Cougar's Luck (Pacific Northwest Cougars Book 2) by Moxie North

he wants us to stand down until he needs us.”
    With that he hung up. Then followed up with the same message in text.
    “That was succinct,” Joseph growled.
    “Stryker isn’t exactly verbose.”
    “So we go to the Kleins?”
    Thinking for a moment, he nodded. If Dax needed him he’d call. He fully expected Stryker to call when he got the message. He just hoped they didn’t all need to head to Washington and Dax found his woman fast.
    During the ride, Joseph called into his Alpha with Everett’s permission and gave him a heads up on Dax’s situation. Their alpha, of course, offered any assistance they might need. This gave Everett a moment of relief knowing between the two packs they could scour the entire state if needed.
    They finished their journey in silence. As they pulled up to the gates of the compound, Everett couldn’t help but take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the place. The Hayes family had a large house attached to their vineyard. The Klein family in comparison would need to have thirty children to justify the size of this place.
    “Our pack pretty much spends any free time here. Some of the elders have moved in as they aged. They can live comfortably here and not have to worry about getting ill or outing themselves. The pack takes care of them,” Joseph explained.
    “That’s good, nice to know that your pack is tight.”
    “We’re pretty proud, it’s an honor to be part of the Klein pack. Russell and Grace have taken great care of us. Russell’s father John, our Alpha, is still strong and keeps his finger on the pulse and health of the pack.”
    “Hasn’t Russell wanted to take over?” Usually once a pack Alpha reached a certain age, they were happy to step down and let someone younger and stronger step up.
    “As they were building the businesses, Russell wanted to focus on the financial well-being and his father was more than happy to maintain his position as alpha. It’s worked so well, that they haven’t needed a change. I think that Micah may take over in the future, but we’ve got time for that.”

Chapter 9
    F inally reaching the front drive , Joseph parked the car and both men got out. The front door swung open and an older couple came out, huge smiles on their faces.
    “Everett! We’re so glad to have you here! We’ve been trying to get your family down here for a nice long visit for so long. I’m Grace, this is Russell, and you are most welcome in our home.”
    Everett was engulfed in a huge hug by Grace, while her husband stood back and laughed.
    “What can I say, she gets tired of seeing my old face and loves meeting new people.” Russell held out his hand to shake. “Sorry to hear about your brother’s mate. We will help in any way we can.”
    “Appreciated,” Everett replied, shaking his hand. “I’m glad I can be of some help to you and your business. I have to say the accommodations are very comfortable. You might have to kick me out when I try to stay.”
    “Oh, we will keep you, you are just adorable! You aren’t mated are you?” Grace asked after she’d let go of him.
    “Grace! What a thing to ask, he’s just a cub. Stop trying to match off your daughters. They are doing just fine,” Russell admonished. There was still an indulgent smile on his face though.
    “Piffle, I’ve met his mother, I’m a just a kitten. Oh, no offense dear. Your mother is like a tigress when it comes to matchmaking. I’m in the junior league compared to her.”
    Everett laughed, she wasn’t wrong. “I’ve told her many times she should start her own business. She won’t be happy until she’s got us all mated and making her grandbabies.”
    “Oh yes, I heard you’re a new uncle. Congratulations!” Russell offered.
    “Thank you, we are very excited. I thought I’d swing up there and meet the little cub before heading home. I can’t wait to see how cute a bear cub must look shifted,” Everett laughed.
    “Oh, your mother must be in a tizzy, I love it!”