Page 4 of No Harm No Howl

“Oh, I know all about you, Mr. Waters. You’re a prominent businessman in the community and one of our area’s most eligible bachelors,” she replied.

“So, that’s what this is about? My standing in the community and my bank account?” he asked, growing more frustrated by the second.

“Absolutely not. I have an established record of finding mates for all sorts of paranormal and otherworldly creatures who have otherwise hit a brick wall in that department. Feel free to do your own research and read the myriad of testimonials.”

“You have my attention,” he said, taking a deep breath and calming his nerves. He was always on edge, waiting for people to display their true intentions. Everyone he met always wanted something. It usually came down to money. For once, he wanted someone to want him for just him and not the balance in his bank account.

“Good. Now, I hear that you’re in the market for a new executive assistant.”

And there it was. The main reason for her call. She, too, wanted something from him. He took another deep breath, trying to keep his anger and blood pressure in check long enough to see where this was going.

“You heard correctly. Why?” Despite trying to control his temperament, his voice came out as more of a monstrous growl than a human response.

“Easy. I’m asking because your mate lost her job today, and she’s going to be …”

“Send her to me. We’ll see just how good you are when it comes to finding mates,” he snapped

“Very well. It was nice speaking to you, Mr. Waters.”

“You as well, Ms. Wilder.”

There were at least a thousand questions that Russ had wanted to ask, but he didn’t. He didn’t want to seem anxious. Not when keeping his cool was what the situation required. Gerri claimed to not only know who his mate was, but she also promised to send her to him.

His beast surged forward, pushing for a release. Russ fought it, knowing that now was not the time He needed to stay calm. For all he knew, this could be one giant hoax meant to destroy him or his company.

He’d have to wait … to be patient and see how this thing played out.

You have got to stop being so damn paranoid. It’s our mate that we’re talking about. Why would anyone try to destroy us over our mate?his beast asked.

Because I’ve made a lot of enemies over the years.Russ kept his answer to his beast short and sweet. The animal in him had a one-track mind and wouldn’t be able to follow human emotions and rules easily.

I will kill anyone who dares come after our mate,the animal growled in his mind.

And there it was … that one-track mind.

THREE

GIA

“Hold on a minute,” Gia shouted as she raced to the front door, tying her robe tightly around her. She wondered who the hell would be knocking at her door. It wasn’t like she was expecting company today. Twisting the deadbolt, she unlocked the door and pulled it open.

“What are you doing here?” she said with a smile, stepping to the side to let her visitor in.

“Sorry, I know I should have called first, but I brought lunch.” Gerri held up two bags to show them off.

“It smells wonderful. Let me throw on some clothes. You know where everything is. Feel free to help yourself,” Gia said before heading to her bedroom to quickly get dressed. It wasn’t odd that Gerri had stopped by, but it was odd that she hadn’t called or texted first. It was very out of character for her.

“Not that I’m complaining, but what brings you by today?” Gia asked as she stepped back into the kitchen, where Gerri was busy setting out the food she had brought with her.

“Let’s grab some of this food before it gets cold, and we can talk while we eat,” Gerri said.

“Perfect. I’m starving. I was getting ready to figure out what to make,” Gia said, grabbing a plate and filling it.

“I figured so,” Gerri replied, “since we only had pie last night after the concert.”

“That was more fun than I’d ever imagined. We really should get out and do stuff like that more often.” Yes, she had always wanted to see Taylor Swift live, and she finally got the chance, thanks to Kendall and Gerri. Going on other similar outings with her friends could only result in amazing times.

“I think so, too, but there was one thing that I noticed last night,” Gerri said.

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