When I turn, Sniffer is standing two feet away from me. I jump back slamming into the counter with my hip and scream from the shock. Luckily, I hadn’t picked up my coffee yet. I have a feeling he’d be wearing the scalding hot brew. He was so silent; I didn’t hear him sneak up behind me. “What are you doing!” I ask breathless. “You scared the piss outta me!”
Masen comes flying down the hallway and skids into the kitchen, naked and pissed. He has his brother pinned to the wall within seconds.
“Wait, wait!” I shout at Masen who clearly isn’t even awake yet. I put my hand over the arm that holds Sniffer to the wall by his throat. He looks over and down to me, blinking; then he looks back to his brother’s purpling face before his lets go and takes a step back, pulling me with him.
“Why’d you scream?” His rough voice asks. He’s still eyeing Sniffer with distrust.
“I just got startled. I didn’t even know he was still here. I was making coffee, and when I turned around, he was just there. It freaked me out for a second. I’m sorry. It’s okay, really.” He folds his arms over his chest and watches as Sniffer shakes out his limbs and clears his throat giving him a look that says he thinks it’s all his fault.
Remembering he doesn’t have cloths on, I grab the towel hanging from the stove and try to cover him. He scoffs and tosses the towel to the counter. My mouth hangs open at his unabashed nudity while Sniffer looks properly shamed. “I wasn’t trying to scare you, Sophie. You just didn’t hear me.”
I smack my hands down to my bare thighs. “Well, I know that now,” I cry, “I wasn’t trying to get you killed!” I rant to Masen who’s now looking at me like I’m the who’s naked traipsing through the house.
“Cass, go away! She’s not dressed.”
I motion to him, incredulous. “Are you joking?” I shake my head. “Good Lord, I need coffee to deal with you two.” When I retrieve my cup, I place it in the microwave to heat it back up. Masen places a full bottle of my favorite french vanilla creamer in front of me and kisses my mark. I swoon at the sweetness. “When did you get this?” I ask, happily accepting the jug.
“Last night, I knew you’d want it this morning.” His hand skims up the back of my thigh and lifts the shirt I’m wearing and squeezes my butt.
“Masen.” I admonish, looking around him to see where Sniffer is. The kitchen is empty. He must have left like Masen asked.
“While I love being able to touch every inch of you,” his hand skims around my hip and cups me, “I don’t want anyone else seeing what’s mine.” He nips my neck. “Please go put some pants on.”
I’d agree to just about anything right now, so I mummer, “mm-hmm.”
He slaps my butt, his voice losing his seductive manner, “Good.” I look back at him and his mischievous smirk tells me I just got played. When my eyes lower, I can see I wasn’t the only one affected. I arch a brow at his predicament and fix my coffee swaying from the room slowly. “Fuck me, I’m never gonna have the upper hand with her,” he says to himself.
Once I’ve dressed for the day, I put on minimal make-up and return to the kitchen. Masen grabs a pair of gym shorts while I was fixing my hair. I’m surprised to find him Sniffer and Mac sitting at the table.
I wave a little sheepishly when they all turn and look at me when I enter. “Sorry about this morning, Sniffer.”
He nods his head and smiles. “It’s not your fault my brother almost killed me,” he adds and punches Masen in the arm.
“No, it’s yours,” Masen says with conviction. Mac watches them silently
“Masen, are you hungry?”
Before he can answer, Sniffer does, “yes, Mase is very hungry. He was telling me he would like four whole omelets hungry.”
Masen reaches over and smacks the back of his head. “Don’t trouble yourself, Little One. We are fine,” he says while looking at his brother, who’s pouting and rubbing his head dejectedly.
“It’s no trouble, really. I love cooking when someone enjoys it,” I say truthfully. “Sniffer, you’re on toast.”
He jumps up quickly. “Got it!”
Looking through the fridge, I grab the last of the lunch meat and a block of cheese to shred. I divide the meat in three piles, making Masen’s a little bit larger, and sprinkle some cheese on them. Sniffer sets a plate of buttered toast in the middle of the table. As I pass Masen his plate, he grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles while looking at me. “Thank you.” Sniffer’s is done a few minutes later, followed by Mac’s. I make myself a bagel with butter and cream cheese and another cup of coffee.
“So, what’s up?” I ask including myself in their conversation.
“I need to head to the office soon. I thought you could hang out with Cass and Mac today until I get home,” Masen says I look over to Sniffer.
“What about school? And doesn’t Mac have a job he needs to get to? Can’t I just go with you?”
Mac chuckles. “This is my job, Luna. I’m one of Mase’s security experts.”
Oh well, I guess that makes sense. “School will always be there, Sophie. Don’t worry about us,” Sniffer answers. The front door opens and no one gets up to check it so whoever it is must be expected.
Masen hasn’t answered. When I look over, he looks guilty. “I ah…I have to let Roxanne go today. I think it’ll go easier if you’re not there,” he grimaces.
“You have got to be fucking kidding me!” I hiss through my teeth.
“Don’t be upset. I told you I didn’t get a chance to transfer her last week. I know she’ll be there today so I want to handle it,” he pleads.
“Oh, I’m more than upset. I’m pissed!” I stand and lean over the table “I can’t understand how you even fucked that cock chasing, lint licker for five years with the cock I OWN!” I bellow and gesture down to his lap. I’m breathing hard my chest heaves.
“Holy shit, that’s so fucking hot.” I hear someone whisper.
“OUT!” Masen commands as he stands from the table towering over me. I never take my eyes from him, but I hear people rushing from the room.
“Do you have a death wish? I can’t believe you said that out loud. You’re lucky he’s too distracted...” The voice becomes muffled when the door closes.
“I’ve been pretty tolerant of all this bullshit with Roxanne, but it stops now! If you think for one minute I’m leaving you alone with that conniving bitch, you’re sadly mistaken.” I tut at his gall.
My eyes track him as he stalks around the table and grabs my chin forcefully. His lips are on mine seconds later, taking my mouth without apology. When he comes up for air, he rasps, “I love when you get all bossy and possessive. It makes me so hard, but I’m really going to love showing you who’s boss when I spank your ass so red you won’t be able to sit anywhere but my face, for doing it while my men are here.” He grabs my hand and cups it over his rock hard erection. I moan at the contact, gripping and stroking him over his shorts. When his eyes close and his head falls back, I take advantage, drop to my knees, and rip the shorts down his body. His engorged cock springs free. He looks down at me, shock on his face until I suck him into my mouth greedily. He grunts and fists my hair guiding me faster. “Ah, I love being inside you. Knowing. I’m. The. Only. One. To. Ever. Have. You.” He pumps into my mouth as he shutters at the thought, then spills down my throat. He whispers my name repeatedly. I love the way it sounds when he says it; he so rarely calls me Sophia, making it sweeter when he does while coming. He pops free with an audible click.
I look up at him still on my knees with the most innocent look I can muster. “You were saying?”
“Ha,” he barks and gathers me up from the floor. “That you are more trouble than I ever imagined possible, and I love every minute of it.” I can feel his intense adoration from our bond, making me warm and fuzzy. I can’t put into words how I feel about you, I hear in my head. I almost cry at the emotions he feels, trying to convey his love. “I never knew it was feasible to want and need someone so badly. You are
my everything!”
One tear escapes, but I smile and let him feel my unwavering love for him before telling him, “I love you, too, but I’m still coming with you.”
His eyes get big. “You are so fucking sassy.” He laughs and smacks my butt with a loud crack. “Yeah, well, you’re not of the hook either,” he adds with an evil glint in this eye.
While Masen is in the shower, the door bells rings. I look over to the clock noticing it only almost nine. When I open the door, a pretty woman with short, white blonde hair smiles at me. “Hi,” I say, not sure what she’s doing here.
“Well just look at you, aren’t you gorgeous? I couldn’t wait to meet you.” She hugs me close, taking me off guard. “Well, where’s my boy?” She asks, releasing my stiff body while walking past me into the house. I stand at the open door wondering who she is. Her eyes dart around the room.
“Masen?” I question. She finally looks over at me and sees my confusion just as a huge man with salt and pepper hair strides through the door mumbling. “Masen,” I yell loud enough for him to hear me from the bedroom. “He didn’t tell you we were coming?” Her pretty face falls. I inch closer to the hall when the man finally looks up at me, and I freeze. He has Masen’s white blue eyes. My body relaxes instantly. “You’re his parents?” I smile and blow out a breath. “I’m sorry,” I say rushing over a grabbing her hand. “He didn’t tell me y’all were coming today. Please, forgive my manners. It’s been a crazy couple of days. Can I get you something to drink? Are you hungry? I can make y’all some breakfast.”
“No, we’re fine, but thank you.” She smiles, and I can see how much Sniffer takes after her now that I’m truly looking at her.
“Well, I’m hungry,” grumbles a deep voice.
She just shakes her head. “I just fed you. I’m Mickey, and this is Caleb. We couldn’t be happier to meet you. Mase and Cass have told me so much about you,” she says excitedly.
“That was hours ago,” he grouses.
“Masen should be out soon. He’s getting ready for work. Come on in here, and I’ll see what’s left.” I lead them to the kitchen. I’m little nervous to cook for Masen’s dad. I look in the freezer and find some frozen sausage links. I put them in the sink and run cool water over them and grab a couple pans. I peel and shred a couple potatoes and get them frying before starting the sausage.
“Who the hell are you feeding now?” Masen booms down the hallway before entering the kitchen.
I roll my eyes. “He thinks everyone is out to steal his food,” I mock whisper.
“That’s because they are!” He states finally entering the room. “Mom, Pop? What are you guys doing here?” He asked but walks over to his mother and hugs her tight. He’s casual today in dark jeans and a light blue button up shirt rolled at the cuffs showing off his strong forearms.
“Don’t you ever check you messages? I told your machine we were coming today.” She shakes her head. Masen makes his way to his dad and does the manly shake and half hug thing.
He seems happy to have them here, and they chat while I fix their breakfast. I hear the door open, and Sniffer says, “is it lunch already? I’m just in time. Hey Mom,” he says while giving her a loud smacking kiss on the check. “Pop.” He tries for the same greeting, but his dad puts him in a headlock and scruffs his head affectionately.
“You ain’t getting my breakfast, boy.” His dad grunts.
As I watch them interact, my heart aches for my parents. Masen comes over and kisses my temple. “They’re your family, now too, yeah,” he whispers.
I nod, more choked up then I thought and turn back to the stove. I make a quick pan gravy with the sausage. The potatoes are nice and crisp, so I grab the eggs to finish off the country omelets I’m making for them. After a sprinkle of cheese, it’s ready to go. I plate Masen’s dad and put in the warm oven until his mother’s is done. “Would you like some coffee or anything else?” I ask when I set the plates down.
“I didn’t get gravy on my omelet. Can I have a bite, Momma?” Sniffer pouts.
“Oh shut it, you. I haven’t had a good home cooked meal that I didn’t have to make myself in years,” his mother retorts. When he looks over at his dad; Caleb scoots his plate over a few inches and growls low and deep.
I can’t help myself I bust out laughing. “What is it with y’all and food?” I ask, shaking my head while I watch Masen who looks like he might just try and steal his dad’s plate and make a run for it.
“Now, I’m hungry again,” he grouches. Turning his back on his parents, he looks at me and smiles proudly.
“If you’re still planning on coming with me, Little One, we need to go. I’ve got a meeting at eleven thirty,” he says looking at his phone.
“Is it okay if I still come? what about your parents?”
“Cass can entertain them. It’s fine.” We say our goodbyes, and Masen tells them we’ll see them in a few hours and to make themselves at home. He walks me to his standard SUV and opens the door for me. When he gets in, he kisses me hungrily, leaving breathless and wanting. He places is forehead on mine and says, “thank you for taking such good care of me and our family.” I’m speechless from his kind words as he starts the car and drives us downtown.
My first thought is Black Industries is huge. The buildings are only four stories high, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in volume. Three buildings surround an open court yard with tons of shade offered by mature trees. Picnic tables and benches are placed throughout the park like area.
Masen leads us to the building furthest back. The doors slick open as we approach. A pretty shifter female sits behind a large reception desk. Her smile falters just a bit when she sees Masen holding my hand on his arm. “Mr. Black, good morning, sir. Shall I have your guest escorted to your personal suite? Your eleven thirty is waiting in your office lobby.” Her tone is purely professional; only a woman would see and hear the cues of how bothered she is by me being here.
“No thanks, May,” her face is triumphant for the briefest of moments until Masen continues, “she’ll be with me. This is Sophia, soon to be Black, my Luna.”
Her gasp is audible; I almost feel sorry for her. “I hadn’t heard you found your Mate.” She smiles, but her eyes are glassy as she says, “congratulations Alpha.” She bows her head.
Masen has no clue he just crushed this woman. He pulls a beautiful white calla lily from a large floral arrangement to the left of her work space and hands it to me before kissing my temple. A few others have stopped to watch us from afar. None have the visceral reaction of May, the receptionist, but I can tell many are surprised by his behavior.
“Everyone in the building is a shifter. This is where my offices are. You ready for a tour, Little One?” He asks me affectionately. I nod my head and smile at how proud he is of this place; it’s written all over his handsome face.
Forgetting the audience, I place my hand over his heart and lean up trying to catch his lips. He dips his head so I can reach. “Yes, I’d love a tour.”
A throat clears behind us, and I look over. “Should I reschedule your eleven thirty, Sir?”
He looks at me. “Tour after my meeting, yeah?” I nod agreeing.
I was worried that Roxanne would be in his office, but I haven’t seen her yet. His secretary is an older shifter female that’s greets me with genuine enthusiasm. Masen’s meeting is boring. It takes place in Masen’s office with Mr. Polenski, a stuffy old man wanting money for something. I lose interest within the first five minutes. Other than to take notes, the elderly man’s assistant hasn’t taken her eyes off Masen since we entered the room. She constantly crosses and uncrosses her long, toned legs. Her suit skirt is so short I’m sure Masen has seen her panties, if she wears them, numerous times. And to my dismay, I’ve recently discovered not only am I a brazen hussy, but I’m also a jealous cow, ugh.
He introduces me as his fiancé which gave me a huge thrill and explains my presence by telling them we marry this weekend and have lot
s of plans to finalize. Neither seems interested one way or the other why I’m here; both have their own agenda.
Thirty five minutes later they leave, each disappointed for different reasons. Masen sighs when the doors close. I think he’s as relieved as I am. “Blah, that was a long time to listen to the old coot try and steal your money with your permission.”
Masen chuckles. “I’ve never thought about it that way, but I guess you have a point.” His face goes serious. “Little One, I need to let Roxanne know about her transfer. Why don’t you wait here for me? You can use my computer to order yourself a new iPad or a MacBook, whichever you want. Then do the rest of that online shopping you need done.” He seriously just tried to bribe me with shopping.
“How about if I promise to let you do all the talking and to be on my best behavior?” I counter.
“I knew that wasn’t going to work. Offer any other female my credit card and they disappear for a week. You could care less.” He stands and offers me his arm.
“Where is she, anyway? I was sure she’d be in here when we came in.” He’s very quiet as we walk out the door. Doris, his secretary, waves as we pass.
“I only take meetings with humans over here. My personal office is the top floor,” he swallows loudly, “she works up there.” He hasn’t looked at me at all; just leads us to an elevator across the lobby. I can feel his nervous tension through our bond.
“Why are you so freaked out?”
He runs his hand through his hair leaving it sticking up in the front. I reach up fixing it. He leans into my palm and closes his eyes. “It doesn’t mean anything.”
“What doesn’t mean anything?”
When the doors open, he guides us in. He lets the doors close but doesn’t push a button to select a floor. His white blue eyes are pained when he finally looks at me. “The whole top floor of this building is mine.”
There’s something I do not understand going on here. “I thought the whole building was yours?”
He nods his head. “It is, but the top floor of this building is my space, personal space.”
Becoming His Page 24