Page 19 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

I lean forward, resting my forearms on the desk.

"How so?"

"I just started this company six months ago." She runs a hand through her curls, frustration evident in the gesture. "This wedding is my first high profile contract. My entire reputation depends on this going well. Even if I have nothing to do with the tiara’s theft, I won’t recover if the wedding is canceled. No bride will want to hire the wedding planner of the biggest flop in decades."

"And you think I have answers I'm not sharing?"

"I think you have resources I don't." Her gaze is direct, unflinching. "And I think two heads are better than one, especially when one ofthose heads belongs to someone who knows Windfall Manor inside and out. I’ve been working on this wedding for six months. I know not only the manor but the comings and goings of all the personnel. I can help."

I consider her words, turning the possibilities over in my mind. She's right, her insider perspective could be valuable.

But there's another problem that's been plaguing me, one that has nothing to do with missing tiaras and everything to do with meddling mothers and pack politics.

"I might have a proposition for you," I say slowly, the idea forming as I speak. "A mutually beneficial arrangement."

Julia's eyebrows rise slightly. "I'm listening."

"I'll let you in on the investigation, grant you full access to what we know, give you regular updates, the whole nine yards." I pause, gauging her reaction. "I’ll even restore your reputation with Silverine Draak."

“How?” She leans in, her beautiful face eager. A whiff of her scent wafts up to me, stirring things inside me I wish I could ignore.

My wolf rises inside my chest, the beast eager to get closer.

“You become my mate,” I say, not even sure why. “At least, in the eyes of everyone but us.”

"Excuse me?" Her expression shifts from interest to disbelief in a heartbeat. “You want me to pretend to be your girlfriend?”

"Not girlfriend. Werewolves don’t have girlfriends. We mate. And yes, until the wedding, at least," I say quickly, though my wolf growls in disagreement beneath my skin. "My mother is… persistent about me finding a mate. It's complicated werewolf pack politics. As the alpha's son, I'm expected to settle down, find a mate, take over as alpha, continue the line. She's been bombarding me with eligible mates for months. I need a reprieve."

Julia's lips twitch, amusement briefly overtaking her suspicion.

"Poor you. Drowning in willing women must be so difficult."

"It's not funny," I growl, my patience wearing thin. "And it’s beyond distracting. If I could pretend that I found a true mate with you, I would have a good reason in the pack’s eyes to remain single after you leave. After all, wolves mate for life."

Julia doesn’t agree, but she doesn’t dismiss my idea, as crazy as it is, either. Instead, she leans back in her chair and tilts her head sideways. Like a freaking puppy. It’s adorable.

"And how exactly would pretending to be your girlfriend help me find the tiara?"

"Like I said, I’m next in line to be the alpha of the Saltford Bay Pack. We’re a small but old pack. With you as my mate, Silverine would not only dismiss you as a potential suspect, but she wouldn’t dare fire you without cause." I spread my hands. "Plus, people are already talking since Silverine saw you sprawled all over me."

Julia pinches her lips and her eyes flash with anger, then she schools her face back into its professional neutrality.

"Let me get this straight. We pretend to be struck down by some kind of insta mate bond to get your mother off your back and prevent Silverine from firing me?"

"That's the gist of it."

"Why me? Why not ask someone local?"

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant despite the way my wolf paces eagerly at the thought of having her scent on me.

"You're leaving after the wedding, which makes you perfect. Temporary solution to a temporary problem. No messy attachments, no local gossip that lasts beyond your stay."

She considers this, clearly weighing pros and cons behind those expressive hazel eyes.

"What would this fake relationship entail, exactly? Hand-holding? Public declarations of undying love?"

"Nothing dramatic." I shift in my seat, my wolf already feeling triumphant. "Just enough to be convincing. My mother is hosting a shindig at her house this weekend. You'd attend as my mate. Maybe we're seen together around town a few times. Simple."