Wolf Charming (Iron Hills Pack, #1)

by Jessica Coulter Smith

  Abril chewed on her lower lip. “I don’t have a newsletter. Or a website. I know my publisher requires me to have one, but I don’t know the first thing about setting one up, and I can’t afford to hire someone to create it for me.”

  “This is your first book?”

  She nodded.

  “You could get by with something simple for now. Maybe create a free website and use the provided templates, and all you’d have to buy is a domain name. It would be easy for you to maintain and you could always have a professional one made later.”

  “I feel like I’m learning from the master. My book has been out for almost four months, and my sales are dismal. Since I obviously can’t relaunch the book, what do you suggest?”

  “Write the second one.”

  She blinked a few times. “That’s it? Just write the second one?”

  “The number one tool an author has to create a marketing buzz is to keep writing. With each new book, you have the chance to find new readers. If book one didn’t do so hot, maybe book two will. Or maybe book three or book four. Everyone is different, Abril. Yes, I have a marketing strategy that works for my books, and I’m pretty sure it would help yours out too. The plan doesn’t shoot every book to the top of the charts, but my PR company knows how to create buzz about my new books months before they actually come out. It takes a lot of money, though, and that’s obviously something you don’t have right now. So you need to focus on things you can afford to do.”

  “That would be a big fat nothing.”

  “Social media is free. Talk about your books on your different accounts, but don’t just talk about your books. If you’re always throwing ‘buy my book’ posts out there, eventually everyone will stop listening. There’s nothing more annoying than a pushy salesman.”

  It made sense. Truthfully, she had created an author page on Facebook and a Twitter account, but she seldom used them. She had a few followers, but no more than a handful. She’d seen the option to advertise her page for more likes, but it would cost a small fortune if she wanted more than a dozen or two.

  “What do you write?” he asked.

  “Romantic suspense. My first book was about an undercover FBI agent trying to take down the mob, and he fell in love with the boss’s daughter.”

  Weston tapped his fingers on the table. “Are there fight scenes? Is it more action or more romance?”

  “There are a lot of fight scenes, some bloodshed, and while there are romantic undertones throughout, it’s fast paced and full of danger. I think a man or woman would enjoy it, even though one of the story arcs is the growing relationship between the hero and heroine. And yes, there is sex in it, but it’s definitely not hot enough to be considered erotic.”

  “Do you have a copy of your cover on your laptop?”

  She nodded and pulled it up, then turned the laptop to show him. Her cover was edgy, and aside from the guy’s bulging muscles, it didn’t resemble your typical romance cover. Weston studied it a moment before reaching for her laptop. He paused and looked at her.

  “Do you mind if I sign into my accounts for a moment? The diner has Wi-Fi, right?”

  “No, I don’t, and yes, it does. I’m already synced to it.”

  He nodded and started tapping away. Several minutes went by, and Abril was curious as to what he was doing. When he was finished, he smiled triumphantly and turned the computer back toward her. She didn’t see anything different. All of her screens were the same as when she’d handed it to him.

  “What did you do?” she asked.

  “I sometimes mention other authors on my accounts, so I posted a copy of your cover, found your Amazon book link and your Facebook author page, and I shared them with my readers.”

  Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. “You just posted my book to all of your readers?”

  He nodded. “At last count, there were a little over a million of them. You should see a bump in sales. Maybe not a drastic one, because I can’t force them to buy your book, but I’m sure some will find their way to your page and one-click your title on Amazon.”

  “Why would you do that? You haven’t read it. For all you know it’s complete crap. What if they get mad that you sent them to a bad book and stop buying yours? What if...”

  Weston reached out and placed a finger against her lips to silence her.

  “My reason for doing it is not something I’m ready to discuss just yet. I’ll tell you when the time is right. For now, keep an eye on your author page, post regularly, and see if you gain some new readers. Even if you only get a dozen, we’ll consider it a success.”

  “Thank you, Weston. I mean it. I don’t know anyone in the writing community, and the few authors I’ve reached out to haven’t been interested in talking to me. I guess I’m too new to the industry for them to consider me worthwhile.”

  He smiled. “You’re going to do great, Abril. Just give it some time. When is your second book due?”

  “Oh, it’s not under contract. The publisher only signed the first book, and since it’s not part of a series, I’m free to shop it around if I want. Honestly, the publisher I signed with didn’t do much for my book release, so I’m not sure they’re very vested in me. Yes, they gave me a small advance, and a chance to become a published author, but I’d hoped for a little more.”

  “My publisher isn’t known for accepting romance, but I’ll talk to my agent and see if it’s something he might be interested in, or maybe he knows someone you could send it to. Or do you have an agent already?”

  She shook her head. “A lot of doors were closed to me without one, but I decided a smaller publisher and a quicker release was better than the time it would take to find an agent, for the agent to find the book a home, and then the year or more it would take a large publisher to release it.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with using a smaller publisher. I’ve heard some of them are really great. But for now, just write the book. Don’t worry about where you’re sending it, or how well it’s going to do. Get the story written, revised, revised again, and then do your homework on your top three choices.”

  “It’s really nice of you to help me like this. I feel like I should repay you in some way.”

  He leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. “There is one thing you could do.”

  “Anything.”

  “Never tell the big bad wolf that you’ll do anything.” His gaze caressed what he could see of her body. “That’s a very risky offer.”

  “What can I say? I like to gamble every now and then.”

  He gave her a wolfish smile, and she knew she was in trouble, but something told her she’d enjoy every moment of it.

  Chapter Five

  Abril spent extra time getting ready for work that night, which meant she barely made it on time. If she’d had clocked in one minute later, she’d have been in trouble. The number one rule was never be late. The bar wasn’t exceptionally busy when she started her shift, but she knew it would pick up. By ten o’clock, the place would be packed, and she’d be dodging roaming hands again. If she didn’t need the tips so badly, she’d quit in a heartbeat. It definitely wasn’t her dream job.

  She made the rounds through her section, taking orders and delivering drinks. When she wasn’t busy, she tried to talk to the bartender and other waitresses. No one seemed interested in getting to know her, though. Having grown up in a small town where everyone knew what everyone else was doing, she’d never had a chance to make friends. It was no secret who her parents were or what they had done. She supposed maybe not everyone knew, but most people in Grover Falls treated her like trailer trash.

  A few hours into her shift, Weston walked through the door and sat in her section. Two more wolves shortly followed and joined him. She wasn’t sure if he was here just to hang out, or if he was here for her. After their conversation this morning, she was still reeling. It was hard to believe that Weston was a bestselling author. She’d always been attracted to him, but now that sh
e knew they had writing in common, she wanted him even more. Visions of a joint office popped into her mind, and she smiled, even though she knew it was doubtful something like that would ever happen. He might have shown her attention, but it didn’t mean he wanted a forever kind of relationship with her. If she was his mate, he would have said something. Right?

  Abril headed over to his table with a smile on her face.

  “What can I get the three of you tonight?” she asked.

  “A pitcher of Miller Lite, and keep ‘em coming,” Baxter said with a wink.

  “Watching your girlish figure?” Weston asked.

  Baxter flipped him off.

  “Any snacks?” she asked.

  Weston’s gaze traveled down her body, and she tingled from her head to her toes. The heated look in his eyes said he wouldn’t mind snacking on her, and she was more than ready to let him. She was just a little worried that if he did ever make a move, he might turn tail and run once he found out she was a virgin. Or maybe he was the type who would get off on being the first man she’d ever been with. He was certainly one hot wolf that she wouldn’t mind taking for a ride.

  “Why don’t you bring a few baskets of wings?” Baxter said. His gaze scanned the women across the room. “Have to satisfy one hunger before I can take care of the other.”

  Abril shook her head at his comment and went to put their order in with the kitchen. She stayed busy for a while, but her customers were pleasant. When she saw a bunch of guys from the college come through the door, she prayed they wouldn’t sit in her section. They didn’t tip well and tended to be rowdy. They were the last thing she wanted to deal with tonight.

  “Murphy and his fucking law,” she grumbled as they claimed a group of tables just on the edge of her section. Couldn't they have sat down two feet to the left?

  She plastered a smile on her face and marched off to do battle. The first guy who grabbed her ass was going to get the shit smacked out of him. Fuck their piddly ass tips. She’d rather not get a tip at all then deal with them all night. Their glassy eyes told her they were already drunk or high, possibly both. One of them let out a wolf whistle when she approached the table.

  “What can I get for you guys?” she asked.

  The one closest to her leered a little. “How about a lap dance? I bet you’ve got all the right moves.”

  Abril gritted her teeth. “I’m your waitress, not a stripper.”

  “Need to keep the customers satisfied, right? Because that would make me very satisfied. Or maybe we could just slip down the hall to the bathroom, and you could give my dick a little lip service.”

  Abril was disgusted with him, but she knew the bouncer wouldn’t throw him out just for being lewd. She fisted her hands at her sides to keep from lashing out at him. Normally, she wasn’t a violent person, but this guy was a sexual assault waiting to happen. Growing up in the trailer park, she’d seen enough of his kind to spot them a mile away. He would take what he wanted, whether the woman said yes or not.

  She eventually got their order from them and returned a few minutes later with a tray full of pitchers and mugs. As she set the last of the beer down, an arm snaked around her waist, and she found herself in someone’s lap, with a definite bulge poking her in the ass. Panic welled inside of her as she twisted to get out of his grip. The asshole just laughed and grabbed her boobs, pressing her down on his cock.

  “Let me go!”

  “Aw, come on, baby. You know you want to have some fun with me. I’ll even double your tip.”

  “Did you just offer to pay me for letting you grope me?”

  “Oh, baby, I’m offering to pay you for a lot more than that. A girl like you knows how this game is played. Stop being coy and take a walk with me.”

  Bile rose in her throat. He seriously thought she would whore herself out to him for a few extra bucks? Before she could say anything, a shadow loomed over them. Abril looked up and felt instant relief when she saw Weston. He leaned down, bracing his hands on the table, as his furious gaze fastened on her captor.

  “You’re going to let her go, or I will break both your arms in order to release her.”

  “Stay out of it old man.”

  Old man? Weston was far from old. He was sexier than any guy sitting at this table, and she hoped like hell he gave this guy two black eyes for the insult.

  “When you hold my mate hostage, I will not stay the fuck out of it.”

  Mate? Her heart kicked in her chest. Weston just claimed her as his mate in front of over a dozen people. Was he crazy? Not that she didn’t wish like hell that it was true. The guy holding her seemed hesitant, but he finally shoved her out of his lap. She landed on the hard, sticky floor, bruising her backside. Weston helped her stand, brushed her off, and escorted her away from the table.

  He walked her all the way to the bar then crooked his finger at the bartender.

  “I don’t want her anywhere near that table of jackasses. If one of them puts his hands on her again, you’re going to have a lot fewer patrons because I’m going to start tossing people out the front window.” Weston leaned on the bar. “In fact, you’re going to make sure they’re seated in a different section anytime Abril is working.”

  “I don’t want any trouble, Weston,” the bartender said. “If she’s your mate like you claim, then you should get her the hell out of here. The last thing I need is a wolf’s mate working in here. You know I can’t make the patrons keep their hands to themselves. If she’s working here, she’s going to get her ass grabbed.”

  Weston growled.

  Abril tugged on his arm. “Tell him you didn’t mean it.”

  “I can’t.” Weston looked down at her. “I had planned to take things slowly, but if claiming you is the only way to get you out of this place, then I’ll do it. I’d wanted to give you time to get to know me, give you a chance to make the decision to be with me without me throwing it out there that you’re my mate.”

  “You’re fired, Abril,” the bartender said. “There, I made it easy. Go the fuck home to figure this shit out.”

  Abril’s mouth dropped open, but she snapped it shut and went to clock out. She hadn’t made enough in tips to cover rent, but she’d have to think of something else. If Mr. Bigshot Author was going to throw around words like mate, and make her lose her only source of steady income, maybe he could pay her rent. It would serve him right for sticking his nose in her business. She’d have managed to get away from that guy without him interfering.

  After gathering her things, she stormed past Weston and sailed out the door. She was a block away when his SUV pulled up to the curb beside her. He left it idling while he jumped out and opened the passenger door.

  “Come on, Abril. I’ll take you home.”

  “I can walk, thanks.”

  “Are you pissed because I told everyone you’re my mate?” he asked.

  She turned and planted her hands on her hips. “I’m pissed because you cost me a job with a steady income. I have no way to make my rent now, thanks to you. I made more in tips at the bar in one night than I made in a week at the diner. How could you get me fired?”

  He sighed. “I’m sorry, Abril. I wasn’t trying to get you fired. If you need help with rent, I’ll be happy to cover it.”

  “I don’t want to be your kept woman!”

  She turned and stomped down the sidewalk. In all her fantasies about Weston Drake, never once had she imagined this particular scenario. She’d always thought he’d sweep her off her feet and have mind blowing sex with her. It had never crossed her mind that she’d be jobless and homeless. Her pride wouldn’t let her accept his offer to pay the rent, even if it meant she had to live on the streets. She’d crawled her way up from the gutter once before; she could do it again.

  It only took her a moment to realize that Weston was following her in his SUV. It seemed he was determined to see her home, one way or another. She should be touched, but she was still too angry with him. A few more nights of work and she�
�d have not only made rent but had enough extra for real groceries. Abril had no idea what she was going to do now, but she had two weeks to come up with the rest of the money. She’d never believed in miracles, but she needed one now.

  When she reached her building, she ignored Weston and let herself into her apartment. As she was closing the door, a large hand caught and held it. Weston looked determined, his jaw set and his eyes telling her that he wasn’t taking no for an answer.

  “You know, I’d hoped maybe we go on some dates, and maybe you’d take me to bed,” she said as she moved further into her apartment. “Not once did I think you’d cost me my job and my home.”

  “I told you I would pay your rent.”

  “I’m not a whore.”

  Weston gripped her arm and spun her around. “I have never, and would never, call you a whore. What you are is my mate. Do you understand what that means?”

  “Mates are forever, or so I’ve heard.”

  “Yes. It means you’re my wife. We may not be legally married, but to the pack, you’re considered mine. We’re a matched pair, and your problems are my problems. It’s my job to take care of you, Abril. I didn’t offer to pay your rent as a way to pay you for sex. I wanted to pay your rent so my mate would be safe until she’s ready to move in with me.”

  “I don’t even know you,” she grumbled. “Why would I move in with you?”

  “It’s only a matter of time, unless you plan to reject my claim.”

  She might be mad, but she wasn’t stupid. If she rejected the mate claim, she’d doom him to a life alone. If what she’d heard was correct, then his wolf would pine for her. Angry or not, she wasn’t a heartless bitch.

  “I’ll think about accepting your offer to pay my rent.” She folded her arms over her chest. “But for now, why don’t we try going on a date like a normal couple?”