Read Online Once Mated Twice Shy by K. S. Martin - Free Book Online Page B

money.”
    “Where’s did the
money go?  We were supposed to be set with him selling the business and
investing the profits.”  Lewis asked.  Lewis was a stickler for pack
regulations and protocol.  His father was the alpha when Frank challenged him a
lifetime ago.  Back then, the fight was to the death.  Now, the new alpha
exiled the old one and if he refused to leave then the challenge may or may not
result in death.  No one knew it but Frank asked Jordan to challenge him.  He
said that he was tired of being alpha, he wanted to enjoy his retirement.  From
what Jordan could now tell, he’d been skimming money for years and his
retirement was probably luxurious.  Jordan was always interested in being alpha. 
When Frank suggested it, Jordan jumped at the chance like the idiot he was. 
Lettie was right, he should’ve stayed home with her, loving her and driving two
hours to Lennox.  She was always right.  His beautiful mate that sat cowering
in the back now on the verge of tears was right about so many things.  This was
not one of them though.  Not now, he needed to see this through.
    “The money is
gone.  I’ve been over the accounts and I’m no accountant but as far as I can
tell, the money is long gone and has been for a long time.  The bills were all
behind and several houses were near foreclosure.”  There were gasps and murmurs
that were growing louder by the second.  Jordan clapped his hands and snarled
when they ignored him.  “Lettie and I had some money saved.  I used that to
catch the bills up.  The houses are back on track as are most of the bills.  We
need to come up with some ideas to get that cushion back in place.  When Lewis’
father was the alpha, there was a substantial cushion to get us through.  I
would like to see that again.  I have about a thousand dollars left and that
won’t hold us long.  So, any ideas?”
    Jordan was
pinching the bridge of his nose by the time the meeting ended.  Lettie left
with the pack.  Jordan straightened the room and turned the lights off.  What
the hell were they going to do?  The pack offered a few ideas but none that
would create a windfall.  Since Frank sold the cabinet making business, they
had no income.  When Jordan worked in Lennox, he managed a plumbing, air
conditioning, and handy man service.  He’d earned a decent living.  There were
several men in the pack capable of that kind of work.  They could start the
Summerville Plumbing and Air Service.  Why not?  They would need a couple of
vans and some tools.  Jordan trudged up the steps and down the hall.  It was
late and he was exhausted.  Lettie sat in the middle of the bed.  Her duffle
sat packed on the floor beside the bed.  “What’s up sweetheart?”  Jordan pulled
his shirt over his shoulders and her breath caught.  She would miss him, miss
seeing him naked, and miss kissing him.  He hadn’t quit and she would not live
with a man that broke promises.
    “I’m leaving.” 
She put her hand up and hopped off of the bed.  “You lied to me.  I’m rejecting
you Jordan, again.  It’s over and none of your bullshit will change my mind.  I
don’t want to see you or hear from you.  I’m going back to the grocery store. 
Leave me alone.  It’s not negotiable.”  Lettie picked her duffle up off of the
floor and walked out of the bedroom.
    “So I don’t get
any say in this?”  He was following her.  Her head shook.  Jordan grabbed her
arm.  “Let me explain.”  Lettie stopped and looked over her shoulder.
    “It doesn’t matter
what you say to me Jordan.  I’ve already decided.  It’s done.  My mark should
be fading.  Find someone else.”  Lettie took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. 
“And Jordan.”  His eyes flashed at her.  “Treat her better than you treated
me.  Don’t lie to her.  Try to make her feel important to you even if she’s not.” 
Lettie took the key ring off the hook beside the door.  She was