Page 17 of Predator (Stope Packs #4)

Just after lunch, Jackson started on his third coffee of the day, seated in one of the leather chairs in the sitting area of his office. Emily sat across from him, scrolling on her phone, her fingers moving with quick efficiency. Her scent, soft and warm with a hint of something wild, wrapped around him, making it hard to focus. His wolf stirred beneath the surface, restless and craving her.

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.”

Emily glanced at the fire. “You’re a tough employer. She’s the one making sure everything runs smoothly. How long has she worked for you?”

“About five years,” Jackson replied. “She took over as my chief operator when her father died.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Emily’s voice softened. “How did he die?”

Jackson glanced at his watch. Raya’s father had been one of the victims of the poisoning attack—something he had never admitted to any of the packs. He didn’t intend to start now. Before he could respond, another knock at the door spared him.

Raya stepped back inside. “I’d like to introduce Ms. Xandra Millstone and her Enforcer, Traxon.”

A female stepped into the room with the grace of someone used to commanding attention. Her raven-black hair framed strikingly blue eyes that seemed to assess the room at a glance. She stood about five-foot-ten, with a fit, athletic build that hinted at both strength and discipline. Her green silk skirt suit was perfectly tailored and paired with understated jewelry that added a touch of elegance.

Her Enforcer was built like one. Tall and broad with a threat in his brown eyes.

Jackson stood immediately. “It’s nice to meet you.” He extended his hand to Xandra.

Xandra’s smile was warm yet composed as she stepped forward to shake with him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alpha Tryne.”

Emily rose, and Jackson introduced them.

“Ms. Millstone seems to be an expert in computers. She was the first to answer my rather covert call to the wild,” Emily said.

“Call me Xandra,” she replied, her gaze sweeping the room before she settled onto the sofa, crossing her long legs with effortless grace. “I like computers and a bit of hacking, but I’m nowhere near an expert.”

Jackson and Emily both sat.

Staring at them, Traxon settled his bulk against the wall by the door.

“Hello,” Jackson said.

“Hi.” Traxon’s gaze moved to Emily and warmed. A lot.

Raya still stood in the doorway. “Would either of you like coffee?” Did her eyelashes just flutter when she looked at the Enforcer?

“No, thank you.” Traxon smiled at her.

She blushed a light damask. “Well, if you want anything, I’m right outside.” She backed away and shut the door.

Xandra looked at the closed door. “I’m fine, as well. No coffee for me.” Amusement thickened her voice. She glanced at Traxon. “Maybe we should stay in town, Brother.”

Traxon rolled his eyes and then seemed to catch himself, sobering.

So, she’d brought her brother? Jackson liked that. “Do you have a large family?”

“No.” Xandra focused her gaze on him. “Just the two of us and no pack. So, you need a mate?”

Amusement ticked through him. “Apparently.”

“Why?” she asked directly.

Emily leaned back slightly, watching the interplay, her gaze interested.

“I took over as Alpha when I was fifteen,” Jackson explained. “A council helped guide me, but they’re still involved. They’ll only step back if I find a mate. Besides, it’s time. I’d like to have children.”

Emily jolted just enough that he noticed, though he kept his gaze steady.

Her scent surrounded him again, making it hard to focus. He reminded himself they had agreed to remain friends, although the kiss from earlier still lingered on his lips. Would he always taste Emily Nightsom?

Xandra nodded thoughtfully. “I understand.”

“Why are you interested in mating?” Emily asked.

Xandra glanced at her before returning her focus to Jackson. “I like the idea of the position. Of being the Alpha female of a pack. Our parents were wanderers, moving from pack to pack. It was exciting, but Traxon and I want to settle somewhere and put down roots. Financial security and comfort are important to me, as well.”

Her answer was honest and practical. Since Jackson was approaching this as a business-like relationship, he could understand her perspective. It made sense, even if something in his chest tightened at the thought.

His wolf howled in rejection of the idea. Yeah, he was a romantic bastard, no matter how hard Jackson tried to beat it out of him.

“I am available now,” Xandra said. “I’d like time to get to know you before we mate, but I am willing to stay in town as we court. If I join the pack, so does my brother.” Her gaze flicked toward Emily again, something unreadable flashing in her eyes. Emily didn’t so much as twitch, but Jackson could feel the hum of irritation coming from her. He liked that. Not that he would ever admit it.

“Sounds like a good plan.” Jackson stood. “I’ll leave directions for rooms to be readied for you at our little hotel. It’s our only one, but it’s comfortable.”

“That sounds lovely.” Xandra rose gracefully. “We have some matters to attend to, but we can return late tomorrow night. How about we start with breakfast the next day? Spend the day together?” Her smile turned flirty.

“I’d like that,” Jackson replied, though the words tasted like gravel in his mouth.

“Good. Thank you.” Xandra offered her hand. He shook it, her fingers cool against his palm. She turned and extended the same courtesy to Emily before striding out of the office with her brother on her heels.

Emily flopped back into her chair, exhaling through her nose. “She’s one cold fish.”

Jackson chuckled, settling back into his seat. “I agree. But this is a business arrangement.”

“Oh.” Emily sounded somewhat surprised. “Well, you’ve met all six females with Alpha blood that I found. I can look for more if you want.”

“No, that’s okay. I’ve narrowed it down to Abilene Ironclaw and Xandra Millstone. That is—if you approve?”

Emily’s mouth opened slightly, then she shut it again, her eyes shadowed. Was he needling her, or did he mean it? Even he wasn’t sure. But he needed a mate, and those were the two best prospects—after Emily, of course.

“I do approve,” she murmured.

Good. “All right.”

“So, you’re telling me that out of all six of them, you’re choosing between the free-spirited painter and the female who sees you as a business transaction?” Emily asked, her voice dry.

“Yes.” He met her gaze. “I felt a connection to them more than anyone else, and I understand where they’re coming from. I figure I’ll date them both and then see.” God, he hated the sound of that. The whole situation lacked romance. But he needed to be practical and step up with his pack.

“Well,” Emily said, her voice neutral but her gaze a little too steady, “I’m glad I was helpful.”

His eyes held hers for a long moment, tempted to push her right into his bedroom, pack politics be damned. “You certainly have been. And I owe you one.” Silence settled between them before he shifted, stretching out his legs. “We need to get going before the storm strengthens. It’s a bit of a flight.”

She sighed. “I wish our territories weren’t located at opposite ends of the damn state.”

“Ditto.” Both the Silver and Copper Packs lived between them in mountainous territory. “However, the Embervault Mine is to the east of any claimed territory, so we could create some sort of route between our lands that skirts everybody else.” How, he had no clue. They both lacked the necessary pack members to sufficiently patrol such an area.

“If only we had more members.” She bit her bottom lip and then released it, her tone softening. “I would like to ask you to be, well, polite when you speak with Victor in a few hours. I don’t believe he was behind my kidnapping.”

“He’s the most likely suspect, considering he wants to take over your pack, but I don’t know why he’d have you kidnapped.”

“I agree,” she murmured, frowning. “If Victor is behind the kidnappings, he should’ve just had me killed to get me out of the way.”

Jackson’s gut twisted at the thought. His wolf growled low in his chest, rejecting the very idea. “No one’s killing you, Emily.” His voice was rougher than he intended. “I’ll take out even the remote threats. I promise.”