Boundary

by Ebony Olson

  "You trust the dog that attacked you over men that have done nothing but help you?"

  Wondering how he included himself in that category, I frowned. "I trust the animal that has a truthful nature, over men whose nature is to deceive and manipulate."

  "That's a wide net you are casting, Vera."

  "It's a well-tested one."

  Eyes scanning down my body, Dale paused his assessment at my waist. "That's a nasty scar. Care to tell me how you got that?"

  Glancing down, I noticed that by hugging myself, my singlet had ridden up enough to flash the bottom part of the scar. Clearing my throat, I tugged the singlet down roughly. Dale's eyes jumped to my breasts in surprise. My cheeks burned when I realized I'd come close to exposing myself to him. Releasing the bottom of my singlet, I fitted it back into place, covering my chest. "Your dog trashed my dressing gown."

  A smile curved Dale’s lip. "You were trespassing; be grateful that was the only clothing he destroyed."

  Gawping at Dale, I was astounded he could be so... who was I kidding, Malcolm would have said worse. Hell, he would have walked in here and stripped me down and...

  "Bob told you?" Shivering at the near memory of Malcolm's persona.

  Taking a deep breath, Dale rested a hand on each side of the door frame as he watched me. "My staff tell me everything that happens on my property."

  "This isn't your land anymore."

  He didn't debate with me, just smirked at the floor for a moment then lifted his eyes to mine again. "It's interesting."

  "What is?"

  "Bob and Jeremy both tell me you have brown eyes, but currently, they are a very vivid green."

  Biting my lip, I touched a finger pad to my eyes.

  "I'm guessing contacts. I'd place a decent bet that your hair wasn't mahogany till recently and that your real name isn't Vera."

  "Get off my land."

  Dale tilted his head. "I'm not threatening you, Vera. I'm just letting you know, I see past the charade." Stepping back from the door, Dale slid his hands into his pockets. "You're terrified, not of me or other men, just the one that gave you that scar. You've stood your ground against me several times now. I know you're a strong woman, you wouldn't be here now if you weren't."

  Backing up another step, I swallowed the fear of his words, the awareness in his eyes.

  "The accounts I've heard of you is that you are quite put together until a man goes to touch you." Dale's eyes drifted to my abdomen, hidden by my singlet now. "I would say that's warranted. So here's the deal, Vera. You're to come to dinner at my place tomorrow night. None of my guests will touch you, and Alpha will escort you home afterward. Hell, the entire pack can walk you back if that would make you feel safer."

  Anxiety crawled along my spine. My father and Malcolm aways called their household by that term. "Pack?".

  Sobering, Dale met my eyes. "There is more than one dog up at the house. Alpha was the one you had the misfortune of meeting when you arrived."

  "Oh."

  Studying me, contemplation evident on his face, Dale took a breath and refocused. "Dinner is at six. The dress will be smart casual." Turning on his heel, Dale walked back down the stairs without another word. Moving forward, I watched him move into the woods, following the lit path. He was so like Malcolm, and yet so different. Yes, he was an alpha male, but he reminded me more of my father on the brief times I saw him. My body felt safe around Dal. My muscles relaxed, and my heart calm. It was my personal trust issues, and the fact Dale seemed very familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on why.

  Chapter 4

  Opening the door to take a walk, I nearly had a heart attack to find a man standing there. "Jeremy?"

  Without greeting, Jeremy moved past me and into my bedroom. "It's time I looked at your wardrobe."

  "No, wait." Recovering from my surprise, I followed him into my bedroom. Already standing in the wardrobe, Jeremy frowned and moved to the dresser. Opening the empty drawers, he shook his head. Next, he lifted the pillow on my bed, noting my folded pajamas before entering the bathroom.

  After assessing the near-empty clothes hamper, Jeremy came back out unhappy. "You own the clothes on your back, two other tops, and the pajamas under your pillow."

  "I've not needed anything else."

  "Can you not afford clothes?"

  "Of course I can, I just haven't..." Swallowing, I hung my head. "There were so many people when I went to the shops. I've only just got used to the village, the shopping center was too much."

  "Grab your purse." Walking out the front door again, Jeremy headed for his car. Unsure what was happening, I stared after him. "Now, Vera. I have a dinner to prepare for so you'll have to shop while I shop."

  Swallowing my hesitation, I grabbed my handbag and followed Jeremy out the door. He stood holding the passenger door on his Mercedes open. Hurrying forward, I sunk into the passenger seat.

  Before starting the engine, Jeremy handed me a handkerchief. "Here, put it in your purse. You start to freak out, pretend to wipe your nose and breathe deeply; it will calm you."

  "What's it laced with?"

  "Don't ask. It will work, that's all that matters."

  Shoving the hankie in my handbag, Jeremy pressed the ignition button and sped up the drive. Sped might have been an understatement. Jeremy drove like he was in a rally car tournament.

  "Do you exercise?"

  "I used to run on a treadmill every day. I've been walking around the house, but need joggers before I can run the driveway."

  As if he guessed as much, Jeremy nodded. "There is a gym in the basement of the manor house. You play your cards right tonight, Dale will let you use it and the pool."

  "What does playing my cards entail?"

  Jeremy almost smirked; only almost. "No screaming, insulting, or gouging out the eyes of Dale's friends."

  "I think I can manage that if everyone behaves themselves."

  "They will." His voice was deep and confident.

  When we arrived at the shopping center, Jeremy walked with me until I found a store that carried my style. After escorting me inside, Jeremy excused himself. "I need to go get some supplies. Go crazy, and don't hesitate to use the hankie if you need it."

  When he started to reach for me, my eyes went wide, but Jeremy withdrew his hand. Grumbling under his breath, he walked out. Blinking at the awkward encounter, I started looking around the store.

  Purchasing two summer dresses, a mid-season dress, some slacks, and loose flowing tops, I saw no sign of Jeremy. Spotting a sports store a few doors down, I made my way down to it. Staying close to the display windows, I held my breath whenever anyone came near me but made it unscathed.

  With a pair of joggers and activewear in a bag, I hurried across the stream of shoppers to an underwear store. The underwear was stunning, but when I looked at the price tag, my eyes jumped out of my head. One set was more than I'd spent in total in the ladies sports store.

  "Is there another underwear store here?"

  The sales assistant smiled and considered the set I'd been admiring. "Yes, right at the other end. It's cheaper, but it won't feel or look as good. Why don't you try it first? You can then go to the other shop, and compare. What size are you?" Selecting one of the beautiful bras I'd been looking at, the sales assistant gestured me to follow. "Try it on, you'll notice the difference."

  Hesitant, but keen to experience new things, I did as she said, and she was right. The lace was so soft and so well stitched that I felt naked in it. Turning to look in the mirror, the lace across my nipples was like a hot mouth passing over it.

  Trembling in delight, I told the assistant I'd buy the set with the brief. She tried to convince me to go for the thong, but I declined. Malcolm liked g-strings, I preferred comfort. Since it was unlikely any man would see my underwear anytime soon, practicality was primary. Beautiful comfort was a bonus.

  After trying a few more bras, I picked up a beautiful pair of summer pajamas in my size and handed it to the as
sistant. "What are those?" Pointing to an array of objects on a shelf.

  "Have you never seen vibrators before?" The saleswoman asked. When I shook my head, she laughed. "Come on, honey, let's find something that will make you sing."

  Showing me a few different items and lubricants, the assistant told me how to use them. By the time Jeremy walked in with his arms full of bags, my cheeks and chest were burning. He took one look at the girl holding the hot pink toy against my hand, went bright red, and stuttered he'd wait outside. That left the girl and me in fits of laughter.

  After paying for my purchases, I walked out to where Jeremy was waiting. He cleared his throat. "Sorry, I took so long. I'm glad you were able to get to a few shops."

  Gazing in the window at the stunning dressing gown hanging there, I sighed. It was full-length black satin with lace appliqué, and all lace from the knees down. Sexy but conservative.

  "You like that?" Jeremy observed the dressing gown.

  "Yes. But, that store cost more than all my other clothes together. That gown was twice that."

  Studying the window with interest, Jeremy turned back to me. "You need anything else?"

  "Dale said tonight was smart casual."

  "Follow me." He led me to a boutique store. "Can I leave this here?" He asked the sales assistant as he put his groceries down. "I have to make a phone call." Pulling out his phone, he stepped outside, leaving me to browse.

  Finding a lovely conservative tea dress, I tried it on. Sticking my head out of the changeroom, I saw Jeremy standing by the counter. Stepping out, I cleared my throat. Jeremy looked up and blinked. "Will this be okay?"

  "Um," Jeremy coughed, "yeah, that works."

  "Not one for compliments, are you?" The sales assistant rolled her eyes before turning back to me. "You look stunning, but you need heels." Before I could argue, she handed me a pair of black pumps in my size. Slipping them on, I had to admit, they made my legs look longer. Jeremy stood there, staring at me like the men in Malcolm's house used to do.

  Unease spread through my body. Stepping out of the pumps, I hurried back into the dressing room. "What am I doing?" I asked my wide-eyed reflection.

  "Everything okay?" The sales assistant asked.

  Looking down at the dress, I felt the panic rising. I'd been intending to go unnoticed, to be dull, and not worth looking at. This dress didn't do that. It was the most conservative dress in the store, and it still drew attention to my feminine curves.

  Unzipping the dress, I stepped out of it and pressed my back to the wall as breathing became difficult. Jeremy stepped into the changeroom, reached into my purse, and retrieved the hankie. Before I could react to his presence, he put it in my hand, then to my face before pulling me against him and holding tight.

  "Shh, it's okay. Breathe deep."

  Holding the hankie to my face, I breathed in through my nose. The scent was masculine and heady. My knees went weak, and my head swam a little as Jeremy's hands rubbed up and down my bareback.

  "Just relax. Nothing is going to harm you here." Waiting a few more minutes, Jeremy stepped back, removing his hands from me. "We good?"

  Removing the hankie from my face, I nodded. "Yes, thank you."

  Collecting the dress and shoes from the floor, Jeremy stepped out. Taking one last deep breath of the hankie, I shoved it away. That's when I noticed my clothes on the floor and realized I'd been standing in Jeremy's arms in only my underwear. Part of my brain was horrified and wanted to freak out. But the heady scent from the hankie was still circulating in my bloodstream; it kept me calm while I redressed.

  Outside, I apologized to the sales assistant and left. Escorting me to the car in silence, Jeremy let the peace between us continue for the drive home.

  "Do you have a bottle of that drug I could buy?"

  "Like it did we?"

  "It worked well. I don't think I could freak out right now if I tried. This is the most relaxed I've been since I was fourteen."

  Sadness in his eyes, Jeremy observed me in a quick glance. "Do you know self-defense, Vera?" I shook my head. "It's about time you learned. You make nice with Dale tonight, then you'll come work out with me in the gym each morning I'm here. I'll teach you to defend yourself."

  "In case Alpha jumps me again?"

  Jeremy shook his head. "It will give you peace of mind. Give you the confidence you need."

  Knowing if Malcolm ever found me, it wouldn't help me. Still, it could be handy for overcoming my fear of shopping centers.

  Back home, Jeremy carried my bags inside for me, then told me where to come when I got to the main house for dinner. It wasn't till he'd left and I was putting away my purchases, that I found the extra bag with the tea dress and pumps.

  Alpha was waiting by the back door for me when I came out. His tongue lolled out of his mouth, but it wasn't the only thing that came out. My eyes grew wide, and I shook my head. "We need to talk to Dale about getting you desexed."

  Alpha growled at my suggestion, which made me chuckle. Doing the smart thing, I wore my flats trekking up to the house, carrying my pumps. Stalking beside me, Alpha's back came just above my hip level, making him the biggest dog I'd ever seen. Patting the fur on the back of his neck, I smiled at the electricity that sparked under my fingertips.

  "So, you like my dress? You should see my underwear. It's the softest lace I've ever felt and all black." My fingers tingled with the guttural sound rumbling through Alphas body.

  "I've decided I like black. It might be my favorite color, tone, whatever you want to call it." A breeze picked up, the promise of a summer storm blowing in. "I was never allowed to wear black. Malcolm liked me in white, liked to remember he took my innocence." Taking a breath, I calmed my disgust for the memory, but Alpha's presence chilled my hurt. "I've never had someone to talk to like this before. Thank you for becoming my friend."

  Emerging from the forest path into the cleared backyard of the manor house, I got my first real look at it. The building was a three-story American style house.

  There were a lot of large windows looking out over the back yard and the large pool area. Above the landscaped pool stood a large deck that spanned the entire back of the house.

  Walking under the decking to reach the basement door, I worried when Alpha stepped in with me. "Are you allowed inside?"

  Bumping my leg, Alpha turned off into what looked to be the gym. Alone, I left my flats at the back door and slipped on the pumps. With a sigh, I followed the directions Jeremy gave me until I found the steps which brought me up into the kitchen. There was a handful of waitstaff and cooks busy preparing who paid me no attention. Turning left, I found the living room. Jeremy and Bob were both there, along with three other men and five beautiful women.

  Taking them all in, I wasn't worried about standing out and gaining men's attention any longer. With minimal makeup and my hair pulled back in a ponytail, I was unsubstantial next to these women.

  Then there were the men. Bob and Jeremy, I already considered attractive, but the other three were handsome as all hell. Smart casual translated to Armani suits without a tie for the men, and cocktail dresses for the women. I felt like I'd stepped backstage at a fashion show.

  "Vera, you look lovely," Jeremy greeted, coming towards me as if I might spook and bolt.

  "I look like a cheap knock-off next to these people."

  Tilting his head, Jeremy appraised the rest of the room. "You've bought a house with cash, Vera, there is nothing wrong with being conservative." He got a gleam in his eyes. "Are you wearing the underwear you purchased today?" My cheeks grew hot, and a smile teased the side of his mouth. "Then you've spent more on that then they have."

  Studying the women, I frowned and returned my assessing gaze to Jeremy's wicked gleam. "They aren't wearing underwear, are they?"

  Taking a drink of the beverage he was holding, Jeremy shrugged. "Just slows things down later." Waiting for the heat to fill my face and chest, Jeremy winked at me and turned back to the room. "I'd i
ntroduce you, but that's Dale's job. I'll get you a wine instead." His eyes went over my shoulder. "If that's okay with you?"

  "Yes, thank you." As I turned to see what he was looking at, all I could see was a wall of black. Lifting my eyes from the black dress shirt and jacket, I discovered Dale. His hair was wet like he just stepped out of a shower, and his indigo eyes pierced me as they met mine. He was so very tall and so very close. My panties became damp, and I wasn't sure if that was being turned on or wetting myself with fear.

  "Evening, Vera. Thank you for coming. It's horrible to be the only stag at a dinner party." When Dale smiled my sex clenched, and I knew the dampness in my underwear wasn't weak bladder control.

  Shaking his head humored and almost smiling, Jeremy went to the kitchen. Peering into my eyes, Dale frowned. "I prefer your natural color."

  "I'd prefer to be unrecognizable. My eyes have always been my standout characteristic."

  Lifting a brow, Dale let his eyes roam down my body and back again. "You have many standout qualities, Vera, your eyes are just my favorite."

  Standing there mesmerized, I noticed the chocolate brown striations around his pupils. "Why are you so familiar to me?"

  "Here you are," Jeremy interrupted, handing me a glass of wine.

  "Thank you." Accepting the wine, I drank a mouthful.

  Leaving us alone, Jeremy walked down into the room. Taking a glass of something a waiter handed him, Dale looked at me. "Vera, may I touch you? Just here." Placing his hand into the small of my back, he watched my face. Tensing on instinct, I cringed on the tightness that caused in my injuries and forced myself to allow it.

  When Dale steadied his hand against me, my eyes fluttered with his touch. It was like he was running his fingers over my bare skin, eliciting a wanton reaction. His hand was still, but my skin was tingling under the thin material of the satin dress I wore. Beyond that, I felt safe with him. Moving closer to me, Dale lowered his mouth to my ear. "You're so warm."

  "You're hot." Dale chuckled. Cheeks heating, I mentally kicked myself. "I meant your hand is hot."