“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 matterhow 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.
