Her Forever

Jack

“Think she will like it?” I said to Keith while I was putting on my royal blue tie to match Rosalie’s dress. I’ve always had trouble putting on ties, no matter how often I wear them.

“Sure she will, Alpha. Chicks are into that sort of s**t,” he laughed. “It is cheesy as f**k I will admit, but I’m sure she will like it.” He pats me on the back of the shoulder as I am looking at myself in the mirror, still trying to get the damn thing on.

I’ve never been nervous about going out on a date, but I am a train wreck waiting to happen this time. I’ve made Amanda constantly give me updates on Rosalie throughout their make-over session. I wanted her to feel beautiful like she was. A hard-working woman like herself needed it, and Amanda was the woman to take care of her.

Once Sampson sensed Rosalie, I knew I was screwed. She was beautiful, her strawberry blonde hair matched her lightly tanned skin tone and those eyes, f**k I could drown in those hazel eyes. I felt Sampson’s purring reverberate in my head.

I’m just hoping Rosalie will like the dress I sent over to Amanda’s; I still have not heard back if Rosalie even wanted the dress. I fisted at my tie, still trying to get the damn thing straight.

An old Alpha like me needs their mate. I had started to become restless, angered easily, and hostile, something that my pack wasn’t used to. We as a pack tend to be more peaceful, but we are strong and fearless if there is a threat.

Being the stalker I was, I had Amanda pull her file from the real estate office she works at to get her sizes. They supplied her with a uniform when she first arrived, and I went off of those measurements. I also found out that Rosalie lives in a shitty apartment building entirely run down on the wrong side of town. No wonder she doesn’t want anyone to come over; she probably feels embarrassed or thinks people will think less of her. She won’t be living in that s**t hole for much longer; she’s going to be living at the packhouse where it is safer.

I haven’t wholly dug into her past because I want her to be the one to tell me about it. She seems rather shy and reserved. I want to earn her trust and have her tell me how she grew up. It will be a process to get to know her, but I’m willing to wait another 100 years to have her.

As I finally finished tying my tie, I could hear Amanda trying to contact me through the link.

“Alpha,” Amanda said.

“Yes, Amanda. Did she like the dress?” I smiled, thinking about her opening the box. I hand-picked the dress; royal blue was our pack color, and thinking about it going against her smooth, creamy skin gave me joy and admiration of her wearing it. She would be wearing her pack colors.

“She loves the dress, Alpha; she cried and said it was the first present she’s ever received,” Amanda said solemnly. I sighed; how could a girl like her never receive a present? My Sampson was angry that our mate had probably been treated harshly, and that was why she didn’t let people in. “Alpha, the dress fits but…” she trailed off.

“But what, Amanda?” I was getting flustered. A*s holes possibly raised my mate, and now there is something else?

“I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone; I don’t want to betray her trust. However, she will be wearing a black cardigan over the back of the dress, if that is alright with you, Alpha. I don’t think you should ask her to take it off.” From Amanda’s voice, this was very difficult for her to ask of me. Pack members typically do not make requests of their Alpha when it comes to their mate and well-being. Sampson was pacing in my mind wanting to know what was wrong. I could command her to tell me.

“Is she in any sort of pain, Amanda?” I asked.

“Not physically, Alpha. She is upset, it brought back memories for her, and she doesn’t want anyone to see what is on her back.”

I gripped the desk beside me. This was going to be difficult. Knowing my mate has a bad history is going to rip me shreds. I could feel my Sampson pacing wanting to comfort our mate, but this was going to take time; I couldn’t go to her and tell her I was going to protect her and keep her from any harm. Jumping to conclusions wasn’t going to help my case. Amanda hasn’t even told me anything but, of course, I’m going to think the worst.

“Amanda, I need to know,” I stated harshly.

“Please, Alpha…” she began to beg. “It isn’t my story to tell, and I–”

I interrupted her, “Do I need to use a command on you, Wolf?” I shouted through the link. I could feel her submission pouring off of her. She was scared and should be. Sampson wasn’t going to have any of these secrets. If our mate was hurt or a possibility of her being injured in the future, we needed to know. I calmed my Wolf and took back over to speak with Amanda.

“Just tell me what is on her back,” I said calmly.

“Scars and branding, Alpha. It looks like she had been cut on her back with whips or knives, and there’s a branding scar in the middle of her back,” Amanda sputtered.

“WHAT!” I screamed out loud. My mate had gone through something unthinkable, ruining her trust in people and possibly me if I didn’t take my time with her. What sort of monster would hurt such a precious woman?

I slung the desk lamp to the wall, and it broke into pieces. Papers were flying off the desk, and I continued my assault on the room. Nightstands were turned over, my suit coat had ripped, and the bedpost was on the floor. Keith came running in after hearing all of the commotions.

“The f**k, man?” I darted my head to him quickly while in my offensive stance. He promptly showed submission by muttering, “Alpha.” He knew my Wolf was on edge, and he wanted b***d. “Alpha, what is wrong?”

“Mate was hurt, mate was tortured.” My breath was heaving, and my nostrils were flaring as I went to the window, looking out over the skyline. My anger and emotions were getting the best of me. I would have to be near her to calm down, but I can’t let her see me like this. So long without a mate, and now that I’ve found her, it would be even more difficult to win her trust and make her entirely mine.

“What? Was she tortured? How?” Keith was shocked. “Whipped, cut, and branded. That is all I know; I’m not even sure long ago this happened. Pull the car around; we need to pick her up,” I said in a clipped tone.

Grabbing the keys and throwing them to Keith, I stormed out of the room. As we reached the lobby, I went to the front desk to see Cloe filing her nails like a materialistic b***h she was. I was glad I didn’t have to deal with her on pack lands while she usually stayed in the city. “Get someone to clean up the mess in my room,” I stated and barged out the door, not giving her a second glance.

Keith opened the limo door for me, and I got in. I ran my hands through my hair and quickly grabbed a whisky through the small compartment underneath my seat. I don’t usually drink, especially not whiskey because it doesn’t help Werewolves get drunk, but the burn feels nice. Laying my head back in the seat, trying to calm myself, I tried to contact Amanda again.

“Amanda, is she alright?”

“Yes, Alpha. She’s wearing a cardigan; she isn’t crying anymore. I think the date will be good for you both.”

“I’ll be there in 10 minutes.”

How the f**k am I going to control my anger now?

Rosalie

“Oh my Goddess!” Amanda screamed.

“Shh, not so loud,” I said with a quiet sob.

“Lee, what the hell happened?” she asked in a whispered tone.

“I was a foster kid; it happens to some of us. Not all; there are some nice foster parents out there, from what I’m told. I just got a bit unlucky.” I spoke sadly. I wiped a few tears from my face, trying to make sure I didn’t smear the mascara.

“Did you not ask for help? How? It looks like they burned you! Is it on more of your body?”

“Yeah, but it is mostly covered. He didn’t want to get caught,” I chuckled lightly. I took the towel off and went into Amanda’s closet, not caring for the invasion of privacy on her things. I found a black, fancy cardigan with some black beading that looked like it would go with the dress. Amanda looked like she was in deep thought; her eyes were glazed over. I tried to wave my hand in front of her face, only for her to be startled when I finally said her name.

“It’s fine, really. I’m doing okay now.” I gave a small smile. “I’m just sensitive to trusting people because all my foster parents lied to me a lot as a kid. It is all I know––people lying, giving you up and false promises.” I put the cardigan on and looked at myself in the mirror. I was straightening the dress. I looked at how beautiful it was. I had never worn anything like this. I didn’t deserve to wear such a beautiful thing. Not with these scars.

Sensing my thoughts, Amanda came up behind me, put her arms around my shoulders, and gave a slight squeeze. “You look beautiful, Lee. I promise. If you don’t believe me, I’ll tell you hundreds of times.” A small tear fell from her face as she looked into my eyes through the reflection. Putting my hand up to comfort her, I sighed.

“It feels good to tell someone about it, honestly. I haven’t told anyone in a long time. I would get punished when I did.” With a deep breath and a burden almost feeling lifted, letting part of my heart out, I heard a knock at the door.

“That’s your date,” Amanda whispered in my ear as she grabbed my hand and led me to the door. Her friends all looked at me as I walked across the living room. Some of the girls looked jealous, and the men just stared at me in awe. The dress is stunning, no denying that.

Before she opened the door, Amanda took both hands in mine and got close to me as she spoke. “You have been through a lot, Lee. Just know,” she paused, “that this man would never hurt you. He’s a good friend of my family back home, and he protects those he cares about.” I tilted my head in confusion, and she quickly opened the door.

Mr. Jack Storm, in all his glory, walked into the apartment. He was wearing a black Armani suit that fit to his body like a glove. He was tall, delectably handsome. You could see the muscles underneath his suit as he adjusted the sleeves of his shirt with his large hands. Everyone in the room froze as he entered. Many in the room bowed their head at the dominating aura that this man oozed from his body. Even Amanda gave the nod as he approached us.

“Miss Pierce,” he said in a smooth velvety tone. “Are you ready?” His eyes met mine after I had become drunk off of his exceedingly god-like looks.

“Y-yes,” was all I could mutter as he took his large hand in mine. The roughness of his hand let me know he wasn’t just a white-collar worker behind a desk but a man that liked to work manual labor. I found comfort in that he wasn’t afraid to leave the luxurious ways of life. He knew how to work hard.

I smiled gently at him and let him guide me out of the apartment. As the door shut, there were rounds of hoots and hollers from inside the door. My eyebrow lifted in confusion, and he started to laugh. “I’m sorry, we are all old friends; they like to tease me,” he said. He had such a wonderful laugh; it made my heart skip a beat, even though it shouldn’t.

“By the way, thank you for this dress,” I whispered quietly. Yet, he still heard me.

“You are most welcome.” He guided me downstairs by placing his hand on the small of my back.

Keith was waiting in the car downstairs and opened the door for me. I nodded a thank you, and we drove off to the restaurant for our “thank you dinner”. As we reached the restaurant, Peril Mio Amore, I became nervous. The extent of my restaurant experience had been limited. I usually did fast food or the once in a blue moon I’d allow myself some takeout from TGI Fridays. I sighed, and Jack could feel my nervousness.

“This is my favorite restaurant; I hope you like Italian.” I nodded my head in agreement because, in all honesty, I didn’t know if I liked Italian or not. The closest thing to Italian that I ate was Domino’s pizza.

The hostess took us up to the restaurant’s second floor, where all the tables were booths and more secluded from the rest of the patrons. My eyes wandered the restaurant looking at the bright colors, the artwork, and more importantly, Jack. I couldn’t help but stare at him; something was telling me to stay near him. It was a feeling I was never used to, to feel safe. Amanda kept telling me I should feel safe with him, and she knew him, so that made it OK? Right?

I was still keeping my wits about me because I’d been lied to so many times before. I couldn’t fully trust anyone, so I just ordered a water instead of the wine

“So, Jack?” I started. He looked up at me with that million-dollar smile. I couldn’t help but blush, and I’m sure his ego shot through the roof. “Do you travel here to the city often?”

“Usually once a month, which makes it surprising that I haven’t seen you around. People at the hotel seem to know you.” He took a sip of his wine while I drank some of my water.

“Well, I guess you didn’t need any work done on your computer then.” I laid my drink back on the table. “I try to be discrete, in and out.”

“I see, so do you often go on dates with your customers?” I started choking on my water; I took the napkin to my lips and tried to pat the water from my chin. Jack laughed uncontrollably while my face continued to turn red.

“I am just messing with you, Rosalie. It took a lot of begging to get you out here. I just wanted to see your face turn pink.” The toothy grin of his was going to be the death of me. As soon as my face calmed down, I gave a small smile. This was honestly the most I’ve smiled in a while.

“I guess I should turn the question back to you then. Do you go out on dates with those who fix anything of yours?”

He chuckled, “I can honestly say that I haven’t.” Jack had to have been out on millions of dates; his body and face just demand it.

“I do have to say, though, I didn’t just want to take you out for a ‘thank you dinner.” He spoke as he twirled his wine in his hand. “In fact, I want to offer you a job.” My eyes widened a bit. I couldn’t read this man, I was starting to think it was a date, but a job would be for the best anyway. I smiled and nodded my head, asking him to continue.

“As you witnessed first hand, we have had hackers try to infiltrate our network. I own several companies and invest in several properties, and right now, I need excellent security within those systems. I want to be able to have the ease of checking on several companies and do some home security. Now, with this, it would be imperative that you work closely with me, and we would see each other every day. I’ll need reports, honest reports of what my employees are doing on said networks.” I nodded as I gripped my napkins nervously.

“Now, saying that. I would need you to move into my mansion with me.”

My eyes grew wide, and I started to shake my head. What the hell is this? I am not moving in with some random man.

“Slow down there, just hear me out,” he started to butter his bread and acted like this was a normal conversation. “The mansion I live in, many other people live there that work for me. This includes maids, butlers, security personnel, family members, and friends of the family. You should think of it more as a big hotel, really, than my house.” He popped the bread in his mouth. I squinted my eyes at him and crossed my arms. Rich guy? People living in his house? This dude is in the mafia.

“Are you in the mafia?” I started in a monotone voice. He started choking on his bread and started to bang his chest.

“No! No, no, no! We are into security. If a bodyguard needs to protect someone, then there could be someone shot, but we are not actively trying to kill people.”

I laughed, feeling a bit more at ease. “Just checking!” I said in a singsong voice. He wiped his brow as if he had some sweat on it.

Everything was in Italian, so I couldn’t order for myself; I asked him to do it for me and whatever he picked was divine. That was the first time I felt fully satisfied after a meal that I may not have to eat breakfast. As I scraped the last bit off my plate, he spoke again.

“What do you think? Would you be interested in working for me?” I tried to let any dirty thoughts about him leave my mind and really think about this. Would I feel comfortable living in someone else’s house? I’m going to need to have some questions answered.

“It isn’t a no, but I have a few questions I want to be answered first,” I said as he nodded. “Can I have my own lock on the door to my room where no one else can get in or out except for me?” I looked at him thoughtfully. He looked at me for a moment trying to understand my question. “I like my privacy; I just want to feel safe at night.”

“Of course, anything you need,” he said with a restrained voice. “You will be in the safest place being in my home, trust me. However, if you feel more comfortable with locks within your room, I am happy to make that happen.” I nodded and continued.

“What is the pay?”

“What type of payment are you wanting?” I sat there for a moment, figuring out how much a computer tech with a master’s in cyber security degree should make. After a few minutes of tapping my finger on my lips, I just shot out a number. “$150,000 a year?” I questioned. He looked at me, studying my face. Was that too high?

“Done,” he said. “Oh, you will not be paying rent, food, or utilities, you have your own wardrobe allowance, and your student loans are paid off.” My mouth was hanging open in shock.

“I’m sorry?” I whispered.

“That is how it is going to be. When you work for me, you are rewarded handsomely.” He smirked.

“You cannot do that; that is too much! I don’t deserve all that.”

“You deserve that and more, Rosalie.” He whispered as he touched my cheek. After blushing profusely, he led me back to the car. As Keith drove, Jack turned to me and asked, “I will give you until tomorrow to pack up your things, and we will head out of the city back to my community. We like to stay secluded. I think you will like it there.” He adjusted his tie.

We pulled up to my apartment complex, and I was horrified. How did Jack know I lived? The shock on my face was evident, and they looked at me with compassion. “You will never live like this ever again. I’ve got guards standing outside the complex if you need help for tonight and tomorrow. I’ll pick you up in the evening.”

Everything was happening so fast; I didn’t know if I was making the right decision. I hadn’t even let my current boss know I was no longer an employee. He was going to be pretty pissed. Keith opened the door for me without saying a word, and Jack followed me up the stairs. Skipping a few knowing, he would probably fall through the steps.

His face was stoic as he walked me to my apartment door. I rattled the keys and harshly pushed the door open. Macaroni was instantly at my feet screaming her, “I’m hungry,” cry while Jack looked at the poor scruffy cat. “I’m sorry, I have a cat. I can always have her stay in my room. She’s all I have for a family.” Please let me keep her; I prayed to any higher power.

Jack just smiled and nodded his head. “Anything for you, Rosalie.” I smiled, looking up at him. This guy would be my boss, so I couldn’t have any warm fuzzy feelings towards him. I took out my hand for a handshake, but he quickly disregarded it and gave me a gentle hug. This was nice. So warm.

This was the first male hug I’ve ever received. I should be repulsed by it, but I’m not. We stood there a few moments until he let go. “We will load your stuff tomorrow and pick you up at 6 p.m.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled as he walked out the door. After leaving, I locked all seven locks and slid down the door.

What had I just gotten myself into?