The Reluctant Wolf and His Fated Mate: A Howls Romance (White Mountain Shifters Book 1)

by Lisa Carlisle

  “I’ll be fine,” he placated her.

  Her expression remained worried as she walked to the glass door leading inside. He watched her go, eyes lingering, before he turned his attention to the forest.

  Once he stepped onto the path he’d cleared into the woods, he shed his trunks and shifted to wolf form. He let his wolf and his primal instincts take over and he bounded over the fern-covered forest floor in the direction the twig snapping had originated.

  He caught a scent that made his fur stand on end. It was absolutely unwelcome in Franconia territory, especially so close to Damon’s home. And Sophie.

  It was that of the Sacco wolf.

  Chapter 9

  Damon

  In wolf form, Damon tracked the Sacco wolf’s scent. It had retreated back to its territory. Sonovabitch must have been spying on him.

  His wolf prowled with agitation inside. We should tear the intruder to shreds.

  Damon grunted, noting the appeal of that suggestion, but it was out of the question. He had to notify his alpha.

  After sharing the development with Rafe and Grayson, Damon’s muscles were tense. He yearned to return to Sophie and ensure she was safe.

  Almost an hour passed before he returned to his cabin. When he opened the door and found her sitting on the sofa, he exhaled.

  Sophie held a mug of tea in her hands and wore a worried expression. “Everything okay?”

  “Everything’s fine,” he assured her and sat beside her. The scent of her soothed him after that ordeal.

  “What was it?”

  “Nothing,” he lied. What else could he tell her? “Just an animal passing through.”

  She didn’t appear convinced. “Why were you so worried? Aren’t you used to animals passing through?”

  He ground his teeth and swallowed. “We don’t get along with those who live over on Sacco Mountain. I had to make sure it wasn’t anything more.”

  Her questioning expression indicated she still didn’t buy it. “Why does it seem like you’re keeping something from me?”

  Damon ran his hands through his hair. “I don’t know. Nerves? I’m sorry if I spooked you.”

  She pursed her lips and then carried her mug into the kitchen. “I’m going to go to bed.”

  When she entered the guest room and closed the door behind her, the message was clear—she wanted to be alone. Was is because she sensed him altering the truth?

  He stared at the closed door and all the longing from earlier funneled within like a tornado. He wanted her, needed her.

  Damon stepped over to her door. He raised his hand, ready to knock, but forced himself to lower it. She hadn’t left the door even slightly ajar—she’d closed it.

  Still, it took at least two dozen heartbeats echoing in his ear before he summoned the strength to walk away.

  Sophie

  Although Sophie was still bothered by the sense that Damon was hiding something, her mood improved the next morning.

  Questions had tormented her throughout Monday morning while she’d worked on some graphic designs for her company, crawling beneath her skin and rubbing at her bones.

  Her boss had grumbled about her not coming into the office, but had relented when she told him how she’d be in New Hampshire for the rest of the week. Besides, he was being ridiculous. With her MacBook and an Internet connection, she could work on her projects anywhere. After connecting her phone to the speakers, she played an easy listening playlist to have some background music. The sound of Chris Isaac singing Wicked Game filled the quiet room.

  She’d set herself up to work at the table where she could have the mountain view. Snowflakes had started to fall, which would delight all the skiers, who’d accept it as an invitation from the ski gods.

  Her gaze often drifted to the hot tub where she had kissed Damon and done so much more. She peered out into the woods. What was out there that had spooked him?

  She’d had no more luck this morning than she had last night. Something about his tone and the way his face turned stony when he’d tried explaining to her that there was nothing to worry about triggered her bullshit alarm. He was keeping something from her. But what and why?

  Since he didn’t want to tell her, she had to put it out of her mind. No point in getting into an argument over something that was none of her business. After all, she was only here for the week. Besides, they only had a couple of hours break to ski together before they had to return to work.

  When Damon entered the cabin at lunchtime, he stopped by and kissed her on the top of the head. “What are you working on?”

  “A flyer for an open house.”

  He peered over her shoulder. “Is this what you typically do for work?”

  “Sure. I do all kinds of marketing projects for the company. These are pretty standard, but I like being able to be more creative.” She showed him some of the illustrations she’d designed.

  “You’re talented. Have you ever thought about going out on your own?”

  “Freelancing?” She arched her brows.

  “Sure.”

  “Yeah, sure. But doing so means my income isn’t steady. I’d need to find clients, get my own health insurance, and so on.”

  He shrugged. “Maybe one day.” As he pointed out the window, he noted, “It’s a perfect bluebird day with fresh snow. We shouldn’t miss a minute of it.”

  It was indeed, without a single cloud marring the sky. The breeze was gentle and the conditions almost spring-like.

  “True,” she agreed. “But I have limited time and will need to get back to work. I have to finish a brochure to meet a deadline.”

  “Too bad. This might be the best day this week.”

  There were some nuts who would go out in any weather, not sleet nor wind nor ice would stop them. She had no desire to ski near any ice patches any time soon after losing control on one.

  She sent off her brochure for reviews and noted she’d incorporate feedback that afternoon. After they had a quick lunch of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, they headed out to the lifts. The lines were down while everyone had gone inside, so they didn’t wait too long to sit.

  Halfway up the mountain, she glanced at the double black diamond trail where’s she’d lost control.

  “You will not see me out there today,” she declared with a short laugh.

  “I don’t blame you. But one day, you will feel confident enough to tackle it again.” With his free hand, Damon wrapped his arm around her. Although it was somewhat clunky with all their winter gear, she leaned into the warmth of his large chest, finding comfort in his embrace.

  “Only if I’m with ski patrol,” she teased and gave him a saucy grin.

  “I’ll go with you wherever you’d like, Sophie.” His tone lowered, sounding like a promise.

  Damon was such an intriguing mystery—devilishly attractive, extraordinarily considerate, and packaged with more explosive sensuality than she’d ever thought possible. In comparison to her exes, her feelings toward them were more lackluster and sexless. He had this raw, primitive aspect to him, as wild as the nature that surrounded him, which was too compelling to resist.

  But then he had this other side where she sensed he harbored a secret.

  Who could resist a mystery? Would she ever find out what it was?

  They approached the top of the mountain. “Can we start with the green? I need to go easy to break back into it again.”

  “Sure.”

  As the chairlift approached the peak, he lifted the bar. Seconds later, she scooted off the chair and navigated down the bump, veering to the right to the easier trails. Several trails branched off the head and she leaned toward one of the greens that hugged a wide curve down the side of the mountain.

  The pitch wasn’t steep but smooth. She pointed her skis downhill and descended with long curves. This was a great wide trail with no obstacles and few others on it at this time, as to which she was grateful. After she skied around a family of four, parents guiding the
ir school-age kids on proper form, Sophie relaxed into the mountain.

  It was a cruiser, one of those easy trails that she loved at the beginning of a ski day when she could focus more on the experience and surroundings and enjoy skiing in the ambiance rather than the adrenaline-inducing speed on the more difficult trails.

  She enjoyed the experience as the mountain stretched out before her. The afternoon sun was bright as it sparkled on the snow. The mountain smells clean and fresh, the scent of pine surrounding her. It was one of those rare, few ski days. Damon was right that she should take advantage, but deadlines were deadlines. And she was already pushing it with her supervisor for not going into the office that week.

  Sophie reached the bottom without incidents, no life or death terror like when she was lost in the woods.

  Damon edged to a stop beside her. “How did that feel?”

  “Pretty good.” She sighed. “A great run to break my ski legs back into shape.”

  He smiled at her. “Great.” He motioned for her to follow. “Come on. We don’t have much time. Let’s make the most of what we have together.” He skied back over to the chairlifts.

  His words could mean their opportunity to ski today or their short week together in the mountains. Either way, he was right, and she wouldn’t waste a moment.

  Time with Damon flew by. She stayed on the easier trails until they had to separate and return to work.

  He skied with her back to his cabin. He gave her a kiss on the lips, chaste in comparison to the passionate ones from the night before. Still, it left her simmering with desire and it took her a few minutes before she could switch back into work mode.

  Sophie worked on her projects until he returned before five. Damon greeted her with a long kiss that seared her down to her toes.

  “How about grilled cheese and tomato soup?” he asked.

  “Ooh,” she responded. “Some of my favorite comfort foods.”

  Sophie finished up answering emails while he cooked. Soon, the cabin smelled like melted cheese and toast.

  They sat across from each other at his small round oak table. When she took a bite, she moaned with pleasure. “This is heaven. So good.”

  He grinned. “I’m glad. It’s on regular rotation on my bachelor menu. I wasn’t sure how it would be for having guests.”

  “Delicious.” She wiped a string of cheese that dangled from her lips.

  “I used Muenster. But I like to try different cheeses so it’s not always the same.”

  “Mmm,” she murmured. “I would love to sample your other experiments.”

  He gave her a solemn nod. “I’ll see what I can manage while you’re here.”

  While she was here. Right, her time here had an expiration date. She better not think of them having a future.

  Chapter 10

  Damon

  Damon gave Sophie space after dinner last night so she could focus on her project and meet her deadline. Tuesday morning, though, they spent a couple of hours skiing together before she returned to her work and he completed his shift.

  They met up after the lifts closed and went down to the village to Kelley’s Pub. The wood-paneled space with framed photos of Ireland was a popular spot with locals and visitors, especially for their après-ski specials.

  Each had a cold glass of beer in front of them, his was a spiced winter lager, and hers was an orange wheat brew. The Romantic’s Talking in Your Sleep played in the background. Once their server brought over a heaving plate of nachos that smelled amazing, they dug in.

  Sophie finished eating one. “You’re right—these are killer nachos. Good choice.”

  He took a swig of his cool beer, relishing the flavors on his tongue before he swallowed, and then put down his glass. “It’s one of the draws. We come here often after work.”

  “Only problem is my body is going to turn into cheese with the amount I’ve eaten while I’m here.” She frowned. “Hopefully, I’ve burned some off while skiing.”

  He stared at her, picturing her luscious curves in the bikini. “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”

  She cocked her head and gave him an odd look. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “No. Why would you say that?”

  “Because.” Her expression turned critical as she motioned to her body. “I can’t believe I summoned up the courage to wear a bikini in front of you.”

  He blinked a few times. “I’m grateful you did because I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.” He reached across the table to take her hand. “You’re stunning, Sophie. Don’t you know that?”

  She squirmed on her stool. “No one has ever called me that before. My ex often gave me crap about losing weight.”

  Damon grunted, not even wanting to picture Sophie with another man. “Then he was blind and a fool. Not only are you beautiful, but kind, smart, creative.”

  Her lips spread into a small, appreciative smile, which then reached her eyes.

  Rafe and Grayson entered the pub. When they saw Damon and Sophie at a table, they strode over.

  Is she the one? Grayson communicated silently.

  Yes. Damon then introduced them all, “Sophie, this is Rafe, the CEO of the resort, and Grayson, the CFO.” He grinned. “My bosses.”

  “And family,” Grayson added.

  Damon nodded. Indeed. “True. Grayson is like my older brother. Always keeping me in line.”

  After quick small talk, Rafe addressed Damon. “We have a meeting tonight. Come to the lodge at seven.” Although his expression revealed nothing, when Rafe added, We’re meeting with the Sacco pack, worry rang clear through his tone.

  “I’ll be there,” Damon agreed.

  After Rafe and Grayson headed over to the bar, Damon attempted to shelve the questions until later. His focus was on Sophie.

  A couple in their twenties a few tables over began to raise their voices, capturing attention.

  “What do you think they’re arguing about?” Sophie lowered her voice and arched her brows.

  He could hear the barbs as clear as day thanks to his shifter hearing—infidelity. “I’d say she found out he cheated on her.”

  Sophie wrinkled her nose. She sipped her beer. When she put the glass down, she said, “That sucks. I know what it feels like. My ex-boyfriend cheated on me.”

  “He must be an idiot.”

  “Oh, I definitely agree.” She grinned. “I’ve realized that we weren’t a good match in the long run.” She hunched both shoulders and then released them with a heaving sigh. “The betrayal is what stung the most. I caught him in bed with my cousin.”

  Oof. That must have stung. To have family betray her as well. “She doesn’t sound very loyal.”

  Sophie clucked her tongue and gazed off beyond him. “I thought we were close. Guess I was wrong.”

  “They don’t deserve you then.” What kind of ass would cheat on a woman like Sophie?

  Her expression shifted to one he couldn’t read. Perhaps a bit of gratitude or appreciation? “Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time. My college boyfriend cheated on me, as well.” She scowled. “A part of me wonders—is it something about me?”

  “No,” Damon all but bellowed. “They’re obviously fools who didn’t realize what they had. They’ve probably regretted it every day since.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Sophie replied. “And there’s no way in hell I would ever take either one of them back.” Her face hardened with bitter determination, a look he’d never seen on her before. “I can’t tolerate lies. Betrayal. I could never forgive someone who deceived me that way.”

  Guilt engulfed him like a dark cloak. He took a swig of beer and swallowed hard. “I can see that. But sometimes deception is necessary.”

  Sophie arched her brows with a skeptical glance. “Like when?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “If it’s essential to protect others, for instance.”

  “Okay, maybe there.” She motioned with her hand in his direction. “But
why the secrecy? Why not trust whoever you are trying to protect?”

  Damon shifted in his seat and moved a few chips around on his plate. Keeping his true nature from her was a form of deception. But it was for the safety of his pack—and if he was truthful, to protect himself. She made him vulnerable, slipping under the protective shield he’d erected to keep from getting too close to anyone.

  It scared the shit out of him.

  Sophie didn’t realize the factors involved. She didn’t even realize a species like his existed.

  Time to steer the conversation away before he revealed something that he shouldn’t.

  “I can’t think of one,” he lied. “Situations are usually more gray than black and white. I think they should be considered on a case-by-case basis.”

  Sophie narrowed her eyes as she stared at him. Then she sipped her beer and glanced away.

  Before seven that evening, Damon walked with Rafe, Grayson, and two other enforcers, Valen and Caleb, over to the invisible border line that separated pack territory. The moon loomed almost full over the mountain, hovering with an ominous, reddish glow. Was Damon imagining it? Or was it a foreboding sign since the moon had been a silent witness to countless other violent situations in the world?

  His muscles were taut as he treaded through the snow. Leaving Sophie alone stirred a new form of agony. At least the Sacco wolf who had infiltrated his space should be at the meeting and therefore, nowhere near his cabin.

  A wistful sensation passed over him. This had been where he’d scented Sophie last weekend and tracked her. Had it only been days since that happened? He’d grown so close to her during that short amount of time that it seemed more like months.

  Five Sacco wolf shifters approached the border minutes later. Although all were in human form, he recognized the wolf who had spied on him by his scent and the hate-filled glare.

  While Rafe and the Sacco pack’s alpha, Kane, initiated the meeting with cool greetings, Damon prowled behind his alpha, staring at the Sacco wolf, who also paraded along the borderline as if itching to break across the line and into battle. Damon would welcome that. He wanted nothing more than to tear into the bastard who had spied on him being intimate with Sophie. Her breasts had been bare. Had he been ogling her as Damon kissed her?