The Blackstone Wolf: Blackstone Mountain Book 4 Read online

  “I don’t need it.”

  “Yeah, you do if you wanna work here. Everyone here has to wear it,” Nathan insisted, then gestured at himself and Dr. Philipps. “Both shifters and humans. It makes it easier for everyone.”

  She let out a huff. “Fine.” Grabbing the gear from him, she began to put it on.

  Nathan could ignore how the curves of her breasts stretched against her t-shirt or even the way her jeans seemed to mold to her ass. But when she took out the clip that held her bun in place so the hat could fit more comfortably, he couldn’t stop the groan that left his mouth. Her dark hair tumbled down her shoulders, sending another gust of her scent his way.

  “Nathan?” she asked in that low, husky voice of hers. “Are you all right?”

  Fuck, he never thought someone’s smell and the sound of their voice could arouse him, but Violet saying his name had him hard as steel in a second. Thank God for the vest covering his erection. He cleared his throat. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  “Glad you decided to join us,” Dr. Philipps said. “This should make things easier. I won’t be putting you to work today, Violet, but you should at least have an idea of how things run around here. Nathan can answer any questions you have that I might not be able to.”

  “Right,” she said. “Okay, let’s continue then.”

  “Why don’t you keep going, Doc?” Nathan said. “You’ve been working here since I was a teenager. I’ll just pipe in if I need to add anything.”

  “As you wish. Let’s head to the smelting room.”

  Nathan followed behind them, keeping close to Violet. He tensed the moment they walked into the busy room as every pair of eyes zeroed in on her. He sent them a nasty glare which had everyone looking away except for one or two of the cockier bastards. He made a mental note of who they were. Maneuvering himself beside her, he made sure she wasn’t in anyone’s line of sight for the rest of the time.

  This is fucking insane. But his wolf wouldn’t leave him alone. Violet sent him a curious stare, those strange eyes luminous even in the low light. Again, he was itching to know. What was she? He couldn’t sense her animal again, but she was probably one of those who kept a tight rein on their shifter side.

  He hated to admit it, but what was bothering him the most was how cold and unfeeling she acted. He and his wolf were going crazy, and he could barely keep his anger and lust in check while she seemed unfazed by the whole thing. Like yesterday had never happened and everything was hunky-dory and normal. Her face remained passive, barely defying any emotion. Did she ever flinch or break?

  Finally, the damn tour was almost over. He was getting tired of gritting his teeth and glaring at every single male who glanced their way.

  “I’m going to grab those samples I told you about,” Dr. Philipps said as they stood in front of the trailer. “As you’ve seen, I’ve cleaned up my desk so feel free to poke around and unpack as you wish.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Philipps.”

  “You’re welcome.” The older man walked away leaving them alone.

  “Excuse me,” she began.

  “Yes?”

  “I mean,” she gestured to the door, “kindly move aside so I can get into my office.”

  “You mean our office,” he corrected.

  “Right.” She crossed her arms over her chest, but he didn’t move. “Is there a problem?”

  “So, what are you?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “I don’t know what you are. Big cat, right? But,” Nathan leaned in and took a whiff, “what kind?”

  The look she gave him would have frozen a lesser man. “That’s rather forward.” She moved around him and disappeared into the doorway.

  “Lioness? Panther?” he asked as he followed her inside. “Am I getting close?”

  She huffed and ignored him, walking to the empty table on the left side instead.

  “C’mon,” he said. “Or do you wanna show me instead? I’d love to see your pussy—”

  “I beg your pardon!”

  "--cat,” he continued. Her hair had whipped around her, surrounding her pretty face like a dark halo. Those light eyes blazed with anger. Finally a reaction. He grinned at her. “Jeez. You gotta let me finish my sentence if we’re going to be working together.”

  “Temporarily,” she said in a firm voice.

  Before she could say anything else, the door flew open.

  “So, how was the tour?” Ben flashed him a knowing smile. That bastard.

  “It was interesting,” Violet said. “Fascinating really. Aside from seeing the process from beginning to end, I would love to know more about the history of the mine.”

  “Matthew and Jason can tell you more about that,” Ben said. “You’ll meet them tomorrow at the company picnic.”

  “Shit, that’s tomorrow?” Nathan ran his fingers through his hair. He had totally forgotten.

  Violet shook her head. “I’m sure I could speak with them in a more professional environment. Dr. Philipps explained that they come here every couple of days or so, correct?”

  “Yeah, sure.” Ben scratched his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “But you know, the company picnic’s a lot of fun. We have a big party by the lake with slides and bouncy castles and games for the kids. Lots of good food, too. And, it’s actually going to be Doc’s retirement party. You can’t miss that.”

  “I didn’t really have any other plans. I suppose I could show up.” She frowned. “Is it very far from the hotel?”

  “Me and Penny’ll pick you up, and we can bring you right back.”

  “I can drive if you give me directions.”

  Ben waved a hand at her. “Don’t bother. Plus, your rental might not make it. It’s a bit of a drive out into the woods.” He turned to Nathan. “Ya need a ride, man? Can’t imagine you want to scratch up your Mustang.”

  “Ha! She’ll do fine. My baby’s a tough one.”

  “All right. We’ll see you up there then.” He looked back to Violet. “Penny’ll introduce you to the girls. You don’t have to worry about not knowing anyone or anything. They’ll take care of you.”

  Nathan groaned inwardly. Shit. The girls. The mates would be there, as well as Sybil, Ben’s cousin. And Kate. Goddamn Kate, his nosy-as-shit sister. “Ben, I need to show you what happened with the smelter. You got a sec?”

  “Sure. Let’s go. See you tomorrow, Violet.”

  The two men walked out of the trailer and as soon as they were a good distance away, Nathan stepped in front of him.

  “This isn’t about the smelter, is it?”

  “Well, yeah, I have to show you that too. But first, why the hell did you invite her to the Lennox picnic?”

  “Uh, because she’s a Lennox employee now?”

  Nathan rubbed his hand down his face. “I mean … you see … Goddamnit!”

  “What the hell is wrong with you? What, because you guys can’t get along she has to be excluded from events outside work?” Ben crossed his arms over his chest. “What are you really worried about?”

  “It’s just … argh!” He threw his hands up in frustration. “Fine. I can’t stop her from coming, but you better not even the mention the m word to anyone!”

  “The m word?”

  “You know what I mean!”

  “Ah, so you are admitting she’s your mate?”

  “Yes. I mean, no! Who the fuck cares?” Nathan rubbed a hand down his face. “It doesn’t matter. She’s out of here soon, yeah? Sounds like she can’t wait to blow this pop stand. Nothing’s gonna happen so there’s no need for anyone else to know.” Especially not his sister. “Don’t breathe a word of this to anyone. And make Penny swear, too.”

  Ben sighed. “Fine. We won’t tell anyone Violet is your mate.”

  “You better not,” he said. “Because nothing good would come out if anyone knew.”

  Ben looked like he was stifling a laugh but cleared his throat. “Whatever you want, Nathan. It’s your life.”

  “D
amn right it is.”

  Chapter Four

  It was the sound of shuffling feet and hushed masculine voices that shook her awake.

  Those sounds were unusual, not only in the middle of the night, but also up in the mountains. Here, where there were few modern conveniences, Violet could only hear the breeze or the chirping of the birds in the evening. Or, when she tuned in using her enhanced hearing, a cow mooing sadly in the distance or a rabbit rustling under some bushes, digging around for its next meal.

  And of course, the laughter and cheer of the children—the little girls—living in the compound where she stayed.

  Her tiger raised its hackles, and Violet shot to her feet. Instinct kicked in. Danger, it said. As she exited her tent, little did she know she wouldn’t be hearing laughter again …

  Violet’s eyes flew open, her heart beating in her chest like a drum. The sheets were stuck to her skin, the sweat making it slick. It was a dream. At least, today it was.

  She sat up and took a deep breath, then got up and walked to the window. The early morning light filled the room and from her hotel, the view of the Blackstone Mountains was magnificent. She should feel grateful to be here. But instead she only felt guilt. It was supposed to be the start of her new career. Then, it happened.

  Violet shut the drapes closed, the room going dark. She just had to make it through the next few weeks. Then the funding would come in and she could go back to what she had left behind. She checked her email; no news yet. Not from the university and not from Antonia back in Eritana. No news should be good news, she supposed.

  Checking the clock by the bedside, she realized it was nearly eight a.m. Ben said they’d stop by around eighty-thirty, so she had to get ready now.

  Violet showered and put on a pair of khaki shorts, a black tank top, and flip-flops. She didn’t have much nice clothing; most of the stuff she had was functional and her nicer clothes were in storage back in New Orleans. The shoes and suit she was wearing for her interview the other day had been bought off-the-rack when she got to Colorado.

  This will have to do, she thought as she looked at herself in the mirror. Why did I even agree to go? She could have argued she didn’t have anything to wear, or she was far too jet lagged. But when Ben said it was also Dr. Philipps’ retirement party, she couldn’t very well have said no.

  To say she was shocked when Nathan walked into the office was an understatement. She wanted to quit on the spot. Ben did tell her she would be working with their Chief Engineer, but not who he was. Did Ben know? Probably, but she couldn’t prove it.

  It was a good thing she was used to being in control, of her animal and of herself. She was determined to ignore him and treat him with cold, professional indifference.

  And that cad. The way he teased her and asked about her animal. It was rude and unprofessional. Exactly what she expected from a crude wolf like him. Who cared if he was handsome as sin and his smile made her feel warm all over? And the way he said he wanted to see her—

  Mine, came the satisfied purr from her throat.

  She laid a hand on her chest in surprise. “Shush!” Her tiger had never done that before, not with any man she had met or dated. “We can’t do this. Remember why. Remember.” She shut her eyes, the vision in her head clear as day.

  And then silence from her tiger.

  She had to stay focused and couldn’t afford any distractions. And Nathan Caldwell was certainly the biggest distraction of them all.

  After brushing her long dark hair and tying it up with a rubber band, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs.

  As she exited the elevator, she saw Ben and his wife waiting in the lobby. They seemed a mismatched couple—with Ben being so tall and Hulk-like and Penny so small and delicate like a china doll. But even Violet could see they adored each other.

  He had his arm around her protectively and leaned down to whisper something in her ear that made her face as red as her hair. The way he looked at her, it was like there was no one else in the room.

  “Violet,” Penny greeted as she approached them. “You look nice.”

  “Thank you,” she replied. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

  “Not at all,” Ben said. “It’s going to about a two hour drive to the picnic site. We can stop and get coffee and breakfast to go if you want, though I’d save some room.” He chuckled, patting his stomach. “Lennox tends to overdo these things and there’ll be lots of food and drink throughout the day.”

  “That’s fine.” She followed them outside, where Ben led them to the large black Jeep parked by the door.

  “Wait,” Ben said as he opened front passenger-side door for his wife.

  “Ben,” Penny said with a giggle as he picked her up and put her into the front seat. “I told you, I’m fine.”

  “But you might slip and fall, and I’d never forgive myself.” His large hand went to stomach.

  Ah, so Penny was carrying a cub. It was normal, then, for Ben to be protective.

  As Ben turned to Violet, she put her hands up. “I’m fine. I can get up on my own.”

  Ben chuckled. “I wasn’t going to offer.” He did, however, open the door for her.

  “Thank you,” she said and climbed inside.

  They drove out of town and up the highway that led to the mines, but after a couple of miles they veered off to the east side where the road forked. Ben explained the lake was actually in the valley in the middle of the mountains, and they would be driving for another hour to get there. They stopped to fill up on gas, and Violet and Penny went into the little convenience store to grab coffee and snacks.

  An hour later, Ben pulled off on a side road covered with a thick canopy of trees. Violet wondered if they were going to the right place, but a few seconds later, the Jeep pulled onto a dirt road that led to a large clearing.

  “It’s beautiful,” Penny said as they drove closer to the shore.

  Ben looked up ahead. “I shouldn’t have waited so long to bring you out here, but the weather hasn’t exactly been great until now.”

  Violet stared out the window at the breathtaking sight. It was gorgeous—the green mountains surrounded the sparkling waters of the lake. There was already a large crowd there—men, women, and children—swimming, kayaking, playing on the giant bouncy castle, or just sunning themselves on the sand.

  The blue skies seemed endless, and it was like the puffs of white clouds dotting the horizon had been hand-painted by an artist. She squinted as she saw a bird flying in the distance. No, wait. What in God’s name was that? A hawk? An eagle? It was much too large to be any of those.

  As the figure came closer, Violet realized how gigantic it was. The dragon was twenty—no, fifty—feet tall. The golden scales that covered its body glinted in the sun, and the wingspan of its bat-like wings was twice its height. She couldn’t help it and let out a gasp.

  “Is that—”

  Penny and Ben looked at each other. “Jason,” they said in unison.

  Ben pulled the Jeep into an empty spot in the makeshift parking lot by the tree line. As they headed to the shore, the dragon flew overhead in circles before landing. The earth shook as its enormous clawed feet dropped to the ground.

  “Let’s go say hi.”

  Violet’s natural instincts kicked in as they drew closer. The dragon was massive and dominant, and her tiger cowed and became uneasy. Calm down, she told the tiger. It was normal, of course. The dragon was Alpha around here, and she was a stranger in its territory.

  The dragon began to shrink, and the scales disappeared into human skin. As it reduced in size, a blonde woman ran up and tossed it some clothes. Human hands caught it.

  “Show off.” The woman smirked as she came up to the man who was now hopping into swim shorts.

  He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, then gave her a quick kiss. “You know I do it for the kids,” he said with a grin.

  Indeed most of the children had stopped what they were doing an
d stared at him. When he waved at them, they all cheered. With dragons being so rare, Violet imagined this was a treat for them to see such a creature up close.

  “Hey Penny, Ben,” the blonde woman greeted.

  “Christina, Jason.” Penny waved at them, then gestured to Violet. “This is Dr. Violet Robichaux. Violet, this is Jason and Christina Lennox.”

  “How do you do?” She held out her hand.

  “Nice to meet you, Dr. Robichaux,” Christina said, shaking it.

  Human, she sensed. “Please, call me Violet.”

  “You’re Dr. Philipps’ replacement,” Jason said.

  “Temporarily.” When he gave her a blank look, she frowned. Maybe he wasn’t involved in the day-to-day stuff, but still, she would have thought the position of Chief Geologist would have been important enough to him to know the details.

  “Er, I’ll explain later,” Ben said quickly. “Where’s Matthew? He didn’t feel like putting on a show like you?”

  Jason jerked his finger behind him. “Over there, of course, with Catherine.”

  “You should meet him, too,” Ben said to Violet.

  They walked over to the group of people chatting as they stood around a table laden with snacks and drinks. As they came closer, Violet did a double take. The man and woman standing in the circle of people looked exactly like Jason and Christina.

  “You’re not going crazy,” Penny laughed. “Matthew and Jason are identical twins and so are their mates.”

  “Mates?”

  Penny nodded. “Yup. Crazy, huh?”

  Crazy indeed.

  They approached the couple and Violet was introduced to them, plus a few other people from Lennox Corp.

  “Oh, so you’re replacing Dr. Philipps?” Matthew said.

  “Tempora—”

  “Penny, sweetheart,” Ben interrupted. “I think I see Sybil and Kate over by that table. Didn’t you say you needed to talk to them? Maybe you can introduce Violet.”

  “Huh? Uh, yeah, sure. Let’s go Violet.”

  Hmm, that seemed rude, Violet thought. After all, Matthew was the CEO. “I was hoping to ask Mr. Lennox more about the mountains.”