ROMANCE: Paranormal Romance: The Valley (Book One) (Fun, Sexy, Mature Young Adult Vampire Shape Shifter Romance)

by Charlotte Swanpol

  But when I entered the living room, Chad, my boyfriend, was standing there, an angry look on his face. He was holding my exam and as he heard me enter the room, his head whipped upwards as he scowled at me.

  “You fucked up the curve.” He growled as he walked up to me, the exam now crushed under his fist. “No wonder my grade was so shitty…” His face was red with emotion as he stood next to me and pressed me up against the wall. I tried to stand my guard, but his intimidating nature scared me.

  “You’re so useless. We studied together and yet, you had to be Queen Bee and do so much better than everyone else.” His voice was hostile as his face got closer and closer to mine. His hand wrapped around my arm, making me flinch slightly. “You stupid fat bitch.” He finally spat, before walking away with a disgusted look on his face.

  My accomplishment had suddenly turned its head. I watched him go and sighed. Why was I still with that jerk? I suppose it was either stay with him or suffer being alone, where my demons had the chance to make themselves known. Which was the lesser of two evils? I don’t know.

  Vance

  Sigh. Board meetings can be so boring at times. As the CEO of Blue Venta, I thought life would be more exciting. But the thing they don’t tell you, is that getting to the top is more fun than actually being there. From an early age, I was on the fast track to success, with parents who supported me financially and an adept mind ready to take on any challenge.

  By the time I was 22, I had opened up my own business, by 24 I had made my billionth dollar, but now at 25, I was bored out of my mind. The company was looking for young new interns who could help the company skyrocket into new avenues, such as the biotechnology industry. I can tell you that looking at the bios of countless students is not at all that interesting.

  A man from the human resources department flipped through a slideshow of potential candidates as he looked at me for validation or denial. My neck was starting to hurt. But, all of a sudden he switched to a slide that grabbed my attention. On the screen was a headshot of a beautiful young woman. She had an adorable face with flawless skin. Her eyes were big. They were a lovely shade of brown capable of capturing the attention of anyone who became trapped in her gaze. Her hair flowed down freely to her shoulders and as I looked at the picture a little more, I saw that her arms looked a little thicker than most. From what I could tell, she seemed to have some meat on her bones. I liked that.

  I grinned, seeing her beauty on the screen. My HR worker looked at me, perplexed by my sudden interest. He hadn’t seen me this invested in any one candidate up to this point and I think this took him by surprise. When I finally managed to pry my eyes away from her photo, I quickly scanned the text, reading her stats. She was 21, a biotechnology major, and studied on the West Coast. We could easily fly her over to New York if we choose her to be the lucky candidate.

  “I want her.” My voice broke through the conference room, making many of the people look up at me. Prior to this, there had been little discussion, only the occasional nod or shake of a head.

  “Are you sure, Sir? I believe I saw a few others who were better suited to our needs.” His voice was meek as he said this. I heard him out to the last word, but I could feel my face becoming tense.

  “Are you going against my decision?” I asked, my voice a little harsher than I had anticipated. He cowered as I stood up, my large 6’1 stature towering above his. He gulped and tried to hold my gaze, but soon he backed off and shook his head.

  “No sir… I was just suggesting…” He mumbled, looking down, afraid to meet my eyes.

  “I will have no further deliberation on his topic. I want her. Get her here.” My powerful gaze moved around the room as I looked at each one of my subordinates in turn. I did not become the CEO of a company by being nice. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not mean. I’m just assertive. There’s a difference.

  Eventually, everyone nodded their heads as they looked at me with nervous expressions on their faces. Quickly, they gathered up their things and shuffled their way out of the room. Once everyone had left, I followed suit, making my way back to the office. I locked the door before walking over to the windows.

  Some said the view here was worth a million dollars, but who wants to look at concrete and glass all day? People gave New York City way too much credit. I looked down, seeing people walk through the streets, looking like small ants trying to make their way through life.

  Dismissing them, I walked over to my desk and turned on my computer. I waited for it to boot up, as my mind fell back on the woman I had decided to hire as an intern. Her name was Allie Ulrich and I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I wondered what she was like and how she would react to me.

  These questions ran through my mind as I logged in and began browsing the internet. I quickly plugged her name into the search bar, waiting for the results. A smile spread across my lips. She was one accomplished girl.

  She had graduated as valedictorian of her high school and was currently studying in one of the best universities in California. From what I could tell, she was perfect. I knew then that she was the one that I wanted.

  The human resources department could throw a million different students in my direction, but I knew I would always fall back on her. There was something about her gaze, about her unseen body that drove me wild.

  I looked out the window again, seeing the clouds roll in and the darkness descend. Winter on the East Coast was always hard to endure, but if I could get her there soon, if I could but see her, feel her, smell her, before the year was over, I could die tomorrow a happy man.

  I leaned back in my chair, looking at the calendar on my desk. If what it told me was true, she should be in my office in little less than two weeks. I grinned to myself, picturing her sitting in the chair in front of me. “Allie Ulrich…” I whispered her name, just to hear how it sounded. I grinned. This was going to be a lot of fun. I looked at my desk as my mind ventured into the darkest realms of my imagination.

  Allie

  Finally, I managed to pry myself off the wall. I could hear Chad in the kitchen but I knew I couldn’t face him just yet. So, I grabbed my jacket off the coat hanger and made my way outside. I didn’t really have a destination in mind. The air was chilly and I quickly zipped up my jacket, sighing as it was rather tight around me. Why did it seem like everything I owned was always too tight? It was as if people couldn’t make proper clothes for anyone who wasn’t twig thin.

  Nevertheless, for the moment, it was all I had. I made my way across campus, taking in the scenery. Students were bundled up as they made their way through campus and into warmer buildings. California climate was pretty warm, however, so it wasn’t too bad. It would have been worse if I had lived in Maine or something. Here, even in the winter, we still had relatively nice walking weather.

  I continued to walk, trying to forget about Chad. He was a jerk and I knew I was an idiot for staying with him, but I couldn’t think of breaking up with him. As I struggled with this dilemma, my phone chimed in my pocket. I furrowed my brows, trying to figure out who could be texting me. When I checked my phone, however, it wasn’t a text at all, but an email.

  It was probably just spam, but nonetheless, I was curious and opened up the email app. My eyes grew large as I suddenly saw the subject of the email. It was from Blue Venta: the pharmaceutical company I had applied to intern at. Excited, I opened up the email and my eyes read the first word: Congratulations.

  I froze in place, excitement coursing through my body. Had I really been accepted into one of the world leaders in orphan disease therapy? My hands shook a little as I tried to steady my phone and read the rest of the email. To my surprise, I had been accepted but they expected me to visit in two weeks, which luckily for me was right after my last exam.

  In a flourish of emotions, I responded to the email quickly, telling them I was interested in the interview they had offered me. I still couldn’t believe it. Within a few minutes, they replied. There was an electronic ticket
at the bottom of the email which would bring me to the icy East Coast. I couldn’t believe how fast everything was happening, but I wasn’t about to start complaining.

  In two weeks I would be in New York… The thought boggled my mind. Still, I couldn’t deny the excitement that was coursing through my veins. I had to tell someone. Forgetting about my fight with Chad, I rushed back home, hoping to find Julie. I was dying to tell her about my accomplishment, knowing she would support and congratulate me. Unlike Chad, she was actually happy when I did well.

  With shaky hands, I finally managed to unlock the door. The kitchen light was off, much to my relief. It seemed like Chad, at least, was gone, but I had no idea if Julie was home or not. I quickly made my way up the stairs, the old wood groaning under my weight, making me blush a little. The stairs never groaned like that when Julie used them. Sometimes I became really jealous of her and her gorgeous model-like body, but for now, I just prayed she was in her room.

  When I got to the top of the stairs, I nearly ran down the hall before rushing into her room. I didn’t think to knock. She was there, half undressed. I stopped in my tracks and my cheeks turned red as I saw her reach back and unclip her bra. She was now wearing nothing but panties. I tried not to stare at her tiny waistline and delicate curves. Finally, I cleared my throat, trying to get her attention.

  She jumped a little, turning around as her slender arms wrapped around her full sized chest. “Allie, don’t scare me like that!” She chided before grabbing an old t-shirt and tossing it on. She walked across the room and grabbed some sweats, putting them on and rolling up the hem in a style I had seen a lot of skinny girls wear. I was amazed how Julie could make sweats and a t-shirt look sexy. Whenever I tried wearing those things, I just looked like a slob.

  “So why did you barge in here? If you were Chad I would beat the living daylight out of you.” She smirked, her red stained lips curling upward and her blue eyes sparkling.

  “Sometimes I wish you did,” I muttered, remembering how he had insulted me this afternoon. Sometimes I wished I had the guts to hit him myself.

  “What did he do this time?” She asked, her voice full of concern as she stepped closer. We locked eyes and I blushed a little, a bit intimidated by her gorgeous looks.

  “Nothing…” I stammered, looking away.

  “C’mon Allie, you can’t let him keep bullying you like this. It’s not healthy.” She said, trying to convince me for the millionth time that I should leave Chad. I knew she was right, but every time I tried to end it with him I would get cold feet. But, that wasn’t why I had barged into her room.

  “I have good news,” I said with a smile. Her eyes grew big and her smile matched my own as she read the excitement on my face.

  “Do tell.” Her sensual voice whispered as she got closer still, her face now inches away from mine, to the point where I could see all the makeup caked on her face. For someone so beautiful, I always wondered why she slathered her face with all that synthetic stuff. “C’mon Allie… I’m dying here.”

  “I got into Blue Venta.”

  Vance

  Today was the day. I had plenty of important documents to look over and sign on my desk but today they wouldn’t get any of my attention. Instead, I was too concerned with Allie. She had just flown in this morning and would be here shortly.

  I had wanted to meet her at the airport at first, but I didn’t want to come off as too infatuated. So I had forced myself to stay in my office and wait for her. It felt like an eternity before she got there. The minutes dragged on forever and whenever I looked at the clock it was like it didn’t even move.

  But suddenly, there came a knock on the door. I straightened up my collar and held my head up high, knowing I had to make a good impression on the girl. After all, in my mind, I already wanted her to be more than just an employee. Finally, I walked up to the door and opened it.

  I smirked when I saw her for the first time. She was even lovelier in person and the almost scared look on her face was precious. I could tell she would be a fun time. “Come in,” I said, ushering her inside until she sat down on the leather chair in front of my desk. My eyes glued to her backside for a moment as she walked in front of me. I had been right about her having some meat on her bones. She was perfect.

  After she sat down, I followed suit and sat down as well, looking at her. I could tell she was trying not to stare and I grinned a little, seeing the nervousness on her face. There were small beads of sweat decorating her skin. “What’s your name, dear?” I said, leaning back and reclining slightly in my chair. Her eyes grew big at my informal nature. She was probably expecting more from me but I would soon show her that I was more than meets the eye.

  “Allie…” She finally muttered softly. If this had been a real interview she would have done horribly, but luckily for her I liked her.

  “Nice to meet you, Allie. Care to tell me why you are interested in my company?”

  “Wait… this is your company?” She suddenly blurted out. She didn’t seem to be very good at this whole interviewing business but she was cute as she blushed, realizing the extent of her outburst.

  “All of this, this entire building is mine,” I explained, looking at her, a grin on my face. I allowed the information to settle in as I adjusted my sleeves. Unlike most CEOs I didn’t like suits. Instead, I always went with the button up shirt and sweater look. From what I have heard from some of my female employees, it’s pretty damn sexy, and I had no doubt that Allie was attracted to me. After all, she couldn’t stop staring at me.

  “Well, I’ll be frank with you, Allie. I like you. From what I have seen, you are a hard worker and I think you would make a great addition to this team… if you are interested, of course.” I leaned forward now, getting a little closer to her as I saw her eyes grow huge. She was in a state of shock and I chuckled as I saw a multitude of emotions fly across her face. “What do you say, hmm?”

  When she still said nothing, I got out of my chair and walked around my desk. I stepped into the space in front of her, before leaning against my desk. I knew this put me in a provocative position as her eyes lingered, if only ever so slightly, on my pants. But quickly, she averted her eyes and looked up at my outstretched hand.

  She got up and shook it. Her hand was sweaty. I could tell she was nervous. That pleased me. If a girl was nervous that meant she liked you and if she liked you enough she would do anything for you. My thoughts once again took a dirty route as I thought about pushing her down onto the chair and taking her right then and there. But years of professionalism had taught me to control myself so instead I gave her hand a squeeze and looked into her eyes.

  “Is that a yes then?” I asked, straightening myself out to my full height. She was about a head shorter than me and had to crane her neck to look at my face. “I hope you aren’t this quiet in the future…” I whispered, getting closer to her. She didn’t know that at some point I expected to make her scream with the sounds of ecstasy.

  “No… sorry, sir. I’m just nervous.” Her voice was small and meek as she said this. She had already addressed me as sir. She seemed perfect for my needs already. I grinned slightly before putting on a serious face and letting go of her hand.

  “Well, no need to be nervous. You’re hired. Now all you have to do is come back in the summertime.” I announced, walking over to the door. She followed me obediently as if attracted to me. She was already showing great signs of potential.

  “Thank you so much for this opportunity, sir. I really appreciate it and I look forward to working with you.” She finally managed to say more than a few words at once, but when I closed the door behind us and followed her I think the nervousness crept back into her soul.

  “I’m escorting you to the airport.” I smiled a pearly white smile in her direction as her eyes grew big again. Those dark eyes were gorgeous and I couldn’t wait to spend more time with her in a few months.

  Allie

  He was coming with me to the airport? My he
art started to flutter as I thought about the increased time we would spend together. While we were in his office, I had been nervous. Who wouldn’t have been? I was face to face with a handsome man whose annual income would be more than I could ever make in my whole lifetime.

  But what got me the most were his gorgeous green eyes. They were light in color but intense in their stare and they knew just how to pierce right through someone, especially me. Even now I felt a little weak-kneed and I even contemplated telling him I could get to the airport by myself, but who was I kidding? Why would I tell him to go away?

  So we walked in silence to the elevator. Once we got to the bottom floor, he led the way into some hidden garage and soon we were in his car. For some reason, I had expected some sort of chauffeur to show up, but instead, he got into the driver’s seat. I looked at him out of the corner of my eye as he turned on the car and eased it out of the parking lot. It didn’t occur to me that this car was worth about the same price of a modern home.

  As he started to drive, however, snow began to fall in large chunks and the wind picked up. He stared out the window for a moment making a U-turn at the following lights. I looked confused, seeing a sign pointing in the other direction with the airport’s name printed on it. Where were we going?

  “At this rate of snowfall, your flight will be canceled, and most likely the hotels will be filled with weary travelers. So you are coming home with me.” My eyes nearly popped out of my head as I heard his words. Was he really taking me home? I couldn’t believe it and my fingers gripped the armrest, trying to steady my now almost ragged breath.

  I didn’t notice the sly grin on his face as he noted my reaction. In my near panicked state, I didn’t pay attention to where we were, but soon enough he was pulling into yet another parking garage. He parked in a space clearly marked with a gold plaque etched with the words ‘Vance McKnight.’