“Yes, and you?” he asks as he jumps in the driver’s seat.
“I’ve never done it before.”
“Maybe we’ll get some time, and I can show you.”
“That would be good,” I choke out, immediately feeling uncomfortable about the heights. I’ve never climbed the mountains in Wolfe Creek because I was scared.
“Are you afraid?”
“No… Maybe a little,” I admit with pursed lips.
“Don’t worry. I have great reflexes, and I won’t let anything happen to you.” He leans in and kisses my lips before turning on the SUV.
“Then I’m all yours.”
“That you are.” He pulls out of his driveway, and we’re on our way to work. I’m super nervous, but I do my best to take it easy and think about how beautiful the snow looks against the lush greenery.
We drive through the mountain pass and arrive at a palatial-looking resort. Hunter’s is nice, but this is much grander. Its entrance is like Wolfe’s Den, but with a longer roundabout for the valet. He pulls into a spot where a few cars are actually parked, and it has his name on it. We exit and he takes my hand, leading me past all the curious eyes. He ignores everyone unless they greet us with a good morning. Then we walk down the hall and to the elevators. Off to the side is one that says Conference level. He presses the button for that elevator and the doors open immediately. “My office is on the top floor. It’s where we have conference rooms for our guests,” he answers my unspoken question.
“So that’s the opposite of Wolfe’s Den, then.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Not at all. You get a great view from up top, correct?”
“Yes. It’s definitely a selling point.”
“So do you have to meet with anyone today?”
“I don’t believe so.” It’s a quick ride to the tenth floor and as the doors open, I’m taken aback at the elegance. It’s not what I would have expected for the rustic appeal of the rest of the hotel and resort. “This leads to my office and Daphne’s, but down that way are the conference rooms.”
“Good morning, Nancy,” he says with a smile.
“Good morning, Mr. Turner.” She has a smile on her face until she sees me and his hand in mine.
“Nancy, this is my fiancée, Maria.”
“You’re engaged?” she gasps, and I know immediately this woman is human and attracted to him. Strange, I feel like I can smell her.
So you can start to smell the way that we do now? Interesting. She’s young and human, but not interested in me. It’s the only reason I’ve allowed her to work so closely to my offices.
“It’s nice to meet you, Nancy. I’ll be doing my best to fill in for Daphne while she’s out on maternity leave.”
“It’s a pleasure to have you here. If you need any help, please let me know.” She picks up a stack of envelopes and hands them to Turner. “Here’s the mail while you were out, sir.”
“So I know you have a busy day ahead—can you point me to what you need me to do first?”
“Daphne’s office is right here.” He points to the door off to the right, but it’s the door next to the large wall behind the receptionist that he pulls me into. “This is my office. Our office, to be exact.” It’s massive. Maybe the length of the wall and nearly just as deep. He has a large desk in the middle of the room where there is a view of the snowy mountain range behind him. Off to one side is a medium-sized round conference table and a sofa, and the walls are lined with bookshelves and cabinets.
“What’s that door?”
“My private bathroom.”
“That’s awesome.” I pause and then turn to face my mate. “So are we going to talk about what I need to do?”
“I see you’re anxious to get to work.”
“The sooner we get everything on track, the sooner we can relax together. I can sense your anxiety. What’s it about? Your brother, the resort, us?”
“I can’t help the worry when it comes to Max, but I believe it’s everything. I’ve gone about our mating all wrong. I haven’t told my people, but I suppose it doesn’t really matter because I’m sure they’ll all be coming to meet you one way or another. They’re excited, from what I hear, but I’m feeling a little hesitant.”
“Why, are you ashamed you—”
“Stop yourself right there. I’m not ashamed in the least. I don’t want to share you with others. Human or shifter, I’m a crazy, jealous bastard and I’m not okay with it.” I smile and wrap my arms around his waist and press my head against his chest.
“That’s a much better answer.”
There is a buzz on the intercom, so he reaches over and presses it. “Yes?”
“Mathias needs a word with you as soon as possible. There’s a problem with a couple of servers.”