His Wolf's Desire

by Shannon Nydia

  Jayla had been so absorbed in her own chaos she hadn’t noticed Monica’s new do. Her previously long hair, which used to fall to the middle of her back, was now a short pixie haircut. It was the perfect frame for her heart-shaped face. It accentuated her almond-shaped eyes. The honey-blonde highlights brought out the natural browns of her hair and her light-brown skin color.

  Turning to face Grant, Monica pinned him with her gaze. “If I remember correctly, you made the comment only bitter lonely women cut off their locks.”

  “I was joking at the time I said it, Monica. But you made it a point to prove me wrong.”

  Smiling, she offered him a haughty look before he could surprise her, wiping the smug look off her face.

  “You look stunning. You’ve always been quite lovely. But now… All I can say is…wow.”

  Jayla could see the sincerity flickering in Grant’s gaze. The blush that crept up Monica’s delicate features pointed out his compliment was the last thing she’d expected.

  “Monica, we should go. Mr. Graybar is waiting for the two of us right now.” Grant took a step away from the group, waiting for Monica to walk with him.

  Jayla opened her mouth to say something, but her friend only offered her a small smile. “I’m sorry, Jayla. I’ll touch base with you later.”

  Monica and Grant disappeared around the corner, leaving her once again all alone with Brad. As they stood in the now-empty hallway, staring at each other, her hand flew up and smoothed the front of her hair. The smirk which touched the side of Brad’s mouth infuriated her. He turned, then started back toward his office.

  Jayla walked to her office in a complete daze, shocked at behaving like a nymphomaniac at work. When had she become addicted to Brad’s cock? How the hell could something feel so fucking good and be so right yet feel so wrong and ironic at the same time? She was sitting in her office, traumatized by her own brazen behavior, when her cell phone started vibrating.

  “H-Hello?”

  “Tomorrow don’t wear any panties to work.” She could hear the amusement in his voice.

  “Are you… Are you barking orders at me?” She hated that she ended her statement with an angry squeak.

  “Take it as you want.”

  “How about one better, Brad? How about no more sex at work?”

  “That’s a thought.”

  “How’d you get my number?”

  “I have my ways.”

  “Lose the number.”

  “Whatever you say…lover.”

  Chapter Six

  Jayla felt herself unwind for the first time since she’d flown into Albuquerque. Just seeing her sister’s gorgeous face calmed her. After her encounter with Brad in the copy room, she’d lasted an hour before she left work for the day. Brad’s presence had been too much to handle. She couldn’t concentrate and was not about to get herself fired by barging into his office, throwing him down on his desk, and climbing on top of him.

  Wanting to clear the rest of her schedule for the day, she handed the reins over to Becky, her new executive assistant. Because her transfer was official, her team was being shuffled back to Seattle, leaving her to fend for herself. So with no other choice, Jayla anointed Becky to hold down the fort. She left her with every possible way of reaching her if an emergency sprang up. She hoped her assistant could juggle the next few hours of work without her. With a sigh, Jayla pushed work from her mind and concentrated on her sister.

  “Hi, Jasmine.”

  Jasmine stood in the doorway of her home, dressed in a denim miniskirt paired with a tight faded T-shirt. Her long legs and slender frame always had Jayla enviously wishing she’d been blessed with her sister’s body. Instead Jayla was much shorter and much curvier than her sister. Jasmine always complained about her lack of curves, swearing Jayla was the winner of who’d been blessed with the better body. Although she thought her sister crazy, Jayla loved how Jasmine always made her feel like maybe her curves weren’t all bad.

  Jasmine’s chin-length dark-chestnut bob drew attention to her vibrant light-brown eyes. Even in adulthood, those peepers looked just as mischievous as when she was a young bratty girl. Makeup done to a T, she looked like a movie star instead of a housewife. With every part of her, she echoed sexy, domesticated, taken woman any man would love to have waiting at home when they arrived.

  “Give me a hug, Jay.” Jasmine wrapped her arms around her and hugged her tight, then stiffened, pulling back slowly with a huge smile on her face. “You reek of wolf.”

  “I do?”

  “Jayla. You better spill now.” Jasmine’s eyes widened with excitement.

  “There’s nothing to tell.” Jayla sidestepped her sister and walked straight to the kitchen.

  “Don’t lie to me. You’ve never smelled of wolf before. Who is he? Is… Is he your mate?”

  Jayla turned her head and placed her purse on the counter. The hope and eagerness she heard in her sister’s voice constricted her throat. Pretending to check her phone, she took a moment to compose herself. She couldn’t risk Jasmine seeing the lie flash across her face. There was no way in hell she could tell her sister they were mates. Life as she knew it would cease to exist.

  “It’s your turn to calm down. I slept with a wolf; big deal.” She continued to focus on her phone, not daring to look at Jasmine.

  “No. You had sex over and over and over again. You can’t smell that strongly of wolf and only be having a casual fling.”

  “Says who?”

  “Says you. You don’t have casual sex.”

  “Jasmine, cut me some slack, okay?”

  “Nope. Not till you come clean.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Who is he? What does he look like? Is he good in bed? Is he the reason you ditched us last night?”

  “Whoa. I can hear you.” Jasmine’s husband, Danny, scrunched up his nose as he popped into the kitchen. Luckily for Jayla, he’d been the one to answer the door when she arrived. She knew he’d picked up on her obvious nervousness as she realized that Brad’s scent clung to every inch of her body. If she hadn’t been a shifter, she would have missed Danny’s split-second reaction. His nose flared, and his eyes flickered, signaling he’d picked up on the foreign scent of a male wolf. The consequences of that reality hadn’t crossed her mind before she came over. But Danny, being a sweetheart, had stalled for her benefit. Instead of inviting her into his home, he stepped outside to talk with her. When Jayla’s smiles became genuine and her laughter no longer forced, he called into the house, letting Jasmine know she’d arrived.

  “Well, get out of the kitchen. This is girl talk. Inquiring minds need to know these things. So you…go.” Pointing to the living room, Jasmine narrowed her eyes playfully at her husband. Danny caressed Jasmine’s hand, bringing her pointed finger to his mouth, and bit down. Laughing, she swatted at him as he landed a quick peck on her cheek.

  They were a stunning couple. Danny was tall, dark, and handsome. His bald head, dark-brown eyes, dark-brown skin, and thousand-watt smile made for one hell of a package. Jasmine and Danny were college sweethearts and still going strong. Jayla couldn’t help but smile at the two of them still so obviously in love.

  Winking at the two women, Danny grabbed himself a beer and disappeared into another part of the house. Opening a cupboard, Jasmine selected a cup and poured some water, handing it to her. Her eyes bore into Jayla, and Jayla knew Jasmine waited for answers to her questions.

  “Jasmine, really, there’s nothing to tell. Brad…”

  “Brad?”

  “Yes, his name is Brad.”

  “Is Brad handsome?”

  “No, he’s not handsome.”

  Jasmine’s face fell slightly.

  “He’s gorgeous. He is hands-down the finest man I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

  Jasmine giggled with her sister. “What does he look like?”

  “Dark-brown hair, blue eyes, and muscles everywhere.”

  “Dark-brown hair, blue eyes, and
muscles? Hmmm. Sounds intriguing.”

  Jayla sighed.

  “Is he good in bed?”

  “The man is in the wrong profession. He should fuck for a living.”

  Jasmine’s mouth fell open as her face became animated. “Oh, my God. Who are you, and what have you done with my sister?”

  “What?”

  “Don’t what me. Since when do you talk about a man like that?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Oh, wait… He’s become the Dr. Watson to your Sherlock Holmes. How kinky.”

  Jayla snorted at her sister. “You are so stupid.”

  “Me? You said it.”

  Jayla dipped her fingertips into her glass of water and flicked drops at her sister.

  Jasmine squealed, laughing. After a moment her laughter quieted. Eyes cast down while she drew an invisible pattern on her kitchen table, Jasmine asked the question Jayla had been dreading.

  “Sooooo, he’s a wolf. I thought you never wanted to date a wolf. So I have to ask, Jay. What’s so special about this wolf?”

  Both of Jayla’s hands flew up to her hair, smoothing it down. “I-I know what I said. I didn’t… I don’t want to date a wolf. We’re not d-dating. We’re just… You know.”

  Her sister placed her elbows on the table, resting her head on her hands. “Fucking? Is that the word you’re looking for?”

  Jayla presented her sister a half smile. “I mean, yes and no.”

  “Explain.”

  “It’s nothing serious. We’re just going with the flow.” She held her breath, waiting to see if her sister believed her lies. She felt horrible lying to Jasmine, but what else could she do? Her family could not find out Brad was her mate; all hell would break loose.

  Jasmine was staring at her, studying her features. When Jayla’s heart couldn’t take it anymore, she broke the silence.

  “Look, Jasmine. Bottom line is I don’t have time for nonsense right now. I’m up to my ears in work. I couldn’t even imagine being able to tack on a relationship.”

  “So no time for a relationship. Just time to have lots and lots of sex?”

  “It was one night.”

  “You smell like you’ve been with him for months.”

  “I do not. His scent is still fresh on me. That’s why it’s so strong.”

  “I don’t buy it. I cannot wait to meet this guy.”

  “You’re not going meet him. Did you hear anything I just said?”

  “Mmm-mmm. This is the first wolf that has you breaking your self-imposed no-wolf rule.”

  “Not true.”

  “You’re right; I’m sorry. Who was the last wolf you were with?”

  Jayla turned her nose up in the air. She wasn’t about to give Jasmine the satisfaction of an answer.

  “Your silence confirms my point. First wolf…in forever.”

  Jayla opened her mouth to say something, but Jasmine kept going.

  “This wolf is also rocking your world. So the next time I see you and you reek of Brad the dark-brown-haired, blue-eyed, muscle-show…imma tell Ma.”

  “Jaz.”

  “Danny, did you pick up his scent?” Jasmine yelled into the air, tilting her head back, waiting for her husband to answer her.

  “Yes, dear. I picked it up as soon as I opened the door. You know I never forget a scent.”

  Jayla could hear the amusement in Danny’s voice. Creasing her face in anger, Jayla yelled, projecting her voice toward Danny. “Traitor.”

  Danny chuckled before offering his response. “Sorry, Jay. You know I love you. I’m just looking out for you.”

  Turning toward her, Jasmine sighed before continuing. “If you don’t bring him to us, we’ll track him down.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.” Jayla’s eyes opened wide.

  “I would. You know I would, Jay.”

  “I don’t like you right now.”

  “You did the same thing to me when Danny and I were sneaking around trying to pretend we weren’t serious.”

  “That was different.”

  “How?”

  “I’m not sneaking around.”

  “You just did.”

  “Did not.”

  “You have guilt written all over your face, not to mention dripping from your voice when you called me earlier today.”

  “Of course I feel guilty. I missed the dinner we’ve been planning for months.”

  “Exactly my point. The fact you forgot about me of all people tells me this is not a casual fling.”

  “You’re wrong. And I was just protecting you when you first met Danny.”

  “I’m doing the same thing.”

  Jayla knew her sister was right. Jasmine had her best interests at heart. That’s the way their pack did things. Out in the open and in plain sight, so everyone could look out for one another. By knowing what was going on in their lives, they were able to protect one another.

  Deciding to drop their argument for the time being, Jayla shifted gears. “Well, I have news.”

  “Good or bad?”

  “Both.”

  “Uh-oh. What is it?”

  “The good news is I’m here for good. Mr. Graybar unofficially approved the transfer a month ago. I couldn’t say anything until it became official. Besides, I didn’t want to jinx myself. But as of today, I’m a part of the Albuquerque office.”

  Jasmine’s eyes widened as she jumped into Jayla’s arms. “I can’t believe it. I’m so happy. This is the best news ever… Wait. What’s the bad news?”

  “You’re going to be all up in my business from now on.”

  Throwing her head back, Jasmine raised both her fists in the air in triumph.

  “Yes!”

  Jayla laughed at her sister’s playfulness.

  “Oh, my gosh. Mom and Grandma are gonna freak. I feel S-O-R-R-Y for you. If you think I’m gonna be all up in your Kool-Aid, wait till they get their hands on you.”

  Groaning loudly, Jayla’s shook her head in denial. “Do me a favor and don’t tell Mom, Dad, or Grandma yet.”

  Frowning, Jasmine scowled at her sister. She crossed her arms across her chest in aggravation. “And why wouldn’t I tell them?”

  “Because I want to tell them.”

  “Mmm-hmm. Sure you do.”

  “Jaz. It’s my business to tell. I just want to get settled into my apartment before they know.”

  “Apartment? You mean you’re not going to move in here with us?”

  “No. If I’m living here, I want a place of my own. My belongings are scheduled to be delivered in about an hour to my new apartment.”

  “You’re not trying to hide from us, are you, Jay?”

  For what seemed like the hundredth time tonight, Jayla tried not to let deception show on her face. She hated lying to her sister.

  “No. I’m just used to living on my own. Did you forget I used to live in Seattle all by my lonesome? I like my own space.”

  “I guess I’ll buy your excuse for now. But I’m not making any promises on how long I’ll keep my trap shut. I’ll give you a little time to get settled. But you’re on the clock, Jay.” To emphasize her point, she tapped the watch clasped around her dainty wrist.

  Sighing in relief, Jayla opened her sister’s fridge and took out the container of chicken and dumplings, looking forward to reheating a bowl.

  Chapter Seven

  “Why are you here? And please tell me I’m not seeing an overnight bag you’re carrying with you.” Jayla stood in the doorway of her newly rented apartment, one hand pointing to Brad’s bag, her other hand fisted at her side.

  She cursed under her breath, irritated at how very aware she was of the way his jeans hugged his lean hips. And just as aware of the way his shirt clung to his torso. The crisp material pulled taut around every convex of muscle. His upper body looked swollen, freshly worked out. She could imagine how sexy he must have looked pumping iron at the gym. He’d no doubt tried to exercise her from his system. His showing up at her apartment pr
oved his plan hadn’t worked. She could relate. She’d buried herself neck deep in the boxes she needed to unpack, trying to find something other than him to focus on.

  “Well? Why are you here?” Shifting her weight, she tapped her foot in annoyance. She already knew the answer to her question before she asked it. He stood before her with a black bag slung over one shoulder and work clothes hung from hangers gripped in his other hand.

  His face hardened at her unreceptive tone, and he strode in. Throwing his bag on the floor, he focused his ice-cold glare on her. “I’m here because I can’t think about anything but fucking you. And yes, I brought the essentials since I’ll be here all night.”

  “No way in hell.”

  “What’s the alternative? I’m not going to drive across town all night whenever the urge strikes.”

  “You’re disgusting.”

  “I’m sorry. Should I refer to our urges as making love?”

  Jayla’s eyes narrowed into thin slits as she struggled with her temper. “No, you’re right. They’re urges.” Reluctantly she closed and locked her door.

  “I’m so glad we both agree.”

  “How’d you even know where to find me?”

  “Well, imagine my surprise when I realized you’d bolted from the office without telling me.”

  “Ha. That’s hilarious considering I don’t answer to you.”

  “I appreciate your new executive assistant, Becky… She’s very accommodating with providing information on you.”

  Jayla’s eyes opened wide in shock, then disappointment, in learning Becky had crumbled and given Brad her new address. So much for it being on like Donkey Kong when your allies gave the enemy whatever they wanted. Her newly rented apartment was supposed to be her Fortress of Solitude. The one place she could retreat to when need be. But now that Brad knew where to find her, she wasn’t feeling as motivated to finish unpacking as before.

  “Brad, you’re such a tool. I don’t appreciate you harassing my assistant. You have my number; why not just call me if you need to get a hold of me?”

  “I thought you wouldn’t answer.”

  “Did you even try? I would have answered my phone.”