Sylvia's Torment (Enforcers and Coterie Book 2) (30 page)

Lori frowned at them, not understanding the undercurrent to the conversation. “What are you talking about?”

“Well, the first few changes can be intense. Many find their sex drive increases to the point where they want it almost non-stop.”

Gasping, Lori gaped at Simone. “Excuse me? I’m gonna end up a horndog?” The twins laughed, unperturbed by the furious glare she gave them. “Hell no, not happening. I don’t want anyone around me then. I’ll seclude myself or something.”

Tariq scowled at Simone before he said, “You won’t need to seclude yourself. Simone is exaggerating. It only happens when you’re around someone you find sexually attractive. You will not jump the closest male just because your hormones demand you do.”

“Demand? Great, I’ll have demanding hormones. This day keeps getting better. I’d like a do-over where I stay in bed and forget any of this is possible.”

“I don’t know… she hasn’t met Davis yet. Maybe she’ll want to obey those demands.”

“Damn it, Simone, enough!” Tariq snapped at her. “She wasn’t raised like a werewolf. She has no idea what to expect, and that isn’t helping.”

Simone laughed, unfazed by his anger. “Fine, I’ll leave your little protégé alone. But she will need some female guidance, and I’m more than happy to help. I promise not to scare her.”

“You know what? I’m done. I need time by myself, away from this craziness.” Lori turned to Tariq. “Please, show me to my room.”

“Of course,” he said, crooking his arm, indicating for her to grab hold.

She wanted to refuse, keep space between them, especially after that weird possessive episode she’d had downstairs. Except she noticed how often the werewolves touched, as if second nature to them and they needed the connection. Even the twins, menacing and scary, accepted and gave causal contact.

Swallowing her nervousness, she wrapped her fingers around his bare forearm. A burst of desire distracted her, made her question exactly what changes her body would experience. The soft hairs and smooth skin on Tariq’s arm enticed her to stroke him. A need she ignored.

Walking from the room, she heard Simone snicker, “I guess Davis won’t be her choice.”

“Simone, you and I will have a talk later about your lack of filter,” Tariq tossed over his shoulder, not slowing while they descended the stairs.

“What did she mean? Is she talking about sex again?”

Tariq sighed. “Our sense of smell is heightened, and not much stays hidden from werewolves. We can scent emotions along with changes in a person’s body. Say, when they’re frightened or perhaps aroused.”

A blush stole over her throat and cheeks. Damn it, she’d forgotten that fact. Great, now all of them knew, including Tariq. Just fantastic. This day couldn’t end fast enough. And it was barely mid-morning!

“Just so we’re clear, I don’t want to jump your bones. I don’t even like you. I’m chalking all this up to weird werewolf puberty crap. So don’t think I’m gonna get naked for you,” she said, embarrassment making her cruel.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” A quirk of his lips before he smoothed out his expression. “Here’s your room. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll come by in a few hours to escort you for lunch. Or you can wander around if you please. There are several other pack members here if you wish for company.”

“Wait, what about my job? I can’t do a no-call, no-show.”

“There’s a phone in your bedroom. Call them and quit. It sounds like your boss would test your patience, and we don’t need you attacking him in a fit of anger. Looks bad for us werewolves.”

“Ha, ha, so droll.” She stepped into the bedroom and firmly closed the door, shutting him out.

Chapter Four

When prowling around
her new room did nothing to calm her nerves, Lori laid down on the bed. A few hours ago, she would’ve reveled in extra sleep. Now, her brain wouldn’t shut up. Her whole world had changed.

No longer was she in control of her life. Instead, a bossy werewolf and his demanding Alpha dictated what she could and could not do. Hell, was she even allowed outside of this damn house? Would they restrict her movements to that degree? The idea chaffed her. She’d been on her own for over ten years.

A teeny, tiny part of her objected to these wolves paying her bills, but she ignored it. Her pride be damned. She couldn’t work because of them, so why shouldn’t they take care of her? Bankruptcy at the beginning of her soon-to-be new life? Hell no.

Crap
, she thought, rolling her eyes.
Call work
and quit
.

Not a conversation she looked forward to. Ed, the bastard, would gloat over her quitting.

Heaving her body upwards, she grabbed the phone, and then realized she had her own phone in her purse. Easier to call them on her cell, the number already programmed in it. She groaned. She’d left it downstairs in the library.

Crossing her fingers for an uneventful trip downstairs, she left the relative peacefulness of the room. Slowly and carefully, she snuck downstairs, feeling like a thief. Stopping in the foyer, listening for any sounds, she breathed easy when silence greeted her.

Quick strides had her in the library within moments. Leaning against one of the couches, her burnt orange purse sat on the floor. Rummaging through it, she found her phone and unlocked it. She thumbed through the contacts until she found her office number. Acid churned in her stomach, reminding her that this call would leave her jobless and dependant on her new “family”.

With unnecessary viciousness, she jabbed at the phone icon and listened to the rings, counting them off.

“C and A Financial, Ed speaking. How can I help you?” He sounded smooth and professional, the complete opposite of how he acted in person towards Lori.

“Hi Ed, this is Lori.” She cringed at her hesitant tone. Where was her backbone? He always managed to reduce her to a doormat.

“Where the hell are you? You’re over three hours late. Get your pretty little ass in here before you’re fired.” And there was the asshole side she knew and hated so much.

“I’m not coming in today. In fact, I’m quitting,” said Lori, a bubble of happiness going straight to her head. She choked back the inappropriate giggle.

While joblessness sucked, it was better than dealing with his attitude every day, worrying when he’d explode at her again. Most days he was content to prick her self-confidence, questioning her every decision. Some days though, he’d tear her to shreds with his words, leaving her in shock.

“No, you’re not. You’re getting your fucking ass into work now. We have too much shit to deal with for you to quit. Audits have started. While you’re almost fucking useless, you’re better than nothing. I knew we should have replaced you months ago,” Ed continued, ignoring Lori’s attempts to interrupt his tirade.

Out of patience, she shouted into the phone, “Ed!”

“What?!”

“I quit, and that’s that. I’m not coming in today, tomorrow or ever again. In fact, I don’t even care about the stuff in my desk. Toss it, give it away, whatever. I don’t care. I don’t want to see you or the office again. Have a nice life.” With a vicious smile, she hung up, relishing having the last word.

“Well he certainly sounded pleasant.” A new voice from behind startled her.

How did they keep sneaking up on her? She’d have a heart attack long before merging with her wolf.

“You guys need to stop doing that. My heart can’t take all these shocks,” said Lori, turning to face the latest werewolf in her life. “Let me guess, you’re Davis?”

The newcomer smiled, the wattage blinding. “How did you know?”

Casting a critical eye, she took note of his curly blond hair and blue eyes. The tank top and joggers lovingly clung to him, showcasing his toned body. Another man whom painters and sculptors would love to pay homage to, albeit for different reasons than Markus. The blond god versus the dark god. A shame she didn’t have a single artist’s bone in her body.

“Simone inferred you’d be my choice if my hormones went crazy. I can see why.”

He winced before hiding it behind a bland, impersonal grin. “She said that, eh?”

“Don’t worry, I’m not a slave to my hormones, and I would never make a pass at someone not interested. I plan on barricading myself in my bedroom,” she said with a laugh, not entirely sure if she was joking.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine. The wolf side is very choosy, and it wouldn’t make you do anything that goes against your beliefs. Some sleep around after the Change because they want to. Merging with your wolf doesn’t mean it takes over and you’re a completely different person. You’re still you.”

The air
whooshed
from her lungs, and tension drained out of her body.

“Thank you. I just found out today what I am, and well, it’s been pretty scary. I have no clue what to expect.”

“Who’s mentoring you? Derek?” Davis walked closer and ran a soothing hand along her arm.

She almost flinched from the familiarity but controlled it. He had the same need for touch the others demonstrated. It meant nothing beyond friendship. That involuntary wince had already shown that he didn’t like his sex-idol status.

“No. Tariq.” The sound of his name on her lips brought forth uncomfortable thoughts.

Damn werewolf hormones. Oh shit, damn werewolf sense of smell. Think of something else. What do guys think of, baseball? Yes, that should do. Baseball, positively boring. The Jays weren’t doing so hot this year, although she rarely paid attention to sports.

A soft growl behind Davis had her peeking around him. Tariq stared at Davis, boring a hole in his back. Without turning around, Davis muttered, “Enough, man. I’m getting tired of being treated like this.”

Leaning down, he brushed his lips across Lori’s cheek. “It was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you. We’ll talk again soon.”

His grin was mischievous and devoid of any sexual attraction. “I’d like that.”

She held her tongue until Davis left the room then hissed to Tariq, “You are so damn rude. What the hell was that about? You hurt his feelings.”

Astonishment flitted across his face. “Hurt his feelings? How did I do that?”

“By assuming he was coming on to me. Are you one of those jerks who believe men and women can’t be friends? Because I have a news flash, I have a ton of male friends, and I plan on keeping them. So you can quit with that weird possessive crap. You may have ‘found’ me, but that doesn’t mean you have any rights over me.”

“I’m sorry. My response was uncalled for. And for the record, I have many female friends. I know it’s possible to be platonic. I’ll apologize to Davis later.”

“Apology accepted!” Davis yelled, his voice coming from somewhere upstairs.

Lori crossed her arms before asking, “So private conversations, they don’t happen, huh?”

Guarding her tongue at work was one thing but having to do it in her person life as well? How did it not drive the rest of them crazy?

“Bedrooms are all sound-proof. Sometimes couples stay over, and trust me, none of us want to hear that. Derek has an open door policy with his house. Anyone in the pack can spend the night whenever they need, although right now several of the bedrooms are filled with the Betas and Deltas.”

He held out his arm, his green eyes twinkling with amusement. “Come, let us roam the backyard. There are a few acres of green space where we can explore.”

Chapter Five

“
I have something
to show you.” He hid a smile when she rushed to his side, showing her eagerness. While this day had knocked her sideways, she’d rebounded from the strangeness swiftly. He scented no fear from her, and she’d accepted the others with grace. He’d noticed her hesitation at casual touching, but she hadn’t rebuffed any of them.

They exited the house, and he inhaled deeply. He loved this oasis in the middle of downtown Toronto. Leading her deeper into the woods, he stopped when they were out of earshot of the pack.

“Whoa, wait a minute. Why are you taking off your clothes?” she asked when he removed his shirt.

Tariq noticed that while she berated him, she didn’t avert her eyes. “Because, my protégé, I want to show you what the change looks like. You’ve seen some of us as wolves, but you haven’t seen the actual process. I want you to be familiar with it so you won’t be afraid when it happens for you.”

Unsnapping his jeans, he pushed them down. He’d walked out bare foot, a state most of his pack preferred. A ragged, indrawn breath from Lori had him embracing his other half faster than he wanted. Staying human any longer would’ve exposed more than just his body; she would’ve seen his desire for her.

Lori wasn’t his to claim.

He’d surprised himself with his warning growl at Davis when jealousy had slammed into him. Hard, fast and unwanted. The sweet scent of Lori’s arousal taunted him while she stood so close to another man.

Where was his calm, his ability to think clearly no matter the provocation? A few more moments, and he would’ve assaulted his friend. Over a woman he’d just met!

Prowling over to Lori, he bumped into her leg. Her hand hovered above his head, and he pushed into her palm. When her fingers combed through the fur on his back, a low rumble formed in his chest. What would it feel like to have her touch him in human form? Would she be as curious?

Her hesitancy vanished, and she dropped to her knees. Hands on both sides of his head, she rubbed at his ears, treating him like a dog. A part of him was offended. He wasn’t a pet!

However, the shameless part of him reveled in the attention.

Until she sing-songed, “Who’s a good dog? Are you a good dog? Yes you are. Such a good doggie.”

Head reared back, he stared at her, escaping those maddening fingers.

“Oops, sorry,” she said, her lips twitching. “Guess that’s not politically correct, huh? Don’t treat werewolves like dogs. Got it.”

Unable to stop himself, he licked her cheek. Shrieking with laughter, she pushed him back and fell onto her ass. “Okay, okay, really, I’m sorry! I won’t do it again. Why don’t you show me the woods?”

With innate grace, she stood and brushed off the dirt from her backside. And with a swish of his tail, he bounded along the path leading deep into the forest. Most of the pack avoided the path, preferring instead to rush through the underbrush. However, her low-heeled shoes wouldn’t fare well against the uneven ground. A broken ankle first time out, not impressive.

He leashed his desire to run full speed. The scent of rabbits teased him, begging him for a chase. Squirrels scurried up trees, their high pitched angry barking directed at him
,
  amusing him. He strained to hear Lori’s footsteps behind him, a bare whisper of a sound. She moved with the silence of a predator. A recent development, or a sign of her impending merge?

Racing ahead, he stopped in the middle of the path, turned and sat down. The oak and maple trees had turned colour, autumn a time of reds, oranges and yellows. Several pines and a rare spruce intermingled, their greens muted next to the vivid palette. All of it disappeared into the background against the beauty of Lori. Strong and confident even in an unknown area. The sedate suit did nothing to hide her curves, and each time her skirt moved with her steps, he found himself fascinated with her thighs. Blonde hair pulled back, bangs ruffling in the breeze, she exuded the calm of a warrior.

Her eyes darted around, missing nothing, an inhuman shine to them. Fuck, she was closer to the Change than he thought. At best, she had a few weeks. Could he teach her control in such a short time? Complete dominance over her wouldn’t work. She’d chafed at the merest hint of it earlier.

Hating himself for his next actions, he growled a warning. Confused, Lori stopped several feet away.

“What’s wrong? Great, like you can talk to me when you’re a wolf.” She shook her head in disgust. “Stupid.”

Getting to his feet, his ears erect and teeth bared, he snarled at her, forcing her to step back. The shock of his actions wore off quickly, and her body tensed. No scent of fear; instead, anger and frustration teased his nose.

“What in the nine hells? Is this some kind of sick joke, Tariq? Take the newbie into the woods and scare the hell out of her? If you want me pissing myself in fear, forget it!”

The blue in her eyes faded away, bright amber taking its place. Her own snarl filled the air, fighting with his. Fingernails grew into claws and her wolf fought to emerge. Now wasn’t the time, though, for her first Change. She didn’t yet understand the difference between the two halves. He wanted her to experience the instincts of her other side and learn to recognize them. If she gave herself completely over to her wolf now, she might not come back from it.

Tucking his tail and ears downwards, he whined an apology. His head stayed proud and upright, maintaining his dominance. As a Delta to a Top Alpha, there were few he’d submit to, and a newbie wolf wasn’t one of them, no matter how much he desired her.

Chest heaving, she took a step toward him, her feral side staring back. Could she wrest control before taking a swipe at him? Any damage she caused wouldn’t be lasting, not physically anyway. Some wolves had a hard time forgiving themselves, though, if they harmed another during a violent episode.

Shifting to human, palms up and out, he waited. Another step closer, and her hands wrapped around his neck. He tensed, expecting to feel claws digging into him. Instead she tugged him closer, and her nails scraped along his scalp.

“Why do I want you?” she whispered before covering his lips with hers. Soft, plush and made for sin.

Resting his hands on her hips, resisting the need to cup her delectable ass, he gave himself over to the kiss. Her tongue teased him, touching his lower lip then retreating. Blunt teeth nipped at him, opening his mouth, and her tongue darted in.

His hands tightened on her hips; damn how he wanted to move them, grind her against his hard cock. If he lifted her up, her skirt would bunch up, giving him unlimited access. Breathing ragged, he pulled back. Swollen, glistening lips begged him to continue.

“What’s wrong with me? I don’t even like you.”

Laughing, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. “Like has nothing to do with lust.”

“Uh, you’re still naked, aren’t you?” she said, her hands untwined from his hair and smoothing down his shoulders to his biceps. Yep, the petting felt better in human form.

“Yes, I am. No clothes stashed out here.”

“Okay then. I’ll keep my eyes averted.” Pulling out of his arms, she kept her back to him. “What was all that about? Why growl at me?”

“You’re close, very close to your Change. You need to feel your wolf’s emotions, learn to recognize them. While you are two halves of the same person, as a wolf, you work more on instinct. How you react and interact with someone is coloured by those instincts.”

Her spine stiffened, and she tossed an evil glare over her shoulder. “So you were toying with me? Playing with my emotions?”

Her gaze slid downwards before swiftly flying upwards again. He smothered a grin. His body hadn’t yet gotten the memo about the lack of sex coming his way.

“I wasn’t toying with you. And I didn’t expect the change in emotions. I’m not complaining, mind you.”

She snorted. “Yeah, I noticed. Okay, so maybe you’re not a total jerk. You could’ve taken advantage of my less than sane moment. I’m willing to try a friendship with you. Maybe it’ll help calm some of these intense feelings. It’s like I’m fighting with myself. Part of me wants you, is almost desperate to have you. And why am I telling you this?!”

He gave her a wide grin, loving the way her nose scrunched up in disgust. “It’s normal. Trust me, stay away from anyone you don’t like. You’ll be blunt and honest with them. Don’t worry though, it doesn’t last long. It’s all about control.”

“That explains why I told off Ed. I’ve wanted to do that for months now.” Her eyes drifted downwards again. “You’re still naked.”

Her gaze was a caress, and his body responded. Damn it, he’d just gotten that part of him to behave. “Yes, and you’re not helping. Keep that up, and I’ll show you why sex is so intense between werewolves.”

“Promises, promises,” she taunted, although her head straightened, hiding her laughing blue eyes from him.

He embraced his wolf and savoured the pain when his body contorted. Having recently changed from human to wolf and back again to human, the process was slower than usual. Racing past Lori, he led her back to the house.

Friendship. Yes, he’d like a friendship with her and that meant wearing clothes. If not, the temptation to explore might overwhelm his good sense.