Blood on the Snow Read online

  She yelped when his arm snapped around her, and he held her while his throat worked. There went the possibility of smacking him.

  He eventually raised his head and looked at her with hot eyes. “You taste like summer.”

  She looked down warily, and there was a tiny red dot. “Oh. That’s it?”

  He stroked her cheek. “That’s it. I must admit, most of my partners are aroused by it.”

  She opened her mouth and was going to admit to being a little wet, but she looked at his knowing gaze, and she snapped her mouth shut. “Aw... well, sucks for you, so to speak. Have a nice day.”

  She wiggled, and he gradually released her.

  “You have a strong will.” He smiled. “When I drink from most women, they are blank and eager.”

  “That is unfortunate for them. Even worse for you. I would want to have a partner who knew what was going on.”

  He slid a hand up her knee, and she jumped off his lap. “Okay, you had tea and a snack. Have a nice afternoon.”

  She stood back and settled her robe back into normal lines.

  He grinned and stood. “You are dismissing me?”

  “Yup. Out. I have to start a job hunt, and I get the feeling you would be rather inquisitive during the process. So, out.”

  He laughed. “This is not over.”

  “Says the stalker.”

  “Please. Uninvited guest.” He stroked her cheek and chuckled. “Softer than rose petals.”

  She swallowed and leaned out of his touch. “Still not a pet.”

  He chuckled again. “If you insist.”

  He left, and she felt like the air rushed out of the room with him, and she drew in a deep draught of air when he was gone. He smelled dark and male and hot.

  She latched, chained, and deadbolted the door. Coralynn slid down the door, pressed her head against her knees, and tried to pretend her entire body wasn’t throbbing. She had the feeling that he would know if she ran to finish what he started. Alphas were sneaky like that.

  * * * *

  Kroan returned to the car and ordered the driver to return to the restaurant. He could taste her with his whole body. Blazing sunshine and bright raspberries, tart and bright.

  He needed to get that woman into his circle somehow. He hated looking at CVs, but he would do it if he could find the perfect job for her and offer it to her, then lure her boss into bringing her to his home. Once he had her there, he would spring the trap and keep her with him. He needed more of her. She had set off an addiction that he had not anticipated.

  He wanted more of that brightness, and it was all Coralynn.

  Chapter Two

  There was no reason for a low-level clerk to accompany the boss on an evening call. Coralynn felt a setup, but she had no idea what it could be for.

  “So, Mr. Wakewell, is there any particular reason you need me here?” She looked at him with a suspicious look.

  “You have a great reputation for playing video games. This client organizes tournaments. You know the requirements, and it is important that we get it right if we are going to gain any more business in the future.”

  “So, just power requirements for the tournaments?”

  Wakewell nodded. “Yes. We won’t be long, but you may be asked to test drive some of the games.”

  “Uh, you know that the games take hours, right?”

  He shrugged. “I can come get you later, or they will send you in a car.”

  “Oh, so the clients want me here. Right. That never ends badly.” She took out her phone and called for a car.

  Wakewell frowned. “What are you doing?”

  “Getting the hell out of dodge before I step in there.”

  He went white. “You can’t. You have to be there. It was what we agreed.”

  She looked at him. “The contract is cancelled if I don’t step through those doors?”

  He nodded.

  “Right. Well, then, I will step through those doors, be introduced to three people, and then, I will leave, and your contract requirement will be clear.”

  Wakewell ran his hands through his hair. “He’s going to be pissed.”

  She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Alpha Kroan?”

  He looked at her hopefully. “You and he had a thing?”

  “He followed me home from my last job, and I refused to see him again.”

  Wakewell looked despondent. “Oh.”

  “It’s fine. There are enough cars here that I am sure I can just duck and cover and get out of there after some pleasantries.”

  They got out at the entrance and headed into the low structure built into the mountain. It was a stronghold and only looked like one entry, or exit, was available.

  Coralynn gritted her teeth and stalked into the entryway when the door opened.

  She shucked off her jacket, and it was hung up. She retained her cell phone and looked at the residence, heard music in the background, and waited for Wakewell. He walked ahead of her, and she trailed behind him, feeling the exact moment when they were spotted. There was a dip in conversation, and she felt Kroan behind her. She paused and turned to face him. He smiled politely at her and walked past her to greet Wakewell.

  Coralynn stepped back and moved into the shadows as Wakewell was greeted and shown into the party. She checked her phone, and her car was a few minutes away.

  She returned to the person who had taken her coat. She smiled brightly. “I would like my coat, please.”

  The woman was startled. “You just arrived.”

  “Too many people inside. I would like to go out and clear my head before I try and brave the party.” She smiled and blanked her phone.

  The woman came to a decision and nodded, grabbing Coralynn’s coat and bringing it to her, helping her put it on. When Coralynn was dressed, she thanked the woman and stepped outside.

  The lights of the car were approaching, and she walked down the path with a brisk step. She was nearly to the car when arms came around her. “Coralynn, where are you going?”

  “Home, Kroan. Wakewell is doing fine without me.”

  “But I won’t. It has been two months, and I have thought of nothing and no one but you.” He murmured it against her ear.

  “Um, unfortunate, but not my problem. I am sure that you can find another willing twit to suck on.”

  He chuckled. “I can, but I want you.”

  “Is this a thing because I said no? Is that why you are after me?” She turned her head and was nose to nose with him.

  He blinked. “No. I am after you because you taste like summer and have a mind like an unhoned blade. There is a lot of potential in your sweet little body.”

  She jolted. “Whoa. You never said you wanted my body.”

  The car pulled up and was waiting. She pulled away, but he held her.

  “Stay tonight, Coralynn. Let me convince you that I will be better to work for than Wakewell Electronics.”

  She shivered and frowned. “Just because you like how I taste?”

  “Mostly. I also like the way you feel.”

  “Yeah, I have no exceptional skills, no qualifications, and minimal prospects, but women like me are a dime a dozen. I am just going to go now. I am sure that you can lick your way through the party to find a better match.”

  He growled. “I am trying to be nice about this.”

  “Good for you. I am not.” She elbowed him, he stepped back, and she sprinted for the car.

  She was two steps away with her hand reaching for the door when she was off her feet and being carried into the house at blurring speed.

  She was breathing fast when he set her down.

  “I am sorry, Coralynn, but I need to have you somewhere you will listen.” He ran his hand through his hair.

  She took out her phone and paid the car for the trip to her home. Coralynn didn’t want anyone else getting mixed up in this mess.

  She looked at him and nodded. “I
am listening.”

  He looked to the bed. “Have a seat.”

  She shook her head. “I would rather not.”

  He sighed. “Well, I will.”

  He sat down and held his hand out to her. She slowly moved forward, and he took her hand in his, rubbing the back of her knuckles with his thumb. “So tiny.”

  “Yup. Almost a different species. Now you don’t want a breeder, so what do you want with me?”

  He chuckled. “Who said I didn’t want a breeder? I just said it wasn’t likely. My metabolism isn’t conducive to active sperm. I run a little too warm.”

  She blushed. “Oh, right. I still don’t understand why me and not someone else?”

  He cocked his head. “Are you afraid you are taking someone else’s spot or that you will be discarded when I find a better match?”

  “The second one. A bit of the first. Apparently, I am a lot of fun for the first few weeks, and then, I become a chore. High maintenance.”

  Kroan grinned. “I can manage that. What else? You will need a new wardrobe, and I will give you a job as my personal assistant.”

  “Don’t you have an assistant?”

  “I do, but I don’t have a PA. Can you manage the work?”

  “Are you planning to chase me around a desk?”

  He laughed. “Of course not. You could never outrun me.”

  She shivered and told him the truth. “I’m scared.”

  He pulled her closer. “Of what, Coralynn?”

  “Of becoming a pet and getting lost. It happens really easily. No one even looks for people like me.”

  Kroan frowned. “You think I will hurt you?”

  “I know you will. You won’t mean to, but you will.”

  “Will you trust me enough to let me prove that I won’t?”

  “Fine. You have six months. I will trust you for six months, and then, we will renegotiate. I can leave you at that point, no hard feelings.”

  He smiled. “I think I can convince you in six months. Can we start now?”

  She frowned. “Start wha—”

  His lips collided with hers and gentled immediately, stroking and seeking her cooperation. She heard a long zipper, and he stroked her coat off her shoulders. He pulled her firmly between his thighs and held her head as he kissed her slowly until she parted her lips and his tongue slid in to taste her. Damn, he tastes hot.

  He groaned softly as his tongue coaxed hers into playing, and she sought his mouth and the points of his teeth. He pulled back and slowed the kiss, licking at her softly, and she followed his lead. He hummed happily as he kissed her leisurely.

  Outside the room they were in, she heard a thump and laughter. She jolted and cowered out of reflex, pulling away from him and cringing in the corner. “Sorry. I don’t like noises I don’t know the origin to. I am all kinds of nervous lately. You can still send me home, but you are paying for the car.”

  He chuckled. “I am not sending you home. Would you like to attend the party? It is a boring business function, but you are welcome to circulate with me.”

  “Is there any place I can just not be noticed? This is all deeply embarrassing.”

  “What? Your alignment with me?”

  She was blushing furiously. “Yeah. That. We didn’t even go over where I am going to live. I am on the last month of my rental, so I can move closer to you.”

  He looked at her and snorted. “You are moving in and sharing my bed. Tonight. If you hand over your keys, my staff can have you moved in by the weekend.”

  She blinked. “Oh. No space of my own?”

  “Do you need it, Coralynn?”

  “Yeah. I think I probably do. I am not used to living with someone. I will constantly think that I am underfoot or in your space.”

  He stood and took her hand, leading her toward the door. “Then, we will get you a safe space. I see what you mean about high maintenance.”

  She had smiled for a moment, and then, her expression fell. This relationship was going to be short, and then, she was going to be kicked to the curb. It was best that he was paying all the bills. She could save the money that she had in the bank and keep it for when she was dumped. It wouldn’t be long.

  Kroan paused in the hallway. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings when I said high maintenance. I like that. It gives me something to do.”

  “It’s fine. I am used to that. I can manage.”

  He stopped and stroked his hand along her cheek. “You don’t have to manage. If you need something, tell me.” He leaned in and kissed her, and it was a sweet kiss that melted her soul. He lifted his head and tapped her lips with a finger. “Okay?”

  She blinked. “Okay.”

  “Right, now, come and learn about what I do. It is almost as boring as you imagine.”

  “Uh, what do you do?”

  “You didn’t look me up at all?” He grinned and sighed. “Well, that shows that you have self-control. I looked you up, and it showed you have a varied and unfocused occupation path. It’s good. I invest in a variety of businesses, from that restaurant to software companies to drilling rigs. If they ask me, I will take a look and see if it is worth my time and money.”

  “Oh, you are an investor by profession.”

  He grinned. “Correct, my little darling.”

  “Really, can’t remember Coralynn already?” She sighed.

  He pulled her in and wrapped her hand around his forearm. “Behave, Coralynn.”

  She didn’t think that was likely, but she kept her mouth shut and walked with him into the heart of the party. Wakewell was in a corner, talking earnestly with a man who was taking notes.

  Kroan murmured, “Wakewell will be fine. He has the contract.”

  “In exchange for getting me here.”

  “Of course. I would have gone through much more financial excess to get you here, but it wasn’t necessary. He agreed, and here you are. And now, you are mine. Perhaps if you don’t like assistant, you would be my apprentice?”

  She scowled. “That implies that I am going to do a job like yours one day.”

  He grinned. “Play your cards right, and I will set you up with a fund, and you can play the game for yourself.”

  She knew what he considered her cards, and he was handsome, strong, super-fast, and interested in her, so he currently had more cards than she did. It was not an equal meeting. He didn’t seem concerned, but she was more concerned by the moment. So, she did what she always did when she was uncomfortable; she put on a brilliant smile and stuck her chest out. The technique worked on men or women.

  Kroan glanced down at her as one of the people she was being introduced to looked at her in a daze. He paused and smiled politely at the dazed man who had drool coming from his lips. “Just a moment, I need to speak to Coralynn.”

  The man whispered, “Hurry back.”

  She looked at Kroan in confusion as he pulled her into an empty study and closed the door. “What’s wrong?”

  “What do you think you were doing?”

  “What?”

  “You were using a glamour, hypnotizing him. Why didn’t you mention that you could do that?” He was growling and yelling.

  Coralynn teared up and got as far from him as she could, cringing in the corner. “I didn’t know I was doing anything. Why are you mad at me?”

  He paused. “What are you doing?”

  She looked at him and felt the fat tears running from her eyes. “I don’t know!”

  “Coralynn!”

  She hadn’t heard one before, but she knew an alpha bark when she heard one. It sent her nervousness into overdrive. She got small and covered her head. “Sorry, sorry, sorry.”

  He didn’t move for a while, and then, he reached out and crouched next to her, touching her shoulder. “Coralynn, honey. Are you an omega?”

  She shook her head. “No, I have been checked. I’m not.”

  He stroked her back, and just like
that, she wanted to move against his hand with a wiggle. She stayed still.

  He stroked her again. “Coralynn, is this what you meant by high maintenance?”

  She nodded and sniffled. “This happened after the first time we talked. It makes me act weird.”

  He continued to pet her, and she lost her battle and wiggled closer. He held her in his arms, and he chuckled. “Aren’t you just full of surprises? So, this is why you stayed away from me?”

  She nodded and kept her head down. “I didn’t want you to see me like this. I didn’t want me to see me like this.”

  He eased her head up to face him. “Like what?”

  “Stupid and full of reflexes that don’t belong to me.” She was grim. “I had a feeling you would know what they are.”

  “Well, you definitely need your safe place now, and now, it makes perfect sense.”

  She scowled. “Why? What’s happened?”

  “You are a primed beta who met a compatible alpha. I am very, very lucky.” He lifted her head and kissed her softly. “What was your response to our kiss earlier?”

  “It was nice?” She wasn’t sure what to say.

  He slid his hand up and under her dress, and she squeaked in surprise. He frowned. “Hmm, not very wet.”

  She blushed. “Oh, that. I don’t do that unless I feel safe.”

  “You don’t feel safe here?”

  Coralynn shook her head. “No, and I don’t sleep with alphas, so I don’t want the kn—the nnn...” She looked up at him, and her eyes were hopeless.

  “Yeah, I guess that you wouldn’t since you don’t chase my kind. What do you chase?”

  She shrugged. “Stability. A boring life. Not looking into the future and seeing an endless array of dull jobs.”

  He scowled. “Not a romantic partner?”

  Coralynn sighed. “Ya’ll are really more trouble than you are worth. I once tried to find a partner. I gave myself to him one hundred percent, and in the end, I didn’t recognize myself, so I walked away and didn’t bother again.”