“Yeah, your appetite will increase a lot. It takes a lot to shift. You can eat anything. It’s another perk.”
“I can eat carbs?”
“Yep.”
“I should have mated a shifter a long time ago.”
“Hey, I don’t like the sound of that,” he teased.
“Don’t worry.” She sat at the table and served herself a little of all the prepared dishes from the kitchen. She didn’t even mind it was all organic uber-healthy.
“Did they name the baby yet?”
“They’ll announce it at the naming ceremony in a few days. They’ve asked us to come back, by the way.”
She reached for another muffin. “Naming ceremony? That’s neat. Do they keep the name secret until then?”
“Yes. It’s an old tradition. Few packs and families still do it. But this pack has been slow in changing to the more modern time. I think that’ll change once Ash takes over.”
Between bites, she asked, “Hey, do I have to wait until the next full moon to see if this will work.”
Connor leaned back, amazed at how fast she shoveled in her food. “That’s a misnomer created by movies and books. We don’t have to wait for a full moon. We can shift whenever we want. It’s difficult the first few times, though.”
“Will it hurt?”
“Probably the first time. Then you’ll stop thinking about it.”
She pushed her chair back. “When can we try?”
“Are you ready?”
“I’m still hungry. Maybe, let’s eat more.”
Connor leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. “We don’t have to rush this.”
“Yes, but I’m nervous and I find that when I’m nervous, it’s better to just get it done. What if it doesn’t happen?”
“It might not. Then again, it might. Or it may take time.”
“Basically, you’re telling me it’s a crap shoot.”
“It’s not an exact science. This won’t be like anything you’ve experienced before.”
She downed her juice. “I think I’m ready.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep. Ready.”
“I think it will be better if we go outside. Let’s go through the back.”
Tatum followed him through the bedroom and out the sliding glass door. He took off his clothes.
“What the hell? Why are you taking off your clothes?”
“Duh, so I don’t ruin them. Trust me on this.”
“Um, okay.”
She hesitated, but with Connor’s coaxing, peeled off her clothes, folded them, and placed them on the table. She stood with her arms crossed covering her breasts.
“What if someone sees us?”
“That’s a good question. It’s important to know your environment before shifting. I think we’re fine here. The cabin is secluded, and someone has to work hard to see us.”
“Okay, so now what?”
“You’ve taken yoga before, right?”
“Yeah.”
“It’s a lot like that. You need to focus your mind and control your breath. If your falcon is there and ready to shift, she’ll let you know.”
Clear my mind. Clear my mind.
“Tatum, relax.”
She opened one eye. “I am relaxed.”
He stood behind her and reached around to hold her arms. “Put your arms down. Stand loose.” He kissed her neck.
“That won’t help me relax.”
“Okay. We’ll come back to that.”
Tatum imagined sweeping her mind with a broom. She pushed away random thoughts popping up in her mind. Before long, the breeze tickled her skin and she heard it waving itself through the grass. She remembered the dreams she had when she first came here. A small connection like a tiny spark burned. The fire increased as her body stretched. Bones broke and reformed as her limbs shrank and her wings expanded, and talons replaced her feet. The intense pain lasted for seconds.
Without waiting for Connor, she spread her wings and pushed off the ground taking flight. She fought her falcon for control and fell hard.
Connor laughed. “When are you going to trust yourself? Let the falcon take control. Relax and enjoy the ride.”
When she lifted her wings this time, a small updraft helped her takeoff, and she soon drifted on the wind.
It was amazing to watch the world from this angle. She flew over the main building and saw Wednesday’s yoga class. The smell of fresh-baked goods wafted through the air. People sat on the dining patio. Horses leisured in their outdoor pens.
She followed the river amazed by the clear water. The rapids crashed loudly in her ears and water sprayed across her feathers. Connor joined her, and they flew over the mountain plateaus and the surrounding canyon.
Connor flew in front of her and she followed him to a green patch of grass. He shifted on landing. She landed and watched him, unsure how to shift back.
“Tatum, it’s as easy as it was before. You need to trust your falcon and yourself.”
Tatum fluttered her wings and screeched, hopping back and forth on her talons. Connor’s mouth moved as if he was talking but she didn’t understand what he was saying. A sharp pain jabbed through her head. Her heart raced, and it became hard to breathe. She fell on her side and closed her eyes.
“Tatum. Tate. You need to listen to me, honey.”
“Daddy?”
“It’s me baby.”
“What does this mean? Am I dead?”
“No, you’re not dead, but it’s not good for you to stay in this form. You have to learn to be both.”
“I’m trying.”
“No, you’re fighting it. You want control like you’ve always wanted. This gift requires all of you.”
“When I give up control, it doesn’t end well.”
He reached out for her and held her in his arms.
“I am proud to be your father. Never forget that. It’s time honey. Let go.”
In her mind, she remembered Connor and his love for her. They had the rest of their lives to be together and it couldn’t end today. Tatum thought of her dad and his sacrifices. She stood next to her bird. Overwhelmed with emotion she reached out and stroked the feathers. Her dad was right. This was a gift.
In a sudden burst of energy, she shifted and laid on the ground panting. Raising herself to her hands and knees, her stomach convulsed, and breakfast came rushing forward.
She looked up at Connor. “Um, sorry. I wasn’t expecting to do that.”
He helped her stand. “It happens sometimes. Is it better?”
Flying was something she dreamed of as a child. She never imagined it would have been as incredible as it was. Seeing Connor standing there, naked and hard awoke her need to make love.
Tatum stood on tiptoe and put her arms around his shoulders. He picked her up as her legs wrapped around his hips. They fell with her on top, but one quick twist and he pinned her to the ground. He reached for one hand and held it above her head. She followed with her other arm. As he held both arms with one hand he reached down between her legs and rubbed her button. He explored her folds and thrust his first two fingers inside her. She raised her hips encouraging him for more. He played with her until she orgasmed against his hand. Then he lifted her legs to his shoulder as he penetrated her mound with his hard shaft. Each push driving him deeper and bringing them both closer to the edge.
Tatum tightened her walls nearing climax when he pulled out and flipped her onto her belly. With one arm he scooped her hips up and positioned himself at the tip of her entrance. He teased her by only dipping in his head. When she called his name, he slammed himself in all the way filling her with his hard cock. With each thrust, she grew closer and closer to the edge. He reached around and squeezed a nipple. The shock pushed her over, and she convulsed around him. He continued to pump her from behind until he went over the edge and orgasmed deep inside her.
He collapsed on the ground next to her. She stood and walked to the edge of the plateau.
&nb
sp; “Holy shit. We did that on the top of a mountain. That was incredible.”
“I thought you might like it. That’s another perk.”
“Wow, carbs and mountaintop sex. I’m liking this shifter thing.”
The second shift was easier. She followed Connor home.
After cleaning up and finishing the rest of the food from breakfast, they laid in bed dozing.
“Tell me again. This bonding thing is for life, right?”
“Yep. You can’t get rid of me, even if you tried.”
“I need to go back to the hospital and figure out what’s going on there. They may kick me out.”
“Then they’ll kick you out.”
“But what will I do? I won’t have a job.”
“Take Hank’s offer. Think you could handle working the slow pace of life here?”
“I’m not sure Hank really wants to work with me? I think he likes me, but sometimes I’m not so sure.”
“He’s an old man. Stuck in his ways. He likes you. Sybil wants you and if she wants you, he’ll want you.”
“I wonder if I can transfer here.”
“Well, you’ll never know until you ask. And if that doesn’t work for what you need, I’ll move to wherever you live and stay with you until you finish.”
“You would follow me? What about the retreat and your family?”
“I’ve moved away from them before and we all survived.”
“Thank you, Connor Hanson.”
“For what?”
“For loving me despite my flaws and mistakes.”
“From where I stand, you’re perfect and I intend on making sure you see that in yourself.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah and I think the best way to do that is to start from the bottom and worship your body all the way to the top and then repeat.”
“That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.”
“Tatum, I’m so glad you agreed to work with my old man.” Sybil handed her a glass of water. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with him.”
“I bet you are, woman. That honey-do list is probably longer than I can get done in a lifetime,” Hank scoffed.
“The first thing I want to do is go on a vacation. We’ve never gone on a real one.”
“A cabin in the woods for some fishing sounds great.”
“I don’t want to go fishing.”
Tatum smiled as they walked off arguing.
The hospital was amiable to Tatum’s transfer. The head of her program went to school with Hank. They spent more time on the phone reminiscing than talking specifics of Tatum’s program. The plan was to once a week work at the local hospital and spend the rest of her time with Hank. Once she finished her requirements, she would be eligible to buy into his practice.
Wednesday waved her over. “I can’t believe the Carters are having a party. First the wedding last year and now this. They went all out for this naming ceremony, too.”
“Is this your first one?”
“Yep. I didn’t know what to expect.”
“I went to a baptism. I imagine it’s something similar.”
“Oh, that’s cool. I can’t wait to have children with Caleb. We’ve been trying, but for whatever reason, it’s not been working.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that.”
“Don’t fret too much. We have a lot of fun trying.”
Caleb and Connor met them with plates of food.
“I didn’t know what you wanted, so I guessed.” Connor handed a plate to Tatum.
Tatum nodded to Cameron standing in a corner talking to a woman she didn’t recognize. “Who’s that talking with Cameron?”
“That’s Eliza, the new chef we hired. She started last month.”
“And I can tell you that Cameron has found a new interest in cooking,” Wednesday shared.
“You’re a little gossip,” Caleb teased.
“I can’t help it. I want to see the people I love happy. She’s nice and has been teaching me a few things in the kitchen.”
Caleb put his arm around his mate. “Well, that’s good because I’m tired of mac ‘n’ cheese.”
Wednesday pouted. “I cook more than that, so shut up, Mr. Hanson.” They walked off, Caleb claiming he was teasing her and Wednesday glaring at him.
“When does this thing happen?”
“I imagine the guardians are getting the baby ready,” Connor said.
“Is a guardian like a nanny or a godparent?”
“It’s more like a godparent. It’s common in traditional packs. That’s Gabriel’s first grandchild. I imagine she will be spoiled,” Connor answered
“Will the baby be the next alpha?”
“In a wolf pack, the alpha’s offspring is normally the alpha unless there is a challenge. This pack has never had a female alpha, so it will be interesting around here,” Connor said.
Cameron and the new chef joined them. “Hey, have you guys met Eliza?”
Tatum shook her hand. “No, I haven’t, but if you are the mastermind behind the cheesecake I had the other night, then I need to.”
“I’m glad you liked it,” Eliza answered. “It was a new recipe. I’m trying to incorporate traditional recipes and the culture around here.”
“How long have you been a chef?” Connor asked.
“Well, I trained in San Francisco at Cordon Bleu, and I’ve worked in many kitchens in New York for the last seven years.”
“I used to live in the city. Maybe I ate at one of your places.” Connor put his plate on a side table and finished his drink.
“I worked at Blue Sky, Checkered Table Cloth, Pepper, and Barrel-Aged.”
“I remember when Barrel-Aged opened,” Connor said.
While Connor and Eliza talked about food and restaurants, Cameron said to Tatum, “So I guess we haven’t talked much.”
Tatum didn’t like the sound of that. “What do you want to talk about?”
“I just wanted to let you know that I’m happy for you and Connor.”
A wave of relief washed over her. “He’s a great guy. I’m a lucky girl.”
“Well, from what little I can see, he’s the lucky one. My brother’s a punk.”
Cameron held out his arms for a hug. Tatum still felt shy around Connor’s brothers, but appreciated the sentiment and hugged him back.
“Thanks, I appreciate you saying that.”
“If I could have everyone’s attention.” Gabriel Carter waited until the crowd was quiet.
“It has been a few years since we’ve had a baby around here. I invited all of you to share in our joy. Ash and Noel, will you join me?”
Ash and Noel stood next to their alpha holding their baby.
“We need to give special thanks to Hank and Dr. Jackson because someone-” he leaned over and tickled the baby’s cheek “-made a surprise entrance into this world.”
The crowd chuckled, and the baby girl cooed as though basking in the attention.
“As a family, we wait for the babies to tell us their name, but in the end, both Ash and Noel agreed this name needed extra meaning. I’m pleased to introduce you to Tatum Carter.”
Tears welled in Tatum’s eyes and she smiled. This was unexpected. She noticed Connor wiped his eyes as well.
“A little choked up there, Mr. Hanson,” she teased.
“No, I’m sure it’s just the peppers I ate. They were spicy.”
“Funny I don’t remember peppers in anything.”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “Oh, you don’t, huh?”
“Hey, you two get a room.” Ash and Noel came up with their baby.
“We thought you might want to hold her,” Noel said.
“Oh, my gosh. Would I ever?” Tatum put her food and glass down on the table.
Baby Tatum laid in her arms with wide-opened eyes watching and processing everything she saw. She wrapped her hand around Tatum’s finger. “Wow, she’s perfect. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything mo
re precious.”
“Come around when she gets hungry, and you won’t see her the same way,” Noel said.
“You don’t get fussy, do you?” Tatum used her best baby voice.
“Rumor has it that you are staying here to help Dr. Warner,” Ash inquired.
“And,” Noel added, “we’ve also heard the two of you are staying together.”
“Um, I guess you could say both rumors are true.”
“Connor, it’s a good thing you swept her up when you did. Several of my boys had a major woody for your doctor the night you came out here,” Ash said.
“Funny, I thought all they wanted to do was eat me,” Tatum said.
“We wolves can be aggressive that way. What can I say? It’s part of our charm.”
Helen came up and took Baby Tatum.
“We’ll give her a few minutes to settle down and then we’ll really get this party started,” Ash said.
Ash and Noel circulated among the guests.
“Do you like to dance?” Tatum asked Connor.
“Very much so. How about you?”
“I don’t like to go out every Friday night and dance until dawn, but I enjoy dancing occasionally.”
“Well, I’ll be here for the rest of your life to dance with you.” He rubbed her back.
“It’s kind of funny, don’t you think?”
“To dance every night?”
“No, there’s so much we don’t know about each other, but we’re already bonded.”
“I’m looking forward to learning everything about you, but I already know all the most important things?”
“Like what?” She smiled and batted her eyes.
“You’re gorgeous. You’re smart. You’re sexy. You’re strong. Oh, and you’re hot.”
“Is that the most important thing about me?”
Connor tilted his head and smiled. “No, the most important thing about you is that you’re mine.” He leaned in and kissed her.
Tatum didn’t know what the future would bring. She still needed to move and settle in with Connor. They’d talked about getting a bigger place, but neither wanted to move away from Libre Volare. As they danced, Tatum couldn’t help but smile watching her new family. This life is the one she never knew she wanted.
Sassy Ever After World
Forgiveness For My Mate: Sassy Ever After (Sanctuary for My Mate Book 1) Page 11