A - Were - of - You

Un-A-Were of You by JT Schultz

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental. Un-A-Were of You COPYRIGHT © 2007 by JT Schultz All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Contact Information: [email protected] Cover Art by Nicola Martinez The Wild Rose Press PO Box 706 Adams Basin, NY 14410-0706 Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com Publishing History First Black Rose Edition, 2007 Published in the United States of America

Dedication To my readers, for their ongoing support

Praise for JT Schultz JT has a way of combining humor and sensual delights to keep the reader entertained from start to finish! I’m positive you won’t be disappointed at any time! Joni – Twolips Reviews

Chapter 1 “Define fired?” “I let Mandy go.” Aiden Jacobs confessed to his very disgruntled father. “I mean yes, she had fantastic legs, short skirts and the need to help with anything I needed was a bonus. However, she wasn’t the one and she wasn’t what I need, not to mention she couldn’t type to save her life.” “You are in charge of the magazine covers. What the hell do you need someone who can type for?” Aiden’s brows went up. “A woman with a brain would be nice. Seriously, what were you thinking hiring her for me?” “I was thinking grandchildren, Aiden!” Okay, Dad’s pissed. Not good. He sighed and tried to find the good in the situation. “Seriously, I think a chimpanzee would have been a better choice.” His father’s eyes flickered amber in color. Oh shit! This is bad. “But a chimpanzee wouldn’t have had her legs or the willingness to give into your more carnal needs.” Carnal needs, oh hell! Mandy? I don’t think so. There was no way he could tell his father that the buxom blonde had caused “primal failure” the minute she opened her mouth to speak. He needed a brain to go with the body if he ever hoped in finding a mate. A pretty face and a great ass were a dime a dozen, but the complete package, well, that was— “Fine. If typing is what interests you, I’ll have someone come up from customer service.” His father, Rex, could be such a cad. “I would like her pleasant on the eyes.” It was a simple request. The last thing he needed was someone old enough to be his mother with a compulsive need to dictate 1

JT Schultz his diet and ties. He liked his ties bold and his women, brunette. Of course, outgoing, but not as bold as his neck dress selection, and Mandy was a neon yellow tie for all arguments’ sake. “And I would like you to find a mate.” “About that—” Narrowing his eyes, Rex’s look penetrated Aiden. “We’re wolves, a mate completes us. I want you settled, just so your mother will shut up.” “Dad—” “Leave it to me and I’ll figure it out.” And this is the end of the discussion. Wonderful, what have I brought on myself? **** What did I do to deserve this? “Could you run that by me again please?” Cricket Summers asked. The almighty Rex Jacobs swiveled in his expensive leather chair. “Cricket,” he glanced at her employee file splattered across his desk. “That isn’t a nickname?” “My parents are zoologists.” The owner of Alpha magazine for men lifted his brows. “Crickets are insects, not animals.” He had a point and was the first to ever bring it up. Cricket forced a smile. “I’m aware of that sir, but at the end of the day it’s still my name.” “Apparently, you are over-qualified for the customer service department. Is it you true you graduated from the University of California?” Rex Jacobs looked so serious. “Veterinary program, yes.” “Wonderful,” his smile was almost predatory. Did his eyes just change from hazel to amber? “Could you stand up and turn around for me?” She furrowed her brows again. This is weird. Is this sexual harassment? Cricket stood, turned around and sat back down. Her nose itched and her eyes dried. The tickle in her nostrils increased and lifting a hand up, she muffled her sneeze. I hope I’m not getting a cold. She sniffled. “Have I done something wrong?” “Nothing, I’m looking for a personal assistant for my 2

Un-A-Were Of You son, he has certain tastes.” He lifted a finger in a “wait” signal. The words on her tongue paused as he reached for the phone and pressed a single button. “Come to my office.” There was a slow beat of silence. “I want you to come now!” Oh dear. Butterflies consumed her. Rex—Mr. Jacobs sounded confrontational, which was one thing that made Cricket nervous. His lips curved into a slow and drawn out smile. “We’ll wait for you.” All, but slamming the phone down, he then smiled. “Now where were we?” Her nose twitched and she fought, wiggling it like a rabbit. Her eyes increased in dryness and shared in the itch that tweaked her nose. “Zoologists,” she fluttered her lashes to moisten her eyes. Another sneeze welled up inside her. “Could I possibly grab a tissue?” “Absolutely.” Rex lifted the box and held it out. “Thank you.” She plucked two of the white moisturized tissues as the urge to sneeze monopolized her nose. Closing her eyes, she brought the soft paper to her nose and mouth then sneezed. In her attempt to muffle it, the sneeze resembled the sound of a cat meow than the rumble of blowing foreign invaders from her lungs. “Sorry,” she apologized. “Are you sick?” She shook her head and avoided a deep breath, thinking it might keep the sneezing at bay. “I rarely get sick.” “So why are you in Alpha’s customer service and not working as a veterinarian?” Fair enough question. “Actually, I graduated with honors but—” The heavy office door opened and heavy footsteps crossed the threshold. “This better be important dad. I just had a next months cover model quit and...” The sexiest baritone she had ever heard trailed his words. Time to be polite. She rose from the chair and turned. Her breath lodged in her throat and stopped words from forming. Flutters seized her stomach and her eyes widened as she looked at the large man before her. 3

JT Schultz Oh my God! He’s gorgeous! **** She’s absolutely stunning. Aiden’s heart picked up speed and he stepped closer. Surely, this couldn’t be who his father had in mind. He rested his gaze on his father who smiled then wiggled his brows. His eyes twinkled amber, it was obvious his father had a feeling about this. Turning his attention back to the woman, Aiden smiled. His gaze started at strappy shoes and worked up long, tanned legs. Her skirt was mid-thigh, short but acceptable. The pale light pink cotton blouse tapered, showing off the fullness of her breasts and narrowed at her waist. Lightly tanned cleavage, peeked at her neckline and the animal within him awakened. Her face was heart-shaped, more than pretty, with large dark eyes blinking through jet-black lashes. Full, pink glossed lips caused his gaze to dip to them. His cock stirred, she was alluring and built for sin. Shoulder length dark hair fell in a trendy cut around her face. “Hello,” he finally greeted. “Hello, I’m Cricket Summers.” With a soft sway she stepped closer to him. Unsure, if it was the movement of her hips or the sultry softness of her voice, but the lady had his complete attention. He took the hand she extended and her dark eyes sparkled. “Aiden Jacobs.” His skin flamed on contact against the satiny silk of hers. He swallowed back a groan. He wanted her. There was something electric to the simplest touch. Her breath caught, indicating she had felt it too. She released her hand from his as the left hand rose to her face and covered it with tissue. A sneeze left her; at least that’s what he was guessed that pathetic whimper sound was. He frowned slightly. “Are you sick?” Cricket smiled sweetly and his libido kicked up a notch. “I think it’s my allergies.” Aiden nodded and again with a swoop of his eyes assessed her. 4

Un-A-Were Of You She would look amazing on the cover of the magazine, sinfully beautiful as those full lips parted in climax naked on my bed and striking next to me as my mate for life. Aiden pushed his thoughts aside and focused on her allergy comment. His head tilted and he glanced around the room before resting his attention back on her. “Allergies?” “I think so.” Blinking, she broadened her smile. “Odd. The only thing I’m allergic to is dogs. That’s why I didn’t become a vet.” Oh hell, we have a problem—A very big problem.

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Chapter 2 Two days later Cricket had the ideal office, next to her gorgeous boss. Aiden was more than gorgeous, but there was something unusual about him. Her heart picked up speed and her stomach fluttered as if it had trapped a hundred butterflies every time he was near. He could soak her thong and harden her nipples in record time and the worst part—she was sure he was just as attracted to her. Since the day before when her sneezing had been out of control, to the point she seriously wondered if she was coming down with a cold, she took preventative measures. At breakfast she downed two allergy tabs with her orange juice, a sure fire remedy to stop the sneezing. If only there was a tab to prevent her attraction to her hunky boss. Cricket knew it to the root of her soul that nothing would make her immune against Aiden. Sighing, she turned away from the window that overlooked the park and looked to the entrance to her office. Aiden stood on the threshold, his green eyes glowing like emeralds from underneath long black lashes. Black clean cut hair and tanned skin intensified the color. She raked her gaze over his dark gray suit, noting how his shoulders completely filled the doorway. Cricket’s body hummed as if zapped by an electrical current. Her heart beat faster as he stepped into the room then walked across the floor toward her. “Good morning, Aiden.” His perfect mouth curved into a slow smile and his eyes dipped to her lips. “Good morning Cricket.” Bringing his eyes up, he met her gaze. “You look incredible.” The intensity of his gaze stole her breath, struggling she found her voice. “Thank you.” He closed the distance between them and the 6

Un-A-Were Of You temperature of the room skyrocketed. Her cheeks burned, a tell tale sign that she was blushing. “I want to take you for dinner tonight.” Oh dear! “Do you think that is such a good idea, I mean seeing that we work together and—” “You’re rambling,” Aiden’s brows lifted and he looked so sexy he could be classified as a new brand of snack food. “No, normally I don’t date my assistants or anyone else that works here at the magazine.” His eyes dipped again to her lips. He’s going to kiss me. I want him to kiss me. Aiden swallowed hard and his eyes sparked with lust as they locked with hers. “You are very different. There is something about you.” The way his eyes quickly flicked over her face had the same affect on her that running his tongue over the sensitive skin by her ear would have had. “I’ll have dinner with you.” “Wonderful, I will negotiate dessert then.” Whatever dryness her thong had possessed, vanished at that moment and her pussy twitched. Never in her life had she lusted after someone like she did for Aiden. “Other than dinner,” her voice cracked. “Was there something else I could do for you?” “The real reason I’m here. Yes, actually.” She forced a smile. “I’m willing to help with anything you need.” The look in his eyes turned primal. “I’ll keep it in mind and hold you to your offer.” He furrowed his brows. “You’re not sneezing today.” “I took allergy tablets.” One dark brow lifted and amusement highlighted his handsome features. “Perfect. Now about the reason I stopped by, I’ve decided to make you next month’s cover model. What do you think?” That I’m disappointed it wasn’t a sexual task you wanted. Hiding her slight disappointment, she smiled. “Sounds fun.” Maybe I’m imagining his attraction. **** Can she not tell I’m attracted to her? 7

JT Schultz Aiden had asked the same question to himself at least every other minute for the last forty-five. He was a werewolf as much as he was a man and after standing as close to her as he did in her office, he had smelled her desire. It had done nothing to ease the animal within. He wanted her, lusted for her, and by God was going to have her. She’s the one. Maybe it was a male thing, or a wolf thing, but down inside he knew it. There was a small amount of relief over the fact she had taken allergy tabs. On the way to the office, he had actually stopped at the pharmacy for some liquid allergy relief and as desperate as it sounded, was not above spiking her drink. This is what life had come down to? Drugging the woman he wanted to mate. He had hit a new time low. Then again, the perfect mate wasn’t supposed to be allergic to dogs either. “Are you all right?” Cricket’s voice cut into his thoughts and the soft hand on his arm brought him back to the moment. Looking at the beautiful brunette who thankfully was not red-eyed or sneezing today, his heart raced. She was beautiful, even when her allergies were bothering her. “Fine, I’m looking forward to dinner.” “Providing, I live through this. I’ve never modeled before.” Cricket was model perfect, standing about five ten, slight built but curvy and breasts that he imagined were as perky as they looked. Blood pumped south and he banished the erotic images his mind so freely conjured up. “You’ll do just fine.” It’s me, who may not live through this. His mind thought of the fashion choice he had decided on for the cover. There wasn’t much to it and seeing that much of the lovely, Cricket’s skin and not touching licking or— “Ready whenever you are.” His photographer cut into his thoughts and he turned, giving the man a nod. “Here’s the outfit you and wardrobe decided on.” “Thanks, Robert.” He smiled, accepted the next-to8

Un-A-Were Of You nothing swimsuit then turned back to Cricket. “The change room is just through the door on the left. Once you’re changed I will send in a make-up girl.” Cricket’s eyes fell to the swimsuit. “What is that?” A long manicured nail pointed at it and her eyes narrowed when her gaze met his again. “Where is the rest of it?” Exhaling slowly, Aiden nodded. “This is all of it.” He ran his tongue over his teeth. “Is there a problem as to why you can’t wear this today?” With a look of contempt, she blinked at the swimsuit then looked back up at him. Lifting her brow, she stepped closer. “I know most women would be thrilled to be cover model for this magazine but this atrocity,” she lifted the hanger. “I have seen more fabric on a Barbie doll outfit.” Very valid point. “Is that a no, you won’t wear it?” Cricket leaned in close and his body ignited. “I hope you plan on taking me to a real nice restaurant.” The sexy roll of her whisper ignited every primal nerve in his body on fire. The look in her dark lashes almost dared him to take her there. “A very nice restaurant,” he whispered hoarsely. Her full lips turned into a wicked grin. “I’ll wear this, let’s be thankful I get more than my legs waxed.” Turning on her trendy shoe, she walked toward the change room. His body ached and his eyes rested on her ass at it swayed away. The comment about her waxing was the last thing his body needed to hear her say. He sighed and looked at Robert who wiggled his brows. “Maybe, we should open a window, something tells me that it’s going to get hot in here.” Going to get hot? What the hell, I’m already hot— Hot and hard. He paced the floor. The make-up artist eventually went in the change room and emerged with Cricket behind her. The barely there swimsuit covered exactly what it should and exposed what didn’t need to be for decency sake. Not that the outfit wasn’t decent, although it did nothing, but cause his cock to throb harder. He would take her tonight for dinner, a very nice one, but there would be no mistake, she was going to be his dessert. **** 9

JT Schultz Aiden was not only hunky and exceptionally sexy, he was a real sweet guy with a killer sense of humor. Like an out of control train wreck that there was no stopping, Cricket was falling for him. Her heart raced as she sat in the front seat of his expensive car. She knew there was something different about Aiden the moment he had walked into the room. Once, long ago she had thought she had been in love and it had turned out disastrous. So afraid of ever giving her heart again, she hid to the point of taking the job in customer service. No real contact with strange men, outside of an e-mail or a phone call, nothing face-to-face and nothing personal. Now, since their first meeting, she couldn’t help but wonder if there was such a thing as love at first sight. Don’t go thinking love, it will only break your heart and haunt you like a hawk does its prey. At least those thoughts were justified. Her exboyfriend still harassed her on occasion. Turning her head, her eyes fell on the familiar surroundings of the visitor parking. The car came to a stop in a stall and Aiden turned to her. “Allow me to walk you up.” She swallowed hard and took in his overly handsome features. “I would really like that.” I would like more than that. Oh! My God! The man is my boss. What am I thinking? Aiden’s features took on a worried look beneath the glow of the moonlight and the lights from the street. “Are you okay?” Suck it up princess! Make your move. “Would you like to come in?” “I would like that a lot.” The smile that curved across his sexy lips was primal and his green eyes changed to a brilliant emerald color, even under the shade of night. Releasing a nervous sigh, Cricket questioned her judgment. What have I just invited on my self? More so, why do I hope it involves us getting naked?

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Chapter 3 Aiden shut the door to Cricket’s apartment, while she crossed the room and flipped on a light. The sight that greeted him was impressive. The décor was classy, but not overly sophisticated and held a comfortable feel to it. His gaze shifted off the room to her legs as she walked back over to him. Heat scorched his body and he had to give the chivalrous bone in his body kudos for not giving into the carnal urge to throw her down and bury his cock in her until she submitted. Of course that chivalrous bone was not the one tucked behind the zipper of his pants. Maybe, coming into her place wasn’t a good move. It left them alone and his control was weak as it was. Flashing him a smile, she slipped off her suit coat, exposing smooth skin that he longed to touch and taste. “You can make yourself at home.” Careful sweetheart, you have no idea what that would involve. “Thank you.” Aiden ventured deeper into the room. The action brought him closer to her and his nose picked up her lust. No woman affected him like Cricket. This was crazy, and after talking to her over dinner discovered that she was as smart as she was beautiful. “Is something the matter?” He picked up the nervous inflection of her tone and smelt her uncertainty blend with her desire. It was damn near intoxicating. “I was just thinking that I should probably go.” Could there really be something as surreal as love at first sight? Aiden wasn’t sure, but he had no other explanation for what was transpiring between them. “Are you sure?” “Cricket, I would love to stay, however if I do, I’m going to end up kissing you.” His honesty had prevailed. 11

JT Schultz Her cheeks tinted to a soft pink and her dark eyes sparkled. “Maybe I want to be kissed.” A feral groan started to leave him, but he swallowed it back and resisted the urge to wrap her in his arms. “Careful, words like that might get you more than you bargained for.” Cricket pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and his need for her increased. He wanted that lip against his, to taste it. Her full lip retracted out and her mouth pursed. “You would be surprised what I’m willing to bargain.” Aiden’s resolve shattered and his control vanished. He reached out and snaked an arm around her curvy frame, drawing her close to his chest. Her lashes closed and he lowered his head to hers. The intensity of the kiss flamed his body. His cock stiffened and his hands lowered to the firm flesh of her ass. Parting her lips in a gasp he took the invite to thrust his tongue into her mouth. Her tongue met his and her arms laced around his neck. The bulge in his pants rested against the flat of her stomach and there was no going back now. They’d had dinner. He it was now time for dessert. **** Sanity and lucid thought had fled the apartment. Cricket was sure of it, while she led Aiden down the hall to her bedroom. His hands roamed her body and had efficiently undone the buttons on her blouse and shoved it gently over her shoulders to the floor. Behind him, a trail of clothes, his suit coat and tie decorated the floor of the hall as his lips crushed against hers and his hands reached for the zipper on her skirt. His tongue searched out her mouth, her knees almost weakened. Twitching in need, her pussy soaked her thong as desire pooled between her legs. She wanted Aiden inside of her but instead went for the buckle of his belt. It slipped undone, allowing her fingers to quickly move to the zipper and run her hand over the cotton of his boxers. Beneath her touch, his large cock was hard and her fingers wrapped around it through the fabric. Aiden groaned and his mouth claimed hers in a hot, wet kiss. Her lips parted and his tongue thrust in, 12

Un-A-Were Of You entwining with hers. Lifting her hand from his erection, it joined her other hand in the task of undoing the buttons on his shirt. His hands tugged the zipper of her skirt down and his hands teased over the skin not covered by her thong. They continued to discard clothing until they stood naked in her room. Her hands touched and savored his strong defined chest and perfectly-carved abdominal muscles. His hands dipped to the wet between her legs and played in the folds. Cricket’s knees weakened and her arms laced around his neck. Strong fingers teased her clit and slid inside of her working in a steady rhythm as his tongue worked her mouth in a similar fashion. His cock pressed hard against her belly and the pleasure built within her. Lifting his lips from hers, Aiden slipped his fingers from between her legs, just as she was about to climax. He softly leaned her back on the bed and covered her body with his. Cricket spread her legs, wanting him in her. The tip of his thick, large cock toyed at her entrance, his mouth planted hot kisses on the sensitive skin by her neck. Her fingers laced through his hair and her hips bucked as he thrust inside of her. He filled her completely and a climax worked through her body from the intensity. A feral groan left him and her body trembled as her wet walls wrapped around him tight. With ragged breath she struggled for air and tilted her chin up wanting to taste Aiden again on her lips, rewarded with the thrust of his hot tongue deep into her mouth. Her hips met his as he moved inside of her, slowly at first then picked up speed. The pressure built again across her stomach and his thrusts increased in speed. His sweat-soaked chest grazed against her taut nipples with every stroke. Her shoulders started to tremble and Cricket lifted her hips hard against Aiden’s thrust. Her pussy clamped tight around him and she wailed against his mouth as another climax claimed her body in a wave of ecstasy. His lips came off hers and he threw his head back in a primal groan, bordering on a growl. His cock slammed in hard and deep, empting his release inside of her in a 13

JT Schultz hot rush. Trying to breathe, she tightened her hold on him and he lowered his body over hers and buried his face in the hair by her ear. He was incredible and Cricket knew she would be able to try loving someone again. **** After resting for a few moments, Aiden’s heart still raced. Sex with Cricket had been purely primal and ultimately, the best he’d ever had. Catching his breath, he glanced at Cricket as she lifted her head from his shoulder, her hand still rested against his chest. He carefully removed a strand of her silky hair off her face. Other women he had control around, she seemed to break his to pieces and spike his lust in record time. He was now a believer in love at first sight and knew she was his destiny. The question plaguing him was how did he tell her and convince her that he wanted her as his mate? Mate sounds so wolfish. She was everything he could ever want. Choose your words carefully. Inhaling deeply, he decided to test the waters. “I have to say, that I’m surprised how we’ve hit it off.” Her smile warmed him and she nodded. “I agree, admitting that it is a bit unusual.” Her pretty face scrunched slightly and a crinkle appeared in her forehead. “There was something very different about you from the moment I saw you.” Okay, this is going well. “You stole my breath, I guess you could say—” Her nose twitched and she turned away and grabbed a tissue from the side of the bed bringing it to her mouth as a sneeze left her. Softly, she sniffled and looked back at him. “My antihistamines are wearing off.” I guess you could say that you’re allergic to me. Talk about bad timing. I was only going to tell you that I think it was love at first sight, but instead all I can think about is the fast acting allergy relief in my suit coat pocket. “I should get a drink of water.” Perfect. “No, why don’t I get it for you?” Cricket smiled, “That’s really sweet.” He slipped from bed and walked out of the room. As 14

Un-A-Were Of You his steps drew down the hall he scooped up his suit coat and grabbed the bottle of allergy relief from the inside breast pocket. Guilt nibbled at him, but he pushed it aside. How could his perfect mate, be allergic to dogs? Maybe we’re not meant to be. Nonsense! Impossible. She’s the one, now to convince her of that before the next full moon. Before the fur flies. Aiden winced at his own pun as he stepped into the small kitchen and flipped on the light. Tossing his suit coat over a chair, he surveyed the cupboards. It dawned on him he had no idea where the glasses were and walked over to the cupboards. He set the bottle of antihistamine on the counter and searched for the glasses. Finding them on his first try, he grabbed out two, shut the cupboard then walked over to the water cooler. I could always just be honest with her. Quickly, he filled the glasses, lost in his thoughts. “Cricket, sweetheart,” he mumbled under his breath. “I know this is sudden but I’m falling in love with you and want you to be my mate. By the way, I’m a wolf.” He straightened in front of the water cooler and walked back over to the counter. Nope that just sounds corny. Corny, was standing naked in a kitchen about to drug his date. The situation was past corny and bordered on neurotic. Aiden grabbed the bottle of clear liquid and opened it with the hope that the bottle was accurate about being tasteless. He had to say something to her about the situation, the question was what?

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Chapter 4 Cricket tightened the belt on her satin robe as she walked down the hall toward the kitchen. Taken completely with Aiden, she just had to find the nerve to tell him. She was falling for him fast and hard. How could she fall in love with someone that she didn’t know that well? Yet, when he kissed her, she was positive his soul had touched hers, connecting them in more than a lust sort of way. She neared the entrance of the kitchen and paused. Cricket’s heart slammed to a stop, her stomach rose to her throat and she gasped. Aiden turned to her, and lowered the small bottle he had been pouring into one of the glasses. Her eyes quickly raked over his large, tanned body so exquisitely defined then met the guilt in his eyes. Struggling to find her voice, she swallowed back her fear. “What were you putting in the glass?” Reason kicked in. “Were you drugging me?” “This isn’t what it looks like.” He lifted his hands as if to stop her from reacting. Of course she was going to react. “Aiden what the hell where you—” A loud banging on her apartment door silenced her words. “Cricket, you better let me in, we need to talk.” David’s rough voice demanded. Oh God! Not now. Her stomach slipped from her throat and crashed to the floor. “I mean it Cricket.” More banging on the door followed David’s threat. “And who is that?” Aiden asked with the lift of his brow. “Persistent ex-boyfriend.” “Forgive me, if I don’t get that. Normally I would offer, but I am not really dressed for the occasion.” 16

Un-A-Were Of You Hell! He wasn’t dressed at all. “Just stay here and remain quiet. I will get rid of him then you can tell me why you were drugging me.” “Cricket…” Aiden’s voice trailed as she turned on her heel and stomped over to the door of her apartment. **** Fear chilled her blood as she unlocked the door and opened it slowly. She didn’t need David to be in one of his “moods,” especially with a naked man in the house. “David, go away.” His large hand came up and out of instinct she flinched, taking a step back. David’s hand instead made contact with the door and shoved it open. As long as he didn’t come too far in, he wouldn’t see Aiden in the kitchen. “David, now is not a good time.” Her ex-boyfriend took in her robe and sneered. “Why is that, Cricket? Are you doing someone else already?” “Already, you mean us breaking up a year ago wasn’t a long enough time for me to be single?” “You belong with me.” His voice held anger and the look on his face, menacing. Swallowing hard, fear pumped her heart faster. “Leave.” He stepped closer. “No. Maybe I should knock some sense into that head of yours.” She stepped out of his reach as a low growl filled the room. David’s eyes darted to something behind her and his eyes widened. He stepped back, terror marked his features. The growl came again. Cricket was about to turn when something soft and furry brushed against her hand. David’s eyes widened. “For someone allergic to dogs, that’s a big dog you have.” Cricket glanced to the large animal in her apartment. Closed her eyes, thinking she was delusional then opened them again. Nope, it’s still there. She looked to David. Her nose tickled and her hand covered her mouth as a sneeze left her. It explains my allergies. “You idiot! It’s not a dog, it’s a wolf...” “I’m not an idiot!” He stepped towards her but the growl and bark, which left the animal, was downright 17

JT Schultz vicious. The sound startled her and she stepped backward. David hurried to the door. “You are really whacked owning a wolf. We’re done.” He all but ran over the threshold, slamming the door behind him. Exhaling a slow breath, Cricket tried to figure out where the animal had come from. She glanced into the kitchen, only to discover it empty. Where did Aiden go…The thought died before completion as her eyes rested again on the wolf? Oh! My God! She had read books about wereanimals but never did she think they were real. “Aiden?” The wolf’s green eyes sparkled and her hand flew to her mouth as the weirdest thing she had ever seen happened—he started to, shift. She was officially scared. In several rapid blinks of her eyes, the wolf was gone and a completely naked and gorgeous Aiden stood there. His expression was unreadable. Her lips parted, but Cricket had no idea what to say. What she had witnessed was some pretty freaky stuff. Closing her mouth, she fought with the emotions and thoughts running through her mind and heart. Too many of both to make heads or tails of, she winced at the tail thought. Now was no time for puns, she needed to think. **** Aiden hated the look on Cricket’s face. He wasn’t sure if it was fear or disgust, maybe a bit of both. Her dark eyes just stared at him, penetrating his soul. He hadn’t wanted her to find out this way, or witness his other side without warning. However, David, the exboyfriend from hell sounded volatile and dangerous. Aiden had smelled her fear and knew he had to do something. By shifting to a wolf, he knew he was risking a lot, but, Cricket would be safe. The silence that stretched between them was more than he could take. “I can only imagine you’re a little surprised.” “Surprised? No Aiden, surprised is when you think everyone has forgotten your birthday and walk into a party you know nothing about.” She waved her hands at 18

Un-A-Were Of You him. “This—this is…” Her hands slapped against the robe covering her thighs. “It explains my allergies. I’m allergic to you. You’re a wolf?” “Yes. My whole family is.” “It explains the name of the magazine. It’s fitting.” Her perfectly arched brows furrowed. “I was un-a-ware— poor choice of words, I mean I didn’t know. “Nice Freudian slip.” “Forgive me, I’m just not used to men changing from human to canine and scaring off threats.” Cricket’s shoulders moved in a heavy sigh. “Thank you, for intervening where David was concerned, but I need you to leave.” “We can talk about this.” He had to convince her. Her eyes closed and her hand rose to her mouth rapidly. She sneezed then sneezed again. Lowering her hand, she stared at him. “There is nothing to talk about. Please, just go.” Aiden’s heart tightened and he nodded. He walked down the hall gathering his clothes. This was not how things were supposed to be. Then again, maybe he was wrong. Your soul mate, wasn’t supposed to be allergic to you. He stepped into her bedroom, as he smelled grief from Cricket filter down the hall. Never had he ever been truly sad, never that is, until now.

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JT Schultz

Chapter 5 Cricket stared at the coffee as it filled the glass pot of her coffee maker. She hadn’t slept much last night after Aiden had left. He had looked miserable as he walked out the door. Sad and shocked actually, then again, she hadn’t been exactly happy to see him leave. Her mind had gone over every moment they had spent together since they had first met. She had a sense of connection with him. He was different from the other men she knew, different of course in ways other than the whole changing into a wolf. Sighing, she turned and leaned against the counter. She had called in sick when she got up. Then she’d had switchboard put her through to Rex, Aiden’s father and told him that she was resigning from her position as Aiden’s assistant for personal reasons and would like to go back to the customer service department. The request was a disappointment and his answer had been noncommittal, telling her to feel better and to think on it. What was there to think on? She was allergic to the man she had started to fall in love with. Cricket’s eyes shifted from a spot on the floor and glanced to the two glasses still sitting on the counter from the night before. Groaning, she walked over to empty them and put them in the dishwasher. Her eyes fell on the bottle and cap sitting next to them. It was allergy relief. Surprised, she picked it up. He wasn’t drugging her last night, but preventing reaction from… “I had sex with a wolf.” She sat the bottle back down. Other than some sneezing she had not reacted. Her mind raced with thoughts, maybe being with Aiden wasn’t impossible. Cricket walked into the living room and over to where the cordless phone sat. She dialed the number to her doctor. A possible answer to the problem with Aiden ran through 20

Un-A-Were Of You her mind. The possibility was low that it would work, but she had to know. Despite the odds she had hope. It started to ring and she pushed the “end” button. Her allergy was nowhere close as severe with Aiden as it was with the dogs she had encountered while in school. If there was away to get around the allergy issue, how did she feel about the fact he changed into a wolf? She dialed the number again. There was only one way to find out. **** Aiden sat at the desk in his office. He was more than feeling sorry for himself; he was completely miserable. Last night had been really great up until Cricket thought he was drugging her, then of course the whole thing with her ex-boyfriend had not helped matters. What an ass! He had no use for aggressive men like David. However, as terrified as the dirt bag was when he left, Aiden highly doubted that he would ever bug Cricket again. At least something good had come out of last night. The rest was nothing short of disastrous and had continued well through the morning. His father had called him to the office in a fit of temper. Sighing, Aiden pivoted in his leather chair and looked out the large window of his office, staring at nothing and everything. His father was furious that Cricket wanted to resign. He then had the forty-five minute lecture on how he wasn’t getting any younger and how every wolf needed a mate. It was fine time that Aiden found his. Thing was, Aiden had found her and she was allergic to him. He swiveled and glanced at the open door between his office and the one she had moved into just days ago. Aiden’s attention shifted to the black phone on his desk and he leaned back. “I should call her.” What could he say? He had barely said good-bye to her. Now he sat, missing her. A knock on his office door hauled him off his pity trip. “Come in.” He didn’t want to talk to anyone, but he was at work and might as well be productive. The office door opened and Robert, the photographer, stepped in. “Hi boss,” he held up a manila envelope. “I have the pictures from the photo shoot. Thought you would want to go over the proofs 21

JT Schultz and pick the one you want.” “Thanks.” Aiden took the manila envelope. “I tell you that model sure had it going on, beautiful with a body to match.” “She’s smart, too,” Aiden volunteered his thoughts stuck on Cricket. “Thanks Robert, I’ll let you know later which to go with.” Robert nodded and left the office. Aiden opened the envelope and started flipping through the pictures. They were hot-looking pictures. Cricket’s nearly naked body taunted him and his cock stirred thinking of the sex they had shared. The pictures and now hard-on, did nothing to ease the ache in his heart or the heaviness on his chest. She had called in sick, but Aiden knew she was most likely just avoiding him, unless she had reacted to the sex. He tossed the pictures on his desk and pushed himself out of the chair. Aiden stood and stared at the flirty picture on top. There was only one way to find out what was really going on with Cricket. He was going to see her and if she was just avoiding him, convince her to give them a chance. He crossed the office floor to the threshold and paused. What if she wouldn’t talk to him? She would at least listen to what he had to say, right? **** Cricket stepped off the elevator into the hall and turned towards her apartment. She froze in her steps and blinked at the sight. There, leaning up against her apartment door, sitting on the floor was Aiden. He was staring straight ahead, lost in his thoughts. Next to him was a large bouquet of roses. Her lips curled into a smile and she started walking slowly to him. How did he ever get up here? Aiden’s head turned and his green eyes met hers. The smile on her face broadened. She was genuinely happy to see him. She stopped as he rose from the floor. “You look great.” “Thanks,” she glanced back to the elevator then rested her eyes on him again. “How did you get up here?” “The doorman let me up.” “He’s supposed to keep strangers out.” 22

Un-A-Were Of You “Well, first off I am not a stranger. Second, we talked and I sort of offered up a free two year subscription for his son.” The guilty look on Aiden’s face made her laugh. “Nice.” He sighed and smiled. “I was desperate.” He held up the flowers in his hand. “These are for you.” Cricket took the flowers. “They‘re beautiful. Thank you.” “Wait!” He reached into the inside pocket of his suit coat and removed a package of antihistamines with a small bow on them. “These are for you too.” Cricket glanced at the box and looked into his green eyes again. “You were doing better with the flowers.” Aiden nodded and looked slightly defeated when Cricket didn’t take them and instead stepped around him to unlock the door. She slipped the key in and thought about her afternoon. “Cricket—” “Keep them Aiden. I won’t need them,” she explained as the lock turned over. Pulling the key out, she used the same hand to turn the knob and stepped over the threshold. The roses in her other hand smelled wonderful and she pivoted on her heel. Aiden stood in the hall. “Are you coming in?” Hesitation etched its way across his handsome face. He nodded and stepped into the apartment, shutting the door behind him. “Cricket...” He glanced at the antihistamines in his hand before looking back up at her. She waited in silence. Her heart slammed against her ribs and she knew he was about to be sweet. “Go ahead Aiden, say what you need to.” “I know that you are not used to my kind. I also know that you have a dog allergy which is inconvenient seeing that I am a wolf.” “Short hair.” His face scrunched. He looked really cute confused. “What?” “Your,” she paused. “Your, fur isn’t all that long. It makes a difference.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. He stared at her sofa for a moment then looked back. “Of course it 23

JT Schultz does.” He blew out a heavy sigh and shoved a hand through his dark hair. Aiden’s eyes rested on her. “But then it doesn’t matter because you told my father you want to go back to customer service.” “I did tell him that.” She lifted the flowers to smell them then smiled. “He also told me to take some time and think about it. I better put these in water.” Turning away from him, her stomach fluttered. She would give him a few more minutes to see what he had to say for himself then would tell him what she had decided. “Cricket, please listen to me.” Aiden walked into the kitchen as she grabbed a vase and started filling it with water. “You have my attention.” She turned off the water and took the wrap off the flowers she had sat on the counter. “I know that there are a few hiccups as far as us having a relationship go.” Cricket placed the roses in the vase and looked at him. “Hiccups?” “Give me a chance, give us a chance, because as crazy as this sounds…” Shifting her body away from the counter she stepped closer to him and waited. He didn’t finish his sentence. “Aiden, go on.” “Do you believe in love at first sight?” Interesting. “I did once, yes.” Grief darkened Aiden’s eyes. “Let me guess with David the menace.” “Actually, no, about three or four days ago in your father’s office.” A slow smile curled across his lips and his beautiful eyes lit up. “I’m hoping it wasn’t when you saw my father.” Laughing, Cricket shook her head. “No, I thought you were gorgeous. Maybe it wasn’t love but instead lust, either way it was different. As I started to get to know you, I quickly learned you are different.” “Being a wolf does that.” “There is more to it than that and I actually don’t mind the wolf part.” 24

Un-A-Were Of You “Then stay as my assistant and give me a chance to prove to you that we would make a great couple.” “I took the afternoon off, to get an allergy shot and I will still be your assistant.” She paused. “I’m not sneezing, sniffling, or anything.” “I noticed. So, that was why you don’t need the antihistamines?” “Gorgeous and smart, I tell you Aiden, you are almost perfect.” He laughed then frowned. “Almost?” Cricket smiled wickedly. “You would be more perfect if you were kissing me.” Aiden closed the distance between them and grinned, wrapping her in his arms. “So, that’s a ‘yes’ to us?” “A definite yes.” She closed her eyes and Aiden’s lips came against hers. Her body ignited and she knew things were going to be okay. After all, love at first sight couldn’t be wrong.

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