I can smell the ocean, taste the salt on my tongue, and all I want is a moment of fucking peace without someone demanding my attention. Being the alpha of the Blackwood Pack comes with responsibilities that never end.
The resort is just another piece of the empire I’ve built to keep my wolves safe and prosperous.
“Ryker, are you even listening to me?” Alaric’s voice cuts through my thoughts, impatient as always.
“I heard you,” I growl, adjusting my sunglasses as I near the hotel’s entrance. “The investors want another meeting. They always want another fucking meeting.”
“Because they’ve put millions into Wolf Isle, and they want to see returns,” he counters. I can picture him running his hand through his blond hair, his blue eyes narrowed in frustration. “You can’t just ignore them.”
“I’m not ignoring them. I’m delegating,” I say, pausing atthe edge of the property, taking in the pristine white building rising against the backdrop of lush tropical foliage. “You can handle them. You’re better with the schmoozing anyway.”
A heavy sigh comes through the line. “Fine. But when they ask why the pack alpha himself isn’t present…”
“Tell them I’m handling operational matters. Tell them whatever the fuck you want,” I say, softening my tone slightly, knowing Alaric is only trying his best. “Just make sure they understand that their investment is safe. Wolf Isle is already the most exclusive resort in the region. We’re booked solid for the next six months.”
“I know, I know.” There’s a shuffle of papers on his end. “I’ll handle it.”
“Good. I’ll check in later,” I say, hanging up without waiting for his response, and slip my phone into my pocket. The glass doors of the hotel slide open as I approach, the cool air-conditioned interior a welcome relief from the heat.
Wolf Isle Resort has become my pride and joy over the past few years. It’s a sanctuary where pack families can vacation in peace, mingling with wealthy human guests who have no idea they’re sharing pool loungers and tennis courts with actual werewolves. The humans think they’re just staying at an ultra-exclusive resort that caters to the rich and famous.
The receptionist, Melissa, spots me the moment I enter the lobby. She immediately stands straighter, her eyes wide with recognition and respect.
“Alpha Blackwood,” she says, a sweet smile spreading across her face as she practically bows in deference. “What an unexpected pleasure. Is there anything you need today?”
“Just doing a walk-through,” I reply, giving her a brief nod. “Carry on.”
I make my way down the main hallway, inspecting every detail with a critical eye. This business operates on perfection. One flaw, one slip-up that reveals what weare, and everything I’ve built could come crashing down. I check that the art on the walls hangs perfectly straight, that there’s not a speck of dust on the decorative tables, and that the lighting creates the exact ambiance I want for our guests.
A human housekeeper passes me, pushing a cart of cleaning supplies. She keeps her eyes down, clearly intimidated even though she doesn’t know why. Humans can’t consciously recognize what I am, but on some primal level, they sense the predator in me. Their instincts tell them to be cautious, to show submission.
I turn down the east wing, where our premium suites are located. These rooms go for five figures a night during peak season, and they’d better fucking look like it. As I walk, I mentally note that the carpet in this section will need to be replaced soon because the pile is wearing thin in high-traffic areas.
My thoughts are interrupted when I notice a door to my right is open, and I freeze mid-step.
A woman stands with her back to me, bent over slightly as she tucks fresh sheets into a massive king-sized bed. Her uniform skirt rides up just enough to give me a view of shapely thighs that make my mouth go dry. Her curly blond hair falls just above her perfectly round ass as she works, completely oblivious to my presence.
My cock stirs immediately, hardening against the fabric of my pants as I watch her move. She’s wearing black heels that accentuate her legs, making them look like they go on forever. The maid uniform hugs her curves in all the right places, and I find myself transfixed by the sway of her hips as she smooths the sheets.
My feet remain planted to the floor. I really should walk away, but my eyes drink in every movement of her body. There’s something about her that calls to me on an instinctual level.
She suddenly turns, and I’m struck by the full force of her beauty. Large breasts strain against her uniform, her face a perfect heart shape with full lips and wide, innocent eyes. She clutches a white pillowcase in her hand, her expression shifting from surprise to nervousness as she stares at me.
“Oh! I’m sorry,” she says, her voice soft and melodic. “Can I help you with something, sir?”
She has a light scent floating around her. Like grapes, but I’m not so sure. My nostrils flare as I breathe it in deeply. She’s not a wolf. She’s definitely human, but there’s something different about her scent that makes my inner beast howl with want. My cock throbs painfully, and I have to resist the urge to adjust myself.
“Yes,” I say, my voice rougher than I intended. “You can help me by coming to work for me instead.”
Her eyebrows lift in confusion, a blush spreading across her cheeks. “Excuse me?”
“I want you to come work for me. Personally. At my house.” I take a step closer, watching as her pupils dilate slightly. “What’s your name?”
“Anya,” she replies slowly. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable but not afraid. “Anya Rosewood.”
“Anya,” I repeat, enjoying how her name feels on my tongue. I extend my hand. “I’m Ryker.”
She hesitates before placing her small hand in mine. The moment our hands touch, a jolt of electricity shoots up my arm. Her cheeks flush deeper, and I can smell the subtle change in her scent that tells me she feels the attraction between us.
