My Wild Beast

"We didn't see any jaguars, Sir. Perhaps the events of the morning were too shocking for her constitution." Nova's head throbbed at their discussion. She stared up at the sheer white sheets hanging from the canopy of the four-poster bed, billowing slightly in the breeze that drifted through the balcony doors.

Since fainting like a damned damsel in distress, Nova had been taken back to the resort without any attacks from the natives and forced to lie on this bed while she 'recovered.'

Arching a brow, she stared at the bodyguard who stood before Chad, looking apologetic. "Are you saying I'm weak because I am a woman?"

Bruce blushed and scratched the back of his head. "I didn't mean anything by it, Miss Winslow." It was Miss Winslow now, huh? "I am concerned about your health, is all."

Chad sighed loudly, wiped his hand down his face roughly, and pressed between his brows, a pressure point to ease headaches. "I don't have time for this," he snapped. "Make sure she has everything she needs."

Blue ice shot at her, locking her in place as she shrank under Chad's disapproving glare. It was so much like his father's but much worse.

Preston Vale was a successful man, a wolf, no, a snake among wolves, poisonous and a little fearful. She'd worked and dealt with Preston professionally and had no qualms with the man. Business was business. But this was his son, this was Chad, someone she'd bared herself to. Right now, under that gaze, she felt something crumble inside of her.

"Chad-"

He'd already turned with a 'tsk' and stormed off, the door slamming shut behind him. Nova's hand lowered, feeling somewhat abandoned and uncared for.