Page 17 of Auditing the Alpha

I came with his name on my lips, clutching at his broad shoulders as pleasure overwhelmed me. He followed moments later, burying his face in my neck as he shuddered above me.

Afterward, we lay tangled together, his weight a comforting pressure. He nuzzled against my neck, inhaling deeply, and I realized he was scent-marking me again—a wolf behavior that should have seemed strange but somehow felt right.

“Stay the night?” I asked, trailing my fingers along his spine.

“Try to make me leave,” he rumbled, sounding half-asleep already.

I chuckled and pulled the blankets over us both, settling into his warmth. As I drifted toward sleep, a thought occurred to me.

“Klaus?”

“Mm?”

“Does this mean I’m dating a werewolf?”

His laugh vibrated against my chest. “If that’s what you want to call it.”

I smiled into the darkness. “Just checking.”

Chapter 8

The next day passed in a blur of anticipation. Klaus left early, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead and promising to return at sunset. I finished my audit report—officially clearing the Wolff Family Tree Farm of any tax irregularities—and emailed it to my boss.

Timothy’s reply came within the hour:

Jordan,

Clean audit noted. Expected back in Chicago tomorrow for year-end reviews.

T. Grey

I stared at the message, suddenly faced with a decision I hadn’t fully considered. My assignment in Pine Peak was complete. By all rights, I should be packing to return to my real life.

But the thought of leaving Klaus, of returning to my sterile apartment and solitary existence, created a hollow feeling in my chest.

I was still contemplating this dilemma when Klaus arrived at dusk, dressed in simple clothes—jeans and a button-down that would be easy to remove before shifting.

“Ready?” he asked, studying my face with concern. “You seem preoccupied.”

I showed him the email. “My boss expects me back tomorrow.”

Something flickered in his eyes—disappointment quickly masked. “I see.”

“I haven’t responded yet,” I added quickly. “I wanted to… I mean, tonight might…”

He stepped closer, cupping my face in his large hands. “Jordan. I meant what I said. No pressure, no expectations. If you need to return to Chicago, I understand.”

I leaned into his touch. “Let’s just get through tonight, okay? Then we’ll figure it out.”

He nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Fair enough.”

The drive to the Wolff property was quiet, the setting sun casting long shadows across the snow-covered landscape. When we arrived, I was surprised to see how many vehicles filled the cleared area near the main house—at least twenty.

“The whole pack gathers for the full moon,” Klaus explained, noting my expression. “Even those who live in neighboring towns.”

We walked toward a large fire pit where people were already gathering—all ages, from elders to small children, all with the distinctive Wolff features. They turned as we approached, and again I had that sensation of being examined by predators.

Klaus’s hand settled protectively on my lower back. “Everyone,” he said, voice carrying effortlessly. “You all know Jordan by now.”