“Oh.” Grayson’s jaw twitched. “That does sound like it would take a toll.”
“Sorry.” She gave him a sheepish expression. “I know you’ve hired me, and it must undermine your confidence hearing me say this.”
He grunted. “A job I couldn’t manage myself so I had to outsource?” He arched his brows. “I think I’d be a hypocrite if I wasn’t understanding there.”
She exhaled with more ease. “I could ask my aunt to send someone up who might be more successful than I’ve been.”
“Nonsense.” He took her hand across the table and then stared down at them, as if surprised by his action. He released her hand. “Not at all. I realize who you’re dealing with and how stubborn they are. I’m grateful for the attempt to reason with them in trying to find an agreement we can all live with—without any more bloodshed.”
“Thank you, Grayson. I’ll do my best.”
After she’d revealed more about herself to him, it was difficult not to feel closer to him. It was even more of a struggle to ignore the tension that seemed to build each time they saw each other.
Snowflakes fell as they walked through the village after they left the restaurant. All the snow on the roofs and the tiny lights from the many storefronts made it look more like Christmas than February. The moon hung low and luminous amid the twinkling stars. The cool winter air brushed her cheek.
“What a beautiful night,” she remarked. “The moon looks golden.”
He glanced up at it and then at her. “Does the moon have any particular significance to you as a witch?”
She nodded. “It does indeed. Some spells work better if a witch casts it under a certain phase of the moon. When it’s waxing, like tonight, spells for growth and creation are a good fit.” She turned to him. “And for you, a shifter?”
He glanced up again. “My wolf feels the moon’s power growing and it invigorates us. Our urges grow stronger. To hunt. To fight. To—”
He left that sentence unfinished, although she was certain she could fill in the blank. As she pictured what he’d be like in bed, her cheeks warmed.
“I often run as a wolf for longer periods, enjoying the hunt,” Grayson said.
Picturing this beautiful man as a wolf fascinated her. “And when it wanes?”
He grinned. “We catch up on rest.”
They continued walking through the village. Although the restaurants and pubs were still open, many of the brick-front stores were closed for the night.
“Were you involved in getting these businesses established?” Aurora asked.
“Quite a bit.”
“How so?”
“When we purchased the business and land, it was pretty much a no-frills operation. The chair lifts were rustic, the hotel dated. We renovated it all. One thing I wanted was to encourage more small businesses to set up shop. The more we had to offer, the more likely visitors were likely to stay for longer periods. So in addition to our daily and weekend visitors, we also marketed to those looking for longer rentals or even second homes. With the mountain and lake, we have a draw for all seasons—hiking on the trails in spring, swimming on the lake in summer, going leaf peeping in the fall, and of course, skiing or snowboarding in winter. Some have even moved here as permanent residents.”
“That’s fantastic. I had no idea that the resort had that much to offer year round,” Aurora replied. “How did you convince them to start new businesses up here?”
“That’s what kept me busy for years. I put together financial incentives that helped lower the costs of starting a new business, and doing so with green energy. We respect the earth, despite what the Saccos accuse us of. I’m happy to say that it has paid off. Not only are we continuing to grow and expand, but we are also developing new housing units to keep up with the demand.”
She gazed at him, fascinated with all he had accomplished. “I’m impressed. You must be incredibly skilled.”
“We’re each good at something,” he responded with a modest shrug.
The fluttering snowflakes fell over them, casting more of a magical spell in the heated moment.
He stopped in front of an empty storefront with clouded windows. “You have some snowflakes on your cheek.”
He brushed them off, but left his hand on her cheek. His fingers were warm on her skin. She’d heard that wolves ran hot and now believed it. When their eyes locked, her breath caught. His eyes glowed brighter, more of a golden hue that reminded her of the moonlight in an autumn sky.
Grayson swallowed. He stepped closer to her. His mouth was only inches from hers. His gaze lowered to her lips.
Her awareness grew like a wildfire, while her heart pounded with anticipation that stole all reason.
“I want to kiss you so badly, Aurora,” he admitted in a tormented voice.
“Then why don’t you?” How a sentence formed in her scrambled brain was a mystery.
“Because—” He moved closer, so near that his warm breath fluttered over her lips. “Because I know we shouldn’t.”
His voice had darkened to a husky tone. Her heart was practically hammering through her rib cage. “You’re right. We shouldn’t.” Nevertheless, she rose on her tiptoes, angling her face up to meet his.
An agonized growl escaped him. His eyes turned near feral, sending wild heat scorching down to her core. She’d never felt such longing before with the hunger almost palpable.
In the next heartbeat, his hands were on the sides of her head and his mouth crashing down on hers.
He kissed her in a way that was purely ravenous, devouring her with a passion she’d never known. It was as if he’d wanted her for so long and finally let down the last wall of restraint, allowing all his desire to rush through.
Hungry fire ignited within, coursing throughout her with licks of flames that left every inch of skin sensitive and scorching with need.
He pressed his massive chest against her, leaving no space between her and the brick wall behind her back. Desire flooded her. They were outside in the shadows, out in public where anyone could see them, and she’d never experienced such a thrill in her life.
A woman’s gasp captured their attention, and they broke apart.
When they turned, Victoria stared at them with furious eyes.
Grayson
Damn it. Out of all the people to catch Grayson kissing Aurora, it had to be Victoria. She ran away from them.
He pulled away from Aurora with utmost reluctance. His wolf howled inside. Why would you stop?
“What’s wrong?” Aurora peered at him from questioning eyes. “Is she your girlfriend?” Her mouth tightened, expression turning wary.
“No.” He ran his hands through his hair. “She’s just my pack mate, but she’s had a thing for me since we were teens. I’ve told her that it’s not going to happen, but still. I don’t want to hurt her.”
The way Aurora eyed him with skepticism scorched his soul. Not only was he hurting her, but Victoria. What a way he was failing as beta, upsetting his pack mates, and undermining his failing plan for peace.
“I’ve sensed something between you,” Aurora replied. “Promise me you are not playing games, Grayson. Because if you’re playing us both, that’s a shitty thing to do.”