by Isa Hunt
“Mr. Blackwood, I have already orientated Ms.-”
“Wait outside, Nancy.”
Nancy’s eyes swung from Ethan Blackwood to Christine, her brows furrowed. She spun around and left.
***
Christine’s brows puckered, wondering what that was all about. Left alone with her new boss, she felt incredibly small, and her five feet four inches frame was dwarfed by his six feet three. “Err, h-hello, Mr. Blackwood. It’s a real pleasure to be working for you.” Her chest heaved, still out of breath from her brisk walk trying to keep up with Nancy and the impact her boss had on her.
He tilted his head. “You’re out of breath.”
She giggled nervously. “I just ran a marathon, keeping up with Ms. Coleman. I’m afraid my legs aren’t as long as hers.”
His lips curved upward. “Welcome to Blackwood Enterprise.”
“Thank you,” she breathed.
“Please have a seat,” he motioned to a chair in front of his desk.
Ethan watched her walk past him. He drew in a breath. It wasn’t necessary for him to keep her in his office but he was intrigued. He had never expected to see her again. He had worked hard to push the mysterious red-head from his thoughts and now here she was, in his office, his new employee. He would be seeing her every day. How long can you keep your hands off her? His subconscious made the inquiry.
Christine watched him wearily as he seated himself in front of her.
“How do you like it here, so far?” He asked.
“Uh, I haven’t seen much of the place and I haven’t met many people yet, but I’m sure I will love it here.”
“Good. I trust we will work very well together.”
She frowned, her mouth opening to tell him that she would probably barely be seeing him. Nancy was the one who worked closely with him. Instead, she said, “Of course. Thanks again for the opportunity.”
His brows lifted, “I didn’t do the hiring.”
“But you write the checks, so thanks.”
He let out a low laugh, “Right. You’re welcome.”
They stared at one another for a few seconds, the silence in the room getting uncomfortable. Christine had the urge to run. “Err, it is nice to finally meet you, Mr. Blackwood. I should probably get back out there before Nancy blows her top.” Her cheeks flushed as soon as the words left her mouth. She pursed her lips, “I mean, Ms. Coleman.”
“Yes, we wouldn’t want that, would we?” He replied with amusement. “Enjoy the rest of your day, Christine.” He stood up and extended a hand.
Placing her hand in his, a small shiver ran down her spine when long fingers wrapped around hers. Her breath hitched at the slight contact and he stared down at her with wonder.
“Thank you. You too, Mr. Blackwood.”
When he released her, she backed away still gazing at him and then turned to scurry out of the room. When she closed the door she let out the breath she had been holding. Oh man, he’s sexy and intense. She was uncomfortable with the effect he had on her. Pressing her hand against her fluttering stomach, she made her way to her desk.
Chapter Three
Ethan ran through the woods, the wind whipping against his fur. He ran at supernatural speed, pushing himself to the limit. He whizzed past trees and jumped over foliage, feeling liberated. Being in his wolf form was the only time he felt free and happy nowadays. He sometimes wished he could remain as a wolf forever. But he had a business to run. He would never allow his father’s legacy to fade away. He had no choice but to continue the family business because none of his three brothers wanted to pick up the slack. They all worked in different divisions of the company, but the leading role was left to him.
There was a time when Wolf Shifters kept themselves contained in the woods, away from civilization. But in modern times, they went out into the world and lived among the humans undetected. His father, Jared Blackwood, was their pack leader and had believed in his people breaking free from restricting traditions and going out to have the lives they desired. He was killed protecting his own from a volatile, enemy pack six years ago, leaving behind four sons and a wife.
Being the oldest, Ethan had taken up the reigns and continued the empire his father had established. The company was now one of the biggest real estate companies in the state. He had then brought the company to billion dollar status when he started to buy companies, build them up and sell them to the highest bidder. But he was tired. He was tired of living among the humans and being around his family, yet still feeling lonely. It was as if a major part of him was missing.
Brother, your despair is maddening.
Ethan scowled, as his brother, Jacob invaded his thoughts. Then stay the hell out of my head.
It’s pretty hard to ignore the misery you exude. Every Shifter in Washington can probably feel it.
Ethan immediately shut down the mental path he used to communicate with his family. Nearing his mother’s home, he began to transform into human form again. Shrugging off the bag he had around his neck, he extracted his clothes and quickly dressed. He made a sweep of the area as he stepped out of the woods and strolled to Olympia Blackwood’s front door. He could hear the loud roars of laughter from his brothers inside.
The door swung open. Olympia gave him the loving smile. "Ah, my eldest is finally here.”
Leaning down to give her a peck on the cheek, she said, “Hello, mother.”
She peered over his shoulder toward the street. “Where’s your car?”
“I made the journey on four feet.”
She chuckled and stepped aside to let him in. He strolled into the dining room to see the table set and his three brothers already seated. Jacob, Nial, and Micah all sent him annoyed glances.
“It’s about time you got here, we’re all starving,” Micah voiced.
Drawing the chair at the head of the table he scowled at his youngest brother. “Don’t you all have kitchens at your houses?”
“We much prefer mom’s cooking,” Nial expressed, rubbing his hands together. “What are we waiting for? Let’s eat.”
Olympia watched her sons eat with gusto. She wore a pleased smile. Sunday nights were her favorite. It was the night designated to break free from their schedules and meet up for dinner. She detected her eldest son’s dark mood. “How are you, Ethan?” She asked.
“I’m great.”
Her brows lifted, “You look miserable.”
“That’s how he always looks, Mom. The man is way too wound up and intense.”
“Nobody asked for your input, Micah,” Ethan snarled.
“I’m going to give it anyway. What you need to unwind is a nice woman to take to bed at night.”
Nial delivered a blow to the back of Micah’s head, “Your Mother is at the table, you idiot.”
Rubbing his head and sending Nial a glare he stated, “And I’m sure she agrees with me, right Mom?”
“Don’t drag me into this, Micah.” She paused. “Although, you might be on to something.”
Ethan let out a groan. He was tired of hearing about the fact that he needed to settle down. There wasn’t a woman that interested him in that capacity. Christine Morrow flashed into his mind. At least, there hadn’t been one until recently.
“Leave him alone, he’s waiting for his soulmate to come along,” Jacob stated. He was romantic by nature, completely different from his three brothers.
“She doesn’t seem to be coming along anytime soon,” Nial murmured.
“I think I found her,” Ethan said quietly, much to his own surprise.
Everyone’s head swiveled to Ethan, his barely audible words eliciting shocked expressions. It was known among their kind that every Shifter had a mate. It was, of course, possible to fall in love and settle down with someone who wasn’t a true mate, but he was sure that Christine was no ordinary woman. She was the only one he had ever met that made him feel so alive.
Jacob was the first to speak, “Don’t tell me it’s Nancy Coleman. I know she’s one
of us, but I don’t like that woman.”
"It's not Nancy."
“Well, then who is it and when do we meet her?” Olympia asked, her expression that of excitement.
Ethan’s brows elevated. “Good question. I don’t know. She has no idea what I am.”
Nial choked on his beer. “She’s human? Is that even possible?”
Olympia nodded. “Yes, son, it is indeed possible for a Wolf Shifter to have a human mate, as long as that human possesses the Shifter trait. That is, he or she is half Wolf Shifter.”
Ethan remained silent. He had thought about what his Mother just said many times. He was aware that Christine had to have some Shifter gene in order to be his mate.
“What the hell are you waiting for, big brother? Make her yours,” Micah said.
If only it were that simple. He wondered if Christine even knew about the existence of Wolf Shifters. “Mind your own business, baby brother,” Ethan growled.
Everyone took his tone as a warning and the topic of conversation changed. Ethan remained mostly quiet, deep in thought about a certain woman who worked in his office. Christine seemed like a nice girl. The innocence she exuded was enough for him to want to stay away from her. She deserved someone who made her light shine brighter, not a dark soul like himself who would overshadow her. He sighed softly, knowing deep down that he wouldn’t be able to stay away from her.
Chapter Four
Christine hung her head in dismay. Her morning was not going well. Of the one week she had been working at Blackwood Enterprise, she hadn’t had one good day, and it was all thanks to her senior, Nancy Coleman. The woman was vicious and found any excuse to dig her claws into Christine. At the moment, she was going off about a minor typographical error that wasn’t even Christine’s fault.
“I hired you because I thought you were smart. I guess I was wrong,” Nancy jeered.
Christine wanted to ask how her intelligence had come into play relating to an error that was Nancy’s fault. She kept her mouth shut and took the berating because she couldn't afford to lose the job.
Nancy continued, “I chose you out of the many women because you didn’t seem too engaged in your appearance. I assumed you would be a good worker. But it seems now that you have seen what your boss looks like, you’re all about flaunting yourself. What are you hoping? That he’ll notice you? I hate to disappoint you, but you’re not his type.” She eyed Christine with hatred. “He goes for much thinner women.”
Outraged, Christine finally spoke, “I have no interest in Mr. Blackwood and I don’t see what that has to do with the error you’re blaming me for.” As far as she was concerned, if Nancy wanted their boss she could have him. She was well aware that he wouldn’t give her a second look anyway, so she was in no way trying to get his attention.
As for her new wardrobe, Keira had convinced her to go shopping. She huffed. She was happy with the way she looked. The well-fitted attire she wore nowadays didn’t make her feel like a frumpy old lady and it gave her confidence quite a boost. Her new confidence, however, had just been stomped on by the very tall, thin and glamorous Nancy Coleman. It was like high school and living with her mother all over again.
Nancy grunted, “Well, it’s good to know you don’t have your eyes set on Mr. Blackwood. You can go now.”
Christine whirled out of the office and stomped past her desk. Angry tears burned in her eyes and she blinked rapidly to keep them at bay.
“Are you alright, dear?” Margaret asked, concerned.
Christine didn’t stop. “I’m fine, Margaret.” She continued down the hallway and into the lounge. Glancing around the room, she sighed, glad to find it empty. Walking to the window, she sniffed as a tear streamed down her cheek. Damn it. She was annoyed with herself for letting Nancy get to her.
***
Ethan pushed open the lounge door. He didn’t usually frequent the room, but he had seen Christine storm past and disappear behind the door. He frowned when he saw her standing by the window with hunched shoulders.
“Christine, are you alright?”
She yelped and spun around, her eyes widening when she saw him enter the room and close the door. “Mr. Blackwood, I- uh yes I’m fine.”
Lifting an eyebrow, he asked, “That’s why you’re crying?”
She sighed quietly. She had obviously hoped he wouldn’t notice. Averting his gaze, she responded, “It’s nothing, really. I’m fine.”
She looked so vulnerable as she stood there. He felt a strong urge to protect her, to take her into his arms, to make her happy. He frowned, stepping closer. “I don’t like seeing you upset, Christine.”
Ethan’s lips twitched. She was gaping at him with a confused expression. She was no doubt wondering why he cared. He was just as confused as she was. Unable to resist the urge to touch her any longer, he lifted a hand to trail his thumb across her wet cheek.
Christine drew in a breath, immobilized by shock. But before she could recover, his head acted on his own accord and descended, his mouth covering hers. His lips moved slowly over hers. After her initial shock had worn off, she parted her lips slightly, as if she liked it too. The close proximity to her allowed him to take in her feminine, sweet scent. He felt almost intoxicated. His tongue darted between her lips, jolting her back to her senses.
Abruptly pulling out of his grip, she stared up at him in horror, her chest heaving.
“Christine-”
“Uh, I-I’m sorry. I have to go.” She stumbled backward and then turned to rush out the door.
“Christine, wait!” Ethan let out a curse and wiped a hand over his face. “Real smooth, Blackwood,” he murmured. He didn’t know what had come over him. The need to kiss her had been too great. He could only hope she didn't press charges for sexual harassment in the workplace.
***
Christine was out of breath when she got back to her desk. Oh my God. I kissed my boss. He was the one to initiate it, but she had kissed him back. And I liked it, she thought with horror. She had been attracted to him since first laying eyes on him. But, given the way Nancy had acted, it was safe to assume they had something going on. She fully intended to stay away. She didn’t need another reason for the woman to target her. A shadow appeared over her and she looked up. Ethan loomed over her desk with his hands in his pocket. She groaned inwardly.
“A word in my office, Ms. Morrow,” he ordered softly.
She glanced toward Nancy’s office. “There isn’t anything to discuss. What happened was a mistake. It won’t happen again. For the second time, I apologize,” she said, trying to keep her voice down.
His brows lifted, “I believe I was the one who kissed you, so you have no need to apologize. I’m not sorry for kissing you, by the way.”
Christine flushed a bright shade of pink and glanced around frantically. Margaret was a distance away, studying them with interest. “Can you keep your voice down?” She hissed.
"You won't have to worry about anyone hearing our conversation if you come into my office."
She sighed, “Okay, okay, you win.” Standing up she followed him reluctantly.
Christine watched with her heart racing as he closed the door and turned the lock. She gulped as he stalked toward her, causing her to take an involuntary step back. “I have wanted to kiss you for a while, Christine.”
“Err, you have?”
He nodded, his lips twisting into a grin. “I must say, I liked it and I want more.”
She let out a nervous whimper. “Mr. Blackwood, this is highly inappropriate.” She couldn’t help glancing at the door.
He let out a laugh and drawled. “It is, but I have never cared much for propriety. I have been trying to avoid you for a week, Christine, but you are just too damn tempting.”
“Look, it was never my intention to capture your attention or seduce you, no matter what Nancy says.”
He paused, a frown appearing on his face. “What does she have to do with any of this?”
She gave herse
lf a mental kick for letting the words slip out. “Uh, nothing, forget it. But, I’m not like every other woman under your employ Mr. Blackwood. I don’t desire any attention from you.”
His lips curled in amusement, “I like that about you. Do you deny that you are attracted to me?”
“I’m not attracted to you.”
Ethan inhaled, taking in her scent of arousal. He could hear her heart pounding and feel the heat emanating from her body. “Liar.” His eyes bore into hers, daring her to deny her attraction to him again.
Averting her gaze, she shrugged. “So what if I am? Nothing will come of it.”
“The fact that I too desperately want you means that something will definitely come out of it.”
Taken aback, Christine wasn’t sure how to respond. He wanted her? “I was told I’m not your type.”
“What?”
“Never mind.”
He stepped closer, his eyes roving over her from head to toe. “You are exactly my type.”
“Oh.” She sucked in a breath, feeling her knees go weak. Oh, my. It was now evident to her that she had no chance of resisting his charms.
Ethan grinned, “Just oh? Is that all you have to say?”
Before she could answer, her feet were lifted off the floor and she was seated on his desk. Stepping between her thighs, he cupped her face and studied her intently, as if he was trying to figure out a mystery. “I have wanted you before I even met you.”
Her brows knitted. “What are you talking about?”
“I first spotted you in a club on the dance floor. You were the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.”
Christine stared at him as if he had instantly sprouted two heads. That wasn’t a compliment she got very often- or ever. Her gaze dropped to his lips, wishing for him to kiss her again. As if reading her mind, his lips crushed hers. Desire overrode her reservations and she wound her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His mouth moved roughly and his tongue delved between her lips to explore her mouth.