“I …We have five bedrooms inside. You can take the one on the ground floor. I’m sure you’ll find it adequate.”
“There is no need.”
“Just come in, okay?” she sputtered out, then turned around, grumbling something about “stubborn men” and “macho Lycans.” She straightened her spine. “As your Alpha, I order you to come in.”
He should have pointed out to her that she wasn’t Alpha yet, but bit his tongue. “As you wish.”
She trudged back to the house, and he followed her inside. Indeed, the house was much cozier than the inside of his car, and the warmth immediately made his body relax. He trailed after her as she walked down the hallway and entered the last door on the left.
“Here,” she said as she turned on the light. The room was small but neat and looked like it was kept clean. There was a dresser, a side table, and a bed, though the mattress was bare.
“The bed’s pretty comfortable. No one’s stayed here in a while, not since …” Her face went all pensive and he sensed her sadness again. She pivoted and walked toward the dresser. “Let me make the bed for you.” She began to take out some sheets from the top drawer.
“No.” He rushed to her side. “You are to be Alpha. Why would you do such a lowly task?” His uncle employed various servants back at the compound to serve him. He doubted Anatoli had ever made his own bed, much less changed the linens.
She let out a huff and pulled a sheet out from the drawer. “You don’t know anything about being a leader, do you?”
He didn’t answer.
“When I was growing up,” she began as she unfolded the sheet over the mattress, “my father told me and my brother that as a leader—whether that’s as an Alpha or head of a company—you should never ask those under you to do things you wouldn’t do yourself.” She tucked the ends under the mattress and walked around the bed to do the same to the other side. “So, we started at the bottom. When we were teens, Lucas would work in the mailroom of Fenrir Corp. I worked at Muccino’s, busing tables and hostessing on weekends. Sometimes we’d switch too.” She dusted her hands together when she was done, then looked up at him, her face earnest. “No task is lowly, because everything contributes to the greater success of the group.”
“Like a pack,” he added.
“Exactly.” She blinked, then parted her lips, a soft sigh escaping her lips. When had she gotten so close to him? He didn’t even realize, so mesmerized was he as he watched her complete the task of making the bed for him. When her lashes lowered and her cheeks pinked, it hit him—here, in the small room, free from the scents of cooking—he could smell her soft, delightful scent, tinged with arousal.
“I should go,” she stammered, moving away from him. “Blankets and pillows are in the dresser. Goodnight.”
He couldn’t speak, couldn’t move, and watched as she disappeared through the doorway.
Had he imagined it? How could he have missed it all this time? The way her gaze warmed at him, and her heartbeat quickened in his presence. Maybe he was blind and deaf, or he didn’t want to see it.
That she could even have the slightest bit of attraction to him only added to his torment. And, as his hand ran over the sheets, smelling with traces of her scent, he wondered if he would be better off sleeping in the car tonight.
“Coffee?” Julianna Anderson offered as he entered the kitchen. When her gaze clashed with his, she smirked. “Looks like you could use a cup or four.” She cocked her head to the pot brewing on the kitchen counter.
“Thank you.” As he poured himself a cup, he found himself regarding the other Anderson. Though she had the same eyes and a similar face to Adrianna, that was where all resemblance between the two sisters ended. While Adrianna was petite and curvy, Julianna was a head taller and athletic. Her hair was cut in a severe style that ended at the chin, practical and no fuss, and she dressed pretty much in the same way. Today she was wearing a long-sleeved exercise top, leggings, and running shoes on her feet, which were propped up on the kitchen table.
He wasn’t sure what to think about her. But it was obvious what she thought of him as evidenced by the permanent scowl on her face when he was around.
“Feet off the kitchen table,” Adrianna said as she breezed into the kitchen. She knocked Julianna’s legs off with a flick of her hand, which earned her a scowl from the younger woman. She chuckled and rubbed her sister’s hair affectionately.
The easy and relaxed atmosphere around the sisters reminded him of another time. Of a time when he ruffled the hair of someone much younger. Of blue eyes looking up at him in wonder. Of a small face with a gap-tooth smile. And then … the blank slate of nothingness.
“Darius?” Adrianna was looking at him. “Are you okay?”
Her gentle, concerned tone brought him back to the present. “I’m fine.”
“Then please be careful, that cup is very old.”
He looked down at the delicate cup in his hand, his fingers gripped around the body. “Apologies.” He placed it on the counter and reached into a cupboard for a sturdier mug. “Are we heading into the city today, Miss Anderson?”
She seemed to bristle at his question. “Well, I am. I have to go to work.”
“Then I will be with you.”
The tips of her ears went red. “It’s just New York. I’ve been safe there the past couple of weeks. The mages wouldn’t dare try anything in my father’s territory.”
“Still, I am tasked with your safety. I am bound by my family’s oath to the Alpha to keep you safe.”
“I—”
“For God’s sake, just let him follow you, Adrianna.” Julianna rolled her eyes. “You’ve already let him in the house. You know what they say, right? Once you let a stray animal in, you’ll never get rid of them.”
He didn’t know if he wanted to thank Julianna or wring her neck. So, he decided to ignore her. “I can drive you into the city. That way, with your hands free, you can get some work done on your phone.”
She opened her mouth, then quickly shut it again. “Fine. Let’s go.”
He walked ahead of her, opening the front door to let her out into the porch. “We can take my car,” he said. She shrugged and motioned for him to go ahead. Dashing over to his vehicle, he opened the rear passenger seat. When he glanced back at her, she was frowning.
“What are you doing?” She walked around to the front passenger seat and pulled the door open.
“It’s not—”
“You wanted to drive me, right? Well, I don’t want to be late,” she said before she slipped inside and shut the door.
He paused, gathering his thoughts. It was bad enough that he would be trapped in that enclosed space, smelling her sweet scent, but now she would be right beside him and it would be even harder to ignore her. When she walked into the kitchen, he saw the flicker of desire in her eyes as her gaze ran over his body. Last night had been a revelation and now he couldn’t unsee her attraction to him. Which only made things even more dangerous.
Not wanting to keep her waiting, he slipped into the driver’s seat. She was already settled in, eyes on her phone as she typed furiously. He tore his gaze away from her, started the engine, and braced himself for a very long drive ahead.
Chapter Seven
“Giselle,” Adrianna said as she breezed out of her office, coat and purse in hand.
The young woman sitting at the desk looked up at her from her computer screen. “Yes, Ms. Anderson?”
“I’m headed to lunch across the street. I don’t want to be disturbed unless it’s a real emergency.”
“Yes, Ms. Anderson.”
“Thank you.” She strode out the door and took the elevator to the ground floor. Muccino International had their headquarters downtown in the SoHo district, across the street from the upscale Manhattan branch of their original Italian restaurant, which was run by her uncle Dante. Ironically, the physical office itself was actually located right above Petite Louve, a French restaurant run by his wife, Ho
lly.
She glanced around, wondering where Darius was. He had dropped her off in front of the office—she still wondered how exactly he knew where to go—and said that he would park in the back. Her emails and to-do lists were starting to pile up, so she didn’t even have time to think of where he’d be while she was working. Had he decided to go home? The thought disturbed her for some reason.
“Miss Anderson.”
“Madre de dio!” She jumped back and placed her hand on her heart. Darius stood in front of the elevator doors, the same aloof expression on his face. “Have you been here the entire time?”
“I didn’t have access to get upstairs.”
“Next time, just have the receptionist buzz you in.”
“Shall I get the car?” he asked.
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m just going across the street for lunch. Oh, are you hungry? Did you get something to eat?” She didn’t really know when he was supposed to go on breaks or get meals. The Lycan Security Team always worked in shifts.
“I am not hungry,” he stated. “I shall find a quick meal later.”
“Nonsense. Come on.” She waved to him to follow her, and they left the building to cross the street to Muccinos. They entered the restaurant, and as soon as the maître d’, Jon, saw her, he rushed to her side.
“Ms. Anderson,” Jon said, his tone warm and welcoming. “Ms. Hannah is already inside. At your usual table.”
“Thanks, Jon. My, er”—she glanced at Darius—“companion needs to eat too. Please get him a table.”
“There is no need,” Darius said.
“Of course, Ms. Anderson.” When Jon tried to hand Darius a menu, the Lycan shot him a freezing look. The poor maître d’ looked to Adrianna.
“Fine,” she sighed. “Please have some food made for him and he can eat it later.”
“Yes, Ms. Anderson.”
Damn stubborn man. She crossed the busy dining room, ignoring Darius, but she could practically feel him looming behind her. She went straight to the kitchen and toward the glass-enclosed private chef’s table in the back.
“Adrianna!” Hannah Taylor-Muccino, her best friend and adopted cousin, greeted as she came in.
“Hey, Hannah. No, don’t get up.” She waved her hand. “How’s Blaise?”
Hannah glanced down at the bundle in her arms. “She’s mostly sleeping through the night and eats a lot.”
She smiled at the tiny infant, nestled against her mom, her large, light hazel eyes wide open. “She’s growing so much. I swear it’s only been two weeks, but she’s filled out a lot more.” The beautiful little girl giggled when she reached over to tickle her.
“All the milk goes to her cheeks,” Hannah laughed, then stopped suddenly. “Er, who’s your friend?”
She froze, then turned her head. Darius was right behind her, his large frame towering over her. For a moment, his normal dismissive expression flickered into … wonder? Curiosity? “This is Darius. He’s my bodyguard.”
That earned her a stunned look from Hannah. “Bodyguard?”
“I’ll explain everything … in a bit.”
“Would you like me to wait outside, Miss Anderson?” he asked.
Thank goodness he offered. “Yes, please.” She didn’t need him eavesdropping on her and Hannah’s conversation.
He gave her a nod and turned to leave the room.
“So …” Hannah began as she placed Blaise in the infant carrier propped up on the chair next to her. “You finally agreed to have a bodyguard?”
Being her best friend since childhood, Hannah knew everything of course. “It’s not what you think.”
“Well, I’m glad,” Hannah sat down and faced her. “You’re so damn stubborn about this bodyguard thing. This is your safety we’re talking about. Of course, if I had someone like that, I wouldn’t say no.”
“Excuse me?”
Her friend chuckled. “Where did you find him, anyway? Beefcakes R Us?”
“Hannah!” she admonished. “You’re married, and you just had a kid! What would Anthony say?”
“What? I can’t look?” She gave her a sly look. “Do you plan to do more than looking?”
“Oh, please,” she said. “He doesn’t even want to be here.” She quickly explained to Hannah about The Family and how Darius had been offered by his uncle as a bodyguard.
“Ooh, a bad boy, huh?” Hannah teased. “I could tell right away, from those tattoos and those muscles. I’m not sure about that hipster dye job, though. But c’mon, you don’t find him the least bit attractive?”
“It doesn’t matter because he’s obviously not interested.”
“I don’t know, he’s got this vibe—”
“Excuse me, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Muccino,” a female server came in with a tray. “Your starters are ready.”
Thank God. She really did not want to discuss Darius anymore. “Excellent.” She turned to Hannah. “Let’s eat.”
As they enjoyed their meal, they didn’t broach the subject of Darius again. She deliberately manipulated the conversation, asking Hannah all about Blaise. It was obvious the new mother was only too happy to chat about her child, and Adrianna couldn’t blame her. Blaise was adorable and very much loved by her parents. Anthony and Hannah waited almost five years before having her as he was still working on his career as a top lawyer in New York and her wedding gown boutique was booming.
Hannah wiped her mouth with her napkin. “I need to use the ladies’ room,” she declared as she stood up. “Do you mind looking after her?”
Adrianna shook her head. “Not at all.”
“Thanks,” she said gratefully as she headed to the back door where the private facilities were. Unfortunately, as soon as Hannah disappeared, Blaise’s tiny lips stuck out and her mouth turned down into a frown.
“Oh, no! Baby …” When the tears pooled at the corner of her eyes and threatened to spill down her chubby cheeks, Adrianna quickly unstrapped her from her carrier. “There, there. Mommy’ll be back soon.” She brought Blaise to her chest, making soothing motions down her back, but her little body began to rack with soft sobs. She flipped the baby around so she could face the kitchen, hoping the activity would distract her. “Look, Blaise! Did you see that? It’s—”
Cobalt blue eyes staring at her made her stop, and her heart gave a nervous jolt. Darius was right outside the glass windows, facing her. How long had he been staring at her? And what was that look in his eyes? His gaze flickered down to Blaise and then he turned away, giving his back to her, settling into a defensive position like he expected the mages to come bursting through the door.
“Adrianna?” Hannah had come up beside her. “Is there anything wrong? Was she fussy?”
Blaise seemed distracted by the noise and the bustle of the kitchen and had gone quiet in her arms. “She’s fine now.” She handed the baby back to Hannah.
“Thanks. Oh, look, my brother finally decided to show his face,” Hannah nodded toward the door.
She turned around. “Ah, looks like the lunch rush is slowing down.”
Gio Muccino, who ran the kitchen when Uncle Dante wasn’t around, waved to them from the other side of the glass wall as he walked toward the dining room. He slowed down as he passed by Darius, his eyes narrowing at the other man. Darius paid him no mind, but stepped aside to let him pass.
“Hey, Adrianna, Hannah,” he greeted, then went straight to Blaise. “Hey, how’s my bambina? Did you miss Uncle Gio?” He tickled her chubby belly, sending Blaise into peals of laughter. “So, who’s Mr. Serious out there?”
“Adrianna’s bodyguard,” Hannah said.
“Really?” Gio looked at her like she had grown another head.
She rolled her eyes. “Really,” she said.
Her cousin nodded in approval. “Good for you. I know you don’t like it, but you really do need someone protecting you.”
“I’m going to be Alpha.” If her tone sounded annoyed, it’s because she was. “Don’t you all think I’m c
apable of taking care of myself?”
“It’s not that, Adrianna,” Gio began, his mismatched eyes turning concerned. “Those mages mean business. We gotta do everything we can to keep you safe.”
She knew he was right. They—her parents, Lucas, Julianna, and everyone in her family—all wanted to protect her. But the fact that her safety depended on putting another person in danger was just something her conscience couldn’t handle. Not again. She looked at Darius, who still stood in the same position outside the room. Really, she shouldn’t care. Darius was none of her concern and so she should ignore the way her stomach knotted at the thought of him being hurt.
“Gio,” Hannah began. “Do you have any special dessert for us? Maybe you can take a break for a bit and join us?”
“Of course I do,” he said. “I’m having someone bring it out of the oven now.”
Adrianna breathed a sigh of relief, thankful for Hannah changing the subject. “Good, because I saved lots of room.” Hopefully there would be no more talk of Darius or the mages from now on.
They finished lunch and though Adrianna didn’t want to leave just yet, she did have responsibilities, as did Hannah. With a final goodbye to Gio and Hannah—plus a long cuddle and kiss for Blaise—she walked out of the private dining room. Darius was waiting, of course, his cobalt blue gaze immediately darting to her as soon as she appeared next to him.
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” she said.
“It’s my job.”
She didn’t know if she wanted to scream or sigh. That’s all she was to him. A job. But then again, why should she expect anything else? Hell, she didn’t want him around in the first place. She didn’t want a bodyguard, ever. Not since—
A sudden shiver went through her. Those memories came back. Not rushing, like it did in the movies, but more like a slow, ebb of emotions and flashes of scenes. A cold sweat broke over her forehead.
“Miss Anderson?” His gaze turned curious.
Claiming the Alpha Page 6
