Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
True. They’d spent too much time gathering territory and scheming to take over the Copper Pack…which would’ve happened if Erik hadn’t stepped up and agreed to be their Alpha. Subsequently, the mines had suffered. Terribly. “Why haven’t we negotiated access before now?” Emily asked.
“Jackson’s grandfather secured exclusive ownership before the obsidian slate deposits were discovered. When we approached him, he refused outright. Said his family was focused on granite, not slate, and that the quarry wasn’t for sale. But he never reopened negotiations, not even after we offered a percentage of the profits. It’s been locked down ever since.”
Emily considered the implications. Access to that mine wouldn’t just stabilize their finances. It could elevate their pack’s status. “So I’ll go help Jackson find a mate, and all will work out.”
Her father met her gaze. “He doesn’t want another mate. He wants you.”
Emily sighed. “His ego wants me. I’ll go, but his little plan won’t work.” She made the statement with full conviction but didn’t miss the quick glance that took place between her father and sister. “He’s not that charming,” she protested.
Nadia appraised her. “He just wants you in his territory, and we all know it. I say you stay here. Forget him.”
Like Emily could ever forget Jackson Tryne. “We need access to that mine.”
“We do,” Philip said. “Jackson texted earlier today that his final offer is you in his territory for two weeks in exchange for the mining license. I think he wants to court you and seems to be quite confident you’ll end up wanting to stay.”
“Is he, now?” While the pack needed that slate, she needed a doctor. Apparently, Jackson had at least two in his territory. “Don’t worry. If Jackson makes any moves, I’ll rip out his throat.” If this illness didn’t kill her first.
Chapter 6
Emily hopped out of her pack’s helicopter and ducked low, her backpack slung over her shoulder. The rush of wind from the rotor blades whipped her hair around her face, and she blinked against the sharp breeze. The air carried the bite of approaching winter. It was December now, but the first snow had yet to fall. Her boots crunched against the frosted grass as she jogged toward Jackson, who leaned casually against a silver work truck, looking long, lean, and more than a little dangerous.
As she approached, the wind picked up around her, tugging at her jacket. She adjusted her sunglasses, grateful she’d remembered them. His gaze dropped to hers as she stopped a few steps away. Even in the muted light, his eyes caught her attention. They were a stunning glacial blue that seemed to see through her.
“Is that all you brought?” he asked.
She laughed, the sound escaping before she could think better of it. “Of course not.”
The pilot hopped down from the helicopter, circling the aircraft to grab over-stuffed suitcases from the cargo hold. Embarrassment flushed through Emily at the sight.
“I got ‘em.” Jackson pushed off the truck and strode forward with effortless grace. His long legs ate up the distance, and he easily lifted the suitcases, muscles shifting beneath his dark jacket.
Emily waited as he tossed them into the truck bed, then walked around to open the passenger door. His courtesy threw her off balance. “Thank you,” she murmured, accepting his hand as she stepped up into the cab. Sometimes, her height came in handy.
“No problem,” he replied dryly, waiting until she was settled before shutting the door. Moments later, he slid into the driver’s seat, and the space instantly filled with the wild scents of forest and wolf. The primal note in the aroma sent a nervous tremor down her arm, and she quickly covered the reaction by fastening her seat belt.
His door shut with a solid thunk, sealing her in the warm interior, alone with Jackson for the first time in ages. Her pulse jumped, and she swallowed hard.
What in the world was she doing?
Her father’s pilot lifted the helicopter into the air, and the downdraft sent dried leaves and dead pine cones tumbling across the ground, clattering against the truck’s side. Emily glanced toward Jackson, her pulse still unsteady.
“I can’t believe you blackmailed my father into having me come to your territory,” she murmured, her voice low and smooth.
“I think it’s called extortion.” Jackson steered the truck onto the dirt road. His hands gripped the wheel with a calm confidence that somehow made her nerves tingle. The flex of his fingers on the leather sent a surge of unexpected heat through her, and she shifted in her seat, annoyed by her body’s reaction.
She arched a brow. “I think you’re right.”
“Hey. You agreed to come.” He flicked a glance her way before returning his gaze to the narrow path cutting through the dense trees, the bare branches reaching toward the gray sky. The air smelled faintly of pine and distant snow, but she caught his scent beneath that. Wild, earthy, and undeniably male.