I was dismayed when Carmela announced they were going to have a lovely evening with the two nannies she brought with her. What kind of parent needs two nannies to help look after one small child for the night? I was even more discouraged when she told Annie she'd teach her some spells before bed. I know that Annie is half-witch and has every right to learn about her heritage, but the thought of her learning spells so young makes me nervous. Especially if her mom is going to disappear for months at a time and not give her any real guidance.
I pull out my phone and set a reminder to speak to the local coven about starting classes with Annie. She's not showing any signs of shifter or magical ability yet, but she will. It's inevitable. Just as inevitable as the fact that her mom won't be there to help her.
I'm so used to being in control of every aspect of my life and business. Sitting here, wondering if Annie is having a good time, is driving me crazy. I'm not used to the feeling, and I definitely can't just sit with it.
Finishing my drink, I fire off a message to Carmela, asking how Annie has settled in at the apartment. I watch as the dots flash on my phone for a few minutes. Eventually, she replieswith a photo of my beaming daughter making pizza with Katie, one of her nannies, and the caption,They’re having a great time.
I have no doubt Annie’s having a great time with Katie. They always do. But I release a heavy sigh, noting that Carmela doesn't see anything wrong with this scenario. Yes, I use nannies, too. But that's for work, not simply to hang out together in the evening. Yet, despite my annoyance over how Carmela chooses to spend her precious little time with Annie, I am at least reassured that my daughter is having fun.
I put my phone on the counter and pour another drink, trying to drown out the intense silence with some music. My phone beeps again. Assuming it's from Carmela, I'm surprised to see a video message from Jonah.
I press play, and a scene from Jonah's penthouse comes to life. I instantly recognize some of the faces as he pans the phone around the room. He’s flown in his favorite jazz band, and I see the cabaret twins he always enjoys doing one of their seductive routines on a podium in the background.
The camera pans back to his face, his eyes glowing with enthusiasm as he begins trying to talk me into attending the party, which I'm sure is just warming up.
"...even Dom's here, Cole. And he never comes to my parties! Max is over from Miami, and he brought his new wife or boyfriend, I'm not sure." He laughs. "I know you've had a shitty week, but I've got you. If anyone can cheer you up, it's me. Or maybe your redhead. She's here looking hot..."
Redhead…does he mean Saffy?
I close the video and immediately call Jonah. It rings a few times, but eventually, he answers with a laugh. "Sorry, man. I was busy in the hot tub. Wet hands, you know—"
"Is Saffy there?"
He laughs again. "I knew that would get your attention, but I didn't expect you to be so fucking obvious."
"Just answer me," I bark, in no mood for his jokes right now. Jonah's parties are always wild. No place for someone as innocent as Saffy.
"Yeah, man," he says. "Looking hot, too."
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I had a feeling that Jonah's grand plan to bring his party lifestyle to the mountains would be a bad idea, but I didn't think it would ever involve Saffy.
"Who did she go with?" I ask.
Jonah pauses for a moment, obviously trying to think through his shifter alcohol-addled brain. "That kid that's always a bit overexcited. The other intern."
Terrance.
"I'm on my way," I tell him.
Before I hang up, I hear him announce, "Cole's coming!" A raucous cheer goes up in the background, but I'm in no mood to party.
Or, more accurately, I'm not in the mood for Saffy to be partying with anyone else. My wolf is riled and won't be satisfied until he sees her.
Thankfully, the penthouse isn't far from my cabin, as I bought up a chunk of real estate near the new office. Soon, I'm impatiently hitting Jonah's elevator button, frustration threatening to overwhelm me as I wait for the doors to open. I run a hand through my hair, my foot tapping impatiently. I'm on the verge of finding the fire exit stairs when the doors finally slide open. I'm grateful no one else is waiting because I'm in no mood to talk.
I catch sight of my reflection in the elevator mirror. Despite my polished exterior, all I can see is my wolf burning brightly in my eyes. I should have known it would come to this. My obsession with Saffy has been building for weeks now. I'vegone from thinking it was simply desire to being almost unable to think of anything else. Anything but Saffy and that kiss, her soft lips, and the way her delicate body yielded under mine. It's like my wolf won't let go of his prey. The feeling rides me day and night.
This isn't lust. It runs so much deeper.
I doubt she's ready for me, but I don't care right now. I may have been away from my pack for years, but I'm not stupid. You don't fuck around with the beta's much younger little sister unless you want to create major problems for yourself. My business is already causing a lot of local disruption, buying up real estate, launching new tech in a closed community, and bringing in outsiders. I need Diego and Zack on my side while the pack gets used to me being back. I'm usually business-first. That’s why I held off with Saffy.
But I am done waiting.
My wolf is dangerously close to breaking free as I hear the clamor from the party before the doors even open. The sight that greets me is precisely what I expected. A semi-naked couple who intended to leave the party, but got distracted on the way and are now fucking in an alcove next to the elevators. An elegant server, completely ignoring the couple having sex to my left, steps forward and offers me a glass of champagne. I turn to shake my head, and I know he sees how close my wolf is to the surface as he backs away so fast, he nearly knocks over the entire drinks counter behind him.
I don't wait to see if he's okay or apologize; I'm already striding through the penthouse. The couple fucking by the elevator is just the tip of the iceberg, as the main room has descended into debauchery. I have to admit, though, Jonah knows how to throw an excellent party.
Despite my lousy mood, I can't help but chuckle as I spot David from R&D—one of the “uptight locals,” as Jonah likes tocall them—getting blown by one of Jonah's cabaret twins. Good for him.