by K. S. Martin
I shower and wash my hair. She’s still out. There are a few things that security is working on and I would like to see their progress. Michaela Robertson as of last night proved to be telling the truth. Top of her class and two degrees. The first in internet security, the second in law. Why is she breaking into buildings if she could go argue in court?
She was charged with a misdemeanor at twenty for hacking into the schools records. I’d laughed at that. She was changing a boys grade, not even her own. The boy didn’t know about it or so said the records that we hacked last night. Since he didn’t know and they weren’t her records, the judge let her off easy.
I could have her arrested on sight when she steps into my building. My lawyers say terrorism, stalking, breaking and entering, trespassing and I’m sure I could add a lot more if I pushed them to work for their salaries. I wonder if Jane’s awake yet. I stick my head out of the closet. She’s out cold. I go to the office and find paper and pen. I’ll leave her a note on my pillow.
The security team has Michaela on every screen when I arrive. Now that they have a good picture they are running software on every camera in the city I think. They have a plotted pattern on her written on the white board. Where she banks, eats, lives and the coffee shop where she works. Why is she working in a coffee shop if she has a law degree? This chick is weird. I know her best friend’s dog’s name. I know what color her toenails are and I know that she likes cream no sugar in her coffee.
“She has four hundred fifty three dollars in her bank account.” I grunt. She’s not rich. That is a potential liability. If her end game is to steal software for monetary gain, she could be a problem. “No security in her apartment.” I’ll bet there is, we just can’t get at it. She’s too smart for that. I have a feeling that we are only finding what she wants us to find anyway. I think that if she were sitting her doing this for me, I would know a lot more. My decision is made.
I spend a few hours in my office catching up with email. Most of it is my staff communicating with each other but I am copied on everything including the squabble brewing in accounting. There are too many people that want to take off for the Friday after Thanksgiving. Next Friday in fact. I compose a memo. Everyone is off. All meetings are cancelled and should be rescheduled. Nobody is to come into the building next Friday. There problem solved. I put my electronic signature on it and send it companywide. I don’t need my staff spending productive time fighting over turkey sandwiches.
I wonder how Jane is at making cranberry sauce. Sandy, her mom, made the best cranberry sauce. Most people put the stuff out in the can but not Sandy. She actually ran the berries through a mill or something and put orange zest through it. I hope Jane has the recipe. It goes perfectly on my leftover turkey sandwiches and I look forward to it. We’ll cook together if Jocelyn isn’t back.
I had to hurry back last year because I promised her that I wouldn’t let her spend the holiday alone. She needed to make the dinner for someone and someone had to eat it. I wanted to be with Jane but she had the folks and I slipped in and out as fast as I could. The security team and I feasted on Jocelyn’s dinner.
My chest suddenly goes tight. I blow out a breath. I feel a huge sense of loss and suddenly I know that something is wrong with my mate. I jump up and hurry into the private elevator. When it opens in the foyer, Brian stands with his hand on his gun. “She’s still inside?” He nods. I go in and start looking for Jane. She’s in the media room. I follow my nose.
There crumpled in a chair, Jane is crying. What the hell happened? The TV is playing a commercial about a cleaner. That can’t be it. Something has happened. I lift her from the chair and carry her to the bedroom. I wonder what has her so upset. She isn’t hurt at least not physically. I don’t scent blood only sadness. I cuddle her on the bed trying to fold her body into mine and absorb what’s upset her. She wipes her nose on her hand. I need to put tissues in this room. “What is it baby?” I ask it softly because I don’t want the flood gates to spring open again. Her breath shudders in and out. Shit. I can’t fix it if I don’t know what it is. She turns over and clings to me. This is bad. Jane is not clingy.
“Tommy.” I hear her whisper. What the hell has he done now? I’ve tolerated him for Jane but Tommy isn’t as slow as she thinks he is. I mean yes he is a little slow but Jane dotes on him like he’s four. He isn’t four. Tommy is hard to explain. He isn’t smart about some things but he is still a healthy red blooded male and he still has eyes on my mate. Lucky for him she would never think of him that way. “He’s gone.” What?
“What do you mean he’s gone sweetheart?” I swallow. He isn’t my favorite wolf true but I don’t want him hurt or…worse.
“Tommy died.” I wait and let that sink in. “Dad called. He…” She sniffles and shudders again. “He didn’t come back, they found the truck.”
“I’m sure he’s okay Jane.” Her head shakes violently.
“He was burned alive, trapped under the truck.” She starts crying all over again. God that’s gruesome. Poor guy. Shit. I hope it was quick instead of…God. With our restorative powers that could’ve been…God. I hold Jane tighter.
“When is the service?” I ask after she calms down.
“Friday. Dad wants us to come and he wants me to help clean out Mom’s stuff.” I kiss her forehead. She would want to help with that and I can’t deny her. I can work from there. In fact, I’ll probably get more done if I work there instead of with her here. I need to get her acclimated to the office so I can shift some of the workload. If I can get her on the smaller less complicated projects, I can handle the takeover I’ve been plotting. Jane doesn’t need to know about that. She’s too soft hearted to steal someone’s dream, chew it up and spit it out. I don’t do it for me though, I do it for us, for the pups that are coming. “Can we go?” I realize I didn’t answer her.
“Of course Janie. Of course we’ll go.”
“Can I help Dad?” I look down at her.
“Jane you don’t need to ask permission. Of course you can help Dad.” I slid my thumb across her cheeks and get rid of the tears. Her eyes are a brighter blue than I’ve ever seen them. So beautiful.
“That girl is coming on Monday at nine.” She says. What girl? I thought she cancelled Laurie Tickle.
“Mikey, uh Michaela Robertson.” Oh yes, her. The blonde invader. I’m still digging shit up on her. Her records start at eighteen but that isn’t unusual. There isn’t much to dig because she is so young but I have to give it to her, she has a knack. She’s talented. I’m not sure that I want to hire her but I’m also sure I don’t want her on the other team. This is the kind of thing I want to give to someone else. This part of business doesn’t thrill me. Things were so much simpler when I sat around sucking down sodas and coding to the wee hours of the morning. I miss that. I miss going to bed at lunch time then getting up at dark and working in the quiet. The world is so much more peaceful at that time of the day.
“Okay. You take care of my calendar. I am yours to order around.” She recoils from me. What did I say now? Sometimes Jane just takes everything the wrong way. “What is it?” She sniffles again. “Jane,” I lift her chin up so I can look into her eyes. “I wasn’t being sarcastic. I mean it. You are in charge of the calendar and you have to keep me on track. Sometimes you are going to have to be in charge and sometimes you will need to boss me around. Okay? I didn’t mean anything by it.” She gives me a little nod. Good. I don’t know what it is about me but usually she thinks I’m being mean when I’m not.
“It’s just…the way you said it.” She says.
“How so? How did I say it?”
“Like you were mad about it.” I grin and shake my head.
“I have you in my arms, how could I possibly be mad?” I mean it too. She’s feeling better. Grief over Tommy is leaving her. Good. She puts her hand on my chest and leans up to kiss me. My dick wakes up. All this time I’ve been this close to her and it stayed quiet. Maybe the damn thing isn’t as stupid as
I thought. Jane’s hand is around my neck now and she’s pulling me close. I’m like steel. I hope she plans on following through. If not it will be an unpleasant afternoon.
She’s pushing me onto my back. This has potential even though I don’t like being on the bottom. If it’s what she needs though, it’s hers. She’s grinding into me. We have to get out of these clothes. I pull on her top and fling it, then her bra. Those are the nicest tits I’ve ever seen. They’re full and tipped by berry colored nipples. “You like these huh?” I’ve been staring. I look up into her eyes. She’s amused. I nod and give her my sexy smile. She shifts and gets off. Damn. Did I make her mad? I get up and stand in front of her. She’s taking her pants off. Thank God. I strip while I watch her lose the pants. I reach for her but she darts away. I like this game. Naked tag. I reach again half-heartedly. She giggles. I love that sound. It makes me harder. Jane runs around the chair that I usually throw clothes into when I’m lazy. Jocelyn has commented more than once on the habit but the last time she said anything I silenced her with a look. She won’t say it again. It’s not her place and she knows it. I’m watching her and I know my eyes are amber. I feel the beast. He wants to claim her again. We’re on the same page. Jane darts left and I catch her. She cries out startled. I don’t think she anticipated that. I lift her into my arms and carry her back to the bed. “Jake.” She’s tracing a heart on my chest.
“Yeah sweetheart.”
“Take me from behind.” She looks up at me now with the biggest bluest eyes and I know that I can’t say no. I won’t ever be able to say no to her. I let her feet drop gently to the floor and I stand behind her cupping her breasts. I knead them and roll her nipples in my fingers with just enough pressure to make her whimper. I love that sound. Her head falls back and I kiss her temple. I bend her over the end of the bed by gently pushing at the spot between her shoulder blades and she sighs. She likes this, this old-fashioned wolf fucking. I like it too. She has the prettiest rear end that I’ve ever had the pleasure of looking at during sex. I can’t remember what a single other one has looked like. I just know that I never want to see another other than this one. I reach around her and plunge my fingers into her wetness. She’s ready for me. I wonder again if it will always be this way. I glide up into her hot velvet sheath and know that she was made for me. My wolf pushes wanting its mate. I push back. Soon. I tell him.
~15~
The refrigerator is full of wonderful things and I want to pull up a chair. I’m so hungry. I grab some grapes and start stuffing them in my mouth one at a time while I choose what to eat next. There are fish fillets. Not in the mood. Chicken salad. I pluck a chunk out with my fingers and stick it in my mouth. Nope. I see steak, beautiful perfect rib eyes. Hmm. That sounds yummy. I wonder if Jake will sleep through it or if I should make him one too.
He took me twice earlier then passed out. He doesn’t sleep often enough so when he does, I try not to bother him. The smell of steak grilling will wake anyone up. I close the door and move to the pantry. The cheese curls are there but I’m not hungry for junk. I need sustenance. There’s soup. Eww. That doesn’t appeal at all. I rummage around in the pantry when I hear something behind me. Jake is waist deep in the fridge. I smirk. “Steak it is.” I say when he plops them onto the counter.
“Is this okay?” He says. He’s wearing only boxer briefs. God he is yummier than the steak. I nod staring at his chest. “Later, after we eat. Okay?” I look up into the smoky eyes and nod. I’m still a little sore from before but by the time I finish my dinner, I’ll be ready. Jake turns the grill on and blue flames spring up. That’s really convenient. I don’t have to light charcoal like at Dad’s.
Jake seasons the steaks and lays them carefully on the grill. They sizzle immediately. That smell is heaven. I get plates because Jake won’t let them cook very long. I make drinks next. “Want anything with them?” He looks over his shoulder at me. I shake my head because they are big. I’m pouring soda into a glass. “Beer for me.” He says and I crinkle my nose but I go to the fridge to find one for him. It’s imported stuff I’ve never heard of. The guys at home drink Coors.
He brings the plates to the table. I grab silverware and napkins. We sit and eat in silence. It’s good, he can cook for me anytime. “Tomorrow at the office I want you to call me Mr. Williams.” He says. I nod. I expected this. I don’t know how long he thinks it will take people to catch on but I’ve found that they are a lot more perceptive than most wolves give them credit for. I’ve spent a lot of time around people and they have more senses than they think especially when there is an opportunity to gossip.
“What will you call me?” I ask coyly.
“Jane.”
“Why can’t you call me Miss Barlow?”
“Because I’ve never called my assistant by anything other than a first name. It would draw attention.” I make a face. Don’t want that. I sing-song in my head because he won’t find it funny.
“How are you going to explain me going into your office to go home?” I lift my eyebrows inquisitively.
“No one else works on our floor. So no one will see you.”
“Security will not see me leave.” I grin.
“Or arrive. They know who you are and where you live Jane. They’ve all signed NDA’s.”
“Yes Mr. Williams.” I quip.
“And Jane…” He lifts an eyebrow.
“Yeah, yeah I know. No faces and no making fun. I am your professional executive personal secretary or whatever.” He puts a piece of steak in his mouth and chews still watching me. I’ve stopped eating and he’s noticed. Jake tips his head in a nod at the plate. I cut a small piece and put it in my mouth. He goes back to his dinner. So observant. “So tomorrow when you talk to the blonde. Do I come in or stay at my desk?” I’m not sure if I want to be there or not. I want to tear her throat out on the one hand but also she was just trying to get a job and I think she’s funny. She’s persistent too. More persistent than I would ever be about getting hired.
“You’ll come in, take notes, and observe.”
“I thought you had surveillance.”
“You have to look like you’re doing something Jane.” If I don’t look like I am taking notes, that would tip people off that they are on camera. Some people anyway and I have a feeling that Mikey would be one of them. She seems sharp. I decide that I want to be in the meeting because I don’t want her anywhere near Jake without supervision. I have to wonder why she wants to work for him so much. What is her interest? I don’t think it’s romantic because breaking into a building doesn’t inspire cozy feelings.
The next morning I get up and dress in a navy skirt and white blouse. I put on pantyhose, which I hate and low blue pumps. I look nice. I admire my reflection in the mirror. I hear a low sexy whistle and turn to find Jake staring at me. “Hot.” He says and grins. I wrinkle my nose then smile back.
“It’s okay?” He nods and holds out an elbow. I take it and walk with him to the foyer. There are workmen setting up to paint. I hadn’t missed them yesterday but Jake must’ve given them Sunday off. Good. People need a break sometimes. They step out of the way and let us pass. I wonder if they’ve signed NDA’s too. The elevator doors slide open with a whoosh and we go inside. Jake handles the keypad and we drop to his office.
He steps out and goes to the coffee maker. It is one of those machines that uses the little cups. “Jane.” I go to where he is standing. “Water here, cup here, and push this button. Make sure there is a mug in place.” I nod. It brews noisily and Jake lifts the mug from its spot when it’s done. He hands it to me and puts another cup in place. I sip it. That’s strong.
“Is there cream?” Jake opens the fridge beneath it and looks inside. There are individual cups in a bowl. I take two and pour cream in my cup. I sip it, that’s better. “So what do you want me to do first?” I ask following him to his desk. He pulls a chair around from in front of his desk to behind it and sits in his chair. I take the one beside him that he pulled around.
He wiggles the mouse.
“First we check email. You have access to my mail box. I want you to go through them during the day and if something looks important or pressing let me know. Sometimes I get wrapped up in what I’m doing then end up spending longer in the office than I would like. If you can handle it, go ahead, if not just ask. I’ve already sent out a memo that you are starting today so you may get some visitors or emails from people in the building.” I nod. “Let’s dig in. Michaela is at nine?” I nod again. Jake goes through email, one by one.
He reads, responds and files. Seems simple. I have no idea what any of them mean but he assures me that it will come in time. When he’s dug through the hundred emails, he goes for coffee number two. I’m still sipping mine. Jake comes back and we go through his calendar. “Go to your desk and wait for her.” Jake says after we’ve sorted the calendar. I pull the chair back around his desk to its place and go out to sit at my desk. She should be here soon. The elevator doors slide open then and I expect to see the funny blonde but it’s not. It’s Laurie Tickle. I smile brightly. She looks mad already.
“Good morning Laurie. I guess you didn’t get the message. The interview was cancelled.” I say in my most professional voice. I hide the screw you element well I think.
“I got the message Jane.” She hisses. “But I’m going to see him anyway and prove how useless you are.” She stomps over to Jake’s door but it won’t open. I widen my smile.
