Michael walked over to the window and stood for a minute, thinking about everything Peter had said. He was so angry he needed a minute to calm down before saying anything. After a moment, he walked back and stood over his partner’s desk. “Ariane is beneath me. I can do better than her. She can harm my career because she doesn’t fit in with the other people in my life. I need a wife who can further my career instead of one who can hurt it.” He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts and then walked back over to the window.
Michael thought about his beautiful Ariane. Her smile brought happiness to his soul, and he knew that he couldn’t go on living without her by his side. For the first time, he truly believed they were mates. He turned back to his partner. “All that is utter crap. My relationship with Ariane is none of your business, Peter. If I ever hear another derogatory word from you about her or find you’ve disrespected her in any way, I’ll walk out on this partnership without a backward glance. Do you understand me?”
Peter stared into his gaze for several minutes then glanced down at his desk. “All right, Michael. If that’s the way you want it, I’ll not say another word.” He stood up and faced Michael. “But understand this. If business starts to suffer because of your hasty decision, then it will be me walking away from the partnership.”
“Fair enough. I’ll talk to you later.” He didn’t even glance at Peter as he left his office and went into his own. Trying his home phone again, he grimaced when the call went straight to voice mail. Where the hell could she be? “Ariane, it’s me, love. Give me a call at the office as soon as you get this.” He hung up and stared at the phone. Finally he turned his attention to his work. An hour later, when she still hadn’t returned his call, he got up and headed out of the office. He felt this need to see her that he couldn’t explain.
Melissa was at her desk when he came down the hall. “Hey, pretty lady. I’m going to head home for a little while, but I’ll be back in a couple of hours. I haven’t been able to get Ariane on the phone, and I’m getting a little worried about her. She had told me she was staying in today.”
Melissa frowned. “Okay, if there’re any problems I can always get you on your cell. Do you think she’s all right?”
He smiled at her. “You like her, don’t you?”
“What a stupid question. Of course I like her. What’s not to like? She’s the most honest, real person I’ve ever met. There’s no pretense in her. She’s a wonderful person, and I hope you can see that. She’s perfect for you.”
He leaned over and kissed her cheek again. “You’re right, and I’m not letting her get away.” He smiled when his friend let out a loud whoop. Laughing, he walked out the door.
* * * *
Ariane left the restaurant, desperately trying to hold back her wolf. The need to shift and defend her mate was almost overwhelming. She wanted to talk to Michael desperately but felt she needed to calm down first. Deciding a long walk would help, she headed down the street in the opposite direction from his office.
She’d been walking for about thirty minutes when she decided that she wanted to hear an explanation for what she’d seen at the restaurant. Michael had been so loving since the party. They’d spent almost the entire day Sunday in bed making love. She knew in her heart he didn’t want anything to do with Cynthia. It’s time to go to his office and talk to him. Anything is better than this feeling of not knowing what’s going on. She quickly turned around, determined to find out the truth of what she’d witnessed.
Fifteen minutes later she was in the elevator headed up toward his office. When she opened the door, Melissa wasn’t at her desk, but she could hear voices coming from one of the offices down the hall. She quietly walked toward the sounds, not wanting to interrupt if they were in the middle of a business meeting. Halfway down the hall she heard Michael’s voice and froze where she stood.
“Ariane is beneath me. I can do better than her. She can harm my career because she doesn’t fit in with the other people in my life. I need a wife that can further my career instead of one that can hurt it.”
Ariane covered her mouth with her hand to keep from crying out as tears filled her eyes. Turning, she quietly went back down the hall and let herself out of the office. Not willing to wait on the elevator, she ran down the steps and out the door. It only took her a moment to hail a cab and give the address of Michael’s condo. She had to get away. She loved Michel so much, but it was becoming pretty obvious he’d never love her the same way. She’d seen what a forced mating between two people who didn’t love each other was like, and she’d never do that to her mate. She wanted her mate to be happy, and if that meant leaving him alone then that’s what she would do. Back at his apartment, she grabbed up her small bag and threw the few clothes she’d brought with her into it. She didn’t bother packing anything he’d purchased for her. She’d never have a use for it after she went home. Stopping only briefly to write a note and leave it on the kitchen counter, she took a moment to look around one last time. She roughly wiped away the tears streaming down her cheeks. There would be time for tears later, after she was home. She laid the key Michael had given her beside the note, locked the door for one last time, and went downstairs to the taxi she had asked to wait. She was going home.
* * * *
Michael let himself into the apartment and didn’t hear any signs that Ariane might be home. “Ariane?” he called out. When he didn’t get an answer, he went back through the bedroom and checked in the bathroom on the off chance that she might be taking a shower. He wasn’t surprised to find it empty. Puzzled, he wandered back toward the kitchen to get a bottle of water. Where the hell could she have gone? I’m going to start insisting she call me if she’s going out. I don’t like not knowing where she is. He chuckled at how his little wolf would react to him ordering her to report her whereabouts. He’d be lucky if she didn’t shift and bite something important. He could feel his balls tighten at the thought.
Smiling, he reached for the fridge and saw a piece of paper and a key on the counter. He picked it up and realized it was a key to his apartment. Picking up the note, he began to read.
My dearest Michael,
I don’t want to cause you any more problems than I already have. I don’t want to harm your career or be the reason that you can’t find a suitable wife. I’m more grateful than you will ever know that you gave me a chance to see if I could fit into your world. I’m only sad that it couldn’t work out. You’re a special man, and I’m sure you will go far in life. We never officially mated, so there are no pack laws holding you to me. I release you from your obligations as my true mate. Don’t worry about what will happen to me. There are others who have shown an interest in making a life with me. I will be happy spending my life on the mountain with others of my kind. I was never meant to live in your world, and since you have never found your inner wolf, you are not meant to live in mine. Be happy, Michael. You are a kind and loving man who deserves only the best. Always remember that a Wyoming wolf once loved you.
You will be forever in my heart as I wish you all the best in life,
Ariane
For just a moment, Michael stared at the paper in shock. When he got his breath back, he rushed into the bedroom to look around. He didn’t understand. He could see her clothes hanging in the closet, and her shoes were on the floor. Then he realized that her bag was gone. When he looked closer, he could see the only clothes hanging there were the ones she had picked up on the shopping trip with Melissa. She hadn’t taken anything he had bought for her.
“No!” he screamed. He clutched at his stomach when he was overcome with a sharp pain. “God, please. She can’t be gone. I love her.” But you never told her, asshole. He dropped to his knees, breathing heavy as he tried to lessen the pain he was feeling. It was like a knife had been thrust into his very soul. After several minutes of lying on the floor by the bed, he shakily pulled himself to his feet. His stomach felt jumpy, but the pain was easier to bear now. “Damn it, I’m not g
oing to let her go.” He grabbed up the phone and then slammed it back down. “No, I’m gonna do this in person.” He headed for the door, determined to take charge of his life and make things right.
* * * *
Ariane felt extremely lucky when she arrived at the airport. She went to inquire about getting a ticket home and found there was a flight leaving in just thirty minutes that had a vacant seat. She quickly gave them her credit card and then asked to be directed to the nearest public phone.
She thought briefly about who to call and decided on her Alpha Femm. She wasn’t ready to explain things to her uncle, and she knew she could count on Maddie in any situation. She used her credit card and quickly dialed the number.
“Hello.” Remus’s voice came through loud and clear.
“Um, hello, Alpha, sir. May I speak with Alpha Femm Maddie?” Ariane had really not wanted to talk with anyone but Maddie.
“Ariane, is that you? What’s wrong? Are you all right?”
Trying her best not to cry, Ariane waited just a moment before answering. “I really need to talk with Maddie, Remus. It’s the kind of problem that I’m not comfortable talking with you about.” Ariane suddenly realized that she had addressed him by his first name. “Oh, forgive me, Alpha, I didn’t mean to be so familiar.”
“Ariane, for goodness sake. You’re allowed to use our names. We’re not a formal pack. I thought you realized that by now. Besides, as close as you are to Michael, you’re practically family.”
Ariane couldn’t stop the sob from escaping. “Please, Remus, can I talk to Maddie?”
“Of course, honey. Just a second.”
Ariane watched the clock and knew she would have to board the plane soon.
“Ariane, what’s wrong?” Maddie asked.
“I don’t have much time because my plane is boarding. There’s been a problem, and I can’t stay here anymore. We aren’t really suited to each other. I’m on my way home, and I was wondering if you might pick me up at the airport. I don’t want to ask my uncle because I’m not ready to tell him everything yet. The plane will arrive in four hours. Do you think you could pick me up?”
“Of course I will, sweetie. Are you all right?”
“I will be, and that’s all that matters. I’ll see you soon, and I promise I’ll tell you everything then.”
“All right, I’ll be waiting for you. Take care of yourself.”
Ariane hung up and went to board the plane that would take her home.
* * * *
Michael stormed into the office, obviously startling Melissa who dropped the files she had in her hand. He didn’t wait for her to ask him any questions. “Melissa, get on the phone and get me on the next flight to Wyoming. Is Peter in his office?”
She looked shocked. “Uh, yeah, he’s there, but Veronica is with him.”
Michael smiled. “Even better.” He gave her a frown. “Hold all his calls and mine. He and I are going to have a little talk.” He started to walk away and then stopped and looked at her. “Were you serious about wanting to work for just me?”
Melissa blinked, her eyebrows going up. “Absolutely, I’d be thrilled if you were my only boss.”
He smiled at the obviously confused woman. “How would you feel about moving to Wyoming?” When she appeared to be speechless, he grinned. “Just give it some thought, okay?” When she nodded, he continued on back to Peter’s office. The door was open, so he just walked in.
“Michael, it’s good to see you again. I was just telling Peter about the unfortunate incident at lunch with Ariane.” Veronica sounded sincere, but there was a glint in her eye that he didn’t like.
“What incident, Veronica?”
“Well, you really should be a little more discrete in your relationship with Cynthia, Michael. Ariane was at the restaurant having lunch with me when she witnessed your little kiss. The poor woman was distraught and ran out in tears.”
Michael looked at Peter. “You didn’t tell her anything?”
“No, she just came in and filled me in. I was about to tell her the rest of the details.” Peter sounded disgusted.
“Oh, please allow me.” So many things had suddenly become clear. “It’s amazing to me you would suddenly invite my fiancé to the same restaurant that Cynthia insisted on taking me.” Michael almost laughed at the shocked look on her face.
“Fiancé. You’re going to marry that creature?” Veronica asked.
“I’m gonna do everything in my power to make that wonderful woman my wife.” He moved closer and glared into her face. “Perhaps you haven’t talked to your close friend yet, but I fired her today for the little stunt she pulled in the restaurant.” He ignored her gasp and continued. “Nothing you could say will ever convince me that you weren’t in on this ambush with Cynthia. I’m glad that it’s Peter who’s going to have to put up with your constant interference in his life and not me.”
“Now wait a damn minute,” Peter exclaimed.
“Peter, you have two choices now. You’re going to have to buy me out of the partnership, or I will buy you out. Either way is fine, but I’m going to be working in Wyoming from now on. I want to be close to my family and live where Ariane will be the happiest. I’ll contact you in a few days to get your answer.” Michael started for the door.
“Where the hell are you going now?” Peter asked.
“I’m heading to Wyoming to get back the woman I love.”
Michael walked back down the hall just in time to see Melissa hang up the phone. “Did you get my reservations?”
“Yes, but you’re not going to be happy. I can get you to Denver but no farther. They don’t have a flight out until the morning. You already missed the last one today.” She gave him a regretful look. “I’m sorry, Michael. I tried every airline that flies into Worland from Denver, and it’s just not happening until in the morning. The good news is that it’s an early flight so you can be at your sister’s probably by lunchtime.”
“Okay, I know you did your best. Besides, that gives me some time to get things settled tonight since I’m not sure when I’ll be back.” He took a deep breath and sat down in front of her desk. “I want you to cancel all my appointments for the next three weeks. Tell them there’s been a family emergency and that I’ll contact them when I get back. Did you hear my conversation with Peter?”
“No, I could only hear voices. You weren’t talking loud enough for me to pick up the words.” She looked at him with worry in her eyes. “What’s wrong, Michael?”
“I’ve told Peter that he has to buy me out or let me buy him out. I’m not going to be staying in Houston.”
“Holy crap! What the hell happened?” she cried.
“Everything, but too much to go into now. I promise I’ll fill you in later. I’m headed to Wyoming to make the woman I love believe that I love her and want her to spend the rest of her life with me.”
“Oh, Michael. That’s so romantic.”
He snorted. “Well, I hope she thinks so. Right now she’d like to fillet me on a stick, thanks to Cynthia and that viper Peter’s marrying.” He blinked back tears. “I can’t lose her, Melissa. She’s become my whole life.”
Melissa frowned at him. “Are you okay?”
“No, I just told you I’ve possibly lost the woman who completes me,” Michael growled.
She shook her head. “Not that. You’re scratching up and down your arms like you have fleas.”
Looking down, he realized she was right. His arms felt tingly, and he was systematically scratching and rubbing up and down. “God, I’m a nervous wreck. Even my scalp is tingling. I’m so worried that she won’t listen to me.”
Melissa stood up, came around the desk, and put her arms around her friend. “She’ll listen because she loves you, and deep down I doubt that she wants to lose you. Something probably spooked her, and she just panicked. She’ll be just fine when she sees you’ve come all that way to be with her.”
“I sure as hell hope you’re right.” Michael st
ood to leave and then turned around and caught her up in a bear hug. “You’re something special, woman. I don’t know what I’d do without your friendship and support.”
Melissa pulled back from their hug and gazed up into his face. “You won’t have to. If you go to Wyoming, I go to Wyoming.” She gave him a wicked grin. “Besides, Ariane told me that the men in the town where she lives happen to like voluptuous women. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get lucky and find love, too.”
Michael laughed and hugged her tighter. “If anyone deserves to find love, it’s you, babe.” He headed for the door. “I’ll call you from Maddie’s and let you know how things are going.” He opened the door and smiled. “Wish me luck.”
“You got it, boss!”
* * * *
Ariane walked down the concourse and immediately spotted Maddie waiting. She hurried toward her and was overcome with emotion when the other woman gathered her into her arms. She couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down her face.
“Shhh, it’s going to be all right,” Maddie crooned to her. “Come on, let’s get out of here. Did you have any checked baggage?”
Ariane wiped the tears off her face and shook her head. “This is all I have.” She allowed herself to be led toward the exit. When she glanced at the doors, she stopped. Remus was leaning against the wall watching the two women.
“I’m sorry, Ariane. There’s been some trouble with a former associate of the doctor that caused me so much trouble, and Remus won’t let me go anywhere without a guard. We figured that you’d be more comfortable with him listening while we talked rather than one of his security people.” Maddie’s eyes were filled with compassion.
“It’s okay, Maddie. I think it’s very romantic that he protects you as much as he does.” Ariane smiled at her Alpha as they came closer. “Hello, Remus. I really appreciate you bringing Maddie here to give me a ride home.”
Martine, Missy - Denying His Wolfen Heritage [A Wolfen Heritage 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 21