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| The Promotion
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2023-04-25 00:09:37Related chapters
When Mates Collide | The Apology
Joan continued. "Mr Clark, if you’re the one pushing me for the junior partner, I need it to be because you know I bring value to this firm with my time, talent and dedication.” “Don’t get too full of yourself. You’re very young, Ms Henry,” said Steve Clark in a sober voice that sounded pretty fucking condescending. She smiled with her signature courtroom calm. “I’m just stating the facts of what I bring and there is nothing wrong with knowing one’s worth. Did you know that men get more raises than women simply because they ask for them? They have no problem saying I deserve what I deserve. And how old were you when you made a partner?” She knew the answer was twenty-nine. He didn’t offer it, and so she continued, becoming more theatrical and having fun with this now that her anger had ignited. “But you’re a man, right? I’m the first woman, you said? Why is that, when the feminist revolution happened in the sixties? That was fifty years ago. Why am I the first, and why do you say tha
Last Updated : 2023-04-25When Mates Collide | Vacation, Day One
Bonnie threw a potato chip in her mouth, talking with it full. "Well, we'd spent the last couple of weeks bouncing between places and I wasn't thinking anything because everything happened quickly and I think my head has been in the clouds." She waved a chip in the air, then ate it while still talking, “Then just yesterday after I–” Joan interrupted, “Oh yeah, you had a big meeting or something?” Bonnie shook her head. “It didn’t go well. A potential new client, but she wasn’t ready to commit. Still, laying the foundation down for something maybe in the future. Anyway, I call Nate and he shocks me with the news that Elliott wants to give us their place. It was his idea! He's so nice. I couldn't believe it. So generous. You haven’t been there yet, but they designed their whole flat and it is incredible. They’re talented. Nate says Elliott is going to completely makeover my place. I can’t wait to see what he does." Bonnie didn't see Joan's eyes lose their shine as she kept going on and
Last Updated : 2023-04-25When Mates Collide | Like A Heroin Addiction
Standing outside Deborah’s apartment building later that night, Elliott’s knuckles itched for the beating he was going to give Lane. He needed to release this fire he couldn’t shake. Even on his walk over here, Elliott thought he smelled Joan’s scent on the wind and flipped around in frantic circles searching to find her. It was getting ridiculous. He’d had an early dinner with Darrell just to get out of Bonnie’s house because he couldn’t keep his hands off those torn panties. Darrell had asked him about five times, “What’s wrong with you?” before he finally answered, “Just a woman. It’s nothing.” Looking doubtful, Darrell dropped it, happy to talk about a movie he’d just found on Netflix called City Island, one of the coolest films he’d seen in a long time. “Unpredictable!” Elliott kept him on his favourite conversation course by asking questions about the film. For a little while that helped keep his and his packmate’s mind off what he was going through, which was hell.
Last Updated : 2023-04-26When Mates Collide | Not Up To Him
Lane picked up some clothes and a jacket, ignoring him and moving slowly. She turned and faced him, cocking her chin with defiance. Unleashing his restraint, he used all of his supernatural speed, appearing inches in front of her terrified face with his eyes in full shift-glow. He growled at her, his chest rumbling so thoroughly it vibrated hers, too. Urine rushed down her leg and she ran out, clamouring down the stairs. He knew this was dangerous, but he couldn't help himself. As soon as he gathered himself and knew his eyes were back to their normal human-like colour, he turned and dipped to his knees to be at her level. “Deborah, are you okay?” Holding one of the desk legs, she had tears streaming down her old bruises, and her cheek was red from the slap. “I’m fine.” “I heard her kick you. Is anything broken?” He couldn’t smell blood, but only she would know if something was internally damaged, like a rib. She sniffled and shook her head. “No.” “You want to come out?” Climb
Last Updated : 2023-04-26When Mates Collide | Way Too Careful
At Bane Coffee, the line was manageable, but it wasn’t moving fast enough for Joan. She tapped her foot while her mind made big plans, spinning in circles about how to make a website. She could hire someone but would they work fast enough? She wanted the damn thing up today! Digging in her bag for her purse, she heard a male voice say, "Why the frown on a Sunday? Don't tell me you're working on the weekend." She glanced up and saw a nice-looking man with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. He had no accent but with those features and that smile, she'd bet money his family descended from Ireland. He had a nice face. "I’m starting my own business. Today. So, I guess I am working." He gave a playful frown. "I don't like the idea of anyone working today when winter is just around the corner. Plenty of time to stay indoors then, don't you think?" She laughed with an agreeing shrug. "Yes. True. But I'm going to do it anyway." He smiled and turned back around. Giving his trim shape a once
Last Updated : 2023-04-27When Mates Collide | The Worst Thing He Could Have Done
Elliott stared at the phone waiting for Joan to reply. The T.V. was on Universal and a repeat of Supernatural had been amusing him to no end. Until now. "You’re not going to even answer my text?" he muttered, his hand on the soft cotton of his t-shirt. He meant to sleep in that day since it was the weekend and their firm was closed. A wolf's hours are in the night, and day sleeping was natural. He and his packmates indulged themselves at least twice a week, and today was supposed to be one of those days, but he'd dreamed of Joan all night and woke with a hard-on that wouldn't quit. He wouldn't let himself fantasize about her because it would only feed the beast. He’d stupidly thought texting was a good idea since he had to tell her about Deborah in case she called. But he realized with each passing second he waited for a reply that it was the worst thing he could have done. The obsession he’d abated was now in full swing. Jumping off the couch, he paced around Bonnie's old apartment
Last Updated : 2023-04-27When Mates Collide | You Can Tell Her
“What’d you find out about the websites? What didn’t you like?” David asked and Joan smiled as she slide her cloth napkin onto her lap. “Well, there are a lot of really boring sites that don’t seem modern, like they were thrown up there without a care a decade ago.” He chuckled, “I bet.” “I did get a new laptop though. I have to get a tablet still, but I don’t know what to get, gigabytes and all that stuff boggles my mind. I’m going to research them first.” “You want me to explain them?” She thought about it and grinned. “No. I think I want to finally learn since I’m on my own now. I’m hungry. Do you want to order an appetizer?” He picked up the menu. “Sure. Let’s see what they have.” Admiring the white columns and large flower arrangements while she played with her napkin, her glance made its way to the door. What she saw there made her mouth go dry. She swallowed, not able to believe her eyes. She heard him saying, "Oh, they have calamari.” Elliott, Nate, Darrell, and Danny
Last Updated : 2023-04-27When Mates Collide | When It Comes To You
Joan looked at Elliott and watched his face change like a huge weight was at once lifted and dropped on him at the same time. "She's not ready.” "She can handle it," Bonnie told him. "I can handle what?" Joan demanded. She pointed at her best friend. "I knew you'd been keeping something from me. Is this it?" Bonnie's face had never been more sombre. It was a little frightening and it quieted Joan’s anger. "Are you sure I can handle it, Bonbon?" Bonnie nodded and looked at Elliott. "She can. You can trust her. I'd trust her with my life. Even if she rejects you, she'll never tell anyone." Joan whipped around. Elliott’s soulful brown eyes were flitting around. “You’re sure, guys?” Joan looked to see his three friends nod as if they were a single entity. He held his hand out. "Walk with me?" Joan nodded and slipped her hand into his, frustrated at how good it felt for his fingers to entwine with hers again. "I can't believe I’m even talking to you after what you pulled the other nig
Last Updated : 2023-04-27
Latest chapter
When Mates Collide | Control Yourself
But then he heard someone behind him in the doorway and he spun around to see Linda standing there with her suitcase in one hand, her light blue coat in the other, keys jingling as she nervously fiddled. She asked, quietly “Are you okay?” the rain pattering loudly behind her. With all the self-discipline he could barely muster, he struggled against his wolf and cracked his neck as he gave a very curt nod and grated through gritted teeth, “My…friend…seems to have left.” “You need a ride somewhere?” Danny blinked to the ground and then back to her. He grimaced and commanded his wolf to calm the fuck down. Gasping for air, he said, “Excuse me a moment. Please, don’t leave.” He walked to the bathroom and shut the door, splashing water on his face. The cold baptism he coupled with direct and soothing, silent mantras. I’ve got this. I can do this. Control. Control yourself. Let her go. She had to leave. Let her go. You are stronger than this. Afraid he’d lose his ride out of here, he q
When Mates Collide | Disappearing Act
He listened at the door to make sure what he heard wasn’t some kinky, consensual sex play. It wasn’t. He stepped back, looked left and right for anyone watching. No one was around. He closed his eyes and listened for heartbeats in nearby cars. The lot was empty of human beings. He focused on the door and took a single step back. Cracking his neck, his eyes began to glow and with all his supernatural strength he shot out a powerful kick. The door split in two, splintering at the hinges. A disgusting sight waited for him inside. The dead-eyed employee of the motel had a woman of at least sixty against the wall. At the explosion, they both looked toward the door. Her eyes were wide with terror and shock, his narrowed in irritation at the interruption. Her suitcase lay on its side on the ground like she’d tried to throw it at him, the contents splayed on shag carpet. The attacker had a bite mark in his arm, but now was pinning hers. Her polyester pants were down around only one ankle and
When Mates Collide | Unaffected By Her Vulnerability
Danny collapsed on top of her trembling body, panting as Kat held him close. She kissed his neck, lacing her fingers into his damp hair. But without a word he got up and pulled out, leaping off the bed like she was contagious. He strode swiftly to the bathroom, slammed the door and then had the audacity on top of everything, to fucking lock it. On shaking elbows, she rose up and stared at the door. The shower came on, muffled through the walls. She blinked at the sound, unable to believe what she was hearing. “Oh my God,” she whispered, stunned and terribly hurt. Getting up, she slowly paced the room. Her shirt was broken, as were her bra and panties. Only her jeans were intact so she put them on, went to his suitcase and pulled out one of his t-shirts, a black one she would no doubt swim in. Slipping it over her bedhead, she grabbed a pair of his dress socks and put them on, too. As she tugged on her sneakers, the shower turned off. She froze then ran for the door, swooping down to
When Mates Collide | She Knows Why
He released her, glanced to the guy behind the gun-proof glass watching the scene with interest. “Come on,” Danny grumbled, reaching for his suitcase. The fact that he held the door again was a miracle but that’s just what he did. She hesitated. He cocked his chin as if to say, Well, what are you waiting for? “You never cease to amaze me,” she snarled at him, walking cautiously past like he might slam it on her if she wasn’t careful. As soon as they were outside, he led the way with the self-confidence of someone who knew she would follow. “Why am I staying here with you? Am I a glutton for punishment or what?” Under the minimal shelter of an insufficient awning they made their way to Room 7, millions of drops hitting them from the left. Without finesse he jammed the key in the lock and again held open the door for her. “Since when are you a gentleman?” “I’ve always been a gentleman. Have you really forgotten that?” She shrugged and walked inside, looking around the original décor
When Mates Collide | Rain Can't Touch An Angel
“Wish I had a towel,” she smiled. He stared at her until it faded away. “What are you doing up here? Is this your car?” “It’s my parent’s car, which you would know if you’d ever come over to their home. And I’m going to MarhVelly.” She paused at his expression. “What? Why the face?” Danny stared at her. There’s no fucking way. He pushed wet hair away from his forehead and asked in a very low voice, “Why are you going to MarhVelly, Kat?” Flustered she blinked back to the road. “Lobster. I’ve never had it there, and I’ve always wanted to.” Pointing ahead, she glanced over to him, “Oh no, looks like an accident.” He turned and saw ominous lights of both fire engines and police cars spinning through the storm. He and Kat were quiet as they waited to see how bad the damage was. A car was turned over, the driver nowhere to be seen. Probably already taken away by a speeding ambulance. Two more driverless cars lay on one another in the fast lane. A tow truck was busy pulling the upturned
When Mates Collide | Take Me To Church
“Okay, I can handle this,” he said, under his breath, not believing it. As though on dramatic cue, lightning illuminated the heavens followed instantly by powerful claps of thunder. In heavy undulating sheets, the rain exploded from the darkness, assaulting his Audi A4 Sedan. With every curse word he could think of he searched for the windshield wipers. He hit the turn signal, accidentally turned off the lights and put them back on, and hit the cruise control. “For what I paid for this piece of shit, the wipers should be zipping on their own at the first drop of rain.” Finally, the wipers moved and he cranked them up full gear. Exhaling, he sat back, gripping the wheel. “If Eli could see me now. He’d never let me live this ineptitude down.” For two miles he drove fairly quickly despite the storm until suddenly red taillights illuminated the darkness. Stopped traffic. “SHIT!” He slammed the brakes and hydroplaned to a diagonal stop, narrowly missing the rear end of a Subaru. Panting,
When Mates Collide | Mother Nature
“It’s called conversation. Someday you’ll learn how to participate in one. The car is there. Gas it up before you bring it back. And remember to let Jonathan put the gas in. A man wants to be the man,” Marcy replied. “You think so, eh?" Kat paused near their coat rack filled with scarves and coats. Quite a few hats were hung on the rungs as well, each assigned to at least one memory, not all of them good. “I’m going over to get the car now. Is Dad there?” “Your father is sitting across from me. So no.” “Since when do you and Dad have lunch together?” She frowned at all of it. It seemed like every inch was seeped in memories. Breaking up sucks so badly. “What’s going on?” “Your mother and I are getting to know one another again!” Henry Zane called out, loud enough to be heard, but not loud enough to make an undignified scene. Kat stared into her parent’s past, at the infidelities on both their parts, the fights, the estrangements. “Is this true, Mom?” “Oh, it’s Mom now, is it?” h
When Mates Collide | Hard As A Rock
As soon as he hit send, Danny jumped up and headed for the bathroom easily the size of a small Crossia studio. He hadn’t held back when he’d renovated this unit. After the Co-op approved him, he’d gutted the place to match his taste. Everything elegant. Shining. Black or charcoal grey, with the ceilings white for an added feeling of space. His bathroom had two showerheads with room for four people, not two. There was a separate, Jacuzzi bathtub. If he and his wolf friends were going to live like humans, they should live like the best of them, since by default werewolves were superior already. Not that human beings would see it that way. He ran the water extra hot and stripped off his clothes, kicking the annoyingly tight shoes aside with extra gusto. As soon as the scalding water hit his sore back, he sighed long and loud. Then he turned and got a surprise. It felt a little better than he thought it would. He glanced down. “What the fuck?” He was hard as a rock. Now that he was payi
When Mates Collide | Prized Possessions
This was her chance to make a run for it…or to commit to him for good. He was a good man. Such a good man. Her family loved him, probably more than she did. He’d make an okay father except for the probability that he’d not teach them anything new. He’d probably just make carbon copies of him, a man designed by the term “normal.” For God’s sake, Don’t Rock the Boat was one of his favorite things to say whenever Kat had a contrary opinion she meant to voice among their judgmental social circles. “Well, Kat. What is it?” Her body was as tense as though she were about to cage-dive with Great Whites. She closed her eyes begging for the answer from her angels, or anyone who could tell her that she should follow her heart. The room was so quiet. She held her breath, waiting. A small voice inside of her whispered, You know what you have to do, and suddenly she inhaled. “Kat, you’re scaring me.” Meeting his frightened brown eyes, she shook her head with sadness. “I’m sorry, Joe. I can’t ma
