Wolf under the Mistletoe

By Melanie Frost

Suzie, a self-established woman, rarely took time away from work. But with her sister getting married, she leaves the final days of open business, before closing, to her young assistant. Feeling good about the decision, it's not long before she gets a call, forcing her to close the shop early. 

Unphased, she goes ahead to the wedding--nothing is going to ruin this special occasion. Little did she know, it was just the beginning. 

 

Being late for the stag night is not what he had intended. He hopes that a bit of lateness wouldn't be an omen of what will come. But when the sister of the bride of his best friend's wedding, finds her car sabotaged, it quickly becomes clear that the vulnerable residence he guards isn't the only one that needs saving. 

 

Thrown into chaos, it is easy to get swept up in the emotions--but wil his distrust of women get in the way of true love and his fated mate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Reflective Line Publishing
• Release date: Feb 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215280607

Book preview

Chapter 1

SUZIE LOOKED AROUND, watching as the sunlight dimmed behind the buildings. The noise of the traffic hummed around her. Her sister was expecting to see her the next day. She had a room pre-booked to give her time to sleep before the chaos started.

The phone rang, bringing her out of her trance of what’s coming.

Yes, Christie. What is it? I’m driving.

She glimpses her reflection in the rear-view mirror. Her ash-blue eyeshadow to go with her dark brown eyes, and dark red lipstick. The bronze blush shone in the light, giving her a slight glow to her cheeks, applied unevenly; her left cheek being more coloured than the other.

Sorry, Ma’am, a female voice replied. There was a hint of urgency in her voice. Christie, her young assistant, was working late that day, after requesting more hours so that she could afford the rise in rent. She was blonde and had the greenest eyes she had ever seen. It will be her twentieth birthday next month—twelve years her junior.

What’s wrong?

It happened again. I’m sorry, I didn’t see...

She took a deep breath. Alright. Close the shop for now. We’ll be closing for Christmas, anyway. I’ll deal with it when I get back.

She shook her head as she hung up her phone. Of all the things she needed to worry about, that call wasn’t even in the top five. No, she had other things on her mind. Like, what the hell was she going to wear for the wedding? Her sister had picked out a dress for her to fit the theme of the wedding. She knew her taste in clothes, and as much as she loved her, her idea of what looks good would never work its way to her fashion line. No, she was unique, and her instincts said her chosen dress would be just as unique as the wedding.

She glanced at the passing sign post. A large green sign with symbols printed next to the service spots and a cafe nearby. There would be no stopping, not today. She smiled, edging herself off the freeway, and onto the next intersection, and straight onto the four-lane road, brimming with large vehicles, wedged right between a furniture removal truck and a log truck. She took a deep breath. ‘Fuck no,’ she thought, before signaling to move over to the middle-left lane.

Four hours passed before she made it to her sister’s house.

The night had engulfed the city, and the lights from the streets and apartment lit up the void.

She climbed out of her car and pulled out her luggage from the trunk, remembering to lock the car door afterwards.

She smiled, shivering against the icy wind that nipped at her skin, and knocked on the door.

Suzie! a scream bellowed from inside the house, before the door swung open with a bang, revealing her little sister squealing in delight.

You’re finally here! she held her out with outstretched arms, studying her for a moment. You’ve lost weight.

She beamed, and hugged her sister tightly before replying. I did, but I think I found it. Seems you gained a few.

Her sister laughed. Not me. It’s all him, she grinned.

She lifted her casual baggy green shirt, revealing her swollen belly.

That’s wonderful! Congratulations! she cheered. About time!

I know, she sighed, her laughter fading. It’s been a difficult year.

That wasn’t hard to believe. Tough case?

She shrugged. He won’t talk to me about it. Something is definitely getting under his skin. But... with the wedding, and now the baby coming in just a few short weeks, he’ll be full of cheer in no time!

Good, she said with a smile. Now, Lucy. Tell me, who else is coming?

Lucy beamed, hooking her arm through hers. All of his friends, of course. Everyone else on my side won’t be here until morning. Apparently, we’re due for snow!

She groaned. ‘Not whilst I’m here, I hope.’

Yay! A white Christmas.

Come on, she chided. You may not like the snow, but I can’t help but laugh.

At my expense! Well, this time I’m not taking a foot outside until the ice is gone.

Spoil sport, she replied, laughing.

A knock on the door interrupted their laughter, and Lucy walked to the door and opened it with a smile.

Jack! she cheered, throwing her arms around him. Thank goodness! I thought you weren’t coming!

He shook his head. I managed to take time off work. Someone is covering me, so I'll be doing their shift when I get back.

At what cost? she asked with a frown.

The cost of Micheal covering me?

She nodded, placing her hands on her hips. Yes.

Two doubles.

She groaned. You can tell Zac the news then. But I think he was hoping you’d stay longer.

He nodded, looking sheepishly at her before noticing there was someone else in the room. Oh, he beamed. Who’s your friend?

Lucy laughed. Oops, sorry. Where are my manners? Jack, this is my sister, Suzie. She’s my maid of honour.

Fantastic, he grinned. I’m Jack, the husband-to-be’s brother. Where is he, anyway?

She shrugged, looking around the house. Hiding in his usual spot. He’ll be staying at the hotel in the next room until the wedding.

Lovely. Now, we’ll wait until the rest of the boys arrive, and we’ll get a move on. Don’t worry though, he’ll be at the wedding hall before it’s time to walk down the aisle.

He better, she said, half-seriously. Or it’ll be you walking me down the aisle, instead.

He burst out laughing. Don’t threaten me! He’ll be there!

Ok, she grinned, and turned back towards her. Let’s get something to drink.

Sounds good, Suzie replied, breathing a sigh of