Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
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.