Chapter 6
When I’m finally ready, I grab my brown leather backpack and head downstairs where Jack and Uncle Buck are still waiting.
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Jack’s POV
Allie isn’t gone long. With my wolf hearing, I can hear her moving around upstairs — getting dressed. The moment she steps down the stairs, she takes my breath away.
Even in simple jeans and a T-shirt, she’s stunning. The jeans hug her curves perfectly, and the soft scent of her perfume mixes with her natural sweetness, driving me wild.
“ You look lovely,” I say, meaning every word, though gorgeous would be more accurate.
“ Thank you,” she says shyly. “ I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”
“ Not at all. You were quick,” I reply, smiling. “ Are you ready to go?”
She nods, returning my smile, and I can feel my wolf stirring restlessly inside me. Every moment with her makes it harder to keep my instincts in check.
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Allie’s POV
Jack and I walk outside to where a sleek car is waiting. A man stands by the door, holding it open for us. It feels strange — like something out of a movie. Who is Jack, really?
He must be important, maybe some kind of businessman. The day we met by the lake, he looked so normal — just a man with kind eyes and a calm smile. I hope all this isn’t some big show to impress me, though. I don’t care about fancy things.
But then again, how could he have known I’d agree to go with him today?
On the drive, I decide to ask a little about him. “ So, what kind of work do you do?”
Jack glances at me briefly before returning his eyes to the road. “ My family owns a few businesses — in our town and in other places around the world.”
His answer Is smooth, almost too smooth, but I don’t press.
When we arrive, a pair of guards open a large metal gate. Two more stand watch near the entrance. I can’t help but wonder if he’s part of something powerful… or dangerous. For a brief moment, I worry I might’ve made a mistake coming here alone.
But then I remind myself that Uncle Buck knows him — that’s enough reason to trust him.
As the car rolls up the gravel driveway, my jaw drops. The Lakehouse is massive.
“ Is this your parents’ house?” I ask.
Jack shakes his head. “ No, it’s mine.”
I blink. “ Yours?”
He smiles faintly, clearly amused by my surprise.
The car stops in front of the house, and another man hurries forward to open my door. He reaches for my hand to help me out, but Jack lets out a quiet, low sound — almost like a growl — and the man immediately steps back. Jack takes my hand himself, his touch warm and commanding.
Now that I’m standing outside, I can take it all in. The lake house is breathtaking — modern yet rustic, with a matte black roof, brick walls, and large glass windows framed in black steel. The driveway is covered with light grey gravel, and neatly trimmed olive trees line the path. It’s like something out of an architectural dream.
I could imagine myself living here.
Jack calls over one of the men — Matt, if I heard correctly — and without a single word, Matt nods and gestures for everyone to leave. Within moments, the entire place is quiet.
My heart races. “ Where did everyone go?”
“ I sent them away,” Jack says softly, stepping closer. “ I thought we could use a little privacy. It’s not very romantic with everyone hovering around, don’t you think?”
He smiles and holds out his hand. Despite my nerves, I take it. The warmth of his palm spreads through me, leaving goosebumps in its wake.
He opens the front door and gestures for me to go inside first.
As soon as I step in, he closes the door — and suddenly, my back hits the wall. My heart skips a beat as he pins my hands above my head with one of his own, his body pressed close. His eyes search mine with an intensity that steals my breath.
My gaze drifts to his lips. They’re so close. I can almost feel them.
And then he kisses me.
His lips crash into mine with a hunger that makes my knees weak. It’s everything I imagined — no, more. It feels like fireworks beneath my skin.
I try to catch my breath, but he doesn’t let me pull away. His tongue finds mine, and I can’t help but respond, trembling under his touch.
When he finally lifts me into his arms, carrying me to the couch, my heart is pounding so hard it’s all I can hear.
He looks down at me, eyes filled with a mix of passion and worry. “ Tell me you feel it too.”
“ Yes,” I whisper. “ I feel it too — something I can’t explain. I’ve never felt this before.”
Relief floods his expression, and he brushes his thumb along my cheek. “ I was hoping you’d say that.”
He leans in again, but when his hand moves under my shirt, my body tenses. I freeze.
He stops immediately, eyes filled with concern. “ Did I do something wrong?”
I shake my head quickly. “ No, it’s not you. It’s me. I’ve just… never been with anyone before.”
He stares at me, as if trying to process what I said.
“ Wait — you mean… you’ve never…?”
Heat floods my face. I can’t meet his eyes.
“ You’re still a virgin,” he says softly, his tone filled with awe rather than judgment.
I nod silently, expecting disappointment — but instead, his expression softens. He lifts my chin gently, so I’ll look at him.
“ My sweet Allie,” he says quietly. “ You have nothing to be sorry for. You’re more than I could’ve ever hoped for — pure, kind, and beautiful. I’ll wait for you. No matter how long it takes.”
His words melt every last bit of fear in me.
Jack and I sat together on the couch for a while, just talking. It felt nice — natural — to finally get to know him better. We talked about his work, his family, and how one day he would take over the family business. Like me, Jack was an only child, and we discovered we had so much in common — our love for nature, animals, and quiet places.
When I told him about my idea of opening a small gift shop in town, his entire face lit up like a child who’d just been handed candy.
We sat a little longer, his hand resting over mine, warm and firm. Then he asked softly, “ Would you like to see the rest of the house?”
“ I’d love to,” I said, smiling.
He stood and took my hand, leading me toward the kitchen. The house had an open layout — the kitchen, dining, and living room all blending together in one spacious area. The floors were smooth cement, giving the house a rustic but elegant feel.
