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Lowering the cup, he sat on the side of his desk and leaned forward “We can incorporate a rotation of kitchen duties”
Her hand lifted as her expression became shuddered “Lift the restrictions on my duties, Del-Rey,” she told him firmly “Kitchen duties and our rotations there are not your department I don’t tell you how to run Command and Security, or how to train your men I expect the same respect”
“This isn’t about respect, Anya,” he finally told her “This is aboutmilitary base here This isn’t Sanctuary and it isn’t Haven We don’t have cuddly little cabins with pretty little flower beds around them”
She sat back in her chair, crossed her aret pissed off
“I run this base when you’re gone I’ve learned how to do what has to be done at any given tihable,” she said calht, Del-Rey, to keep a limit on my authority”
And he’d considered that fact For days Unfortunately, he and Anya differed in several areas regarding the base Areas he kneould change if she were given the authority to change it He didn’t want to fight her There had been too much conflict between thery with him
“Anya, I don’t want humans in this base, neither do I want staff that we don’t have control over The Coyote soldiers co to feel out of place if they have beds, blankets and pilloithout working for them This isn’t a Council facility It’s a military-run base I can’t lift the restrictions on the powers you have until I’nature will be required on any changes you request”
He could s no, fierce, barely held in check But he felt her hurt, and it pinched in his chest
“Is that why you haven’t signed off on the requests I’ve sent you?”
“I don’t believe the changes you’re requesting are for the good of the base” He kept his tone soft, gentle “It isn’t so bad here, is it?” he finally asked “A little rough at times, I admit, but your personal requests are never restricted”
She rose slowly to her feet, her chin lifted with that surfeit of pride he knew she had
“Haven and Sanctuary are homes, to their alphas as well as their mates and children If you prefer a military base rather than a ho up your tiado Perhaps if you find the tiht, I’ll see you then”
“Anya” He came out of his chair as she moved from hers and headed for the door “Dammit, that was uncalled for”
She paused and turned back to him “Was it?” she asked, the hurt in her voice thick now “I had more freedom when the separation order was intact I’ve beco I swore I would never be, Del-Rey Your pet, nothing more”
“That isn’t true,” he growled “Anya, you know better than that”