by Lola Gabriel
Lola laughed. “You’re making that up,” she said.
“No, I’m serious. Otherwise, we’d all be discovered very early on.”
“Okay,” she murmured. She wasn’t sure she entirely believed him or not, but if he wasn’t worried, then she decided not to be, either.
Then Ryder said that, in addition to their actual mating ceremony, he wanted to have a traditional wedding. Lola was absolutely thrilled. She found out soon enough, though, that the stress of becoming a werewolf was not nearly as difficult as the stress of planning a wedding.
She also learned that her husband-to-be was a lot more old-fashioned than she realized, but he was still open to doing things his own way. He let her plan everything regarding the wedding the way she wanted to, though he was more than happy to lend suggestions and help with anything if she asked as well.
He’d even asked Piper to be his best man. The bond those two shared was beautiful. Lola had never seen a brother and sister that close. Piper had quickly become one of her closest friends, and now they were going to be sisters. It was exciting. She’d always wanted a sister and a big family; now she was marrying into one.
Ryder stood up and tapped his glass with a spoon to get everyone’s attention. They all stopped their chatter and looked at him. He paused until everyone in the room had turned in his direction.
“Everybody,” he began, “I just wanted to propose a toast to my amazing wife, Lola, who is my absolute everything.” He turned to her, and Lola forced herself to blink back her tears. “She is my biggest strength, my loyal companion, and my one true soulmate. I love you, Lola.” Then he turned to the rest of the room—to the rest of his pack. “And I would like to propose a toast to all of you here today. You are all cherished family and friends. We would not be who we are, and we would not be who we are for each other, without each and every single one of you. We just want you all to know how much we care about you and how blessed we are to have every single one of you in our lives. Thank you. Enjoy the party!”
The crowd gave Ryder a standing ovation and cheered as the DJ cranked up the music in the background. Guests flooded the dance floor.
“I love you,” Lola said when Ryder sat back down.
“I love you so much more,” Ryder replied with a smile. “I mean ‘to the moon and back,’ way, way more.”
Lola lightly punched him in the arm. “You have issues,” she said.
“I know. You love me for them,” Ryder responded.
Lola had discovered that, since finding out that Roger Myers was dead, her husband had become a much more lighthearted person. And he was also had a hilarious sense of humor she found endearing.
“Are you ready?” Ryder asked after they left the ceremony and stepped into the limousine that would take them to her new home. In the morning, they were flying out to Cabo for the first leg of their two-week honeymoon paradise vacation.
“Absolutely,” Lola said.
She never wanted to be anywhere but right by his side. And being an immortal now, she never had to be.
THE END
Part V
Game of Love
1
Tanya removed the last of her luggage from the trunk of the cab. Slamming it shut, she placed her hands on her hips and looked up at the building in front of her, which would be her temporary home. She had spent the summer after graduation in her hometown of Crawfordsville, Indiana. Her parents had retired to Florida, and she was ready to begin her new life in New York.
“I can’t believe you’re finally here!” a voice screamed. A blur of brown hair and arms flew down the steps towards her, pulling Tanya into a tight hug.
Beaming from ear-to-ear, Tanya wrapped her arms back around the woman holding her close.
“Come on, let’s get you upstairs and settled. I’m sorry I couldn’t meet you at the airport. The shoot went hours longer than it was supposed to, which kept me tied up most of the day.”
“It’s okay, Sarah. I’m just glad to be here,” Tanya replied. She looked all around, unable to fight the smile that took over her features. She had always dreamt of living in a big city, but now her new job and her big sister, Sarah, were making that dream a reality.
“I know, and you’re going to love it! Let me help you with your luggage.”
The lobby was decorated in modern white and gold décor with a large, ostentatious chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Tanya wondered how the couches remained stark white. Nobody must ever sit on them, she thought.
Sarah led the way to the glass elevator and pressed the button for the seventh floor. Tanya nearly pressed her nose to the glass as she watched the people move in a hurried pace through the lobby as the elevator reached Sarah’s floor.
They walked down the hall, and Sarah unlocked the door and gestured for Tanya to go inside.
“This place is super cute!” Tanya admired, walking into her sister’s small, but elegant, apartment. The scent of lavender and citrus filled the air, which was a fragrance that Sarah had always loved.
The open floor space was well-lit by a corner of windows on the east-side of the apartment, along with the track lighting. Hardwood floors gleamed underneath Tanya’s feet as she followed Sarah, who was taking her on a tour.
“This artwork is amazing!” Tanya noted, taking in the bold splashes of color on the canvases lining the hallway.
“The colors really brighten this place up,” said Sarah, obviously pleased by her sister’s admiration of the paintings. “A friend of mine has an art gallery, and he painted two of these. He gave them to me as gifts for Christmas and my birthday. I purchased the others from artists he showcases,” Sarah explained, opening a closed door.
“And this is your room,” she said excitedly, stepping aside to allow Tanya entrance into the small space.
Painted in a muted gray with white trim with recessed lighting, the room had a sleek, contemporary style. She admired the beams in the ceiling overhead and the closet space that took up one wall. Being that she was in New York city, she was grateful that she had any closet space at all, so the fact that she had enough room for all of her clothes was a big bonus.
“Sarah, this means so much to me. I can’t thank you enough for letting me stay here while I get settled.”
“Tanya, please, you’re my baby sister, it’s the least I can do. Besides, Mom and Dad wouldn’t have it any other way. And I’m glad to have you here. I’ve missed being close to you! But now that you’ve got a job at Greener Communications, it won’t be too long before you’re living the life and won’t need me anymore. Maybe you’ll need to help me!” Sarah said smiling, stepping back down the hallway.
Tanya followed behind her. “I’m not sure about that. Luck has followed you your entire life. You’ve been on more magazine covers than I can count, and now that you’re the face of Poet Swimwear, you definitely won’t need my help financially or socially. I can’t wait to go to some of those parties you’re always telling me about.”
“I am holding you to that, lil’ sis. You’ve never been much of a partier, but now that you’re living with me, I am thinking about making attending parties with me a requirement because I am not charging you rent.”
“I promise! Really, I want to get out and enjoy all that New York has to offer. I will always be standing in your shadow though.”
“Seriously, Tanya? Have you looked in the mirror? I told you that my agency was ready to sign you, but you continue to insist that you want to pursue your career at Greener Communications.”
“I know I am just going to be a project manager, but this is really important to me, Sarah. I know it’s not as lavish as your lifestyle, but to me, it’s a big deal.”
“It’s not a bad lifestyle, just different. I am proud of you, Tanya. You’re going to work for one of the major communication companies in New York! Besides, Andrew Greene is ridiculously hot. I’d pay money to stare at him all day,” Sarah said playfully.
“Seriously, Sarah? You’d pay to stare at a goo
d-looking guy?” Tanya asked, shaking her head and laughing. “We need to find you a better hobby.”
“Well, I am sure he won’t make you pay. He’ll be all over you before lunchtime on your first day.”
Tanya laughed. “Sleeping with my boss? On the first day? It’s a good thing I have enough sense to ignore your career advice.” Tanya replied, tucking her feet underneath her on the couch and grabbing a pillow close in her arms.
Sarah padded barefoot into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door. Tanya watched while she pulled out the ingredients to prepare Portobello mushroom sandwiches and a salad.
“Sleep with him? I never said that. I think that is your own subconscious bringing you innermost desires to light.”
Tanya threw a pillow from the couch in the direction of her sister.
Sarah ducked. “Ha! You missed.”
Tanya loved her big sister and was really excited to be sharing her first grown-up apartment outside of college with her sibling and best friend. They were only eighteen months apart, so they had always been close, even though they were complete opposites. Sarah was extremely smart and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Columbia, but never pursued that career after her modeling career took off. Throughout their teenage years, Sarah had always been the wild one, while Tanya was out to do good in the world. Sarah spent her spring breaks in Mexico with her sorority sisters, while Tanya traveled to impoverished countries on humanitarian projects.
Sarah asked, “Have you met the owner of your company yet? I’ve seen Andrew Greene at so many parties. Women practically throw themselves at him. So, if he hits on you, have a little fun, but don’t let your heart get involved.”
“Listen, you need to drop it. I am not sleeping with my boss. Mr. Greene will appreciate that I have a good work ethic and a good head on my shoulders. I was hired to do a job. That’s what I’m going to do, and nothing more.”
Tanya hopped up from the sofa to grab the plate Sarah had just prepared for her.
“I’m here to do a job and build my career, and that’s it! I’ve never been that type of girl and you know that.” She bit into the sandwich, savoring the garlic pesto spread Sarah had used.
Sarah smirked. “I know… That’s why you never had fun at school.”
Tanya shook her head thinking about how Sarah had gone wild during her college years, while still managing to graduate with honors. Once a party girl, always a party girl.
2
Tanya grabbed a coffee and a banana at Starbucks on her way to catch the subway. The day before, she made Sarah ride the subway with her to Greener Communications so she could time her commute. Just like she had planned, she arrived fifteen minutes before she was supposed to.
Entering the tall glass building for the second time in less than a month, she began to second-guess her attire. Dressed in a black-knit, long-sleeved blouse, a lavender and black pin-striped wrap skirt that fell just above her knees, and black knee-length boots, she felt her attire was suitable. At least when she left home. Sarah, who was a fashion goddess, had even given her approval. But now as she made her way to the bank of elevators, she could not help but think about the comments Sarah had made about Mr. Greene.
Tanya would not be working for him directly and did not expect to meet him right away, but she didn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea about her intentions if Mr. Greene’s reputation preceded him as Sarah indicated. Yet, when she walked, her wrap skirt flapped open, exposing a little thigh with each step.
Although her dress was covered underneath her long, grey coat, she knew it wouldn’t be hidden much longer. Juggling her coffee in one hand and balancing her purse and laptop bag on her other arm, she was jostled by a crowd of people pushing their way into the elevator.
Suddenly, Tanya found herself slipping on a slick spot and she was going down fast. Her arms flailed wildly about in an attempt to steady herself and maintain her balance. There was nothing to do but prepare for the impact of falling flat on her butt onto the hard, marble floor. She only hoped she didn’t sustain any severe injuries, and that the coffee lid stayed intact.
“Oops, watch your step.” A hand grabbed her gently underneath the arms and snatched her up just before impact.
“Thanks,” she mumbled, embarrassed by six sets of eyes upon her, waiting for her to board the elevator. Everyone pressed in to make room for her and her savior. She pushed the button for the forty-third floor.
As the elevator doors closed, she looked up into the eyes of her rescuer and smiled. Hazel eyes twinkled back at her before glancing away in a dismissive manner. Attempting to hide in the crowd, she couldn’t wait to arrive at her floor to escape the confines of the elevator.
Tanya silently wished that nobody on the elevator would get off on the same floor. She dreaded the thought that one of those people on the elevator would also be a coworker. It was already a horrible start to her first day.
The red digital numbers ticked off with each ding. By the time the forty-third floor arrived, two people remained with Tanya on the elevator. As luck would have it, her rescuer stepped off the elevator with her.
“Be careful to watch your step,” he advised, before he departed to the right.
“Good morning, Mr. Greene,” the receptionist called out after him.
He smiled devilishly at the receptionist and winked, whistling as he went along.
Tanya’s heart knocked against her chest as she stood staring after him. That was Andrew Greene?
Her first week at her new job had gone off without a hitch, other than the near catastrophe on her first day. Her new boss, Veronica, was demanding, but brilliant. She was glad she had not seen Mr. Greene again. Apparently, he had flown out later that day for a business meeting, and had not returned to the office yet.
Tanya hustled her way out of the subway station and made it to the office in record time. She smiled looking at the clear blue skies. Though it was an extremely cold January day, it wasn’t so bad for a Monday morning. She had spent the entire weekend working to Sarah’s chagrin. It had taken several denials and a final promise to attend a party the next weekend, before Sarah let her off the hook and left the apartment.
As Tanya rode her way up the crowded elevator, she was glad she had a head start on her workweek by putting in the extra time over the weekend. She hummed to herself as she exited the elevator and made her way down the hall to her office. She was early and was not surprised to see the receptionist had not arrived at her desk yet.
Dropping her bags in her office, Tanya made a beeline for the breakroom to grab a fresh cup of coffee. She had finished her almond milk latte on her way into the office and knew she would need more caffeine to move her day forward.
Someone had already brewed the coffee by the time Tanya arrived in the breakroom, and she was grateful she didn’t have to sit and wait. Grabbing a fresh mug from the cupboard, she turned back to the coffee machine and refilled it. After adding some sweetened creamer, she turned to head back to her office and bumped into a wall. A wall of firm, thick chest muscles.
“Mr. Greene!” Tanya shrieked.
“For fuck’s sake!” he jumped, after the hot coffee spilled down his chest. “Great. This is exactly what I needed today!”
“Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry,” Tanya apologized, grabbing a paper towel and attempting to dab at his shirt.
Snatching the paper towel from her hand, he began to blot his shirt himself. “I’ll take that!”
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize you were right behind me.”
For the first time since his arrival, he turned those hazel eyes upon her. “It’s you! Are you always such a klutz?” he asked accusingly.
“I…I…I’m so sorry. I’m not usually this way. I don’t know what’s come over me. I’m in a new city, and this is a new job, and all of these things around me are perhaps scattering my brain. I’m just all over the place, I guess,” she prattled on nervously. She bit down on her tongue in an effort to
stop the flow of words cascading from her lips like a waterfall.
“Well, I hope you’re better at your job than you are at walking,” he retorted, throwing the paper towel into the garbage can.
He stalked out of the break room, leaving her staring dumbfounded after him. Tanya’s feelings were hurt. Nobody had ever spoken to her so harshly.
“What’s wrong with me?” she muttered to herself. Shaking her head, she was embarrassed by her first two encounters with her boss. He would forever remember her as a bumbling idiot. Tanya knew she would have to work that much harder and allow her work to prove herself. She needed to prove that she was intelligent and diligent before she lost her job.
“Mr. Greene called an emergency meeting in conference room D. Apparently, Isabelle Manning’s husband is launching a suit against the company. He claims her involvement with the company led to the ruin of his marriage. Trust me when I say Andrew is not pleased about this one at all. Heads are going to roll,” Thad Pembroke stated, stopping by Tanya’s office. He was the administrative assistant for the marketing department and loved gossip.
Isabelle Manning was a public relations nightmare. She was an actress who had risen to stardom at the tender age of eleven, modeling for a teen clothing line. Since that time, she had become one of Hollywood’s elite. Her last eight movies were box office hits. However, she was also known for her partying and wild escapades. She relocated to New York with her husband and hired Greener Communications as a way to help turn her image around.
However, Isabelle had recently become embroiled in a bitter divorce, after her husband learned she had been unfaithful to him on more than one occasion. One of those affairs was rumored to have been with Mr. Greene, the owner of the communications firm.
“Okay, well, let me gather my things and I’ll be right there.”
“If I were you, I’d prepare myself for a lot of screaming and shouting. Andrew has a temper, but hell hath no fury like your boss, Rebecca, when she’s worked up. And, they might take it out on you,” he warned.