Page 30 of After the Fall

“No.” The three of us sasquatches chimed in together.

“What?” Harper played with the cuticles of her nails. “I could apply for a job there.”

“That’s actually not a bad idea.” Tank sounded surprised.

I was shocked that he would say anything positive about something that came from Harper’s mouth.

“It’s a terrible idea,” I said. “They’re experimenting on humans and they likely experimented on Harper’s father. What if they decide that they want their new intern to help out with an experiment or two? Besides, your name is already flagged with the Carders.”

Harper bit her lip. She knew I was right.

“I’ve got it.” Savannah launched to her feet. “The gala.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Tank muttered behind me.

“No, listen.” Savannah’s eyes sparkled. She spread her arms wide and I got a waft of her perfume in the breeze, nauseating me. “The Carder Corporation is hosting a gala on Halloween.My PR firm is handling the publicity. I have access to the guest list, the seating chart…” She pointed to each of her manicured fingers as she listed all the insider info she’d have. “And I can get more intel leading up to the event. I bet I can even get in a few new hires for the waitstaff.” She pointed to Connor. “They only hire good looking men, so Connor and…” Her voice faltered as she looked at Tank. “Anyone else that hasn’t been on the ‘Sexiest Under Forty’ Billionaire Bachelors list could work at the gala. Atticus, Wyatt, I can get you both on the guest list. That would be easy.”

Both Atticus and I were well-recognized on the Seattle socialite scene. Tank was not. The idea of him pouring champagne was amusing, and I knew wouldn’t go over well with him.

“I think it’s the best option we have.” Atticus looked defeated. “I hate waiting until Halloween, but it does give us time to get our ducks in a row.”

“What about us? The wolves can help.” Connor’s eyes had been glued to Savannah. His admiration of her was obvious.

“What do you think, Boss?” Atticus deferred to me.

I rubbed the scruff on my chin. “Tell Bannon and your higher-ups what’s going on. If it’s as bad as I think it is, we may need to put together a coordinated effort to free the hikers and find out what kind of evil has been transpiring in our backyard.”

Savannah clapped her hands together. “Okay, then. Wyatt, I’m assuming that you’ll be bringing Harper as your date?”

Harper’s cheeks flushed as red as the tea in the glass pot and her heart rate picked up a few BPMs. With Gloria’s ruby tea running through my veins, I could see, feel, hear, and smell Harper intensely. Animalistic urges surged through my body and all I could think about was getting everyone, including that hiker, out of my house so I could bury my face between Harper’slegs. “Of course.” I reached for Harper and she took my hand. I pulled her down to my lap. “On one condition.”

“What’s that?” Her heartbeat thumped like a bass drum and the smell of her desire overpowered Savannah’s floral perfume.

“You have to promise to stay out of the woods.”

Her body sagged. “But I want to find my dad.”

“And we will. But until we know exactly what we’re dealing with, you have to stay out of the woods.”

“Both of you,” Atticus interjected.

“Oh, don’t worry about me.” Savannah held up her hands and laughed. “I hate the forest. But Harper, they’re right. You need to promise to stay out of the woods.”

“Fine,” Harper sighed. “Yes, my love. I will be your date.” Harper kissed my cheek. “And Savannah, you’re going to have to loan me one of your dresses.”

“You got it.” Savannah smiled.

“Before you two continue with the Cinderella garbage, what do you want me to do with the guy downstairs?” Tank interrupted.

Atticus stood. “Let’s put him to sleep and question him again in the morning.”

As everyone stood and got ready to leave, I whispered in Harper’s ear. “No woman of mine is borrowing a dress. Instead of sneaking out to the woods tomorrow, take my credit card and go buy the sexiest fucking dress you can find.”

“I like it when you tell me what to do,” she whispered, her lips brushing against my ear.

“Really?” I pulled back to look her in the eyes.

The mischievous glint was back. “Only when it comes to couture.” A smile spread across her face and she leaned in again, this time pressing her chest against mine. “And maybe in the bedroom.”

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