Chapter 21

Despite the argument Arthur and I had this morning, I was very excited for what the day would bring. It’s not every day that you get to work with one of your heroes. And that’s exactly what Noah Cunningham was to me.

I had spent hours trying to recreate his work. There was just something about his paintings that drew me in. I was hoping that as his assistant, I would learn a thing or two from him.

Arthur had insisted on driving me to Noah’s house today. I had told him he didn’t have to, but he’d shut me down fast. He was a man who was used to getting what he wanted and I didn’t want to stir up trouble after last night.

A blush spread across my face as I thought of last night. Arthur raised an eyebrow at me, a knowing smirk turning up the corners of his lips. Sometimes I hated being a wolf. It wasn’t fair that everyone knew when I was turned on.

“Just say the word, little wolf, and I’ll give you what you want,” Arthur whispered and I shushed him, covering my hands with my face. Was he trying to kill me?

I lowered my hands when I heard the door open. Noah had come out to meet us. “Almara, you look lovely this morning. And who might you be?” While his tone was polite, I could hear the stiffness in it. Maybe I should have called ahead to say that Arthur was coming with me.

“I’m Arthur Covington, Alpha of the Hurricane Pack and Almara’s fiance,” Arthur said, pulling himself to his full height. He extended his hand and when Noah took, he squeezed much harder than he had to. I made a face at him, which he ignored.

Noah barely even flinched. “I wasn’t aware that Almara was engaged. She’s never mentioned you.”

Arthur narrowed his eyes. “Well, now you are. And since you’ve only known her for a day, I’m not surprised. I expect that you will take care to remember it.”

One side of Noah’s lips quirked up into a smirk. I could almost feel the testosterone rising. What were they doing?

Arthur sees Noah as a threat. Noah is antagonizing him. This is fun, Lily said and if she had hands to rub together, she would have. I rolled my eyes at her. There was no way that was correct.

“I’ll be sure to do that. Sweetness, I’ll be inside. Come in when you’re ready,” Noah said and my eyes widened at the term of endearment. Where had that come from? Maybe Lily was right.

Noah disappeared inside and I turned toward Arthur. “What was that about?”

“Whatever do you mean?All I was doing was being a proper fiance,” Arthur explained and my eyebrows rose.

“I really don’t think that was necessary. Noah and I are just work colleagues. Nothing more,” I protested. Even if Arthur and I weren’t together, I would never risk my job over something like this.

Arthur narrowed his eyes at me and leaned in until his lips were at my ear. “Your scent says otherwise. You’re attracted to him. I suppose I can’t blame you. He is handsome. But you’ll do well to remember that you’re mine, Sweetness.”

My face burned. I hadn’t known that I was giving off any kind of scent. I could admit that Noah was attractive, but I had thought that was all it was. Or was it because Arthur was an alpha that he could smell it?

“You still didn’t have to treat him that way,” I mutter, crossing my arms under my chest. But some part of me was kind of happy that Arthur was acting this way. Which was very dangerous.

“He wants you. I had to assert my dominance. And you should not be taking his side,” Arthur said, pulling back and crossing his own arms. Red and green intermingled above his head and my eyes widened. Lily was right. He was upset…and jealous.

“You’re right. I should be playing my role a bit better. How’s this?” I asked, raising up on tiptoe so I could press my lips gently against his. Memories of last night rushed in and I squeezed my legs together.

Arthur made a small noise and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer. He deepened the kiss until all I saw were stars behind my eyes. When he pulled away, I knew my lips were swollen.

“If I could take you home now, I would, little wolf. But until then, just keep this warm for me,” he breathed into my ear, passing a hand so quickly between my legs, I barely had time to register if was there.

Then he was walking away and I was left staring after him, a small smile playing on my lips.

That was hot, Lily said and for once I agreed with her.

Noah

Noah watched the two wolves from one of the windows, making sure to keep in the shadows. A muscle in his jaw twitched as Almara went on tiptoe to kiss her fiance. He could practically smell her arousal from here and his hand tightened on the glass he was holding.

The thick red liquid sloshed around, threatening to overspill. He relaxed his grip. He had more control than this, but there was something about that girl. His eyes darted to the mirror across from him. His eyes had turned red.

That was an interesting development. He’d thought he’d buried those types of feelings.

Noah turned back to the window, his lips pulling back into a snarl as he watched Arthur quickly caress Almara between her legs before leaving. He was most certainly going to have to do something about that, even if it meant getting rid of the mangy fleabag.

Noah hadn’t felt this way about anyone in a very long time. He mostly kept to himself. He much preferred his artwork to people. Paintings could never let him down…or betray him.

Almara stood frozen on his lawn and he quickly drained the rest of his drink. It wouldn’t do for her to catch him drinking just now. Not when they were still getting to know each other.

Noah took the glass to the kitchen, putting it in the sink. His eyes still reflected red in the window. He sighed and closed his eyes, willing his temper away. It had been ages since he lost control. He wouldn’t give in to it now.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Cunningham.” Almara’s voice came from behind him. He opened his eyes, glad to see that they were back to his usual violet.

“Please, call me Noah,” he said, turning and offering her a gentle smile. His smile widened as he heard her heart skip a beat. He knew she was attracted to him. He didn’t think it would be too hard to win her heart all the way.

“ And no need to worry, Sweetness. I’ll always happily wait for you,” he said and he reveled in the way her eyes widened, at the slight intake of breath. Yes, winning her heart should definitely prove to be his easiest mission yet.