“No don’t.” His plea broke her heart. She met his gaze and cleared off some of his tears.
“Okay, but I need to adjust you so I can get up.” Clover motioned to her hip and Patrick loosened his grip and moved to her side. After a messed up attempt, she managed to stand while keeping him in her arms. Clover glanced through the peephole. He raked a hand through his dark brown hair. His tense shoulders filled in the black jacket. With his slightly wide nose and chiseled jaw, she had to resist yanking the door open and flying into his arms. What the hell? I don’t even know him! She scolded herself for suddenly being all hormonal over a hot guy even if her body wanted to get up close and personal with him. When his dark eyes stared at the door, heat zipped down to her belly.
“What’s your name again?” Clover kept looking through the hole to see his reaction.
“Ash. I need to get the kid out of here to safety.” His voice carried through the wood. Clover kept her grip tight on Patrick before opening the door. Ash swooped in and slammed it closed. “Patrick, how are you doing, buddy?”
“I want my mommy.”
“I know buddy, Drake and the alpha are over there now.”
“I didn’t hear any heartbeats when she took me.” Patrick sniffled, and tears rolled down his face faster.
“You’re safe now.” Clover kissed his head.
“Let’s go to the alpha’s house.” He extended his arms but Patrick pulled away.
“I don’t wanna go there. He’s scary.” The pup shook his head so strongly, Clover had to adjust to keep him away from the floor.
“Maple is there,” Ash said. Clover had no idea who he spoke about, but the tension still pulsed in the little boy.
“I want to stay with her.” Patrick rubbed his head on Clover’s neck.
“She’s not a wolf, Patrick. She can’t protect you like the alpha can.” Ash nodded quickly like if he did it fast enough Clover’s mind would magically agree with him.
“Hey, I was able to get him out of the house,” Clover snapped back, not willing to be seen as weak.
“And if I had been an actual hunter once you let me in, you’d be dead and him gone.” Ash ground his teeth together and his brown eyes stared her down.
“I read your body language, asshat. When you said your name you were telling the truth.” She struggled against the urge to push him back. “Plus, I heard the sincerity when you tried to recall Tara’s hair.” Heat bloomed in her belly. “Those other men weren’t wolves with the silver knives they carried.”
“She changes her hair almost every damn month.” He threw up his hands and an image of him pressing her up against the wall flashed through her mind. What the heck?
“Exactly. And if you had tried to guess a normal color like blonde or green then I would have known you lied and I have options to get him out of here.”
“Really now?” Ash folded his arms and stared at Clover. The sexy shifter wanted to challenge Clover and for some reason, she itched to test his resolve.
Chapter Three
Ash
Ash resisted the urge to snatch Patrick up and run. He glared at Clover, waiting for her to break down and hand Patrick over but she just stared back at him. His wolf liked the damn spark in her. Even if she wasn’t a wolf, she had the stubbornness down. His fingers itched to touch her soft curves and it grew stronger the longer he stood near her. But he didn’t have time to see if they were mates, he needed to get Patrick to safety. Dealing with a new mate took a while, and required discussions about the possibilities of completing the bond or not and shit like that. No, he needed to get the pup out of the cramped apartment. Plus, she’s human, he told his wolf who didn’t give a flying raccoon.
“Do you have any idea the danger he is in?” He pointed at Patrick, the pup reminded him of his cousin, Patrick Sr, and all the times they’d played together years ago. His wolf whimpered at the loss but Ash had to push it down, they were in danger still and needed to get Patrick to a safe place.
“I stood there when they…” Her voice died, and her eyes widened a little. “I saved him. It’s not unreasonable to stay with him, at least for the night.” She squared her shoulders.
Ash understood her reasoning, but he had orders. He barely resisted the urge to kiss the woman who had saved Patrick from the hunters. No, he had shit to deal with like finding the fuckers who killed Patrick’s parents and adjusting to being a guardian. Humans were weak beings who couldn’t really protect themselves.
“I stay with her.” Patrick clung to the woman. Ash pulled out his phone and texted Raymand. He would need the alpha’s permission to take an unmated human to his house. What a god-damn mess!
“Patrick, I’m sure he can take care of you after I leave tomorrow.” Clover adjusted the pup’s hair.
“Ash is a mean uncle.” He scrunched up his nose.
“No, I’m your cousin. Now we need to go.” Ash pulled out his phone to find the alpha’s reply. ‘If you can get him here alone, it’s preferred.’ He shoved his phone back in his pocket.
“No. Clover comes.” Patrick’s chubby little fingers tightened onto her clothes.
“Let me get changed and we can leave.” Clover carried Patrick into her room and closed the door. Ash kept his senses open and listened in on the conversation in her room. “All right, little man, look at my phone while I get changed.”
“Okay.” He sniffled and shuffling sounded behind the door.
Ash rolled his eyes while keeping his senses on alert. He didn’t have time to deal with hunters tonight. The small apartment wouldn’t give his wolf enough room to maneuver. A photo caught his attention, one of Clover and Tara with drinks in their hands. Clover’s bright smile created feelings in his wolf the human side didn’t want to explore. Instead, his wolf pressed forward to go find Clover naked in her room. No, I’m here for Patrick! he reminded his beast.
“We’re ready.” Clover walked out with a small bag at her side.
“What’s that?” He pointed at the bright pink bag.
“Clothes for me and Patrick. I have a nephew who’s close to Patrick’s size.” Clover shrugged.
“You can’t just stay at the alpha’s house.”
“Why don’t we let him decide?” Clover once again tested him. His wolf wagged his tail and liked the challenge she created. He pinched his lips together as his cock throbbed followed by a need to take her to the bedroom.
“He won’t allow it.” Ash ground his teeth hating how much her challenges turned him on. Patrick still clung to her side.
“We’ll see. I can be quite convincing when I need to be. Just ask Tara.” She smirked. Ash reached for the bag and Clover handed it over. “Do you have a car seat for him?”
“I don’t. The alpha doesn’t live too far, and a wolf pup is stronger than humans.” Ash shrugged and headed for the door.
“Um, no, that won’t fly.” Clover bounced Patrick on her hip like she was testing his weight and he had no clue why she did it. Her eyes pondered for a moment. “Yeah, the seat I have in my car will work.” Clover grabbed her keys and opened the door giving him a good view of her ass. Such a nice ass which made his wolf groan with approval. After a moment, she motioned for Ash to lead.
“He doesn’t need…” Ash started but Clover stopped him, her curly black hair bounced against her cheeks.
“His life doesn’t need to be risked any more tonight.” The fire in her brown eyes made his wolf wag his freaking tail. You are unbelievable!
“You have one minute to get the seat into my truck or we are leaving without it.” He knew from his younger brother Drake how big of a pain car seats were to secure in a truck.
“Ready to go.” Clover locked up her front door after Ash took the steps down, skipping every other one. He didn’t have time to waste and yet, Clover seemed in no hurry to get Patrick or even herself to safety. I could’ve grabbed Patrick and bolted and she would’ve been none the wiser. Yet the idea of leaving Clover unprotected made his stomach turn without any
logical reason. Getting the pup to safety had to be his top priority and he needed to hurry up. They’d been exposed for too long. He checked around the area, feeling eyes on him but nothing popped out. Clover set Patrick down next to the car seat and in two seconds had the big thing out of her car.
When Ash reached for Patrick, he jumped out of the car and ran to Clover’s side. A low growl vibrated through his chest. He didn’t like how scared Patrick was of him but maybe it would be a good thing in the end. Ash wanted kids someday, but he needed to find his mate first.
“Come on, sweetheart.” Clover lifted the pup and adjusted the seat in her other hand. Ash snatched the bulky seat and jammed it into the back row of his truck. Clover jumped up and clicked the seatbelt in a few seconds before placing Patrick in the seat. A branch snapped behind Ash and he turned to find a woman with a bar going through her nose.
“Good evening to you, sweetness.” She put extra sway into her hips. Clover climbed down and closed the door with a slam.
“He’s taken, Melody. Now make sure my apartment isn’t broken into again or I’m coming after your boyfriend. Got it?” Clover stood close to Ash and the woman with the nose piercing sneered at Clover.
“Whatever, Clover. Even the cops said it wasn’t him,” Melody ridiculed but her eyes kept glancing at Ash.
“Yes, and I totally believe the cops are still siding with me since your boy-toy is on probation. Now hit it, sister.” Clover pointed toward the apartments. Melody turned toward Ash.
“If you ever get tired of her attitude, come find me.” Melody winked then sauntered away, and Clover huffed before throwing her hair back.
“Sorry about her. She’s like a fucking cat in heat when she sees any attractive guy.” Clover shook her head and reached for the passenger door.
“Ah, so you think I’m attractive.” Ash smirked and folded his arms.
“Don’t let your ego blow up. Come on, pretty boy, I’m sure your alpha hates to wait.” Clover smiled but it faded as another set of footsteps headed their way. Clover snatched the keys from his hand then bolted into the truck. Ash turned to find a man inching toward him. A Dodgers ball cap put his face in shadows but he seemed like an average guy, almost five-eleven.
“Damn it.” Ash ran around the front as the engine roared to life. He jumped in and jammed the gears into drive. The sudden need to protect Clover raged through his soul stronger than he ever expected. The pick-up lurched forward and Patrick’s scream filled the truck. The guy running for them grinned which made Ash’s wolf howl. If he didn’t have Patrick and Clover in the car he’d have stayed and kicked some hunter ass. He slammed his foot on the gas sending them speeding down the street. The man with dark brown eyes ran after them for a few feet but stopped.
His beast scratched at the surface wanting to get out and kill the fucker. No, I need to get Patrick to safety, he reminded his wolf who bared his teeth then flashed an image of Clover into his thoughts. Don’t have time for a human right now. His wolf ignored the comment and paced waiting for his chance to get close to Clover. Ash turned and glanced behind him as the baseball cap flew off revealing short blonde hair.
“Was he one of them?” He returned his gaze to the road, narrowly missing a parked car.
“I think so. Those eyes looked too familiar to be a coincidence.” Clover shook out her hands.
“Are they coming after me?” Patrick whimpered in the back seat.
“You’re safe, sweetheart.” Clover turned toward Ash. Am I really ready to be a guardian to a young pup?
Chapter Four
Clover
Why does he have to be so fucking hot! Clover tried to keep her eyes on Patrick’s sleeping form or the road ahead instead of staring at Ash. Heat licked through her system as a need to have him pulsed after the warmth. Tara had told her stories about the older brother of the second in command. She completely neglected to mention him being sexier than sin. Clover swallowed hard and tried to think of anything un-sexy. She knew from experience when turned on they could freaking scent it. That’s all I need right now.
Ash didn’t seem to be fazed as he turned onto a long driveway leading to a large house. Light spilled out of the windows onto the grass and driveway. “Don’t fuck with the alpha,” Ash warned before parking then climbed out of the truck.
Clover blinked a few times before jumping out. “I’ll grab Patrick, I should be able to keep him asleep.”
“Fine.” Ash nodded and watched her closely as Clover maneuvered the pup into her arms. “Nice.” Ash opened the front door and Clover walked in to find a large man leaning over a woman with long chocolate brown hair.
“Ah, great timing, Ash.” The man looked Clover up and down making her stomach quiver. “I’m Raymand, the alpha of Denver. And you are?”
“Clover Kane. I’m good friends with Tara.” She gave him a short grin and adjusted Patrick as he turned in her arms.
“Ah, Tara is a handful.” Raymand shook his head. “Have a seat and tell me what went down tonight.”
“You’re a natural with keeping him asleep. Cora’s a nightmare to move.” The woman’s gaze became unfocused for a moment. “I’m Maple, by the way.” She smiled and glanced at Patrick.
“Boys seem to be easier to keep asleep. My little sister always fought sleep when we were younger.” Clover sat down, careful to keep Patrick from moving too much. “So tonight, I decided to go on a run when I heard a scream. I didn’t think really. I just ran in to help since the front door was wide open.” Clover swallowed hard as the silver knife flashed through her mind while she spoke. She tried not to think of it but seconds later the dark eyes haunted her thoughts.
“What did you do?” Maple rubbed her arm bringing her some comfort.
“When the mother died I grabbed Patrick and freaking ran. The way the man looked with such disdain toward the kid I knew it wouldn’t be good.”
“What if he was his father?” Raymand raised his eyebrow and Clover made sure not to meet his gaze.
“I saw Dad on the floor near the mother.” Clover glanced at Patrick to make sure he continued to sleep. “Am I in trouble for saving him? I mean they could have taken this little guy or worse, killed him right with his parents. There are sick people out there,” Clover challenged the alpha, not the smartest move on her part but she never had a good filter.
“Why would you be?” Raymand pulled out his phone, not giving Clover a chance to answer as he turned toward Ash. “Did they follow her?”
“I’m not sure. They may have her address, but she lives in an apartment. Too hard to tell for sure.”
“Zac and Regi said they caught your scent with Patrick’s and a floral female scent.” Raymand shoved the phone back in his pocket.
“What does that mean for me?” Clover resisted the urge to bite her lip. Even though she was scared, deep down, the sleeping pup took priority.
“It means you’re not fucking safe,” Raymand growled low, Patrick wiggled in her arms but stayed asleep. “Ash, you’ll need to take custody of Patrick. Clover will stay with you.”
“What?” Clover asked at the same time as Ash. She tried to push down the sadness filling her chest at his outburst. She did the same thing but it still hurt to see a sexy guy not wanting to spend time with her. Such a fucking fool, Clover. I wanted excitement in my life and here I am under guard from a wolf who doesn’t want me. She resisted the urge to grind her teeth.
“You know damn well Patrick will be your responsibility. You’re the only one old enough who’s family related to care for the pup.” The alpha glared at Ash and neither backed down.
“Yes, now I’m a freaking single parent for Patrick but I don’t need to add babysitting duties for a human to my to-do list.” Ash clenched his fists together and Clover held back a wince. “Plus, I’m fucking close to finding these hunters’ pattern.” His thumb and index finger were lifted and only had half an inch between them. Those brown eyes glanced toward Clover and her body instantly warmed in all the wrong p
laces.
“I don’t care. You didn’t get there soon enough and if you take her back, Clover will be dead by morning.” Raymand shook his head. “Like it or not, she’s safer with you.”
“Do I get a say in this?” Clover asked but neither of the guys looked at her. She wanted to scream at Ash about his human comment but kept her focus on the problem at hand. “I mean, I grabbed enough clothes for a day, not a week.”
“It will fly by fast, honey.” Maple rubbed her hand on Clover’s shoulder.
“Then it’s done. Get out of here and get some sleep. I get to visit the fucking morgue tomorrow.” Raymand stormed up the stairs and Maple pinched her lips together.
“I’m sorry, guys. Try to find these bastards soon, Ash, so he can chill out and be happier.” Maple gave Ash a half smile. Clover stood with Patrick still fast asleep. She made sure to steer clear of Ash, she didn’t feel like imprinting with him or even seeing if they were mates. Doesn’t have time for a human, her inner bitch came out reminding her she should just stay clear no matter what.
With a bit of finesse, she managed to keep Patrick asleep when she put him in the car seat again. The drive to Ash’s home was quiet and when they arrived, Clover carried Patrick in while Ash led the way to the spare bedroom.
“I have another spare room, but the bed isn’t made.” Ash scratched the back of his head.
“If you can give me the sheets, I can make it myself. Not a big deal.” Clover set Patrick down and his chubby hand grabbed onto Clover’s shirt.
“Mommy?” His eyes fluttered open to look right at Clover, her heart shattered as he stared with sad eyes.
“Just Clover. Get some sleep, honey.” She kissed his head, but Patrick didn’t let go.
“No…” He kept his grip tight on her shirt and she knew resisting him was futile. Plus, he’d been through enough tonight, to really push the issue.
“I’ll just sleep with him tonight.” Clover glanced at Ash. His eyes stayed on the pup and his shoulders were rigid. For a moment she felt bad for him, not only did Patrick lose his family but he gained a new guardian. A man who didn’t seem to know a damn thing about kids. Babysitting duties for a human. The comment rolled through her mind and she figured giving him space would be for the best.
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