1 Prologue + Chapter One

My name is Sera Jade Stiles, I'm 22, and this is my story. OK so I live in Chatham Kent with my mom Lynn Stiles, and my

older sister Saria; she's the favourite;

they drive me fucking crazy with all of

their bullshit drama. So I'm searching

for a job that will get me the hell away

from them. I work out almost daily with

my now ex-boyfriend Matt Thornton.

We remain friends despite the break up.

The day my life changed started just like any other Friday evening.

Chapter One

" Hey, you feel like going for a drive past all those huge houses heading out of town?" Matt asked.

" Sure, why not. I can pick out which one I'm gonna buy when I win the lottery!" I said sarcastically. He laughed.

We had been driving for a while, when we came upon my favourite house. It's huge, the guy is so rich he has a full 30 car garage that's across the road from his massive house. The garage alone is 100% nicer than the house I live in.

"Matt pull into the driveway for the garage please, I want to talk for a bit". I asked.

" Yeah i'm so sure you just want to talk," He laughed, as I stuck my tongue out at him.

" Fair point." I chuckled.

We had just barely turn the car off when there was a knock on the window, scaring the shit out of us

"Matt put the window down." 'shit-fuck I think it's the owner.' I thought to myself.

" Can I help you with something? He asked. He has a very demanding presence for a forty some odd year old man.

" oh my God I'm so sorry sir, we just pulled up and talk for a bit and we didn't want to pull over on the side of the road!" I spit out automatically, embarrassed.

"Well In that case why don't the two of you come in and take a look at the cars? I'm sure you're curious!"

It wasn't a question, but I don't think Matt realized that.

"Oh sure that would be sweet!" Matt exclaimed. To be fair we both really like cars. ' I'll play along I thought, though I do have to admit I was a little excited myself.

We hop out of the car and follow him in the garage. He turns on the lights and steps back, letting us take in the powerful light shining down on 30 even more powerful cars. I look at Matt eyes wide and excitement. Itching to run around and take a closer look at all of them.

" well have a look around, just don't get into any funny business on any of my cars!." He chuckled looking at us with an arched brow. My face went scarlet.

" you really mean it?!!" I asked.

" Of course!." He exclaimed. I squealed and excitement, apologizing immediately. He just laughed and spread his arms as if to say have at it. I took off immediately running over to a 2018 Maserati MC 12 in a pretty metallic space blue colour. I could barely contain my excitement. Almost every car that I had ever wanted was in here. For my black chrome 2018 dodge challenger demon SRT, to a purple chrome Vader G 35 just like the one from suicide squad. I ran from car to car, just like a kid in a candy store.

" Jesus, slow down would you!" Matt exclaimed gasping from running after me.

" do you ever run out of energy?" He asked.

" nope, you should know that by now." I winked at him and laughed when his face turn pink.

Meanwhile the owner is standing over by the door shaking his head and grinning. After looking at all the cars I walked back up to the owner.

" My name is Sera Stiles by the way." I say reaching to shake his hand. He smiles taking my hand "Mr. McCullen."

" Nice to meet you sir. This building is two stories, so the second floor is either in office, a loft apartment or storage right?" I asked him.

" Sarah don't be so nosy! I'm so sorry sir!" Matt exclaimed.

" no need to apologize, it never hurts to be a little curious. She was just making an observation!" Mr. McCullen replied and then turn to me, " yes it is a loft apartment, kept for a living cook. Actually we happen to be in the market for a new one, you wouldn't happen to know anyone who is a good cook would you?" He asked.

" Actually sir Sera Is a fairly good cook and happens to be in need of a job. Maybe you could text her and see how she does!" Matt jumped in.

"Really? Well I was about to start making dinner, so why don't you both come up to the house and we can see just how good of a cook she really is!" Mr. McCullen replied. I started jumping up and down in excitement. 'oh my god oh my god oh my god is this actually happening?"I thought to myself.

"Okay, sounds good to me!" I practically sang.

He chuckles. "OK then follow me."

We nod and head out to the car as he locks the garage door and hops back into his Ford F-250. We follow his truck up to the house parking out front. I'll leave my stuff in the car and head up to the house with a smile so big I probably look like a nut job. I giggle at that thought. ' I really don't care, i'm so excited!'

I walk up to the front door with Matt following close behind me. The door opens and Mr. McCullen invite as in, telling us to just leave your shoes on.

" By the way you can just call me Marshall it's much easier to say. Mr.McC- I mean Marshall tells us, as he leads the way to the kitchen.

"OK sounds good to me." I replied.

"The ingredients are on the counter," he pointed, " We prefer to use fresh produce so you will find that we have very little canned food here." Marshall announced. I looked at the counter finding potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, onions, and a huge beef roast, not to mention the fresh herbs as well as fresh garlic and green onion.

"Not a problem, I love cooking with fresh ingredients." I reply, smiling.

"That's good. Well before you start I will tell you exactly what your duties here will be should I hire you. For the most part you will be required to cook two meals a day, unless requested otherwise by either me or one of my four sons you'll meet them later." He states bluntly. I nod.

" two of my sons work from home, the other two are still in high school. I work on site and I'm off and home late. So for the most part you will be cooking for my son's. Though I do ask that you leave me a plate plate in the microwave or fridge." He looked over at me making sure I'm listening. Obviously I was this is way too big of an opportunity to pass up. Seeming satisfied, he continued.

"Now whatever dishes don't go into the dishwasher are to be left for my younger son's. To be done as part of their chores. They are also required to clear the table. Now this is a full-time job so you will be required to move in here as soon as possible, or as soon as you can start the job should we hire you, how soon would you be available?" Marshall asked, looking at me.

"I chuckle, I could start tomorrow, as for moving in it would take me an hour at most. All I really have to move our some books and my clothes. I don't really own much." I state bluntly.

He looked shocked.

"But you're a girl, I thought all girls have tons of clothes!" He exclaims.

"Well I lost most of my shit – oops sorry – stuff when I moved here. I had to leave it all behind when I left Kitchener I got a attacked by three people and was forced to move here a week later by my aunt, and I haven't had the money to buy more. It's kind a hard to find a job in the lines of work that I like because of my concussion which I got in the attack." I replied. If this had been a cartoon his job would've hit the ground.

" that's terrible I hate people who do that stuff to other people. It doesn't matter what the reason is, unless you're defending yourself, or someone you care about!" Marshall said," then asked, "wait, what line of work do you usually work in. Other than cooking that is?"

Matt laughed and shook his head as if to say here we go, now you've done it. Marshall and I looked over startled by the sound, and I felt my face heat up.

I had forgotten that he was still sitting there. Looks like Marshall had to. We all laughed. "Well pretty much anything hands on which includes anything from construction to landscaping to welding or working on cars. Even farm work, I've always been more of a tomboy. Being raised in the country for the most part." I say still chuckling. Marshall looked surprised.

You can almost see the gears in his head spinning.

"Hmmmmm you could probably help my oldest son in your spare time, I own and run a construction company as well as a real estate company and a car dealership/auto shop. While he does the paperwork, often join me on the job sites or checking in on my other two companies. He also looks for good opportunities to buy land parcels, as well as often setting up the buildings and construction sites." Marshall states excitedly. I grin hoping this will help me get the job. He looked at the clock.

"Oops It's almost 630, I should probably let you get started I'm going to finish up some paperwork in my office down the hall.

If you need something feel free to ask. I'll come out and check on you once in a while."He said as he left the room. I look at Matt and Chad. Walking over to the oven I turn it on and set it to 450°, preheating it for the roast. Pulling out cutting boards, knives, two pots in a roasting pan. I feel the pots of water. I then peel and slice the carrots and potatoes separating them into two pots to boil.

' this kitchen is literally my dream kitchen, two regular ovens, as well as two convection oven's, a huge microwave, a glass top stove, a full stainless steel upright freezer, and a matching full fridge. Not to mention black marble countertops and solid oak cupboards.' I think to myself.

I start humming as I get back to work Unwrapping the roast and placing it in the centre of the roasting pan. I peel about that onions and mushrooms. Slicing the mushrooms and icing the onions before I get to work chopping the green onions into little pieces and putting them aside in a bowl for later when the potatoes and carrots are cooked.

20 minutes later the carrots and potatoes are finally done so I turn off the stove and take the pots to the sink to strain the water out.

With that done I carry the pots back over to the counter salmon down. I then place the vegetables at random around the roast adding the mushrooms, onions and green onions as well. I add beef broth, seasoning salt As well as regular salt, pepper and garlic. Davin beeps at me telling me that it's ready for the roast.

I had just put it in and set the timer for an hour when Marshall came back to check my progress I looked up and asked, "Marshall do you mind if I make a dessert as well?" He looks up pleasantly surprised.

"Of course go right ahead, all the baking supplies are in the pantry to your right. Have at it!" He said smiling. I grin back and thanked him he left the room and I looked up a recipe for apple crisp on my phone. Between the pantry in the fridge I find all the needed ingredients and preheated the second oven. I Hear a garage door opening and closing. Suddenly a rowdy bunch of boys come into the house through a door connecting to the garage. They make a beeline for the kitchen smelling food.

'boys' I laugh, shaking my head.

Their eyes snapped me startled.

'Damn these boys definitely take after their father' I thought. With their black hair and bright green eyes. Not to mention the chiselled jaw's, wide shoulders, and just a guess but muscles that the Greek gods would kill for. I swallowed a lump forming in my throat.

The oldest speaks. "Who are you, and what are you doing in our kitchen!?" He asks glaring at me.

So I put on my sweetest smile and reply sarcastically, "well I'm Sera. And I'm cooking, you know what people usually do in the kitchen!" Matt Barks a laugh. Hearing the commotion Marshall comes back into the kitchen.

"Hey boys, I'm testing Sera to see if I should hire her as our new cook. I should've warned you about that." He says chuckling. His three younger sons immediately drop their guards. While the older one continues to glare at me. I smile at him again and his glare falters for a second. I grin wider. The youngest two obviously twins walk up to me smiling reaching out to take my hand at exactly the same time bump into each other, and begin arguing about which one gets to introduce them selves first. I laugh. The middle brother takes advantage of their distraction and beats them to it.

He takes my hand, "Hey I'm Brent, nice to meet you!"

I shake his hand firmly. "Nice to meet you too Brent!"

The twins finally stopped arguing and just grab separate hands at the same time,

"hey I'm Brady – I'm Brody – nice to meet you!" I laughed harder. "Nice to meet you too!" I grin.

Marshall looks at his oldest son. "Well aren't you going to introduce yourself?"

His son grumbles and walks up to me taking my hand roughly, I feel weird joke. He looked shocked, then angry but continues, "Hey I'm Hunter." Gripping my hand tight.

"Well it's nice to meet you to Hunter! I exclaim in as sweet a voice as possible. "Dinner should be ready in about 10 to 15 minutes, I say turning to the twins, " Would the two of you mind helping me set the table?" I ask and they nod excitedly. As if I had asked them to throw football around with me or something.

I grin again. I walk over to the cupboards and five plates. I'm about to head to the table with them when I see the look on Marshall space. I freeze.

"What are these the wrong place or something?" I asked worried.

He laughs and shakes his head.

"No. Aren't you going to send plates for you and Matt?" He asks. My jaw dropped.

"Oh I know, I didn't think of that." I blush and reach to grab two more plates.

Matt stops me saying, "I actually head home so we kinda -"Marshall cuts in, "– you can't say that's a shame. I can Have Hunter drive, Sera home if she wants to stay," he looked at me and I nod enthusiastically.

"I would love to stay! I reply. Matt looks shocked. So I explain.

"Well I need to see what they think of my cooking, so it just makes sense!"

"Well it's settled then. Sarah why don't you go get your stuff from Matt's car. Matt it was nice meeting you I hope you come by to visit sometime." Marshall says. I nod and head outside to the car with Matt.

Once outside Matt asks, "you're really going to stay?"

"Yeah why wouldn't I? I actually kind a like them. And I not only want but need this job. I want to get hired here, it's too great an opportunity!" I state lightly. He looks frustrated.

"But they are a rowdy bunch of boys!" He replies.

"I don't care. I get along with guys better than I do girls, girls are bitchy annoying. This is going to be great. I think you're just worried that I will end up liking one of them. Or am I wrong?" I ask defiantly.

He frowns and grumbles, "no you're right, this is a great opportunity for you, you deserve this." He smiled sheepishly and hands me my bag. I'll text you later when I get home. He says and I hug him goodbye. He gets in his car waves and then takes off.

I turn and head into the house setting my bag by the front door I walked back to the kitchen just as a timer for the apple crisp goes off.

Seeing that the twins had already set the table I grab the oven mitts and open the oven. Reaching in and I carefully pull it out and place it on the heat pads I had put out earlier. I turn taking off the mitts and shut the oven off. Walking over to the other oven to check the roast I see that there is still about seven minutes left until it is done.

"Mmmmm smells good! The twins say in unison. I grin.

"Well thank you." I reply. I look over in time to see Hunter trying to snag a spoonful. I reach over and smack his knuckles hard with a spatula.

"That's too hot to eat right now and it's for dessert!" I scold him.

The next thing I know he has me pinned to the counter, growling at me. I raise my eyebrow at him trying not to laugh, and growl back. He steps back shocked, obviously not expecting that. I laugh.

"Yeah I can growl too mister, now step away from the apple crisp." I order.

Everyone laughs at his reaction. the timer for the roast goes off, And I grab the oven mitts again turning the oven off I open the door and pull out the roasting pan. Putting it on the counter I take the lid off setting in the sink. Laughing as the twins practically climb over each other to look at the contents of the pan. "Careful boys don't burn yourselves, I mean I have first aid training but still." They back up.

"Thank you." I say as I use serving spoons to scoop out all of the veggies and put them into the serving bowls on the counter. I then grab a sharp knife and a large pair of tongs I look up in grin.

"This is my favourite part!" I exclaim.

Are use the knife carefully cutting the strings on the roast, putting them off as the roast falls apart. I grin as the twins gasp.

Using the tongs I pulled meat out placing it on large serving plate. Then I poured the broth into a pot on the stove so that I can make gravy. I turn the burner back on adding cornstarch to the broth stirring it in quickly with a whisk till it's at just the right thickness. Once that's done I poured into a gravy boat, placing them now empty pot into the sink filling up the water I look up seeing that the boys were already seated waiting eagerly. I grin at them.

"Well someone is impatient.!" I chuckle. Everyone but Hunter grins sheepishly. I shrug. Drying my hands I walk over to the table noticing that the only open placesetting just happen to be right beside Hunter. Who grumbles when I sit down next to him. Causing me to laugh. He glares at me. I grin and win causing is clear to falter again. But it disappeared so quickly that I'm sure that I was the only person to see it.

Everyone looks to Marshall, and he grins. "Dig in everyone, don't need me to tell you that."

He laughs.

Brody grabs his work and take the first bite. His face lights up and he grins wolfishly. "It's really good Sera!"

I blush and the rest of us dig in. Surprisingly I finished mine first, so I take my plate to the kitchen and put it in the sink.

Opening up the freezer I pull out a tub of french vanilla ice cream, then grab the ice cream scoop, six plates, and a serving spoon scooping out a medium size portion of that apple crisp onto a plate for me, I move onto the boys scooping out large portions for each of them adding a little extra Hunters. I then add a large scoop of ice cream to each place setting mine and Hunters aside, knowing he would come last. One by one they bring over their plates putting them in the sink, and I had each of them a plate Smiling. Hunter as I had guessed came last. I grabbed his plate, turning to hand it to them.

"Peace offering!?" I say sheepishly, blushing. He doesn't take it. I frown grabbing a spoon I take a scoop of crisp and ice cream I wait for him to open his mouth to argue and I shove it in before he gets a chance, so it comes out funny.

"Buuuussstt," he stops and choose his eyes narrowing. He swallows.

"Fine truce." He grumbles, taking the plate.

"Yessssss," I cheer giggling as I spun around the kitchen. He cocks his head to the side and gives me a funny look, making me laugh. His expression changes slightly with a hint of a smile. I guess, eyes wide,' wow he really is gorgeous.' I think to myself biting my lip. He chokes on a bite, coughing and sputtering. His eyes flicking to me. Brent slaps him on the back.

" Easy there big bro, what did you do, bite off more than you can chew?" Everyone laughs. I sneak a look at Hunter and find him watching me, not even trying to hide it. The twins finish first and shoot me out of the kitchen. I look at them brows raised.

" it's part of our chores remember! They laugh. I walk around to the other side of the counter. Marshall walks over. "Well I must say, that was very good Sera," turning to the boys he says, "So what do you boys think should we hire her?" He barely got the full question now before the twins jumped in.

"Please dad, pleaseeeeeeeee can we keep her, pretty pleaseeeeeee?" They beg together. " I don't think we can take anymore of hunters cooking." They pretend to barf.

"Hey shut up, my cooking isn't that bad!" Hunter argues, offended.

"Yeah if you like burnt pizza, drive past or take out all the time!"Brent says bluntly making Hunter scowl.

Marshall grins and looks at the older two. Right now it's his approval. He turns to Hunter eyebrow raised waiting.

" Fine, I can't argue that she's a great cook!" He grumbles. I blush, Marshall turns to me.

"Well I do believe that's five yes votes, which means, ahem drumroll please! You're hired!!!" He said excitedly. I agreed and cheer, the Twins run around the island and hug me. Laughing I had them back. Brent grins. And I'm not 100% sure but I thought I saw Hunter grin a little too. Although it disappeared too fast to be sure. Marshall lead me into the office.

"So exactly how much stuff do you have? And how long will it take to pack? He asked.

"Literally enough for a suitcase or two, not that I own suitcases my old best friend took them. And maybe an hour. I could do it tonight really. He gives me a funny look, thinking.

"Perfect i'll grab a couple suitcases for you to use, and have Hunter take you home and wait while you pack your stuff and talk to your mom! He says, then called Hunter into the office,

"Hunter can you take Sarah home to get her stuff and talk to her mother? Please. Just give me a minute though." Marshall says.

Leaving the room quickly. I turn to Hunter. I'm sorry for being a sarcastic ass earlier." I say sheepishly. He looks surprised. Then nods and replies and his deep masculine voice that has my knees trembling.

"It's all right I shouldn't of been so rude to you." I smile at him. "Well you know we could just start over and pretend that it didn't happen," I walk up to him and hold out my hand, which he takes.

For some reason my hand started tingling the moment it touched his, shaking it I say, "hi I'm Sera, nice to meet you!"

He grins shaking his head, with a strange look in his eyes. "Hunter, nice to meet you too Sera!" The way he said my name gave me shivers. Which I'm sure he noticed because his grin got wider. Blowing my mind out how handsome he is. He didn't let go of my hand though. Not that I minded. I was enjoying the strange tingly feeling. Not that I would admit it. Marshall walked into the room at that moment carrying two large suitcases. He stopped, grinning.

"Am I interrupting something?"He asked. Hunter yanked his hand back, making me frown.

"No you're not!"He said bluntly. Taking the suitcases, he left the room. I look at Marshall and shrug. Then followed Hunter into the garage after grabbing my keys. He walks up to a large 2018 GMC SUV. I grin as he puts the suitcases in the back seat, turning to me he asks, "what are you grinning about now?"

"Oh nothing, I've always wanted one of these. They look good and they're powerful!" I say and admiration. He grins at me.

"You've got a good eye I'll give you that much. Now hop in missy." I grin back and do as he says, hopping in the front seat and putting on my seatbelt. I looked over and noticed that he doesn't put his on. Making me frown. Are you gonna put your seatbelt on?" I ask. He looks at me.

"Nope don't need it." I frown again, undo my seatbelt, lean over and do it for him. His jaw drops and he looks at me incredulously.

"What are you doing? He asks.

"Putting your belt on for you. It's safer." I replied bluntly.

"Awe is someone worried about me?" He asks grinning from ear to ear. I stick my tongue out at him, doing at my own belt.

"I'll take that as a yes, fine I'll wear it just for you!" He says playfully.

My jaw dropped and I turn to say something, but the look on his face stops me. I bite my lip and he growls at me. A look of pure hunger in his eyes. "If you keep doing that to your lip you're gonna make me want to do it." He growls out in a sexy voice. Not thinking I bite down harder drawing a little blood. He growls again, leans over taking my Chin in his left hand and kiss me, hard. I gasp opening my mouth to him. He licks my lip and sucks it into his mouth biting gently. I moan. He growls again pulling away reluctantly. He has blood on his lip. I lick my own.

"You have blood on your lip, just saying."

He grins licking his lips slowly making me squirm. His green gets wider and he pulls the SUV out of the garage. Reaching out he turned on the radio. Immediately as Shawn Mendes song comes on. He waits a moment as of deciding whether or not to keep it on that station. He was about to change the station when he heard me humming along. We rode in almost silence for a while, just me humming along to the radio.

"Soooooo, uh What was that? I ask quietly.

He raises an eyebrow at me.

"Well if I didn't know any better I would say that was very alpha wolf of you. But unless you're secretly a wolf shift – – SCREEECHHHHH. He slams on the brakes and pulls over to the side of the road, putting the SUV in park. Grabbing my wrist tightly Hunter forces me to look him in the eyes. "What do you know? How did you figure it out? Who told you?" He demands. I stare at him.

"Uhhhh So I was just making a joke. And well I guess you just did!." I reply.

His jaw drops and then snaps shut.

"Are you really a Wolf shifter. I swear I won't tell anybody, I'll even make a blood oath if necessary, I need this job I'll do anything!" I cry desperately.

He sits there for a second as if contemplating what to say or do.

" Please Hunter! I whisper.

He looks me in the eye. Frowning he undoes our belts climbing out of the SUV. I sit still as he makes his way around the vehicle to my door. I instinctively flinch when he opens it, making him frown again.

"P-please Don't hurt me!" I whimper afraid but not at the same time. And I think that was what scared me more.

His expression softens. Hunter reaches out to me gently stroking my face with his hand.

" i'm not going to hurt you Sarah, I honestly don't think I ever could. Not that I want to. So please calm down!"

Somehow I knew 100% that he was telling the truth taking my face in his hands he kisses me gently. I kiss him back, biting his lip. Hunter moans. Pulling away he says, "Come with me I want to show you something." He reaches over and turns the truck off grabbing the keys and handing them to me. He backs up and I hop down following him into the woods, all fear gone.

He stops about 10 feet into the trees. Turning to me he hands me his wallet and phone as well.

"Stand back a bit please. Don't be scared!" He pleads.

I'm nod. And watch in awe as his form goes fuzzy and grows, then suddenly there's a wolf the size of the SUV where Hunter had been standing.

It was pitch black with bright green eyes. He lowered his huge head, looking at me anxiously. Putting his stuff in my pockets I reach out and gently placed my hand on his forehead. It's soft, without thinking I start stroking his head making him hum. I laugh and kiss him on the nose. He steps back, and shifts back into a human. "Amazing you're beautiful!" I say in awe. He gives me a funny look. Then pulls me close lifting my head up to kiss him. I shiver.

"No Sera you are the beautiful one!" He says gently. I blush, looking at my feet. He tilts my head back up.

" I mean it Sarah. You really are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. He proclaims. Making my face go scarlet.

"If you say so. We're mates aren't we?" I ask. He nods his head, making me grin. He grins back. Something in my pocket starts vibrating causing me to jump. I pull his phone out and hand it to him laughing.

"It's my dad asking if we made it to your house yet!" he chuckles. We head back to the SUV and I give him his stuff back. Both of us can't stop smiling.

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