Chapter 7 Sydney

Chapter 7 Sydney

 

 

Over the pounding of my heart, I swore I heard the wordshe’s yoursechoing in my mind. Since I ‘d established that I was losing my mind earlier, I ignored the faint voice. However, I couldn’t disregard the raw magnetism I felt toward the strange man staring at me.

The hairs on my arms stood on end, but it wasn’t from the sensation of being afraid. It was from the sheer attraction. It wasn’t just because he was the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen. Seriously. He was tall with a commanding presence and had almost perfectly chiseled facial features. His blue eyes were made more intense by his penetrating stare. His lips formed a stern line, and I could tell he didn’t smile much. That made me sad for some reason. I’d never been more embarrassed by my tousled appearance than I was now. I looked like something out of a horror movie, and I wanted to disappear from existence or from under the hot stranger’s heated gaze.

Every cell that made up my body came to life the moment I saw him. No, before that. The sensations had started running amok in my body before I even laid eyes on him. Now, I felt as if the last piece of my life had clicked into place. Who was he?

Blinking, I shook my head slightly as if that could stop my illogical reactions to the man. He took one step toward me and whispered, “Mate.”

What?

He appeared just as shell-shocked as I was, but I got the impression he knew what was happening here. Violet didn’t look confused, either. She looked downright pleased. It was an intense, head-scratching moment, but I had the crazy urge to throw myself into the stranger’s arms. I felt like I’d be safe there.

To my disappointment, he took another step and stopped. He lifted his nose and inhaled deeply again. Why in the world did everyone keep sniffing? It was so weird. The handsome stranger closed his eyes and groaned. He grimaced as if in pain and backed away.

“Violet,” he said through clenched teeth. “Have our guest situated in Justin’s office. I need a minute.”

“Sure thing, Boss.”

My eyebrows shot up. He was Cole Grayson? For sure, I thought the CEO of this company would be much older. I watched him wheel around and hurry out the door. I wanted to run after him, hating that he was putting distance between us, which was ridiculous. How could I feel like I needed an absolute stranger?

I looked at Violet. “Is he okay?”

She smiled. “He’s fine, just a minor control issue, meeting you for the first time.”

“I don’t follow. Is it because I don’t have an appointment?”

“Of course not. Mr. Grayson will be back shortly to meet with you.” She brushed past me toward another set of doors. “Follow me.”

Glancing back at the door, Cole Grayson had disappeared though, I went with Violet. We entered an office that was probably bigger than most apartments. Of course, it was the epitome of opulence, like everything else in this place.

“Cole’s private office is upstairs.”

Again, that surge of jealousy appeared. Violet sounded too familiar with her boss. It made me wonder if their relationship went further than professional. The thought left me heartbroken. What the hell! I didn’t even know the guy. Resting a hand on my forehead, I sighed. I seriously needed to get a psychiatric evaluation.

“Are you okay, Sydney?”

“Awesome,” I grumbled.

Violet’s gaze narrowed, but she continued talking. “This is his assistant, Justin Turner’s office. He’s away for a meeting now. Have a seat if you wish.” She pointed to a leather sectional.

I sat because I was reeling from my emotions that were in upheaval.

“Can I get you something to drink?” she asked.

“Water would be great. Cold.” Because just a minute in Cole’s presence had me hot and bothered. I’d had an interest in a few guys growing up, but never anything as intense as what I felt in the waiting room. It felt as if I’d never truly lived before now, and Cole was what I needed to keep living. Hysterical laughter bubbled in my chest, but I kept it down. Ridiculous! Maybe I was just extremely exhausted, and I’d return to my usual logical self after a good nap. When Violet left, I sat back and closed my eyes just to rest them a little.

***

I felt his presence before I saw him. My eyes snapped open to find Gorgeous Stranger—I mean, Cole Grayson—standing in the doorway, watching me. I’d been in the room alone for about five minutes, but I was so tired I’d dozed off.

He entered, holding a bottle of water. He didn’t speak; he just kept me in his gaze. I got the impression of a predator lurking in the depth of his eyes. I wasn’t afraid, but I was intrigued.

Cole handed me the bottle of water, and the tips of our fingers touched. I sucked in a breath as electric heat zapped my fingers, traveled up my arm, and spread through my body. Holy hell. I’d heard of chemistry, but this was otherworldly. I even felt myself leaning toward him, wanting more of his touch. Catching myself, I sat back, opened the water bottle, and chugged. Cole eyed me as if I was an explosive device as he sat behind the desk, as far as he could get from me, I suppose.

When he didn’t speak, I blurted, “I’m Sydney Sullivan. A friend gave me your business card.”

“Cole Grayson, nice to meet you.”

Even the sound of his voice was mesmerizing. I gazed at him with a longing I didn’t understand.

He studied me intently. “You need security services?”

“Well…I…” Boy, did I ever. But how did I tell him or anyone who was after me? “Sort of.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “Sort of?”

“It’s complicated.”

His gaze swept over me, making my breathing escalate. “Stalker ex?”

Was there a jealous bite to his tone, or did I imagine it? I huffed. “Why does everyone keep assuming that?” That was one of Macy’s guesses, too.

He shrugged. “I get a lot of those cases. Who’s everyone?”

Those maddening eyes of his were fixed on me, making me squirm. “Never mind. I came here because I thought you or someone here might help me find who I’m looking for.”

“Go on.”

“Actually, it has more to do with the name of your company, why I came here.” I stared at Cole. He made me feel way too comfortable sharing, and I blurted, “Your company’s name is the same as the group of people my aunt told me to look for. The Moon Guardian Pack, I mean group.”

Cole went stock still. “Violet told me Macy Dupart pointed you in my direction.”

“Well, she did.”

“Where are you from?” he asked.

“Nebraska, but I came here to find my family. My mother’s family, rather. Look, I know this sounds crazy, but my aunt brought me from New Orleans to Nebraska when I was two years old after my mother died. She recently told me to find my mother’s people. The Moon Guardians. I was convinced it was a big coincidence that your company has the same name, but now, I don’t think so.” I stopped my rapid-fire rant to pull in a breath. “I feel…”

“A connection.”

My gaze returned to his face because he didn’t ask a question. He knew. “Yes. To you.”

He sat back in his chair, his expression softening. “What do you know about the Moon Guardian…people?” he asked.

I shrugged. “Just that my mom was a part of the group years ago. I’m nineteen now, so I guess that was over seventeen years ago.”

He frowned. “You’re young.”

Was he disappointed by my age? And why did I care?

“Who is your aunt?” he asked.

“Lydia Sullivan. She died recently.” A lump clogged my throat, and I swallowed hard.

“I’m sorry,” Cole said.

I only nodded, fearing I’d lose it and break down in front of him.

“The name doesn’t ring a bell,” he murmured. “What about your mother’s name?”

I eyed him with curiosity. Why did he sound like he knew about the Moon Guardian Pack? “So, it’s not a coincidence that your firm has the same name as my mother’s group?”

His expression was unreadable. “I didn’t say that. I’m just curious about you, Sydney.”

My name rolling off his tongue touched me in places it really shouldn’t. Clearing my throat, I told him, “My mother is Sophia Elliot. She and my aunt weren’t really sisters, just great friends, I guess.”

Cole’s neutral expression turned into a dark mask. “Sophia Elliot? What did she look like?”

I frowned. “Blonde, medium height. Really pretty. Wait, you know—”

He rose from his chair, his shoulders practically touching his ears. The tension he suddenly radiated made me stand too.

“You know who I’m looking for, then?”

“Is this some kind of game?” Cole asked.

“What?”

“You know damn well who the Moon Guardians are, don’t you? You know who I am.”

My eyes darted around the room. “The CEO of this company?”

He snarled, and my eyes widened.

“How are you my fated mate?” he asked, but I suspect that was a rhetorical question.

“W—what’s a fated mate?”

He shoved his fingers through his hair. “Would fate really be such a bitch to screw me over so epically?”

My heart dropped into my ass. “I don’t understand.”

This time when his eyes landed on me, it wasn’t the smoldering look he’d given me a couple of times since we’d met. His gaze was so cold I almost shivered.

“I think you do.” He inhaled and averted his gaze. “I can’t help you. You should leave.”

“But I—”

“Go.”

I stood, staring at him, but he refused to look at me. My heart felt as if it was about to shatter, which I didn’t understand. I’d dealt with rejection and hate my entire life, but coming from the man I’d just met, it cut me deep. “Can you at least tell me if there’s really a group called the Moon Guardians?”

He looked at me then, his eyes flashing a feral yellow. I gasped and jumped back.

“Stay the hell away from my pack,” he growled…like an actual animal.

“Oh, my God. You’re…you’re…”

“The same thing you are, Sydney. Only better. I’m not a half-breed.”

Everyone kept throwing my half-breed status in my face as if it was a crime—Uncle Sam, the hunter, and now Cole. The only difference with Cole spitting the words with such disdain was that it hurt my feelings.

“What’s so wrong with me?” I whispered. “I’m still one of you, aren’t I?” It was no use living in denial now. What I saw in Cole’s eyes had me convinced that shifters were real.

He kept me in his icy stare. “You’ll never be one of us.”

Pulling my quivering lips between my teeth, I grabbed my backpack. Glowering at him, I said, “Macy said you were a good guy. Clearly, she was wrong.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw.

I scampered out of the office because the man I’d felt the most potent attraction to just confirmed that I was part werewolf. And he was a full one! Yet, he wanted nothing to do with me. Aunt Lydia was wrong. My mother’s people wouldn’t help me unless there was someone else I could go to. Cole confirmed that there was a pack called the Moon Guardians. I’d simply go to their leader.

Although my spirit had been shot to the ground, I still felt a sliver of hope. Who was Cole Grayson, anyway? A massive asshole, that’s what. Hating that I was still drawn to him, I stomped into the reception area.

Violet shot up from her chair. Her eyes swung between me and where I’d left Cole. “How did it go? Did he claim you?”

“Excuse me?”

She clamped a hand over her mouth. “What? I mean, nothing.”

Eyes narrowing to slits, I inched closer to her desk. “Are you one of them? Are you like Cole? A shifter?”

She gasped. “He told you?”

“He showed me, rather.”

Her jaw dropped. “So, you know what you are to him, then?”

“Yeah, nothing but a disgusting half-breed, apparently.”

Violet blinked. “He did not say that to you.”

“Not in so many words. He told me to leave.”

“He did what? But you’re his fated mate.” She threw her hands up. “I don’t get it.”

“What’s a fated mate?” I asked.

The heavy sigh she blew out fluttered her bangs. “I think that’s a conversation you and Cole should have.”

“Since he doesn’t seem too keen about any further interaction with me, I demand to see your leader.”

Her eyebrows kicked up. “You mean our Alpha?”

“Sure, if that’s what he or she is called.”

“It’s a he. Why do you want to see the Alpha?”

I folded my arms over my chest and lifted my chin. “My mother was once a part of your group.”

“Pack.”

“Uh huh, and I think I have a right to see the leader and ask for help. Technically, you’re my people, too. And who the hell is Cole Grayson to tell me to stay away?”

Violet nibbled her lower lip. “Well…”

“Look, you’ve been nice to me, and I don’t want to be rude. Can you just tell me who I can talk to?” I’d reach my wits’ end. If I didn’t sort this out this craziness soon, I’d lose my shit.

She smirked. “I like you, Sydney. You’re surely going to shake things up around here.” I frowned as she scribbled on a piece of paper. “If you want to see the Alpha, stop by this address tomorrow at four.”

I took the paper with an address on it warily because Violet wore that mischievous grin again.

“Thanks for this.” I held up the piece of paper. “And I’m sorry for snapping.”

She nodded. “I get your frustration.”

As I walked to the door, I glanced over my shoulder with a suspicious frown. Why was Violet still smirking like she was in on some big secret?