Thunder (Alpha Love - a Paranormal Werewolf Shifter Romance Book 3) by Olivia Stephens

her ear.
    “Sure thing. You want me to tell him anything?” Finn asks, uncharacteristically sympathetic.
    Sofie contemplates the question. There are so many things that she wants to say to the older man; that she was so afraid when she thought that she was losing him, that she hates all their fighting, that he’s the closest thing to a father that she’s ever had, and that he’s more of a parent than her own dad had been. Instead, she says, “Nothing special, just tell him we’re looking forward to seeing him back here.” She walks away, wondering yet again, Why do I find it so hard to tell people how I feel. People always say that you regret the things that you didn’t say more than the ones that you did, but what happens when there’s too much to even start to tell someone? How do you even begin to tell someone that you love them when you’ve never said the words to anyone before?
     

CHAPTER SEVEN
    Sofie pulls her hair up into a smooth ponytail and pulls down the dress she’s chosen before she gets out of the car at Ashton’s store. Only a few boxes of her things have arrived from DC so far, but she sends up a silent prayer of thanks that it had at least included some clothes that were a little smarter than her Lara Croft combo that had become her uniform since starting the site visits over a month ago.
    She’d chosen the most demure dress she could find, but she’d forgotten about the way it clings to her curves. When she’d caught sight of herself in the mirror, she’d noticed how tanned her skin was after the weeks on the road, out in the sun. She has a healthy glow about her, despite the fact that she’s under the most stress she has been in her entire life.
    There was no sign of the collector, no message and no sudden appearance of him when she went back to the motel to change. She’s starting to wonder if perhaps he’s willing to be more reasonable than she had thought. Anyway, after she sees Luke, she should have enough to pay them what they’re owed. She puts the thought of what Luke is going to expect in exchange for this favor in the back of her mind.
    As she walks into Ashton’s store, she’s struck again by how beautiful the furniture is that he’s built. He really does have an amazing talent. The shop is empty but she hears some movement from the workshop at the back, the place that he’d taken her and told her he doesn’t usually show people. She figures he’ll be waiting for her, having heard her heels clatter across the wooden floor, but he’s completely oblivious to her presence.
    She leans against the door, enjoying one of the few times she’s been able to observe Ashton without him knowing. He’s always had the upper hand when it comes to the surprise element, but not this time. She watches him as he works, earphones plugged in. She can hear the music from where she’s standing, some kind of hard rock; it’s no wonder he hadn’t heard her come in. He’s working on a large piece, carving the shape out from the wood and completely lost in what he’s doing. She can’t help but stare at this beautiful man, the way he moves, the grace and elegance about him.
    Suddenly, Ashton’s head snaps up as he sniffs the air, and he turns to look at her, pulling his earphones out. She should have realized he would catch her scent, like he always did. She blushes when she knows that she’s been caught staring; but, she’s not the only one. Ashton doesn’t say anything, he just looks at her, his blue eyes shining and the intensity radiating off of him. The air crackles between them.
    Then, she remembers why she’s there and that she’s pissed. She stalks up to him, stopping just out of reach like she knows that if she’s any closer she won’t be able to resist touching him.
    “I thought we had a deal!” She points at him, letting her anger and frustration pour out. “You were supposed to keep the pack away from the canyon and let me do my job. I told you we have guards now who