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It seemed as though she would be doing it all herself. Standing on shaky legs, she approached the door to let her first client in. Part of her was terrified. She didn’t know what to expect. But another part of her was thrilled. Would he look human? Turning the knob, it seemed as though she were trapped in slow motion.
Getting her first good look at Demetri, her mouth fell open. Wavy dark hair fell to his shoulders, and his dark brown eyes drew her. Unlike Ms. Pope’s dark eyes, his seemed warm, comforting. They enticed her to lose herself inside of them rather than trying to hypnotize her. His lips were full, and she felt lust stirring inside of her. Would he be a perk? What if she said please?
“I suddenly feel overdressed,” Demetri teased, a half smile tilting his lips. “Should I disrobe and allow you to continue your inspection, or may I enter the office?”
Looking at Tina, humiliated, she whispered, “Kill me now?” Stepping to the side, she allowed the client to enter.
Tina was laughing as she denied her request.
“I’m not sure if I should be flattered or insulted. Hello, Tina, it’s a pleasure to see you once again.”
“Thank you. I’d like to introduce you to my replacement, Stacy Jones. Be gentle with her, this is her first day. She isn’t used to your teasing.”
“I have not yet begun to tease her.” It was a simple comment, but it seemed to be filled with promise. Another wave of pure lust washed over her. She was slightly embarrassed by her reaction to him. Closing her eyes halfway, she tried to remember when the last time she’d had sex had been.
“Don’t worry about it,” Demetri whispered in her ear. “Mmmmm, and I definitely prefer to smell your arousal rather than your fear.” He bit down gently on her neck. “It’s spicier, and very inviting.”
Another shudder coursed down her body. One that had nothing to do with fear.
“Very inviting, indeed.”
“Demetri,” Tina scolded. “Stop it. You are here for mediation.”
“To business, then. Maybe when it is completed, we can discuss pleasure. Which room shall we be in tonight?”
“Conference room three.”
“I shall see you in a moment, then.” His lips brushed against her flesh before he stepped away. One second he was behind her, the next he was gone.
“You have to watch out for that. Be careful, or they’ll keep sneaking up behind you.”
So I’ve noticed, Stacy thought wryly. First Ms. Pope, now this Demetri guy. Would she ever learn what to expect?
“Okay, take this.” Tina moved behind the desk and opened a drawer before handing her a manila folder and a pen. “Conference room three. Through the door take a left. Take your first right, third door on the left. Got that?”
“Left, right, third door on the left. I think so.” She opened the door. “Is there a ball of string or some pebbles I can drop on my way?”
“Nope, sorry. Don’t worry, you’ll learn your way around. The most important rule to remember is, knock on a door before you enter it. Never— ever —enter any door without knocking. You never know what’s going on inside, or if you will be forced to participate in it.”
“Left, right, third door on the left,” Stacy said again around the lump that formed in her throat. Clutching the folder and pen to her chest, she mumbled the directions to herself over and over again until she reached the room she felt certain was her destination.
Her hand automatically went to the knob, but she remembered Tina’s warning before she entered. Knocking, she heard Demetri call for her to enter.
“I see Tina has been giving you secrets,” he chuckled.
“Was that a—why would you—”
“Calm down. She’s done nothing wrong. Please, have a seat.” He waited until she sat down, then sat in the chair beside her. He was so close she could feel his body heat.
“Yes,” he said, taking a deep breath. “Much better.” Leaning closer, he closed his eyes and just seemed to breathe. With a shake of his head, he straightened. “Unfortunately we must attend to business, for now. I will sum up the problem.” Standing up, he walked to a wall and pulled down a map. It was littered with different colored areas. “My pack has had control of the green areas for the last two decades. Randal and his vampires have been steadily encroaching. He controls the red areas.”
“So this is like a gang war?”
“Not quite. Vampires and werewolves simply have trouble getting along when it comes to our playmates. And though we learned to control our shifting years ago, we are very temperamental during the three days of our cycle. It is when the moon has greatest control over us and sings her siren song. It is when we can, if pressured, revert to our most primal instincts. With them also in the area, that serves to make more than a few of my pack restless. We do not want violence to ensue, but we may have no choice. That is why you are here. We want to negotiate terms that will be agreeable for both sides, and allow the safety of mortals. Do you have any questions?”
“I don’t...” Before she could say anything else, the door opened and another man entered the room.
“I hate this room. Why couldn’t we have been placed in the lovely crimson one?”
