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)
After leaving her room after that kiss, he shifted and ran hard through the woods, trying to burn off the tension coiled inside him. The ground had been damp from the night’s rain, pine needles clinging to his paws as he tore through the underbrush. He’d met up with Thane, and they’d run together for a while. Still, the physical exertion hadn’t cleared his mind as much as he’d hoped.
Returning just in time to change for work, he had thrown on a worn T-shirt and torn jeans, ignoring Emily’s raised eyebrow when she took in his appearance. He’d simply shrugged.
Her smile had lingered longer than it should have, making it hard for him to remember why she couldn’t be his.
The leather creaked as he shifted in his seat, stretching out his legs. The fire in the hearth crackled, casting an amber glow over the room’s paneled walls. Rain pattered softly against the tall windows, blurring his view of the distant mountains. The methodic tick of the antique clock on the mantel marked the slow drag of the afternoon.
There had been a multitude of balloon basket gifts waiting for her in his office that morning, and they’d hidden them all in a supply closet. Yet the place still smelled like latex a bit.
The entire situation was awkward as hell. He needed to find a mate. Someone who could stand beside him and help lead the pack. Emily had made it clear that person wouldn’t be her. As much as he wanted her with every cell in his body, he understood her reasons. She had her pack. Her responsibilities.
But that didn’t make it any easier. He also wasn’t sure it mattered. She was safer with him, and the wolf inside him knew it.
He scrubbed a hand through his hair and downed the last of his coffee, the bitter heat sliding down his throat. It had been a long-ass day, and he was ready for it to be over.
They had already met with two prospective mates, and neither had sparked even an ounce of interest in Jackson. The first had arrived with a long list of expectations, including everything from a grand home to private schooling for future children. Her mood had swung from enthusiastic to indifferent within minutes.
The second female had been so timid she barely made eye contact, her nervous energy palpable. Jackson had assured her that he’d welcome her entire pack if they joined his, and though relief had softened her features, it was clear that she had no real interest in him. The entire process was growing more bizarre by the hour.
A quick knock sounded on the door, and Raya entered without waiting for an invitation, several trays in her hands. “Cookies for Emily. All baked by different members.” Was that a bit of chocolate at the side of her mouth? She placed several plates on his desk and then a couple on the table by the sofa. Then she handed Jackson a notebook with three checks clipped to the front.
“For my trip to Vegas,” she said matter-of-factly.
Emily glanced up from her phone, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “You’re going to Vegas?”
“Yes,” Raya replied, excitement dancing in her eyes. “They host an annual mining convention. Humans occasionally develop innovative machinery, and it’s worth seeing what’s available. Efficiency is key if we want to stay ahead.”
Jackson signed the checks swiftly, then glanced up at her with a raised brow. “You’re not planning to stay an extra week this time, are you?”
Raya rolled her eyes. “No. Last time was a fluke.”
Emily chuckled softly. “Must have been a good trip.”
“Let’s just say I made enough to buy a brand-new kitchen set,” Raya replied, her smile widening as she tucked the checks into her notebook. The air shifted with a hum of amusement, though Jackson caught the sharp glint of disapproval in Raya’s gaze. She really didn’t like his method of finding a mate.
Was the efficiency expert a closet romantic?
The clock on the mantel ticked steadily, marking the minutes until his next—and hopefully final—meeting of the day.
“What did you play in Vegas?” Emily asked, tilting her head.
Raya’s eyes lit up. “Craps.”
“Just for the conference, Raya,” Jackson said sternly.
“I know, I know. Efficiency first,” Raya shot back with a smirk. “The house usually wins, and I don’t have time to test the theory. Plus, if it’s okay, Thane wants to come with me. Maybe we can catch a show.”
Jackson leaned back. “Fine by me. Sounds like fun.”
Raya nodded. “But next year? I get the week to gamble.” She turned on her heel and exited the room, shutting the door quietly behind her.
“I like her,” Emily said with a smile. “But she really does want to stay and gamble after the convention.”
“No kidding,” Jackson muttered. “But she doesn’t need another vacation. She already had one earlier this year.”