by Kasey Belle
“I didn’t realize her husband had died. Damn.” John shook his head and looked genuinely upset about Fiona’s loss. “She’s a good woman. Even though, she didn’t know she had cubs in her care, I owe her a debt. I monitor who occupies the streets of my city and what they do there. Granted, we can’t keep up with everyone, but we’ve all heard about Fiona and Emma’s House. Word on the street is if you are a kid, need help, and are on the up and up, the doors at Emma’s House are always open. According to Jordy, one of the cubs, the truck driver they hitched a ride with told him that very thing. Therefore, that’s where Jordy went. It was late and he didn’t want the cubs in his care to spend another night on the street. He certainly didn’t want to wander the streets of New Orleans with an eight and ten-year-old looking for a pride that may or may not take them in. He said he wasn’t sure if what the man told him was true, but in a leap of faith, they went straight there. It was almost midnight when they knocked on the door and he wasn’t expecting a very tiny and very pregnant woman to answer the door.
Of course, he didn’t tell her the complete truth, but he stuck as close to it as possible. He told her that they had just arrived in the city and the guy they hitched a ride with told them to go there. He told her they were homeless, had no money, and that his niece and nephew were tired and hungry. He told her they heard they had family here, but weren’t sure where to find us. They just needed a place for the night. She told him they only had two beds available and Emma’s House only takes in kids ages ten to seventeen. Hopeless and resigned to spend the night on the street, he turned to leave and she stopped him. She told him “I won’t tell if you won’t.”
John smiled. “Emma’s House has rules and it’s privately funded. She didn’t have to take them. She could have turned them away. Instead, she took them in, made them a hot meal, and rearranged a couple of kids so Jordy could share a room with Grant and Hope. Jordy said he thought she was a pushover. One of those sweet do-gooder types, until the next morning.” John chuckled. “She lectured him on the dangers of hitchhiking and asked him if he had the rights to have Grant and Hope in his custody. He did, but social services wanted to place them in foster care because he was only eighteen. Fiona gave him the name of a lawyer who would help pro-bono if he needed. She had him leave Grant and Hope at the house and watched over the cubs while Jordy came looking for us. She gave him money for the bus which he tried to refuse. He said she looked at him and asked. “Are you fucking stupid?” Then proceeded lecture him on the dangers of hitchhiking, areas he should avoid, and how stupid it was to walk into an unknown situation without at least enough money to call her for a rescue. Before he left, she told him they would have a place to sleep, if he couldn’t find us or if it didn’t work out. The world needs more people like her. If there is anything I can do or if she needs anything, will you let me know?”
Max wanted to tell him that he and Kell would handle it, but after hearing that story how could he deny John the right to pay back a kindness and a debt he felt he owed. He couldn’t. “Of course I will.”
“So, tell me how your mate fits into this story.”
The sappy grin was back. “Shelly is Fiona’s best friend.”
Chapter 8
Max spent the rest of the meeting telling John about Shelly. Sharing his personal life with anyone, especially a stranger was a foreign concept to him. He didn’t like to get close enough to people to allow them to expect it either. Nevertheless, John was easy to talk to. Why? Max wasn’t sure. Never in his life had he so readily trusted another, even Kell, David, and the members of his own team didn’t rank that consideration. They had to earn Max’s trust and respect.
However, in John, Max felt a kindred spirit. He suspected John was himself a bit of a loner. At first, Max thought it was because they were both alphas, therefore they shared a bond through their status. However, Max had known plenty of alphas, and he didn’t like a single one of them.
“Well, I best let you get back to your mate. I really am happy for you Max.”
He shook John’s hand. “Thank you. I hope you find yours.”
“I had almost given up hope, but since we are the same age I feel much better about my odds.”
“I just figured out why I like you.”
John donned an overly exaggerated look of surprise and held his clenched hands to his chest. “You like me? Really? Oh, I feel so special. I can now die a happy lion.”
Max punched his arm. “You are a smart ass.” Yeah Max had a good feeling about living here.
“It is an awesome yet often misunderstood quality. Oh, before you go, I want to make sure we are on the same page regarding territory rules. When you tell your mate about what you are, about us, you will make it clear to her that she can’t tell anyone.”
Good feeling gone. “I think she’s smart enough to know she can’t run an ad in the local paper or post it on Facebook.”
John used his alpha voice, out of habit Max was sure, because he would have known he couldn’t impose his will on Max. All it did was succeed in pissing Max him off. “She is to tell no one. Not even Fiona LaFont. I may owe that woman a debt, but I am not willing to pay it by risking the safety of my pride and our kind. They have to come first.”
Max counted to ten in his head three times, before he could open his mouth without uttering the question, “Who the fuck, do you think you are?” He may not have asked the question out loud, but the fuck you, was definitely implied in his answer. “I’ll let her know.”
“Let her know?”
“Yes. She won’t say anything if I ask her not to.”
“Ask? You are her alpha. Your word is law and your mate should do as you say.”
Max snorted in derision, he wasn’t going to continue this discussion. He turned and headed for the door. He was almost there when John opened up his fucking mouth needing the last word, typical alpha.
“I’ll issue the order to her if you have a problem with doing it yourself.”
That did it. Max’s hard fought control snapped and his lion broke free. He didn’t even recall moving, but the next thing he knew; he had Alpha St Pierre against the wall and forearm across the alpha’s throat. Max’s forearm and hands were currently more lion than man. His canines dropped and his lion pushed and clawed for freedom. He fought a full shift with all his strength and control.
John didn’t move, didn’t fight, but his eyes widened for a tiny millisecond before he blanked his expression. It was the only indication that the alpha knew he let his mouth and arrogance land him in a world of hurt. He knew he was in deep shit should Max choose to follow through.
“Shelly is our mate.” His lion growled. “You will not go near her. If you ever suggest exerting your dominance over my mate again, I will rip out your throat. I may not want a pride, but I will take yours from you if you do. Do we understand each other, alpha?”
John nodded, well as best he could with Max crushing his throat. Max narrowed his eyes at the alpha, wanting to hear the words. John’s eyes glowed as his lion fought to come out and play. Max could practically see the gears turning in John’s head as he weighed his options. Give up a bit of pride and admit he was wrong or let his lion loose and take his chances against Max. Max was the stronger lion, and they both knew it.
“I understand.” John croaked.
Max let him go and stepped back to try to gain some semblance of control. Not an easy task when his heart still raced, adrenalin still rushed through his veins, and his lion kept envisioning ripping out the mans’ throat. John watched him, his body tense, but he didn’t move from his position against the wall.
Max heard rushed footsteps coming down the hall. He and John frowned at each other and glanced quickly at the wooden doors. They were about to have company. Roman pounded on the door. Max was surprised it didn’t splinter. John finished straightening his shirt just as Roman jerked open the door.
Roman eyed Max suspiciously before he looked at his alpha. Suspicion turned to cold calculation
in the blink of an eye. Max looked at John wondering if he had actually injured him. That’s when he understood the cause of that look of death in Roman’s eyes. It wasn’t an injured alpha, but the head shaped hole in the drywall behind him. Yep, that would do it. Max knew Roman wanted to murder him, but Roman knew better than to overstep and make that decision without an okay from his alpha.
“Is everything alright, alpha?”
John cleared his throat before he answered but it didn’t do much good. He still sounded like a frog. “I’m fine.”
Roman crossed his arms over his chest, clearly not believing the man, and waited for an explanation or an order, maybe both.
If John explained then he would have to admit that Max bested him, thus making Max the stronger alpha. If he ordered Max’s death, to explain the order, he would still have to admit what happened, thus making Max the stronger alpha. Damn it! That little dust up was between him and John. His lion’s intent was to get John’s attention and remind him he was also an alpha, not to embarrass him in front of his pride. Max knew John understood this. Just as Max knew, he could have handled it better. Max needed to fix this and fast.
He donned his best good ole boy smile and clapped John on the shoulder. He looked at Roman before turning his attention to John. “Yeah, Roman we’re fine. Sorry man didn’t mean to dent your wall. I thought we had more room. We should probably take it outside; the next time I demonstrate how you take down an armed combatant using hand to hand.”
John grinned and his eyes flashed with gratitude. “It was my fault, too. Now I know why my mom always yelled as us to take our rough housing outside.” He rubbed his throat. “A little warning we aren’t pulling punches would be appreciated, as well.”
They looked at Roman. Max and John both knew Roman knew they were lying. As a shifter, he would scent the subterfuge and as lies went it was pretty lame, but it was the best Max could come up with. Which was embarrassing, he was usually better than that. He was obviously out of practice.
Roman looked back and forth between them then held his gaze on Max. Max could see the appreciation in the enforcer’s eyes. Max knew that nothing could diminish this man’s respect for his alpha, but he was grateful to Max for not embarrassing the man in front of the rest of the pride.
Roman having obviously decided his alpha was not in need of his services, nodded and left the room.
John leaned back against the wall. “Thank you. You didn’t have to that.”
“Yeah, I did. It was our issue, our business. Also, I probably could have handled you being an ass better than I did.”
John laughed. “It is an awesome yet often misunderstood quality.”
Max laughed, the man did amuse him. “I’m outta here.”
“You will talk to your mate, right?” John held up his hand to stop Max when he growled. “I’m just asking? Nothing is inferred or implied.”
“I get now why two alphas can’t exist in the same pride.”
“It will take some getting used to, but you are welcome here Max.” John held out his hand to Max and he shook it. “We’ll figure it out.”
“I hope so and yes, I’ll talk to her, right after I figure out how I’m going to tell her.”
Chapter 9
Shelly sat next to Fiona on the couch as they watched reruns of one of their favorite crime shows, giggled at Sam’s antics, and she kept an eye on her cellphone.
“You know you can’t make that thing ring with your mind right?”
Damn! She thought she was playing it so cool. She turned her head and stuck her tongue out at her best friend. “I wasn’t trying to make it ring.”
“Okay, will it to ring. Better?”
“Shut up.” Shelly popped Fiona on the thigh with the back of her hand, not that it phased Fee. She didn’t bother to hide her amusement as she laughed at Shelly, nearly rolling off the couch in the process.
“You are too cute for words, gaienne. You really got a thing for him, huh?”
Shelly shrugged. She didn’t have a thing for him. It was more than a thing. Which was stupid because she just met him. That didn’t seem to matter to her body or her heart. It seemed her mind was the only part of her with the slightest ounce of self-preservation.
“Oh, my. You really do like him don’t you?”
“He’s different.”
“What does that mean exactly? Different how?”
“He makes me feel…. everything. I know it’s crazy since I just met him. I get that I do, but there’s just something about him. You think I’m crazy?”
She looked at Fiona and saw sadness cross her face before she masked it with humor. “Why Shell, are you asking me to validate your lust?”
“You are such a bitch.” Shelly shook her head and trying her best to look offended, but Fiona knew better and smiled at the accusation. The insult probably would have been more effective if they hadn’t used the term as an endearment on a daily basis since their teens.
Fiona clasped her hand over Shelly’s and squeezed. “I don’t think you are crazy. I remember the feeling well.” Shelly watched her best friend fight tears. Fiona took a calming breath and composed herself before continuing. “I think if you feel this way about Max and you’ve never felt this way before, which I know you haven’t, then you should grab on to it.”
“What if it’s fleeting?”
Fiona shrugged. “Then it’s fleeting, but at least you will know that you gave it a chance. Can you live with yourself if you don’t? Are you going regret it if you let uncertainty dictate your actions? What if this is your chance?”
Shelly wasn’t brave like Fiona; she’d never been like Fee. Shelly was shy, wary, and a bit introverted. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to find a man who would love her like her father had loved her mother. She did want that. She just wasn’t sure if she could handle the sheer devastation of losing someone she loved again. That was just another way she and Fee differed. Fiona, neglected and abused as a child, took a leap of faith to trust the LaFont’s, David, and the love and security they offered. Even though history had proven otherwise, Fiona risked her heart and her life for a chance. Shelly knew two people could fall deeply in love and remain so for years. Her parents had been like that as had David’s parents.
“What do you want Shelly?”
“I want to try. I’m just afraid. I don’t know anything, Fee. I’m sure Max has had a hundred women. What if I get to that part and I can’t? What if it’s a disaster? What if I’m a disappointment?”
It had been awhile since Shelly had seen real anger on Fiona’s face, but she was getting an upfront and personal view of it now. She fought the urge to scoot to the far end of the couch.
“Now you listen to me, Shelly Marie Dubose. If, and it’s a big if, the sex doesn’t work out, then that is on him. It’s up to Max to make sure you are prepared and comfortable. There is no doubt that he will be the more experienced partner, and as such, it is up to him to lead the way and to listen to you. I don’t mean just your words either. I also mean to your body. If he cares about you, is serious about a relationship, and not just a roll in the sheets, then he will get you both there by watching and listening. That being said, there is nothing wrong with you. I know I give you shit about being a virgin, and that’s all it is. Sex isn’t a perk with an expiration date. You don’t lose it if you don’t use it. If he’s worth it, then he will cherish it. Be honest with him and accept nothing but honesty in return and it will all work out just fine.”
Shelly practically tackled Fiona when she hugged her. She couldn’t help it. Fee always knew how to talk her of the ledge. “Thank you. I love you, Fee.”
“Love you too.”
When Shelly and Fiona untangled, Fiona’s eyes were glossy with unshed tears. “I want to be happy, but I feel guilty because I know you aren’t.”
Fiona wiped under her eyes with the side of her hand. “That’s not going to happen anytime soon, Shell. If you are waiting on me, then you might as well get forty
cats and call it good.”
Shelly snorted indignantly. “I don’t think Sam would be happy about that.”
“Then you better work on keeping Sam happy and leap.”
“I hear you.”
“If he turns out to be a big dickhead, I know some great places in the bayou to dispose of a body.”
“You’re the best Fee.”
Shelly and Fiona jumped in their seats when Shelly’s phone began to ring. She looked at the caller ID and it was Max. Fiona returned the smile Shelly gave her.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Shelly.”
“Hi, Max.”
“I’m done with my meeting and I wondered if you’d like to go to dinner with me?”
“Uh, tonight?”
Fiona was glaring at her and nodding her head, and moving her hands in a universal “shoo, go, get out” gesture.
“That’s was the plan, unless it’s too short of notice. I guess we could do it tomorrow night, but I will most likely pout like a two-year-old if that happens.” Even though Max’s answer held a teasing air, she also heard the truth behind it. She had a feeling Max could be unbearable if he didn’t get what he wanted and what he wanted was a date with Shelly. Unleashing a pouty Max on the world was unfair to all those unsuspecting people, right? She didn’t want anyone to think she was sadist. She had to say yes, to save the world. Yeah, that’s right. She was like a superhero. Unbidden Fiona’s earlier comment popped into her head, Shelly the Super Virgin, able to leap tall penises in a single bound. Shelly stifled her laughter.
“Shelly?”
“Oh, yes.”
“Is that a yes to me saying your name or a yes to dinner?”
“Yes, to both.”
“Can you be ready in an hour?”
“I can. Where are we going?”
“Not sure. It’s my first time in New Orleans. You are gonna have to recommend a place.”
“I can do that.”
“Do you mind riding on the back of my Harley?”