Taber Read online

  Lainey saw the same expression as earlier on Candace’s face.

  “What’s going on, Candace? You’re hiding something,” Lainey said.

  “Look there’s the reserve.” Candace gestured.

  “Don’t try to dist…” Lainey turned her head as she spoke.

  Her words trailed off when she got her first view of the Ellis Animal Sanctuaries and Wildlife Reserve. It was beautiful. The massive archway they passed under had the name carved on it. Behind that was land that went farther than she could see. While they drove along the road, Lainey could hear various animals calling out, but she couldn’t see them. Lainey stared at the vast lands as Candace drove for a bit then made a turn. When she strained to look, she could make out some of the habitats. They went on and she could see others better. Candace bypassed some buildings then went down a path. In moments they were before an area Lainey thought was Kali’s.

  “I figured you’d want to see where she will live before seeing to your own comfort. Oh, your things arrived and have been placed in your house and those stated for your office are already waiting for you, too. Also, they have a SUV for you to use when you have to go to outside the reserve. And there’s a ride for you to use around the reserve,” Candace said.

  Lainey nodded. Housing and transport came as part of her working here. She got out of the car, moving then to the back door and retrieving her backpack. She joined Candace at the hood of the car.

  “This is…” Lainey trailed off, not having words for what she was viewing.

  The fenced enclosure looked as if it was actually in a dense forest or woodland. There were many outcroppings and even rocky ledges, which she knew Kali would love. Every need imaginable had been taken care of for her new home. Candace’s voice refocused her attention.

  “I’ve got to get back to work. Someone will meet you at the gate leading into Kali’s home and give you a ride to your house whenever you’re ready.”

  “I’m letting you get away because you have to work. But we will be talking about whatever you’re hiding.” Lainey hugged her.

  Candace returned it and got back into her vehicle. She honked as she drove away then turned a corner. Lainey walked close to the fence around the caged area. At the gate, where they would load the cat in, Lainey frowned, wondering where they all were. Kali would be waking soon and she didn’t want her in the cage when she did. A sound made her step closer to the fence of the habitat. Lainey’s breath caught as she spotted the man she had ogled by the plane. He was inside the habitat. He walked confidently.

  A growl she recognised well came then she spotted Kali—her back was arched and she was heading for the man. Lainey gripped the gate, looking frantically around to see if anyone else was in the vicinity to help rescue the idiot who was about to get himself killed. Her heart pounded as the lynx leapt at the man.

  “Kali, no!” Lainey screamed, although she knew it was useless.

  Chapter Two

  The man fell under the weight of the cat. Helpless, Lainey watched them, then her mouth fell open as Kali rolled with the man. She purred, making this rumbling noise. Lainey, while shocked, realised the man was fine. And from the looks of things, he was playing with the Eurasian lynx like it was a domestic cat. Since Kali had become fully grown Lainey’d never interacted with her like that. Once in a blue moon she had attempted to pet her, but that was iffy at best. As Kali had got older—she was now fourteen years old—it had become less frequent. Yet this man was not only petting her, he was frolicking with her like she was a kitten. The man’s delighted laughter filled the area. It made Lainey’s pussy get damp as she imagined how his face would look.

  Lainey gripped the fence harder, silently cursing herself for even being attracted to him. The man was reckless and a danger to the reserve. No one got in the cage with an animal without taking precautions. And they sure as hell didn’t play with them as he was. Lainey watched them, waiting for the chance to tell him about his recklessness. The lynx ran into the woods and he gave chase. They ran in and out of the trees for a while. As Lainey watched, she stewed over each careless movement. Finally the man patted Kali on the head and came towards where she stood. Lainey could see he had known she was there and it only angered her more. Kali made a sound—like a protest. He looked away from Lainey and turned, saying something to Kali that Lainey couldn’t make out. Kali inclined her head then ran into the woods. He returned his attention to Lainey and came to her before he opened the gate and stepped outside. His expression was arrogant as he waited for her to speak.

  “You do not put yourself or this sanctuary in danger.”

  The man smiled, the amusement plain on his face, but he still said nothing. It aggravated Lainey. Usually she was even tempered but in the face of his careless disregard and unrepentant attitude, she had to force herself to speak slowly to control her anger.

  “I’m the new boss of this reserve. If this is what you do it will not fly with me.”

  “Is that so?”

  Lainey stilled a shudder. His voice was not only deep as she had assumed it would be, it was raspy with a husky quality that made her think of stripping him where he stood and having her way with him. The idea was inappropriate. He worked for her and she would not cross that line. He was an arrogant idiot who had a death wish.

  “Yes, that is so. You know what? You’re fired.”

  With a laugh, he raised his head, the strong column of his throat in her view. Her mouth watered with the need to lick up his neck then bite on his Adam’s apple. He lowered his head and his entire countenance was amused.

  “You can’t fire me.”

  “I can. I have complete autonomy in the decisions of this job. Only Mr Ellis can overrule me. And I’m sure even if you were to go to him, when I tell him of your incompetence he will not change my firing you.”

  “If that is what you believe, then let us go see,” he said.

  Lainey’s eyes narrowed. He seemed too sure and gestured to the Jeep close to the enclosure. She went to it then got in, putting her backpack on the floor to rest between her legs. He got in the driver’s side and without another word started the vehicle. With the same silence they rode back towards the buildings she had seen. He parked in front of one. Lainey got out and waited for him to join her.

  Together they went up the stairs and inside. The air conditioning cooled her as she went in. She followed him down the long hall, past various empty offices. This time of day it seemed most were out working somewhere on the reserve. She noted the closed office door with her name on it. It was the last one before the one at the end of the hall. He went to the office which had a sign on the door reading Taber Ellis. Without knocking, he opened it and gestured her in. Lainey scowled then went to pass him.

  The man shifted, crowding her. She inhaled. His scent was as wild as him. She couldn’t place it. Lainey refused to back down. She raised her head, meeting his gaze. The respect she viewed in his eyes was at odds with his response to her outside. Lainey moved into the office. She glanced around the spacious room, noticing it was empty showing it wasn’t being used. Behind the desk, the window that encompassed the one wall caught her attention. It looked out onto one of the habitats. Kali loped out of the trees and sat staring at the window. He passed her then leaned against the desk. In that moment it dawned on Lainey who he was.

  “You really are an ass, Mr Ellis,” Lainey said.

  She wasn’t worried about getting fired. With her contract, if he decided to let her go, the company would owe her a year’s pay. Lainey glanced at Kali just outside the window—it would hurt to leave her, though. She glanced at the man who she now knew was Taber Ellis, thinking she should act nice. He smiled that infuriating grin and she changed her mind.

  “And you really are an expensive director for my sanctuary.”

  “I would have taken the job for much less money.” Lainey smiled.

  “I would have paid much more to have you,” Taber returned.

  Lainey frowned. She didn�
��t know what he thought he had paid for, but she hadn’t been bought to cater to his baser urges.

  “This is a professional relationship,” she said sharply.

  “No one said differently.” His tone was still amused.

  Lainey gritted her teeth. There was something about Taber that set her on edge.

  “As long as we’ve got that clear, Mr Ellis—”

  He cut her off. “Taber. My name is Taber. Say it.”

  His tone brooked no argument.

  “Taber,” she said reluctantly.

  Just saying it made her feel as if she had given him a victory. Taber’s grin widened. Lainey took a breath, struggling for calm.

  “Even if you are the boss, don’t let me catch you in any of the habitats without precautions.”

  “Or else what? It’s as you said. Only I can overrule you. And I sure won’t be firing myself. So what would you do, Lainey?” Taber asked.

  The way he said her name was like a caress. Lainey dismissed the foolish notion.

  “Don’t be an ass. I want you safe…um…everyone here safe,” she amended, cursing her wayward tongue.

  “I like the first way you said it.”

  “I don’t care what you like. Just be safe,” Lainey said.

  “I’m always safe. The animals would never hurt me.”

  She could hear his belief in what he stated. Lainey tried to think of a way to convince him that no matter how tame they seemed, all animals could turn on you. A glance at Taber’s face and she knew it was useless to continue talking to him.

  “You’re going to be a pain to work with.”

  “Definitely.”

  Lainey laughed. He hadn’t even denied it.

  “Is there a reason you didn’t tell me outside who you were?”

  “I was enjoying you getting all heated.” He practically purred the words.

  Lainey stiffened. “You are my boss. And I will afford you the respect due to that. But make no mistake—take it beyond that and you will not like my response.”

  “You’ve called me an ass a few times. And have spoken to me in what some would consider a rude manner. Yet you talk now to say you will give me respect.” Taber stared.

  Lainey refused to shift under his perusal. “Some would, yes. But you don’t seem like a man who has time for people to sugar-coat things or kiss your ass. If today is anything to go by, I will be calling you ass and many other names. I’m sure you can handle it.”

  “I can handle anything you dish out, Lainey Mercer. But be careful with wild things—they have a tendency to be unpredictable.”

  Lainey frowned. “I know they do. That’s why you have to know how to handle them.”

  “Handling isn’t a problem. It is what you do with them after you have them—that’s what you have to decide.”

  Lainey was confused. She had no clue what their conversation meant. Laney decided to change the subject.

  “I saw my office is next to yours.”

  “Yes. There is a connecting door right here.” Taber straightened and walked over to a door facing his desk.

  Lainey followed him, watching his ass move in the khakis he was wearing. She jerked her gaze up. Taber opened the door and gestured for her to enter. She passed him and went into her new office. It was as spacious as his. Her desk was to the right, with a window encompassing the whole wall behind it, like his. Lainey went closer, glancing out.

  “I had her habitat built so you could see her from your office. The glass of the window is made to be two-way. You can have it so she can be able to see in, or you can block it so you can see her but she can’t see you. It’s currently set for only you to see her.” Taber stated from behind her.

  Lainey watched Kali as she reclined on the ground outside. She already looked like she was at home. Lainey turned to face him. He leaned against the doorjamb. Everything about him was so tempting.

  Can’t go there. He’s your boss. Even more off limits. Lainey knew she would have to keep reminding herself of that fact.

  “I appreciate it. I want to get a few things put away before someone shows me to my house,” Lainey said.

  Taber inclined his head and stepped back from the doorway, then closed the door without another word. Lainey blew out a breath. Taber Ellis was going to be very dangerous to her libido. Lainey went over to the window and studied it. She pressed a button. Kali turned to look at her. Laney put her hand on the glass.

  “Well, girl we’re here. I don’t know what will happen to us here. But I’m eager to find out.” She glanced back at the closed door between their offices, then at Kali. “Although I’m not too sure about my new boss. He’s not at all as I expected.” Lainey removed her hand.

  She went to the boxes of things she’d had shipped there. As she started to unpack the boxes, she hoped she wouldn’t have to see much of Taber.

  Taber placed his palm against the closed door. Lainey had dismissed him. She was a delightful, complex personality he was going to enjoy getting to know. She was blunt in getting her point across. He wanted to laugh to release the joy he felt. With her fierce nature, Lainey was the perfect choice to be in charge of the reserve. Yet he hadn’t anticipated her to be what he had never thought to find.

  “My mate,” Taber whispered.

  As the words hit the air he felt a sense of rightness. He’d never imagined finding Talios and seeing him find his mate Candace would lead him to his. Fate was indeed a fickle woman. Taber hadn’t even wanted a mate after living alone for so long. He was an ancient Egyptian god known as Khonsu and his name itself meant what he was—a traveller, he went wherever the moon took him. The animal reserves and sanctuaries he had built were of great importance to him. He believed in creating a place for animals to live their lives without worrying about anything. Animals were the greatest gift on earth.

  He stroked his hand on the door. And his mate was like him. Loving and giving all to the animals under their care. She was a perfect match for him. Or she would be, once she stopped running and gave into her desire for him. Her eyes had flared with heat when she’d seen him. He’d scented her need on the cargo plane. It had taken everything in him not to lay her down and have her right there. He hadn’t, because he wanted all of her—her fire, the care she had inside and for her to come to him. It would be sweet, once she made that first move.

  Taber stroked the door again before stepping back. He turned, smiling as he remembered her sharp-tongued words as she’d lashed out at him for endangering himself by being in the habitat. The way she’d acted had gained his respect. The fire in her had awakened his cave lion, making it want to take her back to its lair and keep her there until she admitted she was his. He stood before the window, gazing out at Kali. Even through the glass he heard the cry of his hawk as it circled the enclosure. Klu came into view and landed on the tree over Kali’s head. The bird watched Taber with a shrewd, black gaze. It cocked its head then glanced towards Lainey’s window.

  “Yes, my friend. She is my mate. And the hunt will be very interesting indeed,” Taber said.

  Taber went to his desk and took a seat, turning on his computer. Lainey would lead him on an invigorating chase and he was already looking forward to where the journey would take him—one that would end with Lainey in his arms and in his life. After all, she was his mate.

  * * * *

  As the weeks passed, Taber had to remind himself of that fact. Lainey had indeed been running from her attraction—she had a knack for finding ways to not be alone in his presence. Lainey had settled into her role as director and the staff all loved her. She worked beside them no matter how small the task and that had won them over. It was exactly as any director he hired was expected to do. He didn’t hire them to sit in an office—he wanted them to get their hands dirty. Usually he would have to get his directors into that frame of mind by showing them what he did, but with Lainey that hadn’t been necessary. She’d jumped right in.

  In the three weeks she had been there she’d improved a few
things to make the reserve run better. She’d already arranged to get a Bengal tiger that needed a home there. Lainey had certainly done a lot in her short time there—including becoming a Houdini whenever he got close to being alone with her. When they had been invited to dinner with Talios and Candace, Lainey had agreed to drive over to their home with him. But on the night they were to go he’d felt it when she’d left the reserve hours early in her own vehicle. All he could do was laugh. Lainey was a stubborn woman.

  Taber stretched on the couch he lay on. He glanced around the room. He’d had his house built similar to Talios’. It was a large, open-flow floor plan. The high archways and low walls made it possible to see into some of the other rooms. The massive house and outside had the same feel of comfort. The high ceilings with wooden beams, white walls and hardwood floors were offset by furniture in vibrant colours of blue, red, orange and yellow, which depicted the vitality of life. Plush pillows were strewn throughout various parts of the house. He’d been known to lie down and sleep wherever there was a floor. All through the house and outside he’d placed many of his favourite pieces from his travels through all the millenniums he had lived. He stood, before wandering to the glass door that led to the backyard.

  He went outside, paused and viewed the oasis that was his yard. He’d built his home on the northern edge of the sanctuary. It left him in close proximity to the sanctuary but still gave him space to roam, although it was close to Talios and Candace’s house. Taber wandered down the steps. His feet sank into the ground and he curled his toes in pleasure.

  Taber lifted his face to the moon and breathed deeply. A scent that had become familiar to him filled his senses. He continued towards the lake—the jewel of his property. He bypassed the lake, going into the forestland by its shore. He walked in the dark, shrouded foliage, able to see everything. He heard the wild animals that inhabited his forest. With each step his heart pounded. He exited the trees and studied the house in front of him. It was much smaller than his own.