Beta's Mate (Siberian Volkov Pack Romance Series Book 8) by Caryn Moya Block Page B

dog sledding shack and see how you do.”
    “You mean like a job?” Susan said with a sniffle.
    “Let’s see how you like it first. You may find it’s not really what you want to do. You can try as many things as you like until you find what you’re good at.”
    “Okay, but Granger? Can we eat something first? I’m starving and I ruined the casserole your mother left for breakfast. I can’t believe she’s gone for a week.”
    “Yeah, with Dad managing the maple syrup company and being head Beta for the pack, this is the only time he can take a vacation. He and Mom went to Niagra Falls. Don’t worry, you won’t starve while they’re gone. Go get dressed. I’ll whip something up for everyone and then we can visit the sled dogs.”
    Susan walked over to his chair. “Thanks, Granger.” She kissed him on the cheek before leaving the room. He sat a moment, thinking. Susan was a little wild, but if they could channel her energy into something positive, she’d take off like a shot. If she didn’t like the dogs, there were always the children, and if that didn’t work, they could start on jobs at the resort.
    Whistling a soft tune to himself, he headed to the kitchen and pulled out pans. Guess he was staying for breakfast. He seemed to be connecting well with Esme and Susan. Now, if only Brenda would walk in the door.
     
    §
     
    Brenda returned from inspecting the runs on the north side of the mountain, and except for a few downed branches, the trails were clear. The power had been restored to the resort and the ski patrol building was toasty warm. The door to the Ski Patrol office opened and Jared and Esme walked in the door.
    “Hi, I mentioned to Jared that I missed seeing you, so he brought me over. Can you take a lunch break?” Esme asked.
    Brenda glanced at Remi as he came in from the back room. “Sure, go ahead,” he said, nodding. “The restaurant at the resort is open. You should try it, the cook is very good.”
    Brenda walked around the counter and Esme slipped her arm through Brenda’s, pulling her close. “Now that you’re working, I never see you. When do you have a day off?” Esme asked.
    “Day after tomorrow. I can’t believe Remi is giving me the opening day off. He said if I wanted to see the madness, I could come over and check things out. But under no circumstances should I be on the slopes.”
    “He’s probably afraid the madness will freak you out and change your mind about being on the ski patrol,” Jared suggested as they walked down the trail that led to the hotel and restaurant.
    Soon people would be laughing and talking as they made their way to the lifts. Children and first time skiers would be rolling down the bunny trail. Parents would watch from nearby, cheering their little ones on. Tables and chairs were set up on the back decks, where people could gather to eat if the weather was nice. Ski racks stood ready to store people’s equipment as they took a break. It might get a little crazy, but Brenda loved it.
    The resort lodge always amazed Brenda when she saw it. The huge logs used in the construction should have made the building look rustic, instead it held a feeling of elegance with large windows reflecting the crystal chandeliers. A circular drive in front of the building offered easy loading and unloading of cars. Young men stood ready to assist patrons and valet park their cars for them. Already, vehicles were lined up to deposit their passengers, and the ski trails didn’t officially open for two days.
    Jared veered to the right and led Esme and Brenda to a side entrance, away from the hustle and bustle at the front. The door opened into a large hall with signs marking the way to different areas. The restaurant was on the front side of the lodge with its many windows showcasing the beauty of the mountain and the village below.
    Brenda took in the sitting areas around large fireplaces, and the boutiques showcasing pieces of art, and decorative items lining the