by Zoe Ray
“Preston.” His dad looked disappointed. “You know better than that boy. I know you’re used to being in charge, but this is a woman son. She’s a nice young lady. You can’t just treat her like an employee. You have to listen to her. Listen to what she’s saying and what she’s not saying son.”
“I asked her to go out with me tonight.”
“No, you told me,” Sam interrupted him.
“Fine. Whatever you say. She told me she had plans so I asked her who with. She didn’t tell me. I asked her about tomorrow night. Same thing. All I did was ask her a question, and she blew up at me. Then I walk in here and find her with my family at the very place I was going to bring her, and she wants to run off.” Sam didn’t respond. She only fumed.
“Sam is that what happened?” His dad asked.
“Kind of.” Sam said. “I just told your son that he does not have the right to demand that information from me. I don’t have to tell him what I’m doing. We just met.”
“Is there a reason you didn’t want to tell him?” His father seemed like he was on to something.
Sam shuffled a bit. “I just felt like he was making a big deal out of nothing, and if he had calmed down, I could have told him that. He didn’t ask. He demanded like I’m his child. Also, your son told me I was going out with him at the last minute. He didn’t even ask. Is that how you raised him, because that’s rude? He thought I was just going to drop everything at his whim. Everything started spiraling out of control, so I didn’t get to tell him that I was coming out tonight with coworkers and tomorrow night with my best friend to thank her for helping me get my foot in the door for this stupid job. That’s all. Those were my plans. Since you had to know so bad. So, if you’re happy with that information you can go back to stomping around and terrorizing people.” Sam turned her head away from Preston. He reached out for her, but she moved her arm away.
Preston looked to his dad. His dad looked at him and shook his head. “Preston. He said. “You owe Samantha an apology.”
Preston pleaded with his eyes. “For what?” He had been apologizing to Sam since he met her.
“You hurt her feelings son, and I know you weren’t trying to do that, were you?”
“No.”
“Do you want her to stay mad at you?”
“No.” He grumbled.
“Then make this right. Do it now, and don’t hang up in the girl’s face anymore. What’s the matter with you?”
“Fine.” He did feel bad about that. Preston hated that Sam was so angry with him. All he ever wanted to do was make her happy. “Samantha. Turn around and look at me,” he commanded. She didn’t move.
“Boy have you not learned anything? I swear,” his dad said.
“Samantha would you please turn around and look at me.” She turned around, and his heart broke. A single tear fell down her cheek. He stood from his chair. “Sam. Baby. I’m so sorry.” He grabbed her arms and pulled her closer to him. She was a little resistant, but she moved. He was happy about that. “Sam please forgive me. Please. I promise you I won’t ever do that again. I never ever want to make you sad again. I promise. I learned my lesson.” He held her close and looked in her eyes so she would know he was serious. He moved his upper body side to side rocking her with him. He kissed the spot where the tear fell down her cheek. “Will you please forgive me Sam?”
She nodded her head and said yes softly. Preston was so relieved. It had torn him up inside to see she had even shed one tear because of him. She looked him in his eyes. “Sam from the moment I met you I have only wanted to make you happy. That silly argument on the phone got way out of hand. I should have handled myself better. Okay.” She nodded. He looked at Sam and moved is lips in to connect with hers. To his delight she kissed him back. He gave her a few more pecks before he went deeper and gave her the most passionate kiss he had ever given anyone. His body warmed. He knew that his subordinates were there, but he didn’t care. He only cared about making things right with his mate.
After the kiss, cheering and whistling erupted throughout the bar. Sam buried her head in his chest and laughed. Preston looked around and shook his head. This time he was the one blushing. They both looked to his father. “Now baby girl if my son gives you any more trouble you come tell Percy. I’ll set him straight.” Percy winked at Sam as she nodded her head as she smiled. “Now that’s a pretty smile. That’s what I like to see. I haven’t seen love like that in a long time. You be good to my son now. He’s hard headed but he’s one of the good ones. I don’t know what I’m gonna’ do with you kids.” Percy was ranting as he walked away.
Fifteen
Sam’s face was flushed with embarrassment. Was everyone listening to their entire conversation? The embarrassment was quickly replaced with something else. Her mind started spinning again. His father had mentioned love before, but this time he specifically mentioned it in reference to his son. It was too soon to even consider thinking about love. Wasn’t it? Preston seemed unfazed by the mention of the word so she didn’t want to bring it up to him. Maybe he didn’t hear it.
Preston tapped her on her arm. “Stop panicking,” he said.
She hated it when he did that. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sam replied.
It wasn’t until Paris and Persia came running up to them followed by Michael that Sam realized they had been MIA for quite some time. “You guys that was so cute,” Paris beamed. “I knew you must be someone special.” She hugged her. “We just want our brother to be happy.”
“Yeah, your brother? Seems like something you would have mentioned,” Sam replied.
“Well they couldn’t because they were too busy getting in my business,” Preston interrupted.
Sam laughed. “Preston, Persia, Paris, Percy at PJ’s. I should have caught on the that. How much of this was a set up, and how much is coincidence?”
“Believe it or not,” Persia said “most of this is coincidence.”
“Yeah there was no master plan at work here. We just wanted to get to know you, and we liked you so we invited you here. Everything else was coincidence and frankly a surprise to me,” Paris chimed in, “but we are so glad you make our brother happy. Welcome to the family.”
The girls embraced her in a big hug, and Persia added, “I’ve never seen him like this before.”
Sam beamed with pride. “Is that right?” She teased Preston.
“That’s right, love.” He said confidently and kissed her on the lips.
Sam blushed. She intertwined her fingers with his and wrapped his arms around her. She felt like she could breathe again. She loved being wrapped up in him. She felt safe. Everything felt right. Then, there was that word again. She couldn’t tell if they just said it casually or it meant something. There was the fact that lots of people from work were in the building. She could only imagine what they were thinking about her and Preston. She didn’t like the idea of everyone being in their business, but it was too late now. She was in this, and everyone knew.
“Hey don’t leave me out,” Michael chimed in. “If it wasn’t for me this whole thing would have fallen apart day one.”
“Preston do you hear something?” Sam teased.
“No. Nothing at all.”
“Oh, so no one is going to acknowledge my contribution?” Michael asked. “That’s cold.”
“We’re just playing with you.” Samantha held out her fist, and Michael bumped.
Preston added, “Good looking out. Now Sam and I want to talk.”
Paris and Persia began to walk off. “We’ll catch up with you two later,” Persia said as Michael walked off with them.
“So, beautiful Samantha,” Preston stared in her eyes. “Can I officially call you mine now?”
“Well seeing as how you actually asked me, and everybody in here now knows all my business, I am no longer opposed to being yours, so yes it’s official.” Samantha couldn’t contain the huge smile on her face. She couldn’t believe this was all happening so fast,
but she was done trying to fight it. Preston squeezed her harder. He was also visibly excited. “Not so fast. We need to work out the details and what all of this means.”
“Oh, we are going to work it out all night long,” he replied.
Sam laughed. “I’m serious.”
“Me too.” He shielded her hand from outside view and placed it over his crotch.
“I see,” she said. Sam looked up at the medallion on his chest, and felt the ring on his finger. “Hey what is this?” She asked rubbing the ring.
“A wolf.”
“You must really like wolves. They’re everywhere. The company logo, your chair, your neck, your ring. That’s interesting. I love wolves.”
Preston lifted an eyebrow. “You do?”
“Yeah. Contrary to what people believe the don’t really attack humans, and even though they are vicious predators, when they fall in love they’re actually romantic, and they mate for life.”
He looked pleased for some reason. He paused briefly then blurted out, “I’m a wolf.”
Sam burst out laughing. “Yeah we all know you’re a beast in these streets.” She slapped his shoulder as she laughed some more.
“No. I’m a wolf,” he repeated.
“What are you talking about?” She looked confused. He lifted his head, and held his hand up to the side of his face and howled. It was so loud it made Sam jump. That almost sounded real. Suddenly everyone in the bar howled back. She’d never seen anything like it in her life. Sam looked around the room in amazement. “So, you’re in a fraternity or something?”
“No. A pack. I lead the pack,” Preston informed her.
“The Alpha,” Sam whispered. She took a big gulp. What he was saying was crazy? Sam wasn’t sure what to think.
A single howl came from the doorway, and Sam turned her head. The room grew silent. Something felt different. “Well, look who it is.” A man Samantha had never seen before entered the room with a man and a woman walking behind him. He looked like a movie villain. His skin was light, and he had curly hair. He was almost as tall as Preston and a bit younger. He had a serious chip on his shoulder. There was a dark energy that surrounded him.
Samantha looked at Preston. His eyes flashed red. His chest moved up and down rapidly. He was visibly angry. "What the hell are you doing here?” Preston asked.
“Is that any way to greet an old friend?” The man asked Preston in a mock innocent voice.
“Get out of here before I rip you in half.” Preston warned him.
“Do you really expect me to do that, Preston? I’m a paying customer. I want the same level of service as everyone else in here.”
“You don’t belong here Marcos. This is my territory. Don’t make me remove you.”
“I go where I want. You think you control everybody. Your reign is about to come to an end Preston. You’re just too preoccupied to see it. Marcos turned to Sam. “This must be your mate.” He sniffed. I see you haven’t mated her. Interesting.” Marcos looked Sam from head to toe. He licked his lips. “Guess I still have a chance to make her mine.” Preston moved Samantha behind him protectively. This guy was creeping Sam out, and he looked at her like she was his next meal.
Preston growled. “Give me a reason to kill you right now.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” he ignored Preston and talked to Sam. Sam remained quiet. She was not entirely sure what was happening, so she just held on to Preston. He looked back to Preston. “When I’m done with you I’m going to take your mate. I’m going to have my way with her, and then I’m going to pass her around my pack. They’ll love to get a piece of you.”
Sam was angry. Never in her life had anyone said anything like that to her before. She moved to the side to look Marcos in his eyes. “I will kill you.” Her voice was calmer than she expected. She had never been provoked like this before. The fact that anyone would say what he just said made her blood boil. She didn’t know how she would do it or why she said it, but she meant it in that moment. How dare he threaten her?
“You have a death wish?” Preston asked.
“No. I have something to settle. You didn’t think this was over, did you?” Marcos snapped his fingers and two men stood and walked beside him. Sam recognized them. One was named James and the other William. She didn’t remember their titles, but they both worked at ASC. She met them during her tour. What were they doing?
“Are you sure about your choice?” Preston looked at them both. They remained silent and expressionless.
“They no longer answer to you,” Marcos informed him.
“Very well.”
“This is only the beginning. I’m going to take your pack. I’m going to take your company, and I’m going to take your mate. Then when you’re left with nothing and no one, I’m going to take your life.”
Preston grabbed Marcos by the neck and threw him across the room. Marcos slammed into a wall and then onto the floor on his back. Before Sam had time to process what was happening someone grabbed her waist and she was flying through the air. She began kicking, but before she knew it she was back on the ground. She realized that Preston had grabbed her and jumped over the bar. He looked at her and ordered her to stay there. Still in shock she shook her head in agreement. A chill ran down Sam’s back. Percy ran up behind Sam. “It’ll be okay,” he assured her.
Preston jumped again, and midair his body began to transform before her eyes. His clothes ripped and dropped to the floor. His bones bent and took on a new shape. Gray hairs grew from his body. He had shifted. He was a wolf. Everything happened so fast that Sam never had the chance to process what he told her. He was a wolf. He was a big wolf.
Sixteen
Preston lunged toward Marcos. Marcos had threatened his mate on his territory, and Preston’s wolf was enraged. He saw red. He planned to tear into Marcos and he wasn’t going to hold back, but before he could reach Marcos William and James shifted and lunged toward him. Preston used his mind link to tell Michael to keep an eye on Marcos. James crashed into his side. After all that Preston had done for his pack, he couldn’t believe the betrayal. What was the reason? He had built a company where wolf shifters could feel safe, and be themselves. They thrived, they had financial stability, and they were protected. Now he was being attacked by two of his own. Marcos had nothing to offer. He was a low life who only cared about himself and his petty vendettas. He was filled with hate and jealousy. Preston thought that was obvious, but Marcos had always been persuasive.
“It’s not too late to stop this,” Preston said to them through the mind link. “Whatever this is about we can work it out.”
“We have picked a side. We are loyal to Marcos. No hard feelings.” James shared as he bared his teeth to Preston.
That was it. He gave them a chance. They made their decision. Preston turned and bit James on the neck and dug his teeth in. James whimpered, but Preston had no intention of letting go. He shook his head from side to side. James tried to lift his paws and push Preston away, but he couldn’t. William came at him from behind and dug his paws into Preston’s side. Preston heard Sam scream his name. “Preston.”
She was worried. Maybe she still cared. He hoped this had not been too much for her to take in. He wasn’t afraid. Preston could take these two with his eyes closed. He had no intentions of letting Samantha down. He turned shaking off Williams hold while still holding on to James dragging him in whatever direction he moved. James surrendered, and Preston let him go. He turned his attention to William. William moved away and Preston was on his tail. He jumped and pinned William to the ground. William struggled to break away, but to no avail. Preston clawed and scratched him. William was able to get on all fours and Preston bit his muzzle. Once again, he latched on until William surrendered. Preston turned his attention to Marcos. He was gone.
The two that came with him were fighting with other members of Preston’s pack. He turned to Michael to see what happened. Marcos had gotten away, and they needed to find him. Preston took
off with Michael, roaming the woods behind the bar, but Marcos was nowhere to be found, and his scent was fading. They decided to go to Preston’s car.
“We need to go to some of his regular spots, and see if we can find him.” I’ve got some clothes in my car. They headed to Preston’s car and shifted. They searched some local spots where Marcos was known to hang out, but to no avail. He had disappeared.
“Shit!” Preston exclaimed. He looked at Michael. “Marcos does not get away with this. Do you understand? We need to take care of him quickly.”
“Understood.” Michael responded. “Don’t worry. He will not get away with this. I’ve got your back brother.”
“Thank you.” They drove to Preston’s house in silence. Preston knew Michael meant what he said. Michael was very loyal, and Preston knew he was lucky to have him in the pack. He probably never took the chance to tell him that, but he was sure that Michael knew he was valued. Marcos had been a problem for too long, and the fact that he had the audacity to threaten Sam meant his time was up.
Preston’s thoughts shifted to Sam. She must be scared. He didn’t want her worrying about him. He needed to get to her, and make sure she was okay. There’s no telling what was going through her mind. He had just told her the truth about himself. She didn’t even have time to process it. What must she be thinking. He needed to get to her.
Seventeen
Sam paced back and forth. After the bar fight, Percy brought her and Preston’s sisters back to Preston’s place. His house was huge, but it was comfortable. He had good taste or a good decorator. It looked like it was styled with her in mind. The couch was like sitting on a cloud, but Sam couldn’t sit down. She was worried about Preston. All she could think of was seeing him walking through the door. She didn’t trust Marcos. He looked angry and sinister, unlike anything she’d ever seen in her life. Surely Preston was able to take care of himself, but not knowing where he was began to bother Sam.