If she wasn't, though, if she found some way to make the public believe her, it would be hell.
Shifters had already been used in wars, called hell hounds or devil dogs. People took the names and applied them to modern armed forces but didn't know the history. If word got out, there would initially be experiments carried out to figure out the how, and then governments would step in to figure out how to use them. At least in modern days, war was mostly in aircrafts or with guns/ They were less likely to throw soldiers into hand-to-hand combat.
Still, a life enslaved to a war he didn't believe in wasn't something Carter wanted.
“Do you know anything about the Wells family?” Willow asked, interrupting his thoughts. Carter looked over at her and tried to figure out what to say. She was sexy even in just jeans and a button-down. Her long hair was tied back into a sleek ponytail that he wanted to grab and pull her to him so he could kiss her. In the car, her sweet smell was just strong enough to envelop him.
Something about her had a grip on him.
“No, I don't know anything about them, besides the fact that they just moved out here five years ago,” Carter lied.
“Hmm,” she sounded disappointed and stared out the window. “People in this town act so strangely. I guess I'm just not used to it yet,” she admitted, sighing.
“Not many people stick around long enough to get used to it,” Carter admitted, laughing. Willow smiled a little. He could see it in her reflection, and he relaxed. They pulled into the parking lot of the resort, and he led her up to the door.
“Are we still on for six?” he asked, hopeful. She sighed again, but with a smile and nodded.
“Yeah, definitely,” she replied, leaning up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. She was at least six inches shorter than him.
“Give the casework a break for a little,” he teased softly, holding the door for her.
“No promises,” she winked at Carter as she vanished into the resort.
Walking back to the car, he turned on his phone. A dozen or more texts came flying in, each from a different pack member to the group chat.
“Stranger sniffing around Alpha line.”
“Girl came into the paper today, emailed last night about ‘The Wells Family’ and is trying to snoop out more information.”
“Keep an eye out for a Caucasian female, five and a half-feet tall, digging around for info she doesn't need to know.”
“Human is being too nosy.”
“Saw the bitch on the street! Tried to talk to her, but Carter dragged her away? Carter who the hell is she?”
After that text, there were at least ten more trying to ask him who she was. He climbed back into his car and sat there a moment before replying.
“A blogger reviewing the resort. No actual threat. I'm going to find out more information on her tonight,” he texted back. He didn't mention it was a date. Didn't say that he was interested in her and that he knew her more than he let on.
They didn't need to know.
Chapter 8
Willow was more than a little annoyed that he'd interrupted her investigation.
All the same, she was excited about the date.
She told herself it was just to gather information, to see if he knew of anyone who could shed some light on the missing people. To find out why the town was so hush-hush about the family when they were so vocal about everything else. She needed to know.
Yet, she also knew it wasn't just that.
Carter was a breath of fresh air in the town. He was a familiar song in the middle of chaotic nonsense, and she wanted to be as close to him as possible. He was all muscle and angles, gorgeous from every view, and she wanted his hands on her constantly.
She took her time in the spa.
She got a manicure and pedicure, a deep body massage and a charcoal skin scrub (that took forever to get out of her pores), and tried to look and feel her best.
Willow wanted to blow him away.
Some of the employees at the spa were treating her a little differently now. She wasn't sure if their boss had told them to relax on her so the stay would be more authentic, or if she had done something to offend them. They didn't chitchat with her anymore, weren't overly friendly or sweet. They did their job and then passed her on to the next one.
By the time she was upstairs sliding into a dress and flats, Willow felt like an entirely new person.
Her skin was beyond smooth and flawless. Her legs, arms, and back were massaged until she felt like the most relaxed person on earth. Even her hair had benefited from a wrap. She knew she had gone overboard for the date, but she was definitely going to include a glowing review for the resort after this.
She felt like she was twenty again, instead of 25.
Turning and looking herself over, Willow approved of her look and checked the time.
Showtime.
She headed down, feeling decadent and relaxed, and tried to ignore the stink eye she got from another guest.
Soon, she'd be out of this town – just five days left – and she could forget about everything except for Carter.
Speaking of the devil – he was just outside the front door of the resort, leaning against his car and watching the door patiently. When Willow stepped out, she watched his eyes carefully, entertained by how they roamed all over her until they made it to her eyes.
“Ready to go?” she asked, knowing her tight black dress was showing off just enough of her assets to grab his attention.
“Let's go,” he offered, holding the car door open for her.
The restaurant he swept her off to was on a side street she hadn't been on before. It was a seafood restaurant that had outdoor seating with a view over one of the lakes. The air was still too cold out for that, so they were led to a table in a corner of the large dining room. It was a beautiful restaurant, obviously old and a staple of the town. The decor was outdated enough that it was freshly back in style. The other diners looked like locals; none of them seemed like tourists.
“How was the rest of your day?” he asked, obviously avoiding anything they'd spoken about earlier in the day.
“It was nice. Mostly writing,” she lied, not wanting him to know how much she'd worked to look as good as she did. “How about you?”
“I was helping out at a friend's bar,” he replied, smiling. “I should take you there some time. I think you'd like it. It's the only building in town older than this one,” he explained, looking around.
“If you like these older businesses, why work at the resort?” she asked, surprised by him.
“Eh, it's a job until I can get something better,” Carter shrugged off. The waiter came and took their orders. “Where are you from?” he asked. Wine was delivered to the table, and he poured them both a glass.
“All over, basically. My parents are military, so after they adopted me, we traveled all over,” Willow said, her eyes distant. “I spent most of my time in Texas, though,” she added. He made a quick mental note that she was adopted. It wasn't too common of a thing in West Valley. “You?”
“Spent my whole life here,” Carter felt a little disappointed in having to say that. He wished he could say he traveled as well, but the only time he'd left West Valley was when he was searching for his brother in the neighboring cities.
“That must be nice,” she replied, taking a sip of her wine. “Getting to grow roots like that,” she sounded almost jealous, and Carter was surprised.
“It's all right. It's nothing like getting to see the world like you have.” He shook his head and smiled.
“Sounds like your tiny town has enough interesting happenings as it is,” she said, raising her eyebrows.
Of course, she wanted to know more.
He was hoping he could have distracted her out of it.
“I mean, not really. Just the family missing. Besides that, West Valley is a perfect little oasis,” he said, the words came out practiced and easy. He didn't
want her digging anymore. The pack would kick them both out of town.
“Do you know of anyone who was close to the family? Spending a couple years here like they did, I can't believe they didn't make any connections,” she explained. Of course, she couldn't drop it. He liked her even more for being so curious, so thorough. Even if it would have made his life easier, he wouldn't have liked her as much if she couldn't stick to her guns.
“I don't. I'm afraid as small as this town is, there's still a lot of people that live in it I don't know,” he lied. He knew each family member extremely well.
Bill and Karen, the first to go, were the Alphas for over a year with Carter and Richard.
They were first Alphas the twins had to guard. The last guard had died with the previous Alpha. That's how it was supposed to be. The guard died with the Alpha if he couldn't protect them.
Richard had vanished with the pair, and many assumed he'd died in duty like he was supposed to.
Carter hadn't been so lucky.
He worked to protect the Alphas when he could, and yet they just vanished away, like they were waiting until the moment he was gone to just vanish. He was lucky the pack hadn't killed him for his negligence yet.
One by one, the following Alphas and their sons had vanished.
He got to know each of them – what they enjoyed, who they talked to, how they spent their time away from the pack. He knew them as almost friends.
Yet there he was, staring Willow down, and having to lie to her face.
The lie was easier, safer.
She didn't need to know.
“Fair enough,” she replied. Their food arrived, and her eyes were huge.
Thank God for the little distractions.
Carter relaxed, glad the questioning was over, and tried to enjoy himself.
When he saw Willow walk out earlier, he was blown away. She always looked good, without fail, but seeing her in that tiny, black dress, showing off her gorgeous curves and soft skin, he had never wanted his hands on her more. Whatever she did to him, this strange magic she set on him, it was intoxicating.
He'd only met her a day ago, and he could already see himself with her in a long-term relationship.
Which was dangerous, yeah, but that didn't mean he wouldn't let himself enjoy her while she was there.
She was just a tourist, just flying through. He could allow himself at least a little fun.
“This is amazing,” Willow said, entranced as she took a second spoonful of the chowder she had picked.
“Wanna try the salmon?” he asked, offering his fork to her.
“Mm, yeah, please,” she agreed. Carter lifted a forkful of the fish to her lips, and Willow made eye contact with him as she wrapped her lips around the bite and slid it off the fork. His arousal was quickly apparent, and he tried to will it away, but she was too damn hot. Regardless of the consequences, he knew he couldn't say no to her.
She was the push that set him into motion, the first person to make him actually feel good since his brother vanished.
“Do you have any plans after this?” he asked her, taking a sip of his wine.
“What do you have in mind?” she replied, licking her spoon.
She was going to be the death of him.
Chapter 9
He was kissing her!
They'd barely made it back to the resort before she wanted to make out with him in the car, pull him close and not let go. It wouldn't have been a great look for either of them, but there was too much air between them, and she'd had enough of it.
His hands were rough on her hips as he pressed her against the door inside her room. The second they made it in, they were on each other. Carter's lips were soft and warm, and as he kissed her, Willow felt like she was tasting the constellations in the sky. Everything in the universe was right, beautiful, perfect. She craved even his breath.
The kiss became rougher, his touches more adventurous, and she giggled into it.
“What?” he asked, catching his breath as he leaned away from her for a moment.
“Nothing,” she said, smiling. “It's just, I can't believe I haven't known you more than just twenty-four hours and now we're…” She motioned between them before leaning up to kiss him again.
“That doesn't sound like a complaint,” he said, smiling as they kissed more.
“It's definitely not. I just don't usually do stuff like this,” she admitted, gasping as one of his hands cupped her breast.
“Is this okay?” he asked, his lips leaving hers and heading to her jawline and neck.
“God, yes,” she gasped. The sensation of his stubble was almost too much. Every part of him set her on fire. She wanted to devour him and let him devour her as well. He nipped a couple of tiny, pink spots into her skin, lavishing over them with kisses and licks. Willow found herself arching against him, her dress riding up to her thighs.
“Bed,” he growled, his hands directing her.
“Yes,” she agreed dreamily. Taking his hand, she lead him to the queen-sized bed. He followed and pressed her down on the bed, his warm hands riding up the outsides of her thighs as he kissed further down her neck to her breasts. Willow's breath hitched, and he started sliding up her dress, revealing her lacey, black underwear.
She needed him desperately, and it couldn't be soon enough.
“Condoms are in my bag.” She motioned to her purse sitting on the floor by the door they had just burst in.
“Don't need them just yet,” his voice was thick with arousal. He sounded hungry, dangerous, and his voice went straight to her clit, leaving her throbbing and untouched.
For now.
She helped him pull her dress up and over her head, leaving her skin bare and covered in goosebumps.
“Unfair that I'm the only naked one,” she teased, tugging at his hair as he started kissing her again.
“Mm,” Carter replied, kissing her stomach before he leaned back, smirking, and slowly unbuttoned his shirt. Willow had never gotten to have a man strip for her like this before, and Carter was putting on a show. Every button that popped open revealed a new bit of tantalizing muscle, a new strip of clean skin that she was dying to kiss and taste. His shirt slid to the ground behind him, and she hoped he'd pull off his pants as well, but he seemed to be on a mission.
“Do you mind if I have dessert?” he asked, tugging at the line of her panties. The question would have been embarrassing, mortifying, if any other man had said that while referring to her sex, but with him, it just boosted her arousal further. He could probably say anything, and it would still be sexy as hell to her.
“Be my guest,” she teased, lifting her hips so that he could tug off her underwear. She thanked whatever gods she could that she'd shaved that morning.
Carter kissed her thighs slowly, his stubble rubbing her delicate skin in ways that left her wanting for more. Just when he got close enough on one thigh that she could feel his breath on her vulva, he switched to the other and began kissing down again. She was starving for him and losing her mind in anticipation.
“Please,” she gasped.
“Hmm?” he asked, smiling as he looked up at her. She wasn't sure if she wanted to kiss him for the sublime teasing, or beg him to touch her. Either sounded like a fantastic idea.
His mouth was far away, though.
“Please touch me,” she begged, her breath hitching at hearing herself say the words.
“Of course,” he answered. His right hand ghosted up her thigh and against her entrance. She moaned at the sudden sensation and then gasped as his fingers led a straight line up to her clit. He stroked in circular motions against it, his face focused and obviously pleased with her reactions.
“Oh, my god,” she gasped out, rolling her hips with his touches.
Carter lowered his face, and his tongue replaced his fingers, swirling against his clit with warmth and wetness. Willow cried out at the feeling, and his hands anchored her hips in pla
ce. His hot tongue went from her clit down to her trembling entrance, and then back up, pausing to pay attention to whichever parts she reacted most to.
She knew she could come just like this, his face pressed into her and dealing her the greatest pleasure she'd ever felt.
He slid his right hand off her hip, still keeping her in place with his other, and guided two of his fingers beneath his chin and into her. It was slow, and just enough. She was amazed at how wet she was already. Nobody had ever turned her on like this before or connected with her body so easily.
He crooked his fingers inside her, and Willow was seeing stars again.
She rocked into his hand and against his face, despite his other hand trying to keep her in place.
“This feels so good,” she breathed, not wanting to hold back the compliment. His pace increased a little until he was basically fucking her with his ring and middle fingers, pulsing them in and out of her while making come-hither motions with the tips. He licked another stripe down from where his fingers filled her, back up to her clit, and made a noise like he was thoroughly enjoying himself. “Ah God, yes. Like that,” she said, but even as the words left her lips, she wanted more.
She needed him in her, and he was making her wait so long.
“Please fuck me,” Willow tugged at his hair to pull him from between her legs. When he looked up at her, his face was slick with her arousal, and it would be embarrassing if it wasn't so hot. He wiped his face off on his shirt he'd just tossed aside, tossed a condom on the bed from her purse, and began to unbutton his pants.
Willow slid further up on the bed, away from the edge, and watched his performance.
He was beautifully muscled as if he was carved from marble, every curve and indent purposeful and stunning.
A work of art to be cherished.
To be loved.
She pushed that thought aside as she finally saw his cock.
It sprung out of his pants and jut out proudly toward her, a dusty pink, save for the dark head. She wanted it in her mouth, wanted to make him feel as good as he'd made her, but she pushed that thought aside.
White Star (Wolves of West Valley Book 1) Page 4