I’m saved when the drinks arrive with the breakfast feast close behind. I’m savoring every mouthful when Luke asks, “So, why wolves, of all animals?”
I touch my napkin to my lips and answer, “When I was a child there was a nature preserve outside of Olympia where we used to visit on a regular basis. All the kids always gathered around the otters, where the action was. But not me. I would stand for hours, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the three rehabilitated wolves that lived there. They just have this aura about them. I told myself then and there that I wanted to go into animal habitat conservation. Pretty ironic that I’m having a cozy breakfast with a logger of all people, don’t you think?”
“Actually, in case you’re not aware, logging has benefits for animals such as wolves,” he says.
“Really?” I ask, skeptical of his sudden pronouncement.
“Logging considerably reduces the risk of forest fires by clearing out dead or dying trees along with encouraging new plant growth by offering new space. If there’s a lack of plant growth, herbivores such as deer wouldn’t survive, and your wolves would starve.” He gives me a pointed look.
“I apologize then. You learn as you go. However, it is a proven statistic that deforestation drives animals such as wolves into foreign environments that often prove fatal for them, due to the lack of abundant prey, which can quickly lead to disease and starvation. Also, wolves don’t have maps, so they have no idea that when they flee from an area they are familiar with—sometimes because of loggers with their loud vehicles and helicopters—they might end up on a rancher’s land where they more often than not become a target.” I raise a confident brow.
“Touché, baby. You make a valid point. It’s no secret that logging has a bad reputation. It’s one of the top ten most dangerous jobs in the world, you know.”
“Really?” That surprises me. “I’ve always known logging is a dangerous profession, but I guess I never thought it would rank that high on the list.”
“Hell, yeah. Forget the chainsaws and thirty-foot climbs, the logs themselves pose the most threat if not loaded on the trucks correctly. Think of playing two ton Jenga, with your life depending on the outcome.”
“Crazy. I had no idea. So does your boss know you’re off today?”
He finishes his coffee and stands to get money out of his wallet to cover the bill. With a wolfish grin he states, “Baby, you’re lookin’ at him. I took over my dad’s company when he retired.”
“Ugh! I should have known. Your bossiness exceeds all expectations.” Suddenly his lavish home makes a lot more sense.
For the first time I witness him burst into a full, deep laugh. It’s beautiful.
As we head back out into the cold he whispers in my ear, “As long as you know who your Master is, angel, you’ll be just fine.”
I gape at his audacity as he gives me a firm smack on the rear. In full view of the café!
Chapter Six
In the Deep End
“Dinner at my house tonight? I cook a mean steak, baby.”
As we sit in the circular drive of the lodge I can’t help but ask, “Why are you doing all of this for me, Luke?”
He leans his broad shoulders across the cab to grasp my face in both his hands and silences me with a searing kiss that goes on for several delicious minutes. I slowly open my eyes to meet his when he answers, “Because Violet, aside from the fact that the afternoon we met I was convinced that you were so beautiful you couldn’t possibly be for real—like some dream that wandered out from the trees—I actually see who you are and what makes you tick, the nature of your base desires. And they are exactly what I want as well. Therefore, we work well together. You understand now why I want to explore what we’ve begun, right?”
As usual, he seamlessly explains away any doubts I might be having.
“Yes, I agree that this is both intense and addictive.”
“Good, now you’re working on your computer only until this storm lets up, right?”
“Yes, I don’t think we could locate our site today even if we wanted to, the way the snow is pummeling down.”
“Calling for the same tomorrow, so you keep your ass put here at the lodge and I’ll pick you up tonight at six. Be a good girl for me today, angel.”
God, I get so hot when he talks to me like that.
I look up through lowered lashes and whisper, “I will.” I grin as he smiles, obviously pleased with my submissive compliance.
As I hop down onto the snow I turn and say, “Thank you so much for the beautiful coat and the amazing breakfast, Luke, you really shouldn’t have.”
“I wanted to, baby, and besides, the Dom in me likes to spoil you rotten.”
His smile is mesmerizing.
“See you,” I say as I reluctantly close the heavy door and turn to crunch my way through the snow toward the wide front door of the lodge.
* * *
“Violet!” Janelle shouts from behind the reception desk. “Oh, you poor baby. Come sit by the fire and tell me all about what happened to you on the mountain.”
We cross the gleaming cherry floors as she leads me over to a plush ruby red sofa sitting adjacent to the dark rock fireplace. “Luke came here looking to return your cell and about came unglued after hearing that you and Gabe were up at the site with the sudden front closing in. Are you all right, sweetheart?”
She gently holds my shoulders and pulls me in for a hug. “Ross and I were stunned when Luke called us yesterday with the news. Wolf attack, my word! I knew that mountain could be dangerous but nothing on that level. I suppose Luke has cause for worry, as he’s always in the forest and must be aware of how dangerous it is to work up there. Ross took Damon up first thing to get the snowmobile going. That darn sled is so temperamental, any number of things could be wrong with it. We’ll have it repaired as soon as possible, though, so you can get back to work.”
“I’m fine now, thanks to Luke. And I wanted to thank you both again for such an amazing dinner in town the other night. Your generosity has been overwhelming, and I’m really grateful.”
“Oh, you are most certainly welcome, sweetie, it was our pleasure. Speaking of which, both Damon and Gabe have been asking if we’ve seen you today. Gabe was in the worst state when he came rushing into the lodge for help yesterday. We are so thankful to Luke for saving you. As you may have noticed, Damon and Luke are not on the best of terms. It goes back to their hockey days and nobody seems to know why.” She gives a shrug. “Nice boys, both of them, I don’t understand it.”
“Yes, they are,” I say, and add, “I really do need to check in with Gabe and the rest of the crew. How about you and I have tea together here in the lobby one afternoon soon?”
“That sounds like a fun girls’ date.”
As I make my way down the hallway I ponder what the hell just happened to me in the past twenty-four hours.
* * *
I can see after backing up my tapes that a group of wolves had passed through the site. Two males were involved in a vicious altercation involving first dibs on a fresh deer carcass. I have a newfound respect for the threat that they impose.
After an hour of taking notes I flop back on my plush bed and crank up Florence and the Machine’s “You’ve Got the Love.” The perfect intense buildup that leads into the beautiful flow of her strong, angelic voice fits the reflective mood I’m in.
As I listen to her voice blaring through my headphones, I suddenly hear a loud noise that makes me jump off the bed and toss the headphones from my head. I hear it again, clearly a knock on my door. I open it and see Damon casually leaning on the door frame.
“Um, hey, Damon, how are you?” I push my hair behind my ears and try for an easy smile.
What would he think of me if he knew I was messing around with Luke? I have never in my life been promiscuous and wouldn’t care to be thought of as such.
“Hi, pretty girl, heard you had a rough experience up on the mountain. Take you into town for lunch to ta
lk about it?”
I stare at him, weighing my options. This isn’t good. Having two men interested in me is far too complex for my world right now, especially two extremely hot men. I should just say no, but that macho crap that Luke pulled the other night made me feel embarrassed for Damon. Plus, we did share that smoking hot kiss in my room. Maybe I’ll go and see what happens. If anything, I can let him down easy in a public place where I won’t be tempted to invite him in my room again.
Finally decided, I say, “I really need to get a bit of work completed now but I’ll be free around one o’clock if that works.”
“See you then,” he says, a broad grin of victory on his face. Before I can respond, he turns to walk away.
God, I hope that wherever we’re headed for lunch is not a popular spot.
Chapter Seven
Brothers
“So what’s the special occasion, dude? We never make time to catch up. You feeling all right?”
“Shut the fuck up, Hawk. Can’t we meet up for a cup of coffee without you badgering me?”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s all good. Hey, Billy told me that you ditched him at The Buck Bar the other night for some smoking hot chick. Tell me. It was the dream girl from the woods, right?”
I can’t resist a sly grin.
“God damn! You’re such a lucky bastard. How in the hell did that happen?”
“Because I’m a man and I take exactly what I want.”
He nearly spits his coffee across my kitchen bar in a choked laugh. “You’re so full of it. You know that, right? So tell me about her.”
“That damn woman was about to get herself wrapped up with Damon Holden before I shut that fucking possibility down like an oak with root rot.”
“Damon, what’s that dick doing back in town?”
“Who knows, but she was mine from the moment she threw sass at me in the woods. She’s smart, bro, smart and as fucking headstrong as a bull. Probably all over town by now but she nearly got torn apart by a pack of wolves yesterday afternoon. If I was five minutes later I would’ve been lucky to find a body part.”
Hawk’s eyebrows lift in surprise. “Damn, what happened?”
“Her ride had issues and her partner went for help. I warned her that the weather was likely to turn yesterday. I’m just glad that she’s still in one piece. She stayed over last night and I’m cooking her steak tonight. What should I serve with it? You’re the culinary wizard. Any thoughts?”
Grinning, he says, “Yeah. I’ll write down my recipe for outstanding twice baked potatoes.” He pauses and takes a sip of his coffee before asking casually, “So, not to pry, but does she know about our lifestyle yet?”
“That we’re Dominants? Yeah, just me though. I don’t want to freak her out any more because she’s already skittish as hell. But damn, Hawk, you should see how beautifully she responds to me. She’s a natural submissive and hasn’t a clue.”
He sets the gray mug down on the counter and says, “Damn Luke, I’ve never seen you this interested in anyone. How long is she here for?”
“A long while if I have any say.”
“You gonna introduce her to Dad?”
“I plan to.”
“He thinks you work too much. Comin’ from him that’s saying something. It would make him happy to see you with someone like her.”
“Hell, if Dad was still in charge he’d have the crew up there right now. That man lived and breathed work.”
“That’s true, but you’re exactly like him. You know when I first met Cara last year, how fucking lost I was for her?”
“Yeah.”
“Well that’s the exact same look you have on your face right now, bro. This chick already means something to you. Be careful with her. You know how harsh you can come across at times. I nearly lost Cara when she thought I was coming on too strong with her in the beginning. Independent women have a hard time coming to grips with their submissive desires at times. Just sayin’.”
I look down into my steaming mug and nod. “You’re right on.”
* * *
Of course. Damn, Damn!
It must be written all over my face because Damon turns in his seat of the Jeep to ask, “Violet, what is it? You have to be un-American not to like Jackalope’s. Is something wrong, sweetheart?”
Don’t be a coward! Tell him.
Peeking up through my lashes I answer, “Ah, actually, I just ate breakfast here this morning.”
I watch as his jaw sets to granite and he grits out between his teeth, “With Benoit?”
I nod, embarrassed.
Getting out of the Jeep, he rounds the back and is at my door in an instant. Jerking it open he says tightly, “Fine, now you’re eating here with me.”
Okay then.
As the café door opens and the warmth pours out from the interior I immediately lock eyes with the kind hostess from this morning. She smiles at me momentarily and then looks utterly dumbfounded by my new choice of dining companion.
I try in vain to smooth the awkward situation over with a lighthearted, “Your food was so fantastic that I just had to come back for lunch!”
She gives me a blank look and leads us to our table.
Once alone I lean across to him. “Damon, I’m sorry if that was awkward but I did stay with Luke last night and as I said, we ended up here for breakfast.”
“Did he fuck you?” he asks rudely, not even bothering to lower his voice.
Narrowing my eyes, I hiss, “Come again?”
“You heard me, Violet, did he?”
I lean in closer and reply in a furious whisper, “I hardly think this is appropriate lunch conversation, Damon. Either change the topic right now or I’m taking a cab back to the lodge, got it?”
His nostrils flare and his fists clench into tight balls on the top of the lacquered table. He’s clearly upset and uncomfortable as he breathes deeply and says, “Look, Violet, I’m sorry. I really think you’re unique and I just want a fair chance, that’s all. Any red-blooded man would feel the same. I’ve only known you a few days, but you’re amazing and I can tell there are so many more wonderful things to learn about you. I just look forward to having that opportunity, all right?”
Staring for long moments into his clear blue eyes, I inform him, “Yes, but you need to understand that my personal life is my own and unless I choose to share, it’s off limits. Okay?”
This gets me a tight nod.
I decide to change the topic. “What’s good for lunch?”
“The Greek pita wraps with the fruit salad is truly a wonder.”
“Sounds terrific. Make it two then please. I’m heading to the ladies room.”
I’m relieved that Luke is nowhere in sight. Once inside the ladies’ room I stop to wash my hands and look up as the blonde hostess enters.
I offer a friendly, “Hello.”
She looks uneasy for some reason as she begins to speak quietly to me. “You seem like a nice girl, honey, and this is why I need to say something. Luke Benoit is a tough man but he’s a good man. The Holden family is first rate as well, but you really need to be careful and not hurt Luke. Losing his mom at such an early age had to have been traumatic for him, and you’re the first woman I’ve seen him show any real interest in. Believe me when I say, most want him to be interested in them. Just be careful not to hurt him. That man has a heart of gold.”
I freeze in place as the warm water washes over my hands. “Thank you,” I whisper.
I switch off the water and swiftly head back to the table, a bit shaken by her comment. I was already feeling uncomfortable about my lunch with Damon, but now I’m ready to run out of the restaurant.
“Everything all right?” Damon asks as he glances up from the lunch that arrived while I was away.
“Yes, I’m fine.” I don’t even want to mention the scene in the bathroom. “Let’s eat. I’d like you to tell me all about Quebec. I’ve heard it’s a divine city.”
He lights right up. “It really is.
I’d love for you to come visit me there, although I’m sorry to say that you would be hard pressed to find your wolves anyplace other than the zoo.”
“Cute, Damon,” I reply. “I appreciate the offer. I’ve always wanted to explore the French Provinces of Canada. You are very lucky.”
“I’ve been called worse,” he replies with a sly grin. “You know, it’s been a very long time since I’ve met a woman as stunning as you, Violet. In fact, I’m finding it hard to keep my hands off of you, beautiful girl.”
My pulse accelerates. Beyond his breathtaking looks, I’m drawn to his obvious intelligence and meticulous manners. He is exactly the type of guy that I should be with—professional, safe. Normal.
I lean forward and whisper playfully to him, “Your kisses left me dizzy the other night.”
His blue eyes flare. “Then let’s finish up and get out of here.”
We finish our outstanding lunch and head toward the front of the restaurant. As the door opens, Cara, the cute hostess from The Buck Bar, walks in accompanied by a man who looks oddly similar to Luke. His dark eyes immediately zero in on me in severe accusation.
Oh no! Alarms bells go off as I realize he must be Luke’s brother, Hawk.
I recognize him as the driver of the Caterpillar rig from the logging site. Now that he isn’t wearing a hard hat I can see how closely the two resemble each other. He sports the same impressive height as Luke, along with the same facial structure except that his eyes are a lighter brown, like melted milk chocolate. His straight nose hasn’t been broken like Luke’s but there is a very nasty scar that runs in a jagged white line from his temple down through his right eyebrow. His thick dark hair is also cropped short in a style similar to his intimidating brother’s.
I try to play it cool and smile at them as Cara openly gapes at both of us. Her flawless complexion quickly turns pale when she recognizes Damon. She doesn’t look happy as she shifts restlessly from foot to foot.
Hawk places an arm around her shoulder and possessively leads her to sit at the counter, their backs facing us.
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