Liam stiffened and held his breath while Skylar fixed his tie. She had taken him by surprise when she walked up to him with a smile and took the piece of silk into her hand. Her proximity made his wolf claw at his insides, trying to get closer to the owner of the sweet smell that made him go wild. Mine, the wolf growled.

No, not yours. Pipe down. Liam fought for control of the beast and won. The beast hiding under the surface had been clawing to come out since laying eyes on Skylar a month ago. It was getting more difficult with each passing day in her presence. He had convinced himself that she was a distraction he didn’t need and had ignored the way being near her made him come alive. He stared at the top of her blonde head with a frown, which he quickly wiped away when she looked up.

“There, perfect.” she beamed.

“Thank you,” he said hoarsely.

“No problem. So are we all set to go?”

“Sure.”

She whirled around and rushed to the door. “I need to get my purse from my room.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Thanks again for the dress.”

He shrugged. “No problem.”

He’d spent at least two hours yesterday trying to get her to accept the dress and shoes she now wore. She had been adamant that she couldn’t accept such expensive gifts until he had convinced her that it was purely selfish because he wanted her to look nice since she would be by his side. And she was doing him a favor by agreeing to go to the party that one of his business associates kept every September all the way in New York.

Skylar reappeared holding up a small silver clutch purse. “Got it.”

He took another look at her and was robbed of breath just like he was the other hundred times he had looked. She was vision in a red gown that hugged her torso and flared at the bottom, with a deep split that showcased way too much leg now that he thought of it. He would most likely spend the night fending perverts off of his personal assistant. She smoothed her hair that was caught up in an intricate twist with tendrils framing her face.

“Well, boss. Will I do?” She held out her arms and twirled.

Liam cleared his throat lightly. “You’ll more than do, Sky. You look beautiful.” He nearly added “As always” but caught himself.

She tilted her head and studied him curiously. “Thank you.”

As usual, a blush colored her cheeks making her even more adorable. He scowled at the thought. “Let’s go,” he growled.

She frowned, no doubt confused by his sudden change in mood. Liam stifled a sigh. She must think he was bipolar by now. This was how he had been behaving for the past weeks. He had too much to contend with already with his family and work, and it was driving him crazy that he was attracted to a woman he couldn’t have. And he really couldn’t have her because what would he tell her if they got involved? Honey, I forgot to tell you, I’m not human. He chuckled inwardly.

They made their way to the front of the hotel where a limo was waiting for them. “Wow, we’re arriving in style. It must be some party.”

Liam nodded to the driver who held the door open and slid in beside her. “The person throwing it is a bit extravagant. More than a bit. Arriving in style will help us to fit in with the cool kids,” he added with a smirk.

Skylar gasped and clutched her chest dramatically. “Liam Conway, making a joke?” She glanced out the window. “I don’t see any pigs flying.”

“Funny. I wasn’t always a scrooge you know.”

She glanced at him. “No? What happened to turn you into one?”

His eyes flew to her face, easily making out her interested expression in the semi-dark vehicle. “Life,” he replied. His tone warned her not to ask another question. He heard her sigh and then fall silent.

Liam stole glances at her, wanting to get another conversation going. It was surprising since he was a man who appreciated silence. For some reason, he liked hearing Skylar talk, or maybe it was how animated she was when she spoke that appealed to him.

“Have you been to New York before?” he asked.

“I lived here until I was about seven, actually.”

That peeked his interest. Of course, everything about her interested him.

“Oh, you moved to Miami from here at seven?”

“No, my Mom and I moved to Pennsylvania first.”

This was the first time she had spoken of family. He frowned. She seemed to like the type that came from a big, rowdy, happy family. That was what her personality indicated, but maybe he was being stereotypical.

“Just you and your mother?”

She glanced at him with a smile. “Yes, it was just us girls for a while. My dad was - um, he wasn’t really around. My mom and I moved around a lot until we settled in Miami. We were okay there for a while and then she got sick.” Her voice trailed off as she stared out the window. “Sorry, I’m doing it again, aren’t I? Talking too much.”

Liam was staring at her and quickly drew his eyes away. “No, it’s fine.” He wanted to know more. “You’re mother is ill? Is she still in Miami?”

“No,” she answered softly. “She passed away months ago. I was alone after that so I was thrilled to pack up and travel all the way to Wisconsin.”

He nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I wish cancer hadn’t taken her from me so soon, but I appreciate the time I had with her.”

“I’m going to lose my mother as well.”

Her eyes flew to his face and he stifled a groan. Now why had that just slipped out? It wasn’t his desire to share details of his life with anyone and he certainly wasn’t looking for sympathy, but Sky was just so easy to talk to and easy to be around.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

Liam sighed. “She only has months to live. Cancer.” The word hung in the air. She of all people understood the gravity of the single word.

“Oh my, Liam. I’m - well, I suppose saying I’m sorry won’t help, will it? How are you?”

He lips lifted slightly. “You’re the only person to ask me that. I’m dealing with… everything.”

It wasn’t just his mother. It was his entire life that he had to deal with. A small hand covered his and squeezed. He tensed initially but quickly relaxed. When she removed her hand, he found that he missed the contact. They slipped into silence once again, but this time it was a comfortable silence.

---

Liam couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. Skylar knew no one but him in the crowded ball room, yet she chatted and laughed easily with everyone. He had come to learn that she preferred a simple life yet she fit right in with the glitz and glamor tonight. People seemed drawn to her and wanted to talk to her. And who could blame them?

He, on the other hand, who should be used to all of this by now, since he had been coming to Alexander’s party for years, felt out of place. He always did. Sure, he had as much money as everyone else in the room, but that didn’t mean he wanted to rub elbows with them.

His wolf raged inside of him. The many cloying scents of expensive perfume and sweat were driving it crazy. There were too many bodies brushing against him, warm blood and flesh within reach. Liam swallowed. When was the last time he hunted raw meat and blood? He’d spent too long consuming only human food, and now he was paying the price. God, he was hungry. His predatory nature was roaring to life and the room was full of prey.

“Liam, are you okay?”

Skylar’s concerned voiced pulled him back from his hungry haze. “I’m fine.”

She didn’t look convinced. “Are you bored? You totally zoned out. I’m guessing this isn’t really your scene.”

He forced out a half smile. “You got me.”

Giggling, she took hold of his hand. “Let’s dance. That will take your mind off the boredom.”

“What? No, I don’t dance.” She was already pulling him toward the center of the room, were several couple were already moving to a slow tune. “God damn it, Sky,” he growled. “I said I don’t -”

She stopped and threw her arms around his neck and that shut him up immediately. Sparkling blue eyes, dancing with mischief and amusement stared up at him.

“You were saying?” She wore a smug expression.

Only then did he realize that his arms had instinctively found her tiny waist and he was already swaying with her to the music. Liam tried his best to deliver a withering glare but failed. His lips twitched. “I didn’t know I could dance.”

Skylar giggled. “There’s nothing to it, boss. Just relax and feel the music.”

Oh, he was feeling something alright. Her breasts crushed against his chest and her pelvis brushing against his. She closed her eyes and threw her head back and Liam had a vision of her naked on top of him with her head thrown back and eyes closed just like that. He sucked in a breath and fought for control of his body before his eyes began to glow and his canines lengthened. I’m in a crowded room. I’m in a crowded room, he chanted.

“So, what is this shindig all about? I didn’t take you for the type to come to a party.”

Glad for the distraction of a conversation, he glanced down. “My business associate, Alexander Scott, throws this party every year. He claims it’s for his wife’s birthday, but everyone knows he’s just showing off by throwing money around.”

Skylar snickered. “I see.”

“As for me attending, it’s the least I can do since I turn down every other invitation to hang out with the boys.” Playing golf and partying on yachts weren’t his cup of tea. “I can’t appear too antisocial.” Skylar chuckled and leaned her head on his shoulder.

By the end of their dance, he was sweating slightly and his cock twitched in his pants, which he willed to behave. Liam let out a relieved breath when Skylar pulled away.

“See, your first dance wasn’t so bad, was it?”

It actually was but only because being so close to her almost caused him to lose control. He couldn’t even focus on the stupid dance because all he had wanted to do was rip the lovely dress from her body and claim her.

“No, not bad at all,” he murmured. “How about a drink now?”

“Okay.” She placed her hand over his arm and allowed him to lead her through the crowd.

“Conway! I’m see you made it.”

Shit. Turning at the sound of the irritating voice, he forced himself to keep his thin layer of civility intact. “Cohen,” he greeted stiffly.

John Cohen laughed and clapped him on the shoulder, making Liam grit his teeth. Last he checked, they weren’t friends. The man’s eyes ran over Skylar lasciviously and Liam was tempted to sink his canines into the man’s chubby neck.

“Well, well, well, where have you been hiding this gem, Conway?”

Sensing the tension, Skylar smiled. “Hi, I’m Skylar, and you are?”

“John Cohen.” He took her hand and planted a kiss on the back of it.

“A pleasure, Mr. Cohen. So you and Liam are business associates?”

“Not exactly.” He eyed Liam with contempt.

“Okay, then. Well, Liam was just escorting me to get a drink. I’m parched. Shall we, Liam?” She pulled at his hand. “It was nice meeting you, Mr. Cohen.” With that she pulled Liam away. “Well, that wasn’t awkward.”

Liam grunted. “Thanks for the quick rescue. You are indeed a gem, Skylar Moore. I think I’m going to give you a raise and take you everywhere with me to get me out of awkward situations like that one.”

“That doesn’t sound bad at all. What’s the story with you two?”

Liam’s brows shot up. “I bought the business his father left him, which he was running into the ground.”

Skylar’s brows rose. Before she could respond, she glanced down at her purse and sighed. “What’s the matter?”

She glanced up at him and shrugged. “My phone has been vibrating non-stop.”

“Why don’t you answer it?”

“Because I am your personal assistant and I’m on the clock.” She had a look of uncertainty. “I am on the clock right? I mean this a party and all but -”

“Take your call, Sky.”

She waved a hand. “I’m sure it can wait. I mean the only person who would be calling me is this guy I met, Cayden-” She paused and paled. “You’re right I should take it. It could be my Dad.”

Liam’s face darkened. “Wait, who’s Cayden?”

She was already making her way through the throng of expensively dressed bodies toward the balcony. He muttered a curse. She’d met a guy? Where? When? Hatred for the unknown man rose instantly. His feelings were irrational. He had no hold on Skylar. She was free to see whoever she wished. But he couldn’t help the jealousy that surged through him. He was picturing Skylar in another man’s arms when the host of the party approached him.

“Liam, thanks for coming. How are you?”

Alexander Scott smiled and shook his hand. “I’m good, Scott. Thanks for the invite. Your party is great as usual.”

Alexander beamed. “Isn’t it?”

Liam resisted the urge to roll his eyes. His gaze drifted to Skylar who was pacing the balcony with her cell to her ear. He frowned when she stopped to massage her temple with one hand. She was obviously agitated. He wasn’t listening to a word Alexander was saying.

“What was that, Scott?” His eyes landed on the man with annoyance.

“I was saying, that maybe we could go somewhere private for a few minutes and discuss your plans for -”

“Yeah, I’ll have my PA schedule a meeting,” Liam murmured, distracted. His eyes went back to Skylar behind the glass door and he set off in her direction.