by Siobhan Muir
Julianna’s attention wandered around the bar as her mother returned with some food, searching for someone she knew to distract her. A striking woman with white-blond hair, pale blue eyes, and the figure of a well-endowed fashion model stood beside the bar. Her stylish black dress fell to just above her knees with a neckline showing enough cleavage to remind anyone else they were of lesser stature. Many men in the bar looked after her wistfully, even some of the married ones.
“Mom, do you know who that is?”
Beth nodded slowly. “Oh, that’s Brenda Solaris, Lily Waters’ niece from Los Angeles. She’s an ad executive, I think.”
“Why is she here? Did she know Dad?”
“I don’t think so. I think she’s here for Lily, really.”
Julianna remembered Lily had been Gerry’s high school sweetheart. “Lily’s broken up over Dad, even after all these years?”
Beth just gave a sharp nod. “They stayed friends.”
“And that was okay?”
“It was after I made it clear he was mine for good. We even became friends after a fashion. I think she always loved your dad, but she accepted his choice in a mate.”
The word mate ricocheted through Julianna. It seemed an odd word choice for her mother to use. She wanted to ask about it, but by then the blonde woman stood before the table, displeasure in every line of her body.
The scent of anger and overwhelming disdain flooded over Julianna, and she resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose with distaste. Brenda focused on Jeff, and her expression softened into sympathy. Julianna’s temper rose again.
“I am so sorry for your loss,” Brenda cooed at Jeff, as if he’d lost someone. “I hope your sorrows will pass soon.”
Before Jeff could comment, Julianna stated, “Thank you. I’m sure they will.”
The light blue eyes hit her with a bolt of pure outrage before the emotion was smothered by pity, and Brenda smiled tightly. She returned her attention to Jeff. He nodded just slightly, as if acknowledging her efforts. She inclined hers and smiled sweetly before sashaying toward the bar.
Rival bitch! her Sister’s voice snarled. Julianna couldn’t agree more.
She suddenly felt tired and stretched out, like taffy being pulled apart. God, she was so sick of putting up a front.
“Still okay?” Jeff touched her hand.
“Actually, I’m a little tired.” She turned to her mother. “Mom, I think I’m going to go.”
“What? Why?” Beth’s face creased with concern.
“I’m tired, and I just need to be alone.” She shrugged uncomfortably. “Too many people around for me.”
“Do you want a ride home?” Jeff’s voice promised comfort and sweet intimacy, but his expression showed only friendly concern.
“No, thank you, I can drive myself. But can you take my mom home? We came in my car.” She began to push her way out of the booth. Her mother moved aside, and Jeff followed, making her heart flutter with excitement despite her fatigue.
“Of course. I’d be happy to do that.”
“Thanks, Mr. Lightfoot.”
He stiffened with surprise at her formality and pulled her to face him. His nostrils flared as a tremor shifted through her body with his touch.
“Call me Jeff. ‘Mr. Lightfoot’ is too formal for friends.”
“Are we friends, Jeff?”
He cocked his head, thoughtfully. “I always thought we were. Didn’t you?”
Can we be friends with benefits?
“Sure.”
“‘Sure’ as in you’re humoring me, or ‘sure, you guessed it’?”
“The latter.”
His eyes narrowed. “But that isn’t what you want? To be friends?”
Boldness bubbled up and she lifted her chin. “No, it isn’t.”
“Ouch!” He thumped himself in the chest with one hand. “What do you want, then?”
“Do you really have to ask? I thought it was pretty obvious from my pathetic efforts to throw myself at you all those years ago.”
His eyes turned gold as he grasped one hand, squeezing unconsciously. “You were my little sister’s friend. It didn’t seem right to court you then.”
She raised her eyebrows dubiously. “Is that your excuse?”
He laughed. “Not an excuse, a reason. You’re still bold as ever, though.”
“I’m still six years younger, Jeff, even if I’m no longer your sister’s friend. Has anything really changed?”
“You have.” His hand squeezed hers again. “You’ve changed a lot.”
“Actually, I haven’t,” she stated with a disappointed smile. “I’m still the same girl who threw herself at you all those years ago. I’m just older.”
Julianna pulled her hand free and shook her head, sorrow sliding through her. She wished she was different, more exciting or glamorous. But at the end of the day, she was still Julianna Morris, the girl with the larger-than-life-crush on Jeff Lightfoot. If he hadn’t seen it then, why would he see it now? She stuffed her disappointment down deep and smoothed her features, turning to her mother.
“Please say good-bye to everyone for me. I’ll see you at home.”
“All right, dear one,” Beth agreed reluctantly, hugging her. “Take care of yourself and drink some tea. That always helped me when the grief got to be too much.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I’ll walk you out to your car,” Jeff offered, his eyes still golden.
“You don’t have to. I remember where I parked.”
“I want to.”
“All right.”
He nodded and gestured for Julianna to precede him through the bar. The atmosphere changed immediately. Scents of sharp surprise and anger slammed into her. The hostility returned to the expressions of the younger women when Jeff’s hand settled on the small of her back. Damn, what is so wrong? She felt the heat and tingle of his touch all the way through her dress, and it buoyed her confidence. She lifted her chin, but kept her gaze on the door.
I can get out of here in one piece. Just a few more steps.
She barely managed to nod and say good-bye to the people she passed as they headed out the door and into the early evening sunshine. Relief poured over her, and she took a deep breath, scenting the hot pavement, the dry wind, and Jeff’s protection. She had to find out what kind of cologne he wore. She remembered to get her keys out of her purse as they approached the Camaro before she got caught sniffing him.
“That’s a pretty sweet ride,” he mused with a sexy smile.
“I got it because of you,” she blurted out before her brain could catch up with her mouth.
“Because of me?”
She shrugged uncomfortably. “I loved your black Camaro. I thought it was the coolest car I’d ever seen when I was a girl. When I got the opportunity to have this one, I snatched at it.”
She opened the door to let out the heated air. At least it no longer smelled like Terence. Her nose had twitched for weeks at the competing scents of his cheap cologne and the feminine perfumes worn by his string of mistresses.
“Wow, tan leather interior,” Jeff remarked as he looked inside. “Nice.”
“Only the best. Never got to see the interior of your Camaro. Was it leather, too?”
“Oh, yeah. Black leather. I loved the scent of it every time I opened the door.” He chuckled and shook his head. “I still have that old hunk of junk, but I think this one is sexier.”
“You think it’s sexy?”
“Very sexy.” His look turned predatory.
“Good. Maybe you’ll notice me now.” She met his eyes in challenge.
“I already have.”
His answer sent pleasure zinging down her back. Damn, he’s so good at that. She stiffened her spine and gave him a hard half-smile.
“Took you long enough. Now you’ll get a taste of what I felt.” She moved toward the open car door, intending to get in. “Thanks for walking me out.”
“My pleasure. It’s good to see you ag
ain, Julianna.”
The words rippled through her hair near her ear, and she realized he’d stepped in close behind her, her back to his chest. Heat and arousal flooded through her body, and she shivered at the contact. Holy God, what is he doing to me? Her tongue felt like it was swollen too large for her mouth, and she could barely get her breath.
“Goddess, you smell great,” he murmured, his hands resting on her hips. “You always smelled good, but it’s never been this wonderful.”
The sound of his voice pushed lust through her, and she almost rubbed her butt against his groin in appreciation. But her rational mind finally kicked in. I smelled good before, but he did nothing about it? What the hell?
“Thanks, Jeff,” she offered as she pushed his hands from her hips. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me today. Hitting the floor would’ve been embarrassing. I think I’ll go home for some tea like my mom suggested.”
He let her slide into the warm leather seat, but its heat was nothing compared to his.
Dammit all to hell, let it go. He’s an arrogant guy who only wants me because I’m not throwing myself at him now. He doesn’t want me for me. He never noticed me! Besides, I have that fuzzy problem, remember?
“Get better soon so I don’t have to sweep you off your feet again, okay?” His gaze burned just short of smoldering, and she had the sense he’d grab her and seduce her right there in the parking lot if no one else could see them.
She gave him a tight smile. “Right.”
He pushed back from the car reluctantly.
“It really is great to see you, Julianna. If you’re feeling up to it, we’re having a party Friday night at my parents’ place, and you’re more than welcome to come. The attire is dressy casual, as Tawny likes to say, but I’d still like you to be there.”
“You’re inviting me to a party? Will wonders never cease?” She laughed lightly, but her insides jigged a girlie happy dance. Man, she was pathetic. “What time?”
“Around seven,” he replied, before leaning closer to her through the open window. “But no one really shows up until eight.”
“I’ll be there at eight, then,” she promised, trying to ignore the pleasure she got from his proximity.
“No, come around seven so Dad can meet you.”
“I’ve met your dad before.”
“Not like this you haven’t,” he mumbled, and she raised an eyebrow at him. “It’s been a long time, and we’d all love to hear what has happened to you since you left.”
Well, I married a schmuck, graduated, and now turn fuzzy for three days every time the moon is full.
Julianna just stared at him for a moment, trying to figure out what he was up to, but his expression had smoothed into bland friendliness again, hiding his thoughts better than a mask.
“Sure you do,” she drawled skeptically.
“Please, Julianna. I’d really like you to be there.”
She wanted to ask him why. Why now after all these years? But she kept her mouth shut.
“All right. I’ll be there around seven on Friday. Let me know if you need any help setting up.”
“Will do.” A slow, sexy grin spread across his face. “Drive carefully now.”
“Thanks.”
She started the car and backed up, feeling his eyes on her as she pulled out of the parking lot. What the hell was all that about? And why did she feel all tingly when he touched her? Why was he touching her at all? It made her want to jump him, to throw him against a wall and wrap her legs around him until he relieved the hot ache between her legs.
Something is really wrong with me. Not only do I turn fuzzy, but I’m turning into a nymphomaniac!
“Good God! He’s human. I’ve got to stay away from him.”
Werewolves were myths, but somehow, she’d become one. She’d never met any others like her, but with her father’s sickness, she hadn’t had the chance to look. The legends she’d studied in college were full of shape-shifters, but stories didn’t equate reality.
How am I going to keep this a secret? I can’t tell Jeff. I shouldn’t go to the party.
Guilt settled on her shoulders as she drove away from the bar and the man she’d lusted after for years. But she couldn’t quite get herself to call the Lightfoots and decline the invitation.
* * * *
Mine! Mine! Mine!
Jeff watched the burgundy Camaro slide away through the sunshine and clenched his fists at his sides to keep from bounding after it. He was fast enough to catch up to Julianna Morris, but it wouldn’t be appropriate for the future packleader of the Callowwood Pack to run after a female like a rabid dog. Protocols had to be followed and appearances had to be upheld. He tried to remind his cock of that, but the damn thing had a mind of its own, and right now it told him to run after his True Mate, appearances be damned.
“Dammit, calm down!” he snarled, and pounded his fist against his thigh hard enough to divert his attention from his groin to the pain. “You have to go back inside and face all those bitches and their families.”
The idea made him snarl even harder as he ground his teeth. He didn’t want any of them. They might be alpha females, true enough, but most were simpering, self-aggrandizing whelps wanting him only for his position and the prestige it gave them and their families. Every one of them thought she deserved to be the Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack.
Emphasis on bitch, he thought nastily, gulping great breaths of air to settle not only his hard-on but also his primal fury.
Pack policies and leadership protocols required him to interview several alpha female candidates for the position of his mate and Luna, the top Alpha female, for the betterment of the pack. It was tradition, left over from a time when Mates were few and far between. The pack needed a balanced leadership of male and female protection by their Alphas, but the Alpha’s True Mate hadn’t always appeared. The elders of each pack decided, if the future Alpha’s Mate did not appear, the leadership would be chosen by competition, and the future Alpha would choose from a group of likely alpha female candidates who passed a series of tests.
Times had changed. More Moon Singers—werewolves—lived among the humans now and finding True Mates was much easier. However, the tradition of the Luna selection remained in place for the Alphas, and he was bound by his rank to follow it. Before Julianna Morris had returned to Callowwood, the political requirements hadn’t bothered him.
Now everything had changed.
Holy First Canid, even her scent beguiled him. The combination of climbing gardenia and heated ponderosa pine forest wrapped around him with sensuous fingers. His hard-on flared again, along with uncertainty. Why didn’t I know she was a Moon Singer before?
Jeff had been attracted to Julianna ever since she’d started to develop breasts and hips. She’d flaunted herself at him all through her high school years with her cute, tight shirts and pants, sexy summer dresses and flirty attitude. Raging hormones filled her scent, taunting him with her delicious feminine musk. It was all he could do to treat her like another little sister and stay away from her, throwing himself into cold showers and punishing exercise routines. He’d never been so buff.
Whenever his mind demanded he take her and fuck her hard, he only stopped himself with two thoughts. First, she was too young and not nearly ready for sex, despite her beauty and innocent flirting. Second, she wasn’t a Moon Singer. She hadn’t smelled like one or acted like one, and her parents were human.
When the hell had that changed?
And when had she become his True Mate?
Jeff had felt it at the funeral, her sweet scent making the scents of the other females seem unpleasant. She’d stepped out of her sexy Camaro with her mother, and her scent had slammed into him like a hurricane wind. His body had tightened, and he’d almost grabbed her and claimed her right there. Only Sebrina’s hand on his arm had restrained him.
But nothing could stop him at the reception when he caught her as she’d crumpled, holding her protectively aga
inst his chest. He’d relished the weight of her soft body in his arms, and he’d wanted to press his nose to her head, inhaling her seductive fragrance forever while he fondled her beautiful curves. Only her mother’s worried comments had kept him within the bounds of propriety.
Jeff closed his eyes and remembered the silky softness of her hair filled with her scent. He loved her hair. The dark brown, almost black, tresses would feel erotic as hell draped over his thighs as she sucked his cock, humming and moaning with pleasure against his shaft.
Damn! Think about something else before you come in your shorts.
He returned his mind to the reception and how he’d forced himself to tamp down the protective instincts with every other male Moon Singer who got near her. Rage resurfaced and began to deflate his arousal. The females had been as much of a threat, their overwhelming scents flooding his nostrils as they’d paraded past the table. He could barely smile civilly at them. He’d scented their disdain for Julianna, and his Brother form had risen up to protect his Mate.
Jeff had never felt the mating bond before, but the moment he touched her, it roared into his awareness as clearly as the neon lights of Vegas. There’d been no doubt in his mind, and he’d been unable to leave her side from that moment on.
It killed him to let her drive away now.
His hormones sang like a rabid rock concert crowd, demanding he go find her and seal the bond now, but he held onto himself like a drowning man to a rope. No, I have to go back inside and socialize as the next packleader. I have to make it look like I’m considering all of them as potential mates.
His Brother form snarled again. Screw that! Screw pack politics and protocols. You’ve chosen your True Mate, and you can’t mate with anyone else. Julianna Morris will be your Luna, and all the others can go to hell.
Jeff didn’t want to argue with his Brother, and he took a few more steps toward the street before he could stop himself.
No, no, back to the bar. Let her go for now.
Several of the alpha females in the bar had been in the pack for a long time, but none of them mattered to him. Julianna was his princess, and that was that. He’d play the courting prince like his father wanted, but his choice was clear.