Series: Werewolves of Wall Street Series by Renee Rose
Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
It sounds like a threat.
Chapter Five
Backstage turns out to be a green room equipped with everything we might need. Including a wall of paddles, rope, handcuffs, and wicked looking whips–everything a top might need to play with a partner.
I set my bag down on a side table and let an attendant take my coat. Underneath I’m wearing a white slip dress and nude ballet shoes. The outfit is sweet and virginal and will contrast nicely with Brick’s black suit. An implicit power exchange and as close to CMNF we can get without having me naked.
“At least two extra exits, one through this back hall. One through the kitchens,” Sully is reporting to Brick.
“I still think you shouldn’t do this.” Billy has his arms crossed over his chest, leaning against the doorframe. “We shouldn’t be caving into that leech.”
“We’ve been over this.” Brick unknots his tie and stuffs it into his pocket. “Madi and I are going to put on a show. We’re doing it on our terms, but we’re doing it, and the sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can leave.”
“Maybe we kill one or two of them instead,” Billy grumbles.
“How would we sell that?” I ask. “A fight to the death, gladiator style? We’re trying to do this with no bloodshed.”
“We could just leave,” Sully says. “Make up an excuse.” His voice is low, barely above a growl. He hates this as much as Billy, probably more. He’s head of pack security, and here we are, the alpha pair, unprotected on hostile territory. This is his worst nightmare.
“We’re going to do what we said we’d do,” I say. “Thaddeus arranged all of this to see what we’d do. He’s making his power known–he can get us to come and do his bidding. We’re showing him we’re willing to play ball, within boundaries. We’re stable, sane, and able to negotiate. And, this will put him in our debt. In a power struggle, he’ll be more likely to side with us than another pack.”
“Unless he’s double-crossing us,” Sully says. “What if he records your scene and threatens to leak it?”
“He won’t do that,” Brick says. “A leak would imply his member’s privacy is at risk.”
“What if he shows it to another alpha? Like Aiden Adalwulf,” Billy asks.
“Then they’ll see I’m in control and in love.” Brick’s face is set, his eyes remote. “Now get out. My mate and I need a moment alone.”
Billy and Sully leave without another word.
“This is my fault,” he says. “If I hadn’t fought fate for so long, I never would’ve gone moon mad. Thaddeus knows I almost lost control. He’s doing this to see if I’m worthy.”
“Worthy of leading your pack?” I’m ready to remind him he more than proved he’s a worthy alpha, and besides, it’s his pack’s opinion that matters, not a vampire’s. But he shakes his head.
“Worthy of you.” He lifts a large hand and fingers the ends of a strand of my hair absently. “Thaddeus longs to feel again. I'm a powerful paranormal creature like him, and I now am thoroughly, publicly in love.”
The fierce flare of his eyes takes my breath away.
“The full moon,” I say. “Are you going to lose control?”
“No.” He lowers his gaze to mine, and my skin tingles in the area where he gave me the mating bite. “My wolf and I are in agreement. We do this scene and keep you safe.”
“I’m actually looking forward to this.” I face Brick and lay both hands on his chest. His muscles are heavy under my palms. He’s powerful in every way.
And he’s mine. All mine.
“You are?” Brick raises his brows.
“It’s going to be fun. And Thaddeus will behave.” Now that I’ve met the vampire, I feel like Ruby’s assessment of him is correct. Thaddeus is bored but has a code of honor.
“You certainly flattered him enough.”
Is Brick jealous?
I undo a single button of his shirt and smooth it open. Disheveling him a little to give him that “boss after work hours” look. Yum. “Don’t worry. You're still the biggest, baddest boy in the room.”
He grumbles something, and I rise and tiptoe to kiss him. He bows his head to give me a peck on the lips but still seems distracted.
I wish I could help him relax. We’re about to scene in public, and the fate of our territory rests on our performance. I need him to focus.
There’s one way I know how to tease him. It’s risky, but I think I can walk the line.
“You know…” I’m still fussing with him, smoothing his shirt, but I make my tone thoughtful. “You didn’t tell me the king of the vampires would be so hot.”
“What?” Brick’s brows snap together, and his growl rumbles under my hands.
Oh yeah, he’s focused now.
I’m baiting the wolf, but I’m not technically lying. He’d be able to tell. I do think Thaddeus is attractive in the way a fighter jet or wicked-edged knife can be beautiful.