation was added to making it much better than required.”

  “It’s beautiful out here.” Ciaro said referring not only to the house, but the area surrounding it.

  “That’s true. It’s close to the road, but far enough away to avoid the noises of the road.” Ciaro realized he had to strain to hear anything, but nature. Mairi opened the door gesturing him to enter. The hardwood gleamed, but it had the patina only aged wood does. “We were able to save the original floors.”

  “This room is wonderful. I may buy the house instead. If the rest is this good.”

  “The kitchen is a gourmet’s dream.” They entered and he saw all appliances were new, oversized, and stainless steel. “With the number of rooms, it was likely to house a large family or a business. We went with commercial size appliances. The freezer is in the back room which also serves as a pantry.”

  They toured that room and the rest of the house and Ciaro was impressed. “What about the guest house?”

  She led him outside where they passed a pool and hot tub. The guest house was right in back of it. There was also an outdoor kitchen they passed on the way. As she took him into the guest house, he thought it perfect for two of Jase’s employees to share. It had two bedrooms, a shared bathroom, a kitchenette, and a living/dining room. Every inch of space was carefully used. There was even a small stackable washer/dryer in a closet in the corner of the kitchenette.

  The house had no furniture, but all appliances were there. As they left the guest house, Mairi pointed out the small playground with a playhouse. She also showed him a large garden spot and an orchard. Jase would be thrilled especially since the place only cost about a fourth of his budget.

  “The place is perfect for him and I’d like to seal the deal. I have power of attorney, just for this purchase and the money to pay for it.”

  “All of it?” Mairi raised a brow in question.

  “All of it.” She nodded as she locked the front door since they’d walked back through the house.

  “We’ll just head to Ariel’s. I hope we catch the start of supper.” She said with excitement.

  “I also wanted to speak with you about other houses.” Ciaro admitted.

  “What do you need?”

  “I have family coming in. My brother needs something like this, but he could make do with a slightly smaller or larger place. My sister needs something that can work as a house, a studio, and a showroom.”

  “There’s nothing available like that in town. The other cats have taken them all. I might find something on the highway not too far from town.”

  “Unis might prefer that. She’s very private.”

  “I might have the thing for your brother, but it will take time to get the work done. Maybe I can expand my team. There’s more work than ever before.”

  “How long for Fiaro’s place?”

  “I’ve not even evaluated what I need. Ariel’s projects have to come first. This place took six months.” Mairi admitted. “Of course I also remodeled a small house at the same time.”

  “I have people coming in that need jobs. Could I send you those interested in construction?”

  “I’ll give them a shot. Local labor is exhausted. Everyone that wants a job has one.” Mairi explained. “If they are capable and will take directions from me, a female, I’ll give them a shot.”

  Ciaro nodded, not only was that fair, but it would help them both. They were now heading down the driveway. “Which way to Ariel’s?” Mairi started putting the address in. His GPS began directing him. “Tell me about Ariel. I’ve never met her.”

  “She’s good people. The old saying that they would give you the shirt off their back applies. I know no one that helps as many people as she does. I believe that’s why the goddess blesses her in return.”

  “That makes sense. Titus says she’s just a person and easily approached?”

  “That’s true. She’ll talk to anyone. I remember once she talked to a wrong number and gave him some advice. The guy called back the next day to thank her.”

  “What was the advice?”

  “No one knows, but she gives the best advice. It’s like she has an inside view into what’s best for others.”

  “That too makes sense since she’d the white wolf.”

  “I wouldn’t talk any of that white wolf shit to her. She doesn’t like it.” Mairi observed.

  “She doesn’t see it as a sign of respect?”

  “Not really. She sees it more as a sign of expectations.”

  “I’ll try to remember not to mention it.” Mairi just nodded as they took a turn off the highway. He crossed a narrow low water bridge and as he moved up the hill, he turned into a driveway next to a small house. “Just keep going past this house and the next one.”

  After the second house he crossed a cattle guard as he drove through a field to a ridge. Not instantly obvious, he finally saw that among the outbuildings and what looked like a small barn, was a large log cabin. They parked in a field that looked like it was being turned into a parking lot. A mountain of gravel was nearby and railroad ties enclosed part of the area.

  “The look of progress.” Mairi explained as her hand waved taking the area in. “Just follow me. No sudden moves. Her guards don’t know you.” He just nodded and followed.

  It surprised him that guards didn’t show up until he was at the door. “Who is he, Mairi?”

  “Panther alpha here on business.”

  The guards backed off going back to wherever they appeared from. A young she-wolf came to the door opening it. “Hi Mairi. Bring an extra?”

  “Yeah, Vera. This is Ciaro, he’s a panther.”

  “I could smell the cat, just not the kind.” She said smiling. “You going to eat first?”

  “Is anything left?” Mairi asked.

&n
bsp; “They just started.”

  Mairi elbowed him. “Looks like we lucked out.”

  Ciaro wasn’t sure what she meant as she pulled him to the back a line going through a buffet. He hadn’t eaten since breakfast so the aroma of food was making his stomach growl. Mairi handed him his plate and silverware. They moved through quickly with the biggest problem being what to put on his plate. It all looked good. Finally deciding on cabbage rolls, meatloaf, and jalapenos stuffed with cheese. His sides were an easier choice with coleslaw, corn, and green bean casserole.

  Mairi pulled him into the kitchen where they sat in a small alcove. “What do you want to drink?”

  “Tea or juice?”

  She hurried away returning with a tray with juice, tea, and two glasses. “Ariel will join us after Blake goes back to work.” Mairi sat down and poured her drink than began to eat. Once she did, he did the same.

  He found the food to be amazing. It made him understand why Mairi wanted to come here for supper. “Do you eat here often?”

  “Usually for breakfast and supper. For lunch I’m on site and have to fend for myself unless I pack a bag.”

  “Pack a bag?”

  “You know, fill up a bag with stuff at breakfast.”

  “I see. Do you do that often?”

  “Not really. I have to guard the bag because the guys will have a free for all if they see it unprotected.” Mairi grinned. “Sometimes I get two sacks and hide one.”

  “Sounds like the smart way to do it. Why don’t the guys fill up their own sacks?”

  “The guys are too lazy and don’t think ahead. Not all of them come here to eat. I don’t know why though. It’s free for employees to grab breakfast. Ariel writes it off as a bonus for her employees. She’s sharp like that.”

  They were almost through eating when Ariel joined them. She was prettier than in her pictures. “What are you up to Mairi?”

  “Only what I’m supposed to be doing, Cuz.”

  Ariel snorted. “That’ll be the day.”

  “This is Ciaro, panther alpha. Ciaro, this is Ariel.” Mairi introduced.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Ciaro.” Ariel said.

  “The pleasure is all mine.” Ciaro insisted.

  Chapter 2

  Houses

  Mairi watched Ciaro as he spoke to Ariel. The male was fascinating, he moved with such grace he drew every eye when he moved. His eyes were a warm chocolate, but at times she could see the hint of the predator that lived inside. He chose to keep his head shaved, but it only drew attention to the sexy curves of his face and those full lips she wanted to nibble on.

  The male was driving her crazy. She could even imagine his panther, the fur the color of midnight moving sinuously through the jungle causing fear in the lesser animals. That would be all of them for she couldn’t imagine anything or anyone more alpha than him.

  Danger and strength were the feelings he exuded. Even though he was handsome, it was his control and power that was noticed first. He would be a tough opponent for anyone, even a reluctant female wanting only to run. At least she knew if she was ever caught in his arms he wasn’t possessive. Feelings didn’t enter into his relationships. That was the word that spread even before he’d even arrived.

  Mairi was a misfit in many ways and she didn’t give a shit what people thought. She was rough and tough with a coarse attitude that had developed because she preferred the fields often reserved for males. Even in this day and age women were often disparaged for choosing construction or other male dominated fields.

  She didn’t give a shit. Mairi was good, better than most men she had seen working in those fields and she would stay the course. Right now she was working to build her own construction company. It would be much like Ariel’s, but she would be far enough away that they wouldn’t compete. The house Ciaro was about to buy was her biggest project yet.

  “What brings you here?” Ariel asked.

  “Mairi brought me here. I thank you for the marvelous meal.”

  “You are welcome. Is there more?”

  “Yes, we are about to do paperwork for the house Mairi is finishing up.” Ciaro admitted.

  “That’s wonderful. It’s not for yourself?”

  “No, it’s for my second. He trusts me to make the arrangements because he is on his way with all he owns and his family. I have several other requests for housing as well.”

  “Mairi will be challenged. I hope she has some time between projects?”

  “Some won’t come until a place is available.” Ciaro admitted. “Others are concerned with jobs.”

  “That is at it should be. Lions and tigers are still coming in. Beth is dealing with the tigers while I am helping Andi with the lions. It appears Mairi will help you.”

  “I certainly hope so.” Ciaro said. Ariel grinned and nodded.

  It was almost like Ciaro and Ariel were exchanging secret messages. It annoyed Mairi and she glared. “Finish your meal and you can use my office for the paperwork if you stop glaring at us.” Ariel offered.

  Mairi immediately stopped. The whole thing had annoyed her, but Ariel was doing her a favor. She had an office at home, but hadn’t wanted to take Ciaro there. Men in her sanctuary made her nervous and he would make her more nervous than others.

  The paperwork was finished quickly, the money transferred immediately. A title company in Berryville would complete all the necessary paperwork. With all the people coming into town and real estate prices going up, it was time to acquire some houses and businesses. With this sale, she could buy several in need of work.

  “Now that we’re done, you probably have work to get back to.” Mairi said dismissing the gorgeous man. His lips drew tight, he probably wasn’t used to a female wanting him gone.

  It looked like they’d be dealing with each other until his people were settled so he might as well get used to it.

  “Don’t forget to give me a heads up about the other places. I get the first shot right?” Ciaro asked.

  He’d just bought the largest renovation she’d ever done. She supposed she owed him that much. “Sure. I’ll call you when one gets close to being done.” She handed him a card. “Here, this is a good real estate salesman. I believe Seb and Titus both use him and he’ll be fair, but you’ll get the leftovers unless you move north or south a ways. South might not work since the tigers are moving that way unless you go all the way to Berryville.”

  She didn’t think Roger would show him any of the places Ariel or other white wolves might picked to remodel. He offered them first choice usually. Roger would probably get even richer the way real estate had been moving lately.

  Ciaro left, even if reluctantly. Once he was out of sight, she took the crew cab and headed home not driving too fast since she didn’t want to catch him. Looking around her old farm house, she saw incredible possibilities and the beginning of realizing them. Almost every day after work, she completed some task even if it was a small one. Tonight, to celebrate her big sale, she ordered a new walk in freezer.

  The best prices since she was a pro and free delivery helped keep the price down. Now she went to make sure the space, a section of her back porch, was ready for it. After a couple hours of fixing things, it was perfect. It would come tomorrow and she would be called when they were near. That’s when she would take off for a little while and see it delivered. Such a big expensive item marked off her wish list made her excited.

  Time to clean up and turn in. In the morning she woke just before the alarm went off. She got ready, grabbed her Bubba mug which she couldn’t live without, and headed to the truck. Mairi didn’t live far from Ariel’s by hillbilly standards. Her appetite was big by the time she pulled in. She was usually early and got her choice of all the best items.

  She went to the coffee maker first draining the last of the pot, then putting on a new one. With a full mug, she’d get through whatever the day threw at her. Filling her plate, she put as much on hers as some of the big bad wolves did. Ariel said it was bec
ause she was like a humming bird. Mairi was always on the move which was bound to burn lots of calories. All she knew is she ate like a wolf, but never gained any weight.

  Sitting next to Ariel, they briefly discussed business and she mentioned her purchase of the freezer. Ariel had bout one recently and it was ensconced in one of the new building that were nearby.

  “That’s the same one I bought. Why such a big one in a place you’re keeping?” Ariel asked.

  “Someday I’ll have a family. Maybe a stay at home daddy to raise a dozen kiddos. If he works from home, we’ll need a maid and maybe a nanny too. We’ll fill up the freezer with fish and lots of meat during hunting season. There’ll be fruit from the orchard and veggies from the garden.”

  Ariel held her hands up in a sign of surrender. “You’ve convinced me. I forgot about the orchard you have on the place with the berry bushes and all those established beds of asparagus, strawberries, and who knows what else.”

  “Just explaining. Someday the house will be a showplace. I’ll have to add on, but it’s fine for now.” Mairi admitted. “That sale yesterday helped me buy my freezer. He may buy a couple more, but I need to pick up the pace. Any workers available? I know there weren’t, but things around here change day to day.”

  “Willing to go with young and inexperienced?” Ariel asked.

  “I could take two per crew, but I only have one crew right now. I want to start another one.”

  “Seb has a couple coming in, but I’m full up. They have some experience, but I’m not sure when they’re coming in. Titus might too, but Beth may take them. What does Ciaro have?”

  “He said he’d let me know.”

  “That’s what they all say, but they rarely remember until they’re reminded.” They both laughed even though it was too true to be funny.

  “I’d best get my crew on it.”

  Mairi got them rounded up then loaded so they could take off. Today they would finish off the foundation. They rarely did those as Ariel had a company she usually hired, but they were backed up and couldn’t get to it, not even for Ariel for a month. It wasn’t that Mairi didn’t know all aspects of construction, she’d just settled into what she preferred. She preferred to do renovations, but Ariel accepted this job to help the panthers out. Seb was having a hard time getting his company going, but Ariel was helping him too. The pride house was just recently completed and it was huge. Maybe three dozen single lions and a few families would be living there. Now Steve, who managed the company would be starting on some single family houses.