Chapter 22

The following day was another date, as planned by Marcus. Amelia was asked not to go home after clocking out for the day and wait for him in the lobby. She had made sure to be a little pickier with her outfit for the day. Having it be office-friendly, but still pretty enough for a night out if that is what the date called for.

Anxiously she waited, seated upon the corner of her desk with shoes placed neatly beside her, legs swinging idly watching the daily routines of closing the building up for the night. Security guards made rounds, as other employees filed out the door. Some are in smiling groups, others one at a time. One odd thing that she picked up; there was no talking as people left. Maybe the occasional laugh, but no words.

Pulling out her notepad, she made a quick scribble on the paper.

-Possible telepathic abilities?

She stared at the parchment for a moment, chewing on the end of her pen in thought. Maybe she would have to change what she was looking for in her research.

“Hey.” a quiet voice came out of nowhere near her side. Amelia was quickly snatched from her thoughts and nearly jumped out of her skin. Dropping the pen she had been nibbling on in the process. Marcus chuckled at her antics and bent down to pick up the discarded writing instrument. Amelia quickly closed her notebook and stowed it into her purse, giving Marcus the stink eye as he stood up holding her pen out to her.

“That was not funny.” She grumbled in a mock pout, taking the pen and placing it back in its home on the desk.

“What have you lost deep within your thoughts?” He gave them a quizzical look as she grabbed her heels and stood from her perch.

“Nothing much, just random stuff.” It was a half-lie, half-truth. Marcus picked up on the slight elevation of her heart rate as she spoke, giving away that tidbit of information. He raised a brow, silently questioning her statement. But her smile let the small hint of worry fade away. He shook his head and returned the smile.

“Come on. I have a place I want to take you to. It has an amazing view of the city at night.” He ushered her out the door after she slipped her shoes back on.

“Where are we going?” She questioned, falling into step next to him as they made their way down the sidewalk. Her eyes beamed with a bit of excitement.

“You’ll see.” Was his simple answer.

“What no car? Or driver this time?” Her voice held a slightly teasing manner, as she noticed he did not stop at the curb for a vehicle. Instead, he continued down the concrete pathway.

“What’s more romantic than a walk through the city?” Marcus flashed a smile at her, as he held out his arm inviting her to take it. “You expect me to walk in these heels?” Amelia arched her eyebrows and gestured towards her trusty pumps. This caused a small chuckle to escape Marcus as he shook his head.

“It's not far, I promise.”

Amelia eyed him suspiciously in an over-dramatic way, before giving in and placing her arm around his. They walked a little less than a block away before Marcus guided them toward the entrance of a large apartment building. Confusion took over her for a moment as she eyed the structure.

“What is this place?” She asked as he moved towards a panel to enter a few numbers.

“This is home.” He turned back and held out his hand to her.

“You… live here?” Again she eyed the building this time with awe and a tidbit of jealousy. It was marvelous compared to her apartment. He gave a nod to answer her question as she placed her hand in his. He led the way to the elevator and pressed a couple of buttons on the control panel before the box began to move upward.

He wished he could share that this whole building was housing for members of his pack. At least those who chose to live here. Some preferred the suburbs, like Jackson and his family, and that worked just as well.

When the contraption dinged, the doors opened to a sprawling penthouse suite. The design reminded her of the executive offices at the Firm’s building. Where nature meets modern in an elegant fashion.

“Wow, this really puts my place to shame,” she added, taking a few steps inside taking in the appearance.

His wolf purred in approval at their mate being in their home. It was a calming thing to his animalistic side of him. Being in close proximity and familiar surroundings, alone without the interference of everything and everyone else. How they both wished this could be a more regular vision.

“I did not intend to show you up,” Marcus replied, watching her move about the space. “Just wanted to share something I like with you.” his wallet and keys landed in a dish by the door as she took off his jacket and strode to the kitchen. “Make yourself comfy.”

Amelia tagged along a short distance behind him. Taking a seat on a bar stool, and watched as he seemed to be browsing through the cupboards and pantry. Grabbing ingredients here and there to be piled on the counter for prepping.

“Whatcha doin?” She asked, her head slightly tilted to the side.

“Making our dinner…” Marcus replied looking up at her momentarily before going back to his chore. Amelia’s jaw just about hit the countertop. A man was really making dinner for her? Without her asking or begging? She was dreaming, right? She pinched the skin of her arm just to make sure. The twinge of pain let her know it definitely was not a dream.

Marcus gave her a confused look, but she smiled and waved it off.

“Need any help?” Sliding off the barstool she moved into the kitchen. Together they worked and talked. Then the dish was placed back on the bar for them to enjoy. Rosemary and Provolone stuffed chicken, garlic butter asparagus stalks, and a side salad. With a glass of wine for each of them. Amelia took the first bite and almost melted off the stool.

“Oh my God, this is so good! Who taught you to cook like this?” She said around a mouth full of chicken. Then her face quickly turned pink as she realized she was talking with her food in her mouth. Marcus did not seem to mind as he, and his wolf, beamed with pride at providing a good meal to their mate.

“My mom, believe it or not.” He responded, taking a bite of his own plate.

“Ok, so I have an idea. We play twenty questions to get to know a little more about each other. How’s that sound?” Her speech was accelerated a little as she was nervous and excited.

“Seems fair,” Marcus answered calmly.

“I’ll go first. Do you have any family?”

“Aside from My Mother? No. Unless you count Jackson. But my father died over 11 years ago. What about you?” they continued in almost rapid-fire momentum.

“Father, Mother, and a brother.” Her reply was very dry. He could hear that it was a sore subject for her. “Do you have an odd hobby?”

He looked at her for a moment, before replying. Sounding almost ashamed of his answer. “I don’t really have any hobbies that aren’t work-related.”

“Really, you don’t do anything fun outside of work?” She stared at him, but he just shrugged.

“My turn, that was your fourth question. Favorite flower?” he spoke up quickly as she was getting ready to fire off another question aimed at him.

“Tulips. Do you have a favorite flower, Mr. Masculine?” Amelia prodded in a teasing manner.

“As a matter of fact, I do.” He feigned hurt. “Daisies.”

The questions went on till plates were near empty and tummies were full. By then the landscape outside his windows had darkened.

“This is what I wanted to show you.” Marcus grabbed her hand and led her toward the windows. For the first time that night, she looked out at the city. Buildings were lit up periodically as the city’s nightlife came to life. The sky was a beautiful blue and purple backdrop for the few stars they could see. “This is my favorite place to be when I need to think about things. And I know over the past few days you and I have had a lot to think about. So I wanted to share this space with you.”

His voice was soft as he too gazed out the window a small smile tugged on the edges of his lips. Amelia slowly turned away taking in his profile. Marcus turned his face to look back at her. Leaning closer to him she placed a hand gently on his chest, followed by the other. Sparks zipped through his skin at her touch, causing a tingling and warm sensation to surge through his body and settle in his groin.

His wolf, who had been quiet and content until now, was eagerly panting and pawing at the surface. She shifted to stand on her toes and he bowed his head to meet her halfway, their lips connecting in the middle. Their tongues danced, taking turns exploring each other's mouths. Her hands worked their way across his shoulders and up into his hair, while he wandered up and down her back.

The smell of her arousal mixed with her usual lavender scent almost drove him crazy. The beast within was persistently begging to be let loose, fighting for control of the human vessel. Wanting nothing more than to mate and mark the one who was destined for him. Marcus grabbed her by the hips pulling her closer, before grabbing the back of her thighs and hoisting her up against the window. She could feel the cold glass against her back, a severe contrast to the heat between them.

His wolf was boiling just under the surface. Threatening to take control as Amelia wrapped her legs around his waist, locking the two of them together. Still entangled in a kiss, she could feel his erection pressing against her inner thigh. The sensation rocketed her sexual need to new heights. She ground herself against the bulge in his pants. His wolf growled in pleasure, the sound reverberating through him. Amelia’s breath hitched at the noise.

“We shouldn’t do this.” Marcus’ voice was breathy as he pulled away, leaning his forehead against hers. Finally winning back complete control. He and his wolf would have a long and serious conversation after this.

“W-what?... Why?” she asked breathlessly as her blue eyes bore into him. Marcus took a deep breath and set her feet back on the ground.

“As much as I want you right now,” he paused to trail kisses from her cheek to the nape of her neck. “I think it's best if we don’t rush this part.”