by Terra Wolf
“I was hoping we could talk for a few minutes. Not long.”
“About what?”
“About your daughter. About why she seems unaccepting of her panther duties.” I cleared my throat. Having this conversation with her mom seemed a little odd and uncomfortable.
“Ahh. You want me to help you change her mind?”
I scratched the back of my head. I didn’t know how long she was going to make me stand on this porch. “Not change her mind, exactly. If there’s one thing I’ve figured out about Tessa, it’s that she has strong opinions. Maybe she gets those from you.” I grinned.
The woman wasn’t having any of it. She pressed her lips together.
“Jaguar charm won’t work on me, Josh.”
“No, No. I’m not saying it will.” Suddenly I was backpedaling and I didn’t know why. I was the damn alpha here, not her.
“Maybe you should go.” She wheeled enough to push the door closed, but I jammed my foot in the threshold.
“No.” I eyed her. “I’d like to come in.”
I could see her trying to decide how to let this play out. “All right. But you have five minutes. That’s all.”
“Thank you.”
She moved enough for me to enter.
Five minutes might be all I needed to find out why Tessa was so hellbent on sending me away.
6
Tessa
It didn’t seem to matter what engine I worked on; it was there in the back of my head. Josh was here. He was in Four Corners because of me, and he wasn’t going away easily. I thought about that kiss last night. A kiss that brought my panther to the surface even when I told her to calm down.
I didn’t know she could be called out so quickly. Josh was teaching me new things about my animal side I wasn’t sure I was comfortable with.
He was cocky and arrogant. Smug and a complete flirt. Maybe the problem with him was that he knew how gorgeous he was. He knew women would break down doors to get in his bed. He knew he could take home anyone he wanted.
In this case, the only one he wanted to take home was me.
I couldn’t shake it. The kiss. The pull to him. The fact that he was slowly getting under my skin.
“Tessa? Tessa? Are you done with the oil change?”
I fastened the oil cap back on and wiped my hands. “Mrs. Palmers, it’s ready for you.”
Like clockwork, she brought in her Buick every three thousand miles. She never let the engine go a mile over, even though I had told her it would be okay if she let a few miles slide. I appreciated her loyalty and her commitment to my shop.
“You do such nice work, Tessa.” She smiled at me.
“I enjoy it.” I started the engine for her just to make sure it sounded smooth and steady, the way she liked it.
“And you’re neat. Anywhere else I go, those men are so messy.” It was my favorite compliment.
“Thank you.”
“I can’t imagine going anywhere else to have my car serviced.” Her gray eyebrows knitted together.
“Well, you don’t.” I squeezed her shoulder. “I’m happy to help you with your car anytime you need.” Her husband had died three years ago, and the widow had leaned on the community to get back into the swing of things.
“But if I did have to. If you moved, dear. Or if you closed the garage.”
I whipped around to stare at her. “Did you hear something? I’m not closing the garage, Mrs. Palmers.” I needed to put this rumor to rest immediately.
She fidgeted with her wallet before handing me a few bills to pay for the oil change.
“I’m sure it was only gossip.” She waved her hand in the air. “I shouldn’t worry about gossip.”
“No, no, you shouldn’t. But where did you hear this gossip, if I may ask?”
“When I had coffee this morning with my friend Alma. You know Alma Sands?”
I nodded. “Of course I do.”
“Well she said she heard that you were in a serious relationship and might be interested in closing the shop to get married. It’s not that we blame you, hon. We don’t. Love makes us do crazy things. I know. I followed my Albert to the end of the world.”
I felt the rage simmer in my chest. “I’m not closing or selling or leaving the garage. I promise.” I tapped her wrist. “And I’m not in a relationship or in love. So wherever that came from is just completely and utterly wrong. Who would start a rumor like that?”
“Well dear, if you must know, it was your mother.”
My mouth dropped and I stared at one of my favorite customers. The unthinkable had finally happened.
“Mom! Mom!” I stormed through the front door, not closing it behind me. “Where are you?”
“In here.” She was parked at the kitchen table, hunched over her sewing machine. “I’ve got curtains to finish for Alma Sands.”
“Ahh, so that’s how she heard about Josh.” I placed my hands on my hips. “The question is how did you hear about Josh?”
It was easy to trace the grapevine around town. I had heard my share at the shop. I just never expected the source to be my own mother. I didn’t like being the center of gossip. Having everyone in town speculate about Josh and me was enough to make me go crazy. Today was only the first sample of what was to come. The rumors had already started I might close the garage because of him.
“Why didn’t you tell me he was in town?”
“Because I’m hoping he’ll leave town.” I sat across from her. Her eyes were on the needle as it threaded the hem of the café curtain.
“You should have called me, Tessa. Or at least warned me.”
“Warned you? I can handle him. I’m taking care of it.” It sounded convincing, at least.
“I met him. You should know he came by yesterday afternoon.”
“And that’s all it took? One afternoon and he convinced you that I should give up everything and marry him?”
She let go of the sewing machine and looked at me. “Tessa, he had some convincing arguments.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure. That’s all he has. Reasons and laws. History and obligations. Generations of traditions. Blah, blah, blah. But I can’t leave everything to be his mate. You know that.”
“What I know is that we all have to make sacrifices. And maybe this is yours.”
“I sacrifice every day. I work my ass off in that garage to hold on to this house. To keep Grandpa’s garage. To pay for things you need.” I didn’t want to say it was because of her condition, but it was expensive to add ramps, and I was still paying off the loan for the van she drove.
I looked at her sternly. “Mom, this little rumor is going to cost me business. I’ve worked too hard to lose all of this.”
“I’m not saying you don’t work hard. But that’s a different side of life than being a shifter. You can’t choose the shop over your duties. And I didn’t tell anyone you’re selling the shop. That’s absurd.”
I hopped from the table and looked through the fridge. There was a pitcher of iced tea. I poured two glasses and put one in front of my mother.
“Here’s the thing, Mom. I’ve heard of a group of she-panthers in Sullen’s Grove. They’re in North Carolina. They’re taking a stand against the traditions. They’re doing what they want to do.”
“They’re together?”
“Yes.” I nodded. “In the same town. They’ve left their territories to work together.”
“And that’s something that interests you? Rebellion?”
I hung my head. It was dishonorable. It was a slap in the face to what my mother had sacrificed for me. It wasn’t the kind of panther she had raised.
“No, but I want time to think. I wanted a heads up he was coming. I feel like I was blindsided.
“And now he’s here and I feel like I’m losing control. He knows where I work and live. He’s come to see you. I can’t control him. I don’t know where he’s going to pop up next. He’s always there, throwing me off balance.”
She sigh
ed as if my answer eased her worries. It was clear she didn’t like the idea of the Sullen’s Grove rebellion. I wasn’t sure I was that kind of panther either, but that was part of the problem. I was trying to figure out too many parts of my future all at once.
“Do you want my advice, Tessa?”
“Yes, Mom. I do. I need it. Because right now, I’m drowning in anger and resentment. I’m mad he’s here. I’m mad he showed up and wants to ruin everything I’ve built.”
Her glass made a thump on the table. “Is there anything else in there other than anger? Or is the anger clouding all the love and kindness I know in you? Have you asked yourself that? Is there something else there?”
I couldn’t look at her. Of course there was. I felt a strong connection to Josh. Maybe that was what I resented the most. He showed up with his sexy smile, to-die-for body, and an electric charge in the air that I had started to crave.
She answered for me. “Give him a chance. Give the shifter process a chance. There’s a reason this has been a part of your heritage for generations. There’s a reason he’s here. There’s a reason you feel so strongly. Stop pushing against it and listen to it.”
“But, Mom. Everything will change.”
“Life changes anyway, sweetheart. There’s nothing you can do to stop that. Something else is going to come along and make you question everything. This isn’t the first or last time. This is what it means to live. Josh isn’t here to ruin your life. He wants to be a good mate, but you’ve got to give him a chance.”
“What did he say to you?” I looked at her over my tea. “What could he possibly say with that charming smile of his to prompt this speech?”
She laughed. “He is charming. I wouldn’t even let him in the door when he showed up.”
I giggled. Served him right. He needed to learn to use a damn phone.
Her tone changed. “But I listened. He has good intentions. And I think he could make you happy. And that’s all I want for you. Happiness and a life that fulfills you.”
She reached her hand across the table and squeezed my fingers.
“Live this life for the both of us.” She smiled. “Listen to whatever else is in there. Tune out the anger. Can you do that for me?”
I nodded. “I can try.”
“Good. That’s all I ask.”
7
Josh
I decided to stop by the garage on my way out of town. Drew needed me in Mill Valley for a couple of days. I didn’t want to leave, but my brotherhood was a priority as well.
I could see Tessa leaning over the hood of a car. Her hair was swept to the side and she wore tight jeans that hugged her ass in all the right spots. She made it hard to leave and she didn’t even know how I felt about her.
She wouldn’t give me the time to show her, or tell her. The few conversations we had were filled with sexual tension and non-stop banter. I had to find a way to break through that.
I cleared my throat as I walked inside the car bay.
“Hey, there.”
She turned to face me, locking the hood in place. “Hey. I didn’t expect to see you.”
“I wanted to let you know I’m going to be gone for a night or two, but just a quick trip. Thought I’d say goodbye.”
“Oh?” I wasn’t sure if there was a smile on her lips. It hurt. I didn’t want that look on her face. I wanted anguish and heartbreak.
“Yeah, one of the other Tribe members needs me to help him out with something. I’ll drive back as soon as we’re done.”
“Okay.” She turned back to the engine.
“That’s it?” I stood behind her, not ceasing to study how her clothes clung to her. I swore no other mechanic was as sexy as this one was. And she was supposed to be mine.
She shrugged. “Have a good trip?”
“We’re going to talk when I get back. A long talk,” I threatened.
“Oh, yeah, we should do that,” she taunted me.
Where in the hell did this panther come from? Why did she think she could run the show? Call the shots? I was tired of it.
“Tessa, sooner or later you’re going to regret this. All of this. This time we could be spending together. Time we could be getting to know each other. You could be going on this road trip with me today.”
She spun to face me, tossing a wrench on the floor. “Just because you’ve managed to brainwash my mother and half the widows of this town doesn’t mean I’m going to bow down to your charm and your sex appeal.”
“I have sex appeal now?” I smirked.
She blushed. “That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m saying you can’t sweet talk me into this deal.”
“Then what can I do?” I swept my hand around her lower back and drew her toward me.
I heard the gasp and saw the flicker in her eyes.
“Not this.” She breathed. But she didn’t wiggle. She didn’t try to pry herself out of my arms. Her eyes locked on mine.
This close to her, I could hear her heartbeat. I could see the lust in her eyes. I could smell her skin. I dipped to kiss her lips, and before I knew it, I had her wrapped in my arms. The kisses were like wildfire spreading from her mouth to her neck to her throat as I moved down her body. I lifted her to the hood of the car and she wrapped her legs around my waist.
If she doubted whether I wanted her before, there was no guessing it now. I was hard against my jeans and felt the sweet heat between her legs. I pulled her hair, pressing my mouth harder on hers. I couldn’t get enough. Taste enough. Drink enough. I wanted every ounce of her.
“Tessa,” I whispered, feeling the heat wrapping around us both.
Her hands were everywhere, groping my backside, sliding along my spine, pressing my chest.
I couldn’t break away from her if I wanted to. She was my mate. The woman made for my body. I nipped at her ear and drew a long purr from her chest. Damn, she was fucking sexy.
“Don’t you have to leave?” she asked.
I nodded, licking her throat and diving between her breasts.
She lay back on the hood of the car, offering herself to me. I squeezed her breasts roughly. They were perfect mounds, soft and sweet.
“God, you’re incredible. Every fucking inch of you,” I growled.
Her chest heaved with giant breaths. “Go. You should go.”
“Now?” I finally had her in my arms and under my body. Driving to North Carolina was the last place my mind was. I could call Drew. Back out at the last minute.
She nodded emphatically. “Go.” She sat forward on her elbows as I dropped to kiss her again. This time I was tender and gentle, savoring the taste of her lips. If I had to get back in my Jeep, I needed something to remember on that long drive.
Her hands flattened against my cheekbones. “We can talk when you get back,” she whispered.
“You want to talk?” I questioned her.
“Yes.” It was the first time she answered without attitude. She was sincere.
I grinned. “I’ll come straight here. I promise.”
She scooted herself off the car and straightened her shirt. I could see the business look glaze over her eyes. The hot passionate sex panther had been buried back inside. But that was okay, because for a few minutes, I had seen it. I had felt it. And it was enough to know my mate would be here waiting for me when I got back.
8
Tessa
The taillights on his rusty Jeep rounded the corner and I let out an audible sigh. It might have echoed off the walls of the shop. Shit. That was the hottest and most insane kiss I’d ever had.
I quickly grabbed a shammy and wiped clean the hood of the Robins’ car. I couldn’t let a family of four drive off with my hand and ass imprints on their car.
What was going on? Josh waltzed in with a good-bye, and instead of being ecstatic, all I could think about was a way to keep him in town. I wanted to kiss him and claw him. I wanted to make him stay.
I scowled, polishing harder on the station wagon. I’d make the ent
ire car shine if that was what it took to erase what happened on the hood.
Two hours later, I stood back and looked at my work. I doubted the Robins’ car had ever been this spotless.
“Tessa, wow, the car looks amazing.” Susan Robins walked up behind me. “But you know the kids are just going to draw on it with sidewalk chalk.” She laughed.
She seemed like the kind of cool mom who took kid mishaps in stride. I didn’t know if I had that in me. I liked order in my life. I liked my spotless office and that everything in the shop had a place. I never had to search for tools. They were always exactly where they were supposed to be.
I handed her the keys. I needed that car out of here. Every time I looked at it, I thought about the kiss again. The way Josh’s lips felt. How much he wanted me.
“Oh, that’s fine. They can draw away. I had a few oil splatters and I wanted to make sure it got a little extra TLC for you.” I smiled, lying through my teeth.
The mom followed me to the office to pay the bill.
“So, I hear there’s a new man in your life?” She scribbled in her checkbook, hovered over my desk.
I restrained the groan. Did everyone in this damn town know about Josh?
“I wouldn’t say that exactly.” I took a seat and waited for her to finish writing in her checkbook.
“Maybe I’ll get to meet him sometime if it works out.” She winked.
“Maybe.”
I took the check and locked it in my cash box. I’d settle the payments after I closed the shop. A night of bookkeeping was in order after how I almost lost myself to my panther this afternoon. Numbers. I’d focus on numbers and spreadsheets and all the mundane tasks that were required to keep this business afloat. I had to finish transferring my accounting system. It was the perfect mind-numbing task to cool the heat between my legs.
“Thanks again, Tessa. You’re a gem.” She walked to her car and drove the station wagon into the sun, where the rays bounced off the new wax job. I was glad that reminder was gone, but the real one couldn’t be erased.