What the Wolf Wants: Howls Romance

by Amber Ella Monroe

  “Well, I’ve had friends…”

  “Friends? With benefits, right?”

  I shook my head.

  “No sex for over a year?” Her eyes widened. “Noooooo.”

  “It’s not that hard. Sex is overrated anyway.”

  “Oh, honey. Poor girl.” She frowned. “Tell you what…why don’t you go talk to the hottie in the corner?”

  “I agree. He’s hot, but I don’t need any attachments right now.”

  “Okay…suit yourself. Let’s do lunch tomorrow. Maybe after your interview. And you can tell me all about that Vetrov brother. I hear he’s eye candy.”

  Chapter Two

  Jada

  “We’re glad you were able to meet with us on such short notice, Ms. Lincoln,” Pam Donovan, the human resources manager of Vetrov Corporation said as she pressed a button on the elevator control panel. “Did you have any trouble finding us?”

  “No, not at all.” I smiled, relieved that Ms. Donovan had been so welcoming when I arrived. “I used to run errands in this area all the time for my former boss, so I’m very familiar with the city layout.”

  “That’s a plus. The traffic tends to get horrible with all the one-way streets, but I’m glad you were able to find us with no major hiccups. We usually conduct two separate interviews on two different days, but Mr. Vetrov had an opening in his schedule and he’ll be joining us.”

  “Great.”

  I nodded, silently hoping that Ms. Donovan couldn’t hear my heart pounding loudly in the elevator cab. My employment agency had already sent me out on three interviews this week, but out of all of them, this one seemed to bring the most anxiety. I didn't understand why. I had researched the company prior to accepting the interview and felt like I knew the background information on the company really well. I had even gone as far as researching the owners and the man I’d be working for if I got hired.

  Ivan Vetrov. Co-Owner and President of Operations. His title said it all. He was a man of great importance within the company.

  Last night while preparing for the interview, I had found several pictures of Ivan Vetrov online from the various public business events, but most all of them were of his profile. But I didn’t have to see his full face to conclude that he was attractive as hell.

  Ivan Vetrov and a younger sibling had been running the place for a little over a decade. According to some older press releases, Vetrov Corporation was a successful family business that started nearly fifty years ago.

  “Right this way, Ms. Lincoln. We’ll be meeting in the conference room,” Ms. Donovan said, gesturing toward the lobby area.

  There was a woman seated at the receptionist desk answering the phone. She waved as Ms. Donovan and I walked past.

  “Rachel is the full time receptionist for the executives working on the tenth floor. That would be both owners, several business partners, and a few managers from our other divisions. She doesn’t handle a lot of workload but she’s usually the first point of contact for both operations and accounting. The ninth floor is where all the human resources people—like myself—work out of. The bottom floors are for lower-level execs and other employees. The position you’re interviewing for would work on the tenth floor directly with Mr. Vetrov. All of our tenth floor executives have their own secretaries or PAs.”

  I nodded as Ms. Donovan spoke, grateful to learn as much as I could before the interview. I definitely didn’t want to make a fool out of myself in front of the owner of a multi-billion dollar corporation.

  When we reached the conference room, it was empty. Ms. Donovan turned on some lights and set up some chairs on the far-left side of the conference room.

  She pulled out a chair for me to sit in and then asked, “Can I get you anything before we get started? Coffee? Or water?”

  “No. I’m fine. Thanks.”

  Ms. Donovan smiled. “I’ll be right back.”

  As she disappeared down the hallway, I took a moment to gather myself, straightening my blouse, skirt, and pushing a few strands of hair back behind my ears. The center console on the long table was made of glass and I caught my attention briefly, hoping that I didn’t have lipstick on my teeth or something. I had spent nearly an hour on my makeup this morning, making sure that everything was perfect. I didn’t want to look too painted, and I didn’t want to look like I hadn’t put up much of an effort either.

  For ten years, I’d been employed in the same field as a secretary or personal assistant to some of the pickiest executives in the city. I’d even had the privilege of conducting some interviews for them. I knew exactly what they looked for in an employee. Of all of them, my last boss had been the most laid back. But for the most part, if I followed the job description and agendas to the “T”, I found that the days went by much smoother. I was cut out for this work. I enjoyed doing it, but why was I so nervous?

  The door to the conference room swung open and Ms. Donovan rushed over to her chair and hurriedly pulled out some paperwork. I realized that it was a copy of my resume.

  “Mr. Vetrov is on his way,” she said, sliding a copy of my resume to an empty chair at the head of the conference table.

  As if on cue, the door crept open again. I’m seated facing the door with my back to windows, so when I lifted my gaze I was caught off guard by how gorgeous Ivan Vetrov was. I didn’t know whether I should stand or stay seated. I was frozen to my chair. It was like time had paused when he entered the room.

  The pictures I found on him didn’t do him any justice. The mere sight of him filled the room with a wave of energy that I felt in my core. He looked striking in his dark blue business suit. When he leveled his gaze with mine they were dark, almost haunting. I could get lost in the ash-colored depths of them forever.

  “Afternoon, Ms. Lincoln.” His voice was powerful and commanding. I expected as much from a man that looked as dark and devilish as he did.

  He offered his hand, and I shook it. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Vetrov.”

  He sat down at the head of the table and I caught scent of his aftershave— a spicy and woodsy scent that reminded me of the forest.

  “Shall we get started?” Ms. Donovan asked.

  Mr. Vetrov picked up my resume and started to scan it and then waved his hand as a gesture for Ms. Donovan to proceed.

  “Okay. Well, let’s start off with you telling us a little about yourself and your background and then we’ll tell you a bit more about the position,” Ms. Donovan said. “You have lots of experience in this field. Can you tell us about your past work?”

  I cleared my throat and then went over my work history and why I felt I was qualified for the job. Ms. Donovan scribbled notes on a pad and Mr. Vetrov sat back in his chair and listened intently. He examined me thoroughly, his attention traveling across my face. As I shifted eye contact between the both of them, I noticed he was staring below my face…at my earrings or maybe my neck…maybe even my breasts. I couldn’t tell. His eyes roamed over me with scrutinizing intensity.

  When I finished, Ms. Donovan stated, “That’s impressive. Your resume certainly speaks for itself. When Mr. Vetrov picked you out of the list your agency sent to us, I agreed that you seemed to be the right fit for this position.”

  Ms. Donovan turned to Mr. Vetrov, who had his eyes cast down on the table. His thick, dark lashes hooded his eyes.

  “Do you have questions about Ms. Lincoln’s work history?”

  “No.”

  How odd that this man could utter so few words that could affect me in so many ways. What was my problem? I wasn’t supposed to be attracted to him. Not at all.

  Then it occurred to me what Jada told me yesterday at lunch. It was quite possible that Ivan Vetrov wasn’t even human. But that didn’t explain the way my blood rushed up the back of my neck when he looked at me.

  “Okay.” Ms. Donovan shifted in her seat. “I have a list of question that Mr. Vetrov prepared for you. Nothing hard. We’re just trying to assess how you’d deal with the workload and how we do busi
ness here.”

  I nodded. “I understand.”

  While under the heated stare of Mr. Vetrov I answered all the questions to the best of my ability. They weren’t all that difficult. I felt confident in my experience level, but what made the whole ordeal so unlike any other interview was the sexy, mysterious man sitting less than one foot away from me.

  Unbeknownst to how I was affected by Ivan Vetrov, Ms. Donovan continued with the rest of her questions. Questions that he’d given her to ask me. All he did was sit there calmly. I made the conclusion that his authority ran deep within this corporation. He was the owner, yes…but in all my years I’d never been in a situation like this.

  “Are you okay with overtime?” she asked.

  “Yes.”

  “What about overnight trips?”

  “Yes, I’m fine with that too.”

  “And is there anything that you wouldn’t do to satisfy your role as a PA?”

  “I do what’s necessary to complete the job duties,” I replied.

  Ms. Donovan shuffled through some paperwork. “Your background check from the agency came back clear. You’re not a Florida native.” She slid the papers off to Mr. Vetrov. He picked it up and read the information written on it and then peered at me again.

  “No. I moved here when I was sixteen to help my uncle with his real estate business. That’s how I got started in the PA industry. Except a few childhood friends and colleagues, I don’t have any family left here.”

  Mr. Vetrov slid the page back over to Ms. Donovan without a word. He didn’t seem like a man of many words. He could’ve also been bored and uninterested in me. Or maybe he was just rude and arrogant.

  I uncrossed my leg and then crossed it again as a mix of feelings overwhelmed me. I swallowed and pulled the bottom corner of my lip inward. Mr. Vetrov watched my every move, evaluating me like I was the prey and he was the predator, assessing me in ways that had nothing to do with my abilities to perform the job duties.

  “I almost forgot to ask…” Ms. Donovan said. “There is a non-disclosure agreement pertaining to the company and the nature of Mr. Vetrov’s personal affairs. Would you have any problems signing one if offered the job?”

  “I have no problems signing one,” I told her, my eyes briefly skimming Ivan Vetrov. Was he a shifter or not? What did it matter anyway? The man was drop-dead sexy.

  “That’s all the questions I have. Mr. Vetrov, are you sure you don’t have any specific questions for Ms. Lincoln?”

  Ivan Vetrov scribbled something on his notepad, closed his leather agenda, and sat all the way back in his chair. As if Ms. Donovan wasn’t even in the room, he took his time scrutinizing me from head to toe—or what he could see of me around the side of the table. His attention seemed to linger on my crossed legs and the way my pencil skirt had ridden up my thighs. My attention shot to his waistband and then to the massive bulge near his crotch. I could have sworn my heart skipped several beats before I caught myself and looked up once again at his face.

  He grinned. “When could you start?”

  That’s all it took. Four little words in that rugged Russian accent…

  Dear God, I couldn’t even get through this interview without blushing. If I was sexually attracted to Ivan Vetrov how was I supposed to do this job? Business and pleasure never mixed. I’d learned that in PA 101. Well, there wasn’t really a PA 101, but still…

  “Um…I could start today,” I muttered, but then rephrased. “I meant…my schedule is open. Very open.”

  Ivan Vetrov suddenly stood up. “Thank you, Ms. Lincoln. Ms. Donovan, that will be all.”

  And just like that, he disappeared from the conference room.

  “Well…” Ms. Donovan breathed.

  I could tell by her expression that she seemed just as taken back as I was.

  “I guess that concludes the interview. Generally, I hear something back within twenty-hours from Mr. Vetrov. If I have good news, I’ll give your agency a call. Any other questions?”

  And there it was…the most nerve-wrecking interview of my life.

  But that wasn’t all of what I had just experienced.

  Under his muted stare and sexy-as-hell, calm demeanor, there was something animalistic about Ivan Vetrov. I kind of already knew what it was—no, I knew exactly what it was. Either way, I was irresistibly drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

  Chapter Three

  Jada

  Just like on the morning of the interview, I was so determined to report on time that I didn’t get a chance to admire the modern, architectural structure of the building, which was a big glass and steel tower that sat in the heart of downtown.

  I still couldn’t believe that I had gotten the job.

  Mr. Ivan Vetrov had worn a poker face that rivaled all poker champions. Quite frankly, I was almost certain my agency would call me to report that I didn’t get the job. To my surprise, one hour after my interview, I was called and offered the position. To top it off, I was even given a higher hourly rate.

  As the revolving glass door moved forward and let me into the building, I silently reassured myself that I would get through this. This was only a temporary contract position. No matter how out of place I felt I told myself that it could have been worse. I had a job. One that I could definitely put on my resume since Vetrov Corporation was a well-known firm.

  As I walked across the marble floors of the lobby through the busy crowd, I felt underdressed…or something. But that was ridiculous. My attire was entirely work-appropriate, and I’d spent hours the night before agonizing over what I’d wear on my first day.

  I’d finally settled on the gold-standard pencil skirt and simple blouse with a pair of heels. Normally, it was a feel-good outfit. A power suit sort of that made me feel competent, in charge, and sexy. But in the huge lobby of my new office building, I felt like I was crashing a black-tie party in my gym clothes. Everyone looked so well-dressed and sophisticated. This definitely wasn’t the laid-back atmosphere that I was used to.

  Work started at eight-thirty sharp and it was already twenty-after. I hadn’t expected the employee parking garage to be such a nightmare, and I had to circle the levels half a dozen times trying to find a spot. I had to settle for the very top level and a spot that was too damn far from the elevators. Wanting to make a good first impression, I hurried up to a huge oblong receptionist’s desk where some security guards were checking people in. I handed the guy my driver’s license as instructed by my recruiter.

  “Hi. It’s my first day,” I told him.

  “Welcome,” he greeted with a tight smile. “Step aside and we’ll have Paige check you in.”

  I frowned and looked at my watch.

  After seeing that I was apprehensive, the security guard said, “It only takes ten minutes and you’ll only have to do the process once. You should have your security card by the end of the day. Next please.”

  I sighed and stepped away, noting the guy that waited behind me with an attitude. He mean-mugged me and stepped up to the station and swiped his badge to get through. The place had top-notch security, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from a multi-billion dollar company.

  Eight twenty-five showed on the clock as I went to the reception desk and handed her my driver’s license.

  “Hi. It’s my first day and—”

  “Fill this out.” The bored-looking receptionist snatched up my driver’s license and thrust a clipboard at me.

  “Okay…”

  The girl rolled her eyes and began typing on her keyboard.

  Fully aware of the time, I resolved that I would be officially late. I could just see Ivan Vetrov now with his dark, disapproving stare.

  “Step over here please,” the girl said. “I’ll have to call human resources.”

  Reluctantly, I stepped aside. Another lady walked up behind me with the same dilemma. New employee. Needed a badge.

  At eight twenty-eight, I still hadn’t gotten the okay to go up to my assigned floor, and I st
ared at the elevators impatiently. The lobby was nearly empty now. Only a few stragglers hurried through the security gates, making a mad dash for the elevators.

  “Ms. Lincoln.”

  When I heard the sexy, deep voice of Ivan Vetrov directly behind me, I nearly jumped out of my heels. Even the receptionist took note of his presence and rose swiftly.

  “Good morning, Mr. Vetrov,” the receptionist mumbled.

  I turned around, meeting the steel gray eyes of my newest boss. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit, similar to the one he wore to the interview.

  I didn’t remember him being so tall, but then again we’d been sitting. He was at least six foot three. My mouth went dry as I assessed his dark brown hair and sharp chiseled features. I couldn’t seem to form words. Apparently, he had that effect on people. No one uttered a word. Not the other lady waiting to be checked in. Not the security guard. Not even the rude receptionist.

  I took a deep breath. “Mr. Vetrov…good morning.”

  His tongue briefly slid between his lips and his nose flared as his eyes roamed over me.

  “Morning,” he said, and then turned his gaze to the receptionist. “What seems to be the problem?”

  “She’s a new employee, sir. I had to check with human re—”

  “Ms. Jada Lincoln is my new PA. Add her to the building registry right now. Call human resources and tell them to make a level five access security badge for her immediately.”

  The receptionist nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  “Right this way, Ms. Lincoln. I have a full agenda today,” he said, gesturing toward the elevators.

  Behind me, I could hear the receptionist ordering a level five security badge.

  “I wanted to apologize for being late, but now that I’m aware of the parking situation and the security checkpoint, it won’t happen again,” I said as we moved toward the elevators.

  “No, you won’t, Ms. Lincoln,” he stated, pressing a button on the panel. “I arrive every morning before nine. You are to arrive before then.”