CHAPTER 6

Jack just asked me to come with him to see his lake house, and I said yes.

“ Would you mind if I take a quick shower first? I’ve been working in the garden, and I probably smell like sweat,” I say, embarrassed.

He smiles softly. “ No, not at all. Take your time. I’ll be here talking with your uncle.”

I rush upstairs and jump into the shower, washing as quickly as I can. Even though Jack said I could take my time, I don’t want him to wait too long. I pick out a pair of long jeans and an olive-green T-shirt, tying a small knot in the front so it doesn’t hang too low. Then I slip on my brown leather gladiator sandals with gold circle plates that match perfectly.

At the dresser, I put on medium-sized golden hoop earrings to go with the sandals and spray a little of my new perfume, Pink Happiness, on my neck and wrists. I even dab on a touch of mascara and lip balm so my lips don’t look dry.

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?”