His Wolf's Desire

by Shannon Nydia

  “Trust me for one night.”

  He tugged her out of the car, then shut the door, and they began the long walk to the front porch. They ascended the stairs together, and Jayla took one last deep breath before reaching out to knock on the door. But she hesitated.

  BRAD MET JAYLA’S gaze, and the weariness shimmering in her eyes affected him in a way he wasn’t prepared for. Although he didn’t understand what she was going through, pure male pride propelled him, and he knew he’d do whatever he needed to erase all traces of the worry on her features. The sight of her in distress tugged at his heart.

  Instinctively he threaded his hands in her hair and rested his forehead against hers. “Trust me, baby. Please.”

  Jayla’s eyes flickered with startled sentiment as she pulled back.

  TO JAYLA’S SURPRISE, Brad’s voice sounded raw with the sincerity of his words. His genuine concern affected her. And without thought, she placed her hand on his cheek, pushed up on her toes, and kissed him softly.

  “I trust you.”

  It was the first time they’d engaged in a kiss not initiated from the frenzy of their attraction to each other. Jayla’s wolf didn’t kiss Brad’s wolf. Jayla kissed Brad. As she pulled back, her fingers flew to her lips as she realized he was aware of their first non-wolf-driven kiss. His mouth turned up at the corners as he smiled at her. She couldn’t help returning the smile.

  BRAD WATCHED AS the door opened and their audience gave them a few seconds to pull apart before squeals and squeaks erupted all around. Three females surrounded Jayla as they all jumped around in a circle. Brad wanted to run.

  Chapter Eleven

  Brad stood idle as Jayla’s family addressed her.

  “Oh, Jayla, honey. Jasmine told us the good news. I can’t believe you’re moving down here for good. We are so excited you’re finally back home.”

  The woman whom Brad assumed was Jayla’s mother hugged her the tightest. She was a striking older woman. Mrs. Stanton was an inch shorter than Jayla, with shoulder-length hair pulled into a low ponytail. Age had just begun to show around the corners of her eyes, but they still sparkled with youthfulness. She smiled at Brad, giving him a wink.

  Jayla’s father came outside and wrapped his arms around her. “Hey, sweetie.” He bear-hugged his daughter, easily lifting her off the ground. He peered at Brad over the rim of his glasses, poker face set in stone.

  “Hi, Daddy.”

  After Jayla’s family greeted her, all attention turned to Brad. Next thing he knew there were five strangers staring at him.

  “Mom. Dad. Grandma. Jasmine. Danny.” Jayla reached down and intertwined her fingers with Brad’s, giving them a squeeze. “This is Brad.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you, Brad.” Jayla’s mom offered him a wide, sincere smile.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Stanton. It’s very nice to meet you.”

  “Ohhh. He’s a wolf.” Brad watched as the eldest Stanton female, who was still stunning for her age, stepped forward. She smiled at him as an amused awareness tugged at the corners of her mouth.

  “Brad. This sassy creature is my grandma Maya.”

  “Hi Ms.… Grandma Stanton…”

  “You can just call me Grandma Maya. Now let’s get a good look at you.”

  Grandma Maya ran her hands along his chest, turning him for her to inspect. “Oh, Jayla. He’s a good-looking wolf.”

  EMBARRASSED BEYOND BELIEF, Jayla pulled her grandmother’s hands away from Brad’s body. “Uhhh… Thank you, Grandma Maya.”

  “Mom, stop inspecting the boy like he’s a piece of meat.” Jayla’s dad shooed his mother out of the way, offering his hand. “Hello, Brad. Nice to meet you, son. You can call me Clarence.”

  Brad reached out and grasped his hand.

  Jayla’s dad nodded in approval. “You have a nice, firm handshake. Shows you have character.”

  “Nice to meet you, Clarence.”

  “So what’s your intention with our little Jay-Jay?”

  Shooting her mother a please-help-me look, Jayla stepped in between the two men.

  “Dad. Really?”

  “Clarence, how about we let Brad come into the house before we start harassing him?” Mrs. Stanton chuckled and patted her husband on the back, escorting him into the house.

  “Harassing? Who’s harassing? I’m just asking him a direct question.”

  “Oh, Clarence. Enough.” Jayla’s mom laughed. “Let’s go check the food on the grill in the backyard.” Mr. and Mrs. Stanton and Grandma Maya went in, leaving the younger generation still standing on the front porch.

  Seizing the opportunity, Jayla grabbed Brad’s hand and pulled him behind her into the house, into Jasmine’s kitchen. Jayla’s eyes narrowed in the direction of her sister, who followed them.

  “How could you, Jaz?”

  “It’s not my fault.”

  “Yeah right. So what’s up with the cryptic text message?”

  “It wasn’t my idea. It was Grandma’s… I just added the part about Sherlock Holmes.”

  Even though she remained pissed at her sister, at the mention of Sherlock Holmes, Jayla’s mouth twisted, despite her effort not to smile.

  “You know, Jasmine, I would love to know why you and your sister call me Sherlock Holmes.”

  It was clear Brad tried to change the subject to stop her and Jasmine from bickering further. Jayla pursed her lips before a huge smile spread across her face.

  Smiling at Brad for the first time, Jasmine shook her finger in his direction and chewed on her bottom lip for a moment. “I like you already. Any man who can put a big dopey smile on my sister’s face is a keeper.”

  Jasmine’s husband extended his hand toward Brad. “Hey, Brad. I’m Danny. Nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you too, Danny.”

  “Okay, you guys. We’re waiting.” Mrs. Stanton’s voice carried down the hallway and into the kitchen.

  Shrugging, Jasmine turned, obediently listening to her mother. Danny followed after her. With one last look between them, Brad and Jayla trailed behind.

  AS BRAD WALKED farther into the house, Jayla grabbed his hand in apparent desperation, and he clutched it right back. More than being nervous around her family, he didn’t know what to expect or what the hell would happen.

  At the beginning of the evening, he refused to let Jayla out of his sight. Hell, there was barely a moment when he wasn’t holding some part of her body. Jayla, being on the same page, hardly ever left his side.

  At first he’d been a little anxious he was overdoing it. But then he decided he needed to take his own advice. He let his wolf take over and allowed himself to date Jayla for the night. He found he liked being more hands-on than he’d ever been in the past. Jayla didn’t seem to mind, as her arms and hands were constantly on him. Nothing overdone. Just light caresses, hugs, holding hands, and gentle strokes. He loved it, and it felt so natural being this way with her—like it was meant to be.

  Brad wasn’t sure exactly when it happened, but at some point in the evening they both relaxed. Truth be told, he really liked Jayla’s family. They were down-to-earth and just nice people. Brad couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so comfortable around a group of shifters, much less a pack. He was having a great time. He laughed, ate, talked, and opened up more than he intended to. He felt accepted, which was a feeling he wasn’t used to having around shifters.

  One of the things he found the most amazing was Jayla. Her true self shined through around her family. He could tell how much she loved and adored them. He’d never seen her smile so much, and he found himself delighting in the sound of her constant laughter. On one of the few times Jayla walked away from him, he stood mesmerized, watching her interactions with the members of her family.

  “How you holding up, Brad?”

  Brad turned as Danny handed him a beer. “Thanks, man.” Twisting the cap off, he took a swig before continuing. “I’m doing good.”

  Danny smiled as he watched Jayla and Jasm
ine giggling and acting up. “Those two are something else. Nothing but trouble.”

  Brad grinned as he watched the sisters in action. Danny pulled out two lawn chairs, pointing to one for Brad to sit in. The men settled into the seats, watching their women for a few more moments. Having front-row views into the kitchen window, they watched Jasmine and Jayla as they huddled together, gossiping and laughing.

  “When I first met Jayla, she almost kicked my ass.”

  Brad couldn’t help smiling, imagining how protective Jayla must be of her sister.

  “Jaz and I were sneaking around, and it didn’t sit well with her family. Jayla threatened to skin me alive if I didn’t stay away from her sister. To tell you the truth, I feared Jayla more than her father.”

  “She’s a tough little cookie.”

  “Yes, she is.”

  “Why were you sneaking around?”

  “Jaz and I were so young, barely legal. I think our attraction for each other was in overdrive. We didn’t even realize we were mates. We were too young to distinguish between lust and love. I’d never experienced attraction like that in my life. I just assumed it was all physical. So instead of just asking Clarence for his permission to court his daughter, Jaz and I decided it would be easier to sneak around. We assumed her father would never approve of us if we weren’t mates.”

  “When did you realize you were mates?”

  “Not until I understood I loved Jasmine. I confessed how I felt to Clarence and asked for his permission to be with her. His blessing lifted a weight off our shoulders, and suddenly we could see things clear as day.”

  “He gave you his blessing before he knew you were mates?”

  “He knew we loved each other, and it was enough for him.”

  “I just assumed he would want his girls to be with their mates.”

  “Of course it’s ideal. But it’s not the only way, Brad. I know you and Jay aren’t mates, but I’ve never seen her so happy. If you’re worried about the family, about the pack not accepting you… Well, as long as you make her happy, it’s all everyone cares about.”

  “You care for Jayla?”

  “Of course, man. Anyone related to my amazing wife already has a special place in my heart. Jayla is great. And I have to tell you… I’m really happy she’s with you. She’s put herself through a lot of unneeded heartache. And it seems she’s finally ready to move on.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I never thought she was going to get over Charles.”

  Brad frowned, turning his head to view Jayla again. “I’ve heard the name before. She has a thing for him?”

  “Noooo. Oh, no. That’s not what I meant. She always felt like she had to end up with him. I think she harbors a lot of cynicism because of it.”

  “Cynicism?”

  Danny took a quick peek back at the sisters laughing and paying the guys no attention.

  “Shit. Jay’s going to kill me for telling her business. Look, all I know is because of him, she’s terrified of meeting her mate. Jayla believed she and Charles were destined to be together. When they reconnected in college, she tried to force herself to care for him. It freaked her out that she didn’t want to be with him, even though she assumed her wolf gave her no choice in the matter. When she found the courage to break up with him, she took it hard. And it took her a long time to realize she’d been wrong about her assumption of their union. Ever since then she’s stayed away from wolves because she doesn’t trust her instincts.”

  Brad fell silent for a few moments, taking in everything Danny had shared with him. Then he asked the obvious question.

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “I want you to know I haven’t… I’ve never seen her so happy. You’re good for her. I’m telling you this so you understand what you’re inheriting. I love Jay, and I want her to be happy. Somehow you’ve gotten her to let her guard down. I know how complicated relationships are, and in no way am I making assumptions about your future with her. But however long you two are dating, please just handle my sister-in-law with care.”

  Brad could see the concern in Danny’s eyes and hear it in his voice. In no way did he take Danny’s words as a threat. Rather, he understood them for what they were: a gentle plea to take care of someone he held very dear. It made Brad respect the hell out of Danny for being so loyal and so protective of Jayla. Before Brad could say anything, Clarence came outside and pulled up a chair, joining the two men.

  “How’s it going, Brad?”

  “Fine, Mr. Stanton.”

  “I want you to call me Clarence. No need to be formal, son. I suspect you’re the reason my daughter is grinning from ear to ear. And my mother and wife already adore you. They have good intuition when it comes to people. So it’s good enough for me.” Clarence chuckled, pulling his glasses off to clean the lenses with the hem of his shirt.

  “Let me go get you a beer, Clarence.”

  “Thanks, Danny. No rush. It gives me time to talk with Brad a little.”

  “Thanks for the talk and the beer, Danny. I appreciate it.” Brad lifted his bottle of beer in the air.

  “Anytime.”

  Danny and Brad made eye contact, communicating the mutual respect the two now shared. Danny patted Brad on the back, then jogged up the stairs and disappeared inside, leaving him alone with Clarence.

  “I have to admit, Brad; it is nice having another man in the mix. The ladies don’t outnumber us as much as before. Not that Daniel and I couldn’t handle ourselves, but at least now we have a fighting chance to veto things when they’re put to vote.”

  Brad chuckled.

  “So where’d you meet my Jay-Jay?”

  Jayla and Brad never went over their cover story. He didn’t know what to say, so he took a chance and tried being as honest as he could.

  “We work together.”

  “I see… Wait a minute. So you’re the brilliant Bradford Dalton.”

  “I wouldn’t say brilliant.”

  “She’s talked about you for years. You’re the reason she applied for the job with Graybar and Associates.”

  “Me?”

  “She’s always admired you.”

  That statement rendered Brad speechless.

  “Obviously the two of you never talked about her professional adoration. Don’t say anything to Jay. I just assumed she would have told you.”

  “No sir, I didn’t know. I won’t say anything.”

  Clarence put his glasses back. “Where’s your pack from, son?”

  “Back east.”

  “I’m sorry. It must be hard for you. Must be hard for your pack. It was hard when Jayla was in Seattle. It’s so nice having her back.”

  Brad smiled at Clarence, nodding in agreement.

  “Has Jayla met your pack yet?”

  “Uhhh… No, sir.”

  Clarence nodded this time. “How do you feel about my daughter?”

  “I… My wolf…”

  A huge smile spread across Clarence’s face. “Son, don’t say anything you’re not ready to say. Be honest with yourself. Don’t push yourself into anything. The best thing you can do for you and for Jayla is be honest about your feelings. Being wolves can be a complicated mess sometimes.”

  “I want you to know I never want to hurt your daughter.”

  Brad and Clarence both turned their attention to Jayla as she came speed-walking up to them, panic written all over her face. From the kitchen window she must have noticed Brad’s face turned serious, matching her father’s. “Daddy? Are you out here grilling Brad?”

  “Sweetheart. No need to get worked up. I know you told us not to give Brad a hard time. But I’m your father. And I think I have the right to have a friendly conversation with him.”

  “Yes, but—”

  “But nothing. I wasn’t going to say anything, but your behavior has me wondering something.”

  “What?” Jayla couldn’t hide the panic in her voice.

  “I think things are a little
more serious than you want us to believe.”

  Brad stood up instinctively and put his arm around Jayla. Looking Clarence Stanton square in the eyes, Brad knew he couldn’t—he wouldn’t—lie to him.

  “Yes, sir. It’s more serious than we wanted all of you to believe.”

  The most satisfied grin spread across the older man’s face. Reaching out, he patted Brad on the shoulder. Turning to walk away, Clarence stopped and pivoted toward Brad and Jayla. “I like your honesty, son. Just be good to each other.”

  As her father walked away, Jayla’s and Brad’s eyes connected as they digested Clarence’s words.

  * * * *

  Brad was very aware during the drive back to Jayla’s house that neither of them spoke. He assumed that, just like him, Jayla was processing everything that had occurred while meeting with her family. When they pulled into Jayla’s apartment building parking lot, they sat in silence as Brad parked his truck.

  Taking off her seat belt, Jayla turned toward him. “I think it went great. What do you think?” She twirled a lock of her hair, then let it go.

  “I think it went perfect.”

  “We fooled them. They think we’re dating.”

  Brad should have been relieved, but instead a heaviness that he didn’t understand settled in his heart.

  Wringing her hands in her lap, Jayla chewed on her bottom lip. “Well hey, I feel good. This is the first time in weeks I haven’t felt restless.”

  “I know what you mean. My wolf is calm.”

  “Mine too. So… I think I’m going to sleep alone at my house tonight. What do you think, Brad?”

  Clenching his jaw, he made himself nod in agreement.

  “Usually I get agitated when you get ready to leave. But I feel okay. I think I’m… My wolf is okay with you leaving. I think we’re doing it, Brad. I think we’ve appeased our wolves enough to be able to function away from each other. At least for a while, anyway.”

  Offering her a small smile, he ran his hand through his hair. “I agree. Good. So get some rest.”

  “Okay.” She hesitated before opening the truck door.