Wolf＇s Bane

By Myrrh D. Keizer

Eron Camden just wanted to be free of his past... He was hellbent to escape it all: Being the oddity of the pack, dealing with a demanding Alpha father, living in the shadow of his overachiever brother and working for a corrupt, sex-starved boss who wanted to keep him in his private army/ Finally finding a way to fake his own death and erase his former assassin/mobster identity, he moved into the most remote mountain village he can find and lived the life of a hunter/logger/handyman while staying off the grid. While doing so, he found himself being accepted by the village people, loved by the local children and even trusted by the community elders. And upon meeting the widow Diwana, he knew he never wanted to leave that village again. But, unfortunately for him, his past is fast catching up to him. Worse, he is totally unaware of it. Would they still accept him if they knew who he really was? Will he still dare stay and endanger everyone he now loves？

• Language: English
• Publisher: supernovel
• Release date: Sep 21, 2023

Book preview

Chapter 46: Until Next Time

The mansion was not in any way similar to the Governor’s, not in style, color scheme or size. Obviously, this residential property was around a third of the size of the place which he had just left behind, due to him being a half-reluctant sacrificial lamb, but that wasn’t what he really minded about this place.

It was the fact that he’s with someone he wished he never was with...

Bren decided to leave Chin’s bedroom as soon as he could hear the woman’s snores. They weren’t loud and he could easily take a sexual partner being loud. What he couldn’t stand was her wheezing inhalation that was a continuous pattern in different pitches. 

All of those nasally sounds were high-pitched, and all of them were intensely irritating for him.

He would rather be beside a snoring pig, to be honest.

How I got chosen to be her ‘flavor of the month’ I still can’t understand, but beggars can’t be choosers. Besides, me being with her practically solves the problem of finding a spy that can report on her activities. It just so happens that I’m the guy who HATES everything about her, and it’s not because she’s the damned governor’s wife.

Well, maybe he's not the only one who hated everything about her, but he’s the one who’s currently stuck with her among those who hated everything about her…

As a habit, he would take a bath every time they fucked and he would proceed to one of the bathrooms downstairs to do that. Soon, he would have to choose one of the guest rooms on the ground floor for his own use, as he was ordered by Chin to do upon their arrival to her mansion. And he would…

He even intended to get one with a bathtub so he could soak off that most hated female scent off him since he usually took a long time to do that if he chose to just shower.

But for now, one of the hallway bathrooms would have to suffice. Besides, he needed to do something soon and this was the perfect place to do it.

As soon as he entered the compact tiled room and locked the door, he was already speed dialing his phone. 

The man at the other end of the line picked up on the third ring. It was a given that he wouldn't be answering the call if the number of rings reached six.

Glad to hear from you, Bren. I’m glad you survived your first few hours at her house.

Yeah, I’ve heard the stories too, and I consider myself either very lucky or I’m just that physically fit.

Maybe, you’re both… but I'm sure that you have a very strong stomach since you haven’t gone comatose. Anyway, I presume that she’s now fast asleep.

Yeah, it wasn’t that easy, too.

Yes, you truly do have a strong stomach. So, this means I would need to find another source of information in the Governor’s mansion, which I honestly don’t mind. It’s just that there are no more vacancies in the mansion where I can position one of ours.

Already handled that, Ogre. I dislocated someone’s jaw yesterday and just found out that he was deemed unfit to work for a couple of days. Maybe you can find someone to replace him with the required three-month contractual offer just like you did with me. I’m sure you can work it out so he gets a more permanent position in the future, which is my employment status now.

Good work, Brenner. Perfect timing, too, since I’m on my way back to the mansion within the day. So, who did you put out like a light?

Nick… the male household help replied as he started to remove his clothes in preparation for his shower.

The person at the other end of the line took quite a while before he replied, Nick? The massive monster of a man who looks like that wrestler guy in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie?

Yep, he’s one of the governor’s guards for his bedroom suite. Used that special one-punch technique you taught me. Worked like a charm, Bren said with a proud chuckle as he stepped into the darkly tinted shower stall, happy that his phone was waterproof.

Wow, that’s… pretty impressive, Bren… I believe I need to teach you more moves when we do get to meet again.

Yeah bro, I’m eager to learn more, provided Mistress Sex Vampire doesn’t suck everything out of me. I swear, she has enough appetite to eat up even my bone marrow and still be unsatisfied. Ugh…

Well, I thank my lucky stars that I’ve never had to touch her, not even once. I made sure she hated me the first time we personally met just so I’m sure that I wouldn’t have to deal with her in any way.

Wish I can do the same, but I don’t exactly have a whole gang of more than 200 crazy killers behind my back to cover for me, so yeahhhh… Bren said smirking, as he turned on the shower, hoping H would be able to hear what he’s saying over the loud sound coming from the water heater.

Hero didn’t seem to mind the noise and was quick to reply…

Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they are ready for infiltration and extraction if necessary. I’ll even see to it myself, so consider yourself well-covered, my friend. And as long as you can continue to give us updates on Mistress Chin, you will be helping out our cause effectively. We’re just sorry that you had to be sacrificed like this…

No worries, brother. I’ll do anything to keep the governor from winning. You can definitely count on me. 

Thank you, B. Just make sure she never finds out about us… Uhhh… about us talking...

Bren chuckled again as he continued to stand under the very loud and very strong shower, quite satisfied to know his present phone convo wouldn’t be heard outside the bathroom. Bro, you’re not my type, ok. Don’t worry, I’ll keep what we have a secret… I mean keep our calls… uhhh… keep our talks a secret…

It was H’s turn to laugh. Yes, you’re not my type either, bro, so don’t worry. I'll keep you safe with me... I mean, you’re safe with me, bro... need to go now, I’m currently cooking something special…

Oh, with your wife? asked the well-built manservant eagerly, familiar with his friend’s penchant to cook alongside his beloved domestic partner when he had the chance. 

Well, no I’m cooking with another man… I mean, he’s a partner… business partner… Never mind, forget I said anything about that…

A moment of awkward silence from Bren before he was able to answer. Uhhh… forgotten, no problem… and goodbye for now, Ogre. I’ll be sending you messages or emails if I can’t call you. If I don’t send you anything for a day, feel free to check me out… I mean, check on me.

Yes, and just for the record, I don’t swing that way, Bren.

Same here. Bye now. Until next time.

The former swimming pool attendant ended the call and placed his mobile on a small shelf that’s attached to the shower stall’s heavily tinted glass. He sighed in relief since he now had his hands free to soap himself all over in an effort to wash away the memory of his recent unwanted bed scene.

And they said men couldn’t be taken against their will…

If they only knew…

+++

And just when H put down his phone so he could help out Virgil with cutting the meat for the meal he’s planning, he suddenly got another call. Instinctively, he looked at his phone’s flashing screen and decided to take it. 

Give me a few more minutes, bro. I just need to get this report…

No problem, Hero. You can just tell me how to cut these carrots.

Just peel them. Use that vegetable peeler, and I’ll do the slicing later… The Ogre instructed as he answered the call. Hello...

Hey, just needed you to know that your favorite snitch has a lead on his target, and he’s following it up as we speak.

Alright, what do you know about it?

Well, he made me gather information about a certain ‘special ride’ and I gave him my findings. But unknown to him I added a few itineraries that would kinda keep him travelling for a few extra days and that’s the good news.

And what’s the bad news?

At this point, Virgil finished peeling the carrots and held it up in silence, a questioning expression on his face. Hero waved his hand towards the sink as his way of telling his impromptu assistant cook to wash the peeled vegetables. The Alpha was quick to understand and follow the unspoken instruction as the Ogre returned his attention to his caller’s reply.

The Detective got lightning approval for his vacation leave. I was expecting that he would have taken a week at least to get the go. It’s obvious that he’s got a sponsor, and the name of the governor keeps getting whispered down the grapevine as The Detective’s possible backer.

Hmmmm… that is bad news, but now we have confirmation that he’s being ‘rented’ by the ‘good governor’ to find his precious Right Hand. Good job, agent.

Hehe, and he is still unaware of what I’m doing. So, what’s next?

Virgil and I will discuss this, but most likely, you may have to track him.

Oh, that’s easy. I was the one who gave him the locations that he needs to visit. Besides, he keeps chatting with me and calling me, too. I can easily follow him, Left Hand, no problem.

I suggest you tell your mate what’s happening as well. It would be easier to deal with unwanted visitors if she’s prepared for their arrival way before they come over.

Right at that moment, Virgil raised an oversized onion and equally large head of garlic and Hero pointed at the onion, and then at one of the sharp knives that was on the counter. Meanwhile, their spy continued his report…

Alright, at least with my wife I can just use the mindlink. You really should do that too; bro. Makes it easier for all of us.

You’re not the only one suggesting that, but I already explained to your Alpha that I would rather not have any strong or solid connections with the pack as of now. It would be safer for all of us if I stay a rogue.

Alright, suit yourself. Will wait for your update on what I’m supposed to do next, Ogre. And may the goddess bless us all.

Yes, and thank you for the updates. Until next time…

Hero ended the call and Virgil was now holding up an impressively long eggplant and a super thick cucumber for his best friend to look at.

Bro, the veggies you grow here are so BIG! So which ones are you going to use, H… I mean, for the dish you’re making...

Damn Virgil, the things you say... I can’t imagine using any of those for anything other than cooking…

+++

Meanwhile, back at the Oro Villa...

That was very nice of you to come back home with me, Eron. I mean, you could just go home after you’re done with your meeting with Jack and just let me go home by myself.

No, I was really planning to go back home anyway so I can finish fixing my stuff in my room and even take a look at Scorpia. I don’t have any plans of staying at the lumberyard today longer than I have to. And yeah, best that I escort you home while I’m at it. I wouldn’t want you to be going back to Oro without me if I’m planning to get back to the house anyway.

Eron and Diwana were now in the former bed and breakfast’s massive basement garage, looking through the available tools and machines that were stored there. It was actually more extensive than the house itself, since it was made to be wider and longer than the actual house’s structure, and it’s meant to be its foundation.

The Charmer looked at the widow who was looking through large metal cases located in one corner of the basement’s stonewall. He couldn’t help but slightly smile at how cute she looked, as she was now wearing a large leather apron - which obviously belonged to her late husband - along with thin rubber gloves and wide kerchief tying her head back like a headband. 

He was impressed by the fact that whatever she wore, she still was so beautiful in his eyes.

I’m sorry for not remembering all the things that my husband had left here, Eron, he heard her say as she continued getting dust all over her while she dug into the gigantic toolbox. I hardly ever visited this area when I got pregnant. Mason was always too overprotective of me since he wanted so much to have a child so I hardly knew what he added here during the last years of his life.

Understandable, Diwana. I’d do the same thing if I was in his position…

What did you just say?  

The Charmer paused momentarily as he was midway pulling off the huge canvas coverings off several large and medium-sized machineries. He was quickly reviewing what he just said and realized that what he said sounded awkward.

What? Oh… I mean, if I also had a pregnant wife, I wouldn’t let her visit me here in the middle of my work since these things are all pretty heavy duty and… Right then and there, he saw something that he could shift his topic to, just to reduce the feeling of uneasiness at his landlady’s direct and unreadable look. Whoa, this is a laser cutting machine! We could really use this to cut practically anything… including metal!

What did you say again, Eron?

Huh? Wait, what do you mean?

You called me by my full name… without the Miss…

The former city boy had now fully frozen in place, and to his horror, he could feel his cheeks growing warm. How he wished that his tan would be able to hide the crimson tinge he knew was now coloring his whole face.

His thoughts: Damn it… I must have gotten used to calling her by her first name during that talk I had with Max in Jack’s office…Ugh, uber fail points for you, Eron. That talk shouldn’t have happened but what was I supposed to do? Tell Jack to suck it and walk out the door? That would have made me as bad as Max was and I’m not going down to his level.

Especially after that talk that they had before the wolf got back home… awww, hell no…

+++

Hey Eron, are you already here at the lumberyard? I really need to talk to you before the workday starts.

He got Jack’s call as soon as he finished helping Diwa lay out and display her dishes and desserts on the vacant table of her choice. Even as the staff surrounded the widow and her offers, he would hear his mobile phone ringing and there was his boss’ name flashing on the screen of his smartphone.

Hey, Jack. Sure, just wait for me, I’m already walking towards the office building. Just wait a moment, ok? Eron answered as he waved a short goodbye to his landlady, as Diwa suddenly looked his way upon hearing him on the phone. 

Sure, I’m not about to go anywhere. I really think we should deal with this now before we begin the day, so...

Eron heard the slightly apologetic tone in Jack’s voice as he entered the two-story office building of their workplace. He climbed the metal stairs hurriedly so he could get to his boss right away, since he was suddenly iffy about the man’s request.

Ok, I’m already at your office door. I won’t knock anymore, alright, the former assassin said into his phone’s receiver as he turned the heavy knob and pushed Jack’s office door open.

The first thing he saw as he entered the room automatically caused him to growl inwardly, which he hid with a long and deep sigh. Now, he understood what was behind his superior’s tone, and it made his blood slightly boil. Slowly, he closed the door and placed his phone in one of his leather jacket's inner pockets.

Good morning, newbie. But I’m wondering if it is really good since you’re here in front of me right now...

I believe I can say the same to you, Maxie. So, what’s up?

Chapter 47: Anything for You

Meanwhile, back at a farmhouse that’s almost out in the middle of nowhere... 

V says the food is ready. Wanna go back inside, Alicia? And please, think about what I told you, ok?

I will, Helena. Go ahead and get to the table, I’ll just step into the kitchen for a moment, Alicia said as they walked back into the house.

The delicious and delectable smells guided Helena to the table, and to the two proud guys that stood beside it.

Well, Mr. Wall, I’m very impressed. Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to cook for us! Helena exclaimed with an ecstatic smile as she looked at everything that was served on the table.

She was so happy with what she saw that she wasn’t able to hold herself any longer and she took her phone out to snap a couple of pictures.

The men were glowing with pride.

Definitely not a bother, Luna. I hope you like how it all tastes as much as it all looks… the food, of course, Hero said, teasingly, which earned mischievous side looks and a naughty smirk from his friend/assistant cook.

Where is Alicia though? Virgil asked, And how was your… talk…?

Pretty successful, Alicia said as she entered the dining area, sniffing, her eyes and nose slightly red. After lunch, I’ll pack for the kids and I, and we’ll be joining you at the packhouse.

Helena, Virgil and Hero looked at each other, wondering what had suddenly happened, but that wasn’t what mattered to them. The very fact Alicia had finally