by Calista Fox
"Oh, my God,” she said on a sharp breath. “You have to stop!"
He chuckled. Low and deep and ... teasing. “That's not what you said last night."
"Garrett!” The heat radiating from her cheeks and forehead was enough to make her fan herself. Her stomach fluttered and her womb tightened. “We are not having phone sex!"
"But I'm at the lodge and you're at your cottage, so at the moment, that's the only kind of sex we can have."
She laughed. “You have a point."
"No, what I have is a major hard-on that won't go away. I want you,” he said in a husky voice. “Badly."
Her stomach fluttered and the effect rippled up to her heart, making it skip a beat. She nibbled on her lower lip as she considered a playful come back. She really ought to derail this conversation before it got out of hand and went well past her comfort zone. But she had to admit, there was something thrilling about knowing Garrett was aroused by her, even when he was a good twenty miles away. Even more exciting was how easily and freely he spoke of that arousal—and his feelings for her.
This was what Serena had always dreamed of, since she was a teenager, in fact. She'd dreamt of a man who would sweep her off her feet. A man who would make her heart swell with love and her toes curl with excitement.
And here he was, in the flesh. Well, a voice on the other end of the phone at the moment, but Serena could so easily recall how he'd touched her last night, how he'd made love to her. He may as well be here with her, holding her. She couldn't contain the smile that played on her lips, just thinking about the things Garrett had done to her. The way he'd made her feel, so sexy and desirable, yet cherished at the same time. Special.
He made her feel that same way now, even with his sex talk.
"Come to the lodge tonight,” he said. “I have a meeting at six, but it shouldn't last more than an hour. We can have dinner in my suite."
She liked the sound of that. The closer they were to a bed ... She giggled and shook her head. Never in a million years did Serena think she'd become obsessed with sex, but it was quite possible that she was becoming an addict. At the very least, she knew she was addicted to Garrett's hot, passionate kisses. She could kiss him for hours on end, she was sure, and never want to come up for air.
"Dinner sounds nice,” she said.
"Great. Bring a change of clothes."
Her grin widened. “That's rather presumptuous of you."
"You weren't thinking the same thing?"
"Of course I was. But I would have discreetly stashed them in a large purse that doesn't look like an overnight tote."
"Screw being discreet. I want you to spend the night. Bring a weekend tote, if you want. I'll rearrange my schedule."
This made her breath catch. “For me?"
"For us."
The fingers holding the phone trembled. The oddest sensations flooded her body—a curious mixture of excitement, anticipation and ... acceptance. Garrett Slater wanted her in his life. Not just for one hot, steamy night, but for much longer. Serena couldn't remember the last time she'd been a part of something so huge. She hadn't experienced this sense of belonging ever before in her life. Even within her own family, she was always an outsider. The sentimental, youngest daughter with romantic views on life that her family just couldn't relate to.
At work, she'd been very idealistic and naïve. She'd loved her job as manager of marketing and advertising, because it appealed to her creative side. But she'd been fresh out of college when she'd taken the position and although Serena had been good at her job—damn good, in fact—her perception of the corporate world had been untainted and simplistic, which was what had led to her naivete. It hadn't occurred to Serena that her co-workers would resent her for having been given such a coveted position so early in her career. Nor had she ever dreamed of the antics that went on behind closed doors. Especially when she'd learned that the company's CEO was having an affair with one of his young assistants.
To Serena, the sordid affair had cut deeper than she'd ever expressed to her family or even to Shay. She'd trusted Ben Kramer as a mentor. She'd looked up to him and respected him. The fact that he had a doting wife—who was not only pretty but incredibly smart—and four small kids, made his infidelity all the more shocking and disappointing to Serena.
And then there was that messy little tidbit Shay had mentioned about her shooing out the secretary after Ben had died while they were having sex! And suddenly, Serena was the one wearing the scarlet letter.
"Hey,” Garrett's low voice penetrated her dark thoughts. “Are you still there?"
She instantly forgot about the scandal that had rocked her world—and ruined her career. That feeling of belonging still lingered deep within her, sparked by Garrett's words, his intimate tone and the memories of everything that had transpired between them last night.
"Yeah, I'm still here,” she said, a smile teasing the corners of her mouth. “And as a matter of fact, I will bring a weekend tote. Just in case..."
"There's no ‘just in case.'” His voice was strong and full of conviction. “I want to be with you. As much as possible. I haven't been able to think of anything but you this morning. You're going to wreak havoc on my professional life, but what you're doing to the rest of me is..."
"Yes?” She found herself holding her breath in anticipation of his next words.
"Sinful."
A little spark of desire pricked her between the legs.
"And I'm loving every single minute of it,” he added.
Serena grinned. Feeling playful, she said, “Well, as long as you don't mind me distracting you..."
"Oh, I don't mind, sweetheart. Believe me. In fact,” he added, “I welcome the distraction."
"Oh, good. So I should stop by Millie's on my way over?"
Millie Stanford—who'd hit the wild boar in her station wagon a few weeks back—was a conservative businesswoman by day. She owned a small boutique that specialized in sentimental greeting cards and personalized stationery. But twice a month, Millie hosted lingerie parties in the backroom for the local socialites who wanted a discreet place to purchase such risqué items.
Garrett let out a low groan. “As much as I'd like to see you in something silky or lacy with garters and high heels, it'd be a complete waste of money."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah,” he said with such a strained voice it sent a thrill shimmying down her spine. “Cause they'd spend more time strewn all over my suite than on your body."
"Oh.” She suppressed a giggle.
"I like your body, sweetheart,” he told her, the honesty in his voice unmistakable. “No need to cover it up with stuff I'm just gonna want to rip off."
"Oh.” This time, the word escaped her lips on a sharp rush of air. “Well, since you put it that way..."
"Yeah. No point in clothes at all, huh?"
Her heart tripped all over itself trying to find a steady beat. It was unsuccessful. “Okay, so ... um.” She cleared her throat, tried to find some semblance of decorum, but it clearly eluded her. “Um..."
"Yeah,” he concurred, as though he had just as much trouble getting past all the sexual innuendo and the memories they'd both evoked during their conversation. “Okay, so seven o'clock? I'd give anything to move the meeting I have before that, but it's really important, so..."
"Don't worry about it,” she said. “Really. That gives me time to get some stuff done around the house. These storms really wreaked havoc on my cottage. I had some flooding. Again."
"Let me send someone over to deal with it."
Serena's heart swelled. He wanted to help her. Wanted to take care of her. She'd never experienced that before and found it was a comforting feeling. A really sweet gesture. But she was an independent girl by nature, so she said, “You have enough to deal with. A lodge, a lake and half a town, if I recall correctly. And I'm used to this. I just need the wet vac to sop up the puddles and a few sunny days to dry out the rugs."
"Okay. But
call if you need anything else. I mean it, Serena."
She knew he did, and that made her fall a little more in love with him. “Go back to work. I'm fine."
"See you at seven?"
"On the dot."
He was silent a moment. His slow, steady breathing filled the line, making her think of the few times during the night when she'd woken up, startled that she was wrapped tightly in his arms, her head on his chest. She'd lain there for endless minutes, loving the sound of his heart beating beneath her ear and the rhythm of his breathing. He'd lulled her back to sleep every time, making her feel warm and safe.
"Serena?"
"Yes?"
"This is everything I ever wanted. I hope you feel the same way."
She couldn't contain her smile. “I do."
She thought about the way he'd handled her with such care when she'd found him in the back of her truck. Yes, he'd been amused, but he hadn't done anything to put her further on edge. He had, in fact, done everything in his power to put her at ease. He'd built a fire, brought her wine, told her to keep the tire iron close at hand if it made her feel better. He'd never advanced on her, had always used slow, cautious movements that had told her he didn't mean to hurt her.
And when he'd earned her trust ... he'd made love to her with the kind of tenderness, mixed with unleashed passion, that had told her he was as swept away as she was. He'd wanted her as much as she'd wanted him. And everything about their night together had been perfect.
Even the weird, freaky shit. The werewolf stuff.
But hey, everyone had their secrets, right? Everyone on this planet had something different about them—it was called diversity.
"Hey,” she said into the phone, emotion welling inside her again. “I'm okay with the other stuff we talked about last night."
He still didn't speak, but she didn't press him. She sensed he needed a minute to process her acceptance. And in that instant, Serena knew they were destined to be together.
It was all so clear to her! Here were two people, struggling to find their place in the crazy world of relationships, needing someone to see them for exactly who they were and what they were. The virgin and the werewolf. It was a wild notion, yes. But then again ... was it really?
Hadn't Garrett said last night that wolves mated for life? And hadn't she been waiting all this time—twenty-seven really long years!—to find the man she belonged with? The man who'd accept all of her idiosyncrocies and all the bizarre shit that always happened to her?
She knew Garrett was that man. They'd both been looking for each other and they'd finally found each other.
"Garrett?” she asked, feeling breathless all over again.
"Yeah, sweetheart?"
She nibbled her lower lip for a moment, not having the slightest idea what she wanted to say to him, but knowing there was something brewing in her heart that she had to share with him.
A few quiet moments slid by. Then she said, “I just really want you to understand that I am okay with the other stuff. I don't know anything about it, but ... I know you."
He let out a low sigh—of relief, she was sure. “I know it's complicated and confusing. But the man you met last night, Serena—the man you made love with last night—is the man I am."
She nodded, even though he couldn't see the gesture. “I've got my own personal quirkiness going on,” she said.
He chuckled. “Makes you even more adorable. And so much less threatening when you're pressing the tip of a tire iron to my heart."
"Yeah, I know, you were amused. But don't fuck with me,” she teased.
"Well, now wait a minute."
"I meant...” Her words trailed off as she let out a laugh. “Oh, hell. You know what I meant."
"Yeah. And trust me, I hope like hell I never run into you in a dark alley."
"I did take Jujitsu in college."
"I'll remember that.” He was silent once again, then added, “You're safe, Serena. From now on."
The thought was comforting and welcome. “I feel safe."
"I'm glad."
"Okay.” She let out a long breath. “I'll see you at seven."
"I can't wait."
She clicked the disconnect button, instinctively knowing that, if she didn't, they'd remain on the line with each other for much longer. And they both had work to do.
[Back to Table of Contents]
High Voltage: Chapter 11
Garrett stepped into the boardroom, situated in the back of the wing designated for executive offices at the Silver Mountain Ski Lodge. Gathered around the large, polished, maple-wood conference table were the leaders of the wolf packs that inhabited Silver and the surrounding areas. They prowled most of Wyoming, in fact. Twelve men sat in the oversized burgundy leather chairs, looking as characteristic to their surroundings as they were.
Those who operated within the urban environment wore suits and looked as astute and professional as any businessman. No one would ever guess their true nature. Five others, who were more prone to spend their time in the rural areas, staking their claim in the rugged terrain of Wyoming mountain ranges, were dressed more casually. They wore jeans and flannel shirts. Except for Braedan, who paired a black T-shirt with his black jeans. His coloring was indicative of his wolf form. His hair was a grayish-silver color, though at thirty-six, Braedan was no more than five years Garrett's senior.
Garrett crossed the vast room and took his place near the end of the table. It was a steadfast rule that no pack leader occupy a chair at the head of Garrett's conference table. The leaders of the packs were sworn equals ... though sometimes, the lines got a little fuzzy. Garrett knew this would be one of those times.
Slipping into his chair, he cleared his throat and said, “Thank you all for coming on such short notice."
Sometimes, Garrett thought the packs were run like the mafia. There were dons, the leaders or alphas within the pack. The underbosses, which were the second-in-command, beta types. And the capos or omegas. The soldiers were the other wolves in the pack that didn't really rank. But they did most of the dirty work. The labor, as Braedan referred to them.
Garrett's pack pursued viable, legal new business development opportunities. Braedan's pack, however, took what they wanted, no matter what the cost.
But Garrett had struck first this time. He'd claimed Serena, and now he had to answer to Braedan and the rest of the leaders.
Not that he intended to kowtow to any of them. And they knew it. Looking around the table, they all appeared as though they'd rather be anywhere but here, caught in the middle of a territorial war.
"The issue is a simple one,” Malcolm, the oldest of the leaders said. “Garrett selected his mate and he solidified their future. I don't see cause for discussion on the matter."
"He poached on my territory,” Braedan said in a low, menacing tone. He cast a dark look in Garrett's direction. “We have rules against that."
"You're not one to quibble over rules,” Garrett reminded him. “You set your own. Which makes you an outsider at this Council. Yet, because you are a leader of one of the largest packs in the state, we allow you to sit at our table.” It was a bold move for Garrett to make, but he had to stand his ground.
For a moment, the room was silent. Not a whisper of breath penetrated the tension that suddenly permeated the air. For such a cavernous room, it instantly felt small and stifling.
Garrett's gaze met Braedan's and held. He wouldn't back down. He'd wanted Serena from the moment he'd seen her, and he wouldn't let her go. Only she could break their bond. Braedan would never come between them. Unless he killed Garrett. And there was no way in hell Garrett would let that happen, for if it came to be, Serena would fall into Braedan's hands.
Garrett wouldn't stand for that.
"I agree with Malcolm,” another Council member said. His gaze shifted to Garrett. “We all appreciate that you brought this issue before us, Garrett. It demonstrates your dedication to the Council and your responsible nature. We a
lso know that you would never put the Council in an awkward position by splitting it. Bringing forth this situation allows us all to voice our opinions and ensure we are all of like mind on where we stand."
"Unity is how we survive,” Garrett said, giving Braedan a pointed look. His nemesis merely scoffed and looked away.
"I say there's no need for discussion or debate,” Malcolm added. “Garrett has claimed his mate. It stands at that."
"Now wait just a minute,” Braedan interjected. But Malcolm cut him off, silencing him with a look.
"We have more important matters to be concerned about,” the elder said. “So unless you've got another issue to bring forward to the Council, this meeting is adjourned."
The remainder of the pack leaders at the table nodded in concurrence.
Garrett contained his smug smile. He'd known they would side with him. When it came to love and selecting a mate for life, they all knew the power of the innate pull. They all knew that Garrett felt it, and that Braedan simply wanted another conquest. He was unlike the rest of them in so many ways, including his belief on mating for life. Braedan preferred the thrill of the chase ... and the sweet taste of surrender. Had he won over Serena last night, he would have discarded her this morning.
And had he not won her over...
He would have taken her by force.
The thought made Garrett's fists clench at his sides. His jaw tightened. As Braedan's amber gaze connected with his and they literally stared each other down right in front of the Council, Garrett knew this battle wasn't over. But it was no longer a matter that involved those sitting around the table. What now existed between Garrett and Braedan was a challenge—issued by Braedan with just a look.
As the room began to clear, both Garrett and Braedan stood their ground, at opposite corners, and waited for the Council members to depart.
