by Lila Rose
“Cora,” Jackson called gently.
Facing him, I tipped my head up, looking to his chin. “Yes?”
“Come inside?” He made it sound like a question. Like I had a choice to go into the wolf’s den or back out and leave his property, never to return. Never to see him. Again, that foul taste touched my tongue at the possibility.
Sucking in a deep breath, I made my way to the porch, up the stairs, and when Jackson shuffled back from the doorway, I entered the house. He needed to get some clothes on. I had to drag my gaze away from his sculpted chest to look down a dark hall.
“I haven’t opened the blinds yet,” he told me, his tone soft.
“How about I do that while you get dressed?” I offered. Or else there was no way I’d get any work done.
“Cora,” he whispered, and I stilled when I felt his heat at my back. His nose pressed into the back of my neck before I heard his intake of breath. “I thought you would be long gone.” My body shuddered when he slid his nose to the back of my ear. “I thought I’d never see you again.”
I cleared my throat. “Well… I…. My mom sees ghosts,” I blurted.
His head lifted, and I could feel him looking at me. “What?”
“H-How about we talk over coffee?” God knew I could use one or ten or maybe a sedative so I didn’t turn and grab him like I wanted to. Hell, I wanted my mouth on his. I wanted to taste him and see him lose control. But I couldn’t. I wasn’t his, and I never would be because I wasn’t a shifter.
“Okay. Kitchen is down the hall to the left, through the main living room. I’ll meet you there.”
“Got it.” I nodded and started down the hall, ignoring my body and how it protested when moving away from his delicious heat.
It was strange walking through his house without him, but I got a chance to take it all in, and what I saw, I liked. That was after I opened some blinds in the living room and then the kitchen. I quickly went to the coffee maker, found some mugs, and poured two cups.
Footsteps sounded behind me, and I asked, “How do you have your coffee?” When no reply came, I looked over my shoulder to find him leaning back against the wall just inside the archway with his arms crossed over his chest. He just stood there and took me in.
“Jackson?” I asked, my tone quiet.
“Black.”
“All right, here you go,” I said, taking his mug to the table and placing it down. I waved a hand to the table. “Should we sit?”
He nodded. His feet ate up the floor, and then he was sitting at the end of the table, close to me. “Your mom?” he queried.
“Right.” I crossed my legs and picked up my steaming mug. “Well, you see, my mom can see spirits. The powers were passed onto her when my grandmother died. They’ll… um, and I’ll receive the power when Mom moves on from this world.”
“She spoke with someone in the house that we couldn’t see.”
I nodded and gave him a wry smile. “My father.”
“Was this why you didn’t run? You knew about shifters?”
Shaking my head, I said, “Oh no, I didn’t have a clue until I heard and saw… what I did. I went home and begged Mom to leave.” His jaw clenched. “But she made me understand that I hadn’t been thinking clearly. Honestly, I should have guessed there was more in the world. More people with powers or other species.”
“Why are you here today?” he asked, his tone a little clipped.
My pulse raced. I glanced down at the table, and something inside me urged to speak the truth. “From the first moment we entered into Badlands, it felt like home, and each hour that goes by, it anchors me here even more. I don’t want to move again. I don’t want to run.” I took a breath. “I might be scared a little since my mind opened to everything else, but even thinking of running has me in more fear than staying. I want to try. I want friends, a job, and a place where there’ll be no worries.” Slowly, I lifted my eyes to meet his. “This… it could sound totally out-of-this-world crazy, but…” Heat hit my cheeks when I plowed forward, not having the power to hold back. “I feel an attraction to you that I’ve never felt before.” I laughed humorlessly. “But it’s ridiculous, and I don’t know why I just told you that. You’re a shifter. A wolf shifter. I’m human.” I shook my head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. My mind must be fried after all.” I stood. “I should go. We can try the job tomorrow, but I understand if I’ve made you uncomfortable.” I started for the living room.
“Don’t,” he bit out. The one word had me stilling. His tone gentled when he added, “Don’t leave me again.”
Oh God.
My hand rose to press against my chest where my heart beat frantically. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to stay at his side all the time, and that scared me. But I knew it would also make me happy. Two halves of myself were fighting about what to do.
“You’re not stupid for what you feel. This attraction isn’t only one-sided. It’s not only coming from you. I… I want to spend time with you. Get to know you.”
I wanted that too.
So much.
But my taste in men hadn’t been the best. Sean was enough proof. I wouldn’t be in Badlands Territory if it weren’t for him. God, why did I feel like I was supposed to thank the man for it? Because if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be in Jackson’s house. I wouldn’t have met Jackson. While I could have done without knowing there were other species in the world and that Jackson was a wolf, deep down I didn’t care.
My mom was different. I would be different when the time came. I would accept everything in the end for sure, but I was allowed time to adjust. To take it all in, and when I did, it wouldn’t be something to fear. It wouldn’t be something to worry about.
Heck, I was already on my way there, or else why was I still standing in the house of the alpha after stating I was attracted to him?
“Cora?” Jackson whispered.
Licking my dry lips, I hummed under my breath.
“Would you allow us time to get to know one another? Will you stay and see if this attraction could lead to something?”
No reason had me wanting to run from this man. This shifter.
I opened my mouth, closed it, and shut my eyes. “I would like that,” I said softly, and for the first time, I wasn’t surprised by the truth of my words.
A growl sounded from behind, but as soon as I turned, he cut if off. His lips twitched. “Sorry, my wolf is happy.”
Tilting my head to the side, I couldn’t stop my small smile showing. It’d been a surprise to hear his growl, but cute. I shrugged. “That’s good, right? At least he doesn’t want to eat me.”
A laugh escaped him. The widening of his eyes told me he didn’t expect my words. “Ah, yeah, you’re safe with him, with me.” Then I heard him mumble, “We’d eat you in a different way.”
My body flushed, my nipples hardened, and a sudden rush of wetness coated between my legs.
Jackson closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. He groaned, his hands fisting at his sides. From the way his gaze burned into me in the best way, there was no doubt he wanted me.
He wanted me.
He was attracted to me.
My body hummed at the thought. I wanted to run for him, jump him, and maybe even dry hump him.
That wasn’t good. It was too soon, and we’d only just sorted out that we wanted to get to know one another.
“Shit… ah… how about I show you the office?” he suggested.
“You want me to still work here? Even after, um, well, if we started hanging out more?” Jesus, I sounded like a teenager.
Jackson smiled softly. “Yes, I need the help.”
I nodded. “Okay then.”
He moved my way, and I couldn’t help but admire the way his body shifted, how his muscles flexed and moved with his amazing body.
He stopped right beside me. I lifted my eyes to catch his when he said, “The way you look at me has me wanting to kiss you.”
Oh, wo
w.
Why wasn’t I more apprehensive at the thought of another man in my life? It was crazy when I realized it had only been a couple of days. Maybe if it had been any other male showing interest in me, things would be different, but this connection, this attraction was new and wonderful, and I really wanted to take a chance on it. On him.
“Fuck it,” Jackson clipped.
He faced me, and his hand slid to the back of my head. His other one went to my hip. Both seared a delicious heat into my skin. However, that feeling was lost when he bent and touched his lips against mine.
My breath caught. My eyes widened for a second before they closed, and his full, gorgeous lips pressed more firmly onto mine. It was as if, just from the feel of his lips on mine, I’d found damn heaven. My body ignited, my brain sparked, and my heart galloped like it never had before.
Tentatively, I placed my hands on his chest. It vibrated under my touch when a growl sounded from within. My knees buckled, and I gripped his tee while he pulled me close and helped me stay on my feet. It was good, because when his lips opened and a swipe of his tongue caused my clit to throb, I moaned and lost myself.
I wound my arms around his neck, jumped, and he caught me when I hooked my legs around his waist. The kiss turned from hot to scorching as our tongues tasted and rolled together.
The rumble from his chest wouldn’t stop, and I didn’t care. In fact, I liked it, knowing it meant both the man and beast were enjoying what we were doing.
Lifting up a little, I rocked against him. I couldn’t help my reaction, since I felt the hard, thick cock against my core.
A door opened, and someone called, “Jackson.”
It was like a bucket of ice water was thrown over me.
Jackson gently placed me on my feet and pushed me behind him as he cursed up a storm. Did I need to worry? Why was he protecting me? Or was it because he didn’t want the woman, since I was sure a female voice had called out, to see me with him?
Was he married?
Did he have a girlfriend?
No, wait… Alton said shifters had mates.
Did Jackson already have one?
I straightened my clothes as a wave of nausea dipped my stomach.
Jackson drew in a breath. He glanced over his shoulder, his eyes full of concern, and told me, “It’s not what you think. I… wouldn’t want to get to know you if I had someone. The woman—” He cringed.
“Yoo-hoo, Jackson” was called again.
He sighed. “—it’s my grandmother.”
Tension rolled off me, and I pushed the luscious kiss aside. Now certainly wasn’t the time to think of how his mouth had felt, how he’d tasted. Instead, I smiled up at him and his obvious discomfort over his grandmother. I actually thought it was cute.
“You can slip out the door over there—”
“I may be slow, but I’m not deaf, you rotten grandchild.”
A giggle escaped me as a woman who only looked to be in her late forties turned the corner.
Jackson straightened, facing his grandmother. “What are you doing here?” he demanded.
I gasped. “Jackson.”
“Don’t let her appearance mislead you. She may seem nice and friendly, but deep down she’s like a damn witch.”
His grandmother smiled. “Don’t be a pussy, Jackson. Just because you get your panties in a twist when I beat you at poker doesn’t mean I’m a witch.” She rolled her eyes. “Move aside so I can see this beautiful woman.”
Jackson and his grandmother stared at each other for a moment longer before Jackson cursed again and stepped to the side. His arm curled around my waist, and he gently pulled me into him, which had my heart dancing once more.
I wanted to press against him as much as I could. Run my hands over him, lick him— Dear God, I had to stop this.
A clap had me jumping in my shoes. I looked to the older woman who was beaming over at me. “You are gorgeous. Absolutely perfect for—”
“DeeDee,” Jackson clipped.
“—for the job Jackson has going. I used to help him out, but I’m tired of his moods. Come now. I’ll show you the ropes while Jackson does his alpha stuff you can’t help with.” She beckoned me her way with a flick of her hand.
Glancing up at Jackson, I met his irritated gaze until it changed to something warm and fuzzy. “You’ll be fine with her. If she gets too nosey, tell her to butt out.”
“I can hear you,” DeeDee said.
“I know,” Jackson replied without looking away from me. He turned into me, cupping my cheek. “I’ll be in there soon.”
I nodded.
He smiled.
I grinned.
Maybe it was lucky DeeDee arrived, or there was a possibility I’d be naked and on the table.
His gaze darkened.
“Stop being all lovesick over her and get to work,” DeeDee said. My grin grew at her teasing.
Jackson scowled, but then softly pressed his lips to my temple. “Behave,” he said.
“She will,” DeeDee answered.
“I wasn’t talking to Cora. I was talking to you,” Jackson told his grandmother before he bopped my darn nose and walked out of the room. Okay, I would admit that gesture made me weak in the knees.
“Cora’s a sweet name, and it’s good to see the lovesickness isn’t only one-sided. I’d been worried since you’re human.”
I swung her way and said, “I’m not… we’re not… the thing is….”
She waved me off with a chuckle. “Doesn’t matter. I can see good things for you two, is all I’m saying.” She must have caught my frown because she added, “Once you find someone you connect with, things just seem to fly by in bliss. Don’t worry about how fast things are going. It’s always like that when it comes to us.”
Dragging my top teeth over my bottom lip, all I could think of to reply was “Um, okay?”
She cackled and led me into a large office to show me the ropes. I would have to believe her, because I’d never experienced this type of connection before.
Chapter Seven
Cora
A couple of weeks rushed by in a blur. Jackson hadn’t been messing around when he said he needed help. He did. There was a lot of added work also, since DeeDee hadn’t enjoyed doing it. She’d fluffed over her explanations that first day because she wasn’t entirely sure herself. Eventually… okay, it took me the first week to get things down, but I did.
Not only was I busy reorganizing and then making sure the bookkeeping ran a bit smoother, but Jackson was busy with all alpha things.
However—and the knowledge still brought a smile to my face—he made sure he had lunch with me every day. He’d ask me questions, and I pestered him about things, wanting to know everything I could when it came to Jackson. He didn’t seem to mind, though, especially since he left me in the office flushed from being kissed thoroughly every single time.
As the days went by, I looked forward to going to work. I was eager for each and every day because it meant happiness. It had been a long time since I felt the touch of pure happiness. Not only that, but I was also getting to know the rest of the pack and experience the growing feeling of acceptance. Kathy was dropping in all the time, as was DeeDee. There had been a few pack members who’d stopped by to see Jackson, and to start with, they’d looked worried, but they all left smiling. One had even said to me he was grateful I was around because it was good to see a new, jovial side to their alpha.
Of course, I straightened with pride. It was amazing to know Jackson was cheerier with me around.
Getting to know the people around him, close to him, was also making it easier for me to accept I lived in a town of shifters. I hadn’t seen anyone shift since that time in the bar, but certain moments reminded me they weren’t completely human. Like when they could scent someone from a long way off. I also witnessed Kathy’s eyes change color when she got peeved about something Alton did.
They moved elegantly, but fast when they needed to. They were also
strong. I’d been out front one day, and I noticed a little boy, or pup as Jackson called him, playing not far away when his ball went under a low car. Jackson jogged over, lifted the car like it weighed nothing, and the boy got his ball back. Jackson chuckled at my stunned expression. Then, after I asked about the other smaller houses around his, he explained people from his pack lived in them. I loved how shifters operated. It was like one big family. The only niggling issue I had was that Jackson worked too darn much. He had a lot of stress on his shoulders. Alton helped with some, since he was the beta, and I hoped I helped as well. Still, I worried he would work himself down to the bone and not enjoy life like he should.
“What are you thinking so hard about?” Kathy asked from where she sat on the other side of my desk. She looked up from her magazine and cocked a brow.
“Do you think Jackson works too much? I worry he doesn’t get to enjoy life because he’s so busy.”
She gave me a smile. “I think he’s loving life more since you came into it.”
Blushing, I shook my head. “I doubt that.”
“You shouldn’t. Everyone has noticed a change in our alpha, and we know it’s for the better. He’ll slow down when he wants. Maybe a hint from you might help, though. You could ask him to spend some alone time with you.” She wiggled her brows up and down.
I snorted out a laugh. “You’re shocking.”
Kathy winked. “You know it.”
I bit my bottom lip, wondering if Kathy had some information I needed. “Do you… um, know anything about Brea? She seems in love with Jackson.”
Kathy’s upper lip rose. “That money-grabbing whore. She’s been dealt with. Havoc and Alton made sure the message was clear. She won’t be a problem again. Her parents will also make sure of it.”
She’d been on my mind every now and then. I’d worried she would pop back up at some point. It was good to know she wouldn’t.
“But seriously, about the time thing with Havoc. I’m sure he’ll take some off for you.”
“Which is sweet.”