Mate Magic

by Shannon Duane

  Bailey snickered, “Thank you Alpha. I’d be honored to stay with you, until I get on my feet.”

  Jake narrowed his eyes at Bailey, “I am your Alpha from now on and you are welcome to speak with Dante and your other pack, however, I must demand you tell me of any threat to you or my pack that you are aware of. Clear?”

  Bailey turned her eyes down and bowed her head. “Yes Alpha.”

  “Welcome Bailey O’Shea. I think you’ll find it fulfilling to live amongst us.”

  As Jake turned to walk out of the room he heard a whispered, “Alpha?”

  He turned and looked into Bailey’s eyes. “Bailey, you may call me Jake or if you feel more comfortable Alpha Jake but I’m more than a simple title. Just like Paul is more than just the sheriff.”

  Bailey nodded her ascent. “I was attacked by a bear. A Shifter bear. I did nothing to provoke it. I think, maybe someone wants to hurt me, but I don’t know who.”

  Jake smiled. “Now, that wasn’t too hard was it? I believe that this was intentional, but I have no idea why. Please let me know if you have any concerns or need to report anything, after all, you’ll be living with me shortly.”

  Paul had to tap down the sudden urge to punch Jake but he couldn’t help the snarl that came out. He wanted to protect his mate, after claiming her, soon and often. Patience. His wolf howled his displeasure. “I can drive you, if that’s okay.” Crap. He sounded like a sissy wolf. No one wanted to mate with a sissy.

  Bailey looked at Jake and then turned to Paul. “I’d like that. Please.”

  Jake winked at Paul, “Sure, I’ll tell Shana to expect two more for dinner. She loves company.”

  Bailey looked down once again and made a pained sound in her throat. “What’s wrong?” Paul was beginning to think she didn’t want to stay at Alpha house. “You can stay with me if you want. I mean…I have…I’m just saying that if you want, I have an extra room if Alpha house is too much for you.” Great, now he was a rambling, wussy wolf.

  Bailey smiled at him. “Thanks but I’m just not sure I made a great impression on the Alpha mate. I’ll apologize but I’m pretty sure I blew any chance at friendship.”

  Jake made a huffing noise, “Shana does what’s right for this pack. She’ll condemn you until she believes you’re deserving of our pack. You must drop the attitude. I’ve told you several times, we’re very different from your old pack. You’ll grow on us, Shana included. And we’ll grow on you too.”

  Chapter 7

  As Bailey rode in the car with Paul there was a silence that wasn’t necessarily uncomfortable but surprisingly relaxing. He drove his private vehicle, which turned out to be a well maintained Ford F150 truck, with ease. He had his left arm resting lazily on the trucks window ledge and the other was gripped lightly on the steering wheel. Bailey was curious to know how he was feeling so she leaned in to discreetly sniff him when she heard his chuckle.

  “You want to sit next to me your welcome to move closer, we can smell each other.” More chuckling.

  Bailey could feel herself blush but wasn’t going to be deterred. “I was just wondering how you were feeling. You don’t have to be mean.”

  Paul stopped his amusement immediately. “Bailey, I’m not being mean to you. I was playing with you. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable so I’ll stop.”

  Bailey’s eyes got wide, “Don’t you dare. You mean, you say things you don’t mean, to be funny?”

  Paul couldn’t help his grin. “Yeah, kinda like that. Even though I’d love you to come closer, but only if you’re not on edge. I’m pack, just like you, and closeness is comfort to me. If you want we can try it.”

  Bailey placed her hands in her lap and sat forward stiff.

  Paul thought he was making progress by teasing her; treating her with laughter and happiness but he’d made her so uncomfortable she’d closed herself off. Eventually, he’d find a way to deal with her distance or he would suffer. He was already beginning to have difficulty suppressing his arousal. He was constantly semi aroused but controlled the scent by masking it with others. He’d sense his passion stir and think of Bailey’s history; his scent would be mixed and more difficult to read. He’d mastered the technique while living at home with his parents to cover up his misdeeds. Granted he hadn’t had a need to use it for years.

  Lost in thought Paul hadn’t noticed the sudden heat at his side or the nervous twitch Bailey had. She’d scooted so close to Paul in the truck that her thigh was touching his and her shoulder was against his arm. She smelled nervous, so instead of wrapping her in his arms like he wanted, he continued to drive. “Are you excited to be trying out a new pack?” Oh God, please don’t let her see the boner he was sporting. Please, please, please.

  Bailey took in and let out a long breath. “I’ll miss Dante. We’ve never been apart and I don’t know what I’ll do without him. I’m excited because I’ll get to spend more time with Abby and Brady. I’m just…nervous.”

  Bailey was snuggling next to his side and he was really trying not to be distracted. “Uh…Why do you smell frightened when you talk about Dante’s pups?”

  Bailey, who was feeling warm and content, stiffened.

  “It’s okay. Forget I said anything.” Stupid Paul, real stupid. Why did he keep upsetting her?

  Bailey’s shoulders dropped but she touched his forearm. “Stop doin’ that.”

  He was so restless with her touching him he could only look into her eyes. When he heard the honking, he slammed on his breaks and veered onto the shoulder of the highway. His heart was racing when he heard tinkling laughter coming from Bailey. “You think that’s funny?”

  She kept laughing; she could feel tears gather in her eyes from laughing so hard. “I’m sorry. I can hear your heart beating so fast and you must be frightened, but it was quite thrilling.”

  Paul’s lust roared to the surface and he couldn’t cover it in time. Bailey’s laughter died, she sat there silent as he stared out the window feeling gloomy and trying to simmer down. He knew she could smell his arousal and he didn’t even bother to mask the scent because he knew she had caught it.

  Once again he felt Bailey’s small hand grasp his arm. “It’s okay, she’s quite lovely.”

  That got his attention. Sputtering he said. “What…I don’t…What are you…” He looked up to find a woman walking over to his car. She was tall, blonde, thin and frankly very hot. Paul rolled down his window, “Can I help you?”

  She walked up to the driver window and put her head right up to the window pursing her lips. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You almost went off the road.”

  “We’re fine. Thanks for checking.” Paul noticed she smelled like a bakery, weird.

  “Alright sugar. Drive safe now and keep yourself buckled.” The vixen reached in the car and patted his lap over his seatbelt. “Wouldn’t want a wonderful male specimen like you to get hurt.” As she licked her lips he heard a startled gasp and then a small growl from behind him.

  Paul began to roll up his window saying. “Nice to meet you. Have a nice day ma’am.”

  Paul was afraid to turn around, fearing what Bailey would say. Sooner or later he would have to man up. Not sure really what just happened he twisted in the seat, “Bailey, I…” Something had to be wrong because she was smiling at him. “You okay?” He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, her eyes closed at the contact.

  Bailey’s eyes opened, made contact with his and she licked her lips. Paul was lost. He leaned over and sealed his lips onto hers. It was a light contact but he needed more. Paul opened his lips slightly and went back for more, running his tongue over her full bottom lip and pulling it into his mouth. He kept his hands together in his lap so they didn’t roam. He could smell her heightened arousal and the sweet musky smell of her cream being released into her panties.

  Bailey was overcome with odd feelings. Paul was kissing her and she could feel a tension in him. She wanted more but she didn’t know what. There was a funny noise tha
t she had never heard before. Good Lord, it was her, she was purring. She smelled Paul’s arousal and it was surprisingly very alluring.

  Crap, Bailey thought, Paul was attracted to the tall leggy blond and she had practically jumped him because he smelled so yummy. She pulled back suddenly, “Uh, sorry. I don’t know what happened. I just…sorry.”

  Paul was still in the haze of lust that Bailey always caused in him, before he realized she had even spoken. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  Bailey scooted to the passenger seat. “Nothing, can we just pretend that didn’t happen? Please don’t tell anyone.”

  Paul was taken aback. “I’d never say anything to anyone.”

  “Good.” They just sat there. Bailey looking out the side window feeling defeated, while Paul sat silent in the driver seat.

  Paul didn’t know what caused the change in Bailey and he would do as she requested by not discussing it further, but he was not going back to the way things were. He pulled her flush next to him and when she tried to protest he said, “Hey, we can forget it happened if that’s what you want but we’re still friends. Always. I’m here Bailey, for the long haul.”

  Bailey didn’t feel discomfort at Paul’s touch. In fact she couldn’t help but feel comforted, damn that sexy wolf. “Thanks, we better be on our way.” She settled in for the ride next to him.

  *****

  As they pulled up to Alpha house Bailey’s mouth dropped open and she stared at the huge home. “How many people live here?”

  “Jake, Shana and her son Trevor. Random pack members come and live whenever there is a need. This is where Tara stayed before she moved in with Decker. The home is very large though, so you’ll have your privacy.”

  Bailey smiled. “This is a beautiful home and I’m honored to stay within.”

  Paul smiled. “We often get together and have dinner. Shana likes to entertain. She had a traumatic event that led her to isolate herself from everyone when she was younger, and since arriving in the pack and becoming Alpha mate she brings us together often.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  Paul came around to her side of the truck and opened her door. “It’s quite a drop for someone of your height, let me help.”

  Bailey shoved him back with a good amount of force. When he looked up at her she had a grin on her face. “I’m pretty sturdy,” and she launched herself from the cab of the truck landing on her feet in the driveway. Ouch, remember the ribs.

  Paul laughed, “I know you’re not fragile but every once in a while you could allow a man to be a gentleman and help a lady. It might hurt my pride if you refuse my charms.” Paul put a pouty face on.

  Bailey became serious and ran her index finger across his pouting lips “You have many a women to share your gentlemen charms on.” She was shocked to find the idea of Paul helping other women out of his car made her grumpy.

  Paul gave her a cream-your-panties smile. “But only one woman I’d like to practice on.”

  Smiling she turned toward the house and rang the doorbell thinking how nice it was to finally have a friend. A small child answered, “’Bout time, Bailey. Where’s Uncle Paulie?”

  Surprised, Bailey simply turned toward Paul who was right behind her. Paul said. “Hey there, Trevor, what’s shakin’ bacon?”

  Trevor gave and innocent smile and grabbed both of their hands and led them into a sitting room. “Hurry before mom an dad finds us. Welcome home, Bailey.”

  “Temporary. This is only my temporary home, to see if I fit in and until I get on my feet,” Bailey’s automatic response. She’d never fit in always knowing she was in a temporary situation.

  She became confused when the little guy began singing, Carrie Underwoods, Temporary Home. She had listened to that song every night before bed for months.

  Bailey laughed. “Too much country music channel kid. You’ve been listening to Carrie Underwood. How do you know that song?”

  Trevor looked as serious as his pudgy little face would allow. “You sing it to yourself all the time, you feel the lyrics. You think you don’t belong.” There was a moment of stunned silence before he continued, “You did found your place in this world, here, with Paulie and our pack. Everything is temporary, before it becomes forever.”

  Bailey had tears in her eyes and could feel she was breathing hard. She was desperately trying to hold onto the fact that this little boy couldn’t have just broken through years of pent-up feelings of worthlessness, knowing she didn’t belong. No, he didn’t know her. She was breathing too hard but she couldn’t stop herself. Oh God, not again.

  “Maybe that was too much, Trevor. Your mama says you shouldn’t do that to people who you just met.” Paul turned to Bailey, “Breathe, Bailey, you’re going to be okay, you’re safe.”

  Trevor whined. “Mama said it was okay. Said she understands magic. Why is she actin’ funny?”

  Paul picked Bailey up and ran down the hall toward the room he occupies when he stays over at Alpha house. “Come on babe. Slow down. It’s Paul, and you’re safe. Please, you’re killin’ me, precious.”

  It was too late because the panic attack had claimed her consciousness.

  Chapter 8

  Bailey woke up in bed, warm and content. She snuggled deeper into her pillow and felt it move. Where was she? She bolted up in bed hitting her head on something hard. “Ouch.”

  Paul was resting, almost asleep when he felt Bailey stir. It was the most rested and at ease he had ever seen her. She moved closer to him unconsciously and not too soon after she abruptly pulled her head up, and into his chin.

  Bailey was rubbing her head, “sorry, are you okay?”

  Paul smiled. “I think a better question is, are you okay?”

  Bailey nodded her head. “I’m really sorry that keeps happening. Maybe I should go back to Sacramento pack. I keep accidentally hurting people, I’m a mess.”

  Paul tried to hold back his sudden burst of fear but knew she had picked up on it. “You have a chance to reinvent yourself. Be whoever you want to be. Just stick around and give us a try before you go running off.”

  Bailey sighed, “You’re right. Thanks again. You always seem to know what I need to hear. Is it the shared magic thing?”

  Paul thought, no, more like the mate thing. But he said, “Who knows, I’m just glad I can help.” His smile was anything but comforting, because at that moment, he could scent her comfort and he wanted to lay back down with her and…mate. Whoa, down wolf. She was innocent and totally ignorant of mating. He’d be patient.

  Bailey stretched and her shirt rode up and exposed the creamy flesh on her back and side. Yum he wanted to lick her and bite her. Goddammit, he needed to get out of this room before he pounced on her. Standing, turning so she wouldn’t see his aching erection, Paul said. “Well, we better get down to dinner.”

  Bailey stood and took his hand. “Thanks again Paul. You’re an awesome friend and I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

  They walked down the isolated hall holding hands, talking about Alpha house. When they walked into the dining area everyone was seated and looking up at them. Jake broke the ice, “Welcome to our home. We’d love to give you a tour but if we don’t eat soon my mate said she was going to knaw off my arm.” He looked to Shana’s pregnant belly and said, “I believe her. Sit and we’ll get started.”

  Bailey was walking to an empty seat at the end of the long table away from everyone when she heard a little voice, “Sit with me Miss Bailey. We could eat and then you could read me a bedtime story. Do you like ‘The Elf On The Shelf book’? I likes it.” Trevor was patting the seat next to him, “Paulie yous can sit by Bailey and eats with us, then tuck me in too.”

  Both Bailey and Paul looked at each other and burst out laughing. This kid was super cute and really didn’t give up. Paul was still holding Bailey’s hand for support and used it to steer her to the seat by Trevor. “She’s all yours little man.” Paul pulled out the chair for Bailey; she squeezed his hand
, signaling him she wanted him to sit next to her.

  Bailey was surprised to find she was a bit clingy with Paul. She needed to get over that or their friendship would seem one sided. She needed to get back her independence. Addressing Jake she said, “Are there any available jobs in town? I want to be useful while I’m here.”

  Jake looked at his wife. “In fact, Shana and I were just discussing that while Trevor greeted you. There’s only one job at the moment and that’s because there was a death in the family of the shop owner. He had to leave town for the funeral so we’ve closed the store until he returns.”

  Paul’s eyes became wide. “Surely you don’t mean what I think you do. She can’t work there.”

  Bailey bristled, “Why can’t I have a job? Am I simply to be a breeder here as well? I was informed that this pack allowed a woman to hold down a job and her independence. Is that wrong?”

  Paul found out he really didn’t like to be on this end of Bailey’s temper. She kicked him under the table and shot him the stink eye. “It’s not that Bailey. I just-“ It was too late, she’d already turned her back on him.

  Bailey seemed enthusiastic, “When can I start?”

  Jake and Shana shared another look. “Bailey, I believe Paul’s upset because of the job, not because you’ve been given an opportunity. He firmly believes a woman should be allowed to be independent. In fact, he’s helped many women after abuse or neglect, get back on their feet.”

  Paul looked like a fool. He knew he should be the one defending himself, but he was still peeved that Shana and Jake would put her in this position. Paul couldn’t resist saying, “Coming from the pack that she had, do you really think, Insatiable, is the place for her to grow and become her own woman?”

  Shana, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, spoke up. “Paul, it’s not your decision. We will give her the specifics on the job and she can take it or wait until something else opens up.” Turning to Bailey she continued, “You’re welcome to any job that is available. You should also know we do not require you to work at all, especially unless it’s your choice to accept, or reject, this job with no pressure.”