by Martha Woods
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Bonus Book 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
Bonus book 2
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Bonus Book 3
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
The Alpha’s Temptation
(Book 4 of Werewolves of Boulder Junction)
Martha Woods
Contents
FREE Gift For You!
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
FREE Gift For You!
Bonus Book 1
The Vampire’s Desire
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
Bonus book 2
Escaping the Demon's Trap
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Bonus Book 3
Mysteries of a Vampire
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
© 2017 Martha Woods
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
* * *
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Chapter 1
It was a day like any other day, the sun was high in the sky, a light breeze blowing lightly through the trees over a newly purchased property. A usual day, for a very unusual couple. Skylar, heavily pregnant in spite of being a mere few months into term, walked around the grounds of the property, the property manager on one side and a contractor on the other. She handled them with a keen grace, picking apart their terms and negotiating with her own, all while maintaining a cheerful smile. Clearly, her time spent with her husband had rubbed off on her.
Her husband on the other hand was the exact opposite, upfront with his desires and ironclad with his terms. Of course, he could easily be sly, act the cheerful billionaire and wrap them around his finger without them knowing it, but these days he found he had to do that less and less. He had a presence about him, a certain quality about him that drew the eye, that made you shrink when he looked your way. The way he looked over you, the way he grinned, you would be forgiven for thinking "Predator".
You would also have no idea just how accurate an assessment that was.
"I want to talk to you about the side project I wanted you to work on." Liam crossed his arms behind his back, walking over to the contractor he had contacted. "I want you to understand the importance of quality in this project."
The contractor, Jim, nodded confidently. "We take pride in our work Sir. I assure you, we would assign our best workers and work to your exact specifications."
"And what exactly were my specifications?"
"You want a bunker built, one that can withstand even the worst natural disasters that could be thrown at it, not exactly a small request."
Liam raised an eyebrow. "Is that worry I hear? Or merely a statement of importance?"
He shrugged. "A request like this would normally be impossible, not through our lack of talent, but lack of resources." He whistled as he looked around. "Given the house you live in, the way you carry yourself and the fact that you haven't even asked me about what any of this would cost? I'm guessing that money isn't really in short supply."
Liam let a small smirk cross his face. "And you would be correct."
"Well then, if you want a bunker that stands up to earthquakes, you've got it. A hurricane? No problem." He looked around, leaning in slightly. "I've got a few workers who're ex-military, they can design something that even missiles wouldn't be able to punch through."
"Well, that sounds like overkill." Liam grinned. "But why not? You never know what the future holds."
"Alright, let's talk basics then." Jim pulled out a pad, clicking his pen as he looked back up. "How big exactly are we building this? Is it just for you and your wife over there? Or is this more of an extended family situation?"
"We have a number of friends and family that we want to be kept safe in the future, adjusting for anyone else that comes in in the future?" He tilted his head as he thought over estimates. "I think it should comfortably house between forty to fifty people."
Jim almost choked as he heard the answer, his pen drawing a rough line in the paper as his hand slipped. He looked up, eyes wide. "Forty to fifty? I..." He cleared his throat, "I'm sorry for saying this Sir, but this would be an incredibly expensive undertaking. I know you are well off b
ut... Are you that well off?"
He smirked. "Trust me Jim. When I say money is no object? I mean that money is no object, my only question is whether you really think you can do this."
"A bunker to hold between forty and fifty people, built to withstand everything short of a direct nuclear strike?" He nodded. "We can do it, but... It'll be months before we can have it done, and that's not a problem that can be solved by throwing money at it."
"As fast as you can make it, that's all I ask." Liam walked to his side, tapping his shoulder. "Whatever it is you need, you will have. More funding, materials, if you need to hire additional workers, you have a blank cheque. I'm familiar with your work, and I know you strive for quality, I wouldn't hire just anyone for something this important."
Jim nodded, the praise doing wonders for his confidence in this massive undertaking. "Understood Sir, thank you for thinking of us for this job. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"
"How soon would you be able to start? The sooner this job is completed the better, it will be easier to sleep at night knowing my family is as safe as I can make them."
"I should have some blueprints drawn up for you by the end of the week. After that..." He rubbed his chin in thought. "I'm guessing you already have a permit made out?"
Liam nodded. "Of course."
"Then we can start construction the day after you confirm you're happy with the plans. Rough estimate? About two weeks from now we should be well underway."
Liam smiled, holding his hand out. "I knew you were the right man for the job Jim, I look forward to working with you."
He took the offered hand, not quite able to look into Liam's piercing gaze. "Me too, a contract like this... Well, most companies would kill for it."
"First of many I feel, don't you agree?"
"I do." He raised an eyebrow. "If you don't mind me asking... This area doesn't really get any natural disasters, none that raise the alarm anyway. Why the plans for the bunker?"
Liam squeezed his hand slightly harder, not enough to hurt but enough for the bones to noticeably creak under the skin. "There are a lot of types of disasters. Best to be prepared for them all, don’t you think?"
* * *
Skylar's negotiations on the other hand were going by with much less... Subtle intimidation. The phrase "Catch more flies with honey than vinegar" had always been something that had been told to her, she just hadn't realized it was such a viable business strategy. Though... It probably wasn't pertaining to what she was using it for.
"Me and my husband were very impressed with your portfolio," She beamed at the contractor with a smile that was almost brighter than the sun. "Your designs are remarkably modern, but they don't feel cold. It really stuck out to us."
He blushed, not quite able to look her in the eye. "I... Thank you, ma’am, but I can't take all the credit, I work with some very talented people." He pointed over at his co-worker. "Jim for one is one of the most impressive people I've had the pleasure of working with." He smiled. "We take pride in our work."
Sky nodded. "We noticed, which is why you are our first and only choice for what we want done." She swept her arm around the property. "I want something that's modern, something that shows that we are progressive, and at the forefront of the times. But at the same time, it can't be sterile." She chuckled, "I don't want clients to think that they're stepping into a morgue when they walk through the front doors. Do you think something like that would be a success?"
He smiled slightly, shaking his head. "No ma'am, I don't think a morgue would be a good place to conduct business."
"Well there you have it!" Another dazzling smile, her eyes almost seeming to flash in the light. "It has to feel alive, warm, like you could even see yourself living there if you had to. Do you think that you can do this?"
"I think it sounds like a challenge." He nodded confidently. "We're good at challenges, don't worry about that. I'm happy that you've given us this opportunity."
"Oh no, thank you for doing this for us! How fast do you think you can get this job completed?"
He looked back over at Jim and Liam. "I'm pretty sure Jim's telling your husband right now that he can get plans by next week, so I'll make the same promise to you." He smiled. "Why not get both conversations done at the same time?"
She patted his arm, the contractor slightly jumping at the contact. "That does sound like a good plan, but what about the matter of construction? I really would like to start up business rather soon..."
He tilted his head back and puffed out a breath, thinking over resources and timelines for working. "A project like this, with these specifications? I'd say we're looking at around four to five months."
Sky pouted slightly. "Oh no, really? That really is quite a long time..." She looked up at him, eyelashes flickering slightly. "You're such a talented group of people, are you sure there isn't any way to get it done faster?"
He changed tracks so quickly she wondered just how good at this she actually was. "I think I might actually be able to call in a few favors with some friends of mine, they've got some good people working for them that should boost productivity."
She almost jumped into the air. "Wonderful! Should we say two to three months now?"
"It's gonna be a real challenge but..." He smiled. "I think my guys will enjoy it. It's been a while since we really got something we could sink our teeth into."
They walked over to the cars, Skylar leaning back against one with a sigh. When the contractor and property manager looked concerned, she waved them off. "Don't worry about me, it's just a little hard on my feet these days." She turned to the manager. "Did you bring the contracts?"
She nodded. "One for you and one for your new contractor." She laid out the contracts on the hood of the car. "My company will be acting as a middle manager for this process, so we will be keeping hold of a copy of these for you. If you need a second look, or any information at all, please don't hesitate to get in contact with us."
Skylar clicked her pen, signing her name on both copies, before handing him the pen. When both contracts were signed and officiated, the manager tucked them away, ready for filing away back at her office. Skylar breathed out contently, looking at the contractor. "It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it?" When he tilted his head, she elaborated, "Closing a deal I mean. Signing down your name and knowing that another thing has gone right today."
He hummed in thought, "I never thought about it that way but... I suppose you're right. I've just always been focused on the other sides of business I guess."
"I'm still new, so it'll probably fade away in time, but I'm enjoying it while I still can."
"You're new to this?" He raised an eyebrow. "Could have fooled me."
She smiled, another expression that shot electricity through the two people with her. "What can I say? I think I might be a natural at it." She clapped her hands, breaking whatever temporary spell had come over her two guests. "But enough about that, I'm sure you two are very busy people, no reason to keep me entertained anymore."
They chuckled as she led them back over to their respective vehicles, Liam bringing Jim over as well. She took Liam's hand as they watched the three of them drive off, another piece of their future falling securely into place. He turned to her, hand coming up to cup her cheek as she stared up into his eyes. He leaned in, his lips ghosting over hers before brushing against her ear. "How did the practice go?"
She giggled, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Much better than I thought, I think they were very impressed with me."
He hummed in her ear, "So they should be, you're a very impressive person." He bit down on her ear lightly.
Sky gasped, "Are you trying to charm me into bed?"
"Is it working?"
She giggled, "I think it is, yes."
He growled, picking her up in his arms and starting to carry her to the car. "Then yes, I am."
"Oh no," She chuckled, playfully swatting at his shoulder, "What a terrible position I've found
myself in."
* * *
Michael felt the crinkle of paper under his cheek as he shifted, eyes opening slowly as he lifted woke. He lifted his head, turning slowly from side to side as he tried to remember where he was. He turned to the door when he heard a giggle.
"You know, I'm glad that you're so dedicated to doing research with me..." Hayley stepped into view, placing a cup of coffee in front of him. "But if you were tired you only had to say so."
He picked up the cup, nodding gratefully. He paused before placing it to his lips. "Is there magic in this?"
Hayley chuckled, "Yes, awakening magic." She patted him on the cheek. "We grow it in bean form."
"I suppose that was a pretty stupid question..." He sipped at the drink, the liquid warming his body. "That's damn good coffee though."
"Even witches get tired from time to time." She sat down next to him, throwing her legs over his. "We appreciate coffee just as much as the next person."
She idly flipped through the pages strewn across the desk, occasionally picking one up and inspecting it further. She shook her head. "All this research and we're still no closer to figuring out just what the hell is going on with Sky." She slumped forward. "I hate this."
Michael nodded, patting her knee reassuringly. "So do I, but we're getting closer I think." He squeezed. "I know you're worried about her, but no sense in beating yourself up over doing your best."
She sighed, letting her head fall lightly to his shoulder. "I know, I know... It doesn't make me feel any better though."
He closed the book in front of him, sighing to himself as well, "No it doesn't." He chuckled, "Well, now I'm thoroughly depressed. What did you get up to while I was asleep?"
Hayley sat up, pulling a book out of her jacket and placing it in front of them. "I hit a wall while you were out, so I figured there was no harm in looking at other ways things could go." She opened the book, tapping on the page. "I thought that if we can't figure out a way in particular to protect her during the birth, maybe we can help her figure out just what her supernatural bloodline is."