by Calista Fox
She nibbled her lower lip a moment. He could tell she wanted to help him. That she wanted to be by his side. But this was his fight—and there was no way she'd survive it, so he needed to keep her here. Out of harm's way.
A few tense moments slipped by, but eventually, Serena conceded. “I'll stay here."
"Good.” He kissed the tip of her nose. But the desire to really kiss her was too tempting to pass up. His mouth pressed to hers and he kissed her deeply, hoping to convey all the passion and desire and love he had for her. It was a kiss meant to solidify a future. It was a kiss between soul mates.
When he finally pulled away, she swayed unsteadily on her bare feet. Garrett grinned. “We'll finish what we started when I get back."
Her eyes snapped up to meet his. “You will be back, right?"
His gaze swept over her, committing every inch of her to memory. “Oh, yeah."
She smiled softly and touched his cheek with her fingertips. “I'll behave. I promise."
Garrett wrapped his arms around her and held her close, breathing in the scent of her. “Thank you."
He held her for a few moments more, then released her. Moving past her, he headed out of the bedroom without looking back.
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High Voltage: Chapter 13
She barely had time to pull her panties back on before Robert entered the suite. Serena emerged from the bedroom and crossed to the dining table that had been set up in front of the tall fireplace. The rest of the suite was impeccably appointed. The living room was large and decorated in a tasteful, stately manner. The sectional was a pristine white, the coffee and end tables were beveled glass atop thick marble columns. She would have liked to have seen the entire penthouse, but now was not the time.
As it was, just eyeing the table where she and Garrett were supposed to have a quite, romantic dinner made her sullen. Disappointment would have settled in, but it couldn't compete with the anxiety roiling through her.
Reaching for the glass of champagne she'd abandoned earlier when Garrett had joined her, she took a long sip, hoping like hell it would calm her nerves. But knowing it wouldn't. Something serious was taking place that she knew absolutely nothing about. It was something she couldn't comprehend—a dire situation, in fact. Otherwise, Garrett would have taken the time to explain it all to her. And he wouldn't have sent Robert to look after her.
What the hell is going on?
As she drew in another long sip, she recalled the conversation she'd had with Garrett last night. About the danger she was in. He'd said others had wanted her. Was that what this was about? Was that why he wanted her to stay here? Not just out of harm's way, but out of sight?
Her gaze slid to Robert, who busied himself at the wine chiller. He lifted the bottle of champagne from the silver ice bucket and offered her a refill. After he'd returned the bottle to its resting place, he said, “Try not to worry."
Another healthy gulp and she replied, “Tell me I don't have anything to worry about, and I'll stop."
His light brown eyes darkened in color. “I wish I could tell you what you want to hear. But Garrett wouldn't want me to lie to you."
"He doesn't want you to tell me the truth, either,” she ventured.
Robert smiled. He was attractive and easy-going. Serena felt at ease with him, despite the tense situation they were embroiled in.
"Garrett will explain everything to you,” Robert assured her.
"So you feel confident that he's going to return shortly?"
Robert's jaw clenched for a brief moment, the first sign of his own uncertainty and tension. His eyes darted toward the wall of windows in the living room—just a momentary flicker that caught Serena's attention.
Her heart picked up several beats. He'd unwittingly given away a little secret.
She set her glass on the table and rushed across the open foyer to the living room.
"Serena...” Robert let out a long sigh. “Please don't go near the windows."
But of course she couldn't resist. She pushed open one of the tall panels of glass and stepped out onto the terrace. Her hands gripped the decorative black wrought iron railing and she leaned over it. Four stories below her was a lush courtyard. The lodge was situated at the base of the mountain for easy ski-in/ski-out access during the winter season. But this time of year, the cobblestone pathways wound their way through deep green grass and flamboyantly colored flowerbeds. Tables and chairs covered the center section of the courtyard, surrounded by tall, antique lampposts.
Seven men stood on the outskirts of this area. Five more prowled the inner quarter—the courtyard itself. She recognized Garrett immediately, though his back was to her. There was no mistaking his large frame. Broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist and lean hips. Powerful thighs, encased in faded denim, were braced apart. She could tell his arms were crossed over his wide chest, even though he wasn't facing her. And she was pretty damn certain that, if he had been, she would see a menacing look in his usually vibrant green eyes.
Because, quite clearly, what was happening in the courtyard below was a showdown.
"Who is that man?” she asked, knowing Robert had followed her outside and that he stood behind her. She could sense his presence, yes, but she also knew he wasn't about to let her out of his sight.
"That's Braedan,” Robert answered, not needing to clarify which man Serena inquired about. The hulking figure that loomed on the periphery of the courtyard was ominous and dangerous-looking. He towered over the six men he'd brought with him by at least a foot. Serena guessed that put him close to seven feet. He even dwarfed Garrett.
Serena remembered what Garrett had said last night about Baedan. They were sworn enemies. And he'd wanted Serena.
A dark chill inched slowly down her spine, leaving in its wake a cold, eerie sensation. She had a bad feeling about all of this.
"What does he want with Garrett?” she asked in a quiet voice as Braedan and his men inched closer to the inner patio. Garrett and his men stood their ground, awaiting the confrontation.
The sun had set behind the mountain range and dusk had settled in. The lampposts came on, their large white bulbs glowing golden with the diffused lighting. Shadows crept along the garden and the pathways. Another few minutes and darkness would consume the outer edges. Were there more of Braedan's men out there, just waiting for the prime opportunity to strike?
Was Garrett outnumbered?
She spared a glance over her shoulder and found that Robert was no longer concealing his tension. His good-natured demeanor had morphed into something much darker. Hard angles etched his face and his eyes glowed with something akin to hatred. Clearly, he loathed Braedan as much as Garrett did.
"What's the rub?” she asked. “Why are you all archrivals?"
Robert's attention shifted from the ground below to Serena. “Garrett didn't tell you?"
She shook her head. “He mentioned Braedan. But he didn't really say what the big rift was all about.” She choked back a nervous laugh. Rift? That was clearly an understatement for what was transpiring four stories below them. The tension radiating from both groups of men was so strong, even Serena could feel it. No amount of distance could mask the He-Man power play taking place in the courtyard. The testosterone practically oozed from their every pore.
"Braedan is calling Garrett out."
She gasped. “Because of me?"
Robert smiled suddenly, unexpectedly. “You're quick."
"No, not really. It's just that...” She shook her head. “Christ, it doesn't matter. Can't we put a stop to this?"
"Are you offering yourself to Braedan?"
The mere thought sent a violent tremor through her body. Just that quick assessment alone of Braedan had left her feeling creeped to high hell. She had no doubt the man was bad to the bone. Downright evil, in fact.
"No,” she said. “But this Mexican standoff is ridiculous. All this over a woman?"
"The wounds run much deeper than tha
t. Braedan and Garrett go way back. Their feud is long and sordid. Mostly, Braedan resents Garrett for continually outsmarting him. Braedan wants the world in the palm of his hand, but he's too lazy and unimaginative to figure out how to achieve his goals.” Robert shook his head in disgust. “He wants everything handed to him on a silver platter. So he employs devious ways to get what he wants. But mostly, he takes by force what isn't his."
As Robert's steady gaze landed soundly on her, the chill she'd felt earlier returned. “Oh."
Her attention shifted to the action below. The early evening sky was dark blue, dotted with patches of large cumulus clouds that shrouded the moon. The shadows crept in toward the courtyard, in slow, measured paces. Like Braedan and his men.
As she watched their predatory approach, something unbelievable—and utterly horrifying—happened. One by one, the men surrounding Braedan morphed before Serena's eyes. Changing, in slow motion, from human beings to ... animals. The wolves were large and vicious. They snarled menacingly as they stalked their prey.
"Holy shit.” Serena gasped. Her heart leapt into her throat and terror skittered through every inch of her. “Did that really just happen?” Her voice was a mere whisper. Her hand gripped Robert's forearm for support. Or maybe she was looking for some sort of reassurance that she wasn't delusional or hallucinating. That she hadn't just imagined seeing men transform into wolves.
"You need to get inside."
"No.” She couldn't tear her eyes away from the courtyard. Nor did she want to leave when Garrett was in grave danger. She had to know what happened next ... what Braedan and his wolves would do. She had to wait—to see with her own eyes—that Garrett survived this vicious threat.
"Serena.” Robert was no longer placating her. His tone had turned firm. One strong arm wrapped around her waist and turned her away from the railing, trying to guide her inside.
But Serena wasn't interested in being spirited away. She dug in her heels. “Don't drag me away,” she half-pleaded. “I have to know what happens. I have to make sure Garrett is okay."
"He will be. But you won't be if I don't get you inside."
As though in affirmation—as though he'd heard Robert's comment—the grey wolf that was Braedan lifted his head and sniffed the air. Then his amber gaze connected with Serena's.
She let out a small cry of shock and fear. Sinister did not even begin to describe the wolf that held her stare.
Quickly, Robert ushered her inside, taking advantage of her sudden paralysis. He eased her into a chair. So stunned was she, Serena didn't even realize she was sitting. Until her body started to vibrate and she was suddenly very aware that she couldn't stand up to save her life.
Reality set in hard and fast. What she had just witnessed defied all logical thinking, yet ... it had happened! And she knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if Robert had not brought her back into the living room, she would have seen Garrett shift as well. She would have watched him change right before her very eyes.
And, lord help her, she would have freaked out even more.
Even as she sat on the plush white sofa in the center of this extravagant suite, she knew nothing was as it appeared on the surface. And nothing she believed in would ever be the same.
Garrett Slater was a multimillionaire who owned the vast majority of Silver, Wyoming. He was a businessman. A philanthropist. A City Council member.
Those were labels the townsfolk used when they referred to Garrett. What they didn't talk about—what they clearly didn't know—was that the aforementioned were only a small part of who the man really was.
But Serena knew. All too well, in fact.
Garrett Slater was a wolf.
"Oh, my God.” She suddenly felt ill.
Okay, so maybe last night she had told herself she accepted the man for who—what—he was. And, yeah, maybe this morning she'd even said it out loud. She'd told Garrett she accepted all the weird, freaky shit. That she was okay with it.
But, clearly, she hadn't understood jack about the freak of nature she'd made love with last night.
The bile instantly rose in her throat and she pressed her hand to her mouth. Her eyes bulged in their sockets as she fought for control over her bodily functions.
Robert was quick on his feet, though. He set a silver trash receptacle at her feet. “I'll get you some water,” he said.
When he disappeared down the hallway, she bolted.
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High Voltage: Chapter 14
Garrett knew Serena had stood on the balcony of his suite, watching the standoff below, without even having to look up to confirm it. He'd known it long before Braedan had shifted and then diverted his attention to her. Garrett had sensed her presence, had known she was watching him.
So he'd held himself in check, not wanting to transform in front of her.
But Braedan had, and surely that proved to her that everything Garrett had said last night was true. He knew she'd gotten a dose of the reality in which he lived.
And he seriously doubted she was as warm and fuzzy about this phenomenon as she'd insisted she was on the phone this morning.
No. Chances were damned good she'd just wigged out.
Fuck.
His fists clenched at his side. He was mad as hell at Braedan for bringing this fight to his front door. But what had he expected, anyway? Discretion was not Braedan's strong suit. And the grey wolf was hell-bent on making Garrett's life as miserable as possible—or non-existent.
Garrett had no delusions about this confrontation. Only one of them would survive it. At the moment, Braedan had the odds stacked in his favor. He had a larger pack because most of Garrett's resided at the lake resort, rather than the ski lodge. And they hadn't gotten word yet of the impending battle. Unless Robert had managed to contact them. But something told Garrett there was a slim chance that had happened—Robert likely had his hands full with Serena. He'd been charged with keeping her safe, and Garrett knew Robert would not let anything come between him and his duty.
Except Serena, of course.
He wanted to spare a glance up at the balcony, but again, his heightened senses served him well and he knew she was gone. Thank God. Somehow, Robert had managed to get her back inside.
A low snarl drew Garrett's thoughts back to the impending threat. Braedan was starting to circle him, and the grey wolf's pack was slowly closing in. Garrett hadn't shifted yet.
And because Serena might be watching from the windows, he had half a mind not to.
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High Voltage: Chapter 15
Serena had no idea how her wobbly legs managed to carry her to the front door. She hadn't put her heels back on after Garrett had left the penthouse, so that helped. Throwing the heavy door open, she raced down the long corridor to the elevator and jammed a finger in the button. Two, three ... ten times.
Her breath came in sharp, heavy pulls. Anxiety, fear and terror all mingled together and roiled through her. Panic quickly built as she waited impatiently for the elevator, knowing any minute Robert would come stalking down the hallway to collect her. In fact, he crossed the threshold just as she shot a quick glance over her shoulder.
But the elevator doors slid open and she stepped inside, pushing the “close” button as he raced down the hall toward her.
"Serena, no!"
The narrow slit sealed tight seconds before Robert reached her. She half expected the doors to fly open, knowing he'd call the elevator back, but they didn't. The car descended to the first floor and she slipped sideways out of it before the doors were even halfway open.
Neither her stomach nor her nerves had settled the least little bit. She still felt the threat looming in her throat, but she didn't have time to toss her lunch. Serena needed to get the hell out of Silver. And fast.
No, it was more than that.
She needed to get the hell out of Wyoming.
Hadn't Garrett said that was the only way she'd be safe? If s
he left the state?
Skittering to a halt at the double doors that served as the entrance to the lodge, she paused a moment.
Garrett.
"Fuck,” she whispered. Her heart suddenly ached. If she left Silver ... If she left Wyoming ... She'd be leaving Garrett.
Forever.
Her knees nearly buckled at the thought. One hand caught the large polished brass lever and the other flattened against the frosted glass in the center of the ornate wooden creation to hold her steady.
If she walked out that door now, they would be over.
Serena sucked in a shallow breath. The mere thought of never seeing Garrett again tore her apart.
Worse, the very prospect of walking through the tall doors in front of her and never, ever knowing the kind of love and passion she'd experienced over the past twenty-four hours made every fiber of her being coil in violent protest.
But to stay...
Tears stung her eyes as she contemplated the dilemma she'd suddenly found herself in.
What she'd just witnessed was beyond comprehension. And knowing Garrett was capable of changing form the way Braedan and his men had just done ... Christ. It was simply inconceivable to her.
Yet there was no denying what she'd just seen with her own two eyes.
She had to face reality and make a decision. Did she accept it—accept Garrett? Or did she rebuff the entire insane nightmare she'd unwittingly become embroiled it? Flee to New York and never, ever think about what had happened here. What had happened to her ... and to her heart.
Letting out a puff of air, she shook her head and reminded herself that she wasn't exactly an innocent, unwilling participant in all of this.
Sure, the very idea that she'd made love with—fallen in love with—a man who could change form and turn into a voracious creature made her question her sanity. Single men weren't so scarce in this world that she had to settle for one who wasn't wholly ... human.
Then again, if decent men who were as good-looking, caring and passionate as Garrett Slater were a dime a dozen, wouldn't she have given up her virginity a long time ago? If the good ones were plentiful, wouldn't she already be in a committed relationship?
