Grandeur and Growls

By Megan Slayer

FROM AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE FICTION MEGAN SLAYER

Book four in the Billion Dollar Wolf series

Mix one billionaire who doesn' t act rich and a builder who' s dirt poor and sparks will fly.

Philip Meade has always been the oddball in his pack. He' s the pampered child brought up with wealth and ease but who wants more out of life than an easy ride. He loves decorating and when he' s given the opportunity to work on a family property, he jumps at it. Getting dirty with Walker Ray is an added bonus.

Walker Ray has been friends with Philip' s half-brother for years and isn' t afraid of shifters, but he' s not good in relationships. He' s not rich and likes to work with his hands. The moment he meets Philip and he' s tasked with working with him, he realizes he' s in over his head. He can' t take his eyes off the sexy shifter.

The wealthy shifter and the rugged builder just might make it, if they' re willing to work together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Nov 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9781839433078

Megan Slayer

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com. When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.

Book preview

Pride Publishing books by Megan Slayer

Single Books

Constant

Permanent

Vaulting

Drive my Car

We Belong Together

Finding Michael

Rogue Royal

Heart of Egypt

Must Love Dogs

The One I Want

You and Me Again

The Real Me

My Other Half

Cedarwood Pride

Home to Cedarwood

Ripples in Cedarwood

Scoring in Cedarwood

Rainbows over Cedarwood

Rocking Cedarwood

Cedarwood Manny

Together in Cedarwood

Doc Cedarwood

Finding Forever in Cedarwood

Silver Fox in Cedarwood

Cedarwood Cowboy

Christmas in Cedarwood

Second Chances in Cedarwood

Starting Over in Cedarwood

Love Me Do

Loving Summer Rain

Complicating Roy

Winning Over Harmon

Falling for Vince

Embracing James

Sugar Daddy Seeking

His Perfect Twink

His Naughty Boy

His Kinky Exhibitionist

His Favorite Toy

Billion Dollar Wolf

Cufflinks and Claws

Herringbone and Howls

Filigree and Fur

Grandeur and Growls

Anthologies

Out of Bounds: Crossing the Line

Out of Bounds: Making the Play

Aim High: Lifetime Hitch

Brothers in Arms: One Night with You

Rules of Summer: Summer Stock

Collections

What’s his Passion?: Wild Card

Love’s Bloom: Love Next Door

Sun, Sea and…: Sun, Sea and Summer Songs

Billion Dollar Wolf

GRANDEUR AND GROWLS

MEGAN SLAYER

Grandeur and Growls

ISBN # 978-1-83943-307-8

©Copyright Megan Slayer 2023

Cover Art by Kelly Martin ©Copyright November 2023

Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2023 by Pride Publishing, United Kingdom.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors’ rights. Purchase only authorised copies.

Pride Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this stripped book.

Book four in the

Billion Dollar Wolf series

Mix one billionaire who doesn’t act rich and a builder who’s dirt poor and sparks will fly.

Philip Meade has always been the oddball in his pack. He’s the pampered child brought up with wealth and ease but who wants more out of life than an easy ride. He loves decorating and when he’s given the opportunity to work on a family property, he jumps at it. Getting dirty with Walker Ray is an added bonus.

Walker Ray has been friends with Philip’s half-brother for years and isn’t afraid of shifters, but he’s not good in relationships. He’s not rich and likes to work with his hands. The moment he meets Philip and he’s tasked with working with him, he realizes he’s in over his head. He can’t take his eyes off the sexy shifter.

The wealthy shifter and the rugged builder just might make it, if they’re willing to work together.

Dedication

For the Lucky Ducks

For JPZ

For TPZ

For my editor

Chapter One

You want me to do what? Philip folded his arms and stared at his half-brother. The gatehouse?

Yes. I want you to redecorate it for me. Dixon matched his stance and crooked his brow. Why’s that so hard to believe?

Because Dixon never had Philip do any decorating for him before. You’re serious?

Deadly. Dixon Meade, the alpha of the Meade pack, didn’t make decisions lightly.

Philip knew that. He also knew his brother didn’t give jobs without a purpose. So why did this feel strange?

Don’t you want to do it? Dixon asked. Don’t you want the job?

Wanting isn’t the problem. If Dixon wanted him for this purpose, then Philip wasn’t about to argue, but he still didn’t see why his half-brother wanted him. There were plenty of other shifters who could help him and it wouldn’t appear to be nepotism.

I have a job and you’re the one I trust to do it. I have someone in mind to help you, but this is all you, Dixon said. If you’re not interested, then say so.

He needed a few moments to think this through.

Part of him wanted the job straightaway. He didn’t need the money, but he wanted something to do. He felt so useless sometimes because he wasn’t a fighter. Wasn’t good at arguing, either. He liked color and design. Not good for a shifter.

Part of him wanted to hesitate because he didn’t know who he’d be working with. Would the person be worthy? Would they listen? Would he end up butting heads with the person? Would they be a shifter? Would they dislike working with a gay shifter?

Stop thinking so hard about this, Dixon said. I asked you to work on the gatehouse because it needs doing, I want someone to be able to stay there if needed, and I know the guy you’ll be working with will be fine. He’s not a shifter, but he’s a great guy and good with his hands.

Good with his hands? That sounded promising. He’s not a shifter and you trust him?

I do. Dixon shrugged. I have a plan…kind of. I know you’re pretty determined once you see the space, but I’d like to use neutral colors and keep it homey so if we have to house a scared shifter or someone who needs to recuperate, they feel welcome.

I can do that. Nothing fancy or overdone. He appreciated the direction.

So you’ll take the job? Dixon asked.

I will. He’d rather know the person he’d be working with ahead of time, but he trusted Dixon. What’s your timeline for this?

Well, I figured you could go to the gatehouse tonight and get a feel for the space. Walker is already there, so you’ll get to meet him, too.

Walker? What an odd name. The human?

Yes.

He nodded. Then I’ll go down there. He had to be losing his mind. Working with someone he’d never met, doing a job for his brother and not having asked about payment for said job?

Thank you. Dixon left him in the foyer.

Sometimes he loved his siblings, but right now he hated Dixon’s ability to end a conversation simply by leaving.

He turned on his heel and headed out to the driveway. He didn’t need the money. Working on design didn’t pay well, but he’d invested his money and used that along with his share of the pack inheritance to bulk up his portfolio. He had plenty of money, but he had no one to share it with. Ever since Ed dumped him, he’d been adrift.

He settled behind the wheel of his car and sighed before driving down to the gatehouse. In truth, the house was more like a mini mansion. But his half-brother didn’t do anything small. He had a guest house that could handle twenty people and the gatehouse could accommodate at least six.

As he reached the house, he noticed the beat-up truck parked in the small lot.

A truck man? Made sense if Walker was as good with his hands as Dixon claimed. Would he bring his own tools, too?

Philip parked beside the truck, then left his vehicle and locked it out of habit. He headed to the front door. When he turned the knob, the door gave way. Hello?

Philip ventured into the house. He’d expected to see furniture there already, but instead was met with empty rooms. Hadn’t Dixon already had the place furnished?

A man ducked into the room and stopped short. Hi.

Hi. He swept his gaze over the guy. Tall, but not as tall as him. Muscled, almost V-shaped with the bulk of his muscles in his upper body. A scar streaked across his left forearm and five-o’clock shadow darkened his cheeks. His blue eyes glittered as he grinned.

I wasn’t expecting you so quickly. Dixon said you’d be down. He stuck out his hand. I’m Walker Ray. You must be Philip.

He shook hands with Walker, impressed with his grip. He appreciated men who could shake hands and be professional about it. I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Walker. You’ve been here a while?

About twenty minutes, Walker replied. Dixon told me I should take my cues from you, but I wanted to get a feel for the space.

That’s why I came down here. He hooked his fingers in his front pockets. His wolf came to life within him and growled. Was the animal angry with Walker? It felt more like intrigue.

There isn’t much to see. I thought there’d be stuff in the house. Dixon made it sound like it was a renovation and we’d have to get rid of a few things, but there’s not much here. Walker gestured to the next room. The kitchen doesn’t even have appliances.

No? He could’ve sworn this house was furnished the last time he’d been here. He followed Walker into the kitchen and gasped. You weren’t kidding.

Nope. Walker stopped at the island. What do you think?

We need to see the rest of the house, Philip said. And we should get to know each other a bit better. We’re supposed to be working on this, and I don’t think the house will be a quick reno.

No. Walker folded his arms. There’s not much here, but I don’t know what he’s envisioning—or is this up to your vision?

He wants simple, neutral and homey. He ventured through the building to the other rooms. The place was basic. Curtains, but no other window treatments, carpeting that appeared worn and no appliances. He stepped into the first of the two bathrooms. At least he’s still got the tub. But no sink and vanity. He had no idea why his brother had stripped the house so far down.

Dixon is your brother? Walker asked. He strode across the bathroom. Do you want new fixtures?

He’s my half-brother. Same dad, different mothers. He studied the fixtures and wasn’t impressed. These are worn and I don’t even know if the wiring is up to code. It probably was, but he didn’t want to chance it.

The wiring should be okay, but you’re right. We should check it. Walker stood beside him. There’s a lot of brass here. Is that the look you want?

No. He shook his head. It’s too dated.

I agree.

It was a start. How long have you known Dixon? Philip asked. And do you know why he had this place stripped down?

I’ve known him for about ten years. I didn’t realize he had so much family, though. Seems like you’ve got siblings coming out of the woodwork. Walker chuckled. I’m an only child, so any siblings are more than I’ve ever had.

For a while there, it seemed like we found new ones every couple years. He left the bathroom and headed for the bedrooms. Unlike the rest of the house, even the bathrooms, there wasn’t any carpet in the space. Good. He’d prefer wood floors instead.

Did your dad have a good time?

Our father was known for his ability to love his wife, but also spread his love around to as many other women as he could find. He was a dick. He pointed to the closet. There are some nice built-in shelves in there. We should use them.

We should.

Philip strode back out to the front room. We need a plan.

We do. Walker joined him. Dixon told me this place needed fixing up. Said it’d been left to rot, and he wanted to get it back to usable shape. He must’ve had the stuff that’d been in the house removed.

Yeah. He wished he’d have brought his tablet. I want to make a few sketches and some notes. He withdrew his phone and the pen, enabling him to write on the screen.

What are you envisioning? Walker asked.

He wants homey, so I’m thinking a lot of plush, but functional items. Neutral walls, but we’ll need to repair the molding. He jotted down notes. So creams and beiges for the main colors and accents of taupe. It’s not what I’d use for my own home, but it’s nice and welcoming.

Agreed. Walker stepped over the base molding in the room. It’s not too damaged, but there are pieces missing. It’s a fairly standard design and won’t be hard to find the needed replacements.

He agreed. He’d seen that design in other homes. It wasn’t the fanciest or the most expensive, but functional. I’d like to rip up the carpeting first, though. We should put in wood floors or something similar with accent rugs for warmth.

Smart. Walker picked at the switch plate. These will need to be updated and standardized.

Yes. He made notes about those items, too. I want to do some research and put together a plan for the space. Do you have time to meet with me for that?

I do. Walker nodded. I don’t have much else to do and need the money from this job. I’ll do whatever you want.

What are you paying for? He jotted down a few more notes.

A messy split from my boyfriend. Walker sighed and crouched at the baseboard. He destroyed my life, stole my tools and kicked me out of my house. I thought he might be the one, but he wasn’t.

He stared at Walker’s back. Boyfriend? You didn’t strike me as being gay. What a ridiculous thing to say. I’m sorry.

It’s fine. Walker stood then faced him. He thought I wasn’t gay-enough acting.

How can you not act gay enough? He’d been told he was too flamboyant. You have to be who you are and how you are.

That’s what I’ve always thought. Walker widened his stance and tucked his hands into his front pockets. I like to build and work with my hands. I like seeing my ideas become usable items in a house. I don’t dance well and know little about color. I’m quiet and I’d rather be working. Apparently, those traits weren’t good enough for my former partner.

His loss. He swept his gaze over Walker again. His wolf liked this guy. Even after a few minutes, the wolf knew Walker had a good heart. Do you want to go for some lunch?

To bring it back? Walker crinkled his brow.

No, we go somewhere and eat, put our heads together and come up with a plan to show Dixon in the next day or so. It’d give them more time to get to know each other, too. My treat.

"I can’t ask you to do