The Alpha and His Enemy Wolf: White Mountain Shifters 3

by Carlisle, Lisa

  * * *

  Later that afternoon, she packed up a small bag of her belongings. She chose the boots and coat that Rafe bought her as they were far more comfortable than her old belongings. She tidied up her one-room cabin. It would be strange not sleeping in her own bed tonight. She did so most nights, unless it was a pleasant night in which her wolf preferred to sleep beneath the stars.

  Mila took a deep breath and exhaled and then headed on her journey back to the Franconia territory, attempting to ignore the wild fluttering inside as her wolf pranced in anticipation at reuniting with their mate.

  Stay focused, Mila reminded herself. You came up with this mission and it’s up to you to carry it through. Don’t get distracted by anything that will get in the way.

  Or anyone.

  Rafe

  Although Rafe challenged himself with difficult ski runs that morning, even the moguls could only distract him for so long. His insides burned with restlessness, torn up by one question. Would Mila return?

  If not, he was an incompetent fool who had ruined a tremendous opportunity by holding the daughter of an alpha captive. He could have used her for leverage had he not set her free.

  That afternoon, he gave up on trying to concentrate on work. Fresh air would help do him good and help him clear his head. He put on a black wool coat and beanie and headed outside, walking toward the hiking trails. Yes, he was aware that they were in the direction of the Sacco pack, but no, he wasn’t going that way because of Mila.

  His wolf snorted. Rafe groaned. He couldn’t fool himself.

  He shoved his hands into his pocket and walked through the snow, and then—something magnificent happened. His wolf stood alert and froze before it began to prance inside.

  She’s coming. She’s coming back to us!

  Rafe blinked his eyes. Yes, it was Mila walking in his direction, wearing the burgundy coat that they’d shopped for yesterday. His feet burned with the itch to run toward his mate, but he forced himself to remain cool. He was a leader, and he couldn’t lose all self-control because the universe had decided to mess with him by pairing him with the most unlikely of mates.

  Tension wound his muscles tight, and he worked out some of the strain from his limbs before he walked over to Mila. He aimed a slow, even pace, so as not to reveal his incredible excitement on seeing her return. Despite his efforts to walk naturally, his arms felt cumbersome and heavy at his sides, like he’d never moved them before. His mouth turned parched.

  She spotted him and smiled. The skies seemed brighter. Had he never seen her smile before? Damn, it was glorious, filling his chest with a light sensation that left him jittery.

  What the hell was happening to him?

  “Mila,” he greeted her, but his voice sounded strangled. He cleared his throat and tried again, “You returned.”

  She placed a hand on her chest. “As I said I would.”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know if you keep your word.”

  Her expression tightened, and she averted his gaze. “Well, now you know I do. I’m here.”

  “Uh huh,” he replied with a slow nod. Why did she look cagey?

  She glanced around and slid the strap of her shoulder bag higher. “Where do we start?”

  “I can take that,” he offered. After he took the bag from her, he said, “We’ll get you a place to stay for the week.”

  With us, his wolf suggested.

  Hell no, Rafe dismissed.

  Why not?

  I can’t trust her. Not yet at least.

  Of course you can. She’s our mate, his wolf insisted. The universe wouldn’t bring us together if it wouldn’t work.

  Tell that to Damon. I’m sure he’ll give you plenty of reasons how that doesn’t always work out, specifically with his parents.

  Damon’s mother had left his father, and he’d gone mad after losing her. The connection between mates wasn’t always beneficial because it could ruin a shifter’s life.

  Rafe’s wolf huffed.

  He returned his attention back to Mila and glanced down at the village. “I can book a room at the hotel.”

  She tilted her head. “Oh, okay. That will be new.”

  “Why?”

  “I’ve never stayed in one before.”

  “Maybe we can spend the week introducing you to new things over this side of the borderline.” His heart beat more quickly as he pictured the possibilities.

  She slanted him a look with a hint of a smile on her lips. “Let’s take this one step at a time.”

  * * *

  After Rafe set Mila up with a room for the week at the reservation desk, he brought her up in the elevator to her floor. She hesitated at first, having never ridden in one, but then relaxed.

  “How does it work?” she asked.

  “Machinery, electronics, solar power? I don’t know how it all comes together, but Grayson ensures we try to operate with as much green energy as possible to reduce the impact on the earth.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “See, we’re not the monsters you think we are. We do care about the land and the resources.”

  She blinked at him before moving her gaze to the rising numbers of the floor levels. It amused him to see her fascination with something he never considered. Being with her in that confined space also brought keen awareness to them being alone together. Her scent concentrated, intoxicating him. He closed his eyes and let it suffuse him.

  After he reopened them, he said, “It’s amazing how you live so close to me, but almost in a world away.”

  “We chose a simpler lifestyle,” she replied without any judgment in her tone. “Our trips off our land are minimal. We typically just get what we need and return.”

  The elevator door opened, and she gasped with surprise.

  “It’s okay. This is our floor.” He offered his hand. “Come on. Your room is down this way.”

  She glanced at his hand and bit her lip before accepting it. The moment their hands touched, it felt like a thousand watts of sensual electricity surged inside. His wolf moaned with satisfaction inside. Forget about the mystery of how the elevator functioned—this powerful connection was far more mystifying. Her hand felt so warm in his, so right, so perfect. Rafe was so stunned by all the enigmatic sensations inside, he was surprised he could walk.

  Once they reached her door, he released her hand with reluctance. He flashed the key card before the card reader. “This is how you’ll access your room. It’s locked until you use this.” He showed her how it was done and opened the door.

  “Whoa.” Her eyes widened. “Let me try.”

  He closed the door and gave her the key. She swiped it in front of the reader as he had done. The lights turned green and the sound of the door unlocking followed.

  She opened the door and stepped inside before turning to him with a beaming smile. “It’s like magic.”

  He chuckled and followed her into the room, closing the door behind them. “Yes, in a way. For humans, technology is their magic.”

  Mila examined the room, and her gaze stopped on the king-size bed in the middle of the room. His mind was swarmed by images of what the two of them could experience together. He’d kiss her while he led her backward toward the bed. He’d lay her on it and press his body on top of hers before he kissed down her body.

  When she brought her gaze back to him, her cheeks were slightly flushed. “That’s quite a large bed. Do you have one like that?”

  “I do.” A vision of her in it with him in his bedroom took over in his brain. He forced it away before he said something like, “I can show it to you right now.” Although he was burning with lust, he couldn’t just pounce on her. He rubbed his jaw. Maybe bringing her to the room was a bad idea.

  As for the whole seven-day plan, he’d find out soon enough. This attempt could still blow up in his face.

  Chapter 7

  Mila

  After Rafe left Mila alone in her room, she examined every inch of it. Then she gazed out of the window. It provided a brillia
nt view of the mountain across the street. Vast swatches of snowy areas slashed through the forests, the unfortunate ski trails that the Franconia pack had blazed for recreation.

  Despite her displeasure at what they’d done to the mountain, she couldn’t help but marvel at her home for the week. It was absolutely lavish in comparison to her simple lifestyle. A large television hung on the wall for her personal use. She shouldn’t be so fascinated by it, but she was.

  At least her guilt was somewhat alleviated with Rafe noting their attempts to use green energy and solar power. A growing number of humans took measures to protect the environment with using renewable energy for which she was grateful, as even her pack used solar power and generator lights. Darkness fell so early in the winter months.

  Rafe had given her time to get settled in and said he’d return for her in an hour so they could get some dinner. That would give her enough time to try the shower, which he pointed out had a rainfall nozzle.

  After stripping off her clothes, she turned the water on and adjusted the temperature to a comfortable setting. She stepped beneath the falling hot water and moaned in pleasure as warm rivulets cascaded over her head and down body. It felt wonderful. The solar-heated showers her pack used could never provide an experience quite like this.

  Mila lathered up with a foamy shampoo that smelled like wildflowers and then followed it up with a similar-scented conditioner. She finger-combed her hair through the now silky strands. The body wash was just as rich and sweet smelling. She ran her hands over her skin, which now felt silky smooth.

  She pictured Rafe running his fingers over her legs. Would he appreciate the softness?

  By the moon and stars, why was she thinking about him again?

  She snorted. When had she not been thinking about him since they’d met? He’d pretty much moved into her head space since her wolf first recognized him. Would she be able to yank him out once her mission here was accomplished?

  After she towel-dried her body with an over-sized white towel, Mila dressed in a pair of black-and-white patterned leggings and an ivory sweater.

  When it was time to meet Rafe downstairs, she put on her new boots and coat and left her room. The elevator delighted her to no end. With simply a press of a button, she descended several levels to the main floor, and the doors opened just like magic.

  When she spotted Rafe pacing over a rich, blue oriental style rug near a dimly lit bar, her heart jolted with an erratic beat. Her wolf rose inside, aware of his presence.

  “Rafe,” she greeted him.

  “Mila.” He sniffed her. “You smell great.”

  “Courtesy of the products in the bathroom upstairs.” He smelled wonderful as well, but it had nothing to do with scented products. It was that masculine aroma of his that made her tingle.

  Once they exited the hotel, she glanced around. The sun was setting over the village, a collection of brick buildings spread before them with restaurants, shops, and more. Her mouth twitched. It was all part of the Franconia’s massive sprawl. Conflict rose between wanting to take down his pack and yearning to nudge closer to this alpha.

  “All right, Rafe. You have me here for the week. What do you want to do with me?”

  He turned to face her and the hungry glint in his eyes answered before he did. “Careful. You know exactly what my wolf wants.”

  She bit her lip. She did indeed as her wolf craved the same thing. Why had she said it in those words? “What about you?”

  Ugh, she should be changing the subject, not making it worse.

  “Meaning what do I want?”

  She gulped and nodded. “Yes.”

  He stared at her with such intensity, it seemed as if he could see right through her. “What I shouldn’t go after.” After breaking eye contact, he said, “Let’s get some food and then go shopping.”

  Her brows furrowed closer. “Shopping for what?”

  “Clothes, toiletries, whatever you like.”

  “I brought stuff with me.”

  He shrugged one shoulder. “If we only have a week to explore this connection between us, we might as well enjoy ourselves. I want to make your time here pleasurable, so let me spoil you a little.”

  A strange thrill trickled through her. Nobody had ever treated her this way. “It’s strange to have you act nice to me after everything.”

  His mouth tightened into a grim line. “I’m sure your pack has led you to think the worst of our pack. Maybe you should decide for yourself.” He swallowed and stared into her eyes. “Especially when it comes to me.”

  Mila averted his penetrating gaze and swallowed. How close he was to the truth. Everything she had known about them had been influenced by her pack, especially her father and Lars who badmouthed the Franconia shifters whenever they could. She pulled her hair to one side and twisted it until it would no longer turn in her hand. Was there a chance that they could be wrong?

  No, it was simply Rafe trying to influence her. She exhaled with a low whoosh and released her hair. It tumbled over her shoulders.

  A lightness spread inside her chest. The idea of him encouraging her to make up her mind herself wasn’t something anyone had suggested to her before—and it had a tremendous appeal.

  Rafe

  Mila appeared so pretty tonight in a soft sweater. Her hair was brushed smooth, not tousled like when he’d met her, yet he had to admit, he liked that wild look on her as well.

  While they spent time together, Rafe rebuked himself. What a fool he was. How else could he explain how he was courting his enemy with a fine hotel room, dining out with her, and then taking her shopping? What he’d told her was true—he did want to spoil her. He also wanted them to enjoy their limited time together. Yet, it didn’t mean he wasn’t conflicted considering who she was and what she’d done. His chest tightened as he battled his torment. Was there a way to find balance to calm a yearning that could lead to his destruction?

  That question would have to wait until he was alone because while he was near her, he had to concentrate on her pull on him. He struggled to ignore the irresistible urge to suggest they go somewhere alone to explore how compatible they were in the bedroom. Even his wolf understood that they had to woo their mate before seducing her, despite the undeniable urges to rush headlong into bed.

  He brought her to Kelly’s Pub, where they slid into a booth away at the back. He didn’t want to be near the center at the bar where he might run into packmates who would gawk in question at his partner. He’d explain his unconventional arrangement for the week with Mila at some other time—if ever.

  Mila opened the menu and gaped. “So many choices.”

  “I don’t think you’ll go wrong with any of them. I think I’ve tried everything since this is where I usually meet up with packmates and eat at the end of the day.”

  “How do you usually spend your days?”

  “I work in the office, and I ski most days. Early morning is the best time, especially after fresh snow fall. Typically, after work, I end up here. And then at night, I usually let my wolf run free. He likes to hunt on the mountain.”

  She murmured a sound of acknowledgment. “My wolf often runs at night as well.”

  He rubbed the side of his neck. “Maybe we should run together while you’re here.”

  She perused him with a thoughtful expression. “Maybe.”

  “It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten out,” she replied. “Since my father refuses to support any establishments in your village, we’ve only ever gone to restaurants far from here.”

  “Your father’s hate for us is unfounded.” Rafe raised his chin and his jaw clenched. “We’ve never done anything to him or your pack.”

  She bit her lip before replying. “It’s a difference in mindset.” She shook her head. “You won’t change his mind, and he won’t change yours.”

  “And yet the two of us agreed to have a meal together.” He raised an arm, palm up. “We can discuss our differences civilly and come to an agreement to
live together.”

  She exhaled. “That’s because of hormones or fate or whatever the hell this is between us.” She gestured with a circular motion between them. “Besides, even if you and I did come to some sort of agreement, I doubt I would be able to convince my father to change his opinion of you.”

  Rafe leaned back in his chair. “Why did you agree to come here for the week then, Mila?”

  Their gazed locked, and he glimpsed a flash of vulnerability in her eyes.

  When the server, Anna, arrived to take their order, Mila broke the gaze and returned her focus to the menu. “I’ll have a Malibu Sunset. It looks good.”

  “It’s delicious,” Anna replied.

  Rafe ordered a winter lager. Once Anna walked away, he pinned Mila with a questioning stare once more. “Well?”

  “Good question,” she replied. “I’m guessing I’m just as confused about this entire thing as you are.”

  * * *

  Over Reuben sandwiches, Rafe avoided questioning her about their pack’s differences or trying to convince Mila that he wasn’t a monster. Instead, he asked her questions, trying to discover more about her.

  “My mother died in childbirth when she had me.” She gave him a rueful look. “We were both in distress, and my father believes she transferred her life force into me so I could survive.” She pulled her fingertips together and placed them on her chin. “Talk about guilt of merely existing.”

  An ache of compassion churned in his gut. He’d heard of that kind of powerful shifter magic but had never met anyone who had performed it. He reached out and touched her hand. “I’m sorry.”

  She glanced down at his hand on hers and released a shaky exhale. “Now it’s just my father and me.” She rolled a shoulder and raised her gaze back to meet his. “I know he wanted a son. Since he didn’t get that with me, he’s suggested more than once that I should mate with Lars, our beta.”