He hums. “We should probably go over just about everything there is to know. I’m not sure what you know, or what you don’t. I can’t think of anything specific right now that you should know, but we’ll talk tonight. We can decide when you’d like to do the Mating ceremony.” He pulls in the lot right in front of the English building. “Cass or Sam will bring you your keys.” He curls his finger motioning for me to come closer. I lean over the center console, thinking he wants a kiss, but instead, he hauls me on his lap, my back to the steering wheel. His nose pushes aside my sweater revealing his Mark on my shoulder. He kisses and nuzzles his spot; his hands grip my hips pulling me forward enough that I feel him growing hard beneath me. Knowing I’m the one causing, his arousal is a powerful feeling. When he finally lifts his head, his eyes meet mine, and I’m struck with emotion. I don’t think it’s just mine.
I suck in a breath. “Masen?” His mesmerizing eyes close, I breathe out the air I was holding. Trying to sort through what just happened, I realize I felt his need for me, but what overwhelmed me was his fear, fear of losing me, fear that I will disappear when I’m not with him. Cupping his jaw, I say firmly, “Masen, I’m here. I’m not leaving. I want you to share those feelings with me. I just got overwhelmed. I’m scared, too.” I kiss his lips and whisper the last parts in his ear, “I’m so scared I’m not enough, could never be enough. Scared you could walk away from me. But, that’s just our past making us feel that. I want to be here, with you. So don’t hide that from me, okay? I love you, Masen.” His arms wrap around my back, and we comfort each other.
“I love you, too, Baby. I would never, could never walk away, again,” he promises. “Now get on to class before I murder these fuckers who see you on my lap and think about you on theirs.” He growls.
“Huh, you are the one who put me here, Mr. Growly Pants.” I kiss him quickly and open his door to scoot out.
He hands over my book bag and purse. “I’ll see you in a bit. Little One. Be good.” He smirks.
I’m a little nervous going into English. The last time I was here Masen walked out on Professor Daniels, but he doesn’t say a word about it the entire class. Things seem to be settling down, no whispers or stares following me through campus.
Sam is already in his seat when I enter bio. His smile lighting up his dark brown eyes when I sit next to him. “Don’t you look handsome today. You got a hot date?” I ask playfully while I bump my shoulder into his. He’s wearing dark wash jeans and a snug red tee shirt. His smirk tells me I’m right. “So, who is it? Do I know them? Em well, I probably don’t. I don’t really know anyone but tell me who it is anyway.” I smile.
“It’s nothing really. There’s just a new guy named David that just came in yesterday,” he says shyly. “I asked if I could show him around, and he said yes.”
Just looking at Sam, I can tell how excited he is. “That’s great, Sam. I actually met him briefly, yesterday. Where do you think you’ll take him?”
He blows out a long breath. “I’m not sure. I just wanted to spend time with him. Maybe, I’ll show some touristy stuff and have a Bonfire on the beach. That way I can save the falls and the caves for next time.” He smiles sweetly.
“I didn’t know there are falls around here. How do I find them?”
Sam waves a hand dismissing me. “Have Masen show you. Before I forget, I’ve got your keys,” he says, searching through his messenger bag. “Here ya go,” he smiles, “you’re coming to lunch right?”
Tossing my keys in my purse, I answer, “no, I’m done for the day after this class. I’m gonna head over to the mall. I need some camera equipment.”
Sam nods his head. “They have a nice photography store not to far from the mall. You should check it out,” he says as the teacher begins talking. When class is over, I wish Sam good luck on his date and tell him maybe I’ll see him over the weekend.
Marshall, the next town over, has more of a city feel with big box stores and a mall. This is my first trip here so I drive around for a bit before finding the small camera shop. The awning over the door looks like a giant camera lens; it’s kinda creepy. The woman behind the counter is very helpful. Thirty minutes later, I’m out twenty five hundred bucks, but have a beautiful camera with a couple extra lens to play with.
I drive over to the mall to grab some lunch and do some more shopping. The restaurant I choose makes pita like bread right in the window. There’s a lot of Greek influence on the menu. Before I can order, two male shifters sit down at my table. I’ve gotten more comfortable around shifters, but I think it’s a little unusual for them to just sit down without an invite. “Hello,” I say, “something I can help you with?”
Both men eye me like I’m on the menu. “We were just passing through and had to know what smelled so good.” He says trying to sound sexy.
“Yeah, the food smells great. Would you like me to have the waitress get a table set up for you?” I’m using my syrupy sweet drawl now, knowing what their up to.
The talker shakes his head, no. “I think we should just join you. I wouldn’t want you to have eat alone. That would be so rude of us.”
Does he seriously think he is sitting at my table? Not today buddy. “Well, that’s a kind offer gentlemen,” I say sarcastically, “but I’ll be dining alone. Please find another table to occupy.”
They both have the nerve to look offended. “You don’t want to eat with us? Why not, Sweetheart? I’m a real good eater. I like to lick everything nice and clean.” He says while licking his lips.
Ehhh yuck, he did not just do that. “Ahhh, no, I’m gonna pretend that didn’t just happen,” I shudder in revulsion, “I was trying to be nice, but that’s obviously not going to work so here goes. I am not interested in anything y’all have to offer. Get away from me, now,” I say looking right in the mouthy ones muddy brown eyes.
His smile drops and replaces it with a sneer. He opens his mouth to speak right as the waitress asks, “should I bring a couple more menus?”
Still looking right at him, I answer, “no, thank you. They were just leaving.”
I hear him mutter, “bitch,” under his breath, but they do leave.
My lunch was fantastic. The bread was soft and a little sweet, wrapped around hot turkey and bacon. With a full belly, I decide to walk through the mall to see what stores they have before looking for what I need. The DSW is calling my name, so like a girl with a weakness for shoes, I head in to feed my addiction. Being good, I only buy two pair and head out to find a swimsuit. It’s almost September so my choices are limited. I end up finding a really cute vintage inspired two piece. The top is similar to a long line bra. There’s a built in underwire bra to hold my girls up. It’s white and navy blue striped with a cute red anchor decal; the bottom is a super short navy skirt.
Done shopping for the day, I head out to my jeep so I can go to my condo. If I’m going to be staying a Masen’s, there’s a few more things I’ll need until we talk about what to do with my house. I just bought it so I’m not sure if selling it right away is a good idea.
Nearing my jeep, I see the mouthy guy from the restaurant leaning against my door. Seriously, can’t this guy take a hint? I’m wondering how easy it will be to get his guy to back off and let me leave. I think I should just head back in the mall and call Masen. I’m a tough girl, but I’m far from stupid. Before I can turn around, the quiet one walks up behind me and grabs my arm holding my purse. Trying to push me towards my truck. “Hey asshole! Let go of me now!” I snap. He’s pulling me harder. There’s no way I’m letting him get me to the jeep where the other guy is. Dropping my bags, I yell, “NO, HELP!” as I strike out with my fingers held flat at his throat. The tips of my fingers hit his neck, and he gags. Choking, he let’s go of my arm and reaches both of his hands up to his throat. Leaving everything on the ground, I turn and run back in the mall. Thank God, I was able to get away. There was no one around to hear me yelling.
I’m breathing hard from the adrenalin and fear. They h
aven’t followed me. I realize when I dropped my bags I lost my phone. Going in the closest shop, a clothing store, I tell the woman I need the phone someone in the parking lot stole my bags. I don’t want to go into details with her.
She takes me in the back and lets me use the phone. “You’re calling the police, right? Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” She asks with concern.
“They didn’t hurt me, but I lost my bag. I don’t have any numbers mesmerized. Do you mind just giving me a minute? I just need to calm down for a second.” I’m not lying. I am shaken up, but I need to call the directory and see if I can get a number for Masen. I don’t think he’ll want to involve the police. I think he’ll handle it himself.
“Sure, no problem, Honey. My name’s Tami. I’ll be right outside the door. I can’t leave you back here alone. You understand?”
I nod my head. “Yeah, of course, I won’t touch anything but the phone. I promise.” I tell her truthfully.
Once she’s out the door, I pick the phone and dial information. “City and state please.”
“Point Pleasant, Michigan”
“Business name”
“It’s a person, Masen Black. Any number you have listed under him, please.”
“I have two listings. Would you like both?”
“Yes, please.” I find a blank sheet of paper and a pen.
“Residential number is “586-555-9911. Black Industries is 586-555-0000. Would you like to be connected?”
“Yes, please, to the residential number. Thank you.” Seconds later, it starts ringing. After six rings, I hang up and try the other number. If this doesn’t work, I’ll find security to walk me to my jeep. Damn, I just realized I don’t have my keys. I’m sure if they didn’t take them from where I dropped them by now someone else has. Shit, I should have held on to my purse. A smooth female voice answers the line. “Black Industries. How can I direct your call?”
“I need to speak with Masen Black, please.”
“I’m sorry, Miss. He can’t be reached from this line.”
Shit! “Can you give me his cell number or send my call to him?”
“I’m sorry, Miss. I can’t do that. Would you like to speak with his assistant?”
Oh, thank God. “Yes, please.” I blow out a deep breath waiting for the call to pick up. I know he’ll have a shifter for an assistant. I can explain who I am, and they’ll let me talk to Masen.
“Roxanne speaking. How can I help you?”
Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me. “I need to talk with Masen, please,” I say as polite as I can muster.
“He’s indisposed at the moment. Can I take a message?” She giggles in the background. “Stop that,” comes through the line weakly like she’s covering the receiver.
“Give me his cell number, or send my call to him, now,” I sneer all pretense of politeness gone.
“I’m sorry. I can’t do that. It’s company policy. If it’s of a personal nature, Mr. Black gives his number to the people he wants to have it.” The last part comes out sugary sweet.
“I know you know who I am. Give me his fucking number, NOW!” I’m so frustrated why the hell is the devil woman his assistant?
“Do you have a message I can leave for Mr.Black?” She sounds so very professional I know Masen is in the room with her. He better not be playing games again; I will skin him. Before I can answer, “sorry I couldn’t be more help. Thanks for calling Black Industries. Have a wonderful day,” comes through the line. Then, it goes dead. I’m tempted to slam the receiver on the desk repeatedly.
Instead, I steady my breathing and redial the directory. “City and state.”
“I need a cell number for Casper Black in Point Pleasant, Michigan,” I grate.
“I’ll connect you. Have a wonderful day.” After hearing the same words, the devil woman used I want to beat my head against the desk this time.
Sniffer answers on the second ring. “Who’s this?” He asks suspiciously.
“Sniffer, it’s me, Sophie. God, I’m so glad you answered,” I sigh, “I could really use some help.” I explain what happened. He’s driving before I can even finish telling him.
“Stay right where you are. I’ll be there in ten minutes. I had Sam call Mase. I don’t want you to hang up until I get there, okay?” I finally relax.
There’s a short tap on the door. The woman from earlier, Tami, pokes her head in. “You okay in here, Honey?” She asks kindly.
“Just a second, Sniffer. I’m fine. Thank you. My Mat..my...”
Sniffer provides me with the right words. “Your brother in-law, Sophie.”
“My brother in-law is on the way. He’ll help me handle everything. Is it okay if I stay on the phone with him until he gets here?”
Her face is kind and a little sad. “Sure Honey. I’ll be right out here.”
He arrives in seven minutes. He must have broken every traffic law there is. I’m so relieved when I hear him say he’s here. I hang up and rush from the back of the store. “Sophie?” I hear his raised voice ask.
“I’m right here.” I wave my arm so he can spot me.
He speeds over and picks me up in a bear hug. “Ugh, I can’t breath.”
He sets me down but doesn’t release me fully. “Sorry,” he says sheepishly. “He just found you. I think he’d lose it if something happened. Masen knew something was wrong, and when he couldn’t get a hold of you, he kinda freaked. He was almost here when Sam got ahold of him so it won’t be long.” He smiles down at me.
“That’s such a relief. I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to get a hold of anyone. Did you see anyone outside or my purse and bags?”
He shakes his head. “No, I didn’t look too hard though. I was more concerned about getting in here to you.”
Tami and two other female employees stare at Sniffer. “I think you have a fan club,” I say tipping my head in their direction.
She notices me look over and comes closer. Her hips have a little extra sway that I can’t help but smile at. “You must be the brother in-law. How kind of you to come rescue her,” She bats her eyelashes, “I’m so nervous about the whole thing. She must have be terrified. Lucky for her, she has you to make sure she’s safe,” she pouts. “I’m Tami, by the way.”
What the hell is wrong with this woman. Five minutes ago, she was normal and sweet. Now, she’s like a flirting machine with hair tosses, biting her lips, touching his arm more times than I can count in the thirty second, one-sided conversation. I can’t help the bubble of laugh that escapes. They both turn to me like I’m the crazy one. I cover my mouth and start to cough. I clear my throat. “Sorry, nerves.” I shrug.
Masen choses that second to storm through the door. He looks like he’s ready to kill someone. “Hot damn!” I hear one of the woman utter.
His eyes find mine. I’m away from Sniffer and in his arms in seconds. He lifts me gently, and I wrap around him on instinct. “What happened?” he barks.
I sigh. He’s going to scare the pants off of these women, probably literally. “Mase, let’s go outside. These beautiful women have helped enough today. No need to bother them any further.”
Sniffer delivers a sweet as honey smile to the trio. I think they all sigh in unison. They’ve all moved closer, openly ogling Masen even with me in his arms. Tami, my helper, says, “oh, it’s no bother. If either of you need anything, anything at all, I can be very helpful.” She’s definitely not talking to me. She looks right up at Masen through her lashes.
Now, she starting to piss me off. “Hey, knock that off. Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it; I do. You can even throw yourself at my brother in-law, but do not look at him like that. He’s mine!” I threaten.
Her eyes go wide. I don’t think she’s ever been called out before. Hooker probably flirts with taken men all the time.
Masen’s sexy chuckle warms my belly like always. I turn my head back around. Our faces are close. “Ah, Baby. If I didn’t have to find the fuckers that messed
with you, I’d take you in the back and make you scream so they’d know who I belong to.” His voice is low, but when I hear “hot damn” again in the same voice as before, I know they heard him.
Sniffer clears his throat. My eyes haven’t left Masen’s. “Yeah, on that note, we need to be going. Come on Mase. You can make her scream at home.” He pats his back.
“Masen, you gotta put me down, now. We can’t walk out there like this,” I say, squirming trying to get down. He heaves a sigh like I’m being unreasonable but sets me down. He insists I go over every detail again starting when they sat down at my table in the restaurant. I tell him everything, where I ate, where I walked, what stores I went into, what happened in the parking lot. I haven’t finished yet when we walk out to my truck.
They’re gone, but Masen catches both of their scents. “I’m not familiar with either scent, but that doesn’t mean much. I don’t know everyone by scent. We have a few hundred in the pack. I’m going to call Sid and have him see if he can track them.”
Sniffer and I check my jeep while Masen makes some phones calls. My purse and bags are laying on the front seat. “Masen, they left my stuff!” I shout. When I open my purse and check my wallet, I see what they’ve taken: my Kentucky driver’s license, all my cash, my credit cards, phone, and keys. “Shit,” I curse. “They took all my stuff. They know my address and have my keys. I had a change of address on the back of my license when I moved. We need to get to my house before they take everything I own,” I’m almost in tears, “I should have kept my purse.” My voice cracks. Masen hugs me close.
“I’ll take care of it, Baby. Don’t cry. Cass wait here for Sid and whoever else he brings. Tell him what you know and make sure he gets back to me as soon as he knows something. I’m gonna have Michael meet us at her place.”
Leaving my jeep, he ushers me to the same SUV he drove me to school in this morning. “Wait, Sniffer, can you see if there’s still a small foot locker in the back?”
He looks in the back. “Yeah I see it.”
Becoming His Page 13