Well, this is surreal.

Pondering if he was ever going to speak to me, I considered dropping my blocker. It wasn't something I did; especially around unfamiliar people and particularly not around wolves.

Emotions from your average everyday human could be intense. But throw into the mix a wolf and you're dealing with anger, desire, jealousy and possessiveness to the nth degree. Being Overwhelmed by these emotions was an understatement and often difficult for me to control.

But what was I supposed to do? He was just standing—frozen. Inhaling a deep breath, I lowered my blocker.

Here goes.

A tingling sensation spread throughout my body, dispersing like clouds after a storm. Fully exposed my feelers spread out. I called them feelers—perhaps 'senses' would be a more fitting description, but feelers was the name that the Dream-Walker gave them and it just 'stuck.'

Spreading outwards across the room. I picked up something had happened in his office only a short time ago. There was a residue of violence, anger and something else.

As my feelers traced around his aura, prodding and poking, his radiated a far distance from his body. Which, was quite normal for dominant males, especially dominant males and their wolves.

But strangely, I couldn't feel anything else.

Nothing.

Not a thing.

Which was odd and slightly worrying. I'd never met anybody who could block me. I concentrated harder and let my feelers push a little more—but still nothing.

My wolf's interest was piqued, and her curiosity flared as she tried to read him and what hid beneath.

I don't like this. How I am supposed to do my job here if I can't feel him?

He won't be happy about this. Not happy at all.

No point in worrying about that now.

Curiosity got the better of me and I needed to end the awkwardness and make the first move. Walking towards him, my hand lifted to introduce myself. As I spoke, his eyebrows lifted, as if I'd startled him.

That can't be right, the infamous Hunter Stone... afraid of me?

His startled look intensified, so instead, I took the opportunity to look at him closely. From his file, he looked exactly like the picture they'd sent me. But, oh my, in the flesh, he was breathtaking.

Not that I had any interest in him, beyond my job.

He had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. And I felt a strange stirring in my stomach; like butterflies. Keeping my gaze casual, I took a steadying breath and subtly imprinted everything to memory.

I guessed he must be used to that, the sudden pause in a person's natural expression when they looked at him.

My eyes dipped down and I may not have felt him or been able to get inside his head, but it was clear to see the effect I had on him. He clearly had an erection and a pretty impressive one at that!

I guess the rumours are true. Oh, Mon Dieu—Stop looking at his erection!

A delicious shiver ran down the length of my spine. And like a current of electricity, It burst through my lower half engulfing my insides and forcing me to sharply inhale. I hoped to god he hadn't noticed as I dropped my hand to my side.

Gulping, I refocused on his face. He had the full attention of my wolf and this close, she was whining and whimpering like a pup, as the ripple of heat spread over my chest and up towards my throat.

Doux Jésus.

He was taller than I pictured. Wearing kitten heels; he was still a good six inches above me.

Being within touching distance, his impressive well-built physique radiated strength, power, and he held himself proudly, even going as far as to say a little cocky maybe?

He didn't lack confidence, that's for sure. And I was certain he had never failed at anything his entire life. If his reputation was anything to go by, that was a given.

Stupidly, I imagined for a brief second what it would feel like to be wrapped in his thick muscular arms.

Mon Dieu. Remember his reputation. He's a walking man-whore! Not a woman or wolf was safe when he was around.

His dark brown hair; which was a little wild and tousled, suited him and the untamed thickness was somewhat longer at the back. I wondered what colour his wolf would be.

His eyes were a deep earthy brown with golden flecks, but there was something else in them, something glistening with a hint of mischief. Magnifique. His face was strong, defined as if modelled from granite and his dark brows sloped downwards which gave him a serious expression.

He wasn't smiling, but I was sure when he smiled, it would be quite a sight to see.

I needed him to speak, but he just stood looking at me, like I had grown two heads or there was something on my face.

Mon Dieu, no! Did I have something on my face?

The silence between us was thick and heavy. I opened my mouth to speak again but was interrupted by a deep voice from behind. I turned my head to face a menacing wall of chest.

The deep voice belonged to a man who chilled me for an instant as the hairs on the nape of my neck lifted. His eyes were slate grey and wide as they stared down at mine. Taller than Mr Stone and half as wide. He was not somebody I would want to run into late at night. And as the corner of his mouth curled, albeit minuscule, I could see his large protruding canine teeth.

Stupidly, I hadn't restored my blocker and he didn't have to say a word, as his emotions slammed into me like the surf thrashing onto the shore. My stomach rolled and my legs almost buckled. Without knowing his thoughts, I still knew what he was thinking. I didn't like it and neither did my wolf—she growled.

Rooted to the spot, I focused on restoring my blocker. His emotions became heavier as I tried to push him out. He stared at me intensely as bile rose up my throat. I was just about to physically step away to put some distance between us when Mr Stone interrupted my thoughts.

A small sign escaped as I restored my blocker. My shoulders slumped slightly and I turned to face Mr Stone, listening to him speak.

Although only a few minutes earlier I had heard his voice, shouting for me to 'enter' his office. When he spoke this time—It was different.

Spine tingling warming sensations sang to me. His voice was rough but rich in tone. His deep London accent vibrated with power and held so much authority that I was sure if he was in a room full of people, they would turn to listen.

The other man 'Gunner' I think he called him? Certainly paid attention and followed his instruction without question.

And finally, he acknowledged my presence.

Oh, Mon Dieu.

He smiled, and I was right. His lips curled into a perfectly formed smile and I felt something warm down low, or lower still nearer my thighs. He repeated my name and I'm sure I blanked out for a second before returning his smile. Which I'm sure must have looked like one of those stupid girly schoolgirl smiles.

Jésus Christ, remember why we are here?

I was thankful I didn't giggle—or else no doubt, I would have died on the spot.

He gave me an instruction, but only half listening the heat continued to rise... now dangerously hot.

Move, he asked you to do something.

I nodded, mesmerised by his smile. Quit staring! I screamed at my body to move and thankfully it complied and quickly we exited the office, releasing a long overdue breath.

My heart was banging against my ribcage as I closed the door gently behind me, leaning against it for support. Its coolness spread across my shoulders, and briefly, I closed my eyes.

Mon Dieu. Now focus. Time to get to work.

I didn't have a clue what had just happened. Blinking from my thoughts, I walked to the desk which was placed just outside his office and rested my small bag in front of me.

Sitting myself down on the chair, heart still racing, I did as he instructed, dialling extension 203. Three rings later a woman with a formal English accent picked up.

"Ellen speaking," she answered.

"Hello. My name is Sage... Sage Dufrene." I clarified. "Mr Stone asked that I call you and you would show me around. It's my first day today?" I waited.

"Sure sweetie, I will be down in ten," she replied.

Well, she sounded helpful and pleasant. I pulled my phone from my bag and texted.

*** I'm In. ***

Two minutes later I received a reply.

*** Dinner, tonight. 7 pm ***

No backing out now...

As promised, Ellen arrived. I looked up to see an exquisite redhead with the body of a supermodel standing in front of me. As soon as she looked at me her eyes narrowed slightly, and her bright red-lipped smile faded into a tight line.

What's her problem?

Curiosity building, I lowered my blocker; but not entirely this time.

So many conflicting emotions hit me at once and I had to lift my hand to my forehead to re-focus myself.

"Are you okay, sweetie?" she asked, stepping closer.

Negative emotions were the hardest to deal with, and her dominant emotion of jealousy came in rolling waves. But as she stepped closer it faded in an instant, replaced by concern.

Guess she's not too bad then?

As she touched me, her body stiffened, then relaxed. This was another of my gifts or curses – depending on which way you wanted to view it. I could control strangers' emotions, and replace their negative ones with happier ones.

I put my blocker back up... fully. "Yes, I'm fine. I sometimes get headaches."

I looked directly into her pale green eyes and warmth had replaced all other negative emotions in her face. "I have some painkillers upstairs if you want me to run and get them sweetie?" she said.

"No, no. I'll be fine in a few minutes." I held out my hand. "Sage Dufrene. It's nice to meet you."

She held out her hand and shook mine warmly. "Ellen Winters," she replied smiling, and this time it didn't fade. "And is that a French accent I hear?"

Returning her smile. "I've been in France for the last eight years, but it's nice to be back home in England."

"You are so lucky. What I wouldn't give to live in Paris," she sighed.

"I didn't live in Paris; my grandfather owns property in the south of France."

Her eyes widened. "Well, let's get started, shall we...?" She gestured for me to follow.

As we walked around the building, she introduced me to lots of different people. I noted the overwhelming number of female staff I think I only saw four men in total.

The women were all beautiful. And I seriously doubted Mr Stone would ever be short of willing offers. As every female eyed me with the same look, Jealousy...and something else... Pity? I couldn't be sure, and I didn't want to know.

Happy my blockers were back up, my wolf remained on guard; growling at each one.

Shaking hands one after the other, I could see every female employee wore tight-fitted clothes. Their long legs or breasts displayed proudly and their hair and makeup was perfect, flawless. I couldn't imagine walking all day in the height of the shoes they wore, nor would I want to.

It was as if I had stepped into the middle of a fashion shoot and I was the person who delivered the food or something.

I felt the odd one out and a little underdressed wearing my elegantly fitted Winser London blue short-sleeved dress accompanied by sensible black shoes with kitten heels. I tried not to let their stares bother me.

Finally, one whole hour later, Ellen showed me back to my desk with an offer to have lunch with her, which I happily accepted.

As I sat down at my desk. It surprised me to find a charmingly handwritten, waiting for me.

Hello Miss Dufrene,

I will be out for the rest of the day. Please settle yourself in today and I look forward to seeing you bright and early tomorrow, 9 am sharp.

Hunter x

Holy Wolfsbane. He signed off his name with a kiss. I wasn't sure what to think of that!

My wolf did, as she flooded my emotions with approval.