“Mmm…”
It was almost dark and I sensed she was more skittish about the lack of light than normal. At least when I pulled into thedriveway entrance, she seemed to relax since there were lights on the tall brick walls extending several yards from both sides of the driveway.
I’d purposely kept trees lining the mile-long private road, all with lights at the base of the tree. I had security as did anyone in the kind of positions we were in with Wolfen Industries. While not extensive, the entire perimeter was wired so that any movement other than done by small animals foraging the forest floor would notify the system.
I also had a gate and brick wall built in front, the front panel allowing me access to interior and exterior lights and other functions. When I turned on the decorative white lights I’d had installed in the tree canopies, she moved to the edge of her seat.
“Lights. They’re beautiful. Almost Christmasy,” she said. “A sharp contrast to your personality.”
“I think I’ll take that as an insult,” I said, trying to make light. “Christmas is my mother’s favorite holiday.” I drove through the gates, keeping the window open to allow me to take a deep whiff. There were scents of the deep forest and moss, and a light water smell from the spray of the waterfall.
I could also gather a scent of creatures hunting, but they weren’t wolves or even coyotes. They were aware of me, but I’d built a symbiotic relationship with those that had remained for any length of time. They knew I had no intention of hurting them.
The house was built over the river, both sides bridging the gap while the long expanse of adjoining rooms over the body of water was used for entertaining.
The entire structure was lit up with enough of the exterior lights to make her feel comfortable. That was easy to tell by her morerelaxed body language. She was also able to gather a peek at the bridge area as well. The glass windows allowed a see-through view. Some might say it was dangerous, but I had gone to the trouble of installing bulletproof glass. Yes, I had enemies in the corporate world, but telling her would only add to her angst.
“Is someone home?” Sedona asked.
“I turned the lights on a few minutes ago at the gate. I can also do so using my phone. I don’t live in the dark ages, Sedona, if that’s what you think. We don’t live in huts and forage for small animals to feed on.”
“Don’t make fun of my fears, Jax. Imagine what other humans will think when they learn they’re not alone, a wolf maybe purchasing the house next door to them. Talk about pandemonium.”
“I’m in no way making fun. I’m also aware humans can never find out. Our goal isn’t to take over the world.”
The words hung in the air and her heavy sigh meant she wasn’t completely buying them.
“I can’t wait to see inside your home.”
“To ensure I’m not lying?”
“Something like that. Look at all those rocks,” she mused. “Incredible. Peaceful.”
“There are rock gardens and various granite paths leading to some of the most amazing sights in the area. I love it here and when the land went up for auction, I paid way too much for it. There’s even a secret hidden cave.”
“Exciting. A cave. Now can I call you a caveman?”
“You do and you see what that gets you.” I pulled around to the side where I had a three-car garage.
“I would have thought you’d have a dozen cars, all worth millions.”
I gave her a look as I pulled into the enclosed area. “I do.”
“Such a spoiled brat.”
“You’ve called me much worse.”
When the engine was stopped, she took a few seconds before opening her door. Once outside, she appeared more nervous than she had before. “Jax, I don’t like this. Just being away from my daughter. Worrying about my lab. Uncertain what the hell is going on. I’m an outsider, no matter how you look at it. I come from a different type of family, wolf or no wolf.”
I closed the door and slowly walked around to the other side. “What do you mean?”
“You’re a bazillionaire and I come from a very poor family. I had to work two jobs while attending high school to try and have money for college. The first year I went to community college to keep the funds growing. I’m not in your league.”
I closed the distance, crowding her space until she finally smiled and planted her palm against my chest. “You’re very special to me.”
“Don’t. You’re a very bad man and I don’t think I like you very much.”
“That’s not what you said inside the elevator. I seem to recall that?—”