Skin Walkers: Gauge

by Susan A Bliler

  Gauge gave King a bored look. He might be new to StoneCrow, but even he was aware that King was mated to Monroe StoneCrow’s personal assistant, Lilly. “I don’t have a penchant for secretaries,” he ground out as he cleared his desk and locked his drawers. “I don’t have a thing for human women at all.” He stood tall and straightened his collar and buttoned his jacket. “They’re too weak, too needy, too…unadventurous.”

  “Unadventurous?” King snorted, the implication not lost on him. “Clearly, you haven’t met the right woman. Perhaps Ella will…”

  “No,” Gauge cut him off, his temper beginning to flare, “She won’t. I’m looking for a Walker mate. Not a widowed human with baggage who also happens to be my subordinate.” He stalked toward the door as if to end the conversation.

  “I don’t know,” King followed behind, “Crow swears by a subordinate female.”

  The comment had Gauge stopping so quickly that King actually slammed into his back. Turning he eyed the Chief of Security in incredulity. “Subordinate? Have you even met Eden?”

  King laughed, lifting a hand to rub at the back of his neck. “I said he swears by it. Didn’t say he actually lived by it. Eden’s the least subordinate female I’ve ever met, well except for Aries Drago that is.”

  Gauge shook his head and exited his office, strode through the reception area, and stopped with the door open. “Leave well enough alone, King. I don’t need you making my job any harder by shoving your nose in where it doesn’t belong.”

  King’s strong hand caught Gauge’s arm. “A word of warning then.”

  Gauge’s eyes flashed dangerously as he frowned from the arm restricting him to the Walker who owned it.

  “Crow makes it his business to shove his nose where it doesn’t belong, especially when it comes to Walkers and our angels. If you truly have no interest in Ella then I suggest you let this ride. Digging around Ella’s past will draw Crow’s attention and once he even catches a whiff of interest from you it’ll be all over.”

  “What will be all over?”

  “He’ll mate you to Ella, Gauge.”

  Gauge angrily jerked his arm free as he scowled at the nearly-identical-in-height Chief of Security. “No man is forcing my claim. Walker or otherwise. I require no assistance in finding my angel.”

  “And I’m not saying you do. I’m just saying that Crow’s sole purpose of building StoneCrow was to create a community where we could not only live freely, but flourish. He wants Walkers mated and breeding. If you truly have no attraction to Ella, then stay the hell away from her. You might think that no man could force your claiming, but Crow is more powerful and relentless than anything you’ve ever gone up against, and I am speaking from personal experience.”

  Gauge’s lip curled back derisively, “You let him force your claiming of a human?”

  It was King’s turn to let his temper flare. He stepped forward until his nose nearly brushed Gauge’s. “Watch your fucking mouth when referencing my queen. She is my angel, my one. You’re a damn fool if you’re willing to overlook a human female simply because of your inability to express your needs in the bedroom. A true Walker, a true man, breaks his woman’s headboard, not her heart. If you can’t make that happen, don’t blame her.”

  The two Walkers were nose-to-nose, neither backing down. The loud crunch of an apple had both men swiveling their heads to eye CEO StoneCrow as he leaned causally against the wall just outside Gauge’s office. He studied his apple while he chewed, not bothering to look at either of his Walkers. “Gentlemen,” he took another bite of the crisp fruit. “Do we have a problem?”

  Gauge turned back to King in time to see a spark light in the other Walker’s eyes before a grin tweaked the corners of his mouth. “We were just discussing Ella.”

  “Ella?” That caught the CEO’s attention and had him lifting his clear, blue eyes to the men. “You mean Ms. Garrett? Is there a problem?”

  King shrugged and smiled at Gauge knowingly, “Nah, Gauge was just curious about her. Wanted me to do some digging.”

  CEO StoneCrow shoved off the wall before dropping his half-eaten apple in the nearest waste basket as he stalked toward the men, studying Gauge intently.

  “It’s not like that,” Gauge explained. “I’m not interested in her, I just…,” Christ! I just what? “I was curious about her background is all. I don’t want her, Monroe.” He paled slightly when the CEO’s nostrils flared. He did want Ella, and Monroe would scent the lie. “I mean I don’t want a relationship with her,” he attempted to clarify.

  Monroe’s eyes narrowed. “You just want to fuck her?”

  Gauge jerked an angry scowl to King as the Chief of Security chuffed a laugh and exited the hall leaving Gauge to explain himself to the CEO while simultaneously trying to convince the dominant Walker that he had no desire to be mated to Ella.

  “She’s a beautiful woman, but I want a Walker mate.” There. He couldn’t explain it more simply than that.

  “Female Walkers are hard to come by.” Monroe appeared contemplative before turning to head back down the hall. “I’ve got a few. I’ll see what I can do.”

  What? “Wait!”

  The CEO stopped and looked over his shoulder.

  “I don’t mean right now, and I don’t need your help. I’ll find my own angel in my own time.” He waited with baited breath for the CEO’s response. Shit, King was right!

  “Fine. I’m just delighted you’re actually looking. Most of the Walkers here have to be forced to find the source of their happiness. It’s a daunting task, and yet I find pleasure in the hobby.”

  Hobby? He actually considers his interference to be a fucking hobby? “They ask for your assistance?”

  Monroe leveled his gaze on Gauge, “I am their Dominant. They don’t need to ask. It is my gift.”

  “All due respect, Monroe, but you can keep your gift. I don’t want, or need, your interference in my personal life. Am I clear?”

  The CEO’s face remained blank; no hint of emotion gave insight to his thoughts. Finally, his brow furrowed as if he’d come to some conclusion. “You’re sure you don’t want Ella? She’s smart, beautiful, and more importantly, she’s available.”

  “As I said,” Gauge ground out through clenched teeth, “I’ll find my own angel.”

  “I just wanted to make sure before I found her another.”

  “Another what?”

  “Mate,” Monroe answered impatiently. “I’ve got dozens of unmated Walkers on this estate with more coming in every day. Do you know the havoc an unclaimed female can cause to beings who are more animal than man? Hell, her first ovulation around unmated Walkers is likely to cause a damn stampede. If you’re sure you don’t want her, I’ll find her other options.”

  The thought of Monroe attempting to farm out Ella had Gauge biting back a growl. He shouldn’t care, but he did. “She’s my assistant, and I don’t want her fucked with!”

  “Why? You’re not willing to fuck with her. Let another Walker have the chance.”

  Gauge’s reaction was the exact opposite of what he wanted to display. He wanted to appear indifferent, but the attitude refused to come forth. Instead, he looked possessive and…jealous? His palms began to sweat as he realized why King had laughed upon his departure. King had been trying to warn him of Monroe’s proclivity for interfering. Instead of being grateful, Gauge had challenged King, and the Chief of Security had thrown him to the wolves…or wolf, for the affront. Shit!

  “Is it lost on you that perhaps Walkers flock to your Estate because of this, because you incentivize them?” Gauge attempted to be tactical, “Besides, shouldn’t you ask Ella what she wants? You know, she does have a say in the matter.”

  For some reason, Monroe looked disappointed. “Of course I incentivize them. Most Walkers, if they’re willing to admit it to themselves, can acknowledge the fact that they not only need an angel, but they want one. I give them that opportunity. And to answer your second question, any Walker male would be a
valued mate to a woman like Ella. We are fiercely loyal, protective, and put our female’s needs before our own. My Eden even informs me that we are all deflatingly handsome.” He grinned. “What wouldn’t Ms. Garret like about a Walker?”

  “Perhaps she’s still mourning the loss of her husband.”

  “The child is five. The time for mourning is over.”

  “And what of the child? Do you think a Walker male will simply claim it?”

  “It?” Monroe’s expression darkened dangerously and Gauge knew he’d fucked up. The CEO and his angel, Eden, had a family of five adopted Walker children. It was common knowledge that the only chink in Monroe’s façade of impervious callousness was revealed when he was in the company of his family, whom he cherished with vicious allegiance.

  “Her,” Gauge amended. “I meant her. I haven’t yet met the child; I momentarily forgot whether it was a boy or girl.”

  “What about the little girl?” Monroe turned calculating eyes on Gauge and he knew the CEO would make him pay for his slight. “Are you implying that a Walker male wouldn’t want Ella simply because she has a child from a previous relationship?

  Gauge was unsure how to answer. He knew that when Monroe had met his angel, she’d already adopted four of their children and had brought them into her relationship with Monroe. To this day, Walkers that weren’t residing at StoneCrow when Monroe’s affliction hit had no idea which of the four children were initially Eden’s and which one was adopted later. No, the CEO loved his children in equal measure.

  “What I’m saying,” Gauge cleared his throat, “is that maybe Ella isn’t looking for a mate. Perhaps she doesn’t want a new father for her child. You know, some people actually enjoy the freedom that comes with being single.”

  Monroe snorted derisively. “No. They don’t.”

  “I do,” Gauge challenged.

  Monroe’s eyes narrowed and his lips flattened into an angry line. “I don’t even have to scent you to find the deceit in that remark.” His lips tweaked into a smile; it was a cold and terrifying display. “No worries, friend.” He turned and stalked to the end of the hall before tossing over his shoulder in his typical, leave-with-the-last-word fashion. “You worry about you. Leave little Ms. Garret’s mating to me.”

  Alone in the hall, Gauge scowled at the now empty corridor. God damn it! Damn King and damn Monroe! He shoved a hand into his short, blond hair. Ella seemed like a sensible woman, she wouldn’t let herself be forced into a mating…would she? The thought of any other Walker approaching Ella with those intentions had him biting back a growl.

  Chapter 4

  The next morning at the office, Gauge was irritable. He wanted to ask Ella if she’d gotten a call or visit from CEO StoneCrow, but knew the inquiry would be out of line. What business was it of his if the CEO had contacted her? He was scowling at his blank computer screen when Ella entered in her ridiculous get-up that did little to hide the womanly curves beneath.

  She approached his desk and cautiously delivered his morning coffee. He attempted to scent her and his eyes stung at the cloud of vanilla perfume that overpowered his senses. When she turned to leave, and he couldn’t help but snap, “I told you to stop wearing perfume.”

  “Oh,” she turned to eye him. “Sorry, it must still be lingering in my clothes.”

  Lie.

  “I haven’t worn any since I’ve started.

  Lie.

  “I’ll try to air out my clothes, but some of this stuff is so strong…”

  Lie! Each lie only served to enrage him further and had his teeth aching from the tension in his jaw. “Ms. Garret, if you would like to keep this job, I suggest you arrive at work tomorrow smelling like nothing but fresh laundry and woman. Am I clear?”

  Her mouth fell open, “Uhh, yes. Yes, sir.” She turned to leave but only got two steps.

  “And I don’t approve of your work attire.” He was done letting her hide. She’d come out even if he had to force her out.

  She turned to look at him in confusion before dropping her eyes to her look at her clothing. “Sir?”

  “Your work attire is ill fitting,” he stood and shoved a hand into the pocket of his slacks. “Your appearance is a reflection of this office and thereby a reflection of me.” He pulled out a rolled stack of bills and pulled several free. “Take this,” he held the cash out to her. “And take the rest of the day off to shop for proper clothing.”

  Ella didn’t move. “Mr. Alexander,” she waved a hand down her body, “I’m wearing a pencil skirt, with blouse, and suit jacket. My hair is up. I-I don’t know how else I should be dressing.” Recognition flashed. “Pants! You want me to start wearing slacks?” She sounded hopeful.

  “No,” he growled as he approached. “I have no issue with what you’re wearing, aside from the fact that your clothes don’t fit. The blouse is too large, the skirt is too old fashioned, and the hair.” He lifted his eyes to stare at her head searching for the right explanation. “Doesn’t it pain you to have your hair pulled that tightly? Loosen it up for Christ’s sake.”

  ***

  Ella couldn’t believe her ears. Hadn’t this asshole ever heard of sexual harassment? She lifted a hand to tuck a stray hair back into her tightly wound bun, her pride stinging from his assessment even though she intentionally dressed dowdy to avoid drawing any attention. Gauge was a gorgeous man…no, Walker! And as much as she wanted him to see her as a beautiful woman, she couldn’t risk Alysa over a crush on the boss.

  He held the money out and she simply eyed it. “Mr. Alexander, I don’t think my appearance holds any bearing on the work we perform, and I…”

  “I’m not asking, Ella.” He forced the money into her closed palm and turned to stalk back to his desk. “When I see you in the morning, I want to see a professional and elegant business woman who doesn’t smell like all the world’s vanilla beans took a crap in her pocket.”

  She watched in incredulity as he reclaimed his seat and brought his computer to life. He began typing and effectively dismissed her.

  Ella stomped out of his office and it took every ounce of her will to keep from slamming the door. She jerked her purse from where it hung on the back of her chair and crammed the wad of money into it as she snatched up her cell phone and headed for the door, seething at her boss’ demands.

  The entire ride in the elevator down to the first floor, she fumed. By the time the doors opened she was shaking with anger. She contemplated swinging by the school housed in the east wing of the first floor, but quickly changed her mind when she realized she was too upset.

  Who in the hell did Gauge Alexander think he was to demand that she dress more…more…What had he called it? Oh yes, professional and elegant! Should slap his ass with a sexual harassment lawsuit and see how that would suit him! He’d basically demanded that she wear tighter shirts, shorter skirts, and her hair down. If that didn’t reek of harassment, she didn’t know what did.

  She was out the front doors of the estate and halfway to the parking garage when something hit her. ‘I suggest you arrive at work tomorrow smelling like nothing but fresh laundry and woman.’ Oh shit! She stopped in her tracks and turned to race back to the manor. She had to talk to Stoney.

  Ella walked into the Estate’s infirmary and checked exam rooms as she passed, searching for Stoney. She found the nurse in an empty exam room, restocking medical supplies.

  “Hey, ElluvaTime, what’s up?”

  Ella shut the door and whispered, “We have a problem.”

  Stoney stopped her work and jerked her head up. “What kind of problem?”

  “Gauge demanded I stop wearing the perfume.”

  “Shit!” Stoney crammed the fist-full of gauze she held into the opened drawer she hovered over and stood. She stared at Ella and lifted her head, sniffing the air. Instantly, her hand went to her nose and her eyes watered. “Good Lord, Ella! When I told you to wear perfume, I didn’t mean the whole bottle at once. It smells like…”

  “Yeah, I kn
ow,” Ella huffed crossing her arms over her chest. “I smell like all the world’s vanilla beans took a shit in my pocket!”

  Stoney blanked and then erupted into laughter. “He didn’t?”

  “Oh, yes he did.”

  “Well,” Stoney sobered, “he’s got a point. It is pretty overpowering.”

  Ella dropped her arms in exasperation. “What am I gonna do Stoney. He told me to come to work smelling like nothing but fresh laundry and woman.”

  Stoney’s smile vanished. “Is that what he said?”

  “Yes.”

  “Exactly? Is that exactly what he said?”

  “YES!”

  Stoney frowned, “Shhhh,” she looked at the door then focused back on Ella. “This is bad.” She looked at Ella’s attire, “You’ve been dressing down right? Keeping your ears open and mouth shut?”

  “Yes, but that’s a problem too. He said I need to change my work attire.”

  “Oh man, that’s not good.”

  “Why?” Ella’s eyes rounded. “Do you think he knows?”

  Stoney was already shaking her head. “No. I don’t think he knows, but…”

  “But what?” Ella was practically in hysterics.

  “But why would he care what you’re wearing?”

  “I don’t know,” Ella huffed in exasperation, “that’s what I’m here asking you.”

  Stoney’s nose crinkled. “Do you think he’s…interested?”

  “Interested in what?” Ella was astounded, “I’ve been dressing like frumpy-dumpy and bathing in stale perfume. What in the world is there to find appealing in that?”

  Stoney crossed her arms. “You’re beautiful, Ella. You always have been. Throwing ill-fitting clothes and ugly glasses on can disguise it, but not hide it.”

  Ella’s mind was racing. “You think I should change tactics?” She lifted a thumb to bite on a nail, “Maybe hiding under a dowdy façade was the wrong route. Maybe I should sex-siren it up. Ya’ know, harass him. I could totally scare him off.”

  “Or find yourself proper fucked,” Stoney muttered with a smile.