When they came to a huge lodge and Jesse parked between a Winnebago and a Mercedes, she said, “I like the fairy lights hanging on the trees.” They gave the lodge an almost magical feel. “Are they always up there or is it a special occasion?”
“They’re always up.” He hopped out of the SUV and waited at the hood of the vehicle for her to reach him.
She should have objected when he took her hand, but she was a little nervous. She’d never been good with people she didn’t know well, especially complete strangers. It wasn’t that she was socially inept; it was just that it could take her a while to feel comfortable enough around people to be herself. She preferred her own company.
Bracken and Zander stayed behind them as Jesse pulled her into the lodge and through to a cozy living area, where five wolves waited. It was clear that the two in front were the Alphas. The female was smiling, but the male—who radiated dominance in a way that a lesser person would have found plain terrifying—stared blankly at Harley.
Rather than join the other wolves, Bracken and Zander planted themselves behind her . . . almost supportively. They were making it clear that they would side with her if there were a problem, which was kind of touching. Going by the grim expressions of the other males, she might just need that support.
Jesse said, “Nick, Shaya, this is Harley. Harley, these are my Alphas.”
Harley gave an awkward smile and nodded in deference. “Um . . . hi.” Her cat twitched her tail, watching them carefully. She was particularly dubious of the Alpha male.
“It’s good to meet you, Harley,” said Shaya, gracious and pleasant. She wasn’t small, but she had a pixie-like look about her and an impish air. “Nick’s delighted too. So delighted he’s at a loss for words.”
Harley inwardly smiled at the scowl Nick cast his mate. The blond, powerfully built male was as unnerving as Jesse and exuded supreme confidence. His green eyes glimmered with irritation as they sliced back to Harley. He may have accepted her presence, but he wasn’t happy about it.
Jesse continued, “Over there are my Betas, Ally and Derren.”
“Hi, there,” said the slim, olive-skinned brunette. Her dark-eyed, dark-haired mate merely inclined his head ever so slightly.
“Hey,” greeted Harley, keeping her half smile in place.
“And that’s my Head Enforcer, Eli,” added Jesse. “He’s also Nick’s brother.”
Well both brothers sure had the indomitable look going on. Eli gave her a short nod, though his large brown eyes held no more welcome than the other two males’ eyes did. Taking in their strong, solid builds, she wondered what the Mercury males were being fed around here.
“And the dog standing by Ally shaking his tail is Bruce,” Jesse told Harley once she’d answered Eli’s nod with one of her own. “It’s late, so you’ll meet everyone else tomorrow.”
“In the meantime, get some sleep,” said Shaya. “Jesse will show you to one of the guest lodges.”
“Um . . . thanks.” God, she was hopeless with strangers.
After a quick exchange of farewells, Jesse led her outside and across the open field to the trees. It was a reasonably short walk to the guest lodge. Timber and stone, the exterior had a very masculine feel to it.
Harley followed him up a set of stone steps onto the wraparound porch. Inside, he shed his jacket and slung it on the rocker that, like much of the den furniture—including the coffee table, TV stand, and firewood rack—was made of cedar logs. The den also featured a brown leather sofa, a shaggy rug, a wall-mounted TV, and a pool table. Nice.
Best of all was the little reading alcove in the corner. It was framed by shelves of books and had a built-in chaise with a pillow and fake-fur blanket, making it look like some kind of rustic magical retreat. Being somewhat of a book junkie, she was going to love spending time in that little haven. She distrusted anyone, anyone, who said they didn’t like reading.
With the exception of the wall of reflective glass at the rear of the lodge, which let in plenty of light, the interior seemed to be all wooden paneling and hardwood floors. Jesse headed straight to the open-plan kitchen and dining area.
“How did you know I was in California?” she asked him. “For that matter, how did you know where I worked and what car in the parking lot was mine?”
“I have my ways of finding things out.”
How delightfully vague. She watched as he moved around with ease, switched on the coffee machine, and grabbed two mugs . . . looking right at home, she thought with a frown. Realization dawned. “I thought I was staying in a guest lodge.”
“You’re not.”
“Is there a reason for that?”
Jesse backed her against the wall and placed a hand either side of her head, crowding her. “I don’t play games, Harley, so I’ll tell you straight. I want you. In my bed. In my life. Where you belong.”
Her heart slammed into her ribs and her cat stilled, feeling like a deer in headlights. The air began to charge with a sexual tension that threatened to suck every thought from Harley’s head. She gave herself a mental slap. “Where I belong?”
“You know you do. You knew it three years ago. But when I woke up, you were gone. Why?”
“I figured it would be less awkward that way.”
“Bullshit, baby. You ran.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “Mia told you my mate died, didn’t she? It’s true. Torrie and Mia were in the lake when they were eleven. Torrie smacked her head on a rock, fell unconscious, and drowned. I think it was what sent Mia spiraling out of control.”