Chapter 2

Is It Hot In Here?

She had felt so good in his arms, too good which told him he should leave her be. He wouldn't, but he knew he should. Her scent had wrapped around him all day better than the most expensive designer fragrance, her skin softer than the finest silks. He ached for her that was something new he had never felt before. Maybe she was a siren sent to lure him to evil? Maybe he was willing to go just to experience her body, just one time. Mental slap, what the hell was wrong with him?

It was just because she had rejected him. His young brother, the one who had unloaded her luggage from the plane, had been lured in by that hard to get act too. For all he knew Trev, the fair haired realtor who was a wolf originally, he thought from Florida, was enjoying her delights daily, no, he could smell the pure clean smell of a female that hadn't had intercourse with a male of any kind in he'd bet months. Her interest in Trev was probably professional since he hadn't picked up any strong emotions. Did that mean she was buying the place? If that were going to happen, he was going to be present so he would know for sure.

His mind made up and a course of action determined, he went home to relax, rest, and prepare for whatever the morning would bring. He rolled over turning off the annoying alarm that rung in his ears forcing him to wake earlier than usual. Why was he getting up so early this morning? Oh, yeah, it was that aggravating, but equally desirable she-wolf that seemed determined to deny both his passion and his prize. He wanted the property she seemed about to buy as much as he wanted her in his bed under him.

Now he was up so he showered, shaved, dressed, and hurried to his SUV to head off whatever was happening between her and that golden boy, Trev. He was damned if he were going to lose his chance to claim her, at least for her visit here, since he wanted nothing permanent, he also would spy on whatever deal was taking place to see if he could stop it or even find a way to offer more. Damn, he had wanted this property for years, but had been left out of the loop each time it had sold.

She would be open to his offer since he could and would soften her up. It wasn't like he would bed her if he didn't desire her, this was a perfect combination of business and pleasure. The female might not see it that way, but she would be convinced by the time he was through. He pulled into the space in front of her garage next to the SUV Trev drove. Damn it all, Trev had beaten him here. Naqi drew in a deep breath to calm himself then walked to the door with a determined stride.

He knocked, not too loud, but the casual knock of someone with the right to be there. She answered dressed in a tank and shorts, probably what she slept in. It covered everything well enough, but somehow still gave him the feeling of intimacy. That was a feeling he had no desire to share with Trev. She stepped aside and let him in as if she had been expecting him. Maybe she had.

"What brings you here this lovely morning?" Trev asked with a knowing smile.

Naqi's eyes narrowed. What did Trev suspect? "I'm just checking on a reno job I discussed with Joey. I thought I would take some measurements and give her a formal estimate. What brings you here?" Naqi was thrilled that Trev gave him the opening to ask by asking him first.

"Just finishing up some business with Joey. I'll see you tonight," he added the last part to Joey as he turned to leave.

"I hope I didn't interrupt anything," Naqi said, but even he realized he didn't sound like he meant it because he didn't.

Trev smiled like he'd just found the world's largest gold nugget. "You didn't interrupt a thing. Catch you later." Naqi sniffed the air, satisfied that the scent of sex was missing. Trev had always confused him, he seemed to march to his own tune that one no one else around could hear. Watching Trev close the door behind him as he left before he turned his full attention to Joey. He examined her noting that she was flushed and the slight sheen of sweat that covered her skin everywhere it was exposed.

Her heat was progressing to the point she would no longer be able to deny it. If he were with her when that happened, he would own her, sexually speaking. She turned to him with her hands on her hips giving him a look that probably cowed the males she usually dealt with, but it didn't bother him. It made him wonder if she had been around male wolves much since she clearly had no idea how to handle an average one. He was no average wolf, he was an alpha. She wouldn't know what hit her.

"So, what made you decide to come out here today to look at the project you've shown no interest in?"

"It's not the project that interests me," he said shooting her a look that usually made females fall into his arms.

"No, it's the property itself, isn't it?" she asked as if she had already determined it to be true.

He sent her an irritated look. Why had he let her know his interest in the property? It looked like she would hold that against him. "It was just a casual interest and only if the price was right. I think you would prefer me to be interested in anything other than you."

She blushed, he was right, but he couldn't know that. "That's ridiculous, I don't care where your interest is. I have no need for you other than as a contractor so if you're ready let's go."

As she took off at a hurried pace it was as if she wished to get him done and get him out of there. He wasn't intending to cooperate because he intended to have her. Never had he needed to chase a female before, not even when he was young and yet unschooled in the ways of sex. An older she-wolf had taken him in hand, literally, and taught him all he'd ever needed to know about sex. Now he was wishing she had taught him how to convince a reluctant female he was worth her time.

Her needy scent hit him, denial wouldn't be an option much longer. Already he was sure she was feeling intense shafts of desire shooting through her. He intended to mess with any control she planned to display. They went upstairs in the elevator and as he reached forward to hit the button, his hand grazed the side of her breast. She jumped as if she'd been shocked, and the scent of her arousal grew stronger.

He felt his body begin to respond but thought about boring business matters in an attempt to slow down his own needs from taking over. It was his plan to seduce her, not take her as his wolf was howling for him to do. The elevator opened and he waited until she walked out in front of him. She stopped and he ran right into her from behind wrapping his arms around her.

"Sorry, Babe, I wasn't expecting you to stop so suddenly."

"Fine, but you can move your arms now."

He did, but he rubbed her arms lightly before he let go. A shiver ran through her and he felt it. His plan was proceeding right on schedule. Her hard nipples pushing against her tank top were easy to see. He hoped she didn't look at the front of his pants because he was now sporting an undeniable bulge there. Before he followed her, he stepped back letting her move away from him. They discussed her plans to turn the top floor into a private apartment and he took measurements standing close to her whenever possible and bumped into her when he could do it without being obvious.

They finished in about an hour moving downstairs to discuss a few minor changes. "We're through with this since I need to price materials before I can give you an accurate estimate and it's lunch time, why don't you let me take you out to eat?"

Her eyes immediately looked suspicious. "I was planning to eat at home."

He used every bit of charm he had to convince her. "I'll take you to one of the favorite places where locals dine. If you're going to keep this place for vacations, you should meet a few of your neighbors."

"I suppose you're right." He could see she was weakening.

"Let me show you what a nice guy I really am," he said in an attempt to coax her.

"I shouldn't, but I really would like to meet some of the locals and find all the good places to go."

"So, it's decided, we'll eat lunch at Mad's then I'll bring you back."

"I have to change clothes and freshen up first."

"I'll wait for you here," Naqi said as he moved to a chair and sat down.

Joey came out about ten minutes later dressed casually in jeans, a nice shirt, and boots. Naqi was sure she felt ready for anything, but by the time he got her home, he hoped to give her a surprise or two. They went through the door, Joey closed and locked it before she followed him to his SUV where he held the door open for her. He acted every bit the gentleman and he could see she was relaxing in his company.

He drove to Madeline's which was a combination bar and family diner. The bar was on one side with a double doorway connecting it to the diner. The delicious smell of good food wafted through the entire place even as the sounds of music and a rowdy crowd could be heard throughout the building. This village was isolated, and life could be hard here. She-wolves were not as rare here as many other places, but not all of them mated wolves and some left as soon as they were old enough to do so. Naqi didn't care, he didn't intend to mate until he was a very old wolf and only then in order to have a few pups before he passed on.

Madeline, or Mad as most folks called her, was usually in the bar, but if she scented him, she would come looking for him. It didn't take long and as she screamed, launching herself into his arms, he decided he had made a mistake bringing Joey here. Mad kissed him with more suction than a Hoover, hanging on even when he tried to peel her off him. Once he finally pulled away from her, she stepped back examining Joey with a suspicious eye.

"Who's the female?" she asked. The look on her face sour and downright hateful.

"This is the lady that bought Crew's old place."

Mad took in a deep breath, her nostrils spread open drawing in a large volume of air. "What's she to you, Naqi?"

"A friend, just like you are, Mad."

"We've been awful close in the past just to be called a friend. She close like that too?"

"She hasn't been since I've just met her, but you seem to get nosier every time I come in here." The way he said it should have put her in her place, but it seemed to just make her angry. He and Mad had enjoyed some great times but that had been many years ago. She still seemed to hold out hope he would return to her bed, but he knew he never would.

She stood there looking at him with anger on her face trying to decide how to handle him. He got lucky, Peter Sanders, a visiting supplier who bought fish and sometimes crafts, came up behind her pulling her into his arms.

"Where'd ya go, Babe? I've got a powerful hankerin' for ya," he said as he slowly dragged her away. She shot Naqi a look that said she wasn't through with him yet. Although she kept busy with several males she saw, she grew angry whenever he was with a female. He'd never understand her way of looking at things.

He held out a chair for Joey before sitting down himself. "Well, that was pleasant," Joey said sarcastically as she picked up a menu from the table.

"I haven't been with that woman in as many years as you are old, but she will always feel like she owns me."

"Why do you come here?"

"It's probably the best food in town and most people come here. I'm the only one she feels possessive of and I don't know why."

"What's good? I notice a steak dinner, is that any good?"

"That's great and you can have salad or a bowl of chili. I recommend the chili if you don't mind a little heat."

The waitress came, so they both ordered wine and steak dinners with the chili. They talked about the local area, Joey seemed honestly interested in the lifestyle most chose to live. Many tried to follow the ways of their ancestors, with a few exceptions in the form of modern items to ease their lives. They lived by fishing and hunting, ignoring most modern conveniences, and paying little attention to the tourists that visited at certain times of the year to observe them.

They drank several glasses of wine, ate their meal which Joey seemed to enjoy, and talked, even laughed and joked. Naqi thought they had regained the friendly feel they had had earlier in the day. He felt like he had some hope of getting closer to her. It was time to go so he helped her out of her chair, and she shivered when he touched her. She might resist him, but she wasn't immune to him. He helped her into his SUV once again feeling her react to his touch.

As he drove toward her house, he tried to plan how to get her to let him kiss her. Maybe he would just play it by ear. He pulled into her driveway, parking in front of the garage. Before she got out on her own, he hurried around to help her out. Now he made it just as she opened the door, so he held out his arms to assist her, but made sure she ended up pulled against his body before he slid her down his length. This time he felt more than a delicate shiver. The shudder racked her whole body and the scent of arousal hit his nose. It had the side effect of pushing up his own arousal as well.

Just like the perfect gentleman he really wasn't but wanted to appear so she would relax her guard, he took her by the arm as he walked her to her door. At the door, he held out his hand for the keys which she reluctantly gave him. He unlocked the door holding it open until she walked in with him closely behind her. His wolf prowled close to the surface demanding he take her, ready or not. Consigning his wolf to the deep dark place inside him where his animal usually prowled when he wasn't allowed to run free, he pushed him down.

So lovely, it was no surprise his wolf wanted to possess her. His wolf had always left the choice of sexual partner to the human side. He wasn't usually so demanding as long as there was sex, but for now he'd better concentrate on his prey before she escaped as she no doubt planned to. He would think about what it all might mean later.

"Thank you. I had a nice time, mostly," she said with a half-smile.

"You're nice company once you loosen up a little," he said with a chuckle.

"I have a little work to get done, then I need to get a good night's sleep."

She's giving me the brush off. "Aren't you going to offer me a drink before you push me out the door?"

"Would you like a drink?"

"So, kind of you to ask. What do you have?"

"A fully stocked bar," she replied as she waved her arm to the corner of the living room.

Naqi walked to the bar taking his time to peruse his options. He decided on a whiskey sour before turning to her. "What would you like?"

"Just give me whatever you're having."

He pulled out two glasses and fixed them each a drink. Then he carried the drinks to the coffee table setting them down next to each other. Encouraging her to join him he sat down relaxing on her couch patting the spot next to him. She hesitated, but sat down, although she made sure to keep distance between them. Her scent teased his nose pushing at him, making need ride him harder. She reached forward picking up her drink downing the whole thing before slamming the empty glass onto the coffee table. The look on her face told him she didn't usually drink whiskey.

She turned toward Naqi intent on making a comment to him that would hurry him out the door, but no words made it passed her lips. He struck with an eerie speed as he pulled her into his arms pressing his lips to hers. His tongue traced a path over her lips before his lips nibbled at her lower lip coaxing hers to open. She intended to stand firm until she felt a hand at her breast and one sliding under her moving along her ass.

As she gasped in surprise, it was just the opening he needed to slip his tongue into her mouth. He explored her depths with his tongue striking hers as he speared into her mouth time after time. His hand lightly squeezed her breast as his other hand gripped her ass. He could feel her passion rising even as his own began burning inside him. This female he wanted possibly more than he wanted the property she kept him from. It was like being doused by ice water. He slowly pulled back away from her giving himself a chance to breathe, to think.

"Well, we've had the goodnight drink, the kiss, and now it's time for you to go so I can do a little work before I turn in," she said once she gained control.

"I'll get the materials ordered and let you know when we can start," he said his mind befuddled.

What had almost happened to him? He was at a loss as to how to explain it since he never felt more than a momentary need for a female, not an out of control runaway train of passion. His mom had been a good female, the best really, but he'd seen enough of the money grubbing, take over a male's life kind, to know he was never going there. He'd keep his distance from the vibrator queen. That should have warned him to stay away from her right from the start. Now he left, glad to escape with his freedom.

A week had passed, a miserable week if he was honest, which he was usually, at least to himself. As his eyes continued to glance over to the old Crew place, he knew Joey was still staying there. His youngest brother, Hiti, had asked many questions about her, showing he was still interested. He had tried to discourage him, but that had just made him mad. It seemed every male he saw wanted to know about the aggravating female that was constantly on his mind.

He finally decided to go to Mad's with a date, have some fun, and end his frustration using another female to do it. That was the problem, he simply needed sex, and any female would do. Once he sated himself, it would be clear that was the case. He called Julie, he didn't usually sink to that level, but he was desperate. She wasn't a pro, but she was one step away from it which was why he had never shown interest in her before. Rumor had it she got around a lot.

"Hey, Julie? This is Naqi."

"Naqi, wow I didn't think you would ever call me," surprise seemed to be her only emotion.

"I just thought you might want to go out tonight, just for fun."

"Sure Naqi. That sounds great. You picking me up?"

"Sure. I'll be there at 7 pm. We'll hang out at Mad's."

"I'll be ready."

"See you then."

He should have felt better now that he had a plan and knew he'd take care of the surge of desire Joey had caused him. Problem was the thought of Julie made him go limp. He hadn't ever had that problem before, and he wasn't happy to have it now. Since he had set the time at seven and he had a fifteen minute drive to Julie's, he hurried to get ready. Just five minutes and he could have been at Joey's door. Why had he even thought about her?

Julie stood out in the driveway waiting even though he was there five minutes early. She was a she-wolf, but life had been rough on her. The poor female was fodder for the local gossips which being seen with him wouldn't help. They said she was on drugs, but no one had ever had any proof. Everyone said she was easy, to the point where she was a bit sleazy, but other than that he'd never seen anything bad that she did. That she looked older than her age, maybe it was the vacant look in her eyes most of the time. She was a bit underweight even for a wolf, they tended to be lean.

Even so she wasn't ugly, just washed out and lackluster. He realized what he was doing right now was a big mistake and the way he was using her wasn't fair. So, he'd take her to dinner, then he'd take her home. There'd be no harm in that, dinner as friends. He pulled into Mad's hurrying to her side to help her out and he gave her his arm to lean on, she seemed to need it. He helped her in the door heading to the closest seat available. Mad was waitressing, one of the girls must have called out.

"Glad to see you and the other one called it quits," Mad said with a genuine smile on her face.

"What makes you say that?"

Mad nodded with her head. "She and Trev have the corner table tonight. Candles, flowers, the whole nine yards. He's out to impress and it seems to be working."

Naqi glanced to the corner booth usually reserved for dates. Sure enough, Mad was right, Trev and Joey sat there looking as cozy as two peas in a pod. He couldn't say why, but that really pissed him off. Now he made an effort not to watch them, which paid off he supposed. He was able to relax, a little, and he watched Julie who seemed to be enjoying her food immensely.

"Julie is the couple in the corner gone?" he asked her even though he hated to acknowledge his interest in them at all.

Julie looked up, almost as if he had woke her from a long, deep night's sleep. "What?" she asked with an embarrassed look as she realized he had asked her a question.

"The couple in the corner, are they gone?"

She smiled at him with obvious amusement causing her eyes to twinkle from some secret joke. "They are for now."

He wondered what the hell that meant. They finished their meal before Naqi escorted Julie home. "Thank you for the pleasure of your company," he said as he took her hand kissing it. He had considered shaking hands, but that was just too casual for a date.

Now he found he had no desire to kiss or even hug her. The only female he seemed to want in that way was that aggravating female that lived in what should have been his house. It seemed life was kicking him in the ass. He wanted her, she made him nervous as hell because he didn't want to mate, but he feared when she was through with him, he might want to mate her.

What was a male to do when presented with such a conundrum? The word run popped into his mind, but he wasn't that much of a chicken, not yet at any rate. Maybe he was right to begin with. He could have her, then be free of the desire to keep her. If sleeping with the local alpha embarrassed her later, she could always sell the property to him and be free of him for good. Now that he had settled on the old plan again, he felt better. At least he did until doubts began to assail him. What was she doing right now with that golden boy realtor? Was she even now sharing what was his with another wolf? Oh, hell, she wasn't his. Where had that thought come from?

Still, he had to admit the thought of her with Trev bothered him. He couldn't fault her since he had walked away leaving her hanging. Trying to figure out why he felt so possessive, was it maybe because he hadn't been with her yet? It must be a competitive thing, yeah, that's all it was. He went home where he went to bed tossing and turning most of the night. When he finally fell into a deep sleep, it was anything, but dreamless.

He was back in her house the day he had caught her about to use that huge vibrator. Her honey blonde hair had been fanned around her covering the arm of the couch. Her blue/green eyes had been closed at first, at least until they popped open as if she became aware of his presence. Her skin, not white, but lightly tanned, had flushed attractively as her eyes met his. Her full breasts had rosy nipples hard with need that made his mouth water just to taste them. Those hips were wide enough to hold on to while her pussy was shaved bare except for the thin strip of hair that pointed to the slick lips well lubed with her desire.

It wasn't surprising after he'd seen that curvy body that no one else would do. He just wanted to sink his overly hard cock deep inside her and not come out until he left a load of hot seed in her womb. The female was going to drive him nuts. He woke bathed in sweat, his cock aching with need, he wanted her, needed her, had to have her. After what he had done, leaving her as if he had lost interest, getting her back would be no easy feat. He rolled over checking out the clock, the stores should be open.

He called Ophelia, his sister, to order a dozen roses for Joey, but he wouldn't put anything on the card only his name. It would give her something to think about, besides, what female didn't like to be sent flowers?

"Naqi, is it you?"

"Yes, Fi, it's me."

"What's wrong? You never call unless something's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong," he said with his fingers crossed. "I just need to send a lady flowers."

Fi giggled. He was sure she found it hysterical that she was sending a female not related to him flowers. "Who is she?"

"Her name is Joey, and she lives at the old Crew place. Just put my name on the card, nothing more." He could almost hear all her unasked questions, but he was glad she remained silent. The flowers would arrive by lunch. He hoped she would call, but he didn't expect her to. Now he would plan his next move.

"Hello." He was at work when she called surprising him.

"Hi, this is Joey. Just wanted to thank you for the lovely flowers. It was most unexpected."

"I've just been busy and not had much time, but I wanted you to know I haven't forgotten you."

"Really," she said followed by a long pause. "Trev and I went to Mad's to celebrate a deal closing and I was sure I saw you walk by, but I didn't want to bother you since it looked like you were on a date."

Busted! Naqi was beginning to think his famous good luck had deserted him the moment he met this female. "She's just an old friend from school. I wish you had said something so I could have introduced you," he said mentally crossing his fingers. It was the truth, sort of.

"I'll remember that next time I see you out with a female." He could hear the humor in her voice. Was she laughing at him?

"You do that. The materials for the reno are nearly all here. I'd like to start bringing them out in the morning if it won't disturb you."

"It's no problem. Trev is taking me on a day trip, so I'll be gone tomorrow. Will you need to get inside?"

"No, we'll start stacking things outside for now. Is he taking you anywhere interesting?" he asked casually even though he was dying to know.

"Just into the village to meet some people and shop for some items to send home."

"Are you aware some of my family lives in the village?"

"I believe someone mentioned it."

"I would have made a better guide for you."

"Perhaps, but you weren't available, and I had no way of knowing if you would be."

"You're right, maybe if you want to see some of the other sights, you'll let me be your guide?"

"Sure, if you're available."

He hung up the phone feeling like an untried schoolboy. What was it about this female that made him say and do all the wrong things? He thought about her then he thought about her spending all day tomorrow with Trev and he started getting really pissed off. She belonged to him, not Trev. The problem was he had messed things up all by himself. Now he would have to straighten things out, but he had to wait until the day after tomorrow. He could only hope things with Trev wouldn't progress to the point of no return.

For a couple of hours more he worked in his office. It was later than he normally worked when he headed to Mad's for a drink. He sat down ordering a drink and an appetizer. If he wanted to have a chance with Joey, he had a lot to think about and plan. Also, he needed to decide if he just wanted her for a while or if he wanted to keep her. Never had he considered keeping any female he had met before. Always he had thought he'd wait until he was old, but he had never felt drawn to a female like he was to her. It made no sense and he found it confusing since he had never believed in soul mates. Females had taken care of a physical need for him, nothing more.

He sipped his whiskey and ate his smoked salmon while his mind tried to wrap itself around the changes his point of view seemed to be undergoing. Tomorrow, he would send building materials to Joey's house. He would use the opportunity to talk to her if she were still home, maybe he could see what she felt for Trev. He had no intention of losing her nor did he plan to share her with anyone, especially Trev.

Naqi woke up earlier than usual, it took him a moment to remember why. He showered, dressed, and ate a quick breakfast. Joey would be his and his alone, so he needed to put a stop to Trev's interference with her as quickly as possible. It was too late to prevent the plans for today, but hopefully he could stop any further plans from being made between the two of them.

Some of his guys were there early to drive the trucks loaded with construction materials up the road to Joey's place. The house would make a good home to raise pups in. Whoa, that was a little beyond what he was planning to do. Where the hell had that even come from? Sure, he wanted pups, but not for many years. He jumped in his truck following the two semis loaded with materials up to Joey's place.

He assumed he had arrived before they had left since Trev's SUV was still parked in front of the garage and he assumed Joey's truck was inside it where it usually was. Hurrying to the door while the drivers disconnected the trailers leaving them loaded at her house, his guys would unload materials as needed once the job was started. When he knocked on the door, he was fighting the overwhelming feeling to take her in his arms when she opened the door.

"Good morning," she said with a smile. "Want a cup of coffee?"

He answered, "That would be great. I'm usually not up this early, but I have a busy day today. I guess you'll have one too."

"I'm excited about seeing the village. I hope they'll agree to a few pictures, if not of people, than at least of some of the houses and items of interest."

"You like to take pictures?"

"Yes, I'm a bit of an amateur photographer. I'm not a pro, but I've won a few awards in amateur contests and my family has my pictures in their businesses."

"I could take you to a few places you could get wildlife and landscape shots."

"That sounds nice. I'd like that."

Trev asked, "What sounds nice?"

Naqi could feel pressure building. It was the oddest feeling, sort of like anger. He realized it was jealousy, a new emotion for him and one he didn't like.

"Naqi offered to show me some other places to take pictures. Can't ever get too many of those."

"I don't suppose you can. I'm surprised he's found the time since he's been so busy lately," Trev said with a smirk.

"We can't all have such a flexible schedule. Selling this place probably took care of your finances for a year," Naqi said making a verbal dig.

"A year or more, it was a great sale, but I always make time for such a beautiful lady." Joey blushed and smiled at the compliment.

"I have to work a little harder than you do, but I can make time for a beautiful lady, too, and show her things no one else can if she's just a bit patient with me."

"Oh, was it work that kept you busy?" Trev asked with a knowing look. Naqi chose to ignore that since he didn't want to get caught in an outright lie.

He noticed Joey had set her coffee down, the cup was empty. Trev was almost done, too, so they'd be leaving any time. At least he had gotten to see her and plant the idea of her letting him show her around next time instead of Trev. He finished his coffee and said goodbye. His work here was done for now, the rest was up to her.