Page 12

VIOLET

I hurried through the door Maggie had guided me through yesterday and into the bland hallway leading to Graham’s office. The distillery warehouse was huge. Yesterday, I’d been so in my head about everything that happened that I hadn’t taken in what a large business this was. I careened into the elevator that would drop me on the floor of Graham’s office.

I’d woken up in my bed to the sound of Maggie banging at my door and shouting about being late. She’d driven me to work, and my brain still hadn’t caught up with me. I’d been in such a hurry this morning that I’d almost put my slacks on backwards and forgotten to shower, which was a bad idea. Maggie would have smelled her brother all over me.

The morning felt almost unreal. Had I imagined last night? Was it some alcohol infused wet dream?

I picked up my pace and the sensitivity between my legs seemed to flare.

No, it happened. I stopped dead in my tracks before turning the corner to where my desk was in front of his office.

Nerves squeezed my stomach. Would he be waiting for me? I mean, he’d asked Maggie to allow me to sleep in, that had to mean something. But then why had he taken me to my bed?

I sucked in a deep breath and turned the corner . . . to a whole lot of nothing. He wasn’t waiting by my desk to collect me in his arms. Of course he wasn’t.

I rolled my shoulders. This would be fine. It didn’t mean anything crazy, right? I quietly shuffled closer to his office door, trying to listen inside. All I could hear was a low-pitched drone of someone talking.

He'd seemed so loving last night, and he’d touched me in ways I hadn’t experienced. A throb flexed through my heart. With each beat, it seemed to mock me for wanting him. It was obvious why he’d return me to my bedroom, but he’d been so gentle. Was I reading too much into last night? It could have meant absolutely nothing to him . . . but he’d cuddled me. Werewolves didn’t cuddle just anyone.

I groaned. Slowly backing up, I headed to my desk and plopped down.

He was older, experienced, and about to be taken for good.

I curled my fingers into a fist.

What was it with me and unavailable males? I hadn’t had a smidge of interest in any males, ever, and now, here were two, sexy, virile werewolves, but they were both taken in some form or another.

The hopeful, excited part of me wanted him to end his relationship with her. I groaned again and dropped my forehead on the desk. Of course he’d act like nothing happened. What right did I have to want him?

All of this was so unlike me. I didn’t want attention from anyone, in fact, I went out of my way to remain invisible. It was a choice; except I couldn’t help but crave these two alphas. I wanted their attention. I breathed in slowly.

The phone rang and I lunged to grab it, poising a pencil over the notepad.

“Hello, Beaumont Whisky, office of Mr. Beaumont, how may I help you?”

Silence and then a sharp, growled command.

“Come here.”

The order shot nerves and excitement through my veins. Slamming the phone in its cradle, I stood and smoothed my hand down my slacks and oversized blouse.

I shuffled to the door, nudged it open, and peeked to find him leaning against the front of his desk with one ankle crossed over the other.

Moon Goddess was so incredibly unfair. She’d chosen her favorites.

I hesitated at the threshold when all I wanted to do was run to him and nuzzle his large chest. I had to have some control.

“Alpha,” I croaked.

He inhaled audibly. Meanwhile, I sucked in a breath to smell him. As if in a trance, I inched forward. My attention dropped to his fingers curling around the edge of the desk.

I rolled my lips between my teeth. Those hands felt utterly delicious on me. I took another step closer.

“Alpha?” I breathed this time, looking up at him. His jawline jumped, and he straightened, putting him closer. His smell . . .

I sucked in another lungful. Unfair Moon Goddess, why would you make me crave someone that will be mated soon?

His nostrils flared. Was he breathing me in too? I swayed even closer, peeking up at him. Had last night changed things?

Hope bloomed and my heartbeat stuttered.

He didn’t seem especially fond of Hester, and Maggie emphasized that what was between them was an arrangement. Was he feeling what I did?

I lifted my hand to set it on his chest, but it hovered between us. His golden eyes hadn’t moved from me.

Like a rubber band snapping, he suddenly lashed his arm around me and his mouth claimed mine hard. I softened under his touch while he curled me closer to him until my breasts were flush with his chest and my back arched. My sex throbbed with need. I wanted him inside me. He claimed my lips, licking and nipping with such passion it made me dizzy. I whimpered and in answer he growled until the vibration moved his chest.

A shiver crested down my spine. Oh hhhh .

I wanted to taste him again. I pulled away and dropped to my knees. Graham hissed a breath between his teeth, studying me with desire flushing his face. Seeing the effect I had on him enhanced the dampness between my legs. I tugged at the hem of his slacks until the latch gave. I pulled his pants down, freeing his hard, thick shaft. Light shined off the glistening tip, so I licked him.

His body jerked like he’d been electrocuted.

Another bead of liquid surfaced at his tip, and I collected it with my tongue.