by Lisa Kessler
I brought our joined hands to my lips, breathing in Wendy’s scent as I kissed her soft skin. “When she turned me down and flew home, the rejection hurt so bad I promised myself I’d never care about anyone again. No more serious relationships. I stopped dreaming of a family of my own and lost myself in my career. I’m a prize, right?” I paused and glanced her way. “I guess you can’t run away up here, either.”
She lifted my hand up and placed it over her heart. “Nice and even, right? And I’m not even tapping my toe. You don’t scare me, Chandler Williams.”
Fuck, I could love this woman. Maybe I already did.
She lowered my hand to her thigh. “I didn’t know why my wolf came unglued when we touched, but just so you know, I fell for you way before last night when Kaya told me what it felt like to find your mate.”
“Oh yeah?” I waggled my eyebrows, and she laughed.
“It was before I got your pants off, too.”
Now I was curious. “Was it when I told you I knew you were a werewolf?”
She rolled her eyes. “No.” She sobered, tracing a finger up my forearm. “It was the moment I socked you, and you smiled at me.” I glanced her way, surprised to see tears in her beautiful eyes. “You saw more in me than anyone ever had.” She sniffled with a smile. “You showed me I could protect myself and the people I care about. I stopped seeing myself as a victim that day because you believed in me before I believed in myself. I still can’t put into words how much it meant to me.”
I cupped her cheek, searching her eyes. “You had it in you all along.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “You were bitten, attacked by a werewolf, lost your entire family, and you never ever gave up. I’ve never met anyone as strong as my mate.” Mine.
Her stormy eyes sparkled as we soared inches from Heaven. “I am yours.”
There was a chance I’d never be able to wipe the smile off my face. “Whatever happens after we land, I will be there for you, I’ll protect you, and I’ll fight for you.”
She smiled. “I’ll be fighting right beside you.”
“I’m sorry I kept you at arm’s length like I did. I just… I didn’t know what to do. When I realized you were Bart and Ben’s aunt, I figured you’d become part of the pack and…” I rubbed the bridge of my nose, forcing the emotion back. “I never meant to hurt you.”
“Just promise you won’t push me away again.”
I shook my head. “I’ll never push you away again.”
The radio came to life with flight patterns as we neared the city. She patted my leg and chuckled. “You should get us on the ground safely so we can make out.”
I raised a brow. “I’ll expect tongue.”
She rested her head on my shoulder and laughed. “Guaranteed.”
CHAPTER 21
Wendy
We got out of the taxi in front of the University of San Francisco Hospital and the wind assaulted my senses, sending me into sensory overload with all the scents—from the salty air to car exhaust to perfumes to myriad foods.
Chandler took my hand in his, grounding me. “Big cities are tough now, huh?”
I nodded, appreciating that he understood exactly what I was going through. I met his eyes and smiled. “I can’t wait to meet Madison.”
The lines around his eyes made the stress impossible to miss. I wished I could ease his pain, but the best I could do was be present. And I had every intention of being there for him, my mate. It still seemed unbelievable that fate had chosen him for me, and I’d already reached out to him before we had ever touched. Had I sensed our connection on some level, or had fate given me a nudge?
Plus, he’d heard my wolf howl during the full moon. He’d flown over me, seeing me. Was it all destiny unfolding?
It made my head spin.
Chandler took a deep breath. “I’m apologizing in advance for my parents.”
“They don’t scare me.” And I meant it.
A half-hearted smile curved his lips. “We better get up there.”
When we got off the elevator on the sixth floor, Chandler sniffed before turning right. It took me a second to realize he could find his sister by her scent. Once I met her, I probably could, too. Now that I was embracing my wolf instead of fighting her, it was easier to tap into my new heightened senses, to depend on them.
A blond woman in a ponytail perked up as we rounded the corner. She hopped to her feet and raced into Chandler’s arms, squeezing him tightly. I gave them some space while he embraced her. She had the same straight nose and bright-blue eyes. There was no denying they were related.
When she stepped back, she turned toward me. “You must be Wendy, right? Chandler mentioned you in his text this morning.”
I nodded with a smile. “And you’re Madison. He told me all about you.”
“Yep. I’m his baby sister.” She nudged her brother. “You only shared the good stuff, right?”
Chandler chuckled. “Of course. I didn’t want to scare her off.” He sobered. “That’s Dad’s job.” He pointed at the door. “How’s he doing?”
“Stable. Mom’s in there with him.” She hooked her arm with his. “They’re taking him to surgery in an hour. We should go in.”
Chandler caught my hand with an unspoken thank-you in his eyes. When we got to the door, his parents looked up from their newspapers as if we had just interrupted them around the breakfast table. His father had white hair, deep lines around his mouth and forehead, and the blue of his eyes didn’t have the same intensity, but the resemblance was uncanny and undeniable.
“Chandler?” His father’s deep voice carried an air of authority. He glanced at his wife. “Elaine, did you know Chandler was coming?”
His mother had streaks of silver in her perfectly styled bob. If I didn’t know better, I might think she had a business meeting instead of waiting for her husband to have heart surgery. Her glasses were low on her nose as her brown eyes slid to our joined hands and back up to my face. “And who are you?”
Chandler squeezed my hand. “This is Wendy.”
His father studied us next, his lips curving into a humorless smirk. “You didn’t bring her here to propose, did you? Didn’t you learn anything from that last woman you brought to meet us?”
I had to bite my cheek to keep from calling his dad an asshole. Probably not a good first impression.
“Stop it, Dad.” Madison rolled her eyes, walking around to the far side of their father’s bed. “I guess your sarcasm is a sign that you’re feeling better.”
“I came because Madison asked me to.” Chandler’s voice was tight.
“Well, I don’t know why she’d call you.” He spoke to Chandler, but he was focused on his daughter. “It’s a bypass, that’s all. Minor heart attack.”
“Glad you’ll be all right,” Chandler replied, sounding anything but.
His father folded the newspaper and handed it to Madison before looking at us again. “Wendy, do you have a last name?”
“I’m Wendy Cain.” I realized suddenly that Chandler and I hadn’t discussed what to tell his parents about our relationship. Obviously, I couldn’t tell them he was my mate and we were shapeshifters. But girlfriend? Associate? I didn’t know, so I blurted out, “I run the Cain Foundation in Phoenix. We met when Chandler did a news segment on the opera.”
His father sized me up from his hospital bed. In spite of his current patient-gown wardrobe, the man had presence. I kept my chin up, refusing to be bullied. Through the foundation, I’d encountered plenty of rich old men who thought they could push me around, and that was before Chandler had helped me connect with my wolf.
Finally, he turned his attention to his son. “Since when do you enjoy the opera?”
“Since Wendy took me to see Carmen.” Chandler looked over at his sister. “I think we better go. You can text me when he’s out.”
Chandler’s mother stood up and set her paper aside before shaking my hand. “I’m Elaine, and you’ve already met my husband, Arthur.” She
released my hand. “It’s good to meet you, Wendy.”
I forced a smile. “Likewise. Chandler told me you’re an architect?”
She glanced at her son and back to me. “Yes. I’m a partner at a firm here in the city.” She turned to Chandler. “Are you still working in Phoenix?”
I stepped back, giving them a little space. How long had it been since he’d talked to them? He’d told me about the proposal to his ex, but I hadn’t asked when it had happened.
While they chatted, his dad gestured for me to come closer. He kept his voice low. “What does the Cain Foundation do?”
“We’re a philanthropic supporter of the arts.”
A spark lit his eyes. “I see.”
I raised a brow. “Excuse me?”
He chuckled. “I should’ve known my son would look for the easy route to success.”
I blinked. “My foundation has nothing to do with Chandler’s career.”
Hearing his name, Chandler came to my side. “We should go.”
His dad shook his head. “Did you bring her here to impress me?”
“No.” Chandler took my hand. “I brought her with me because I enjoy her company.” He met my eyes. “We’re a team.”
Despite standing in a hospital room with a condescending parent, my heart melted.
He focused on his dad again. “I hope the surgery goes well.”
His father seemed flummoxed for a second, struggling for a spiteful comeback. He settled back into the bed. “If you’re trying to confirm your spot in my will, you’re too late. I corrected that mistake years ago when I wrote you out of it.”
Chandler tensed beside me, and I tightened my hand in his.
Before I could stop myself, I turned to his dad. “I’m glad I got to meet you, Mr. Williams.” His dad’s blue eyes glanced my way in surprise. I smirked and added, “Now I know Chandler’s nothing like you, which is a testament to his character.”
Leaving him gaping like a fish out of water, I left the room.
In the hallway, my hands trembled with adrenaline, the wolf growling deep in my soul. I’d never been so rude before, but the instinct to protect my mate had been overwhelming and impossible to control. Chandler had warned me about his father, but nothing could have prepared me for that.
I looked up as someone came through the door, startled to see Chandler’s mother.
“Wendy?” She didn’t look angry or upset as she approached, but I remained defensive. She cleared her throat. “I’m afraid my husband can be abrasive at times.”
I chuckled, releasing some of the tension coiling in my muscles. “Abrasive is someone who wants a discount off a dinner check. That was cruel.”
She pursed her lips, mulling my words before she met my eyes. “Arthur’s father was a general. He pushed him to excel. Arthur did the same with Chandler. It’s how they show their love.”
I rested my hand on my hip. “Writing his only son out of a will is a funny way to show love.”
“I just wanted you to understand. We do love Chandler, but he could be so much more than a face on television.”
The voices from her husband’s hospital room were tense. It was tough to focus when two conversations were competing.
“Is that all he is to you?” I struggled to keep my voice down. Chandler’s hearing as a jaguar shifter wasn’t quite as strong as mine, but I’d rather not have him hear what I was about to say. “Your son has overcome obstacles you couldn’t even dream of, and he didn’t let anything stop him from going after his dreams and making them happen. He’s passionate about elevating stories that need to be told and bringing people facts even when they’re not popular or comfortable. When was the last time either of you did that? He’s sacrificed more than you’ll ever know.” I shook my head. “He doesn’t need your money or your legacy. He’s got plenty of friends who love him like family should.”
She blinked, her dark-brown eyes shining as she took my hand in both of hers. “Good.” Her grip on me tightened as she whispered, “I’m glad we got to meet you.”
She walked away, disappearing back into the room, leaving me speechless. The gleam in her eyes had been a window into her soul. There was love for Chandler there, but an inability to express it. Now his methodical plan for marriage and family made sense. He’d been looking for a partner with like interests and career goals. Love hadn’t played a role because this couple had been his blueprint.
No wonder he’d been running hot and cold on me.
Chandler came out of the room like a freight train and wrapped me in his arms, growling into my hair. “I’m sorry I brought you here.”
I held him tight. “I’m not.”
He pulled back, confusion lining his face. “He’s an asshole.”
“Yeah.” I nodded, caressing his cheek. “But you rose above all that.”
His crooked, exhausted smile made my knees weak. “I’m glad you weren’t in there a few minutes ago. I was definitely down at his level.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “He had it coming.”
“Thanks for being my wingman.” He searched my eyes, his grin softening as he whispered, “I love you.”
For a second, I thought I must’ve imagined it. His smile dimmed and I realized my stunned silence was being mistaken for doubt. I kissed him long and slow and whispered, “I love you too.”
“Let’s get out of here.” He put his arm around my waist as we headed for the elevator. I rested my head against him, my pulse slowing to match his. I couldn’t wait to get back to Sedona.
CHAPTER 22
Chandler
The main doors slid open as we walked out of the hospital. Behind us, Madison shouted, “Chandler, wait!”
I turned around, and my sister hugged me tight. “I’m sorry.”
“Not your fault.” I released her. “Are you going to be all right?”
“Yeah.” She nodded. “I feel horrible. I just didn’t want…” She shook her head. “Before he went under the knife, I thought maybe he could mend fences, not destroy them with a bulldozer.”
“I expected no less.” I shrugged. “I’m fine, really.” I glanced over at Wendy and back to my sister. “I’m not looking for his approval anymore.”
Madison nodded. “I know. I just hoped…”
“We could be a happy family?” A sad smile curved my lips. “I think that ship’s sailed.”
Her gaze flicked to Wendy before she met my eyes again. “I’m glad you found someone who appreciates how awesome you are.”
“Thanks.” I draped my arm around my sister’s shoulders. “You know, you’re welcome to join me in Arizona. You might like it.”
She shrugged. “I’ve got my job and Vivi up in Lake Tahoe.” She met my eyes. “But I’ll think about it.”
I kissed the top of her head. “I love you, sis.”
“I love you, too.” She turned to Wendy and gave her a hug. “Thanks for being so good to my brother.”
“Easiest thing I’ve ever done,” Wendy said as she came to my side.
I took her hand, enjoying the way she threaded her fingers with mine. All the pain in my chest evaporated. The approval and encouragement I’d always yearned for was right here. This was love. My parents were broken, not me. Okay, I was little battered, but Wendy was helping me repair the cracks, one by one.
“Let me know how the surgery goes,” I said.
Wendy nodded. “I will. Fly carefully.”
“Always.” I winked.
She laughed. “I’m still not letting you take me up in that tiny plane!”
Madison went back inside the hospital, and I turned to Wendy, my breath catching in my throat for a second.
She raised a brow. “What?”
“You are so beautiful.” The way her eyes sparkled, the way she smiled at me—everything about her spoke to me.
She rolled her eyes, tugging me toward the sidewalk. “I’m sure I look horrible. Plus, I just told off your parents.” She shook her head. “I’m not seeing a
ny big family holidays in our future.”
I laughed. “You seriously think I’m spending another holiday with them?”
She looked over her shoulder with a grin. “Do you think the pack will invite me to theirs?”
“You’re already part of the pack if you want to be.”
We walked to the corner, and she stopped. “Really?”
I nodded. “Asher told me to find out if you wanted to join, but you need to understand what it means first.”
“It means we stick together. Us against the world, right?”
“Yeah.” We crossed the street, and I lowered my voice. “But the ‘world’ for a pack of shifters is a dangerous place. You got through three years on your own without having anyone shooting at you. Our pack has never had such a long peaceful stretch.”
“I’ll keep training.” She squeezed my hand. “I want to be part of a family again.”
My phone vibrated. I took it out and stared at the text on the screen.
Wendy frowned. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s from my producer at the station.” I met her eyes. “Brad Newport is requesting an interview with me tomorrow night.”
“Is that a problem?”
“It’s the new moon.” I clenched my teeth and slid my phone back into my pocket. “He’s part of the Transparency Collective. That’s why he’s running for office. If he gets a seat in the Senate and onto the Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, he’ll declassify the shifter research.” I glanced over at her. “We handled Evolution Defense, but we never finished talking about Newport. Do you really know about his donors?”
“I know Deidra donated to his campaign, but I didn’t know she’d experimented on him at the time. I thought she supported his candidacy. Now… I don’t know.”
“It could have been hush money.” I stopped in front of the Marriott. “I need to think, eat, and come up with a plan. We might have to fly back in the morning.”
“All right.” She eyed me for a second before adding, “You’re not thinking about accepting the interview tomorrow, are you?”