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“So, the other shifters are looking to bring the dire wolves back into the fold, so to speak.”
Valentin nodded. “Yes. Garrick is even more of a skeptic than you, and they convinced him. Enough so that he reached out.”
“Then make a list of those you think we should invite to the bonding ceremony. It might not hurt to begin to form closer ties to Otter Cove.”
“Your will be done, Alpha,” Valentin said as he stood up and left Mischa’s office. Mischa leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing on Valentin’s back as he walked away. Why is it I get the distinct impression I just got played? He wondered if Valentin hadn’t been angling for a closer alliance to the town all along. Not that he thought his beta would do anything that wasn’t in the best interests of the pack.
Mischa swiveled around in his desk chair and gazed out onto the vineyard and the sea beyond. If Garrick MacBeth believed in the boogeyman, perhaps it was time the rest of them did as well. But before he could turn his thoughts to solving that problem, he needed to unravel the puzzle that was his mate.
CHAPTER8
SIMONE
Simone could not remember when she’d had a better night’s sleep. Her dreams had been filled with erotic images and fantasies of Mischa, but none of them had frightened her. As she woke though, reality intruded. She’d gotten naked, sat in his lap, and allowed him to bring her to orgasm before tucking her into bed. She might have worried that he didn’t want her, but the hard line of his erection throbbing beneath her as she sat in his lap had given her cause to think otherwise.
Kitty was curled up on the foot of the bed and lifted her head to stare at Simone before rising and coming over to rub her head against her mistress’ and then flopping over for her morning belly rub. It was early. She could hear some sounds coming from the mansion, but more, those of people who were responsible for getting the day started on a busy vineyard.
Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she reached for her bra, as well as the jeans and sweater she’d worn the night before. She retrieved the booties and exchanged them for a pair of hiking boots. She stepped out onto the balcony to test the temperature and shivered, glad that GiGi had added her down vest to the things she brought with her. She checked the mirror and was happy to see her French braid from the night before didn’t seem much the worse for wear.
Grabbing her vest, she put Kitty on her leash and trotted downstairs, following her nose to the kitchen.
“Good morning, Mistress. I don’t think we were actually introduced yesterday. I’m Mrs. Perkins. I’ve been in charge of the kitchen and the domestic staff for ages, and I’m happy to stay on until you choose another.”
Simone was taken aback. “Are you unhappy, or were you planning to retire?”
“Neither. I just thought with you being Italian, you’d want your own cook.”
Whew!That was a relief because as far as she could tell Mrs. Perkins did an outstanding job. “I’m not that Italian. Well, I guess I am, but I don’t just eat Italian food. I like all kinds of food, as I’m sure you can tell by looking at me, but what I tasted last night was outstanding. Besides, you know how this place runs and I think I’m going to need all the help I can get. So, if you wouldn’t mind doing me a favor, I’d appreciate it if you’d remain in your position.”
“There’s nothing I’d like better, dearie. And this must be the great wildcat everyone is talking about. She doesn’t look too wild to me. What do you feed her?”
“I order a prepared food product from a zoological supplier, and then supplement with fresh meats.”
“I’ll be sure to set her aside something. Nancy said she was friendly.”
“She absolutely is, and she won’t harm any of the livestock, either. But she will make sure you never see a rodent or a rabbit again.”
“What a good girl you are,” said Mrs. Perkins leaning over to let Kitty sniff her hand and then scratching her under the chin and making her purr. “Oh my, I wasn’t expecting her to be able to do that.”
Simone nodded. “Several big cat species can purr, the lynx being one of them. I thought I’d just go for a walk. When is breakfast?”
“We start serving in an hour in the main dining hall but let me get you a blueberry muffin to take with you and perhaps a little bite of ham for Kitty. Of course, you can have some, as well.”
“No, that sounds perfect—muffin for me, ham for Kitty.” Simone took the muffin and put it in her vest pocket while Mrs. Perkins fed Kitty. “I’m going to walk in the vineyard.”
“That’s a lovely walk and you can get to most any part of it from here at the main compound. We also have lovely trails cut through the trees, and then we have our own private beach.”
“It sounds heavenly.”
“It is. Have a good time,” said Mrs. Perkins, bustling back into the kitchen proper.
Simone led Kitty out the door and then into the vineyard. Once they were well away from the house, she took Kitty’s leash off to let her run free. She let her mind wander as she walked, trailing her hands along the vines. It was as if they were a touchstone, reminding her that she had once walked these grounds with Mischa at her side. This was not the first time they would be together, nor would it be their last.
In what appeared to be the middle of the vineyard, there was a large pavilion that overlooked the sea. Tangled Vines was a beautiful estate—raw and wild. Even though some of the land was cultivated, it retained a primitive beauty that was hard not to be inspired by. Perhaps her place wasn’t in Italy on her father’s vineyard; perhaps she was always supposed to have been here. Maybe Mischa was right, this place was her destiny. Maybe, just maybe, she could make a place for herself here.
Standing in the pavilion, she wrapped her arms around herself and closed her eyes. She could see her wolf in her mind’s eye. But she wasn’t like other shifters’ inner beasts. People she’d talked to could always see them clearly and some could even converse with them. But Simone’s was always in the shadows, as if she was afraid to come out.
Strong hands closed around her upper arms, as an unshaven face pressed a light kiss to the side of her neck. “Whatcha doing?” Mischa murmured.
