Chapter 2
Two
RYKER
The sun beats down on my shoulders as I stride toward Wolf Isle Hotel, phone pressed to my ear while my packmate, Alaric, drones on about investors and profit margins.
I can smell the ocean, taste the salt on my tongue, and all I want is a moment of fucking peace without someone demanding my attention. Being the alpha of the Blackwood Pack comes with responsibilities that never end.
The resort is just another piece of the empire I’ve built to keep my wolves safe and prosperous.
“Ryker, are you even listening to me?” Alaric’s voice cuts through my thoughts, impatient as always.
“I heard you,” I growl, adjusting my sunglasses as I near the hotel’s entrance. “The investors want another meeting. They always want another fucking meeting.”
“Because they’ve put millions into Wolf Isle, and they want to see returns,” he counters. I can picture him running his hand through his blond hair, his blue eyes narrowed in frustration. “You can’t just ignore them.”
“I’m not ignoring them. I’m delegating,” I say, pausing at the edge of the property, taking in the pristine white building rising against the backdrop of lush tropical foliage. “You can handle them. You’re better with the schmoozing anyway.”
A heavy sigh comes through the line. “Fine. But when they ask why the pack alpha himself isn’t present…”
“Tell them I’m handling operational matters.
Tell them whatever the fuck you want,” I say, softening my tone slightly, knowing Alaric is only trying his best. “Just make sure they understand that their investment is safe. Wolf Isle is already the most exclusive resort in the region. We’re booked solid for the next six months. ”
“I know, I know.” There’s a shuffle of papers on his end. “I’ll handle it.”
“Good. I’ll check in later,” I say, hanging up without waiting for his response, and slip my phone into my pocket. The glass doors of the hotel slide open as I approach, the cool air-conditioned interior a welcome relief from the heat.
Wolf Isle Resort has become my pride and joy over the past few years.
It’s a sanctuary where pack families can vacation in peace, mingling with wealthy human guests who have no idea they’re sharing pool loungers and tennis courts with actual werewolves.
The humans think they’re just staying at an ultra-exclusive resort that caters to the rich and famous.
The receptionist, Melissa, spots me the moment I enter the lobby. She immediately stands straighter, her eyes wide with recognition and respect.
“Alpha Blackwood,” she says, a sweet smile spreading across her face as she practically bows in deference. “What an unexpected pleasure. Is there anything you need today?”
“Just doing a walk-through,” I reply, giving her a brief nod. “Carry on.”
I make my way down the main hallway, inspecting every detail with a critical eye.
This business operates on perfection. One flaw, one slip-up that reveals what we are, and everything I’ve built could come crashing down.
I check that the art on the walls hangs perfectly straight, that there’s not a speck of dust on the decorative tables, and that the lighting creates the exact ambiance I want for our guests.
A human housekeeper passes me, pushing a cart of cleaning supplies.
She keeps her eyes down, clearly intimidated even though she doesn’t know why.
Humans can’t consciously recognize what I am, but on some primal level, they sense the predator in me.
Their instincts tell them to be cautious, to show submission.
I turn down the east wing, where our premium suites are located.
These rooms go for five figures a night during peak season, and they’d better fucking look like it.
As I walk, I mentally note that the carpet in this section will need to be replaced soon because the pile is wearing thin in high-traffic areas.
My thoughts are interrupted when I notice a door to my right is open, and I freeze mid-step.
A woman stands with her back to me, bent over slightly as she tucks fresh sheets into a massive king-sized bed.
Her uniform skirt rides up just enough to give me a view of shapely thighs that make my mouth go dry.
Her curly blond hair falls just above her perfectly round ass as she works, completely oblivious to my presence.
My cock stirs immediately, hardening against the fabric of my pants as I watch her move.
She’s wearing black heels that accentuate her legs, making them look like they go on forever.
The maid uniform hugs her curves in all the right places, and I find myself transfixed by the sway of her hips as she smooths the sheets.
My feet remain planted to the floor. I really should walk away, but my eyes drink in every movement of her body. There’s something about her that calls to me on an instinctual level.
She suddenly turns, and I’m struck by the full force of her beauty. Large breasts strain against her uniform, her face a perfect heart shape with full lips and wide, innocent eyes. She clutches a white pillowcase in her hand, her expression shifting from surprise to nervousness as she stares at me.
“Oh! I’m sorry,” she says, her voice soft and melodic. “Can I help you with something, sir?”
She has a light scent floating around her.
Like grapes, but I’m not so sure. My nostrils flare as I breathe it in deeply.
She’s not a wolf. She’s definitely human, but there’s something different about her scent that makes my inner beast howl with want.
My cock throbs painfully, and I have to resist the urge to adjust myself.
“Yes,” I say, my voice rougher than I intended. “You can help me by coming to work for me instead.”
Her eyebrows lift in confusion, a blush spreading across her cheeks. “Excuse me?”
“I want you to come work for me. Personally. At my house.” I take a step closer, watching as her pupils dilate slightly. “What’s your name?”
“Anya,” she replies slowly. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable but not afraid. “Anya Rosewood.”
“Anya,” I repeat, enjoying how her name feels on my tongue. I extend my hand. “I’m Ryker.”
She hesitates before placing her small hand in mine. The moment our hands touch, a jolt of electricity shoots up my arm. Her cheeks flush deeper, and I can smell the subtle change in her scent that tells me she feels the attraction between us.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she says, withdrawing her hand quickly. “But I’m actually quite happy with my job here. I just started, and everyone’s been very kind.”
I can’t help the smirk that forms on my lips. “I think you’ll find working for me directly has... significant benefits.”
Her eyes narrow slightly, a flash of defiance in them that surprises and delights me. “I’m sure it does, but I prefer to make my own decisions about my employment, thank you.”
Fuck. She’s feisty.
Most humans cower in my presence, sensing the predator even if they don’t understand why. But this little human stands her ground, chin lifted slightly as if challenging me.
My cock twitches in response, and I have to bite back a growl.
“Tell me, Anya,” I say, stepping closer until I can feel the heat radiating from her body. “Do you always talk back to your superiors like this?”
“Only when they try to poach me from a job I just started without so much as a proper interview or explanation.” She clutches the pillowcase tighter, but her eyes don’t waver from mine. “And who the hell are you?”
I can’t help the dark chuckle that escapes me. “I’m the man who signs your paychecks, little one. Or did they not tell you who owns Wolf Isle when they hired you?”
Her eyes widen, lips parting in surprise. “You’re... my boss?”
“I’m your boss’s boss’s boss,” I clarify, enjoying the way her scent shifts with her embarrassment. “I own this entire resort. The hotel, the island—all of it.”
“Oh, my god.” Her free hand comes up to cover her mouth, her cheeks flaming red now. “I had no idea. I’m so sorry if I was disrespectful.”
“It’s okay,” I say gruffly. “As I was saying. I want you to come work at my private residence instead. Starting now.”
This makes no sense. She’s human. Just staff. Nothing more than that.
Alphas don’t get involved with human females, no matter how beautiful they are. They can’t carry our pups, can’t be true mates. The most they’re good for is casual satisfaction, a warm body to spend the night with before moving on.
But something about Anya pulls at me in a way I’ve never experienced before. Maybe it’s the fire beneath that shy exterior, or the way her scent makes my head swim. Whatever it is, I find myself wanting her near me, where I can look at her whenever I please.
“Wait, right now?” she asks, blinking rapidly, her violet-colored eyes wide as she looks at me.
“Is there a problem with that?” I raise an eyebrow, daring her to challenge me again.
“It’s just... I haven’t finished cleaning this room,” she gestures to the half-made bed. “And I should probably give proper notice…”
“I’ll handle all of that.” I wave a dismissive hand. “Consider this your reassignment. Effective immediately.”
She bites her lower lip, and my eyes lock onto the gesture. I imagine those plump lips wrapped around my cock, and I have to suppress a groan.
“Okay,” she says softly. “I’ll need to get my things from my room. Room 108.”
I nod and gesture for her to lead the way.
As we walk, I can’t help but admire the sway of her hips, the way her uniform hugs her curves.
I wonder why someone so beautiful seems so unaware of her effect on others.
She walks with her shoulders slightly hunched, eyes downcast, as if trying to make herself invisible.
When we reach her room, she unlocks it and pushes the door open, revealing a small space with minimal personal touches. She quickly moves to the closet and pulls out a worn backpack, stuffing what few clothes she has inside. It takes her less than five minutes to pack everything she owns.
“Is that all?” I ask, surprised by how little she possesses.
She nods, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she brushes her hands over her uniform self-consciously. “Yes, I travel light.”
There’s more to her, and I want to know what it is. Why does this beautiful woman have so little? Why does she seem so uncomfortable in her own skin?
“Ready?” I ask gently.
She nods again, slinging the ratty backpack over her shoulder.
As I lead her out to my car, I find myself wondering what it is about her that has me so intrigued. Most females would flaunt a body like hers and would use their beauty to get what they want. But Anya seems almost oblivious to her own allure, or perhaps it simply doesn’t matter to her.
I hold the passenger door open for her, watching as she slides in with grace, even though I can sense how nervous she is.
Her scent fills the enclosed space of the car as I lean in to help her with the seatbelt.
She gasps lightly when my thumb accidentally brushes her nipple through her maid uniform, and my balls tighten at the contact.
I suddenly envision her with her legs open, moaning my name while touching herself, and then I walk over, putting my cock deep in her mouth to silence her screams.
Fuck.