“Shifters?” Shade asked quickly. His rule for his businesses was always to employ Wolves wherever possible.
“Of course,” Melony nodded. “Silver Lake Pack first, but there is one from further afield that’s looking to relocate here. If they’re more suitable then I’ll get them to visit with you first to see if you think they’ll fit in here. If not, then I’ll go back to the drawing board.”
“That’s fine, just keep me informed.”
“Great, I’ll get started on that. Nice to meet you, Alpha. Welcome to the Pack.” Melony bowed her head to Marissa before bounding away again.
“Wow, she’s gorgeous.” Marissa watched as Melony rushed away.
“She’s a good asset to the Pack, very good business head on her shoulder’s, and her looks help to pull the guys into the club.” Shade saw the sideways glance Marissa gave him, adding quickly. “But she and I have never hooked up if that’s what you were thinking.”
“None of my business if you had,” Marissa replied, although she didn’t meet his eyes.
“Hey, what happened before I met you is in the past. Everyone else pales into insignificance against you, Mari, you’re my mate, and nobody will ever come close to that.”
He hated the way she’d been browbeaten to have such a low opinion of herself, especially when it was such a wrong one. She was freaking gorgeous. Every single thing about her was stunning and he’d make sure that soon she’d know that.
They remained outside for another couple of hours, but when he saw her stifle a yawn, Shade picked her up, cradling her against him and carried her inside. Despite her protests. He warmed up the chicken broth that Lana had delivered earlier, then she joined him when he made steak with mushrooms and baked potato. Her constant comments of amazement of his cooking himself a meal making him laugh aloud.
“What? You think I have a bevy of women doing everything for me?”
“Well, yeah, it’s what happens in my old Pack. The men don’t lift a finger in the kitchen. They don’t wash a dish, or clean up, or anything like that. They hunt, drink beer, and generally act like assholes. This place is like night and day, but so nice and refreshing. I particularly liked Melony and hope she and I can become friends. Do you think she’d help me with girly stuff?”
Shade was about to laugh again until he saw her serious face, instead he nodded. “I’m sure she would, but it will have to wait.”
Marissa tilted her head, looking delectable as she asked. “Why? Oh, is she too busy with work? I get that, of course. I’ll wait until she has time.”
“No,” Shade replied, his voice husky and low, thick with desire. “Because she’ll not get near you again until after we’re mated. Another day, or two tops, I think that’s all my beast will be able to wait, gorgeous.”
Marissa’s mouth opened, closed, then opened to form a perfect O, her gaze locked with his as he stalked toward her. His mate’s scent hung in the air, alerting him to her aroused state, which had been slowly simmering all day, right now it was scorching hot. As was his. Yet again he reminded himself, she wasn’t ready, and he reined in his ardor, but couldn’t resist pulling her into his arms to kiss her senseless. He’d never, not in a thousand lifetimes, get enough of seeing that look in her eyes when his lips left hers. Her eyes hooded with desire, pupils dark and so wide they almost encompassed her entire irises, her lips plump and moist, and that dang aroma of her arousal . . . fuck! He’d never get enough of that.
This time when he tugged away, her hand sneaked up, pulling his head back down to nip at his bottom lip with her teeth. Damn! She smirked up at him as she pulled on it, biting softly before releasing it. “Tomorrow night, Shade, because I don’t think I can wait any longer either.”
“Tomorrow night.” Shade groaned. “Why does that sound such a long time?”
“Because you’re as turned on as I am,” she replied thickly. “Can I have something to drink? Something with a high alcohol content please. I’m gonna need it to get to sleep, otherwise I’m going to have naughty dreams all night long.”
“Well, hell! Thanks for that.” Shade scowled. “Now I will, I’ll join you, but just one then we can go to bed and rest.”
As he went to get them a drink there was a knock at the door, Marissa shouting through to the kitchen she’d get it. Shade rushing back to find her laughing at one of Royce’s lame jokes which had Shade growling involuntarily. Royce’s hands flying up in front of him and backing up a few steps as Marissa’s eyes flew to Shade’s.
“It’s all right, we were just talking.”
“Too damn close, Royce. You were too damn close and you should know better.”
Shade’s blood boiled in his veins, anger rolling through him even though he knew his Beta was no threat to his mate. His head told him one thing while his beast howled another. Royce took another step away from Marissa, eyes lowering in submission as Shade fought to control the unbridled fury rampaging through him. Marissa rushed toward him, her hand reaching up to stroke his cheek, her touch wielding magical powers to calm both man and beast. Shade covered her hand with his, staring down into her dark and worried eyes.
“It’s all right, baby, I’m okay now.”
“Are you sure?” she asked, obviously worried.
“Yeah, I won’t knock him on his ass . . . this time.” Shade smirked at her before glowering at Royce. “What were you thinking?”
“Looks like I wasn’t?” Royce muttered. “Sorry.”
“For the love of all things holy, don’t do anything so stupid again, Royce.” Shade shook his head. “I’m strung tighter than a drum right now.
