Genise dialed Sally who answered on the second ring. “Hey, I called your earlier but it went straight to voice mail.” Sally was breathless with excitement. “You won’t believe what happened.”
Chapter Seven
David paced. He wanted to throw something, but when he picked up a clock, he realized it was his grandmother’s and placed it back on the shelf. It shouldn’t hurt that Genise would immediately seek a way to capitalize from the media attention drawn by their supposed relationship.
Although she’d signed a confidentiality agreement, that same contract did not affect her business partner. The woman could speculate endlessly without affecting the legal agreement.
Quite smart of Margo to bring up the circumstances and slap him in the face with the reality of how his world worked. No one came near, nor did anyone befriend him unless they hoped to gain something. Even the woman he’d hoped would be his partner for life, it turned out, planned to gain financially through him.
He was so tired of the lack of caring, of being a pawn through which people could capitalize. David ran a hand through his hair and looked down to the floor. After Paris, he’d let Genise go. There wasn’t any use in extending her stay past the time allotted.
There was no way to keep from sleeping with her, that part would not change, but he would have to find a way to keep his heart guarded.
The sound of her soft footsteps made David want to run out the back door, shift and leave for hours. This wasn’t the time to be heartbroken. He should’ve expected her to be the same as any other woman he’d ever dated.
“David?”
He let out a breath in an attempt to not sound sulky.
“I’m busy.” He felt childish but could not stop the ache at the knowledge she didn’t care for him enough to hold off publicity for her business. It was always about the same thing, publicity or money. In this case, it was probably both.
The door opened. She’d obviously not take no for an answer.
He kept his attention on what was outside the window. Although the sun had fallen, with his keen eyesight, he was able to make out a cat trotting along a narrow ledge, surefooted as only felines could be.
“Margo’s comment about Sally,” Genise began, ignoring his clear message to leave. She rounded him and stood before him so their gazes met.
The beautiful, curvy woman did not give him an inch to get away. “Sally received a phone call yesterday from a network telling her I’d set up an interview with the morning show. She assumed I’d done it and after trying to reach me without success, accepted. I did not set it up. You can believe me if you want to or not. I swear to you I’m not lying. She’s calling them right now to cancel it.”
Genise continued. “I will not use this…” She motioned between them, “to promote my company or any personal agenda. I have come to care a great deal for you and don’t want to lose your…” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why anyone would set it up to look like I’d do something like this. I’ve been obsessed with you for years. Just meeting you was more than I ever thought would happen. And now…” Her hand flew over her face. “Damn. Now, I’m making a fool out of myself.”
He believed her. Relief flooded him and David reached for her and wrapped his arms around her. “Obsessed, huh?”
Genise hid her face on his chest. “I have David Wolfe stickers for my planner.”
It was adorable to see her cheeks flushed pink when he lifted her face to him. “I have had a thing for you for a while as well.”
“What?”
David kissed the tip of her nose. “About six months ago, I was in New York. I went to meet Stuart Wolfe at a café on Fifth. I caught sight of you before entering. You were sitting with him.” He paused at seeing her mouth fall open. “Just as I got to the table, you left.”
“Oh…I think I remember that day. There was a strange hush in the crowd when I was exiting. You were there? I didn’t know.”
“I asked Stuart about you. That is why Margo contacted you about this job.” He kissed her mouth to keep her from asking more questions and because he was afraid she’d become angry.
Thankfully, instead, she threw her arms around his neck with enthusiasm. Every plush part of her was flat against him. “That is so romantic.”
David took her offered mouth, his wolf demanding this woman be his. Would she accept him fully? What about the possibility of shifter offspring if they were to mate? Many human women would never agree to it.
A growl escaped from deep in his chest and he could barely contain his wolf. Finally, he tore his mouth from hers and smiled. “I will endeavor to do more romantic things if I get this kind of payment.”
Genise giggled and pushed at his shoulder. “I can’t believe you went out of your way to meet me.”
“You are breathtaking. Not only that, Stuart assured me you were a great woman.” He moved away from her. “Dinner is about to be delivered. We should eat because I don’t plan to allow you out of my bed until tomorrow.”
The knowledge that David was not indifferent to her affected Genise on so many levels, she could barely eat. Her stomach dipped and flipped too many times to keep from fidgeting in her seat. What did it all mean? Would he pursue a relationship? Or was this short time together all he expected?
“David?” She would be direct. This was not the time to act coy or hide behind the fact whatever his reply was, could mean a broken heart.
“Mmm?” His gaze met hers. It was at first warm then concern flickered. “Is something wrong?”
Genise put her fork down. “I am confused. Do you want to continue our relationship after Paris? I do, and hope you do as well.” That was not the most eloquent statement and she flushed under his scrutiny.
Instead of a reply, he stood and came up behind her. After sweeping her curls aside, his lips pressed against her neck.
When his strong arms came around her waist, Genise let her head fall back against his shoulder.
There wasn’t any need for words. The understanding that they were about to cross a line into an unexplored world was more tangible than the air. She allowed David to guide her to the bedroom where they undressed amidst kisses and caresses, before falling onto the bed.
The exploration of each other was so very different this time. Soft music wafted in from the front of the house that combined with the moonlight and caused a surreal effect.
They made love, actually made slow and meaningful love. Somehow the knowledge of what the other felt intensified every movement, each caress.
In the dimness, their gazes collided as they loved, each word and movement punctuated with words that now held new meaning.
Genise inhaled sharply when David plunged into her and relaxed to allow the accommodation of his girth.
Every sensation was magnified by the urgent need to know what would happen next between them. His touches sent shivers through her and when she kissed him, David shuddered in response.
The shadows in the room danced over their nakedness like long fingers eager to be part of the melee.
His hoarse cry followed by his harsh breaths in her ear took her over the edge and Genise cried out, coming with such force her entire body shuddered. “Oh, God!”
Feeling like a puddle of melted bones and skin, Genise looked to David with a satisfied grin. “That was utterly amazing.”
“One of many more to come I hope. I want to be yours, Genise. Not just for now, but for always.”
Her eyes widened at his words. “You are serious then?”
“Very.”
Before she could reply, he kissed her. “Come, I want you to know all of me before accepting.”
Both completely nude, Genise allowed him to take her down into his large garage where a Jaguar, a Mercedes convertible and a Land Rover were parked. He put his hands on her shoulders then jogged to a short wall.
She couldn’t help but devour the sight of a fully nude David Wolfe. Every part of him was absolutely perfect. Wh
en he turned, his gaze raked over her own body and his lips curved. “You are so beautiful. Just perfect.”
It was strange that under this perfect man’s scrutiny, Genise never felt uncomfortable or unattractive. So many times with previous relationships, she’d hidden her curves behind sheets or quickly donned a robe when getting out of bed. David brought out a brazen woman she’d not known existed.
He pushed a button and the garage door lifted. David came back and kissed her lips. “The wolf won’t hurt you. It’s me. I control it.”
Cold air from the outdoors was followed by David seeming to fall to all fours. Before she could understand what happened, in front of her stood a beautiful, gray wolf. The daunting, bright blue eyes remained, all David, and she locked gazes with it.
The immense animal did not move. Instead, it sat on its haunches and cocked its head to the side.
A smile threatened at how adorable it managed to look in spite of the dangerous vibe it sent. Genise extended her hand and the wolf licked it. The wolf pushed its large head under her palm and she ran her fingers through the thick, soft fur.
It was the most incredible moment of her life. David was a gorgeous wolf.
Suddenly, the animal turned and raced off. It was fast and sleek as it ran in a circle before dashing out into the darkness.
Alone in the dark garage and feeling exposed, Genise dashed inside to throw on some clothes.
Once she’d pulled on sweat pants and a t-shirt, she ran back to the garage. A scream caught in her throat at finding three wolves in the space. One dark brown wolf showed its teeth, while the other pair remained back.
Something about the leader’s eyes seemed familiar. Whoever they were, it seemed her presence was troubling.
“What do you want?” It astounded her that her voice was strong given the circumstances.
“Evan.”
David had returned. Unfazed he stood before the wolves unclothed, ensuring to block her from them.
The large, brown wolf shifted into the handsome man who’d been at the restaurant the first day they’d met.
The standoff between the two males lingered until Genise reached out and touched David’s back. “What is happening?”
“Should I tell her or will you?” Evan asked, his green eyes darting from her to David. The male sniffed the air and frowned. “What have you done?”
David turned to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Evan is my pack leader. He is here to do some enforcement it seems.”
“I was led to believe this was just a publicity stunt. But I smell the strong scent of bonding all over the both of you.”
Bonding? Genise assumed he meant sex, since they’d just made love. She wondered what that had to do with anything. Perhaps he wasn’t allowed to have sex and that was the reason he’d not dated in so long.
“Let me handle this, Evan. I will speak to Genise.”
“Your disobedience cannot go unpunished. You cannot be mated now.” Evan spit on the ground and growled. The two wolves behind him looked to David, who tensed.
“What is he talking about?” Genise whispered. “David, what is happening?”
Evan walked closer. “What is happening is that David Wolfe was supposed to mate with a female chosen for him. Instead, he has mated with you. Which means, lady, that you are now bonded for life.”
Genise gasped. Her rounded eyes went to David, who did not look at her. “Is it true?”
Was he using her to get out of a disagreeable marriage? He’d seemed so sincere. Now, as she trembled in the cool garage, the situation became comical. Here she was, with two wolves and two naked men who looked as if they wanted to kill each other. She was barefoot and her hair was probably a tangled rat’s nest. Genise chuckled and then began laughing, unable to control it.
“What’s so funny?” Evan or someone asked.
She wiped at her eyes. “You’re naked.” Once again, she dissolved into fits of laugher. “Both well hung by the way.” She bent over holding her waist and pointed at the other two. “Doggies.”
Whenever she tried to stop, one of them would look at her and she’d start again. Finally, she had to lean back on a car hood. “You.” She pointed at David. “I’m not bonding, mating or whatever, unless I’m proposed to. I don’t care what your laws say.”
She motioned to the pack leader. “Evan Wolfe, if there’s a female that needs to get mated, why don’t you do it. From what I know about you, you’re rich and a bachelor. Also, you two,” Genise said as she looked to the wolves. “Would you please not shift? I can’t stand the thought of another couple of naked men.” She chuckled, but covered it up with a cough.
David pressed his lips together. She couldn’t tell if he was trying to keep from laughing or if he was angry. He went to a shelf and got two pairs of sweat pants. He threw one to Evan.
The pack leader put them on, scowling at Genise who watched and enjoyed the display of tanned, muscular skin.
When David cleared his throat, she gave him an innocent look. He moved to her and took her hand. “I’m sorry. What Evan said is true. I bonded with you. I hoped to tell you and ask that you marry me. But now I’m not sure how to proceed.”
“By getting your ass kicked would be a good start,” Evan growled.
Genise turned and stared him down. “If you ruin my proposal, I will be the one kicking ass.” She turned back to David.
When he lowered to one knee, tears immediately sprung to her eyes. In spite of the strange circumstances, never could she have dreamed this to happen. There, on the cold garage floor, shirtless and messy haired, the man of her dreams looked up to her, his dazzling blue eyes meeting hers. “Genise Snow, I am madly in love with you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Her throat constricted. She could only nod before whispering, “Yes, of course I will.”
David stood and pulled her to him, kissing her without restraint, seeming to forget the witnesses. It took some willpower and strength for her to push away.
“I’d like us to wait at least a year to ensure we are suited, of course. We’ve just met and haven’t had time to date.”
Evan let out a huff. “I expect you both at the next pack meeting.” He pulled off the sweat pants and shifted. The three wolves dashed away with long howls in their wake.
“So, do you want to go ring shopping tomorrow?” David guided her to the back door. “Or do we wait on that as well.”
“Heck no. I want my ring.” She let out a breath. “Do you really love me?”
“Since the first time I saw you. I knew I’d have to figure out a way to get you to marry me.”
* * *
“What?” Three voices echoed in the huge hotel room in Paris. “How could you do this and I not be there.” Jane whined. “What about me? I want to see the ring in person, not over a video call,” Sally’s screamed. Zelda remained more composed. “It worked.”
“Excuse me?” Genise focused on the pretty witch’s face. Please tell me you didn’t do some sort of magic whammy to make David fall in love with me.
“I didn’t. But I did put something in your drink to open you up to the possibility of real love. You were closed.”
“Oookkkaaay.” Genise wasn’t sure what to think
“I want some of that,” Sally quipped with a frown.
Her friends continued talking over each other and in-between voicing grievances, they congratulated her profusely. She and David would be returning to New York the following week. He’d agreed to go down to Tennessee to meet her parents and friends.
“I have to go. You three are worse than my parents. They seemed more relieved than anything. Mom said she was convinced I’d be single forever.”
“We’ll start planning an engagement party! Invite the packs.”
Her blood ran cold. Everytime the packs joined, there was always some consastrophe or an other. “Packs?”
“Of course,” Zelda said. “Mac’s and Jane’s hubby’s packs will be included.”<
br />
“Oh and we have to invite Dale’s too,” Jane added.
“Oh my God. I don’t know. I suppose David will enjoy being around so many wolves.”
David entered the room and peered at her computer monitor. Immediately her already crazy friends lost their minds. Catcalls, boomchickawowow tunes were accompanied with wild waves and wide grins.
Genise slammed the computer shut. “They are drunk.”
His lips curved knowingly. “I can’t wait to meet your friends and family. This weekend, you meet my parents. They are coming here on Saturday. We’ll have dinner and see them off. They’re going on a Mediterranean cruise.”
Genise let out a breath. “This is all happening so fast. I can’t process it.”
“If my Mum doesn’t find out before the press, she will never forgive me.” He pressed a kiss to her parted lips.
Even so, it was nerve wracking to think about it. What if they hated her.
“Do they know everything? That I’m a powerless witch. That I’m not even a tiny bit shifter?”
“Yes,” he replied kissing her again. “I told them everything. Mum already knew about you.”
She let out a sigh. It would take a long time before the reality of being engaged to David Wolfe sunk in. “Wait. What?” Pushing his face aside, she got to her feet. “What do you mean your mother already knew?”
Although sexy as hell, the curve on the edge of his sensuous mouth could be aggravating when he took his time answering. “I told her I saw a beautiful woman I aimed to meet, when I first saw you in New York.”
“Oh.” Genise blinked. “Seriously?” Watery eyes undoubtedly brought the nasty sensation of nose redness and buggers. “That is so romantic.” Genise sniffed. “So wonderful.”
“I didn’t think so at the time. I felt rather pitiful.” David moved closer and pulled her into his arms. “Are you crying?”
As a tear slid down her cheek, she shook her head. “No.”
Magic and Mayhem: London Howl (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Southern Shift Book 3) Page 6
