Carina by VanMarie at Inkitt

Episode 1

“Miss?”

“It’s Ms. Vega,” I answer the young valet, who is reaching for my car keys.

Looking over at the two enormous rustic entrance doors that lead into the resort, I get this strange sensation. Like someone is closely watching me. I Carefully glance around, and from the corner of my eye, I spot a man’s sly smirk.

Pfft…Men are so insufferable. I shake it off and take in a deep breath of fresh air. This place is breathtaking.

A luxurious mountaintop retreat, but of course, I can’t even make it into Carter’s Crystal Resort before hands lightly brush down my arms, and a husky voice coos from behind, “Hello, Gorgeous.”

“Goodbye, jackass,” I retort, pulling away and waving him off.

I grab my briefcase and storm off as fast as my high heels can take me.

“Ahahaha,” his laugh booms deep and loud under the valet’s log roof.

I look back at him, rolling my eyes as the doors open, and I walk right through.

But my jaw drops to the ground. What the… I didn’t realize how damn sexy this man looks.

Yet, the way he behaves, I bet he sure does.

He is rather tall. Then again, what male shifter isn’t? Makes me wonder if he is a part bear shifter with those broader shoulders. I can make out every muscle of his mocha-skinned body through his tight white t-shirt and joggers.

Damn it, What the hell. I hope he didn’t notice me gawking.

Quickly turning back around, I continue swiftly walking away.

When another very handsome man in a business suit greets me inside the resort’s exquisite lobby. “Good morning, Miss Vega. I am Tyson Carter, Luna Crystal’s son. She is awaiting your arrival in my office. Please follow me.”

What a lovely place—so beautiful, warm, and inviting. Just for a mere second, I forget why I am even here. This place gives the cozy feeling of being in a secluded cabin with a lavish lifestyle twist. Looking at the beautifully formed map on the lobby wall, I can find everything I have ever wanted and needed at my fingertips. Wow! you never have leave this place.

Mr. Carter places his hand on the small of my back and leads me behind the front desk. I try to wiggle his hand away but he doesn't move it.

“ Our annual Wolf Pack Summit begins this weekend. Please excuse the lobby filled with so many extra guests. We will go through these doors,” he points out, and his scent lingers in the air. I can smell a hint of rosewood and lavender. Mmmm..

How am I to get any work done around here? Everybody warned me about these territories.

We barely enter the hallway when my sexy stalker steps in from behind. “Hey, Ty, aren’t you going to introduce me to your lovely guest?”

“I’m sorry, Brody, but we do not have time for your shenanigans today. Carina has an appointment with my mother. You, on the other hand, have an Alpha to assist.” Waving his hand and smiling, Tyson teases, “Don’t you? If you are bored, you can help the front desk by answering phones. Since you aren't really good at anything else.” Ouch!

Brody raises an eyebrow and swipes his fist down the front of his shirt. As if he's shining his nails. "Well...well...well you know what I'm..."

"Brody, Just go!" Mr. Tyson Carter loudly commands his Alpha aura blasting towards Brody.

The entire time, these two are bantering back and forth. Tyson has not removed his hand from my back, and Mr. Brody over there won’t stop staring at me. “Dante…”

“You mean Regional Alpha Dante,” Tyson corrects him.

Bowing, “My apologies, Regional Alpha Dante is prepared for tomorrow's summit. So, Kitten.” He stares into my eyes down to my lips and, licking his, continues, “I am here to escort you around this weekend if you need a handsome gentleman at your side.

Tyson interrupts, “I will be escorting her around. Besides, Maya will be in this afternoon to keep her company while we all are in our meetings.”

“Sweetheart, I am Beta Brody Long, and my name isn’t the only long thing about me. Look for me when you are ready to have some real fun.”

I can hear Tyson letting out a deep breath, and my eyes will probably be stuck in the back of my head by the end of this weekend with this conceited jerk around.

Looking back and forth at both of them, I demand, “Are you two done measuring dick sizes? Because I am ready to go see Luna Carter now.”

“Yes, yes, I am so sorry. Please come, and let’s go see my mother now.” I could see the awkwardness in Tyson’s face. But he looks back at Brody and motions his two fingers from his eyes across to the insufferable man who won’t stop looking at me and mouths the words, ‘I am watching you.’

“Thank you,” I replied, as I once again roll my eyes. Hoping he gets the hint and leaves me the hell alone.

Turning around, we quickly continue walking down the hallway, and I can feel how tense Tyson is when he finally moves his hand from my back and steps to the side. “I really am sorry about all of that. Brody enjoys screwing with me every moment he gets.”

I glance over, and Tyson seems saddened by something. Is it the situation that just happened? I am now realizing just how handsome and polished this man really is. Nothing like the other shifters I grew up with or met over the years.

Yes, he is tall, has wide shoulders, and a bulky build. I mean a huge guy. Not as tall as Brody, but he is much more stacked. His face, though. I try not to stare. But his face shows another side of him, a vulnerable side. A sweet and kind side. Not the possessiveness trait that most Alphas carry.

“You’re nothing like Brody, are you?”

Looking back at me with confusion and still disheartening, “What do you mean?”

“An ASS!” I try to lighten the mood.

He bursts into laughter. “No, I’m not.” But he can’t even finish his sentence.

I start giggling so hard that my eyes are tearing up. I can’t recall the last time I laughed so hard.

We are both leaning against the wall cracking up. When Tyson finally stands up and straightens his suit. “Believe me, I am a punchline around these territories, and some of the male shifters will not let me forget it.”

I want to ask what happened to him, but I know it’s not my place. And it’s not what I came here for.

So quickly, I change the subject, “Honestly, it seems that Brody thinks he has a chance with me. I saw him outside when I was giving my keys to the valet. I don’t believe it has anything to do with you.”

“Be careful. Brody always gets what he wants.”

“Well, not this time,” I look over to reassure him.

Looking back to where we left Brody, that SOB is still standing there staring at me with that smug look on his face before slowly turning around and walking away.

Was he listening in on our conversation? I need to be aware of my surroundings. I keep forgetting I am no longer in the human world. Here, shifters’ abilities are far more superior than back home, where there are normally only a few of us.

I come to when Tyson softly yanks on my briefcase. “Hey. Hello. Carina. I’m sorry, should I call you Miss Vega instead? Anyways, we are here.”

We are both standing in front of a door with his name, Tyson Carter, and the title Founder CEO. “Wow, you own and run all of the Carter Crystal Resorts?”

“Umm. Yes. I opened this one nine years ago and have expanded to eight.” He looks confused again. “What’s wrong? Do I not seem intelligent enough to be an entrepreneur?” he asks, waving his hands around.

“Wait! Oh, no, that’s not what I meant at all. I just thought it was a family business. Started by your father. Since they are named Crystal after your mother. I did not mean any disrespect. My apologies. It is quite impressive.”

“You are quite impressive yourself, Miss Vega,” he nods and replies as he opens the door to let me in.

If the entrance and lobby were breathtaking, I would no longer have words to describe every part of this resort. I can’t even begin to imagine what the suites look like. This office is massive and exquisite, in a manly sort of way. Unlike the rest of the resort, it has a more modern style to it.

Three sets of windows overlooking the mountains are divided by tall white pillars that hold back cream-shear curtains. The room's centerpiece is a dark brown leather sectional sofa, while a large wooden desk sits on one side and a glass meeting room on the other.

Searching through the meeting room’s glass, I can see a stunning older lady with curly black hair sitting at the end of a long, clear table.

I follow behind Tyson as he enters the glass double doors. “Mom, here is Carina Vega. Your 10:00 meeting. Miss. Vega, my mother, Luna Carter.”

Standing up, she sighs, “Ty, always so formal. Good morning, my dear. Please call me Crystal or Mrs. Crystal; that is what everyone calls me these days. I am no longer the Luna of the Silver Ash Pack.”

“But, Mom,” Tyson tries to attest.

“Son, please, not now,” Mrs. Crystal pleads as she waves a hand at the chair next to her for me to take a seat.

“You will always be our Luna,” he commands as he walks out of the meeting room and closes the doors behind him.

***

Did you enjoy what you read? Season One of "Carina" is complete and can be found on Reamstories.com/vanmarie

Hello! My name is Van Marie, and I am a Paranormal Romantic Suspense Indie Author. My stories are full of steamy bad-boy fantasies, murder mysteries, and scandalous secrets. You can join me on Ream Stories for early access to chapters/episodes of my first book (Detective VAMP) and my latest book (Carina), as well as exclusive access to bonus content, such as a Sneak Peek of my second series (featuring a Wolf Pack Alpha Bad Boy). Head over to reamstories.com/vanmarie & become a follower.