by Eve Vaughn
“Of course we did. That’s what friends do. Caleb and I have an understanding, you see. We may no longer see each other exclusively, but we’re still quite close. He confides quite a bit to me, and his latest favorite topic is you. Look, Sommer, I like you, and that’s why I’m here today. I don’t think I could live with myself if I didn’t offer you a little friendly advice.”
Sommer’s fists clenched and unclenched at her sides. The heat rushed to her face and a vein throbbed in her head. Red hot anger rolled through her body and she didn’t know how much longer she’d be able to endure this ‘friendly’ chat. “Say what you have to and leave. I don’t have the time to stand around and listen to advise I didn’t ask for.”
Scarlet painted lips drooped slightly. “I figured you’d be a poor sport about this, but it’s understandable. Caleb is the type of man who would make any woman feel special. When you’re with him, he treats you like a queen, and it often gives one a false sense of security. In your case, he’d probably be extra careful, considering who your father is and the role the Alpha has in your life, but at the end of the day, you’re just like the rest of the girls he used and eventually discarded. I wanted to make sure you knew what you’re getting into because I’d hate to see you get hurt.”
This woman was asking to get smacked. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” Sommer snapped, narrowing her eyes.
Selena smirked. “Are you sure? I couldn’t help but notice the way you were all over Caleb at your little function. And I’m sure if I did, others did as well. Frankly, I was a bit embarrassed for you. Don’t mistake Caleb’s kindness and temporary interest in you for more than what it is.”
That was it. Sommer didn’t give a damn if Selena’s words were true or not, but there was no way she’d let this woman disrespect or intimidate her. “Selena cut the bullshit. We both know you’re not here to do me any favors. You’re trying to warn me off, which makes me wonder why. Perhaps your understanding isn’t as solid as you’re letting on, otherwise, why would you bother?” Sommer challenged.
Feline-like eyes narrowed to green slits. The smile that had lingered on Selena’s smug face tightened into a thin line. “Surely you don’t think he would want you for more than a few rolls in the hay? In case you’ve forgotten, you’re human and he’s the Alpha-in-Waiting. There’s no way in hell he’d choose you as his life mate.”
“You seem pretty sure about that. How do you know he hasn’t already asked me to be?” Sommer crossed her fingers behind her back for the little lie she’d just let slip. It was probably something Selena could easily dispute, but simply seeing the other woman lose her cool composure sent a burst of satisfaction soaring through Sommer’s chest.
“You’re lying,” Selena snarled through clenched teeth. Her eyes glittered with evident fury and her now elongated canine teeth bit into her lower lip.
Sommer shrugged. “What you believe won’t keep me awake tonight. Now that you’ve done your good deed for the day, please leave. I can’t say it’s been pleasant.”
Selena tossed a strand of her long dark hair over her shoulder. “Fine. Be stubborn if you’d like, but think about this, even if for some misguided reason Caleb does choose you for a mate, do you think the pack would accept his choice? Seth Masters’ protection of you will only extend but so far. The elders won’t stand for it and neither will the rest of the pack. Caleb would be ridiculed and possibly challenged by another to take over the leadership reins. He needs someone strong to stand by his side—a leader like him to govern the pack.”
Sommer lifted a brow. “Someone like you, I suppose?”
“Exactly like me. You may have grown up among us, but you’ll never truly be one of us. Any offspring you’d have would be half-breeds and shunned by both worlds. In the end, Caleb will come to resent you and any abominations you produce. If you really care about Caleb, which I suspect you do, you won’t pursue this little pipedream of yours. Have your fun and sleep with him, if you must, but don’t get your hopes up.” A malicious smile tilted Selena’s lips. “He’s killer in the sack, isn’t he?”
“Get out.” Sommer delivered the words deadpan. She wasn’t sure how much longer she’d be able to stand here without getting violent.
Selena chuckled. “There’s no need to be nasty, sweetie. Us girls have to stick together. Good luck with your little shop.” Her gaze swept the four corners of Afternoon Delight with a disparaging glance. “From what I can tell, you’ll need it.” With that, the other woman turned on her expensive heels and stalked out of the store with slow easy strides. It was the walk of a self-assured woman.
Once the door closed, Sommer’s shoulders drooped and she bowed her head. Nausea swam through her body, leaving her shaking. As upsetting as the confrontation was, she realized Selena was only voicing what other pack members had probably been saying behind Sommer’s back for twenty-six years. She wasn’t one of them and would never be completely accepted. Which was why she’d have to end her affair with Caleb sooner rather than later.
* * *
“A penny for them.”
Caleb looked up from his rare filet mignon, his appetite non-existent. He tried to conjure up a smile for his dinner companion, but he didn’t much feel like it. With a sigh, he pushed his plate away from him. “You wouldn’t understand.”
Michael Kazama, an executive at Masters and Son, his Beta and one of his best friends, placed his eating utensils down. “Try me.”
“It’s a bit complicated.”
A faint smile touched Michael’s mouth. “Is it Sommer?”
“How did you guess?”
“I would be dense if I didn’t. When you’re not talking about her, you have a far off look in your eyes, so I can only assume you’re thinking about her. The only time I see you is at the office or on business trips now because you’re always spending time with her.”
“I’m sorry. I haven’t been a good friend lately, have I?”
Michael waved his hand dismissively. “It’s okay. I understand. Anyway, I kind of figured something was up when you didn’t want to go for a run last night. The moon is nearly full and it isn’t like you to pass up a chance of racing through the woods in our second form.”
“Have I been that obvious?”
“I’ve noticed because I know you so well.”
“I guess I have been spending a lot of time with Sommer lately and things should be great but I feel like we’re stuck.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’ve claimed her, I’ve even marked her but we’re at a standstill. It’s like she’s keeping me at arm’s length and it’s frustrating the fuck out of me.”
“That’s surprising to hear. You’ve loved Sommer a long time, haven’t you?”
There was no point in denying it. If Michael could see his feelings, others probably could as well, and hell, why in the world was he trying to hide it? He wasn’t ashamed of his feelings for her. Caleb was proud of her and wanted everyone to know it. Sommer, on the other hand, was of a different mind.
She didn’t want people to think their relationship was anything other than platonic. Caleb was willing to give her the time she needed to adjust to the change in their relationship, however, he was getting tired of being her dirty little secret. The worst part was that adding sex into the mix wasn’t the only thing that had changed between them. Sommer didn’t share what was going on in her life with him anymore, never laughing at his jokes with the full heartiness she used to or just calling him up for the sake of saying hello.
Whenever he asked her something as simple as how business was doing, she’d clam up. He didn’t know the exact moment it happened, but somehow she’d erected an invisible barrier between them and the easy friendship they’d once had was no longer there. The only time he was sure of her feelings was when they were fucking. She gave herself to him with the same wild abandon as the first time, but that was no longer enough. There were many nights after making love with her when he wanted to tell
Sommer how he felt, but something always held Caleb back. He didn’t like this new dynamic.
Not one bit.
Caleb raked his fingers through his hair. “You’re right. I’m crazy about her. You have no idea how long I’ve waited to make my move.”
Michael grinned. “I believe I do, but judging from the woe-is-me look on your face, things aren’t going well?”
“How can it when she basically treats me like a goddamn stud for her amusement.”
Bemusement crossed his friend’s face. “Sommer? She doesn’t strike me as the type to do that. There must be some explanation.”
“I would never have thought it of her either, but she wants to treat what we have as a no-strings-attached type sex thing.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“With Sommer it is. I want more than a convenient fuck buddy. If that were the case, I would have chosen to be with someone else.”
“Like Selena? She’s made it known in our circles that she’s not averse to the idea of getting back with you.”
Caleb shrugged. “Not interested.”
“She’s beautiful.”
“So is a mannequin, but I have no desire to rush into bed with one of those either.”
“You were very casual about the affair and it ended rather abruptly. I think she had her hopes set on being the Alpha Bitch.”
“If that’s what she’s believed, that’s too bad for her. She knew the deal when we were together. She grew a little too clingy for my taste. I’m sure Selena will have no problem finding another lover. Weren’t you interested in her at one time?”
‘”What red-blooded man wouldn’t be? She’s sexy as hell, but I think she still has her sights set on you. Anyway, I’ve got my eye on someone else.”
“Anyone, I know?”
“I think you do. A friend of Sommer’s. The one with the hazel eyes and the legs for days. You should have seen that ass on her.”
He had to be talking about Tasha. “She’s human.”
Michael looked unconcerned. “So is Sommer. That hasn’t stopped you.”
“But she grew up among us and knows what we are. Tasha doesn’t, as far as I know. Anyway, weren’t you the one who said you were through with human women because you’re tired of holding back?”
A sheepish grin split Michael’s face. “For an ass like hers, I’d give it another chance. It’s not like I’m looking for anything permanent, mind you. I just want to hit it and quit it.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
“Some things never change,” Caleb murmured.
“Enough about me. What do you plan on doing about Sommer?”
Caleb released a deep breath. “That’s the million dollar question. I want to tell her how I really feel.”
“So what’s stopping you?”
“Weren’t you listening? She shuts me down whenever I try to talk about anything besides fucking. Sommer isn’t acting like the woman I fell for, but I think there’s something deeper, something she isn’t telling me. Maybe if I can find out what it is, we could work things out.”
“Perhaps she’s going through some difficulties she may not be comfortable sharing with you.”
A low growl of frustration tore from Caleb’s throat. “The same thing has occurred to me and it hurts like hell. There was a time when she would tell me anything, and I wish to God she would share what’s bothering her now.”
Michael rubbed his chin. “Do you think it could be work related? I’m sure starting a new business is probably stressful. Maybe she’s worried about doing well.”
It seemed as if a light had gone off in his head. That had to be it! The few times he’d visited Sommer’s shop since that first time, it had been empty except for the help she’d hired. Caleb had asked her about it, but she’d brushed it off by simply saying he’d missed the rush. At the time he’d dismissed it as him just happy to be in her presence, but in retrospect, he did remember seeing a fleeting gleam of worry in her eyes. He thought he’d imagined it, but now Caleb was sure it was what he’d seen.
“You’re on to something, Michael. I have a strong feeling that’s exactly what the matter is. What else could it be?”
“Why not shoot some business her way? It may give her the boost she needs.”
“That’s the problem, man. She wouldn’t appreciate my help, or anyone else’s for that matter. Sommer is adamant that she not receive any help. It’s important to her that she becomes a success because of the hard work she’s put into Afternoon Delights, not because she got help from me, her parents or anyone else.”
Michael furrowed his brows. “But isn’t that what business is all about? There’s no shame in networking and using who you know.”
“I get it and you get it, but try telling Sommer that. The thing is though, it’s a bit more complicated than that.” Caleb slammed his fist on the table, making the plates and utensils jump. “I wish I could do something.”
“Then why don’t you?”
“I already told you, I can’t.”
“Of course you can. The trick is not letting her find out about it. In my opinion, you want to help her and she needs it, so why not just do it? And with all of your business connections, you could surely throw some clients her way without Sommer finding out.”
The more he thought about it, the more the idea began to appeal to him. He would do it! But the thing was if Sommer found out, he could lose her forever.
Chapter Seven
“So how’s business?” Tasha asked in between mouthfuls of Cobb salad.
Sommer shrugged. “As well as to be expected for a new business. Things were really popping in the beginning but I think it’s because of the newness of it all. But now business has slowed down considerably. I’m wondering if I should have a focus group to test new menu items. That may bring more people in. I was also thinking of doing lunchboxes. I’d sell premade lunches for people on the go who don’t want to leave their office or just want a savory treat.”
“That sounds like a good idea. I think there was a place like that ages ago. It was pretty popular. But then the owner died and her kids took over and ran the business to the ground. I think you could make something like that work.”
“Possibly but it would involve a lot more prep work than I intended, plus I’d be getting further away from my main goal of Afternoon Delights which is to provide corporate catering services. Right now the confections in the store seem to be the only thing that’s doing well but they won’t pay the bills unless I come up with something fast.”
“Have you considered reaching out to your father?”
“Don’t start that again. You know how I feel on that subject.”
“About getting help? Yes, I know and frankly, I think you’re an idiot.”
Sommer narrowed her eyes. “Excuse me?”
Tasha laughed without humor. “You heard me just fine. You’re being stupid. If you want your business to be successful you have to do whatever it takes to make it a success. You have these resources at your disposal so I don’t understand why you’re not using them.”
“I’ve explained this to you several times already. I don’t want help from my family because I want to prove to them that I can do this on my own without their interference. If I allow them to help me then what’s to say that they won’t just take over the whole thing?”
“You’re being ridiculous. I don’t understand why you act as if getting help is a bad thing. You’ve been this way since I’ve known you. Remember in high school when we had a huge group project? You took on the bulk of the work and got overwhelmed but when we offered to help, you blew up as if we’d assaulted you or something. Look, I admire your drive and ambition but asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. If I had parents who were half as helpful as yours, my life wouldn’t have been such a struggle.
Sommer wanted to tell her friend how she felt but she doubted Tasha would get it. Growing up human in a Wulfen family, she’d always felt inferior, as if she wasn’t good enough. He
r parents had always been great and never made her feel like she was anything other than a valued member of their family. But others in their pack made it known in subtle and not so subtle ways that she didn’t belong and she would never be good enough.
Having overindulgent parents didn’t help much because others viewed her as spoiled and unworthy. So that was what drove her to want to do this without their intervention if for nothing else than to say she did it. She’d accomplished this on her own and no one could take that away from her.
Sommer sighed. “Look, it’s hard to explain and frankly, I don’t feel like I should have to. You’re my friend. You’re supposed to support me in my decisions. It’s not like I’m hurting anyone. I’m just trying to run a business.”
“But you are hurting someone. You’re hurting yourself. Even if you did receive help, it wouldn’t take away from your accomplishments. A lot of people start off with help from friends and family. No one can do it all alone. We’re not superhumans.”
If she only knew…
“Look, Tasha, I know you mean well and don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate your concern but I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Anyway, weren’t you the one who told me my business would be a success because of that psychic reading? What happened to your vote of confidence?”
Tasha reached across the table and patted Sommer on the hand. “I know you’ll be a roaring success, my friend. But the road to get there doesn’t have to be such a struggle.”
“But as long as I struggle on my own, when I get to my destination, I will appreciate it more.”
Tasha shook her head. “I don’t understand you, Sommer but I will support and cheer you on.”
“Thank you. That’s all I ask.”
“Well, since the subject of our business is off limits, how are things going between you and Caleb?”
Sommer took a sip from her water glass before answering. “It’s really hard to say because everything still feels so new. I’m enjoying his company so we’re just taking things slow for now.”
