ISBN: 978-1-4835658-7-3
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
“Okay don’t move….hold it…(Click). That was perfect, we’re all done.” Skyler said as she lowered her camera and let it hang from her neck. Now all she had to do was go back to the hotel, download the pictures and set up individual files for each rider. Why couldn’t all sporting events require the participants to wear names on their shirts? Then she wouldn’t have to take extra precautions to keep the photos straight.
Two large arms wrapped around her waist from behind and she immediately tensed up on alert. “Hey Beautiful!” A strong masculine voice said.
Skyler let out the breath she was holding having recognized the nick name coming from the man holding her. “Hello handsome, it’s good to see you.” She replied as she turned around in Seth’s arms and gave him a hug. Seth was a friend that she had met years ago when she first started as a photographer. He was an event coordinator working different shows, concerts, and sporting events all over the state and in other states as well. He was a tall muscular man around 6’2”with short brown hair and brown eyes. His body frame was much like a pro football player, big and powerful. She often wondered why he planned sporting events rather than playing in them, but it probably had something to do with how smart and organized he was. He was nice and flirtatious with her but he had a very commanding presence, one of those born leader types that everyone respected without question.
“It’s good to see you too, it’s been awhile. Are you all done for the day?” Seth asked.
“Yeah I think I got all the pictures I’ll need to get started.” She answered.
“I’m still here for a few more hours, but do you want to grab dinner after? I’ll take you to the famous hotspots around town.” Seth said.
“That would be great! It must be nice for you to get to do an event in your home town for once. Do you know any hotspots I can check out while I’m waiting for you?” She asked.
“Actually there is a beautiful waterfall, and rock canyon about an hour and a half outside of town, I know it’s a drive but it’s worth checking out.” He said as he pulled her in close and whispered in her ear. “Rumor has that there are wolves up there, and I know how much you like that sort of thing.” He said suggestively.
Skyler and Seth tried the whole dating thing once before and though they had a good time together they both knew it was never going to be more than an extremely close friendship. But that didn’t stop them from flirting outlandishly with each other and they both knew if the other one desired a companion for the evening they wouldn’t turn the other one away. “It’s possible that you know too much about what I like.” She said flirtatiously.
“Yes I do.” He said as he gave her one last hug than released her from his embrace. “I’ll write down the directions for you. Did you rent a car with four wheel drive?” He asked.
“No, but I don’t mind doing a little hiking.” She said as she zipped up her camera bag and gathered up all her equipment. Skyler actually enjoyed hiking. Whenever she traveled she would look up good running tracks and hiking trails located near where she would be staying. That way she could get a little exercise in and have a chance to see some beautiful places while she worked.
“Here are the directions and you already have my number. Call me when you’re ready to have dinner.” Seth said as he handed her the piece of paper.
Skyler put it in her pocket and reached up and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you later.”
Seth walked off with a wave and Skyler headed towards the parking lot. On the way she debated what she wanted to do. If she went back to the hotel she would probably turn on her laptop to download the pictures, but she would be asleep before the old thing even booted up. Not that a nap didn’t sound like a great idea, but going to dinner tonight with Seth and telling him she decided to take a nap instead of going to see the waterfall just didn’t sound good. As she reached her car, she looked down at her feet. She was wearing a decent pair of sneakers that would probably hold up on any terrain she would find out on her hike. The Levis she was wearing might be a little hot but at least they would protect her legs. Her blouse was too fancy to go hiking in but she could take that off and just hike in her tank top. Her camera was already prepped and ready and she still had plenty of room on her memory card. It would save her time later if she went hiking now because she would only have to download once today instead of before and after her hike. With the decision made she put her camera on the passenger seat and pulled out the directions Seth gave her.
Almost two hours later Skyler was stopped at the bottom of a hill at the end of a dirt road. According to the map if she got out here she should find the waterfall just off to the left. After grabbing the camera off the passenger seat and tossing her blouse in its place she locked the car and headed out. The hike towards the waterfall wasn’t bad at all, it was early spring and the weather was perfect, warm during the day and cooler towards the evenings. The wild brush was green and there were wildflowers growing in between the rocks. About twenty minutes into her hike Skyler came up to a ridge, and as she looked over the edge she saw the most amazing sight she had ever seen. The rock canyon wall she stood on encircled a valley full of lush green grass, wildflowers, trees, a roaming stream, and right below her was the waterfall.
The water poured out of the cliff and flowed through the valley. A single large brown and white house was settled between the trees against the northern side of the canyon. It was the only house out there, and she was totally jealous. They had their own little piece of paradise completely secluded from the outside world. There was a large apple orchard that grew along the stream and just below the cliff where the water pooled was an open meadow surrounded by trees. The meadow was full of horses, they weren’t wild horses but they were beautiful. A black Friesian stallion, and a black Arabian were running and chasing each other. A Gypsy and a Clydesdale were eating apples off the trees, while two Painted horses drank from the stream. A white Lipizzaner, a brown Mustang, and a gray Appaloosa were munching on the grass; it couldn’t have been a better picture. She lifted her camera and took as many pictures as she could, she never got to see horses open and free like this and it was beautiful. The Friesian stallion was magnificent. She watched him as he weaved in and out of the trees, leapt over the stream, and galloped through the meadow. The Arabian followed close but never caught up to him till he stopped dead in his tracks. He raised his head in the air like he was sniffing something, then he turned and looked towards her. He stared up at her for a few minutes and she could have sworn he looked right at her, like he knew she was there. After a few moments he turned to the Arabian shook his head and disappeared off into the trees. Skyler stood and watched the other horses for a bit just enjoying the magic of this place. She decided no matter how busy she was going to be this week, she was going to make time to come back here.
***********************
Damien threw his duffle bag on the bed and plopped down next to it. He had just gotten home from a two-week trip visiting his brother, Mason, in Virginia. He went there a couple of times a year to see the only family he had left. His parents died years ago and his brother moved away soon after. He missed him, but they couldn’t have two Alpha’s in the same herd, so Mason volunteered to move away instead of fighting for the right to be Alpha. He enjoyed his stay in Virginia, they celebrated his birthday and he got to meet Mason’s new mate, Lilly, but he was glad to be home with his own herd.
Damien lay on the bed for a bit taking a moment to relax and stretch out after his long flight. He wanted to take a nap for a little while but his horse was getting antsy. It needed to run and be close to his herd. Being Alpha, he always felt the need to be close to them and to know how they were doing. It was late afternoon and if he went out to the meadow the rest of the herd should be there shortly for their evening grazing. Damien got up and took off his clothes, there was no point in ruining another set of clothes when he could just shift here instead of at the meadow. Besides they kept clothes hidden all throughout the property in case they needed them for emergencies. Stepping off the front porch Damien took a few long strides than let his horse take over. He shifted effortlessly into a Frisian Stallion and took off galloping towards the meadow.
Damien reached up and snagged an apple from the tree. He chomped it up in three bites then reached for another.
“Welcome back, how was Virginia?” Cole asked as he walked up and grabbed an apple from the tree.
After finishing his apple Damien answered, “Wet, it rained almost the whole two weeks I was there.”
“I guess you won’t be complaining about our weather anymore.” Cole chuckled. “How’s your brother?”
“So damn happy it’s almost annoying. He used to be such a stick in the mud, but now that he has found his chante he is always smiling.”
“Don’t tell me the big burly Alpha has gone soft. His herd will stomp all over him.” Cole said with a laugh.
“No, he’s not soft. If anything he’s gotten stronger and about ten times more possessive. He wouldn’t let that woman out of his sight for a minute. You should have seen him, Cole, you would have laughed at the way he coddles her.” Damien said with a sigh. “I’ve never seen him happier.”
“So why does him being happy make you unhappy?”
“I’m not unhappy, it’s just…”
“You’re worried you’re never going to find your chante aren’t you?” Cole finished for him.
Damien turned away and lifted his head into the air taking a deep breath. The sweet smell of apples, and green grass filled his senses. The roaring waterfall and birds singing in the trees brought him a small feeling of peace but it wasn’t enough. “I don’t know Cole, I just feel like I am missing something, something important, you know? It’s almost like I’m not whole anymore. It used to not bother me that I haven’t found a mate yet, but lately…” Damien cut off. He didn’t want it to sound like he was incapable of being Alpha because that wasn’t it. He was just coming to realize how lonely he was. Sure he had the herd, and his best friend and Beta, Cole, but that wasn’t enough. He was ready for a mate, for kids, for a family. It was time he found his chante, he just hoped she wouldn’t be too hard to find.
“Don’t worry Alpha, finding her is going to be the least of your problems.” Cole snickered.
“And why do you say that?”
“Because, it’s going to be a lot harder keeping her away from me than it is going to be finding her. We both know I am the young sexy one and you, well, you’re getting kind of old and….” Cole didn’t have a chance to finish his statement because Damien charged at him, knocking him into the stream.
“I may be old but I’m still stronger and faster.” Damien laughed as he jumped over the stream.
With that Cole jumped out and took off after him. They ran through the meadow and in between the trees, two best friends playing and teasing like they did when they were young. Damien wouldn’t know what he would do without Cole. Being the Alpha of the herd meant taking care of everyone, making sure they weren’t just financially stable but also physically, mentally, and emotionally sound. He shouldered their problems and rejoiced in their successes but it wasn’t always easy. He always had to remain strong and confident, he was their leader and he couldn’t show weakness in front of them, but with Cole it was different. Cole would never see him as weak and he listened when he needed someone to talk to. Most of the time he didn’t even have to talk, Cole just knew what he needed, and right now he needed this. He had been away from home, and his herd, and he just needed to be with them relaxing and enjoying their company.
As he ran up to the tree line he caught scent of something strange. He stopped and put his nose in the air. “What’s wrong?” Cole asked stopping next to him.
“Do you smell that?” Damien asked.
Cole lifted his head and sniffed, “No?” he answered in confusion.
Damien turned and looked up at the ridge; just above the waterfall was a woman. “You see her?” Damien asked.
Cole turned and looked where Damien was looking. “Yeah I see her, I’ll go get rid of her.” Cole said.
“No, I’ll go.” Damien said shaking his head. “Stay here and keep an eye out.” He ordered as he snuck off into the trees.
***********************
Damien crept up behind the woman that had somehow snuck onto his property. She was kind of short probably around 5’3” and looked to be about 110 lbs. She had sun kissed blond hair and what skin he could see was golden tan, like she spent a lot of time outside. She wore faded Levis and a white tank top, neither of which hid her deliciously curved body. Her sent was sweet like berries and something else he couldn’t place, she smelled incredible. She stood on the ledge taking pictures of the landscape below, and if his herd wasn’t right below he probably wouldn’t have cared she was there, but as it was he had to make sure she hadn’t seen anything she wasn’t supposed to.
“You know you can’t be up here.” Damien said.
“Holy Crap!” She said as she jumped back in surprise. Her foot slipped on the loose rock and she would have tumbled off the edge if Damien hadn’t reached out and grabbed her arm.
“Careful, you don’t want to fall over.” He said as he pulled her up. He felt something then that sent a shock to his system, an intense immediate desire to mate with this woman. He had been with women before, but never had he had such an uncontrollable urge to take a woman to bed. The unusual feeling caused him to lose his focus and he hadn’t realized he was still gripping the woman’s arm till she tried to pull away.
“I wouldn’t have fallen if you hadn’t scared me.” She said sternly, as she tried to pull her arm from his grasp.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” Damien said as he released her and stepped back giving her more room on the ledge. “But you aren’t supposed to be up here this is private property.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t know, I’m not from around here.” She said apologetically. “My friend sent me up here, he said there was a waterfall and rock canyon I could see. He never told me it was private property.”
Damien watched as her appearance changed from frightened aggressive, to passive politeness. He had scared her when he grabbed her arm but now that he had given her some room she seemed less intimidated. If he wanted to explore these feelings he was having he was going to have to be gentler or he was going to frighten her off. “That’s okay but can I ask how you got here?” He asked in a gentler voice.
“I followed this map my friend drew.” She said as she pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to him.
Looking it over he realized that the map had told her to go east but she ended up going west, she must have a bad sense of direction. “You went the wrong way he pointed out, but no harm done.” He said as he handed back the map.
“Oh…well I’m sorry I trespassed.” She apologized as she took the paper and put it back in her pocket. “I’ll just get going then, I’m sorry to have bothered you.” She said as she carefully stepped around him.
Damien watched as she slowly walked past him. She looked up at him only briefly but it was enough for him to see that she had gorgeous deep blue eyes. As she past him he inhaled her sweet scent again and the overwhelming desire to have her gripped him again, he couldn’t let her leave not without knowing who she was. “Wait.” He shouted abruptly. When she turned and looked at him questionably he softened his voice before he spoke again. “If you aren’t in a hurry to go I can take you down to where you can see the waterfall better.” He offered.
“But I thought we couldn’t go there, you said it was private property.”
“It is, but it’s my property and now that I know you’re not here to vandalize it I don’t mind showing you.” He explained.
“Do people really come up here to destroy your property? That’s just mean.”
“Not often, but you can never be too careful.” He said as he held out his hand. “Come on I’ll show you, it’s really quite beautiful.” Skyler took his hand cautiously and he led her down the ridge line. “I never introduced myself, I’m Damien Black.”
“I’m Skyler.”
Damien turned and looked at her, “Just Skyler? No last name?” He asked pushing for her to open up to him.
“You have to promise not to laugh.” When he nodded in agreement she continued, “Its Skyler Night.”
“Night with an ‘N’ or with a ‘K’” He asked.
“With an ‘N’. My parents are teachers, science and astronomy, and they wanted to name me after something they both love. Our last name being Night was just a bonus. In the end they decided on Night Sky so they named me Skyler.” She explained.
“Well I like the name Skyler.” He said as he helped her over a large boulder.
“I do too actually, and it’s a lot better than some of their other ideas. They could have named me Nebula, or Galaxy, or heaven forbid Star.” She said with a dirty look.
“Definitely a bad idea.” He laughed. “So what do you do Skyler?” He asked as they dropped down off the lower ridge.
“I’m a photographer, sporting events mostly. I’m here covering the equestrian event.” She answered.
“Equestrian riding is a sport?” He asked sarcastically. He would have never classified horse jumping as a sport.
“Technically yes, though most don’t think so. I have a friend that works for a horse magazine and she asked me to cover this event. I guess their other photographer couldn’t make it, and she knew I liked horses so I’m here.” She replied.
“If you like horses you are going to love this. Come take a look.” He said pointing down.
Skyler stepped up beside him and peered out. “Oh my God, Damien.” She said with a gasp. “It’s unbelievable.” Skyler said with a look of awe on her face.
“I thought you might like it.” Damien said as he sat down on a rock. They were just below the waterfall where it flowed over the last cliff and settled into a crystal clear pool. The rock cliff sparkled like diamonds from where the water glistened off it, and a rainbow reflected off the water arching down into the pool. Across from the waterfall standing on the edge of the meadow was a Lipizzaner stallion; he was bent over drinking from the pool.
“Like isn’t a good enough word for this place. I Love it! It is absolutely breathtaking.” She said excitedly as she raised her camera.
Damien watched her as she took picture after picture. The rest of the herd came and joined the Lipizzaner some standing on the grass and some in the water. Damien knew they would be curious about the stranger he brought to see them. He was certain they would hound him for information the minute they got back to the house, but for now all he cared about was that Skyler was happy. For reasons he couldn’t explain her happiness was important to him. He barely knew her but he would do almost anything to make her smile.
After a few more minutes Skyler finally put her camera down and turned to talk to him. “Are these your horses?” She asked.
“Yes they are. Do you like them?” He asked curious to see if she would pick any one horse over the others.
“I do but it’s an interesting herd, I’ve never seen one like it before.”
“What makes it so interesting?” Damien asked a little worried she may have suspected there was something different about them.
“They are all different, most of the time I see horses together they are the same breed. But this looks like you went through and handpicked one of each of your favorites and put them together. They are magnificent but why did you choose all males? Do you use them as a stud farm?” Skyler asked.
Damien smiled as he imagined what the guys would say if they knew she thought they would be good for stud service. It would boost their egos to the stratosphere and he’d never hear the end of it. “No, but I’m sure they’d be more than happy to render their services.” He said with a laugh.
“I find that to be true about most males, no matter what the species.” Skyler stated as she sat on the boulder next to him.
“I’m not sure if I should be offended by that.”
“You should be, but you’re not are you?” Skyler said looking over at him with a smile.
It was true, men were well known for thinking with their southern parts rather than their brains, and there really was no point in denying it so he didn’t even try. “No, not really, I’m afraid to admit it, but it’s true.”
“That’s okay most of us already know that it’s true, but not to worry because I know a secret.” Skyler said with a suspicious gleam.
“Oh, and what’s the secret?” Damien asked enjoying the casual flirting and unexpected topic of conversation.
Skyler leaned in close and whispered in his ear, “Women like sex too.”
Damien choked on his next breath, taken by surprise at this woman’s boldness. Never would he have thought he’d be sitting here talking about sex with a woman he just met. Clearly today was going to be an interesting one. “Is that so?” He choked out attempting to hide the laughter that was building up inside. He was really starting to like Skyler, she was funny, confident, easy to talk to and an overall joy to be around. He was definitely going to have to find another excuse to be around her again.
“I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true.” Skyler said totally calm and relaxed as if they were talking about something completely mundane.
He couldn’t believe it, here he was on the verge of breaking out in hysterical laughter and she didn’t even crack a smile. He was going to get her somehow he just had to think of a good line. “Well I’ll just have to keep that in mind the next time I have the urge to render my services.” He said with a smile, certain he would get a reaction out of her this time.
“You should, not everyone is privy to such valuable information. I wouldn’t want you to waste it.” She said without even batting an eye.
Damien couldn’t hold it in any longer and he burst out laughing, the whole thing was just too funny. One minute he was out running through the meadow with his herd and the next he was sitting under a waterfall with a beautiful woman offering to render his services. He couldn’t have planned this if he tried. When he finally stopped laughing he turned to Skyler, “I’m honored you would share such privy information with me, I promise not to waste it.” He said.
“Well, it was the least I could do.” She said with a shrug. She turned and looked up at him with a sweet and sincere face, “I can’t thank you enough for bringing me here. It is so beautiful and your horses are amazing.” She said kindly. “But I have to get going, my friend told me he would show me the hotspots in town, and he is probably waiting.”
“Well it was my pleasure.” Damien said as he stood up and led the way back up to the top of the ridge. “In fact if you’re going to be around for a few days I’d invite you to come back. I have a few other places I could show you that I think you would enjoy.” Damien added hoping he could talk her into returning. He didn’t have a cell phone on him or even a piece of paper and pen to write down her number. If he was going to talk to her again she was going to have to come back.
“I might be interested.” She said with a smile. “If you could convince the Friesian stallion to join us next time.”
“The Friesian?” Damien asked in surprise.
“Yeah I assume he’s yours, I saw him earlier but he left and never came back. I would have really liked to have seen him up close.” Skyler said.
Damien was shocked when he felt his horse get excited about the thought of her seeing him again. Normally his horse remained quiet when he was with women, but this time both the horse and the human wanted Skyler’s attention. He was going to have to make sure she came around again because his horse could be very demanding when he wanted something. “I’ll tell you what. If you let me know when you are planning on coming back, I will make sure he is available.” He said as they came up to the top of the ridge.
“Well Friday just might be open enough for me to come wondering through again. Say around one-ish?” She said as she stopped at the top of the ridge.
“I’ll have to check his calendar but I’m sure he can squeeze in an appearance on Friday.” Damien joked as he stepped up closer to her.
“Then I’ll look forward to seeing him.” She laughed as she looked up into his eyes. “Thank you again.” She said as she stood on her tippy toes and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you later.” Then she turned around and walked back the way she came.
Damien was frozen in place, dumbfounded by the spunky little blond that just kissed him. He was almost positive that young woman was his chante. After all this time here she was creeping around in his back yard. He was excited and anxious, and there was no way he was going to wait until Friday to see her again. He had to find her, and fast, he couldn’t risk losing her or allowing someone else to find her.
“I can’t believe you just let her leave.” Cole said with an astonished look.
“And what would you have me do Beta? It’s not like I could keep her from leaving.” Damien said, even though he agreed with Cole. He wanted her to stay, but she had somewhere else to be and he couldn’t force her to stay. “She has a flight or fight response that is heavily geared toward fight. She would not have come quietly.”
“You could have charmed her into staying.” Cole argued.
“I charmed her into coming back didn’t I!?” Damien countered.
“Yes you did, but not for another three days. What about until then? If she is who you think she is, she is going to start to carry the scent. She’ll be vulnerable to the wolves.” Cole cautioned.
“I know. That’s why I sent for Chester and Rowan.” Damien said as he looked up at the empty door way to his office. “Where are they?” he asked impatiently.
“They said they would be here any min…” Cole didn’t even finish his sentence before Chester and Rowan walked in.
“Have a seat gentlemen.” Damien ordered. “There has been a new development and I need your assistance.”
“Does this have anything to do with the young female you were with earlier?” Rowan asked.
“Yes it does, and for the time being I want this conversation to remain quiet. I believe the young woman you saw is my chante…” Damien started.
“You mean you’ve found her? Who is she? Where’d she come from? Where’d she go?” Chester asked excitedly.
“Calm down Chester. Her name is Skyler and I don’t know where she is right now, that is why I have asked you and Rowan to come. I need you two to go and find her.”
“Alpha, you know I am always willing to help but Wichita Falls isn’t a small town. It may be difficult to locate her.” Rowan said.
“I know Rowan, but I’m not worried about not finding her. I know where she will be tomorrow. What I’m worried about is who might find her in the meantime.”
“You think her scent is already strong enough to attract the wolves?” Chester asked.
“If I’m right about who she is, the bond has been open. Her scent will be increasing every hour and I can’t take the chance that she might run into one of them.” Damien explained.
“Do you have any idea where we might start looking for her?” Rowan asked.
“She is meeting a friend for dinner who promised to take her to the most popular hotspots in town. Why don’t you two start at the Wild Ace’s, or the Lone Star Tavern. When you find her don’t approach her, just keep an eye on her. If the wolves aren’t around she can enjoy her evening and I will see her tomorrow.”
“And if they are around?” Chester asked.
“Then I want you to do whatever you have to too keep them away from her. We cannot allow them to find out who she is and to whom she belongs.”
**********************
“Wow Seth, this place is great! Good food, good music, and not a western reference in sight.” Skyler said as she sat down on the booth bench.
“You are so odd. This is Texas you’re supposed to embrace the culture, wear cowboy hats and learn how to line dance.” Seth laughed as he joined her on the same bench.
“Just because I’m in Texas does not mean I will ever be a cowgirl. I will never wear those big hats and ugly boots, and I swear if one more guy calls me darlin’ I’m going to sock them in the mouth.” She said.
“In that case I would stay away from that group over there.” Seth said as he pointed over her shoulder.
Skyler turned and looked behind her where five guys were standing around a pool table. They all looked like they just walked off a western movie set. They were wearing flannel shirts, wrangler jeans, cowboy hats and big belt buckles. “Oh yeah, definitely not going anywhere near that.” She murmured.
The waitress showed up then and they each ordered a drink and an appetizer. “So how was your day? Did you enjoy your hike?” Seth asked.
“It was fantastic.” Skyler said as she remembered the beautiful place. “I saw the rock canyon which was amazing and the most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen. If I didn’t have to meet you for dinner I probably never would have left. I can’t wait to go back.” She said enthusiastically.
“I knew you liked nature but I didn’t know you would get this excited over seeing some nice landscape.”
“Oh it wasn’t just the landscape I also met someone while I was out there.” She explained. Skyler thought back to her earlier encounter with Damien. He was a handsome man with jet black hair and piercing blue eyes. He was tall and broad with the muscles of a body builder, but looked more toned rather than boxy. The denim jeans and plain black t-shirt he was wearing were casual and comfortable but he looked great in them.
“I never figured you for a love at first sight kind of girl” Seth said critically.
”I didn’t say it was love at first sight.” Skyler mocked. She may not have fallen in love with Damien yet but the idea didn’t sound so bad. She really enjoyed being with him, and he had so many great qualities. He was funny, charming, quick witted, and easy to talk to, not to mention he had the most beautiful property she had ever seen. He might be worth keeping around just for that reason. “Well it might be considered a minor infatuation.”
Seth leaned in close and whispered in her ear, “You know if you’re looking for a vacation fling, I’m always willing.” He suggested as he breathed in close to her ear. “God you smell incredible!” He said as he trailed small kisses down her neck.
Skyler took a moment to enjoy the wonderful feeling. Seth always knew how to get her body rumbling. He was handsome and suave and his lips felt like velvet across her skin; but it wasn’t enough this time.
“What if I don’t want a fling? What if I want more?” She said as she slid out of his reach.
Seth stared down at her with a surprised expression, “Wow, you really do like this guy.” He said. “Alright…tell me about him, what’s his name?” He asked then he took a drink of his beer.
“His name is Damien Black.”
Seth spurted his beer across the table and started coughing and wheezing on the remnants.
“I take it that means you know him.” Skyler said as she gently padded his back.
Seth turned on her abruptly, “Skyler, you have to stay away from him.” He warned sternly.
“What! Why? Is he a bad guy?” Skyler asked cautiously. She couldn’t understand why Seth didn’t want her around Damien. She didn’t get any bad vibes from him, in fact she really kind of liked him. Besides if he was a dangerous man he had plenty of time to hurt her when they were all alone up on that ridge. Seeing as he let her leave and even offered to show her around again he clearly couldn’t be bad guy, right?
“No it’s not that it’s…” Seth’s phone beeped interrupting his comment. He read the text then sent a quick reply before turning back to her. “For now I think it would be best if you stayed away from him.” He cautioned.
“Seth you know I value our friendship and I trust your opinion, but I don’t understand why you want me to stay away from him.”
“Skyler I….” Seth’s phone beeped again and he stopped mid-sentence to answer it. Seth let out a ragged sigh and turned back to her, “I need to tell you something about Damien but I don’t have time right now, I have to go. Please just give me a day before you see him again.” He pleaded as he stood up to leave.
“Fine, but I want a better explanation when I see you tomorrow.” She told him as she got up and gave him a hug good-bye.
“I promise. Have a good night Beautiful.” Seth said as he released her from his grip.
“See you Handsome.” Skyler said as she waved him off.
Skyler stayed at the Wild Ace’s for a little while, she had a few drinks and listened to the music. When the cowboys finally left the pool table she jumped on. She was just about to rack another round when two guys walked up to the table.
“Mind if we join your game?” The brown haired man said.
“Not at all. You want to play cutthroat or take turns.” Skyler asked.
“Cutthroat sounds good. I’m Chester and this is Rowan.” He said as he pointed to his friend next to him.
“I’m Skyler, I racked so one of you can break.” She said as she hung up the triangle and grabbed a cue.
Chester grabbed a stick, squared up at the table, and swung. The cue ball bounced off the first ball, launched off the table, slid across the nearest table, knocking over a girls drink, then dropped to the floor and rolled under the bar. Rowan and Skyler spent the better part of five minutes laughing uncontrollably and once they finally calmed down they decided it would be better if Rowan broke. Over the next couple of hours they played and talked, getting to know each other. They found out she was a photographer from San Diego here on business. She found out they worked construction and landscaping. Rowan was the serious one that didn’t talk unless he was making fun of Chester. He was tall and stocky with black hair and a full beard and goatee. Chester was the outgoing playful one who liked to have a good time. He was the same size and build as Rowan but he had brown hair and a trimmed goatee. She enjoyed their company and was actually happy they were occupying all her time, because they kept away the other guys that were staring at her from the bar.
At about eleven Skyler decided it was time to go for the evening. She still had some work to do before tomorrow and she had to be up early. “Thanks for playing with me guys. Maybe we can do it again sometime.” She said as she hung up her pool stick and grabbed her purse.
“It was our pleasure little lady. We hope to see you again.” Chester said with a bow.
Skyler laughed and waved good bye. As she was about to walk out the door a group of men came walking through. They held the door open for her and stepped to the side so she could pass by. She returned their kind gesture with a thank you and a flirtatious smile as she left.
Skyler was almost to her vehicle when someone grabbed her from behind, wrapping one large arm across her waist and placing a big hand over her mouth. She instantly went into fight mode, she stomped on his foot, swung her elbow into any body part she could hit, and bit the hand that was covering her mouth. The body blows didn’t seem to faze him but when she bit his hand he cried out and released her mouth. She used the opportunity to cry for help but it didn’t do much good because no one heard her and about five seconds later a truck pulled up next to them and she was thrown into the back.
**********************
“Three in the side.” Damien said, as he swung the cue and smacked the three ball into the side pocket.
“Nice shot.” Cole admonished. “So what are you going to do when they find her?” he asked.
“I was…..” Damien’s answer was broken up by a loud commotion braking through the house. Damien and Cole rushed to the front hall where they found Chester and Rowan carrying a kicking and squirming Skyler.
“What the hell is going on?” Damien yelled. Rowan put Skyler down and stepped away lowering his head. Damien glared at them both as he walked up to Skyler and slowly removed the duct tape from her mouth. “It’s okay Skyler, I won’t hurt you.” He said softy. Damien gently turned her around and carefully removed the tape from her wrists. She was shaky and skittish, and the moment she was free she backed up against the wall as far from Chester and Rowan as she could get. “I’m waiting to hear what happened.” Damien growled at his two guards who were attempting to look as small as they could.
“They saw her, we had to bring her back with us.” Chester said.
“And the point of the restraints.” Damien growled.
“Well she’s kind of feisty.” Chester chuckled but then stopped when he saw the death look Damien gave him.
“And she bites.” Rowan grumbled, rubbing his hand.
“You two wait in my office.” Damien ordered. “Cole…”
“I’ll check it out.” Cole interrupted as he threw on a jacket and walked out the front door.
Damien turned back towards Skyler, she was still huddle against the wall looking scared and shaken. He walked slowly toward her and lifted his hand to brush her hair from her eyes. She immediately shrunk back and turned away from him in fear. Damn, this was not how he wanted to start things out with Skyler. He had planned on wooing her and impressing her with all he had to offer, but now all he could do was try and take away some of her fear. “Don’t be afraid, you’re safe here.” He said gently as he once again tried to reach out to her. She didn’t move away this time and he softly braced his hand against her face, “Are you hurt?” He asked. She looked up at him and shook her head but didn’t say anything. He could see the fear in her eyes and feel the tension in her body, but as he lightly brushed his thumb against her cheek he could feel her slowly relax. He stared into her eyes and gave her a reassuring smile before dropping his hand.
He gently took her hand in his and led her to the kitchen. He sat her at the table then went and rummaged through the cupboards. “What would you like to drink? Tea? Coffee?”
“Just water.” She said quietly.
Damien grabbed a glass from the cupboard, put ice and water in it, then dropped two little white pills in. He grabbed a bottle of beer from the fridge for himself then went and sat at the table across from her. Skyler took the water from him and drank nearly the whole thing in one long gulp. She set the glass down in front of her and stared into the cup as she slowly swirled her finger around the rim. “Would you like some more?” Damien asked.
Skyler just shook her head and continued staring at the glass.
“Skyler…” Damien began.
“Why, Damien? Why would you do this?” Skyler asked as she finally lifted her head and looked at him. “I thought I could trust you, I thought you were a good man.”
“Sky…” Damien started but Skyler interrupted again.
“I was going to come back, I wanted to see you again…But then you go and do something like this. I can’t believe I was so stupid to think I had feelings for you.”
Damien watched as Skyler’s face went from scared, to sad, to mad, and back to sad again. By the time she was done talking she had tears running down her cheeks. Damien reached across the table and gently wiped away her tears. “Oh sweetheart, you weren’t wrong about me.” He said sweetly.
“Can you just take me back to my hotel, now?” She said coldly as she pushed his hand away and turned away from him.
Her rejection shot through him leaving a cold and empty feeling inside. He couldn’t blame her for feeling mad and betrayed. She didn’t understand the situation she didn’t know that she was brought here for her own protection and unfortunately now was not the time to explain it to her. If he told her now she would only feel more betrayed and the small feelings that were growing for him would disappear completely.
“I know you’re scared Skyler, but I promise I would never hurt you. I need to talk to Chester and Rowan can you bare with me for a few minutes.” Damien asked. He didn’t want to lie to her but he couldn’t take her back to her hotel so he had to stall till the sleeping pills he put in her water took effect.
Skyler nodded her head and Damien got up to leave. “You’re welcome to have anything to eat or drink I’ll be right back.” He said. As he was leaving he watched Skyler lay her head on her arms which were folded on top of the table. He was pretty sure she would be asleep before he even got back.
In his office Rowan and Chester were sitting on the couch talking quietly. When he entered they went silent, “Tell me what happened.” Damien said as he stood in front of them with his arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face.
“We found her at the Wild Ace’s she was playing pool by herself.” Rowan said.
“We thought it would be good to stay close to her until she was ready to leave so we asked if we could play with her. We played for a few hours and everything was fine, right up till she decided to leave.” Chester added.
“As she was walking out the door, a pack of wolves walked in.” Rowan said as he rubbed his hand through his hair.
“It was just bad timing Alpha. We were going to sneak around back and follow her to her hotel but…” Chester hesitated.
“Her scent is too strong.” Damien finished for him. “I know.” He said as he sat on the chair across from them.
“They were getting ready to follow her, and we couldn’t leave her so…” Rowan started.
“So we just scooped her up and got out of there as fast as we could.” Chester finished. “We’re sorry we scared her, and about the restraints but she fought us the whole way here.” Chester said.
“Yeah she does that when she’s scared.” Damien said as he thought about how she was ready to fight him just for holding her arm. He could only imagine how hard she fought against these two when they abducted her. “Thank you for bringing her here, but for now I want you and everyone else to stay away from her. She is in a vulnerable position, and she doesn’t trust any of us. I need time to build her trust back and it’s going to be hard since I can’t let her leave.”
“Where is she now?” Chester asked.
“Hopefully asleep in the kitchen, I’m going to get her and move her up to the guest room closest to mine. I need you two to go through her purse and find which hotel she is staying at, then go there and bring back her personal belongings, and her rental car. We’ll wait to see what Cole finds out before we plan anything else.”
“We’ll take care of it, anything else Alpha?” Rowan asked.
“No. You’re dismissed.”