“Indeed, Aurora.” Her name sounded musical, rolling over his tongue. “I’m Grayson.”
She smiled. “Yes, Victoria just mentioned that.”
He blinked. Of course she did. Why was he acting so odd in response to this woman?
Victoria must have sensed something. Her nostrils flared and eyes narrowed before she turned and strode out of the room. She closed the door with more force than necessary.
Grayson swallowed. He didn’t have time to deal with Victoria. The situation with the pack matter was more important.
Aurora sat. When he inhaled her scent, a powerful blast of pheromones almost knocked him out of his chair.
His wolf froze inside and then turned absolutely manic. Mate. Mate. Mate!
While Grayson’s heart thundered and fireworks blasted through his skull, he struggled to regain his composure.
Could she be his mate?
Yes, his wolf insisted. Can’t you sense it?
Grayson stared into Aurora’s large eyes, which gazed back at him with a curious expression. Blood simmered in his veins as it rushed through his body. His skin felt tight and hot.
Yes, Grayson agreed with his wolf. She’s the one.
Only one problem—she was here to mediate between the packs, not to be courted by Grayson.
Besides, she was a witch. She lived in another state. Witches and wolves didn’t often mix, and for good reason—they were too different.
“Grayson?” Aurora stared at him.
He blinked. “What?” He must have spent the last several seconds gaping at her.
“Is there a problem?” she asked.
Indeed there was. The mediator he’d requested had arrived to help calm tensions between the packs was his mate. How would he be able to work with her to prevent war between the packs when his body felt near combustible with the impulse to get closer to her?
He’d just have to ignore whatever urges he felt toward her. The fate of the pack depended on a peaceful resolution.
Chapter 2
Aurora
Why did the wolf who had invited her up to the mountains have to look like that? How was she supposed to ignore anyone who looked the way he did, all hulking and muscular and downright striking? His imposing presence was softened by the warmth in his smile.
But when she sat across from him, his expression turned absolutely mortified, maybe even frightened.
“What do you mean by a problem?” Grayson asked.
“Yes. The way you’re staring at me makes me think that something’s wrong,” she replied.
“Oh.” He broke eye contact and rubbed the back of his neck. When he returned his gaze to her, his expression appeared neutral. “No, nothing’s wrong.”
Something about the catch in his voice made her examine him more closely. Was he being truthful?
But what reason did he have to lie?
Another explanation came to mind. Was it because she was a witch? After all, the welcome she’d had from that wolf shifter Victoria was frostier than the ice dam outside Grayson’s window. The view itself was spectacular with a grand view of the ski mountain.
“Great view,” she pointed out.
He followed her gaze out the window. “It helps me ensure that operations are running smoothly.”
Aurora returned her focus to him. The intensity in his hazel eyes was downright smoldering. She could practically feel his stare boring through her.
She gulped. “Are you okay with me being a witch?”
“Of course,” he replied quickly. Too quickly.
“I get the sense that there’s something odd here, and I’m trying to figure out what it is.”
She should know why. She was attuned to reading people’s emotions. Something about Grayson’s enigmatic reaction to her was undecipherable. It wasn’t something she’d ever encountered.
“I apologize if I’m acting off.” He swallowed. “Maybe it is because our kinds have been wary of each other in the past. But I have no problems with that. And I’m hoping our differences will not get in the way of a working relationship.”
Maybe she should not have gotten involved in a situation between two wolf packs. It was bound to be tenuous. After all, their tempers and lack of self-control were legendary. Wolves were prone to violence. The smallest disagreement could lead to bloodshed. If they just relaxed their ridiculous pride, they could avoid much anguish.
But that was why she was here, to prevent them from resorting to force.
And although Grayson acted a bit strange, his movements were calm and measured. He didn’t have that tightness in his expression, the aggression of an alpha wolf, so maybe it wouldn’t be too difficult to work with him.
Especially if she could ignore how attractive he was.
She swallowed her nervousness and forced a smile. “Of course. I see no reason why disputes between others in the past should affect our working relationship.”
“You’re a professional. Like me.” He gave her a nod of approval. “If I seem tense, it’s this issue with the other pack.” He frowned. “It’s been weighing on me.”
She could understand that. After all, that’s what led to her visit to the White Mountains. She gave him a tender smile. “That’s what I’m here to help you with. Why don’t you tell me what happened and what you hope to resolve?”
He stood from behind his desk, and once again, she was drawn to his impressive body. He was massive. What would it be like to have his body pressed down on hers as he kissed her, ran his hands down the side of her body…
Wait, why would she even think that? How unprofessional. She crossed her legs and uncrossed them, before sitting up straighter.
Grayson walked beside her. His nostrils widened and his eyelids fluttered halfway closed.
Was he sniffing her? Her muscles tensed. Wolves were so peculiar.
When he faced her, his hazel eyes had a brighter, golden gleam. “Why don’t we get you settled into a room first. And then we can discuss the situation with the Sacco pack over dinner.”
Grayson
Dinner? Where had that come from?
Grayson had planned on talking to Aurora here in his office. What was wrong with him? Was he so rattled by her arrival that he couldn’t even bear to part from her for the evening?
He’d already arranged for her to meet with the Sacco pack tomorrow. An unsettling tightness in his chest hit him with a pang. She’d be walking onto rival lands—and at his doing.
That was not the way for a shifter to pursue his mate. He glanced out of his window across the mountain toward Sacco territory.
Aurora replied, “Dinner would be nice. Would anyone else be joining us?”
Grayson rubbed the back of his neck. “No. I think we can cover everything.”
He could have given her an overview of the situation and then the directions to go and check into the hotel. Yet, he didn’t want to leave her so he searched for a reason to stay.
“We have a room for you in the hotel right at the base of the mountain.” I’ll walk you over so you can get settled in.
He stepped around from behind his desk and placed his hand on her lower back as he led her out of his office. Touching her was a bad idea. Sparks of heat traveled from his fingertips through his body.
Damn.
He heard that the connection between mates was powerful, but he never felt anything like this.
Don’t you feel how right it is? His wolf asked.
Grayson did, but this wasn’t the time to contemplate that question.
He addressed Aurora. “Let me introduce you to Rafe Renaud, our alpha and CEO of the resort.”
Grayson led her down to the opposite end of the lodge where Rafe’s office mirrored Grayson’s, but was slightly larger, befitting an alpha. Rafe’s door was open. He stared at a computer monitor with a serious expression.
“Rafe, do you have a moment?” Grayson interrupted.
Rafe pulled his eyes from the screen. “Yes.”
“This is Aurora Crawford,
the mediator from Salem.” Grayson’s voice sounded strange to his ears.
Rafe gave Grayson a questioning glance before he stood and welcomed Aurora. “Thank you for coming.”
While they exchanged brief greetings, Grayson stole the moment to regroup.
Rafe sent Grayson a telepathic message while he kept small talk going with Aurora.
Is something wrong? Rafe asked. I can sense your tension.
It’s complicated, Grayson replied. I’ll tell you after I get her settled in.
We’ll meet at Kelly’s Pub after work.
That was a reasonable assumption since they often ate there at the end of the day. Not tonight. I made plans to discuss business with Aurora over dinner.
Rafe exchanged a brief glance with Grayson. I see. We’ll talk later.
Grayson swallowed and then finished up the conversation. After they left Rafe’s office, they descended the stairs in the lodge and then crossed the paved pathway leading to the main village area. The compulsion to walk closer to her tugged at him. He resisted the urge to inhale her scent and take her hand in his.
As they approached the grand hotel, he asked, “Do you have a favorite type of food? We have a decent variety of restaurants.”
“I’m not picky,” she replied. “Since you’re familiar with the dining here, I trust you to pick the place. Why don’t you show me one of your favorites?”
A tingling warmth spread through Grayson’s chest. She said she trusted him. Sure, it was only something as small as a restaurant selection, but nonetheless, it pleased him. Introducing her to all the things he liked and discovering hers would be part of a courtship—which he had no business thinking about.
He struggled against that thought and focused on the topic at hand. “I often go to Kelly’s Pub with Rafe and others after work, but I do like La Luna. They have a wonderful selection of tapas.”
“That sounds perfect.”
Once they entered the hotel, Grayson walked to the reservations desk. “Ms. Crawford is booked in room 413. Please change it to the Jackson Suite.”
After he’d taken care of the upgrade, he walked Aurora over to a table near the concierge.
“You didn’t have to do that.” Her eyes widened with appreciation. “I’d be fine in a standard room.”
But he wanted to care for her, indulge her, woo his mate. “It’s my pleasure. After all, you’re doing so much for us.” He gave her a semi-bow to show his appreciation. “For me.”
“Thank you, Grayson.”
She smiled at him with such warmth, it made it all worthwhile.
Before he suggested something stupid like helping her get settled into her suite, he stepped over to one of the visitor’s maps of the region. “We’re here.” He pointed to the hotel’s location. “The restaurant is there.”
She stepped beside him and her scent filled the air with its sweet fragrance.
“Oh, that looks close. Easy to get to,” she replied.
Grayson closed his eyes and relished how her scent affected him with a strange euphoria as it drifted through his body. He snapped his eyes open before she noticed his strange behavior.
“You should have access to everything you need either there or in the mountain village, but if you don’t, please let me know.” He stepped over to his desk to get a business card. “I’ll see that all your needs are met.”
All her needs were met?
What happened to maintaining his composure? He was practically babbling and falling over himself to attend to her. Focus, focus, he schooled himself as he picked up a card from the holder. Let’s deal with the reason why she’s here.
His wolf snorted. It’s useless. You know it’s her. Court her. Make her ours.
Court her? What did his wolf know about relationships? Grayson’s duty and loyalties remained first and foremost to his pack.
After writing his personal cell number on the back, he returned to Aurora and handed her his business card. When she accepted it, her fingers brushed his, setting off a wave of heady awareness pulsing through his veins.
If the slightest touch from her unglued him like this, how would he get through the evening without confessing his secrets—namely telling her she was his mate? No way could he do that. Not only would he ruin his plan, but he’d scare her away.
He had no other option but to ignore his wolf’s yearning until after they dealt with the Sacco mess.
And then?
Good question. He’d deal with it then.
Aurora
The suite was spacious and high-end with a king-sized bed covered with more white fluffy pillows than one person could use. It was more than Aurora needed for a few days here in the mountains. A dark wood table beside a leather lounger would help her get settled. She moved it beside a window.
She unpacked her travel kit, setting up salt, an athame, a stone, a candle, a shell of water, and a feather on the appropriate spots. After centering herself with a breathing meditation, she cast a circle. She called on each of the elements and asked for their assistance in her task. She visualized success in her endeavor and repeated chants to ground her. She then thanked the goddess and closed the circle.
A shower helped soothe her, preparing her for the task ahead. What it didn’t help with was the strange jitters inside as she anticipated meeting Grayson for dinner. She spent entirely too much time fussing with her appearance, considering she was meeting him for a professional dinner to discuss business.
She’d been keenly aware of how he’d looked at her—and how her body had responded. Even now, she thought about his intense eyes. They were probing and soulful, reminding her of how an artist could be captivated by the art of creating. That was an odd comparison since his office and career choice indicated he was more likely fascinated by figures and spreadsheets.
The walk over the paved brick path was lit with solar lamps that revealed the picturesque village. Snow-covered roofs of quaint stores stretched ahead. The window displays of restaurants and stores appeared inviting. If she had free time over the next few days, she’d go exploring.
The brick exterior out front of the La Luna had a burnt yellow canopy and dark red lettering that had a unique appeal, yet blended in with the surrounding structures.
She stepped inside the Spanish restaurant and the scent of spices made her mouth water. The same yellow and reds were prominent on the walls of the dimly lit restaurant with soft lighting, both from overhead and the glass candles on tabletops. The lulling sound of Spanish guitar played in the background, just audible over the din of conversation.
She scanned the restaurant and immediately fixed her gaze on Grayson sitting at a round table for two near the center. A small candle encased in glass lit the rugged lines of his profile. Her heart thudded with an erratic beat. The impression he projected was confident, like he owned the place.
Grayson raised his eyes at that same moment, as if sensing her. When their gazes met, he smiled and her insides practically sizzled. A server passed with a tray of plates, and Aurora felt as fiery as the steaming vegetables. He stood and smiled.
Be professional. Be professional, she reminded herself as she continued over.
She reached him and said hello, somehow keeping from tripping over her tongue.
“Aurora.” He bowed his head. “You look beautiful. That color brings out your eyes.”
She was glad she’d chosen the amethyst wrap dress, which accentuated her eyes, which she considered her best feature. “Thank you.”
After she sat, he followed, like a perfect gentleman.
“Hope you don’t mind, but I ordered some sangria.” He motioned to the dark red ceramic pitcher between them. “They are well known for it and have drawn many regulars for that alone after days on the slopes.”
“Sounds great.”
After he poured them each a glass, she took a sip. The flavors of red wine and fruit exploded on her tongue. “You’re right, it’s delicious. No wonder they get repeat business.”
&
nbsp; When the server stopped by, they picked a number of tapas, including some of Grayson’s favorites, like chorizo and cheese ones, and stuffed mushrooms that she’d selected.
“The suite is amazing, by the way. It’s very kind of you,” she noted. “I can’t say I’m treated this well on most of my assignments.”
“My pleasure,” Grayson said with a solemn nod. “I appreciate you traveling up here to help us with this issue.” His brows furrowed. “Something I have been unable to resolve on my own.”
“Tell me what’s happened thus far.” She leaned forward. “I have an idea from my aunt, who arranged this assignment, but I’d like to hear more from you.”
Grayson picked up his glass and took another sip, watching her over the rim of the glass. She crossed her legs and then uncrossed them, switching to the other side. The intensity of his gaze bore through her again, scorching her skin.
After he set the glass down, he clasped his hands on the table. She glanced at them. They were masculine hands, rough, and not at all what she’d expect from a CFO who sat behind a desk. But he was also a wolf shifter, and she sensed there was much more to Grayson Dumont than what was on the surface.
“The Franconia and Sacco packs have fought over land in this area for as long as I can remember,” Grayson explained. “Around ten years ago, we purchased the ski resort. It was a bare-bones operation with outdated equipment and lodging. We’d invested wisely over the years and had the means and resources to develop the resort. The Sacco pack wasn’t at all happy about our plans. After much arguing back and forth, we came up with an agreement to live and let live. We each stay on our respective sides of the border and not trespass into the other’s territory.”
Grayson continued to explain the recent tensions that had arisen between the packs. Then he asked, “Are you familiar with how wolf shifters bond?” His voice sounded strange, all of a sudden, almost strangled.
“I am,” she replied. “Apparently, a wolf has one mate, kind of like a soulmate, I think.”
His gaze lingered on her before he swallowed. “Right. Well, when a shifter finds his or her mate, the compulsion to protect and care for a mate overpowers all else. Even reason.” Grayson glanced at his glass of sangria and licked his lower lip. “One of our enforcers, Damon, felt his mate was in trouble, but she was on Sacco land. When he crossed into their territory to find her, one of their enforcers engaged. That fight sparked more tension between the packs.”
The Wolf and His Forbidden Witch: A Howls Romance (White Mountain Shifters Book 2) Page 2
