by Riley Storm
Probably why she wasn’t overly nice to Sarah.
He made a mental note to get a new receptionist.
There was no sense in stalling any further, and so he pulled up the internal message system and sent off a line to Jared, the internal head of IT, asking him where to use someone like her. It would probably be several minutes before he got a response, so he leaned back and eyed Sarah yet again.
When she’d initially turned down his offer, Jax had been surprised to learn he was a little hurt by it. He’d been so confident that she would be ecstatic at the position, at the increased pay, better benefits, everything outlined in the paperwork in her welcome envelope, that she would leap at the chance.
Instead, she’d said she didn’t want his charity. That she just wanted a regular job. Sarah Mingott so desperately did not want to be near him, that she was willing to give that all up. Yeah, that hurt more than he was willing to admit.
It’s not like she doesn’t need the money either. Her grandmother’s house isn’t falling apart, but it needs repairs, and work done, that much is obvious. So what the hell did I do to make her turn down the opportunity to fix all that?
His fingers went back to the computer, sending out another message to Jared. There had to be some way he could convince her that he genuinely wanted to help. So he told Jared to make sure that wherever he put her, that she had the absolute best equipment. No holds barred, top of the top of the line, and to bill it to him directly, not the Outreach Center.
The only response he got from Jared was ‘Ok. But that will take a few days. She’ll have to handle the mundane equipment until then.’ He could just imagine the man’s sigh. But what was he going to do, say no to one of the Drakon brothers?
Being the boss has to have a few perks.
“They’re just setting up a desk for you now,” he said, typing a reply to that effect. “It’ll be a little bit before they’re ready for you.”
“Thank you,” Sarah said, a bit of genuine relief in her voice.
But Jax wasn’t letting her get that away that easy.
“So, while we wait,” he said, leaning back in his chair, looking at her over the monitor. “Tell me some more about you.”
Sarah sat upright, growing even stiffer if that was at all possible. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. The usual background information,” he said, waving a hand. “Who are you, where are you from, that sort of thing.”
“It’s on my resume,” she said dryly. “Or did you only use that to figure out where I lived so you could stalk me?”
Jax nodded slowly. “I suppose I had that one coming,” he admitted, smiling, letting her know she wasn’t going to best him that easily. “But no, I didn’t get it off your resume. So you can tell me now.”
She sighed, looking down, then back up at him, down again, then finally meeting his eyes. “My name is Sarah Mingott, and I grew up outside of Boston. I moved here three years ago. I’m an information technology professional. I’ve done programmer jobs and I’m also certified in network administration, though I’ve never done that in a full-time job, only part-time on the side. There, is that good?”
Ignoring the hostility, Jax shrugged. “Why’d you move to Plymouth Falls? Boston seems like a much better bet for higher-paying jobs in your field.”
He wasn’t sure what sort of response he’d been expecting, but the sudden wave of emotion that played over her face was not it. There were far too many different looks for him to interpret, but they told him one thing. Her departure from Boston hadn’t been a pleasant one.
Ex-boyfriend, perhaps? Some sort of traumatic incident maybe?
“I…came here to look after my grandmother,” she said at last.
It was a lie. They both knew it. Jax wanted to press, to dig for more information on the intriguing woman, but he didn’t. Not on this issue. Whatever it was, she would have to open up to him to talk about it. Pushing, he sensed, would only make her close herself off even more.
You’re going to open up to me eventually, Sarah Mingott. No matter how much money I have to spend to convince you I’m for real.
Chapter 9
He was stalling.
Sarah couldn’t think of any other reason he would still be keeping her in his office. It should have been as simple as him picking up the phone, calling down to the IT department head, explaining the situation, and sending her on her way.
Instead, Jax had done it all via computer, so she couldn’t see what he was actually doing, or what he was saying. Also by doing that, he’d given himself time to wait for a reply. Time he was using to try and figure her out, to pry into her life.
Not for the first time Sarah thought about calling him out on it. Telling him that she wasn’t stupid, she was aware of what he was doing. That no matter how polite and interested he seemed, she wasn’t going to sleep with him for a job. It wasn’t going to happen. So, either send her on her way or tell her to go home.
“Why didn’t you tell me this yesterday?” she asked as silence lingered after his little round of questioning. “That you wanted me to come be your assistant, instead of what I’d applied for?”
Jax shrugged. “Would you have come?”
“No,” she said immediately.
As if I would come and be your assistant. What do you think I am, Jax Drakon, some sort of lower-class citizen, ready to do whatever bidding just because you’re handsome and wealthy?
It irked her to know that was what he thought of her. That he was willing to go to such lengths to offer her a job, just because he wanted to get in her pants.
Why do they always want me? Especially when tall, skinny Veronica or whatever her name is, is out there waiting in the hallway. He could have her any time he wanted, I’m sure. Yet he insists on giving me the focus instead.
What was it about her that drew in the assholes like that? If she knew, she would change it in a heartbeat for sure, but Sarah had never been able to figure it out.
“That’s why I didn’t say anything,” Jax said softly. “I thought I was doing something nice, helping you out. But it seems you don’t want that. Which is fine, but at least this way, I still get to keep you here as an employee. Likely a valuable one too, unless I miss my guess. I don’t know much about your world, but you strike me as someone who is very good at their job.”
Against her will, Sarah felt herself blush, the warmth in her cheeks a dead giveaway. She couldn’t help herself. Perhaps it was his calm, honest voice, or the fact that she often felt the same way about herself, though she tried not to acknowledge it in hopes of remaining humble. But Sarah had worked hard to get to where she was, and in a field dominated by men, that was no small feat.
“Thank you,” she said once she trusted her voice again, slowly pulling her gaze up from the floor.
Jax was still there behind his computer, the blocky features of his face relaxed into that easygoing smile he so often sported. In fact, she wasn’t sure she’d ever seen him look unhappy. The longer she looked at the lines of his face, the more she realized she didn’t want to either. His face was meant to smile, meant to look positive.
“I’m not trying to flatter you,” he said, catching her eyes and holding them. “That’s just an honest observation. Even if you don’t want to work directly for me, I know you’ll be a positive asset to us here at the Outreach Center, and that you’ll help our clients achieve their goals.”
Sarah smiled awkwardly, unsure what to say in response to such kind words. She still wasn’t going to fall for his charms, but she had to say something in response. Sitting in her chair and staring at him wasn’t an option, regardless of how easy on the eyes he was.
Just staring isn’t the way to go about it at all.
That was when Sarah realized she was staring. This entire time, her eyes had been locked on his, mesmerized by the unusual coloring of them. She wanted to know if it was natural, some sort of birth defect, or perhaps even colored contacts that gave him that vibrant cop
per coloring throughout the brown of his iris, but she knew broaching such a subject would be unprofessional.
Almost as unprofessional as staring. Suddenly flustered, she looked away hurriedly.
“Is everything okay?” Jax said quietly, speaking into the silence that had fallen between the pair.
“Yes,” she replied quickly. Too quickly. It was a dead giveaway she was lying.
Jax pursed his lips, and she watched him stroke his jaw, her eyes flicking to him and then away repeatedly. Then he was up and standing, walking around the edge of the desk. Sarah stood too, not wanting to give him any more of a height advantage over her than he already had.
“Did you get a reply?” she squeaked, her voice failing her.
“Are you sure everything is okay?” Jax asked, moving in front of her and sitting back onto his desk, so he was closer to her height.
“Of course,” she said nervously, shifting her feet but not moving.
What was going on with her? Why was she suddenly so shy and unable to talk to him?
It was his proximity. He was close to her, practically within her personal space bubble. Sarah was having a hard time dealing with that. There was a tension between them, a tension she knew wasn’t just felt by her.
Shit. I need to get out of here and get out soon.
“You can tell me if there’s a problem, Sarah,” he said gently, using her name.
“I know,” she said, fighting valiantly to keep a shiver from running down her spine at the way it sounded coming off his lips. It was good. Really good.
“I want you to feel welcome here at the DOC,” he said, dipping his head low so that even looking down at the ground, she could see his face. “Is there anything else I can do to make your experience better?”
All at once, Sarah was in a different office, in a different town. But it was the same question.
Her head came up, green eyes blazing with jade fire. “I appreciate the offer,” she said icily. “But I’m not interested in any extra perks that you can offer me.” Her tone made it very clear what she was implying.
Jax reared backward, his forehead wrinkling, eyebrows shooting up. “What?”
“Whatever it is you’re offering to do, I’m not interested in you as part of my welcome package,” she said sarcastically, looking him up and down, trying not to acknowledge the part of her brain that would enthusiastically welcome such a deal.
His package. No. Don’t. Stay away, eyes. Don’t you look there.
She fought mightily to keep her eyes from darting down to his crotch, instead meeting Jax’s stare with open anger.
“Is that what you think of me?” he asked darkly.
Sarah realized she was right. She didn’t like seeing his face when it wasn’t happy. Especially now when it was filled with growing anger.
“You think I’m trying to get you to sleep with me?” he asked incredulously.
A hint of something else appeared on his face, replacing the anger for a nanosecond before he covered it back up again. But Sarah had seen it.
He was hurt by her accusation.
“I think you should leave,” he said gruffly. “That’s not who I am, or what I’m about, but I’m not about to risk a lawsuit. Get out of my office.”
Sarah got up, grabbed her envelope and keycard and headed for the door.
“You’re on Floor G. You don’t need the keycard to get there. Leave it.”
She stopped, surprised at her own reaction to his words. He was revoking her access to his office, telling her bluntly that he didn’t want her to come up there again, to come see him. That she wasn’t welcome.
“Fine,” she said, dropping it on the desk and walking out, using her anger to disguise the sadness she felt at realizing she wasn’t going to see him again. Ever.
She hauled open the door and stormed out into the hallway, ignoring the pleasant smile from the receptionist.
He’s all yours, girl. I don’t want anything to do with him.
Even as she thought it, Sarah knew it was a lie.
Chapter 10
“Well, well, well,” he said as two figures walked into the kitchen, one of them holding something to her chest. “I was wondering when you would show yourselves. Is that what I think it is?” he asked, nodding toward the bundle.
“It is,” Liz Drakon said, smiling broadly. “If you thought it was Melina Drakon.”
Jax shot to his feet as Liz and her mate Valla approached. “Hello, little one,” he said softly, looking down at the tiny little figure wrapped in soft cloth. “Aren’t you adorable.”
“She’s just wonderful,” Valla said, beaming from ear to ear, as proud a father as one could imagine.
“So clearly, she takes after her mother then,” Jax teased.
Liz giggled while Valla just snorted, too happy to care about the playful insult.
“You two are doing okay?” he asked, looking back and forth at the newborn’s parents.
“Feeling much better now,” Liz said. “The first week was tough.”
He nodded in understanding. Eight days ago, Liz had gone into labor, and the pair had sequestered themselves in their quarters. Doctors had come in for the birth itself, and departed shortly thereafter, proclaiming everything to be alright.
Since then, the rest of the House had waited anxiously for the pair to emerge. Only Francis and their nanny, a lovely older woman by the name of Margery had been allowed into the quarters to help, bringing food and aiding with the care of the newborn. Today though, it seemed, the pair were feeling up to coming out and showing off the newest addition to House Draconis.
“Do you want to hold her?” Liz asked.
Jax froze. “Are you sure?” he asked, trying not to let his excitement shine through. “You’re okay with that?”
“Just hold her,” Liz said, grinning widely as she transferred Melina to his arms.
Jax didn’t want to move. “She’s so tiny,” he said, inadvertently starting to rock from side to side as he cradled the sleeping babe. “So small…” He looked up, not bothering to contain the smile on his face.
“You’re a natural at it,” Liz said, leaning her head on Valla’s shoulder.
“Thanks. It’s…been a long time since we’ve had babies around here,” he said, fixing his attention on the chubby little cheeks and stubby fingers as they moved slowly while the baby slept, dreaming its dreams.
“So tell us,” Valla rumbled. “How is it out there? What is it like?”
“Yes,” Liz said, lighting up. “Please. What news. We’re so jealous that you get to go out.”
Jax tilted his head to the side, giving them a vague shrug as he continued to rock the infant. He knew Liz and the other women were suffering under the self-imposed containment. With the vampires so strong and close by, and the shifter houses fractured and unable to do anything to combat the rising evil, it was simply too dangerous for the humans outside of Drakon Keep. They sometimes went out with their mates during the daylight hours, but rarely.
“It’s dangerous,” he said, looking down at the baby he held, then back at Liz. “Very dangerous.”
She shivered and nodded.
“People are going missing with increasing frequency.” He had the reports on his desk to back that up.
“Thralls,” Valla hissed angrily.
“Or full vampires,” he said. “We just don’t know. But they are gathering their strength. We know that much. So don’t be jealous of me,” he said, then glanced down at Melina. “If anything, I am the one to be jealous of you.”
“What do you mean?” Liz wanted to know. “Because we’re parents? It’s not all as wonderful as right now,” she said. “There’s lots of crying. Lots.”
“Not just that,” Jax said remorsefully, continuing to bounce gently from side to side to rock Melina, keeping her fast asleep. “Even just the pair of you. I’m nearly three-and-a-half centuries old, Liz. Yet here’s Valla, barely eighty, and yet already he has his mate, while I am alone. How can
I not be jealous?” he asked, trying to keep his tone even.
“Oh Jax,” Liz said, reaching out to rest a hand on his shoulder. “You will find someone. You’re too good of a person not to. The right one just hasn’t come along yet, that’s all.”
“Maybe,” he agreed. “Maybe.”
Visions of a glasses-wearing brunette with bangs flashed across his mind, green eyes practically glowing behind the rims. She was on his mind a lot, ever since she’d stormed out of his office after accusing him of trying to bribe her with a job for sex. It bothered him how things had ended between them, but he really wasn’t sure how to go about fixing it. She didn’t seem to want anything to do with him.
“Changing topics,” Valla said, reaching out to take Melina.
Jax reluctantly surrendered the little bundle of joy back to her father, watching the young dragon stare wondrously at his daughter for a long moment before finishing speaking.
“How did your first meeting go? Are Raptere with us?”
“No,” Jax said heavily. “They are not. The meeting did not go well at all.”
“What happened?” Liz wanted to know, looking concerned. “I thought they would welcome the idea of working together.”
“They didn’t want to see me,” he explained. “I showed up at the gate, and one of their lackeys tried to send me away without even listening to what I had to say.”
Valla snarled silently. “Arrogant swine,” he said. “They always have thought themselves better than all the rest of us. It doesn’t surprise me that they would do that. What did you do?”
Jax shrugged. “I got a little forceful.” He shook his head. “It was the wrong tactic. I should have known better, but I just wasn’t thinking straight.”
He didn’t mention that his brain had been distracted by Sarah, focusing too much of its attention on her, and not the task at hand. If he’d been focused, perhaps now they would be operating with some more allies in the fight against the vampires, instead of the four of them standing alone against the growing darkness.