In the blink of an eye, glass broke and a burly man was barricading me against the far wall. My heart thundered in my chest; my pulse echoed behind it in my head. Breathing was hard as I stared into the man’s back.
A growl echoed around me. The man’s body vibrated as he returned his own growl; his was much louder and far more intimidating.
I clung to my purse, haphazardly shoving the paper with the quotes inside it. Fear had me frozen in place, but curiosity was doing a good job of slowly quelling it.
“Heel, El. Now!” The man leaned forward enough to give me a glimpse of a blonde wolf crouched a few feet away.
A wolfing snarl was its response; its sharp teeth were on full display.
I knew I was supposed to be afraid of the wolf, but, oddly, the sight of it propelled my fear into oblivion. Like the woman in the coffee shop, there was just something about the animal that was almost…intriguing. I found myself leaning around the man to study it.
“What does it want?” I asked, watching the wolf closely. The flickers of blue in the wolf’s eyes were mesmerizing, reminiscent of the woman’s from earlier today. Golden hairs appeared silky despite their coarse texture.
“You,” the man bluntly stated.
I frowned, confusion mangling my thoughts. “Me? Why?”
Why did Donovan single me out? Why was I suddenly attracted to a woman after twenty-six years of being straight? Why was this wolf targeting me? Why was any human facing these issues period?
“You’re her mate.”
I felt my features scrunch. I shook myself, trying to understand what kind of shit these people were pulling.
Abruptly, the wolf launched itself at the male. My eyes shot open as his clothes shredded. In the blink of an eye, two wolves were scuffling around the shop, sending parts and tools flying.
“Duck!” Andy yelled.
I squatted down, pressing myself against the wall. I clamped my purse down over my head, trying to protect myself from the debris. I had to be dreaming. Maybe all of this was a dream. Maybe I never met a Donovan in real life and the entire year was just one long drawn out dream. Maybe I was in a coma or something…Maybe…Maybe…
I shuddered as something smashed, the noise of it thundering around me. Pieces of plastic went flying, several sharp edges of it slicing into my skin. “Ow!” I hissed. My flesh stung as blood began to trickle down my face.
“Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck!” The feminine voice rang out keenly.
I looked up to see a naked woman moving towards me. I gasped as my mind registered who it was. It was her.
She was flawless, not a scratch on her. Concern creased her brows. Her full lips puckered as her eyes scanned me.
I don’t know what came over me. I just couldn’t help myself. My gaze fell to her tight little figure. Her breasts moved just enough to prove they were natural. Small rosy nipples had me licking my lips right before my conscience slapped me.
What the hell is wrong with me? I closed my eyes, stopping myself from further gaping at her.
“Dammit, Jerry! I told you not to let me hurt her.” Tender fingers brushed along my surface, leaving a trail of tingles.
“Don’t give me that shit. I fucking protected her. You were the one acting out.” His words were declared, not offered.
My eyes popped open at the slap reverberating off the walls.
The woman crouched before me gave me a warm smile. Shrugging, she said, “He deserved it.”
She extracted my purse from my death grip and set it aside. “Jerry, make yourself useful and get the first aid kit.”
My gaze flickered to the male. His nostrils flared with every breath as he watched me. Noting my observance, he stood a bit taller. A smirk turned up his lips. He was a perfect specimen of masculine beauty. Toned, defined muscles, those belonging to most any Roman statue, eluded to his power and strength. Any woman would feel protected in his arms. And any woman would be satisfied with his package too.
I immediately looked away from his nakedness; I knew my cheeks were flaming red. Granted I lived in Miami, a city full of speedos and itty-bitty-bikini clad people year round, but I’d never been exposed to full nudity in such a nonchalant manner. They weren’t the least bit embarrassed. They didn’t try to cover themselves. It was clear they were comfortable.
“You can look all you want, sweet cheeks. We don’t mind.” I met her gaze just in time for her to wink at me.
Unsure how to respond, I remained quiet. In no time, I was lost in her pretty blues again. I’d heard the saying a thousand times, “The eyes are the window to the soul,” but I couldn’t say I believed it. People stared into your eyes, showing you their own as they lied to you every day.
This time was different though.
Pale blue striations danced with deeper hues of the color. Ribbons of gold broke up the palate. But, it was more than a picture, a piece of her I was staring at. It was more so what was being conveyed through that portrait of blue.
My breathing grew shallow as I was wrapped in anxiety, in panic; I recognized that fear: the fear of loss. Overshadowing that heavy layer was warmth, assurance, and determination. She was a fighter, fighting for what she cared about…who she cared about.
“Here.” I jumped, blinking rapidly as Jerry handed off a metal box. I didn’t hear him move.
He openly studied me, making me aware that I’d been gaping at the woman.
I didn’t need a mirror to know I was blushing…again. I was baffled. I didn’t understand what it was about this woman. In Miami, I’d met my fair share of beautiful women, but, it was…it was her specifically for some reason.
She took the box only to jam it backwards against the man’s jewels.
A vicious roar erupted from him. “What the fuck was that for, El?” he demanded through gritted teeth.
My brows furrowed. That’s the same name he’d called the wolf. I felt stupid for not putting the two together; I felt stupid trying to put the two together. Rational told me werewolves existed only in fiction, not in reality.
Her eyes twinkled as she looked at me. “For letting my mate get hurt.”
His hands balled into fists as he growled again, snarling down at her. “I’m going to find clothes.” He gave me and El a thorough once over before he stormed off.
“Stay still, honey.”
I froze, watching her every move, melting under her every move.
Gingerly, she cupped my face. As she leaned in, her pine and floral scent filled my lungs, warming me in places I hadn’t been warmed in too long. Her breasts looked luscious from this angle, forcing me to mash my lips together and remain motionless.
I closed my eyes as her tongue traveled up the side of my face. There was something so intimate about her licking away my blood. Anyone could wipe it away with a wet cloth, but she made my pain hers. And in that moment, rather than be grossed out, I found myself falling a little harder, appreciating the woman a little more.
She softly pressed her lips over the wound at my temple. Moments later she placed a Band-Aid over the cut. Opening my eyes, I was mesmerized as she did the same on my arm. No one had ever done anything so touching. I wanted to gather her in my arms and hug her, to kiss her, to show her my appreciation on a deeper level.
Before I could do anything stupid, Jerry returned dressed in a pair of jeans. He assessed me as he drew closer. “You okay?” he asked.
I don’t know why I looked to the woman for assurance; she gave it to me though. She smiled, nodding her head once in encouragement. Her aura was warm, swaddling me in security though she wasn’t touching me anymore.
I stared up at the well-muscled male. “Yeah, thanks.”
He shook his head. “You have any questions, Ellie can answer them for you.” It looked like he wanted to say more, possibly something different altogether, but he didn’t.
I knew what he was referencing; he knew I knew too.
“Here, El.” He passed the clothes to her.
Shamelessly, she ros
e up before me, giving me a full view of her well-groomed pussy. She slipped into the oversized t-shirt and athletic shorts; she was forced to tie the string as tight as possible, but they still slid down a bit.
She extended a manicured hand towards me. When I didn’t immediately accept, a tidy brow arched, challenging me into submission.
Her hand slid easily around mine. I gasped as she hauled me up with one swift jerk, pulling me against her.
Involuntarily, my body melted against hers. The feel of her breasts so close to mine had my nipples pebbling. I bit back a breathless moan as she arched her hips into mine, jerking me taut against her. What was she doing to me? She was so strong, so persuasive; my body responded to her as if she had a hold over it, as if she was the puppeteer.
“Stop teasing the poor girl, El.” I heard the disapproval in his voice.
I averted my gaze, feeling foolish. This girl was beautiful. She was probably used to men and women falling over themselves for her. Hell, she probably used her body to her advantage with them all. I was just one of the masses…which mortified me more.
“Um, thanks for the help.” I attempted to put some space between us, but she held me tight.
“Where are you staying tonight, sweet cheeks?”
My chest constricted. The urge to run returned. I was ready to flee, to abandon ship. Anxiety coursed through my veins, unveiling my disadvantage. I didn’t like the power she had over me any more than I liked the power Donovan had over me.
Sensing my unease, she released me.
Unlike Donovan, she let me go. And for some fucked up reason, that made me want to cling to her. I suddenly felt like I was about to lose her, and I was desperate not to.
Emotions whirled inside me, overwhelming me. I couldn’t make sense of them, of this…of her.
“Hey.” Her voice was a soft whisper as she brushed the back of her hand across my cheek.
All I could do was stupidly gape at her. I got lost in her every time. I’d never wanted to disappear down a hole more.
She returned my gaze with confidence. “You hungry, Jer?”
“Starving,” he replied. I caught movement out the corner of my eye, but didn’t bother looking to see what he was doing.
“How about you, sweet cheeks?” Her eyes visibly glowed.
The fact that I gawked at her so much made me all the more aware of the bumbling fool I appeared to be. I practically fell over myself every time I came face to face with her. I was a stumbling bimbo who could barely form a sentence. I’d never reacted that way to any man…or other woman. I felt like my IQ dropped a hundred points around her, and it was outright humiliating.
I forced myself to look to Jerry. His body was stiff, but his expression was of relaxed amusement. “A little,” I answered.
“Good. Then me and Jer can take you out on a proper date to make up for our rudeness.” She laced her fingers through mine and tugged me forward. “Be a doll and grab her purse, Jer.”
I looked back at the suddenly steaming six-foot-something male. He ground his teeth as he swiped my purse up from the floor. “Sorry,” I mouthed.
He immediately softened as he met my worried gaze. He gave me enough of a smile to tell me he wasn’t truly mad.
— 7 —
Kate
At the car, Ellie bent down and picked up her hot pink heels amongst the scraps of clothes on the floor of the passenger front.
“You owe me a new window,” Jerry said, rounding the vehicle to the driver’s side.
She shrugged it off. “Dock me.”
“Sometimes I wish I could deck you,” he muttered.
She laughed, unfazed. “You’re the alpha. Technically, you can do what you want to me.”
“Apparently, I don’t do nearly enough to warrant your respect all the time.”
She stopped, frowning at the man. “I’m not perfect; I may get sassy sometimes, but I’ve always respected you, Jerry.”
He stiffened, meeting her gaze. He stared intensely at her for a minute before his lips curled at the corners just enough to tell me the fight was over. “Less ball busting or else I’ll have to start hitting you harder.”
Ellie snickered. “You’d have to catch me first.”
Standing, she glided her feet into her heels. The final ensemble was more than a little humorous, but proved the woman could wear anything and still look great. I was definitely jealous.
She slammed the front door, causing a few shards of glass to fall to the ground. Jerry grunted, clearly annoyed. She at least had the decency to issue an apology this time. “Sorry, Jer.”
Turning to the back door, she opened it and stood beside it. Motioning her hand, she addressed me with a grin and a wink. “After you, sweet cheeks.”
I wished I had a reason for my reaction to this woman, but I didn’t. I wanted a justification for the way she tongue tied me, the way she implanted this sliver of giddiness inside me, the reason she entranced me every time, but I didn’t have one.
— 8 —
Kate
I fidgeted beside Ellie. She insisted I sit on the inside of the booth, next to the wall. “I don’t want you running,” she teased.
Jerry sat across from us, a serious expression drew his features straight, but his eyes were glittering with humor as he watched us.
They’d brought me to the only steakhouse in town. Someone had met them here with clean clothes. Now they looked fabulous in fresh jeans and sheriff department t-shirts, Ellie even swept her hair up into an elegant bun, and I was more than frumpy from driving the last two days. I badly wanted to shower, change and go to sleep in a nice, comfortable bed.
The silence at the table was unnerving. I was typically okay without conversation, but not today.
As if she had a sixth sense, Ellie repositioned herself to face me. “I think it’s about time we knew your name, sweet cheeks.”
My heart sped up a bit. They worked for the police department. If they ran my name… Donovan probably had me flagged for stuff like this.
Ellie and Jerry exchanged worried looks. “A nickname then?” Ellie pressed.
“Kitty.” The pet name was out before I could think it through. Billy was the only one who called me that. It was personal.
A sly grin curled Ellie’s lips. “You mean like a pussy cat?”
Jerry rolled his eyes.
“Uh, yeah.” I shuffled beside Ellie again, uneasy with the attention.
“How utterly appropriate. Wolves eat pussy cats for lunch.” Ellie’s eyes were glowing; I knew to a degree she was teasing me, but-
A thud sounded.
“Hey!” she snarled at Jerry.
He cut his eyes at her. His expression drew fear from within me.
“Um, were you both born and raised here?” I hoped they would let go of whatever had them on edge.
Luckily, it worked.
Ellie puckered her lips in a pouting form. “Unfortunately.”
“Why is it unfortunate? This seems like a nice enough place.”
“That’s the problem. It’s nice when I prefer exciting.”
“Why don’t you move then?” I’d thought about it a time or two. Billy kept me in Miami though.
For the first time, I witnessed a nostalgic Ellie. “My pack is here. They’re my family.” She sighed. Perking up, she continued. “Plus, Jerry would be lost without me. Right, Jer?” She looked expectantly at him.
His brows lifted, but he didn’t reply.
“Where are you from, sweet cheeks?” She trailed a single finger down the side of my arm, sending chills through me.
My mind momentarily blanked as she distracted me.
It wasn’t until she stopped touching me that I could think clearly, adding to my ditzy feel. I wasn’t used to feeling so…well…dumb. I was an intelligent person…except around Ellie it seemed…and Jerry I guess by default. “I was born in Ocala, Florida, but my parents moved us to Miami when I was three. I’ve lived there ever since.”
“Sorry
for the wait, y’all.” The waitress approached with three massive plates of food.
Upon arrival, a pitcher of sweet tea and three glasses promptly appeared on our table. No one had come to take our order though. I didn’t think to question it because Ellie and Jerry didn’t.
A plate was set before each of us. Gazing down, I swallowed hard. A massive steak, medium rare, juicy and dripping, was pressed against a baked potato with butter and sour cream. A tiny –in comparison- portion of steamed broccoli was squished into the remaining space on the plate. Guilt rode me. I didn’t know how to break it to them without upsetting them.
“Can I get you anything else?” the server asked.
I cringed, fidgeting, contemplating.
Ellie instinctively looked to me, observing me; I swore the woman had a sixth sense for me. She held up a staying hand to the server. “What’s wrong, Kitty?”
I felt my cheeks heat as all eyes fell upon me. “I’m a vegetarian.”
The waitress paled. “I’m so sorry.” She immediately took back the plate. I’ll get you a new baked potato and broccoli. Would you like a salad with it?”
“Yes.” Ellie answered for me.
“Of course.” The server set off for my new items.
Ellie frowned; for the first time, I saw sadness in her eyes. She pursed her lips, watching me for a bit before looking to Jerry. “I’m not exactly great at this mate stuff, am I?”
“You didn’t know.” For some reason, I had to reassure her. It’s like my happiness was dependent on hers.
She met my gaze. A small smile lifted her lips. Her shoulders relaxed a little as she noted my lack of upset. “Aren’t you a cherry pie?”
I couldn’t bite back my snicker. “What kind of Southern saying is that?”
“An Ellie-made one,” Jerry offered.
The woman shrugged her shoulders. “I like excitement. What fun is it repeating the same hum-drum stuff?”
“Necessary hum-drum fun?” I lifted a brow.
A full smile split her face. “You’re adorable.”
“I always associated adorable with teddy bears.”
Her smile turned mischievous; her eyes darkened. “You’re sexy.” Her voice lowered half an octave; sultriness swaddled her words.
Hers (Snowy Mountain Wolves) Page 3