Goal: A Mate (Bachelor Auction #2) by Selena Illyria

only years of service over several generations. But Mabel felt those houses were theirs—”
    Reenie narrowed her eyes. “Why couldn’t Mabel just tell us all this? Maybe this is a pack of bullshit.”
    Madison shook her head. “She’s a proud woman who’s started from the bottom and worked her way up to having her own business. She grew up to accept things in life and keep her tongue. Talking about her problems would be like expecting her to pull out all her hair. Besides that, they are domestic cat shifters, considered the bottom of the totem pole to some of our kind. She wouldn’t risk embarrassment by declaring the houses her turf only to be rebuked. Better to make the opposition look bad than humiliate herself.”
    Kelly thought about this. Mabel’s predicament reminded her of a few of the older werewolves in her pack who had come up from humble beginnings and would suffer in silence if a slight was done to them. They wouldn’t dream of talking about their feelings but would act out if the opportunity arose to get their own back.
    An idea popped into Kelly’s head. “I don’t want Mabel and her team punished. I want to work with them. Would they be willing to join forces? Our building is big enough to house both and we could share the profits.”
    Reenie nudged her. Kelly hadn’t cleared it with Reenie, and she knew what her friend would say, but if they could work out a deal then everyone would win, and they would all get extra profit. She had no desire for a turf war.
    Madison’s eyes went wide, but she didn’t rebuke her. “It can be done. Look, I can make some calls, but you should talk to your business partner first. I’ll get some of those pancakes. They do smell good.” She got up and headed across the room and through the swinging doors.
    Once alone, Kelly addressed Reenie. “What? It’s a good idea. And if we combine resources we cover more ground.” Kelly eyed Reenie to gauge her friend’s reaction. “We can at least talk to them.”
    Reenie folded her arms over her chest. She nibbled her bottom lip as her gaze flickered all over the place. “OK, we’ll start talks. Only talks. Nothing else until we feel we can trust them. In the meantime, what about the houses that they feel are theirs?”
    Kelly didn’t need to think about it. “We let them have it, but for a cut of the profits since it’s our contract. And only if the owners agree to it. If not, it’s not our problem.”
    Reenie nodded. “I can live with that. Should we bring in someone or…”
    Kelly groaned. “A negotiator could be expensive, and we’re already stretched thin on our expenses as is. How about you handle things?”
    “And really start a turf war? N.O.” Reenie shook her head, her dark tresses going everywhere.
    “Maybe Madison knows someone willing to work for cheap or free.”
    “Madison knows who can do what for cheap or free?” A feline shifter they didn’t know stopped at their table, interrupting the conversation. Her tawny hair was pulled up into a messy bun, her delicate features free of makeup. Her green eyes shone even in the low light. A few scars marked her flawless chocolate complexion, but other than that she was gorgeous, model-like even. A tall, handsome man stood beside her. “Because if it involves shoes or champagne I may be in. I’m Lea and this adorkable person next to me is Alec. We’re friends of Madison’s. Oh, you’re Kelly. I recognize you from the bachelor auction. Lucky, I wanted to bid on Brandon but didn’t have enough money.”
    Alec snorted beside her. “She was too drunk and overwhelmed by the man-meat on display.”
    “Perv! If it was really on display, we’d all be in jail explaining ourselves and you’d have a harem of men ready and willing to please you.”
    Alec waved her away with a hand. “As if. If my date didn’t want me, what makes you think some of the other guys would?”
    Kelly couldn’t help but smile. They reminded her of how Reenie treated her.