by J. K Harper
A large hand gently removed mine from where it hid my eyes, his fingers trailing across the center of my palm, sending inappropriate tingles shooting up my arm. “Hell, no. If the job only brought misery, then no one would do it. You’re feeling exactly what you should be feeling. Compassion for Mr. Colne’s plight, but exhilaration and excitement for a job well done.”
“Really? You’re not just saying that?” I peered up at him as I leaned back against the wall.
Green eyes, clear of any deception or subterfuge, stared back at me. “Really. Life is never that simple—black and white, right and wrong—just because you found enjoyment and satisfaction in a job well done, does it make your compassion any less?”
I considered his words. “No. Has anyone ever told you you’re a wise man?”
Startled laughter burst from his mouth, the sound deep and rich. The corners of his eyes crinkled with his smile, the space between us growing smaller with each passing breath.
Or it could have been my overactive imagination. My imagination that was all of a sudden slumming in the gutter, need flooding me and sharpening my senses, until the imagined ache was real, a pulsating living thing screaming at me to do something. Mouth dry, I fought against the urge to brush up against him, to test this new confidence.
“Not wise, but certainly boring.” His reply was a low rumble, the huskiness in his voice deepening.
“You? Boring?” I couldn’t imagine anyone ever calling this man boring.
“Yup. Certified and stamped. My brothers are the more adventurous ones.” He scowled, shaking his head. “Why the hell am I telling you this? Not exactly impressive credentials.”
“Are you trying to impress me?” I would have slammed a hand over my mouth, had he not caught it mid-air.
“Impress you? No.”
“Oh.” I couldn’t help the small sound of disappointment, though I should’ve been relieved.
The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile that looked almost feral. “I have a much stealthier plan.”
“Really? What’s that then?” It came out on a breath as I swayed toward him, drawn by the intensity in his eyes.
“I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise. Remember, stealthy?”
I couldn’t make my mind up if he’d actually declared his interest, or was trying to gently let down a clearly disillusioned woman. Clearing my throat, I couldn’t resist one more dig. “So, you’re never adventurous?”
“Never.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Really?” His tone was lightly mocking.
“Yes, really. Is there nothing you want to try? Any new experiences you long for?”
“Do you?
“Do I what?” My heart fluttered inside of my chest, but it wasn’t panic.
“Want new experiences? Are you willing to try new things?” He shifted on his feet, closing the gap between us. “How willing are you to step outside of your comfort zone, Gina? To take a chance on life?”
“I do it all the time.” Mentally crossing my fingers at the white lie, my pulse pounding in my ears, I stared up at him.
A shadow passed through his eyes, clouding the brilliant green for a brief moment. Then it was gone. “I’ll make you a deal…”
I couldn’t tear my eyes from his lips, how close they were, how firm they looked. If he kissed me now, would I flinch? Did I want him to kiss me? “I’m listening,” I whispered.
“You do something at my request, something outside of your comfort zone, and I’ll do whatever you propose.”
“Like a dare?” Tension coiled inside my stomach, soft tendrils reaching out and squeezing. What if he demands I sleep with him? Could I do it? Did I want to?
He shrugged, but mischief sparked in his eyes. “I suppose so.”
This was a side of him I’d not witnessed before, playful and devilish, but also deliciously masculine. A hint of a man who clearly expected to get his own way.
“Jack?”
“Yes?”
His breath dusted over my lips, arousing an impish side that I didn’t know I still had. “I accept.” It was as if I’d rung a large gong, the finality of my statement sending a shiver of anticipation thrilling through me. The feeling of having handed over control—albeit a fraction—was freeing in a way that had me realizing how bound to the past I really was. How loss and worry and fear ruled my every thought and decision.
“I can ask for anything? You won’t say no?”
I waited for the anticipation to turn into regret. For the whispers to start, questioning my own sanity. Because I had to be insane. I’d agreed to do anything for a man I’d only just met. Me. A woman who jumped at her own shadow, who couldn’t bear the slightest touch. “I won’t say no.” It was as if by giving him control, I’d given him my fear.
“Good.” His eyes drifted lower, resting on my mouth with a look of pure hunger.
Okay, definitely declaring his interest. “What now?”
“Maybe I should ask you for a kiss…”
I resisted the urge to wet my lips under his stare.
“Or, then again, you might be planning to ask me for a kiss, and I’d be wasting my request…” he continued. “I might ask you to come run with me in the forest, to play with my bear. He’d like that.”
A soft gasp escaped at the image he conjured. “I’m not going to ask you to kiss me.” I couldn’t. Could I?
“Why not? Don’t you want to?” He placed a hand at the side of my head, trailing it down the wall, inches away from my skin.
The movement dragged my eyes to his broad chest, his soft cotton shirt straining over thick muscles that were more likely to be found on a man who worked outdoors. A man used to laboring in the hot, summer sun, naked from the waist up, skin slick with sweat as he swung an ax, driving it into each log with a powerful swing that had his biceps flexing and bunching and—
“Gina?” Knowledge rang in the single word. Knowledge that he knew exactly where my mind had gone. “All you have to do is ask…” It wasn’t a plea, not quite, but his voice had a bite to it. Riding the edge of painful desperation.
Teetering on that edge, I flailed in a cloud of uncertainty, wanting to take that final step, willing myself to break free of the chains that bound me. “I…Jack…what is your request?” Ducking under his arm, I stepped to the side, reminding myself of the truth. There was no space—no need—in my life for a man like him.
He didn’t hide his disappointment, but he flashed me a brief smile. Pushing away from the wall and shoving his hands in his pockets, he gave me space I wasn’t sure I really wanted.
It was on the tip of my tongue to protest, to dig my fingers into that darn cotton shirt and drag him back, when he gave me an answer.
“Come work for me.”
“What?” The hell? I finished silently.
Chapter 9
Jack
The door clicked shut and I was alone.
Making my way back into my office, I sank into my chair, satisfaction tugging at the corner of my mouth.
The look on her face had been priceless, and well worth the near deafening roar from my bear as he battered at the edges of my mind, demanding that I take what had been offered.
In his mind, it was simple. He saw things in black and white, not the complex shades of grey my human mind was capable of. Which was why I was the one in charge.
But she’d said yes. Albeit, with an uncertain hint hidden in the depths of her mumbled reply. I could admit to myself now that I’d worried for a second—had I pushed her too hard, too far?—but she’d come through for me. The spark of determination and fight firing up inside of her, just like I’d known it would. She wanted this; to make a life for herself, to feel useful beyond the roles she already occupied—mother, friend, packmate.
She needed something for her. Gina. The woman I already knew was amazing, she only needed to realize it herself.
Grabbing my keys, I flicked off the lights and made my way outside, the brisk winter air
stealing my breath for a moment. Making my way down Main Street, I surveyed the town I called home with a hint of nostalgia that I could easily blame on the season, warmth flooding me at the thought of sharing this Christmas with the woman who would complete me.
Ralph barreled out onto the sidewalk, his loafers skidding on ice and shooting him onto the street.
I raised a single eyebrow. “In a rush?”
A dark scowl met my amused grin. “Damn winter.”
“Yeah, sneaks up on you, right?”
“Fuck off.”
My other brow arched to match the first, which was still firmly reaching for my hairline. “Bad day?”
Slowing his arms from the pinwheel to a halt, he grimaced, his lips curling in a grudging smirk. “Nothing I can’t handle.” His gaze swerved across the street to rest on the small, inoffensive bakery.
“Oh. Right.”
“Wipe that smirk of your face, bro. You’ve got your own problems.” Taking a cautious step, he shuffled back onto the sidewalk.
“Nope. I’ve got a plan.”
In a shuffle-step that had me grinding my back molars to keep from laughing out loud, he gritted out, “Spill.”
When his arms pinwheeled, I couldn’t stop the snort. “When we get to Mom and Pa’s. Let’s get you there in one piece first.” Grabbing his arm, I tugged him across the street and safely into the forest.
“Damn shoes.”
“Summer shoes,” I pointed out.
“Don’t ask,” was his grunt of a reply, but he clasped my shoulder in a squeeze I presumed was a thank-you-for-not-letting-me-fall-on-my-ass-in-the-street kind of gesture.
In front of a certain bakery owner. One with wide blue eyes and hair the color of cinnamon buns. One who I’d seen shoot looks in my brother’s direction, filled with longing and scathing in equally intense measures.
“Race you!” he growled.
Spluttering through the snow he had kicked up into my face, I let out a whoop and set off after him.
Now barefoot, having abandoned his loafers to the forest, he streaked ahead in front of me, arms pumping and legs a blur.
Not one to turn down a challenge, I put on a burst of speed, blood rushing and heart thumping loud and heavy as I willed my body to go faster. To be stronger. To win. Foggy breath streamed out ahead of me, the darkening forest closing in around us as the trees clustered closer together, their trunks wider and taller as we ventured deeper into mother nature’s realm.
Ralph flicked a glance over his shoulder. “You even trying, bro?”
“Not half as much as you obviously are,” I grunted out, pumping harder, dodging faster, creeping closer with every long stride.
We burst into the clearing and threw ourselves at the steps that led to a small, wrap-around porch, hitting the deck with a resounding clunk and curses blue enough to color the air.
Sucking in a deep breath, I gave my heart a stern talking to, feigning interest in the back of my eyelids as I rested flat out on the uncomfortably hard, wooden floor.
“City made you soft.”
I cracked a lid. “So, what’s your excuse?”
His lips flapped like a sheet in a summer breeze. Then he flipped me off.
Eloquent. Alcohol and woman trouble. But I didn’t say it. Didn’t have to. “Exactly, bro.” Rolling to my feet, I offered him a hand, hoisting him up and tugging him into a forehead knocking one-on-one. “You’ve got until after the holidays, then I’m not letting it go.” Releasing the back of his neck, I turned just as the door swung open to reveal Mom filling the threshold, complete with a big smile that rapidly faded into a scowl.
“Have you two been fighting?”
Man, it took me back to my youth, the way she stared us both down, her dark eyes daring us to even try and lie to her.
Resisting the urge to shuffle my feet and twist my hands, I shrugged. “Nope. Just a little advice.”
“Brotherly or doctorly?” This time the scary look was directed completely at Ralph.
“Mom—”
“Don’t give me that tone, Ralph. It’s a simple question. Answer it.” Wiping her hands on her apron, she folded her arms in front of her chest.
“Brotherly.”
The snort of laughter escaped, earning me a glare from Ralph that promised retribution.
“Brotherly…what could…” Mom mused, her eyes traveling between the pair of us. That was the problem with a close family, always in each other’s business, never allowed any secrets. I knew by now that there wasn’t a chance of keeping something from Mom, when it came to us—her cubs—she was as ferociously protective as she was loving, but it looked like Ralph hadn’t quite caught on yet.
Yup. Cue pained expression tinting my brother’s face a glorious red. He’d had it now.
“A woman?” Mom exclaimed. “I’m right, aren’t I? You’ve found a woman! Your mate? Who is she?” Excitement shone in her eyes, along with a bucketload of unshed tears. Of joy, hopefully.
Taking pity on him, all the while questioning my sanity, I interrupted the so far one-sided conversation. “I’m the one who’s found his mate, Mom. Remember?”
“Yes, I know, and I’m so pleased for you, but Ralph has, too?” Her voice rose in breathy excitement, the tears threatening to spill. It was way too much excitement for one day.
“I was asking him for brotherly advice.” I shot him a you-owe-me look, which he acknowledged with a small tilt of his chin.
“Oh.” The wealth of disappointment in her voice had me biting my tongue, resisting the urge to take it all back and throw Ralph to the wolves. But he was my brother, and whatever the hell was going on with him, he wasn’t ready to share. Yet.
Yeah, he owed me big time.
I cleared my throat, bringing her attention back to me. “Is everyone else—”
“Did you think we’d miss this?” Ryan called from behind me, emerging from the trees with his mate, Amy, their son, Luke, and my other brother, Craig.
“Miss what?” I queried, accepting the good-natured punch to the shoulder from Ralph and pulling Amy in for a hug. Releasing her, I ruffled Luke’s hair and shot Craig a grin.
“Mom’s inquisition.”
“I do not…” Mom’s indignant retort faded away under our knowing stares. “Okay. But you can’t blame me! I’m so happy for each and every one of you. All I want is for you to be as happy as I am with your Pa.”
“And, take it from me, we’re very happy,” a deep voice boomed out from inside the house.
My brothers and I winced, each pulling identical faces of horror that had Amy and Mom bursting into laughter.
“What did I miss?” Luke asked, staring up at the adults with innocent confusion in his eyes.
“Nothing, son. Nothing at all,” Ryan replied, straightening his face and meeting Luke’s eyes. “Shall we take the party inside?”
Five minutes later we were all sat around the large kitchen table—the wooden surface scarred from many a cub’s claws, and overflowing with platters of heavenly smelling food. Silverware clinked and elbows jostled as plates were filled to the brim, the babble of conversation ebbing and flowing as stomachs took priority.
“Merrie couldn’t make it?” I managed between huge bites of Mom’s infamous meatloaf, topped with a generous splash of gravy.
Craig grunted, chewing and waving his fork in the air to buy himself a minute. Swallowing, he took a gulp of water. “No. She’s been visiting her sister in the city, but she’s back tonight.” There was no missing the gleam of anticipation in his eyes when he spoke of his mate.
“You didn’t want to go with her?”
“It was made very clear that I wasn’t invited.”
Hoots of laughter met his grumbled reply, along with several lighthearted speculations as to why he had been left behind.
“She wanted some time with her sister, all right?” Craig growled.
I held my hands up, warding off any imminent attack. “Hey, I’m not the one winding you up! They
are!” I pointed at Ryan and Ralph, the trouble makers.
“That’s enough from all of you,” Mom added, laying down the law. “Craig’s feeling a little…”
“Needy?” suggested Ryan.
“Horny?” added Ralph, with a smirk.
“What’s horny?” asked Luke.
“Lonely,” Mom declared, diplomatically ignoring Luke’s question.
“Yeah, I’m…lonely.” Craig sat back in his chair, a smug expression on his face. “And on that note, I said I’d pick her up, so I’m outta here.” Chair scraping against the floor, he rose to his feet. “Congratulations, by the way,” he added, giving me a nod. Leaning down, he pecked Mom on the cheek, murmuring a thank you for dinner.
She beamed up at him. “Shall I pack some pie for you?”
“That’d be great, Mom. Thanks.” Turning back to me, he added, “Remember—don’t fuck up.”
“He said the F word, Mom!” Luke hissed.
Meeting my brother’s eyes, I held his gaze, letting him know I understood. Craig had gone through hell and back before he’d found his mate. Actually, it had been a curse, but he knew all about fucking up and what it could cost a man. “I won’t.”
“Good.” Taking the wrapped bowl of pie from Mom, and mouthing a sorry at Amy, he flashed us a cocky salute and sauntered off into the night with an eager spring to his step.
“Right. Down to business.”
Ignoring Ralph, I concentrated on scraping out a second helping of meatloaf.
“Gina.”
Still ignoring him, I shoveled a forkful into my mouth, setting my face in what I hoped was an angelic expression.
Silence settled around the table, everyone laying their knives and forks down to stare at me.
Reaching for my glass, I milked the moment, sipping at the cold water as if it were a fine wine.
“Jack…” Pa’s voice held a warning note.
“I offered her a job.”
“A job?” Ryan’s tone was faintly incredulous.
