Chapter 8
Third-Person POV
“I don’t mix personal relationships with other matters,” Gavin said, settling back into his seat, eyes fixed on the passing scenery. He didn’t want to continue this conversation. He had already made up his mind—he wasn’t going to see Judy Montague again.
“Or are you just afraid?” Taylor teased, smirking.
Gavin scowled. “Taylor, you’re fired.”
Taylor chuckled. “And how many times have you fired me now?”
“This week? More times than I can count,” Gavin muttered, rolling his eyes. “One of these days, I’m going to mean it.”
“And you think that’s going to stop me from telling you what I think?” Taylor grinned. “We’ve known each other too long, Alpha. What makes you think I’ll keep quiet?”
“Just focus on driving, Beta,” Gavin said through clenched teeth.
Taylor was about to fire back when his phone rang, interrupting the moment. He answered, pressing the speaker button.
“Butler Adam, you’re on speaker. Alpha Gavin is with me,” Taylor announced.
Adam had been with Gavin’s family for years, a trusted caretaker. More importantly, Gavin had placed him in charge of seven-year-old Matt while he was away. Adam rarely called like this unless it was about Matt. Immediately, Gavin tensed.
“Oh, good, Alpha,” Adam said, his tone laced with frustration. “I need to speak with you about your son. Another tutor quit this evening.”
“Another one?” Gavin pressed his lips into a hard line.
That made number forty-nine.
Matt wasn’t a bad kid, but Gavin knew he could be… difficult.
“Yes, sir,” Adam sighed. “Master Matthew scared her off just like the others. I’ve tried talking to him, but he lashes out at me, Alpha.”
Gavin exhaled sharply. “Expand the recruitment search. Increase the salary offers. Maybe more money will make them stay longer.”
Adam hesitated. “Yes, Alpha. I’ll see what I can do.”
The line disconnected.
For a moment, Taylor was uncharacteristically silent, stealing glances in the mirror at Gavin. Finally, he spoke.
“Do you think he’s struggling because of his mother?”
Gavin’s jaw clenched. His gaze turned icy.
“He doesn’t speak to his mother,” he said, his voice cold. “Nor will he, if I have anything to say about it.”
Judy’s POV
The past few days had been exhausting.
Every job application I sent out was rejected.
I didn’t understand it. My resume was flawless—I had experience, education, and strong references. I was young, fit, and more than capable. Yet, every door I knocked on refused to open.
Frustrated, I pulled out my phone and started scanning job boards again. Most postings were ones I had already applied for and never heard back from. But then, something new caught my eye.
Posted an hour ago.
A tutoring job for a seven-year-old boy. Subjects include general education, basic combat skills, and defense. Must be knowledgeable and experienced.
I bit my lower lip.
Tutoring wasn’t exactly my dream job, but it would fit with my school schedule. The listing was on a werewolf job board, and the location was in the Silver Crescent pack—close enough to the Redmoon pack.
Without hesitation, I sent in my resume. Then, instead of waiting, I decided to call the number listed.
After a few rings, a deep voice answered.
“Adam Conners speaking.”
“Hello, Mr. Conners,” I said, straightening my posture even though he couldn’t see me. “My name is Judy Montague. I just came across your ad for a tutor and submitted my resume. I’d love the opportunity to meet with you.”
Silence.
A swarm of nerves tightened in my stomach as I waited.
“This job isn’t for the weak, madam,” Adam finally said. “Have you tutored before?”
“I helped my peers with schoolwork in high school,” I answered. “I’m currently a student at Royal Academy, studying combat and shifting. I’m skilled in most subjects and graduated top of my class. I intend to do the same in college.”
“I see,” he mused. “That’s impressive. However, Master Matthew is… troubled. He requires someone strong enough to handle him.”
I didn’t hesitate. “My goal after college is to become a Gamma warrior. If I can’t handle a troubled seven-year-old, then there’s a bigger issue at hand, Mr. Conners.”
A brief pause. Then, to my surprise, he chuckled.
“I must say, I like your confidence, Miss Montague.”
“Please, call me Judy.”
“Alright, Judy.” He exhaled thoughtfully. “I’m looking at your resume now, and it’s impressive. But with your skills and ambitions, why do you want to tutor a child?”
