Doctor Wolf (The Collegium Book 4) Read Free Page B

of single, male weres. Her connection to the former and current Suzerains made her a prize.
    She bumped her head against the window glass in a show of frustration. “Some men want to be brother-in-law to the Suzerain. I’m their means to make that happen, and my money and social position are bonuses. Their interest in me has caught the attention of non-weres, and now, mundanes like those three serenading me in the music room, are in hot pursuit as well. The competitive instinct, I guess.”
    The timing couldn’t be worse—and not simply because of the complications with selecting her grandfather’s successor as alpha of the Beo Pack. Liz had a secret, and to keep it, she needed a low profile. She certainly didn’t want anyone watching her comings and goings, or visiting her Eaton Square home.
    “They’re a nuisance,” Carson said. “But if you just keep saying no…” He trailed off as she shook her head. His voice hardened. “Has anyone refused to take no for an answer?”
    She smiled slightly, warmed by his concern and anger. “No. No one’s pushed things physically. I just don’t like feeling pursued.”
    He was silent; silent long enough to make Liz aware of a strain in the atmosphere. “You can’t hide behind me,” he said finally. “When you kissed me in the drawing room you wanted to send Brandon a message, that you were involved with me and so couldn’t be involved with him.”
    “Him or anyone.” She didn’t bother denying it. “Carson, you’re not pack. If I ask someone who is pack to pretend to be in a relationship with me, everything gets complicated. But you’ll be returning to America. You won’t have to live with any fall-out. I just need a relationship to hide behind for a couple of months, until the alpha succession is decided.” And my secret moves out. She crossed the fingers of her left hand, which Carson couldn’t see. An omission wasn’t a lie, not technically.
    “You have non-wolf-were friends. You could ask one of them—” He broke off as she shook her head. “Why not?”
    “Even with a fake relationship, my partner has to be someone strong enough that Brandon and others would respect my choice. You have that strength.” For all that he was packless, Carson had the feel of an alpha. He downplayed it, but it was there.
    And she was woman enough to acknowledge that his strength attracted her. She’d grown up in a family of strong personalities and she required a partner who could match her own.
    Not that a relationship with Carson would be real, she reminded herself. If he was still around in three months, maybe then…
    “We wouldn’t have to do anything together,” she said. “I realize you’re busy.”
    “With writing my book.”
    Liz hesitated. That was what Carson told everyone he was doing—writing up his botanical adventures in the Carpathian Mountains. “Sure. Your book.”
    He frowned at her. “What does that tone mean?”
    “It means I’m positive you’re doing something else, not just writing a book, and I think Grandfather is involved, but…it’s none of my business.” Nonetheless, she looked at him hopefully. She liked to solve mysteries. That relentless curiosity made her a good doctor, but maybe not such a good prospect as a fake girlfriend. She added, quickly. “I’m simply saying that pretending to be my boyfriend wouldn’t take any time out of your day.”
    “No.” He shook his head. “I can’t do it.”
    Can’t . Interesting. Not won’t . “Are you in a relationship?”
    He hesitated and she got the sense that he was considering a lie. Then he shook his head, again. “No.”
    “So who would it hurt?” She stood and the afghan slid from her shoulders.
    His gaze skimmed her body.
    “We’re attracted to one another,” she said softly.
    “Which would only make things more difficult. I’m sorry, Liz. I can’t help you.” He walked out.
    She watched the door close behind him before stooping for the afghan, folding it