Mrs. D. chuckled. “Observe them. Interact with them. You watched the show?”
Soren nodded. “Every damn episode.” He stood up and stretched, grimacing from sitting still. Hailey jumped off the couch and nuzzled his leg. Abraham was still at his post, his gaze never wavering from the commotion outside. He’d overheard him speaking with Carrick earlier in the day and requesting backup. It was probably a good idea. The more eyes the better. He didn’t like the idea of more strangers in his home, but with the current circumstances there was little he could do about it.
He had to find a mate among them, but so far he wasn’t impressed.
Strangers here.
“I know, girl. But hopefully we’ll find you a mommy before too long.”
Reggie got up from his place on the carpet and whined.
Hungry. Have to pee.
“Reggie, why don’t you follow me to the kitchen for something to eat. You too, Hailey.” Mrs. D. smiled, her wizened features softening as her gaze rested on the two dogs.
“That sounds good. Why don’t you take them out and feed them so they can relax?” Soren glanced at his watch. “I have to get dressed in about an hour.”
“Yes, and you’d best not be late. Ms. Roxy has gone out of her way to work with the film crew for the show and the producers will want an impressive bachelor.” She patted him on the arm. “Besides, I made your favorite. Prime rib with au gratin potatoes. The caterers also brought quite the selection from what I’ve been told.”
Soren grinned. “You know how to take care of me, Mrs. D.”
“That I do. Now it’s up to you to take care of business. Don’t let that horrid woman have her way with you. With us. It’s time to beat her at her own game and find a woman who will value you for you.”
“I plan to.” Soren watched the women on the different screens, determination hardening his jaw. “I plan to.”
***
Allyse sat on the edge of the bed and sighed. So far so good. She noticed the small things as she followed behind the troupe of ladies. A dog bed in the front hall, a stray ball off to one side. This was a man who liked animals. That was at least something. She’d been told the bachelor was the head of a major pet supply corporation, but that was really all she knew.
Reading through the stack of paperwork, she realized now what she was in for. Cameras were installed all over the house and she would be checked for wardrobe constantly. That wasn’t a problem. Each night would be a date scenario and there would be a verdict based on how it went. The end of the week would be a choice and a marriage proposal. Allyse shook her head. How you could decide to spend the rest of your life with a person after a week was just plain crazy but all she wanted from the experience was the job. Just being on camera offered a pretty good salary, so she didn’t mind.
She pulled out her cell and double checked her messages. Nothing. With a sigh, she got to her feet and made her way to the window. The view here was charming. A lovely garden and large spaces for the dogs to run surrounded by a wooded area made her smile. She longed to go wandering but it wouldn’t be long before her presence was needed downstairs.
Still…Allyse nibbled her lip and eyed her watch. If she hurried, then maybe she could get a short walk in.
As nice as the bedroom what she really wanted to do was get out and explore the grounds. She still had some time before she had to change for dinner. Allyse hung her good dress up and placed her suitcase on the bed. She stepped out into the hall, eager to check out her surroundings. As she made her way down the hallway, she neither heard anything nor saw any of the other contestants. That was fine by her.
She rounded a corner and came to a stop at a swinging door. Pressing her fingers against the door, Allyse poked her head inside. It was a busy kitchen filled with staff. The delicious smells that greeted her made her smile. Prime rib and, if she wasn’t mistaken, potatoes au gratin. Several chefs were busy with preparing food for the group in the main part of the kitchen. A plump older woman close to the door spoke to two dogs and set food bowls down in front of them.
“Now, Reggie, you have to eat your kibble. I know it’s not what you’re used to getting, my dear, but for now it must do. Hailey, here you go, dumpling.” The woman bent down and laid two bowls of dog food on the floor.
The smaller black dog politely ate her food, but Allyse’s presence at the door must have startled her. The little dog’s tail began to slowly wag and her ears cocked up in attention. The other canine was a rather morose looking cocker spaniel. Both of them approached Allyse as she stepped into the kitchen.
“Hi. I’m so sorry to intrude. I’m Allyse and I’m with the show.” She reached out her hand.
“Hello there.” The woman took her hand and shook it. “I’m Mrs. Dashnell the housekeeper and these two mischief makers are Hailey and Reggie.”
Allyse knelt down and waited for the dogs to decide to approach her or not. Hailey fluttered her long, shaggy, black tail and finished her kibble, keeping her eyes on Allyse. Reggie turned up his nose at the bowl in front of him and tentatively sauntered over. He sniffed at her outstretched hand and gave it a lick.
“Good boy. How are you today?” Allyse reached up to scratch him behind the ears, his soft fur luxurious under her hand.
Reggie whined and leaned into her hand, his eyes fluttering shut.
“That good, huh?” Allyse patted him on the head and he gave her a doggie style grin.
Hailey finished her kibble and loped in Allyse’s direction, her tiny black face pressing against her pant leg.
“Well hello there, sweetie.” Allyse slid her hand down the small dog’s shaggy face and smiled. She looked up to find Mrs. Dashnell beaming down at her.
“They like you. That’s wonderful dear.”
Allyse grinned. “Hailey is a darling.”
The little black dog reached up a paw and before Allyse knew what was happening, the spitfire had leapt into her arms. “Oh!” Surprised, Allyse lost her balance and fell backward, landing on her backside. Reggie whined and pawed her leg, nearly sitting on her in his haste to investigate her well-being.
“Okay…okay. You’re a sweetie, too!” Allyse laughed, patting him on the side. The cocker leapt on her, licking at her face. Hailey butted him out of the way, primly inspecting her to make sure she was undamaged by the fall.
The kitchen door opened up and a man poked his head inside. “Mrs. D. I’m supposed to ask what we’re having for dessert. The coordinator wants to know.”
With a full head of brown and wavy hair with chiseled features, the man filled out the button down dress shirt he wore with enough muscles to keep her awake just imagining how they’d feel underneath her hands. Allyse’s mouth went dry. He glanced down at Allyse and his eyes widened.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m Allyse. And yes. This little bundle of cuteness just jumped into my arms. I was crouching on the floor to say hello, and she surprised me is all. Reggie here decided to join the party and here we all are.” She gave a nervous giggle, trying to right herself without hurting Hailey or Reggie who were still pressed close.
Don’t think about how sexy he is. You’re here to do a job.
“I’m Soren. Nice to meet you.” He held out his hand and she took it, goose bumps covering her skin at the contact. His hands were warm and strong as his fingers wrapped around hers. He lifted her up, his gaze not leaving hers as she struggled to find her feet.
His eyes were the purest blue, his lips plump and oh so kissable. He had a powerful frame that filled the doorway, owning the space he was in without question. Soren’s eyes swept up from her feet to the top of her head and she flushed at the attention. Aristocratic with a mischievous upturn to his lips, the man looked like sin on a stick.
Boy did she want a nibble of that.
Her panties were damp by the time she smoothed a hand down her blouse and she had to struggle not to stare. God, he was hot. She had to find out what part of the house he worked in. Obviously, it wasn’t the kit
chen.
“Oh hello, dear. We’ll be having chocolate mousse this evening.” Mrs. Dashnell wiped the counter and continued preparing dinner. All around her caterers buzzed, carting this dish or that into a room just outside the kitchen she guessed had to be the dining room. “Now you scoot. Or I’ll tell that Roxy you’ve been getting in the way.”
“Ugh.” He frowned at the woman and turned his attention back to Allyse.
One of the staff hurried over. “Ma’am, do you have another large bowl we could use?”
Mrs. Dashnell nodded. “Yes. Top cabinet on the left.” She shook her head at the white aproned young man as he darted across the kitchen.
“Are you here with the group?” His voice smoothed over her like buttercream frosting. He still held her hand and she…well, she let him.
“Oh. Yes. I was just walking around for a bit before things got started and couldn’t resist meeting these two.” Allyse smiled and glanced down at the two dogs. It was comforting to have them here. She missed Mr. Stinky, but she knew her mother would take good care of him while she was gone.
He nodded, his smile widening in approval. “They’re good dogs.”
Hailey pawed against Soren’s leg, looking all for the world as if they were having a conversation. He reached down and patted her head.
“Yes, my dear. It’s your nap time. I know. Let me take you back to your bed, okay?” Soren grinned, eyeing the other dog with a twist of his lips. “You too, Reggie. Nap time while the big people eat dinner.”
Allyse was enchanted. Most men she knew didn’t like animals. Her father when he was alive never let her have a pet, but when she got older and started to pay her own bills, her mother helped her pick out Mr. Stinky. Now, she didn’t know what she had done all those years. To have his little body snuggled up to hers at night and listen to his contented snorts as he got comfortable took her to a happy place. No matter what else in the world was going wrong, her little man made everything okay again.
“Oh. Do you work with the animals? That is so great. I should have asked for a job like that for the show.” Her heart did a funny little flip as she observed the obvious care he gave Hailey and the nervous cocker spaniel.
“Something like that.” The smile in his eyes contained a sensual flame.
Allyse smoothed her hands down her slacks. “Oh, okay. Well, I’ll be here for a week. Maybe I’ll see you around.”
Soren scooped up the small black dog and met Allyse’s eyes. “You will. Oh you definitely will.” He exited the kitchen and the door swung shut behind him.
Allyse sank against the counter and sucked in a breath. The man was sexy as hell. “Who was that?”
Mrs. Dashnell chortled. “Why my dear, that was Soren Rochester, and I think he might just fancy you.”
“You mean?” Allyse’s mouth went dry and she swallowed. That was the bachelor? Her heart soared at his interest, but plummeted as the reality of her situation crowded in on her. Who would look twice at her when they had a glittering gallery of petite women to choose from?
No one, that’s who.
It was time to get out there and make the best of things. When the week was over she’d never see him again and damned if it didn’t make her feel just a little bit hollow.
“Yes. Why don’t you go and get ready for dinner? I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to seeing you on the playing field as it were.”
“Umm. Sure.” Allyse gave the well-meaning woman a smile. “It was nice to meet you.”
“Likewise, dear. Likewise.”
Allyse heard the woman begin to hum as she stepped out into the hall. Fairytale endings didn’t happen for witches like her. They were always for someone else. She would make the best of the situation. There wasn’t any other choice. Her mother depended on it.
With a thoughtful smile, Allyse made her way back to her room. It was show time.
Chapter Six
Soren left the kitchen before he disgraced himself. The second he saw her, his wolf senses went into overdrive and the urge to pin the girl to the floor and fuck her senseless nearly overwhelmed him. He stalked into the den and carefully set Hailey on the floor. She scampered over to the couch and hopped up, burrowing into the blanket. Her knowing eyes watched him.
“Did you find any of the females to your liking?” Abraham turned from his post at the window and considered him.
“Yes.”
The gargoyle raised an eyebrow expectantly.
“She’s probably one of the behind the scenes women from the show and not a contestant.” He’d already memorized her face and lush curves that begged to be touched.
Fuck.
How was he going to go out there and mingle with a bunch of shallow women when he’d already found the woman he wanted?
“Does that matter? If she is your mate, then you have to claim her.”
“I know.” Soren rubbed at his eyes.
Reggie followed close behind and he curled up in a ball next to the couch. Hailey ignored him, her gaze focused on Soren.
Like her.
“Yes, Hailey. I liked her. A bit too much all at once.” He went over to his desk and fell into the chair. How like him to pick the most inopportune moment to develop an attraction to a tech for the show.
“Your animals…they speak to you?”
Soren nodded. He liked the gargoyle and despite his misgivings about having a stranger in the house, he had quickly become someone Soren trusted.
“They do. It’s something many of the alpha males are born with in my family.”
“Why do you not go out and forge your own pack?”
Soren laughed. “I’ll let Carrick shoulder that one.” He really needed to focus on work, but he couldn’t get his mind off her.
Despite all the shenanigans and hoopla, he did have a business to run. Roxy had been after him to get one of the new accounting programs for his computer, but he preferred to see where his money was going the old fashioned way. He had accountants, true enough, but after being burned some years ago, he liked to check behind them and that wasn’t going to happen on a spreadsheet. He was nothing if not meticulous.
Soren’s gaze slid down the accounting columns, not really focusing on what he was seeing. He’d gone in there to find out what was for dessert. It was the one thing he was looking forward to in the mad circus that had become his life. Instead he found a gorgeous curvy woman splayed out on his kitchen floor. His wolf, usually silent when it came to his choices in women, paced inside of him.
Mate.
Soren stubbornly refused to listen despite the physical effect she was having on him. His erection ground mercilessly into his jeans. He let out a growl of frustration and tossed the pencil back onto the desk. Numbers and digits calmed him. Usually. But the heat in his blood kept at him and he closed his eyes.
“Mate with the woman.”
Soren’s eyes snapped open and he considered his security agent. “I want to be sure.”
“You are already.” Abraham stated. “The mating bond cannot be breached. Once there is a connection there can be no other.” His gaze snapped down to the melee below.
“Like you do with Roxy?”
Abraham’s gaze shot back to Soren. “Yes. But a more stubborn wench I have never met.”
“Tell me about it.” Soren responded dryly.
I like her.
He glanced up at Hailey. “She is quite likeable.”
A soft woof to the affirmative, she snorted at him and buried her face in the couch blanket.
Hailey liked her. Well, so did he. Her patience with the dogs was the first thing and the second was her genuine laugh. It was in her eyes, not just a fake smile to make an impression. He doubted she even knew who he was.
There was no doubt his wolf found her appealing. None at all. Thoughts of him walking with her under the moon in his private garden soothed his agitation. This might just work after all. Her twinkling blue eyes and that long black hair and hips a man could grab onto at night. O
h yes. Things were definitely looking up.
Soren hummed. He absently picked up his pencil and the figures flew. Maybe Roxy had a good idea after all. This would be fun; if he survived being eaten alive by a host of two legged piranhas. When he saw Roxy next time, he would kiss her. He’d just found the girl he would marry. Only she didn’t know it yet, and he had a week to figure out the semantics.
***
Allyse flounced down the hall toward the dining room. It was a struggle to keep the smile off her face. Soren. She could swear he felt a connection the same as she had. And those eyes. They were spankaliciously dream worthy.
Romance novel hero hot, he made her want to go back to her room and read some more werewolf smut. Or just blow off the event entirely and admit to herself that there was no way she stood an ice cube’s chance in hell at winning the game fate had set out for her. She nibbled thoughtfully on her lip as she made her way to the opening event. It was detailed on her list of activities and she didn’t want to be late.
She neared the entrance of the dining room and hit one of the event check points. A group of three contestants were standing close to the door. One of the heavy-lidded blondes gave her a hooded glance and whispered something to her compatriots. They erupted into laughter and swept past her all garbed in short glittery barely-there dresses and nosebleed heels.
“Make sure you ask for the light course, honey. Wouldn’t want to bust the seams on that moo-moo.” The tallest of the three whispered, winking as she passed by.
Allyse stared after the woman, fury and embarrassment seething within her.
How dare they?
“You’re wearing that?” A clipboard bearing young man approached and eyeballed Allyse’s wardrobe.
“Yes. Yes, I am.” Allyse glanced down at her dress and frowned. It was new. Long and black, it flowed down her form gracefully.
He winced and wrote something down. “Go ahead then. I suppose it’s too late now.”
“Too late for what?” The dress was flattering for her figure and made her look good. She didn’t understand and after what had just happened, she wanted to sit down and get through the meeting so she could find an escape. Maybe there was a library she could hide in afterward. She stood in the open door to the dining room and paused. Every other girl in the room was decked out in short tight fitting glitter and sequins.
Westmore Wolves Series: Shapesifter Collection Bks 1-5 Page 24
