Authors: Carrie Kelly
Tate hurried through and reached out. Then I was right back
into his arms. I’ve always been able to escape from anything in the past, but
not from Tate. Was I really losing my touch or what?
“Thank you so much,” he said warmly and flashed a smile at
the girl.
A blush spread across her cheeks. “It was nothing Mr.
Wilson,” she said and smiled.
I’d roll my eyes if I could.
Tate kept a tight hold on me as he left the party and
marched upstairs to his bedroom. Then he splashed more powder in my face.
I grunted as my human form took shape. “I really hate that
stuff,” I said through gritted teeth.
“Well, I wouldn’t have to use it if you weren’t so stubborn.
Really, Elise,” he said as he hefted me up and pushed me against the wall.
“Stop trying to run away from me!”
I opened my mouth then shut it and looked away.
He tilted my chin back towards his face. “Listen. I have a
proposition for you. Hear me out and if you don’t like it then I’ll let you
go,” he said.
I stared for a moment before finally nodding. “Fine, what is
it?” I asked.
“First you’re going to bathe and dress. Then you’re going to
join me and everyone else downstairs.”
With a strong huff, I scowled. “I hate crowds,” I whined.
Tate walked to the claw foot tub and turned on the water.
“Come here,” he demanded.
It was no use fighting anymore. I walked over and got
inside. The hot water prickled on my skin.
He took off his jacket and rolled his sleeves up.
“I can bathe myself you know,” I said and grabbed the soap.
He shot an icy stare. Then he took the soap from me,
scrubbed my back and around to my front.
My nipples hardened under his palm and I trembled.
“What am I supposed to wear?” I asked.
The man wiped his arm over his brow. His eyes glowed,
showing the angry wolf underneath. “I have one for you. I guessed the
measurements, so hopefully they come close,” he said and handed me the soap.
“I’ll let you finish.”
I took the damn thing and frowned.
He disappeared for a moment and came back with a few boxes.
“For when you’re done.”
I finished scrubbing, stood up and grabbed the robe hanging
from the towel rack. The material was so soft it was like being wrapped inside
a cloud. It also smelled like him.
Tate’s anger seemed to subside as he watched me dry. Then he
left me to my own devices for the next twenty minutes.
The smaller box contained a make-up kit and red lipstick. I
snorted and looked in the mirror. My hair was a lot longer than I’d realize.
Opening the bigger box, I gasped at the dress.
I’m not one to know about fashion, but I could swear the
design logo was famous and very expensive.
I slipped it over my shoulders and fixed the top. It was a
bit too tight around the chest and very snug on the hips. Turning around, I
frowned at my ass.
Ugh! Why was he making me do this?
I hurried and applied some make-up. Something I haven’t worn
in quite a while. Studying my face, I applied red lipstick. Matching the color
of the dress. I guess it wasn’t too bad. Along with my black hair and pale skin
the red really made everything pop. My eyes shone bright blue.
My cheeks were full now. I remember before I gained weight
they’d been sharp. My nose even seemed to of grown a little.
A footstep squeaked on the floor around me and I spun
around.
Tate took a deep breath. “Gorgeous,” he said and walked up
to me.
I pursed my lips and twiddled my fingers together. “So, um you
just happen to have lots of dresses lying around?” I asked. Why was I asking?
It was Tate Wilson. He’s probably had tons of lovers. My gut tightened.
“I bought it a week ago for you. With that complexion and
that long silky black hair of yours, I knew red was your color. And it’s also
my favorite,” he said and tugged a strand of my hair.
“You bought me a dress while you were searching for me? How
did you know you were going to find me?”
A smirk spread across his face. “I did. Didn’t I,” he said
and leaned close until our faces were inches apart. “There’s something else I
have for you.”
Tensing under his touch, I took a deep breath and watched
him take out another small box with a necklace inside. It was a single large
ruby surrounded by an intricate design of diamonds. My eyes widened.
“Dazzling,” I said.
“Turn around,” Tate whispered and brushed a kiss on my
cheek.
I worried my lip and obeyed. “Are they real?”
“Of course.”
“You’re insane,” I said while lifting my hair. A shiver ran
down my spine as the cold chain wound around my neck. “It’s heavy.”
“You’ll get used to it,” he said as he buried his face in
the crook of my neck then he took a deep breath.
I stared at the mirror. It was crazy how different I looked.
The blush helped bring life to my cheeks. My hair even looked sleeker than
usual. All this time I thought I was a total ugo, but like this I guess I’m
okay. Maybe I could stand out even better if I lost some pounds, or I’m just
full of it.
I shook my head. “Not sure what to do with my hair.”
The wolf’s reflection grinned. “Leave it down. I like it
this way,” he said and ran his fingers through it. “Shall we?” he asked and
offered his arm.
Wrapping my arm around his, we left the room and back to the
party.
I grumbled when a group of strangers flocked towards us.
Crowds and loud noises are possibly the worst things in the entire world. I looked
up. What I wouldn’t give to be higher.
Tate tightened his grip on me like he was worried I’d
disappear. Well, guess I understood why.
I chuckled out loud.
“Something amusing?” Tate asked.
“No,” I said quickly.
One of his brows raised. “Remember you agreed to hear my
proposal.”
I nodded and for the next hour he led me around the party. I
figured business subjects or whatever rich people talk about would be topic.
However, I’m not that lucky. Most of his guests wondered who I was, how I met
Tate and what I do for a living.
I was good at lying, but having to spout out so many at once
made it harder to keep up with them all. I pulled Tate to one of the dinner
tables and narrowed my eyes. “You know you could be helping me out a bit. Maybe
change the subject away from me.”
He laughed. “But I like hearing you work. You’re quite the
con artist,” he said as he picked up a cracker and put it to my lips.
“That’s unacceptable…Is that salmon?” I asked.
He nodded.
I opened my mouth and took a bite.
“You like?”
I chewed and swallowed. “Yeah, but,” I said and grabbed his
hand. “Listen how much longer is this thing going to last?”
Tate leaned closer. The light caught his eyes and made them
reflect. “It hasn’t been that long.”
“It feels like a million years,” I said and pouted.
Wrapping his hand around my waist, Tate brushed his lips
over mine. “I’ll cut it off early tonight. For you,” he said then pulled my
hand. “Dance with me.”
Eyes widened. “Oh, no I don’t dance,” I said.
“Funny I don’t remember asking,” he said and pulled me
close.
I glowered. “That kind of attitude is going to get your eyes
scratched out,” I said and blushed as he put my hand on his shoulder and
gripped the other.
“Love when you talk rough, kitty,” he teased and led me
around the dance floor.
I stumbled and gripped his hand tighter.
“Relax. Look at me,” Tate said and tilted my chin back up.
His green eyes burned with lust. His lips sat slightly parted as he took a
couple of shuddery breaths.
Remembering how those lips burned over my skin excited my
nerves and I trembled. While lost in thought, the music changed and he pulled
me closer until my breasts were firmly pressed against his sculpted chest.
“Everyone’s staring at you. Like you’re Cinderella at the
ball.”
With a huff, I rolled my eyes. “Right. They’re not looking
at me because they think I’m some dazzling princess. Those guys over there are
sizing me up. Trying to figure out why Tate Wilson would choose me over all of
the other eligible women in this place. They think maybe there’s something
special about her. Maybe she give good head. The girls, probably murdering me
in their fantasies, wishing they were the one’s dancing with the magnificent
Tate Wilson.
Boo Hoo.”
Tate growled. “Elise.”
I closed my mouth and frowned. “Why don’t you tell me what
your offer is,” I said and gasped as he twirled me around.
His expression brightened. “So impatient, Elise. We haven’t
even finished our dance.”
With a shrug, I leaned closer. “Said I’m not much of a
dancer. I mean I don’t hate it. It’s okay and all,” I said.
He smiled. “Very well. It’s obvious that I can get you
anything you want. Right?”
I batted my eyes innocently. “I don’t know. Could you?” I
asked.
“You like money. I have plenty of it. You like diamonds?” he
asked and pulled a large jewel out of his breast pocket.
I took a step back. “Holy crap,” I said with wide eyes. “Is
that the real deal?”
Tate licked his lips. “Yes, it is.”
He lifted it to my face and pulled me back into him.
I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Are you that damn crazy?
You don’t just carry something like that around in your pocket at a party,” I
snipped.
His smile broadened. “You’re so adorable,” he said and
pressed his lips to mine.
Grabbing the diamond away, I squeezed it hard. The taste of
his mouth melted me into submission. Goose flesh rose across my skin while my
nipples hardened.
He pulled back with a deep breath. “I’ll give it to you.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “What’s the catch? Oh!
Wait I know! You need me to do a job for you. In that case I’m…”
“Nothing like that.”
“Then what?” I asked.
Releasing my arms, Tate held up a plain ring. “You have to
marry me,” he said.
My heartbeat quickened. Since I was little I’d built up a wall
in my mind. It kept me focused and safe. Shifters can let their emotions get
the best of them, but not me. Not till now because somehow Tate Wilson managed
to break that wall with only a few words. How the hell did that happen?
I moved a few strands away from my face. “Wolves mate for
life. You’d really want to be stuck with me forever?”
Tate grabbed my hand and pushed the ring down on my finger.
“That’s the idea,” he said and stared. “Say yes.”
Trembling, I pushed him away. “I’m…going to…” I glanced
around the room. “Get some fresh air,” I said and walked towards the balcony.
Shoving anyone aside that got in my way.
The smell of rain and the city crashed down around me as I
took a deep breath.
Tate closed the doors behind us and walked behind me. His
hands trailed down my hips and around to my stomach.
I took a deep breath as the wolf nipped at my neck. Then he
peppered my shoulder with soft kisses.
“Say yes,” he growled in my ear.
Licking my lip, I turned around. Then I opened my hand and
looked at the diamond. It didn’t seem so important anymore. Just another stupid
and pointless object. Can’t believe I’d even say something like that. Dammit!
My gut clenched. Was this guy really destined to be my mate?
No way! Who’s to say I’d actually be good at being a wife.
For one thing I would never get used to the constant popularity. The parties.
Hell, I was a thief. Someone who’d been in the shadows for so long. I’m not
meant for the spotlight.
I shook my head. “No,” I muttered.
Tate’s smile faded. A fire burned behind his eyes. His jaw
tensed. “No?”
“Here,” I said and gave him the jewel. “Think I’ll be
leaving now.”
Tate grabbed my arm. His eyes glowed. Sharp fangs protruded
from his lips.
I yelped as he pushed me against the wall.
“Why? Like I said I could give you anything. Everything!” he
screamed. “Aren’t you attracted to me?”
Heat pooled between my legs. “Of course you are,” I said and
tried to control the trembles in my body.
“You’re not leaving,” he growled. He leaned in so close our
noses touched. Then he took one long breath and stepped back. Looking over the
diamond in his hand. “You’re not serious. You’re being stubborn again.”
I shoved him away. “I’m not being stubborn. I don’t do well
with others.”
The wolf growled and pulled me close. “If that were the case
you wouldn’t give up the diamond,” he said and tightened his grip on my arm.
“What are you afraid of?”
I rolled my eyes and looked away. “I’m not afraid of
anything.”
Tate ran his hand across my cheek. “I can make you happy.”
Eyes widened. I looked back. “What if everything goes
wrong?”
“It won’t,” he said and wrapped his arm around my waist.
“How do you…”
“Shut-up,” he growled and pressed his lips against my own.
Then he pulled my dress straps down. “I’m going to claim you,” he growled.
“What here?” I asked as a delightful shiver coursed down my
spine. Kinky. “Anyone could walk out here.”
A reflection shot across his eyes. “I don’t care,” he
breathed and kissed the top of my chest. Then he pulled my top down until my
breasts bounced free. He edged his way down slowly, planting butterfly kisses
across my skin until he reached a nipple.
Sucking it into his mouth, I gasped. A wetness trickled deep
inside my pussy. “Ah!” I moaned and ran my hand through his silky hair.
He rolled his tongue in fast circles over the pebble before
leaning back. Then he pulled the rest of the dress down and let it fall to my
ankles. “I’ve been wanting to do this since day one.”
A blush stained my cheeks. I
wanted him that night too, but I wasn’t going to admit it. I gasped again as he
pinched both my nipples, rolling the nubs until they were a pale shade of red.
I bit my bottom lip. Then with shaky hands I unbuttoned Tate’s jacket, tugging
it down from his muscular shoulders.