Dark Legends, page 266
I chuckled. “More like a wolf.” With a grin, I stood and walked around the desk to the open space she currently moved about. Then I leaned back against the desk and crossed my arms over my chest. “Dammit,” I growled.
Her eyes widened as she looked at me. “Something I said?” Shae froze in place.
“Not you.” I grunted as I tried to pry the jacket off. “I don’t know how many times I have to tell the stylist to get me bigger jackets. I feel like Chris Farley in this thing.”
“If Chris Farley had huge biceps and pecs a woman wanted to nuzzle up to.” She turned her doe eyes on me and blinked a few times in an effort to look sweet and innocent. There was nothing pure about this actress. I’d known of her long before I represented her. Slowly, Shae stepped towards me, deliberately forcing her tiny hips to sway as she moved.
This female wasn’t my type. I continued to struggle out of my jacket as she neared me. “It’s okay. I’ve got it.” I sighed, hoping to stave her off. Oh, but no. This time, in this situation, she was intensely confident.
Shae ran her hands over her my chest and up my shoulders under the jacket. “Let me help you out of that pesky blazer,” she murmured seductively.
Suddenly, my need to remove the offending piece of clothing escalated. The sound of ripping fabric had her taking a step back and covering her mouth with the back of her hand to stifle a giggle. Believe me, she was reading me all wrong as I struggled frantically and finally yanked it off. Shae could never hold my attention, never turn my head. Her waif-like appearance would never appeal to me. I needed a real woman, a woman with curves, someone I could hold onto and never worry about breaking. To be mine, a woman would have to be tough and strong. This chick wasn’t even close.
“Nice to see you’ve recovered.” I tossed the jacket on my chair. “Now let’s get back to business.”
Stepping closer again, she reached out to me. “I couldn’t agree more.” She gazed up at me through her thick, fake eyelashes. “I’ve been waiting for this for so long.” Shae sighed happily.
I smiled. “I know you have, which is why I think you should definitely take this series.” Her jaw dropped. Then she began to recover, and I knew she would try to correct my erroneous assumption. We had a contract. I could lose a lot of money. I didn’t need it, but I really liked it. There were freedoms that came from living debt free with a shit ton of money in the bank. Shit ton. It was an industry term. “Take the job.”
Her shoulders sank. “I don’t know.”
Shaking my head, I walked around the desk, pushed the contract toward her, and held out a pen. “Sign it.” When she didn’t move, I set the pen down and then collapsed into my seat. “It’s perfect for you.” Shae still hesitated. I laid out my argument. “You’re tired of going on auditions. You’re ready to take a starring role instead of all these weekly walk-on parts. You’ve had your SAG card long enough.”
“What if I fail?” Her lower lip trembled.
I’d seen this move before. I was supposed to comfort her now, wrap her in my arms, allow myself to be seduced. This wasn’t going to happen. Never with her or anyone like her. This had been a rule which had served me well for the last ten years. No need to change it up now. “How could you possibly fail? You’ve got this.” Then I gave her my biggest smile. I was well aware of the effect it had on women, the way they melted in my presence when I allowed any emotion to show.
Shae beamed and nodded. “Okay. I’ll do it.” She waltzed over to my desk and leaned over to sign the contract near the flagged lines while she held her hair back from her face with one hand. “So…I guess we won’t be seeing each other much anymore.” She glanced up at me.
“I don’t know about that. You may start receiving offers for commercials or movies from this role.” I tugged at my chin. “You’re not through with me yet.”
“Good.” She giggled. Then Shae smiled. “I guess I’ll be going now.”
I nodded. “Yeah. I’ll be in touch.” I’d hit the button on my phone, and my assistant knew the drill. Already she had entered the room to help escort the latest clingy starlet out.
“Right this way, please,” Margot directed.
“Thank you, Margot.” I offered a tight-lipped smile as she emptied my office. When the door closed behind them, I sighed. This was my life, and it had lost all real meaning. Leaning over the desk, I held my face in my hands. At one time, making loads of money was enough. Once, I believed I was actually helping people with what I did, connecting actors and roles. I thought my job mattered. I told myself the money was my bonus—hard earned. Only now when I looked in the mirror, I didn’t even know who I was anymore.
The desk phone rang. Thinking it was my assistant, I didn’t even open with a proper greeting. “Hold all my calls.”
“Even mine?” A sad sigh reached my ear.
At the sound of her voice, I perked up and sat ramrod straight in my seat. “Kady? Is it you?”
“Yeah, Ronan. It’s me.” She sniffled.
The sound of my sweet sister crying on the other end of the phone caused my heart to ache. “What’s wrong, sweet girl?” I tried to soothe her as best I could across the miles.
“You need to come home,” she whispered into the phone.
“Answer the question, Kady.” There was an edge to my voice, a warning I’d used to my advantage through the years. “Listen to your big brother.”
A hollow laugh wafted through the phone. “I never listened to my brother,” she reminded me.
“This is true.” I blew out a breath and rubbed my forehead, my mind racing as to why she’d finally reach out after nearly ten years of silence.
“But I always listen to my Alpha.” She stifled a sob, and I could picture her shuddering on the other side of the phone as she tried to control her emotions.
Alpha? I guess I had my answer. Mostly. “What happened to father, Kady?” I leaned back in my chair and covered my eyes. Usually the phone calls I received on this line changed the lives of my clients. Apparently today, the call would change mine.
Chapter Two
Autumn
With a sigh, I pulled my cat out of the suitcase for the fifth time and zipped it closed. Sir Purr was in a panic. I wasn’t doing much better. For some reason, this hike required luggage. I remember the first call the day after he left. Joel sounded so excited, I couldn’t ruin it for him.
“We leave Friday morning.” I could hear him pacing around his apartment with a definite spring in his step, which was an improvement from the usual trudging of late.
I bit my lip as I murmured, “You mentioned that yesterday. Where are we going? McAlpine Greenway?”
He laughed. “That’s no hike.”
“Eleven miles? Eleven miles doesn’t qualify as a hike? Since when?” This was the moment my chest began to hurt.
“No. That’s barely a long walk.” This time, I recognized his condescending laugh, the one Joel pulled out when he was making fun of someone but wanted to keep it light while turning the screw.
Pretty sure I started hating him right about there. “So where are we going?” Keeping the anger out of my voice took every bit of control in me.
“Guess!” I could hear him typing on his laptop. “I’m still finalizing the arrangements, but I found a great place to stay.”
“Wait. A place to stay? How long is this hike?” Suddenly, I began to imagine packs and dehydrated meals and some freaking tarp for a shelter.
“I told you to guess.” An edge had crept into his voice. Apparently, Joel was losing his patience already.
Now I had to decide if I cared. I sighed again. Unfortunately, as I pictured my mother’s disappointed face, I knew I did. “I already guessed once. You want me to guess again?” I rubbed my temple. “Fine. How about…” I panicked. There was one place he’d talked about repeatedly. “Is it the Appalachian Trail?”
Joel chuckled. “I wish.” He blew out a breath. “Seriously, that’s still my dream hike, but I knew you wouldn’t be up for it.”
This was where I was supposed to argue with him, but I couldn’t. The man had to be right sometimes. Apparently this was that time. “Sorry. I just don’t have enough time banked. I couldn’t get off for more than a few days. You’d never be happy spending only a day or two on the Trail.” Then I waited quietly, hoping he’d end this game and just spit it out.
“Well, since you couldn’t guess, it’ll be a surprise. We have to fly…”
“We’re flying?” I completely interrupted him, which he hated, but since he was using my credit cards, which I hated, I felt completely justified. “How much is this hike costing me, Joel?”
I could sense the obnoxious responses he volleyed around in his head. I’d heard so many of them over the course of our relationship, I could almost accurately predict his response every damn time. Let’s see which one he’d go with, shall we?
“You’re worried about money at a time like this? What about our relationship? Are you trying to put a price on it because if so…” His voice trailed off. This was where I was supposed to start backpedaling and assure him money was no object, and I’d gladly foot the bill to make him happy and keep him around. Oh, he was waiting. Fuck.
“Don’t worry. I have some savings. I guess I can use that to pay off the credit cards.” I held my breath, because right now, I had the worst kind of sigh building inside me. I needed to inhale confidence and exhale all the poison in my life. Crap. It would take more than a few air expulsions to make that happen. Did I really want this guy that badly? Did I really need him at all?
“I thought so.” Joel sounded so smug, it was best he was on the other side of the phone because I was truly seething. “Let me get this finished. I’ll call you back later.”
Then he ended the call, and I screamed. I jumped up and down. I wished I could literally kick myself for becoming his doormat, for allowing him to walk all over me and use me. After a minute or two of staring at the phone, trying to decide whether or not to pull the plug on this fiasco, my phone rang. My mother’s face appeared on the screen.
This day. Lord. What had I done to deserve this? “Hey, Mom!” I tried to sound as cheery as possible. God forbid she should think something was wrong.
“What’s wrong?” Her New York accent made the words seem much longer than they were.
I rubbed my forehead. “Headache,” I murmured. Over the years, I’d discovered it was safer to go with a half-truth than even a little white lie.
“Oh, take some ibuprofen. You can call me back later.” She sounded so pleased, still useful, because I’d never figure out I needed to take some medicine on my own.
“Thanks, Mom.” I felt like I’d narrowly dodged a bullet.
“We’ll just talk about my visit tomorrow.”
“What do you mean? You mean tomorrow we’ll discuss you coming for a visit, or you’re actually planning to be here sometime tomorrow?” I’d never been much of a drinker, but now was as good a time as any to start. I walked to my cabinet to pull out a rocks glass. There was always Coke in my fridge, and I knew Joel kept Crown Royal Whiskey here. I bet I could make that work. Pressing the glass against the ice lever on the front, I watched as a few cubes bounced around as they hit the bottom. Satisfied, I reached for the liquor. Or was the soda supposed to go in first? Dammit, I’m a chef, not a bartender!
“Silly, Autumn,” my mother chided. “I won’t be there until Friday.”
I set the glass down on the marble counter harder than I planned and prayed I hadn’t cracked it. “Friday?” The word came out a squeak.
“Yes. Something wrong with your throat? You should see a doctor.” She sighed. “It’s a good thing I’m coming.”
Leaning against the counter, I realized a choice had to be made. Which was the lesser of the evils? Shaking my head, I carefully chose. “Mom, I wish you’d mentioned your plans sooner. Joel and I won’t be here. We’re leaving Friday.”
“Friday. This Friday? Three days from now Friday?” She shrieked. “Where are you going? Maybe I could meet you there.” Of course when she said ‘there,’ it sounded more like they-ah.
“Ma, I don’t even know.” Looking upward, I shook my fist at the ceiling. “Apparently it’s a surprise.” I tried to sound disappointed. Honestly, I was. No stretch there.
“Are you eloping?” She suddenly sounded excited. “You’re eloping and you didn’t invite me. Your children will be gorgeous, by the way.”
“Thank you, but we’re not eloping.” I sighed and turned to pour the Crown. “Like I said, it’s a surprise.”
My mother squealed. “I bet he’s popping the question. Oh em gee!”
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t think so, Mom. In fact, I’m almost positive this weekend has nothing to do with marriage, or proposals, or engagements at all.” We were more on the rocks than the liquor I’d suddenly decided to swallow straight. There was no wedding in my future.
“You say this now, but you don’t know. You have to be open to the possibilities.” I could hear the squeak of the springs as she sat in her favorite old chair. “Are you open to the possibilities, Autumn?”
I took another gulp from my glass and swallowed fast as I tried to ignore the burn and focus on the fuzzy warmth spreading through my mid-section. “Oh yeah, Ma. I’m open.”
“Good.” She seemed pretty satisfied. I could clear things up after we returned. “Well, enjoy your mysterious weekend. And don’t forget to call your mother.”
“I won’t.” I leaned low, my head touching the cool stone counter. “Bye, Mom!” Then before she could add anything else to the conversation, I hit the button to end the call. Setting my phone down, I picked up the glass and swirled the remaining amber liquid and cubes. “Here’s to being open,” I muttered before I slammed the last of the alcohol into my mouth and swallowed hard.
Ronan
Kady and I had spoken for several minutes. “So, the ranch. You want me to go back to Wyoming?” I tried to sound calm, but my free hand gripped the arm rest so tightly my knuckles had turned white.
“No.” She sighed and my heart stopped beating altogether. “Daddy died in Wyoming, but his wishes…” I heard her gulp for air, and I could only imagine the pain she experienced in this moment, having to call me, who was practically a stranger.
“Come on, Kady. If I’m going to be there for you and the rest of the family, I need a destination, right?” I tried to comfort her, make the conversation go more smoothly. I never did have the patience for long drawn out discussions. Cut to the chase. I was a man of action. I watched as hair began to darken and thicken on my knuckles. With a gasp, I pulled my hand closer and hid it in my blazer pocket while I tried to balance out my mood.
“Yellowstone. You need to come to Yellowstone.”
From down the hall, I could hear Margot’s heels on the floor, strutting in my direction. I flew out of my chair, slammed the door shut, and locked it before she could reach it and possibly see me. My emotions were completely out of control. If I wasn’t careful, I’d straight up shift while Kady spoke.
“Mr. Cormack?” Margot knocked.
“I’m on the phone,” I growled. I could hear her jump back from my sharp tone. I’d never snapped at her before. I rubbed my forehead and sighed. “I’ll buzz you after,” I muttered, my feeble effort to repair the damage I’d done.
“Are you through?” Kady sounded annoyed.
I actually preferred that to her previous tone. Distraught females weren’t my thing. Maybe especially distraught sisters. I didn’t spend much time with other females in L.A., since there were few I’d found who were worth my time and effort. Factor in those who might possibly understand me and keep my secret, I’d whittled the dating pool down to a big fat zero.
“Yes, you have my undivided attention, just the way you always liked it.” I tried to laugh, but it sounded raspy, not even remotely resembling a happy sound.
She clicked her tongue. “Okay. So, funny you should bring up destination, since you have a destiny to fulfill.”
I groaned. “God. For a minute, you sounded just like him.” I shook my head. “I make my own destiny, sweet. I really do.” I gestured around my big fancy office, as if she could see through the phone. “I’m doing really well for myself.”
Kady emitted an angry laugh. “Are you? Are you really?”
I froze, wondering what she’d heard or who she might’ve heard it from. Impossible. “Yeah. I’m happy. I’m rich. I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do.”
“Right.” She sucked in a breath. “Because you never wanted to be an agent. You wanted to be an actor. You’re a leader. You’re a star. You weren’t born to live behind the scenes. You’re meant to be the Alpha.”
“Whoa.” I scowled. She’d definitely yanked those gloves off. She didn’t pull any punches. My gut actually felt like she’d connected. “Don’t hold back, Kady. Tell me what you really think.”
“Oh, you want to know what I really think?” I could hear her turn on her heels.
“No. Not really.” My mood was quickly souring. Somehow this had turned from a family emergency to a personal attack.
“Well, I’m going to tell you anyway. I always did.” Kady snickered. “I love you, Ronan. You’re my brother and now our leader. Alpha of the Druids.”
“I thought the Druids were no more.” I stared out the window into the smog covered sky.
“There are a few. Enough to start over.” Her voice grew quiet. “We need you. We need your direction.”
“I wouldn’t know where to begin.” Sitting, I whirled around in my seat. “I’m happy where I am. You’re lucky I’m even coming for the funeral.”
“Ha!” Kady snapped. “You’re lucky. Fail to show and I’ll send our brothers for you.”
I tried to picture them here in the city, completely out of their element. “Pass. I’ll be there. When and where?”
