Adan After a while, I got dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, not wanting to shred anything expensive, just in case. I had time for a run before I met Fletcher. But then again, he could wait. I walked out of my suite a moment later, locking the door behind me. I looked over, and two new guards stood outside Brenna’s door. They straightened when I approached. “See that your Queen is protected and that no one enters. If anything happens to her, I shall have your heads.” “Aye!” they both said in unison, their eyes wide. I headed down the hallway and the seven flights of stairs to the first floor, needing to work off some steam. The guards by the entrance stepped aside as I passed. “Alpha,” they both nodded. I returned their nod but pushed through the door, having no desire for chitchat. Not now. I ran toward the forest and stopped at the hollow tree where I hid my clothes. Shifters always have hiding places in the forest for their clothes. But there are also maids that hand out Pack r
Adan When I walked toward the Eastern Canyon Resort, Fletcher Reed’s men were standing on either side of the door. They nodded to me as I skipped up the stairs with my men following close behind. “Don Cole.” One of the men nodded as I passed. I returned the nod and headed toward the main dining room, sure that he would want to meet here instead of in a private area. There was less chance that I would kill him here. Even though we have had a mutual respect over the years, one can never be too careful. “Mason, you and the boys wait here.” “Yes, Boss.” I left them in the foyer and headed into the main dining room. One of the men followed me but stopped just outside in the foyer, slipping inconspicuously into the shadows. A pretty, blonde hostess approached, but I hardly noticed. “Don Cole?” She smiled, her eyes filled with interest. “Don Reed is expecting you. Right this way.” She walked ahead, and I saw Fletcher sitting at a table in the corner, his back to the wall, of course.
Adan “Sorry. Can’t do that.” Fletcher took a sip of his bourbon. “Does that little hellcat have something to do with this?” I glared at him. “For the last time, she is a lady. Do not call her a hellcat.” He nodded, giving me a knowing smile. “So, she’s gotten to you, huh?” He waved a hand dismissively. “Why don’t you just fuck her and be done with it?” I slammed my hand down, jumping to my feet. Then I leaned across the table, keeping my voice low. “There’s a whole can of worms here that I’m sure you don’t want to open.” But Fletcher just stared at me, unmoved. Then he nodded toward my chair. “Sit down. Let’s talk this out like gentlemen.” I stared at him for a long moment, then sat and took a long pull of my bourbon. “Who brought her in?” He chuckled, swirling the bourbon around in his glass again, watching the liquid. “That I can’t tell you.” Then he took a sip and looked into my eyes. “All of my sources are confidential. I’m sure you understand.” I nodded. “And she was broug
Adan “Where do you think you’re going?” I glared at Mason, following me past a Maserati as I headed toward the showroom. “You’re not going anywhere without protection.” Mason looked up at me. “Not if I can help it.” “Well, then, let’s go.” I hurried inside and darted around a corner, watching through the glass. Sure enough, two cars containing some of Fletcher’s men drove past and followed my limo. Thunder rumbled, and the clouds started darkening. “I knew he’d send his men to follow us.” I shook my head, looking around the showroom. “May I help you?” a salesman asked behind me. When I turned around, he instantly recognized me. “Oh! Don Cole! How are you today? What can I do for you?” “I need a car. Nice, but nothing flashy. Something I can take right now.” I tilted my head to the side, scanning the lot as I talked. “Do you have anything like that?” “Yes, sir.” He followed nervously as I walked back outside. “But I’m not sure about the detailing—” “Don’t worry about that,” I c
Brenna Lightning crashed outside the sliding glass doors. The flash illuminated the whole living room. I jumped with a start out of a sound sleep and looked out. It was pouring outside. But when I looked over at the clock, my eyes opened wide, fully awake. It was two o’clock in the afternoon. I had slept all morning. It must have been the darkness of the storm that had kept me sleeping, or maybe I was just that tired. I pulled myself out of bed and headed toward the shower, knowing that Asana and her crew would arrive at any time. In fact, I was surprised they weren’t already here. I ran the bathwater, needing to shave and clean up. Also, my muscles were sore, even though wolves rarely grew tired or became sore. It was the first good sleep I’d had in days, but it seemed longer. Everything had changed so drastically over the last week, that it almost seemed like another life… and it was. After I stripped down, I sank into the hot water, relishing the moment. I closed my eyes and le
Adan We didn’t have to wait long. After Fletcher handed him an envelope, the Alpha shoved it into his suit coat, and Fletcher and his men left. But the Alpha looked around, a crease between his eyes, sensing something. A moment later, he motioned for his men to get in, and they drove away. I started my car and followed behind, keeping a safe distance. The sun was hanging low, and I wanted to return to Brenna as soon as possible. Since last night, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. This was the first time I had been away from her, but I felt her call, her pulling me. I wasn’t sure why. I guess that was the way it was with Mates. But I had never felt this pull before, or anything close to it, for that matter. The Arctic Alpha took a right onto a winding road that let up into the mountains, but I pulled off and turned back around. “Boss, where’re you going? We have him!” Mason yelled, turning around to look out the rear window. “The road leads higher up into the mountains,” I repl
Adan “Come in,” Brenna said from the other side, her voice a bit shaky. My heart fell as I quickly pulled the door open, nearly ripping it off its hinges, afraid something had happened to her on her first day here. But I froze when I saw her. She wore a beige dress that showed off all her curves in the right places, and her dark, brunette hair fell over her shoulders into gorgeous waves. Her makeup was subtle, and she wore matching beige high heels—very elegant. “You look gorgeous.” My feet moved of their own accord as I stepped into the room and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her to me. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful woman in my life.” A slight blush colored her cheeks. “Thank you.” “Would you care to dine with me tonight?” “Of course.” She chuckled, obviously pleased by my reaction. “Asana and her people came to see me today. We made a day of it.” “Well, you look fabulous.” I took her newly manicured hand, her nails painted red, and kissed it. “Giv
Brenna Adan led me to the elevator and pushed the button. “There’s a restaurant I know that has the best Italian cuisine in the city.” My head snapped up as the doors opened. “We’re going to the city?” He lifted one shoulder. “Sure. That’s where the best restaurants are.” The elevator door opened, and he held it for me, letting me go in first. When the doors closed, Adan said in a low voice, “It’s run by the Sky Family, just to let you know.” I nodded, understanding. In the Mafia, it was good form to frequent each other’s businesses. It showed good faith. After all, you’re less likely to go to war with a friend than an enemy. My father did the same thing. In fact, he had frequented Eastern Canyon Resort many times. Never would I have imagined being sold at an auction there. “You’re quiet all of a sudden.” Adan held the door while I exited the elevator. He offered me his arm and I took it, remembering my training to be a Queen. I held my head high, knowing what was expected of me.