by Roxy Wilson
“Thanks, Devyn. That was great. Do you mind teaching me how to shoot like that?”
She glanced over at Keran who was staring at her as if she was someone he didn’t know at all. “I suppose we’ll have to ask your dad if he wants that, but it’s best to learn at a shooting range. My dad used to take me to one. He was an excellent shot and wanted me to have the same skills.”
“Have you ever shot a real animal?”
Devyn shook her head. “Oh no, I couldn’t ever do that! I learned because my dad liked it, and it’s been a while since I practiced, but it’s like bicycling. Once you’ve mastered the skill, you can’t forget it.”
They moved on to the bouncy castle. Justin went in while she and Keran watched.
It was nice to see him enjoy himself with other kids his age. He rolled around and his gleeful laughter was like music to her ears. She loved to see him this happy. In the short time she’d spent with him, Justin had won her heart. Of course, she didn’t want to go away now, once the trial period was over. But the attraction she felt for Keran was driving her crazy. If she didn’t do something about it, she would likely give away her feelings and look like a fool.
“So you can shoot.” Keran finally said. “Are there any more hidden talents I should know about?”
“Not much. I’m really an open book.”
“I seriously doubt that,” he said.
The look in his eyes made her nervous.
“I find that you’re more intriguing with each passing day.”
Was he making a pass at her? She didn’t know how to react to his words. As she licked her bottom lip while her gaze remained locked with his, her hands shook. Oh, how she wanted to crawl into his lap and kiss every inch of his warm skin. Her feet moved of their own accord toward him.
Then just as she leaned towards him, Justin came tearing out of the castle. “I’m done,” he announced.
Aghast at what she’d been about to do, Devyn stepped back. She clutched Justin’s small hand in hers. If she did something stupid, Keran wouldn’t be likely to forgive her. He would fire her. In one respect, it would be good because she would be free from this crazy desire that plagued her but on the other side of that, she would miss Justin. While she walked with Justin, she felt Keran’s gaze on her. Her heart told her that he knew exactly what she was thinking, but of course, it couldn’t be. It wasn’t possible for him to read her emotions. She was likely projecting her feelings onto him. The man thought of her as nothing more than a nanny for his son, and it was important for her to maintain that professional image.
“We should head home now,” she said. “It’s getting late. Did you have a good time, Justin?”
“Yes.” Justin bounced from foot to foot. “Can we come again soon? Can we? Can we?”
“Of course, darling.” She smoothed his hair. “How about this? If you finish the French book I gave you, we ‘ll come again.”
He groaned. “But that’s going to take ages.”
“If you read ten pages a day, it shouldn’t take that long to read.”
He sulked for a while, but then smiled. “Actually, I think I can do it. It’s much better than the boring Shakespeare dad gave me.”
Keran rolled his eyes. “If someone heard you say that about one of the greatest authors of all time, you won’t get admission into any reputable university.”
She laughed at his expression. “Oh, I’m sure he will, and he has plenty of time before he decides on a university.”
“I want to go to Yale,” Justin piped in. “That’s where dad went.”
“Yale, huh?” She glanced at him. “That’s impressive.”
“I’m just that kind of guy.” He shrugged.
“And so humble too,” she teased.
He snorted but she saw him suppress a smile. When she walked out of the fun fair, Devyn was aware they presented a great picture of a perfect family. Father, mother and son…then of course, the two bodyguards who remained behind. But they weren’t one, and it was a distinction she needed to remember. She was just an employee, and no matter what happened, that’s what she would probably always be. Nothing could change that truth, and it wasn’t productive of her to dream of a relationship with Keran because something like that wouldn’t ever happen.
Never, ever.
Chapter Five
Keran hated this situation. Never before had he felt so extremely attracted to a woman. Sure, he wanted to make wild love to her but Keran kept a conscientious grip on his emotions. He couldn’t afford for her to know he felt this way. If she found out, she would likely quit her job. And probably have a good laugh at his expense. A woman like her could have any man she wanted, why would she choose him? He had too many things going against him. For one thing, he was a wolf shape-shifter.
His late wife found out after she conceived their son, and although she was repelled by the thought, she agreed to marry him because she wanted her son to have his name. Even though they remained together for a while, she never allowed him to touch her. The idea that her son would be the same as him made her nearly suicidal. She wanted him to be normal—human.
Of course, it wasn’t possible.
The ability to shape shift was passed down through genes and there wasn’t a damn thing anyone could do about it. He was proud of his son. Yet, his wife’s negative comments made him wish his son wasn’t the same as he was. Keran feared that Justin would also have a hard time finding a woman who accepted him as he was.
But this was a worry he needed to save for the future.
While he gazed outside the window, he saw Devyn strolling in the garden with Justin. They were studying plants and flowers. Devyn was different from any other nanny he had. Not only was she excellent at managing his routine, but she also instilled in his son a love for learning. Justin’s French had improved considerably since she came. He already acted more chirpy and happier. Keran owed that to her presence. She seemed to genuinely love his son. Justin wasn’t a mere duty to her. He’d become a source of joy to her, it was easy enough to see.
Keran turned away from the window. He went to his seat. Damn these thoughts that plagued him. There wasn’t a moment when he wasn’t thinking about her. His phone rang, and he was glad for the distraction. “Hi. Keran here.”
“It’s Rogers. I’ve got some news.”
Keran leaned back. He’d been aware of the effort Rogers made to keep abreast with the new pack that hovered on the fringes of their territory. The Connors were up to something, and this new gang seemed to be their latest choice of weapons. “What is it?”
“The new gang call themselves Wolverine.”
He rubbed his forehead. “They’ve been watching too many Hollywood movies.”
Rogers chuckled. “That might be so, but they’re serious about their work. They came from New York, and before that they were in Boston. No one knows where they’re originally from, but some say they’re actually from Cape Cod. Two packs split after an internal feud and some of their members are in this pack. They’ve recruited the others from elsewhere.”
“So…they’re nomads?”
“Yes, and it seems they’re searching for a new territory which they can mark as their own.”
Keran growled deep in his throat. “They’re not going to get ours.”
“You can be damn sure of that,” Rogers snarled. “I haven’t found any evidence to support my theory but I think the Connors called them here and promised them a part of this land if they manage to get rid of you.”
Keran rubbed a hand across his forehead. As an Alpha, he was always prepared for an attack. It could come from anywhere. Maybe someone in his pack wanted to be Alpha or perhaps someone from outside might issue him a challenge. “I don’t mind if they want a fight.”
“If that’s what they wanted, you can bet they would have contacted you by now. I’m sure they’re aware we know about their presence. The fact they’re still here, quiet and still, means they’re planning something devious.”
“What could it be?”
“Who knows, but it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared.”
Keran ran his finger over the edge of the table as he thought about the possibilities. “Call a pack meeting. I’ll inform everyone about the danger. Tell them all to come here. I don’t want anyone to be caught by a surprise attack. If these guys have a battle in mind, we’ll give them one they won’t forget; but if there’s a way we can solve this problem without a battle, then I’m all for it.
“I have a distinct feeling that these Wolverines are biding their time,” Rogers replied.
“Well, we won’t be the first ones to make a move,” Keran stated in a firm voice. He didn’t want to be the one who gave a call for war. If these guys wanted a battle, he didn’t mind ending it, but he would be damned if he was the one to start it.
“I’ll call a meeting. And what about our Switzerland plan?”
That was urgent. Keran didn’t want to go, but the bankers he wanted to meet were not available after those dates. At least not for a good six months, or so. He couldn’t cancel or postpone it, and his son was adamant that he didn’t want to go. Of course, Keran could force the boy to go with him as he wasn’t all that comfortable with the idea of leaving him here. But he did have bodyguards and surely, they could take care of his child. Also, he would be gone for only a few days. Justin had his heart set on attending the concert and Keran didn’t want to deprive him of this opportunity.
“We’ll stick to that plan. Let’s just get it over with,” he stated firmly.
Rogers hung up and Keran sighed. He didn’t like these new developments but such things happened in their world all the time. Trouble was brewing, he felt certain of it, but he couldn’t tell which angle it would come from. He was prepared, and that was all that mattered. Putting these issues to the back of his mind, he completed the rest of his work. Sometimes, it was a pain to work from home but over the years, he perfected the system. It worked well for him, and he was used to this now. It gave him a chance to be near his son and to monitor his progress. A few hours later, he joined Justin and Devyn for dinner.
“How was work?” Devyn asked in a bright voice.
“Good and yours? I saw you guys out in the garden.”
She glanced at Justin with a bright smile on her face before answering him. “Justin learned quite a bit today.”
“Oh yes, dad,” Justin chimed in. “I learned all about flowers, and tomorrow, I’ll be helping the gardeners plant some new ones.”
Although his attention was focused on his son, Keran was aware Devyn wore a navy blue blouse that made her skin glow. Her hair was tied on top of her head and the silver earrings that dangled from her ears touched her skin whenever she shook her head.
The woman had all but hypnotized him. With some effort, Keran managed to make conversation with his son as they ate. As was the custom, Justin retired to his bed after bidding his father goodnight, and Devyn accompanied him to make sure he didn’t waste his time on games.
When he strode in at nine o’clock to check on his son, Justin was already in bed and she was seated by his bed. He bent to hug and kiss his son. His heart welled with love as he ran a hand over his face. Justin was the only one who kept him anchored. Without him, Keran had nothing. He feared for his son’s safety, but at the same time, he was entirely aware that he needed to give the boy a chance to fully live, so he could experience things on his own.
When he stood, Devyn had already slipped out of the room. Keran sat on the seat she’d just vacated. “So Justin, you had a good day today?”
“Very good.” Justin smiled. “Devyn makes things so much fun. I never thought gardening could be interesting. We’re going to be very busy tomorrow because we’ve got a lot of planting to do.”
Keran thought of the poor gardeners who would have to endure his son’s chatter and endless questions. Maybe he would join them for a while. “Devyn is very good, isn't she?”
“I love her, dad. She’s the best nanny ever.”
He rubbed a hand over his son’s forehead. “I’m glad to hear you say that.”
When he left his son’s room, there was a warm glow in his heart. It felt wonderful to see Justin bond so well with a woman. The other nannies and teachers he hired were always a bit aloof. Not that they didn’t try their best, but they failed to make that connection with Justin. With Devyn, things were different. He sensed how much she loved Justin, and it just became obvious that Justin also responded to that level of care. Keran really needed to make sure she was happy here and would stay for a long time.
Of course, the longer she stayed, the greater he was in danger. One day, he would explode from all the passion stored inside him. Right now, though, he was tired but was too wound up by what he heard from Rogers. Rather than go into his room as was his habit, he went into the library. Keran picked out a book and stretch out on a chair. He was engrossed in reading when he heard the sound of the door opening.
Since he’d kept the main light off, it seemed Devyn didn’t realize there was someone in the room until she was already inside. The white nightshirt she wore over similar pajama bottoms covered every inch of her body but it highlighted each voluptuous curve.
He could see her nipples as they poked at the delicate fiber. Keran wanted to leap off the couch and take her in his arms. He wanted to crush his lips on hers and make love to her.
Finally seeing him, she froze. The expression on her face was quite similar to the ones he’d seen on deer when they realized they were in an enemy’s zone.
Slowly, he lowered his book. “Hi.”
He could see she struggled not to bolt.
“Ummm—sorry, I couldn’t sleep. Thought I would take a book out to read.”
He nodded his head. “Sure, go ahead.”
“Uh—I didn’t know you would come here.”
“It’s fine. I couldn't sleep.” Was the reason they both couldn’t sleep the same? Did she also feel the same way about him? He wanted to remain in his seat and just ignore her as she selected a book. She would go out and all would remain well, but some primal instinct made him get up. “Do you read biographies? That shelf is full of them, and then I’ve got a great deal of fiction and non-fiction, mostly books on spirituality and a little bit of science and history.”
“You have an eclectic taste in books.”
Keran walked to the bookshelves while she remained standing. When he ran his hand over the books, the wolf in him felt her tremble. From this distance, he could hear her heart pounding. “I guess I do.”
With trepidation, she came forward. “I was just looking for a mystery or a detective novel or something similar.”
“Thrills, huh?” He sauntered a little closer to her. As she shuffled back, he bent and picked out a book. “This one should be good. I remember reading it a year ago.”
Her gaze locked with his. She reached forward and held on to the book. For a moment, they both continued to hold the book and then he let go. Her sigh of relief was audible. She clutched it to her chest and stepped back. “Thanks. This should be good.”
“You haven’t even looked at the title or the author’s name,” he commented.
“I trust your judgment. It must be okay. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.”
He watched her step away. If he were smart, he would have left her alone but he reached forward, grasped her arm, and tugged her forward.
The book slipped from her grasp and landed on the floor with a dull thud.
He was pleasantly surprised when she leaned against him. Lifting her head, she gazed at him and her lips parted. It was enough to drive any remaining thoughts out of his mind. He claimed her lips and then—all was lost. The sensations that careened through his being were wild, stormy. His heart pounded in response to hers. He gripped her waist and pulled her tight against him. Her scent mingled with his and assailed his nostrils. The rush of desire became overwhelming, strong. If there were any last vestiges of control left inside him, they were ripped to shreds. Hi
s lips devoured her. His tongue, hot and demanding, thrust inside the crevices of her mouth and tasted her sweet flavor.
This wasn’t enough.
He wanted more.
Carrying her, he walked back to the couch where he’d been sitting when she came in. Without breaking contact with her lips, he laid her down and joined her. She leaned against the back. His hands rushed up along her waist and cupped her heavy, firm breasts. The feel of her twin globes in his hands made the fountain of passion that swirled inside him explode. He now became a victim of this wild desire. Swiftly, his fingers kneaded and pressed on her breasts. Hot flames of need licked his skin. Pushing up her shirt, his fingers slipped inside to skip and dance over her skin. She wasn’t wearing a bra. When his fingers traced over her breasts, a hot breath of air expelled from her mouth. He lifted his head and glanced into her eyes.
Hers were glazed over.
Sanity returned in small measures and he stood up from the couch.
Hastily, she adjusted her shirt. “I—I have t-to go.” Leaving the book, she rushed out.
Keran made no effort to stop her. Damn it! What did he just do? As the storm of desire died down, he realized he just made a critical mistake. He'd tried so hard to fight this attraction but in the end, it won out. He barely got a taste of what he wanted and now, he knew he simply couldn’t continue on without possessing her. He needed her as much as he needed air to breathe. There was no way he could stay away from her after this incident.
No way in hell.
Chapter Six
Devyn’s stomach rolled. Not even once during that entire event did she ever make an attempt to stop him. He tasted her, devoured her, and she did the same. Even though it was wrong, they both acted as if there were no consequences to such actions. She would have to pay the price of that disastrous decision now. As she glanced out of the window, her fingers traveled to her lips. She could still taste his kiss. His scent had been overpowering, his touch, and the way he made her feel, so addictive that she wanted it more than anything else.
