“Right.” Ash nodded, he made a mental note to pay more attention to his new mate. His wolf pushed images of what sex might be like making his cock grow instantly. He glanced at the bed then back at her.
“Ash?” Clover closed the door and he turned around. Her eyes fell down to his briefs then up to his eyes. He took a large step closer to her and her breath hitched. “We should wait till tonight.” She licked her lower lip making him throb. He wanted to know what her mouth felt like as she swallowed his cock. Instead of carrying her to his bed only a foot away he met her gaze.
“You sure you want me?” He had the odd sense she had been keeping her distance from him and he wouldn’t force himself on her. He was a better wolf and the temptation grew strong to take her to his bed when her eyes bounced down again. Red tinted her dark cheeks while her heart raced.
“I’ll never admit it to Tara, but I wanted you when you walked into my apartment,” Clover spoke quickly before bolting out the door. She’s wanted me since we met. The idea made his wolf grin brightly and his cock twitched. Part of him wanted to run after her and carry her ass back to his bedroom. But the little heartbeat of Patrick kept him in the middle of his room clutching his jeans.
He groaned and tried to think of a way to get rid of his raging hard-on. He glanced at the clock by his bed, only five more hours before he could put Patrick to sleep. Damn, that’s a long time but I’m going to enjoy burring myself inside her sweet body.
Chapter Nine
Clover
Clover tried her best to focus on making dinner, but her mind kept moving back to Ash and his freaking half naked body. She stirred the pasta and took in a shaky breath. Her other hand adjusted her cotton shirt, trying to give herself something to do.
“Do you need help?” Ash asked from behind Clover. She gripped the spoon tighter than normal. The sudden urge to shove her hands through his brown hair pulsed through her body. He moved to the left side and she caught his eyes watching her small movements.
“Oh um, no, I think I’m okay.” She swallowed hard as images of what he might look like completely naked filled her mind. A smirk covered Ash’s lips. Crap, he can smell my arousal. Clover turned back to the stove but when Ash wrapped his hands around her waist, the food stopped mattering.
“You smell good.” His lips were close to her ear. Her core clenched with need while heat flooded her body.
“There might be a problem in a few days.” She licked her lower lip.
“And that problem would be?” He rumbled into her, his hot breath made it hard to focus on her words.
“According to Tara, I’m about to experience my first heat, but I don’t know if she’s right.” She placed the spoon onto the counter and grabbed the spatula to stir the hamburger.
“Do you want more kids?” He sniffed her neck making her hyperaware of the warmth pulsing from his body.
“More?” Clover turned in his arms and Patrick caught her attention in the living room. “Oh, right.” Clover hadn’t put a lot of thought into Patrick being hers. She had already connected with him, it didn’t really register that something could change their bond.
“You didn’t answer my question.” He raised his brow while his eyes seemed to study her.
“I don’t know. It seems pretty fast. Would you even be ready for another kid running around this house? It seems like you’re struggling with Patrick.” She motioned toward his pants and noticed his hard-on through the jeans. Hot damn, he’s freaking big.
“Well, I’ve spent a day with Patrick so I’m still adjusting, but with a new pup I would have nine months to get ready.” He pushed a few curls behind her ear.
“Yes, but they’re way more work.” Clover stirred the pasta again trying not to let them get all sticky. She also hated wasting food because of her mistakes. When she turned back to Ash, he leaned in closer.
“I’ve dealt with babies, Clover.” Ash kissed her. Oh, my heavens he tastes good. She grabbed his hair keeping him close to her.
“Ash, I’m hungry.” Patrick’s voice grew closer and Ash pulled away before the pup entered the kitchen.
“Clover’s making dinner. It should be ready soon.” Ash smiled at Clover before walking away with Patrick. She fanned herself then returned her focus on the sauce and strained the noodles. When she moved the pasta to the pot and mixed the sauce in, she caught a sideways glance of Ash strolling in.
“So, you didn’t answer my question.” Ash opened the fridge while he met Clover’s gaze. Am I ready for more kids? She reminded herself of his question.
“I do want more kids, but I don’t know if now is a good time.” She wiggled the pan in her hand to get the last of the sauce mixture into the pot.
“From what I remember my sister-in-law says, you’ll never be fully ready to have a kid. But we can talk about this more after dinner.” Ash winked and walked away with a cup for Patrick. Clover stared at his ass as he left then forced herself to look back at the dinner she was cooking.
She wanted Ash to be hers, he may not be the alpha of Denver but he had enough alpha tendencies to protect her. Patrick had grown on her so fast in the last day she couldn’t really imagine her life without his cute chubby fingers clinging to her when he was scared.
“Clover.” Patrick’s little voice brought her back from her thoughts.
“Yes, sweetheart.” She bent down and switched off the heat to the stove.
“Is my mommy and daddy coming back?” Patrick’s brown eyes held so much sadness it broke her heart. Clover pushed back some of his hair from his face and rubbed his cheek.
“Remember how Ash said they were with Grandpa and Grandma?” She swallowed hard hating how the little guy was going through hell all because of the freaking evil hunters.
“Yes.” He nodded, and tears fell down his face. “I want them to come back.” His sniffed and she pulled him into her lap. She pressed her back into the stove and he wiggled in her arms.
“I have a feeling they’re watching over you right now and they will always be with you.” Clover pressed her finger gently into his chest. “Right there. They will always be in your heart.”
“Mommy always gave the best hugs. And I miss Daddy’s voices at bedtime.” Patrick bowed his chin to his chest.
“Well…” Clover pulled him tight against her chest and he sniffled. “I may not be as good as your mom, but I’ll do my best on the hugs.”
Patrick kept crying into her shoulder as she wiggled up to her feet. She hated the sadness rolling off the young boy and loathed the hunters for killing his parents. Even if it brought Patrick into her life, she would rather have his mother and father alive.
“What’s going on?” Ash strolled into the kitchen and Patrick tried to bury himself more into her chest. She rubbed his back to bring him comfort.
“He’s sad. Can you grab the pot of food and bring it to the table?” She adjusted Patrick in her arms before walking away. Ash followed seconds later, he mouthed, ‘Is it me?’ and Clover shook her head.
“Come on, sweetheart. It’s time to eat.” Clover kissed his head and tried to put him in the chair. His chubby hand held on tight, refusing to let go. “If I hold you, you have to eat.” She looked down and he nodded quickly. With very little grace, she wiggled into her seat and adjusted Patrick on her lap. Clover pulled Patrick’s bowl closer.
“What’s going on?” Ash barked out his question making Patrick jump on her lap.
“He misses his mother,” Clover snapped back. All of Ash’s anger drained from his face. “If you would be so kind as to dish up his and mine.”
“I’m sorry, Patrick. I didn’t mean to scare you. I thought…” Ash shook his head and worked on putting food in the bowls. He sat down once everyone had their food.
“Come on. Take a bite.” Clover offered him the fork. Very slowly he ate while Clover picked at her own meal. She lifted her gaze to find Ash staring at her.
“I’m sorry.” His pleading eyes broke her down. She didn’t want to b
e mad at him, but he needed to work on his angry outbursts.
“You still have your parents. You need to be aware of his pain before you jump to anger.” She took a small bite of the pasta.
“I know. I thought I did something to make him cry.” He shoved his hand through his hair.
“I would’ve told you once he started eating. I’m not trying to keep secrets, Ash.” She tipped her head to the side and studied him for a moment. Should I rush into being his mate? The thought rolled around her mind. She really didn’t know the strong wolf sitting across from her.
“Secrets create unnecessary problems. Plus, my siblings liked to remind me I have a short temper some days.” He adjusted in his seat and took a large bite from his bowl. “This is good by the way.”
“Thank you. And you should start working on trying to be calmer.” Clover raised her brow and they continued to eat in silence. Patrick finished his last bite and placed his fork down.
“Are you reading my bedtime story?” Patrick lifted his gaze to Clover who chuckled at the memory of the last bedtime story she told her nephew.
“I don’t know. My different voices are terrible. I think Ash might be better at it.” Clover lifted her gaze to Ash. When Patrick fell asleep they would be alone for the first time giving them the best chance to complete the bond.
Her body said mate, but her mind wanted to wait.
Chapter Ten
Ash
Ash lifted Patrick into his bed and pulled out the book for him to read. Clover had stayed in the living room, she said to give them space but Ash didn’t really believe the excuse. Ash didn’t know why he needed space, but he didn’t question his mate. The woman had a way with kids, especially Patrick.
“Once upon a time…” Ash started but Patrick covered the words so he had to stop.
“Remember to do different voices for the boy and girl and the witch.” Patrick lifted his little hand and Ash started again, trying his best to do make his voice sound different for the characters he named. After a few pages, Patrick leaned against Ash. A warmth filled his heart restoring peace to his wolf since he found Patrick crying in the kitchen. Being a new parent was tough but he didn’t have a choice in the matter. Plus, in a few days, Clover would go into heat and another little pup would join the family. Family, I’ve always wanted a family. His wolf grinned at the idea of finally settling down. The steps creaked and Clover’s scent grew stronger.
The pup’s eyes fluttered closed and Ash stopped which had been a mistake on his part because Patrick’s eyes snapped open seconds later.
“More.” He lifted his gaze and Ash kept reading from where he stopped. Patrick wiggled in his bed and after a few pages more his eye closed. This time he kept reading till a soft snore came from the pup’s lips. He made a mental note to never stop reading when Patrick closed his eyes.
Carefully, Ash slipped away and placed the book on the stand. When he strolled out, Clover leaned on the wall with a smile on her lips.
“What? Are you spying on me?” Ash raised a brow and she giggled while he closed the door. Clover pushed off the wall and sauntered down the steps to the living room. Her ass bounced in her jeans and his wolf pushed ideas of taking her from behind into his mind. His fingers itched to touch her and bring her close to his body.
“No, I was listening to you read. I don’t have super wolf hearing like you, but I was quiet enough to sneak up the steps.” Clover smiled at him over her shoulder. He didn’t want to correct her, so he sat down next to her. Instead, he let his wolf play out a hundred ways he wanted to make Clover scream his name. They didn’t have a little person blocking them any longer.
“I see. Checking up on me then.” He couldn’t help looking at her round tits when she turned to face him in the living room. Hesitation filled her gaze giving him pause instead of taking off her clothes and taking her on the couch.
“Something like that. I know having Patrick in your life has thrown everything off kilter and I don’t want to mess your life up any more.” She adjusted her hair, not meeting his gaze.
“What are you saying, Clover?” He didn’t like where this was heading. His wolf howled at the idea of seeing her leave him.
“I think we should take this mating bond slow. I mean we have three days before we have to make a final decision.” She licked her lower lip and he resisted the urge to pull her closer. His wolf paced in his mind, wanting to be with her, on her, and even inside her warm body.
“What if I’ve already made my choice?” Ash studied her carefully. He didn’t want to scare her off, but he also didn’t want to be a pussy and let her walk away when he wanted her.
“And what’s your answer then?” She pushed some of her hair back from her face. Instead of using words, he leaned closer and pulled her into a kiss. Her soft lips were heavenly and sweet.
“I think you know my answer.” Ash rubbed his thumb over her jawline. “What’s yours?” Being so close made him harden quickly.
Clover’s eyes met his, hesitation filling her soft gaze. Before he had a chance to think of anything, she pushed him back onto the couch and climbed on top of him. Her lips were on his in seconds and he knew what she wanted.
“Crap.” She fumbled off him. “We should be talking not…” He pressed his fingers onto her lips.
“What else do we need to talk about?” His cock throbbed with need and her chest heaved making her supple breasts bounce. Oh, the things I’m going to do to her.
“Well, for starters, me leaving this house without you going crazy.” She tried to pull back but he kept her in place.
“As long as you promise to tell me where you’re headed for the next few weeks then I won’t flip out.”
“Weeks?” Clover’s eyes widened and anger tinted her scent. He shoved his fingers through her soft curls.
“Until the hunter threat is over to you and Patrick.” Ash didn’t want to put either of them in unnecessary danger. The anger vanished from her eyes and faded from her scent.
“Oh, right.” Clover sighed heavily. “Do you really think they’ll try to get him again?” This time when she pulled away he let her go.
“They tried with the last two kids who escaped them. But I’ll keep you and him safe.” Ash stood pulling her up with him.
“Where are we going?” Her eyes roamed down his body and his cock bounced against his clothes.
“To my room. I can’t keep focused with my cock throbbing in my jeans.” Ash liked the light blush covering her cheeks.
“Such naughty words, Ash Taylor.” She giggled.
“Where did you find my last name?” They climbed the steps quietly. He didn’t want Patrick waking up right now and he hoped the kid slept like a rock.
“Tara told me.” Clover smiled.
“Of course, she did.” He entered his room and she scanned over the bed. Hesitation returned to her stance.
“Before we mate, I need to tell you one thing.”
“What?” He took off his shirt and her eyes focused on his chest before she blinked a few times.
“I…um…Right now I want to stay a human. I don’t want to become a wolf.” She didn’t meet his gaze and Ash didn’t like it.
“Is there a reason behind this?” He closed the gap and forced her to meet his gaze.
“I’m scared of dying. Tara told me I could if I don’t have the gene thing.” She bit down on her lower lip and he kissed her head.
“We’ll talk about it later. Right now, I want you in my bed. Get undressed and I’ll be right back.” He walked into the bathroom and pulled out his phone. With as much speed as possible, he sent a quick text to the alpha about him imprinting with Clover and that they would be completing the bond.
‘Congrats. I knew it would happen. Text me tomorrow if you have a lead about the hunters.’ The alpha reminded him what he had to prioritize tomorrow.
‘Will do.’
He rocked on his toes and then tapped out a message to Tara. ‘Why the fuck would you tell Clover
the change could kill her?’
Ash glanced at the door, he didn’t want to make her wait but he needed a fucking answer.
‘She deserved the truth. Until she actually imprinted with someone, I didn’t want her going out and dying because she doesn’t have a wolf mate.’
‘Well, I’m her fucking mate! And you scared the hell out of her not to become a wolf.’
He wanted to yell at Tara for jumping the damn shift but he didn’t want to worry Clover.
‘Yes! I was right. Why are you talking to me and not with her?’
‘You better explain shit tomorrow.’ He placed his phone on the counter and shoved off his jeans, leaving him in his briefs.
When he opened the door he liked finding Clover naked on his bed, but her arm covered her chest and a hand covered her core. Red tinted her cheeks and rolled down her beautiful chest.
“Don’t cover yourself. I want to see every inch of you.” He spoke low and met her gaze. She inched her hands away from her body and his cock lifted to attention. The problems with not wanting to change would have to wait. He needed to claim every inch of her perfect body.
Chapter Eleven
Clover
Clover couldn’t believe her eyes as Ash stood naked in front of her. Before she met Ash, she’d wanted excitement, and here she stood about to experience it with a werewolf. He had just pushed off his briefs and his cock bobbed away from him. Once he entered her, all of it became hers and he looked freaking big.
“Don’t worry, I’ll fit.” He winked and crossed the room. Clover took in a deep breath and tried to relax. Any second now she would be bound to him forever. He crawled up her body trailing kisses as he inched up. With each sweet kiss, the tension eased from her muscles. “I’m not going to hurt you, Clover.”
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