Page 95 of Moon Claimed

“What are the other thoughts on Clay versus Water?” I asked.

Pascal replied, “Clay is the logical choice.”

“We’re not ready for Water,” Stanley grumbled.

Roderick quirked a smile. “Your stewards are eager to return to Clay after your debut there.”

They wouldn’t be so eager to take my side if they knew what Rhona knew. “Clay it is. Moving on, we have Timber back. This is the first time I’ve been here for a grid turnover. What happens with the businesses?”

Trixie leaned forward. “That’s my role. I put all Timber employees on standby before the game. They should be heading to their desks and jobs for a smooth takeover as we speak. Luthers are required to leave everything in acceptable order.”

“Good. Thank you. Out of interest, where do the Timber stewards work when we didn’t have that grid?”

“We absorb some of that number in Sandstone and Iron. The Timber crew rotate shifts in those grids and otherwise use their accumulated holiday leave. At that point, caring for them comes out of the tribe funds.”

“I see. If we were to win Water and Clay, would we have enough staff to cover all five grids?”

She tapped a finger on the table. “We’d have to pull staff from our three grids to cover the head positions in the new grids. Being stronger and faster, the wolves don’t hire any outsiders to help with work, whereas we’d definitely need to hire from the general valley population which makes things very tricky if the grid is switching back and forth between the tribe and pack. It’s likely that people would need to move here from neighbouring regions to work for us. There’d be the question of accommodation for them.”

Complicated. About what I expected. “Trixie, I’d like you to form another team, please. Your objective is to ensure that if we win Clay next week, there’s a clear path for filling staff positions. One recommendation would be to book out tourist accommodation in town for any new workers. Not only will this help us relocate them, but it will create a dent in how many tourists can visit and spend money at The Dens.” We owned all accommodation in town.

She jotted a few words in a notebook. “We can advertise jobs and delay the starting date if needed. The team can troubleshoot too.”

“Please confer with Stanley regarding marketing costs. Stan, I trust that’s something you’ll have no problem with?”

He grunted.

I’d take that as ayes.

I ignored Rhona simmering beside me. What did she expect? To walk in here, click her fingers, and have the head team members jumping to her side? “I’ve read over the Victratum contract. It clearly states that care of the land must be exhibited at all times by the side in possession of each grid.”

“What are you insinuating?” Rhona snapped.

I noted several annoyed expressions around the table.Dammit.

Sighing, I faced her.

Her eyes flashed.

Yep,she hated me alright, and it was like a burning dagger to the gut. “Rhona, I love you dearly. I value your input and your presence at my side. Whatever lays between us cannot affect the game. I know you’re aware of that. I also know that sometimes shitty things happen in life, and it’s hard to put feelings aside. If you’re unable to do that today, that’s okay. But if so, I’ll need to ask you to leave this meeting. There’s a job to do.”

She pressed her lips together so hard they turned white. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

I waited for her to reveal everything. I could see it in her eyes—the indecision.

It was her right to tell whomever she wanted. To my error, I tried to control her without really knowing the consequences of doing such a thing. What happened next was her choice. I’d made my bed.

Rhona shoved her seat back.

“Please meet me in my office in twenty minutes,” I told her softly.

Study would be skipped for the day. Pretty sure I was a hair’s breadth from failing as it was, but some things couldn’t be helped.

The room shook from the force of her slamming the door.

“I’ve never seen her like that,” Valerie gasped. “What happened?”

Pascal saved the day. “I heard she broke up with Foley last night and caught him fooling around with Laura in the spa. She wasn’t happy.”