Never Mess With Werewolves (18+)

Morgan pulled at the lace of her black mask for the hundredth time since she’d stepped out of her taxi.

Damn thing keeps riding up!

Smoothing her red pleated skirt, she tried her best not to let her nerves show on her face but was failing miserably. The long synthetic wolf’s tail and matching ears made her feel cheap instead of sexy like she’d hope. Still, she was grateful. Prior to Bethany’s generosity, she hadn’t had a costume at all. One thing her mother had always taught her was to be grateful for gifts, even if the gift wasn’t great. Ignoring the stares of those who entered the large doors of the mansion, her tall clear platform heels clicked against the massive stone steps.

You can do this.

She wished her sisters were with her. They always knew how to bring out her confident side. She entered the mansion and hurried past the partygoers in search of the bathroom.

The walk was longer than she thought. Taking a moment to truly take in all that the mansion was, she realized it was quite exquisite. Its clover shaped railing that looped around the massive staircase contained black and gold trim that was clearly expensive. Chess-like poles in both cream and gold stood like bouncers and were sprayed at the ends of every fixture. Mr. Wolf had truly gone all out for the party, even more than she’d thought he would have. The further she delved inside, though, the more uncomfortable she felt.

Though her other coworkers were dressed in costumes, to say hers was the raciest would be an understatement. Even the shortest skirt had leggings underneath instead of the revealing fishnets stuck to her legs. The heat of their stares continued to intensify, letting her know she wasn’t imagining things. Finally spotting her target, she scurried to the bathroom. Hot tears welled in her eyes the moment she shut the stall door behind her.

“Do you think she’s going to wear it?” Caroline asked Bethany as they entered the bathroom.

Bethany giggled. “Of course. The way she trails behind Jordan like a lovesick puppy, you know damn well if it affects him on even the slightest level, she’s going to do it.”

“You’re so bad,” Caroline said as she reapplied her lipstick. “I can’t believe she really thought you two were friends.”

“Because she’s a total mor—” Her sentence halted as she looked in the mirror and saw Morgan standing in the stall’s doorway.

Anger stretched across Morgan’s face. “You played me.”

A twinkle of mischief crossed Bethany’s eyes at the sight of the costume. “Wow. You made it look even sluttier than I’d imagined you would,” she said.

“You’re so fucking childish.”

“And yet you wanted to be friends.” Hurt briefly flashed across Morgan’s face, and Bethany nudged Caroline. “Oh, look Caroline, she’s going to cry.”

Inhaling deeply, Morgan shook her head. “Actually, I’m going to go dance.” She took a step forward, her hands balled to her sides. “Baby girl, I promise if I didn’t know for a fact that you’re a cop calling ass hoe, I’d beat your ass up and down this bathroom.”

Bethany twisted her face into a snarl. “You have no clue who the hell you’re talking to.”

“I’m talking to a jealous ass bitch who puts others down to compensate for her piss poor dye job.” Bethany covered her head, and she cackled. “Enjoy the rest of your night, ladies. I know I will,” she said before leaving the bathroom. As she made her way back to the main dance floor, Morgan searched around for a familiar face. Not seeing Jordan, she placed her hand on her chest and exhaled.

Thank goodness.

She looked down at her outfit again and her stomach dropped.

I need to get the hell out of here before he spots me.

She may have been a line stepper, but she wasn’t stupid. The more she peered at her costume, the more she realized her naivety. She should have known better. With the way Jordan grimaced at her blouses and pencil skirts, seeing her wearing stripper heels at the same party attended by one of his major clients would be the final nail in the coffin. Slinking behind person after person, she kept her eyes trained on the door as she plotted her exit.

Almost there.

She was so close to the front doors she could almost feel the night air brush her skin.

The D.J. screamed into the mic as he changed the song. “My name is D.J. Ice and I know this party is a little different, but last I heard it was still a party, right? That means it’s time to turn up. Now I know we’re in New York, but I have to show some love to my hometown, Baltimore!”

The fast-paced music stopped Morgan in her tracks. Hearing one of her favorite club mixes, a huge grin broke out on her face. “This is my shit!” she cried out, no longer caring who was watching her. Charging to the middle of the floor, she moved in sync with the music.

“Okay Miss. Lady!” D.J. Ice shouted, seeing her dance. “Hey Baltimore!”

Completely in her element, the sway of Morgan’s body caught the eyes of every man in the room. Everyone encircled her and cheered as she continued to dance.

Across the room, Elijah tugged at Jordan’s suit jacket. “You know, typically when people host a Halloween party, they dress up for the occasion. I doubt you were going for a broodish business executive. You wear that look enough as it is.”

Jordan took a long swig of his cognac and placed it on the bar counter. “Oh, and I guess dressing as”—he scrunched his face—“what the hell are you, anyway?”

Elijah pointed at the pinstripe of his one-piece. “I’m Jack Skeleton. You know, like from The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

“I have no idea who or what that is.”

“Of course you don’t.”

Jordan grinned. “Am I getting snarky comments from my Beta?”

“Nope. I think Morgan gives you more than you could use in a lifetime.” Just hearing her name made Jordan’s jaw twitch. Elijah shook his head. “And on that note, I’m going to change the subject.”

“Please do. I’ll always loathe you for making me hire her.”

“She is the best.”

“Yeah, the best pain in the ass I’ve ever met.” He brought his drink back up to his lips, pausing as loud cheers from the middle of the dance floor filled his ears. Glancing at Elijah, he saw him shrug in response. A small hole formed, and for a brisk moment, he saw the bounce of raven curls. “Is that—” Standing, he made his way to the middle, his mere presence causing the crowd to split. Seeing Morgan, his mouth almost dropped to the floor.

“What the fuck is she wearing?!” he linked to Elijah, who joined his side.

“Um…I think it’s a werewolf costume. A terrible one, but yep, that’s definitely a werewolf costume.”

The tinge of his eyes forced Jordan to close them to keep others from seeing their yellow hue. The sight of Morgan’s erotic movements juxtaposed with the cheap wolf’s ears and tail made his blood boil. He opened his eyes and watched the surrounding men hungrily eye her body. His wolf gave a deadly growl and stood to attention.

Alright. If this is the game you want to play, fine, Ms. Pierce, let’s play.

Past his limit, Jordan turned from the crowd, disregarding Elijah continually linking him.

4:00 A.M

Morgan heard a familiar voice from the corner of her darkened bedroom.

“I need you to know that I’ve never done this before.”

She jolted upward. Looking out into the darkness, she squinted, trying her best to make out the figure sitting in the chair. “W-who’s there?” she asked in a trembling voice, only to hear a deep sarcastic laugh in response.

“Let’s not play those games, Morgan. Let’s not insult your intelligence or mine.”

She breathed deeply. “Mr. Wolf, what are you doing in my bedroom? This is beyond inappropriate.” Jordan rose to his feet and moved towards the bed. The cascade of moonlight shining through her window allowed Morgan to get a glimpse of his face. His smooth ivory skin and sculpted features looked sinful during the day, but tonight, he looked like the devil himself.

He loosened his tie, allowing it to fall freely around his neck, and studied her breathing pattern. She was nervous. Who wouldn’t be if they awakened to find their boss in their room? Yet, he knew she had no clue that he truly was the stuff of nightmares. Running his hands through his dark hair, his eyes fell on the red nightie she was wearing. The lace clung close to her body, showing every bit of her frame. He cursed under his breath in annoyance. “You really should wear more to bed at night,” he said.

She rolled her eyes. “After 6 p.m., you can’t tell me what to do, sir, and even that’s pushing it.”

The corners of his lips curved into a twisted smile that never reached his eyes. “You know, Ms. Pierce, I’ve tolerated that horrid mouth of yours, and questionable fashion for years because you’re intelligent, and honestly the best executive assistant I’ve ever had.” He leaned against the pole of the bed frame. “However, tonight my tolerance for you is extremely low, which is why I’m here.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Why would you wear that shit to the Halloween party, hmm? Was it some kind of sick joke to you?”

Morgan’s mouth gaped open as his eyes burned a hole into her. She never pegged Jordan Wolf as insane. Cold, calculated, and brash maybe, but not insane. In this moment she understood how wrong she was. Reaching behind her, she wrapped her robe around herself slowly stood.

All I need to do is get to my dresser.

She thought to herself. Her gun was already loaded, and if she could stall long enough, she could make a run for it.

“It was a Halloween party. We were told to dress up and I did,” she said.

“No, what you did was make a fucking mockery of something you know nothing about.” Jordan clenched his teeth tightly together as he zeroed in on the black and white wolf masquerade mask tossed haphazardly on the floor. He reached down and picked it up, along with the faux ears and tail next to it.

“Is this what you think about werewolves? As things to mock through fake fur, fishnets, and high heels?”

“Mr. Wolf, I don’t think about werewolves because they aren’t real. I needed a last minute costume, so I grabbed some shit and put it together.” Morgan saw the light in his green eyes flash so brightly they almost looked yellow. She took a step back, only to be met with him taking one forward.

“You are so damn disrespectful,” he said, his nostrils flaring. “Until this moment, I wasn’t sure, but now I know you’ve gone too far.”

She turned to run for the dresser, barely making it halfway before Jordan grabbed her by her hair. “Ahhh!” she screamed as she felt his hand tighten in the strands. A low, deadly growl escaped his lips, freezing her in her place. Walking her towards the wall, he whipped her around. She looked at him with eyes like saucers. There was no mistaking the unnatural yellow hue of his eyes. “Wha-wha—”

“I’m a werewolf, my dear. The head one at that,” he said, showing his sharpened canines.

“Werewolves aren’t real!”

Letting go of her hair, he banged his fist against the wall by her head. “Do I look imaginary to you?” The scent of the mint and cognac on his breath made her dizzy and his closeness affected her thoughts. He smelled of leather, and through his suit, she could feel his muscles tighten.

What the hell is wrong with me?

As if he could hear her, Jordan responded, “Pheromones, Ms. Pierce, but you’ll learn all about those and more once you’ve turned.” Pulling away from her, he turned his back and stepped away. His eyes drawn to the moon outside of the window, he smiled a sinister grin.

“W-when I turn?” Morgan could hear the twisting of bones.

“Ms. Pierce, I’m afraid you’re about to learn a valuable lesson.” His body continued to contort, and he dropped to his knees. Her scream bubbled in her throat as the transformation continued. A large black wolf stood on all four paws with its back still towards her. Its massive size towered high, and it turned and glowered her way. Its teeth were bared, but still somehow displayed the twisted smile Jordan frequently wore. Taking a step towards her, he lethally spoke, “Tonight, you’re going to learn firsthand why you never fuck with werewolves.”