Saving Margaret by Krystal Shannan Page B

sound of struggling had ceased. She turned, looking for Scott. He had disappeared.
    “Scott,” she called. Her voice was barely over a whisper.
    Footsteps echoed across the room. His scent enveloped her just before he scooped her up off the floor. They were at the elevator door in two steps and inside moments later. She caught a quick glimpse of the Council agent lying on the floor near her boss’s office before the doors slid closed again.
    “Is he dead?” she whispered.
    “No, but I considered it.”
    “I think I can stand.”
    “Not a chance.”
    “Wait!” Margaret gasped. “Where was everyone?” She struggled to get loose.
    “Shhhh, I checked. They were all asleep in your boss’s office. He’d tranquilized them with something. They will be fine.”
    Her body relaxed into his and she took in a deep breath of his piney scent. Gods, she loved the way he smelled. She didn’t even associate it so much with bear anymore. He was just Scott. Her mate.
    “Margaret.”
    “Hmm?” She snuggled her face against his shirt.
    “You are not coming back to work.”
    She looked up to meet his gaze. The finality of those words were a definite blow to her pride, but she understood his position. Today had proven the Council would to go to any lengths to intimidate. Even stretching supernatural-to-human boundaries.
    She was willing to submit to her mate’s wishes, especially if it meant getting to spend some quality alone time with him, preferably in a bed.
    I can’t believe I just went there! My head is pounding and I just dreamed of stripping him naked again.
    “Good. Maybe it will finally happen.”
    It’s not like I haven’t wanted to.
    “Sure.” Her wolf snapped back sarcastically.
    “Margaret?”
    Her gaze focused back on the sparkling brown eyes staring down at her with adoration. Flecks of gold shimmered in his irises and the corners of his eyes crinkled. Was he smiling? She glanced to his mouth and licked her lips. Wait. Did he ask me something?
    “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you. My head is still ringing from slamming it against the hardwood upstairs.”
    “You were talking to your wolf. What did she say?”
    “That we needed to get laid.” She slapped a hand over her mouth. Shit. That just came out, didn’t it?
    Her wolf laughed in the back of her mind.
    A deep rumbling laugh rolled from his chest. The door to the elevator opened and he walked her down the hallway toward the private employee exit.
    “I think I like your wolf,” he said between chuckles.
    “I’m going to miss my job.”
    He paused at the exit and looked down at her again. Something mischievous twinkled in his eyes.
    “No you won’t, darl’n.”
     
    ***
     
    “Can we grab something at the diner down the street before we head back to the house? I’m sure Allan and Kyle have eaten everything in my fridge by now.” Damn teenagers.
    “Sure,” he answered, glad she wasn’t fighting him on not coming back to work. He’d been concerned. She was the only daughter of a pack alpha and very smothered. She’d gotten the position at the Mirage by herself, away from her family’s prying eyes. The last thing he wanted to do, according to his bear, was smother her the same way they did by controlling her every decision.
    “Glad you are finally listening to my advice.”
    I always listen. I just don’t always agree.
    He glanced into the rearview mirror again, suspicious of a black SUV following very closely, but when he turned into the diner parking lot the vehicle continued past without slowing at all.
    “They followed us.”
    Margaret’s comment snapped his focus back to her.
    “When did you first see them?” he asked, climbing out of his truck. He slammed the door and walked around to open hers.
    “First turn out of the parking garage,” she answered after he opened her door. She slid from the seat and looped her arm around his. “Guess the guy upstairs had a friend.”
    A growl rumbled from Scott’s chest.
    “Hey, we are