by Zoe Ray
It seemed like just when everything was starting to look good, she was hit with so much. First Preston was a wolf. What the hell? Things like that always seemed unrealistic. At this point, Sam didn’t know what to do with that information. The feelings she had for Preston were so real. How could this work?
Her train of thought was interrupted by Percy. “You must have a lot of questions, Samantha.”
“I don’t even know where to begin.”
“I know it’s a lot,” Persia added.
“I just don’t know what this means for us. How is this possible?”
“Werewolves are a real thing. Of course, not many people are privy to that information. We are human. We just happen to be able to shift into wolves.” Paris informed her.
Sam looked around. Everyone’s faces were serious. She could see that they all cared about her, but she didn’t understand why. She didn’t even know them. “So, are you born this way?”
Percy stepped in, “Yes, baby girl. I was the alpha. That’s the leader of the pack. Now it’s my son Preston. He learned from me, he even surpassed me, and took over the pack when I stepped down. He’s the strongest wolf. He’s also smart. He came up with an idea. He dropped out of school and started the company. He created something that helped the whole pack. He provided jobs for other shifters and became successful, and so did everyone that works for him.”
Sam thought about what Percy said. “Is everyone at the company a werewolf?
“No.” Persia replied, “There are a lot, but there are a lot of humans also. Most don’t know that they are working with shifters.”
“What exactly does it mean to be a werewolf?” Sam asked. “You can shift but what else is different?”
Paris chimed in, “Basically our senses are heightened. Our ability to see, taste, touch, smell, and hear are greater than most. We can also run and jump faster and higher than most humans.”
I just don’t know what to do with all of this,” Sam replied. “How do I even fit into this? Why am I here?”
“I can answer that,” Percy said. “You are Preston’s mate.”
“I know what a mate is, but how is that possible.? How can you be sure?”
“I can’t be sure, but Preston is. Every wolf has a desire to find their mate. The mate is the one person that is meant for them. The connection that mates feel is undeniable. Since you are human it’s not as easy to discern, but I can guarantee you the moment my son laid eyes on you he knew it. He will do anything to make you happy, and you are the only thing that can make him happy. Mates have a bond that is unbreakable and a love like nothing you have ever experienced. Preston’s mother was my mate. Not everyone is lucky enough to find theirs. They may go on to live a great life with someone else, but they will never be truly fulfilled. Once a couple is mated they are together for life.”
“How would he know that I’m his mate, and why wouldn’t I know.”
“The man and the wolf are two parts of a whole. The wolf will scent his mate immediately, and the man will be in agreement. Humans date and get to know a person, but wolves know right away. They will usually get to know one another after mating, but since you are human and Preston is a shifter he has to make adjustments.”
Sam sat down on the couch and put her head in her hands. She was trying to figure out how to process all of this. She felt like her head was going to explode. “I don’t know what to say.”
Paris tried to relax her. She wrapped her arm around Sam’s shoulder. “It’s okay Sam. I know this is a lot of information. Can I ask you a question? Do you love him?”
“Paris, I don’t know how to answer that right now. I need to think.”
“I get it.”
Samantha heard the door knob turning. There was a beeping coming from the front of the house. Sam jumped off the couch and ran toward the front door. She held her breath as the door opened, and breathed a sigh of relief when he walked through the door. “Preston.” She exhaled. Standing in front of her shirtless, only wearing black sweatpants, he was sexier than ever. His muscles glistened in the dim light at the entrance. His abs were to die for and his pants were right at his hips showing off that sculpted V shape. Sam couldn’t help but rush into his arms. His face previously stone cold and angry softened at her touch. He let out a deep breath as he wrapped his arms around her placing one hand in her hair and the other across her back. His embrace was so warm and immediately put Sam at ease. He began to move his hands lower. He rubbed both of his palms down Sam’s sides and he looked into her eyes his forehead pressed to hers. “Are you alright?” She asked.
“I’m much better now that you’re home with me, where you belong.” He brushed the back of his hand against her cheek. Sam smiled briefly. She was still dealing with everything and wasn’t sure how to respond. Before she could get too deep in thought Preston kissed her lips, and her hesitance melted away. She pressed her lips into his and their tongues danced. This kiss was sweet and beautiful. It was gentle and loving like nothing she had felt before. There was no denying the effect that Preston had on her. He softly caressed her neck. Her whole body heated as she moved closer to him excited by his hardness pressed against her. She wished the moment could last forever. Preston lifted her off the ground and held her tightly before placing her back on her feet.
She grabbed both of his hands and intertwined her fingers with his just happy to be in the moment. Her heart began to race. They gazed into one another’s eyes, and no words were needed. He grinned at her and kissed her on the forehead.
“Are ya’ll finished?” Sam jumped, startled. She didn’t realize that Michael was standing behind them watching.
“Michael. I’m glad you’re okay.” Sam tried to walk over to him, but Preston held her hands firmly to keep her where she was.
“Thank you,” he replied. He began to walk into the house.
Sam turned her attention to Preston. “I learned a lot today. I don’t know how to feel about it at this point.”
“I understand Samantha. Just please give me a chance. Let’s talk about it. Will you please just hear me out?”
“I will try.”
For a moment Preston’s face saddened, but then he nodded his head in acceptance. “I just want you to know something. I have never been afraid in my entire life, but the thought of losing you…” he lowers his head before looking in her eyes, “that’s the only thing that scares me. Nothing else matters.”
Samantha saw the vulnerability in his eyes. It was written all over his face. He meant what he said. “I believe you Preston. Let’s go talk to your family. We can discuss this later.” They held hands as they walked into the room. Preston’s sisters stood and greeted him with a hug. His father followed.
“Michael was just about to tell us what happened,” Persia said.
Michael began, “Well what you saw at the bar was pretty much it. I went after Marcos, but he had already run out the back door. Preston caught up to us. We canvased the area looking for him, but we lost his trail.”
“I don’t like this,” Sam replied. “I don’t trust this guy. Maybe it’s a good thing you didn’t find him. We need to come up with a plan.” She looked over at Preston.
He smiled at her. “We do?” He pointed out what she had just said.
Sam rolled her eyes. “Whatever.” Sam shook her head trying not to focus on that point. “The thing is Marcos came into the room with the intention of provoking his enemy. He knew exactly what he was up against, but he did it anyway. Then he ran. Why? Clearly, he has a plan. If he were smarter he would have led you all away and ambushed you tonight. Why didn’t he? My guess is he’s planning something big. He already got to members of your pack. He wouldn’t just do that for fun. We probably have a couple of days at the most to figure something out. This isn’t going away. I assume Marcos wants you dead. Like I said…We need a plan.” The room grew eerily silent. Sam looked around at everyone. Confusion overcame her. They were just staring at her, mouths open. She looked at Preston.
His shock was replaced with a smile. “Why are you all staring at me like that?”
Paris responded for everyone. “You sound like an army general or something. Where did that come from?”
Sam chuckled nervously. “That’s crazy. I’m just stating the obvious, right?”
“I don’t know Sam,” Michael added, “Those kinds of things are not obvious to normal people.”
“If you say so,” Sam replied. “That’s not what’s important right now. Surely we have resources to track Marcos down?” She looked to Michael and Preston.
“Of course we do,” Preston replied. “I’ve got men looking for him, and we have security here and wherever we need. You’ll be protected. I promise.”
“Okay. I would rethink the number of men you have looking. There’s no need to have the whole pack distracted. That’ll just play into his hands. I think there should be some semblance of normalcy. Everyone just needs to be on alert. I would put some of your best guys on tracking Marcos. Maybe start from the bar and work backwards. If it’s harder to find where he is, it may not be as hard to find out where he’s been. I assume you guys keep tabs on the other packs in the area. I would just check into all of their recent activity. He might be getting help. I wouldn’t waste time questioning everyone at ASC. Do you all have some special means of interrogation?”
Persia chimed in. “Really shifters can sense when someone is lying, so we don’t need to do anything other than ask.”
“Wow. That’s even better.”
“Shit.” Michael couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “You probably should have been working for us a long time ago.”
Sam blushed. “You’re exaggerating.”
“No. I’m not. You have good instincts. We’re lucky to have you.”
Sam looked at Preston. She shrugged her shoulders. “I told you I was smart.” He looked deep into her eyes and she forgot everything she was talking about. She saw a flash of gold. The fire between them was undeniable.
“I knew you were.” Preston turned to Michael. “Why don’t you update management and report back to me in the morning.”
Michael nodded. “Sure thing boss.”
Eighteen
Preston addressed everyone in the room. “You’re all welcome to stay here tonight. Sam and I need to talk. We’ll see you in the morning.”
Samantha looked a little confused. She stood and hugged everyone and told them goodnight. Preston was more impressed with her than he ever imagined he could be. She was perfect, and he was so proud and relieved. She didn’t scare easily. Did this mean that she had accepted him? Would she agree to be his mate? There was no doubt that she would be more than capable of helping lead the pack. That gave him much relief. Hearing her strategizing and using words like ‘us’ and ‘we’ turned him on. He was excited that she cared about him, and he just wanted to be alone with her.
“Goodnight,” he said to everyone as he grabbed Sam’s hand and led her to the stairwell. He looked at her and picked her up bridal style and carried her up the stairs.
She squealed. “Preston.” After the shock wore off she looked him in the eyes and said. “You’re so strong.” Her arousal heightened. He kissed her lips. He opened the door to his room and entered. “You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you.” He put her down. “I’m glad you like it. It’s ours. I’ll give you keys in the morning. Feel free to make any changes you want to the place.”
“Just like that?” Sam asked him.
“Just like that,” Preston assured her.
“What makes you think I want that?”
“You’re still here.”
“I experienced quite a bit today. Maybe I just want to be nosey, you know, see how all of this plays out.
He stepped closer to her. “Maybe you love me, and you’re finally tired of fighting it, and deep down you know that you belong here with me.” He grazed her cheek with the back of his index finger.
She let out a slight moan. He could hear her heart racing. “Maybe… Maybe this is crazy. I shouldn’t even be here.”
Preston let out a sigh. Samantha was so stubborn. She had to overthink everything. “Maybe you should just shut up…” He saw her mouth open wide. She was ready to protest and possibly fight him. He continued. “Just shut up, and let me make you happy. It would be my honor. If only you would let me.” He pressed a kiss to her lips and walked away. “Besides the safest place for you to be right now is with me.” For once since he met her she was speechless. He walked around gathering some things for her as she watched him silently. She was contemplating, and that was good. At least she didn’t run. He didn’t know how she would react to learning he was a wolf. After that everything happened so fast. It was a lot to process. Sam must have been overwhelmed. He learned that sometimes he just needed to let her think, and sometimes he needed to stop her from thinking so much.
“What are you doing? I thought you wanted to talk.”
“I do. I thought you might want to get comfortable. I got a shirt for you to put on. Here’s some towels and soap. I have a big tub if you want to relax, and then we can talk.”
“Okay I guess.” Sam headed for the bathroom. She looked back at Preston. “Thank you.”
He winked at her. “Anything for you, my sweet.”
She walked into the bathroom and close the door. He could hear her exhale deeply. She paced a little bit before turning on the water. He relaxed knowing that she was relaxing. He sat down in his favorite chair and thought about the events that had transpired. Is it a coincidence that Sam came into his life at this moment? He was not afraid of Marcos by any means, but Sam was right. They did need to be alert. He just didn’t want anything to happen to Sam. Now that he had a mate he knew there was a possibility someone would try to use her to threaten him. Regardless of the circumstances his heart was full of joy and love for Samantha. Since the moment they met he only wanted to prove that to her. Sometimes he couldn’t tell what was going through that beautiful head of hers. She drove him crazy, and he loved every minute of it.
“Preston.” He heard her call his name.
He quickly made his way to the bathroom and opened the door. The lights were off. There were a couple of candles lit. The smell of lavender filled the room. The scent of lavender always relaxed Preston after a long day. “Everything okay Sam?” She was sitting in the tub surrounded by bubbles.
“Yes. Do you have one of those back brush things?”
He just looked at her. He pulled his pants down and stepped out of them. He moved toward the bath tub and stepped into the hot water. Sam just looked at him. Her eyes then focused on his rock-hard erection. “I don’t but if you wanted me to join you all you had to do was ask. You don’t have to pretend with me. I’m going to love you no matter what.” He kissed her as he sat next to her.
He could tell she was nervous. “I didn’t say that. I just had a question.” She thought for a moment. “Preston you’ve been through a lot today, and it seems like your priority is making me comfortable.”
“You are my priority Sam. It is my honor to make sure you’re taken care of.”
“Who takes care of you Preston?”
“If I have you, that’s all I need.”
“Today must have been a little sad for you. Being betrayed by some of your own couldn’t have been easy.”
He bowed his head. “These types of things are never easy, but it happens in this world. I will be okay.”
“I’m sorry this is happening.” Samantha moved closer to him and straddled him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and embraced him. It was so pure and thoughtful. Her embrace was all he needed in that moment. His heart swelled. He had never felt so loved by anyone other than his mother. He held her close. She pulled back and looked in his eyes. “In the short time we’ve known one another I see everything that you do, and I see how much you care, and I know that there are so many people who appreciate you, and here you are thinking about me. I see your heart, Preston Jacobs. You’re
a good man. I’m here for you. I just don’t know how to show you that yet.”
He played with a strand of Sam’s hair and tucked it behind her ear. “This moment, those words, your embrace, mean more to me than anything you could ever do. Thank you, Sam.,” He was full of emotion that he’d never experienced before. He hugged Sam tighter once again as he tried to compose himself. He rested his head on her shoulder and exhaled.
Sam placed her palm against the side of his face. “I want you to be happy too.” She grabbed the soap and rubbed into a wash cloth. “It’s your turn to relax.” She washed his body starting with his neck, taking her time, and working her way down. Preston didn’t realize that he had been so tense until he felt himself loosen up.
“Okay,” Preston obeyed. Sam continued to wash him. The feel of the warm towel and her hands slowly caressing him sent an electric current through his body. He closed his eyes and relished in the moment.
Nineteen
Sam finally saw Preston for who he really was. He was more than a cold business man who was used to getting his way. He was a hardworking man who took his responsibilities as a leader very seriously. He cared deeply about his pack and his family, and for some reason, he cared deeply for Sam. She was a lucky girl. Her heart felt for Preston, and she suddenly had a great desire to take care of him. He needed her.
She continued to wipe his entire body hoping that she was helping him to relax if only a little. “So, before you got here I was talking to your family. They were telling me about wolf shifters.”
“Oh yeah.”
“Yeah. You’re like a super hero. I take it from what I saw today you don’t need a full moon to transform.”
“No. That’s a myth. We can transform at any time.”
“Are you always in control of it.”
“Yes. There are times when the animal wants to be unleashed, when he’s angry, or provoked, but it’s up to the shifter to allow it to take over.”
“Does the pack operate like a pack in the wild. Do you fight for positions?”