by April Zyon
“Do what you need to do. Will I be okay just standing here in the open while you check the truck over?”
“Just back up a few more feet.” When she’d stepped back he began to go around the truck. After a minute he got down on his back and wiggled underneath to check the chassis. She couldn’t see what he was doing, but when he slid back out and dusted off his hands with a nod, she felt relief. “We’re okay. I don’t see anything out of place. And everything that is there should be exactly where it is.”
“Good.” She let out the breath she had been holding. “I’ll feel so much better once we’re home. Are the deputies going to follow us home so they can be sure that no one is following us?” She was bouncing from foot to foot, wringing her hands, and realized she was looking all around as much as she possibly could. She knew it was her nerves, but she couldn’t help it.
“No, but I think a couple bears might until we reach pack lands. Then we’ll be good.” He lifted a hand and got a wave from a large man who looked more like a biker than anything else. “I’ll introduce you to the Kodiaks another day. For now we are going home, where we can lock the doors and I can hold you tight for the next several hours until my heart rate gets back to normal.”
“As long as I don’t see them in their bear forms. I’m very good with you being my cat, but I don’t think I would survive seeing them as animals. I know how silly that sounds, but it’s the truth. I am comfortable and happy with you, but them I don’t really know.”
“It’s funny how many people feel the same around the bears, Kodiak and grizzly. Which is odd because they are normally the most mellow out of all the packs.” Pulling away from the the building, he took her hand in his the moment they were on the road. Behind them another truck pulled out and followed. A quick look back showed one of the men Piran had waved to earlier.
“I think it’s because they’re so big.” She looked at Piran and frowned before adding, “Then again, you are really huge as your animal, too, but I’m not afraid of you. In fact, I want to cuddle up with you and all that fur you have on your body. Is that weird of me? I just want to be surrounded by you.”
“Not weird at all,” he told her. “You’re my mate. The need to be close to both parts of me is an important part of the bond we share. It’s the same with skin-to-skin contact even when there is no sex involved. It’s all about deepening our bond until it’s so solid that nothing can break it, ever.”
“Exactly. I just want to have you close to me. And no, no sex with the kitty. That would just be all sorts of wrong. He’s cuddly and warm, and I like that a heck of a lot but I don’t think I could do anything other than cuddle with him,” she said, grateful to Piran for the chatter, for giving her a sense of normalcy in the midst of the chaos.
“You’re not a shifter, so that kind of sexual interaction isn’t even practical. The parts are the same yet not. You don’t have to worry. The cat only wants ear scratches and belly rubs in between hugs and cuddles. He fully understands that anything else won’t work.”
“Good. I’m also good with giving belly rubs and ear scratches. I actually love cats, to be honest with you.”
“Meow,” he teased with a grin. When she laughed, he wiggled his eyebrows at her. He slowed the truck to turn onto the road leading to the house. A couple minutes later they came to a stop. Hopping out, he came around to give her a hand down, tugging her into his arms to give her a squeeze before they headed inside the house.
She looked at him once they were inside and took a deep breath. “Can we close all of the windows and blinds, turn off the lights, and relax for a while? I’m honestly more than a little scared and I just want to cuddle right now.”
“Of course we can. I’ll get the windows if you want to grab a couple throws. We can snuggle up under them on the sofa and maybe watch a movie if you want.” Stroking his fingers over her cheek, Piran smiled at her. “I wish I could say or do something to help you with your fear.”
“It will be okay once I know that he’s gone. I should be used to this by now. I hate that he has so much power over me. I just want a life with you.”
“I know, baby, I know.” Piran leaned in to give her a slow kiss. “Grab the movie and get comfortable. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Promise.” Another light kiss, then he left her to go hang up their jackets before dealing with the windows.
She grabbed the throws and a couple of the toss pillows so that they could get comfortable on the couch. When she had those, she went to the couch and kicked her shoes off under the coffee table and curled up in the corner to wait for him to join her.
Piran came toward her a minute later and plopped down at her side. Lifting her legs, he settled them over his thighs. He helped her get the throw over them both before he leaned over to recline against her side with his head on her shoulder. His arms slid around her waist to hold her close, his nose rubbing to her jaw.
“This is actually pretty nice.” She had her eyes closed and yawned. “We’ve done nothing today and yet I’m exhausted.”
“It’s been a stressful day. You deserve a rest if you want one. There’s a game on TV I can watch while you snooze.” He pressed a kiss against her pulse. “Sleep, little mate. I’m right here and I have you. I’m never letting go either.”
“Good. You better not, because you have to save me from your momma and I have to save you from her,” she teased with a snort as she pretty much drifted into a very light sleep there at his side. She could hear the game, but it was low and she was easily able to ignore it.
Chapter Thirteen
A phone ringing jolted Quinn awake. She didn’t know where she was for a moment, but it didn’t matter because she could feel and smell Piran at her side. He pressed a kiss to her temple before giving a soft greeting to the caller.
“Where?” His one question was full of tension like his body she was pressed tightly against. “Shit, have you let the others know? Okay, stupid question, sorry. I said I was sorry. Jesus, take a breath, will ya. No, we’re safe. The system is armed and we’re tucked in. No, all the lights are off except for the TV. I’ll call the sheriff, thanks.” He muttered a few choice words after, or so she assumed, he’d hung up.
“What’s happening?” Her voice quaked when she spoke. “Who was that and why would they ask you if we were safe and why don’t they call the sheriff?”
“A pack mate,” he said as he dialed the phone. “There’s been an intrusion on his land he wanted to let us know about. He has to call the alpha and alert the other pack members. Hold on, sweetheart. Sheriff, it’s Piran. We have an intrusion on pack lands. No clue who it is yet but given the day’s earlier issues I thought it wise to get you in on this. Thanks,” he told the other man.
Hanging up again, he set his phone aside and wrapped his arm back around her. “The alpha will be coming this way soon enough. He’ll want to be where the threat is directed to ensure the pack knows everything as it happens.”
“He’ll have others with him, right?” She curled back into Piran, her whole body seeming to seek his heat. She felt more relaxed when he was close to her and holding her. She craved that touch more and more as they were together.
“He’ll be bringing several others with him. They’ll probably all be in their jaguar forms, so we won’t see them. He’ll position them around the house, in the trees, to watch for anyone that shouldn’t be coming this way. The sheriff and the deputies he brings will all know that, and they’ll only come in via the main road and in marked and familiar vehicles. Not sure if the alpha will call in anyone else or keep this internal. Depends on if he feels the need is there or not.”
“Let’s hope there isn’t any reason for anyone else to get involved. It would be bad and then even more people would know and all that.” She sighed. “I just hope this doesn’t somehow interfere with my job. I mean honestly what parents would want a woman who has a monster after them teaching their child?” She wouldn’t be surprised if she lost her position.
His arms t
ightened around her. “Shh, no one is going to fire you. Hell, the town would likely raise a big ass stink if they did. I can tell you right now that every shifter in town would yank their kids from the school and try to convince you to start your own. You’re a mate, which means you’re part of the trusted ones. That and the kids all adore you.”
Quinn looked up at him and smiled. “I adore them, too. I never knew that I had shifters in my class. Goodness, before you I didn’t know about them.” She rubbed her cheek to his shoulder. “They were just all kids on the cusp of becoming that awkward in between child and adult phase which is also known as being a teenager.” She shuddered. “I wouldn’t do that again for all the money in the world, being a teenager, that is.”
“Yeah, not exactly the best time of anyone’s life. I know I was an awkward and uncoordinated goof. Not exactly popular but not the bottom rung, but holy hell was I gangly. All bones and weird angles. I had a growth spurt toward the end of sixth grade. Only saving grace was I filled in over the summer some. Pretty sure Mom didn’t stop cooking at any time during that summer break just to keep me filled up.”
That had her laughing. “Oh, I’m sure. There have been a number of the kids that I’ve seen going through that growth spurt. The ones I feel for are the boys whose voices start to crack. Poor kids. I try to take it easier on them with oral reports because of it.”
“You really are a good egg.” Kissing her cheek, he smiled against her skin. “And you blush, too, which is completely adorable. For now, though, less blushing. We should probably disentangle ourselves and get ready for guests. Wanted and not. We need to be prepared for whatever comes our way tonight. And hopefully we get word on what the nature of the intrusion was.”
She took a deep breath, then hesitated. “How many people do you think are going to show up at the house? Should I start on some coffee and maybe some muffins or something like that?”
“Let’s go with coffee first. The other stuff isn’t needed right now. Unless it will help to calm your nerves. I can feel you vibrating with them. There’s no need to be nervous. The alpha will be here and probably the sheriff, with a deputy or two. Beyond that, I don’t know.”
“It should help to calm my nerves,” she said with a sigh.
Helping her up, he folded the throw and laid it on the sofa before following her into the kitchen.
She moved to the counter and began to prepare the coffee maker.
Sliding his arms around her waist, he pulled her in close to give her a light kiss on her lips. She gave him another hug. “All right, I should go and get myself ready for company and start baking before they start putting in orders for cookies or whatever.”
“If they want to put in orders, then they can give Alaska a call. Around this house they are lucky to get baked goods when they visit, and they will damn well know that. Coffee is a given, but snacks are luxuries.” Giving her another kiss, he rubbed a hand up and down her back before loosening his hold on her.
“Yes, they can call Alaska. She’s the baker after all and she’s so freaking good at it. She was one of the first people I met when I was here. Did you know that? She’s a sweetheart.”
“I did not know that. She’s an interesting woman. Did you know she’s a witch?” he asked. Quinn spun to stare at him and he nodded. “Yup, full-fledged witch. Not sure what she can do but I hear on the grapevine she’s pretty damn powerful.”
“Oh wow. I didn’t know that. That she was a witch, that is. Does she use magic in making her goodies, or is that just good old-fashioned talent that the woman has?” Because Alaska could bake the hell out of some amazing things, that was for sure.
“Her baked goods are pure talent. At least that’s what I’ve been told by someone who would know. Her mate,” he clarified. Hopping up onto the counter, Piran watched her gather things for her own baking. “From what he’s shared she has a natural love for baking that comes through.”
“I just now that her baked goods are to die for. She’s amazing with those little mini cakes that she bakes. I buy them at the end of every single year so I can give them to the kids before they leave for the summer. Each one of them I have made with the kids’ names on them. They all get a kick out of it.”
“And you wonder why they all think you are the best teacher ever.” He was grinning at her while her cheeks got warm, and Quinn knew she was blushing, yet again.
“I love those kids. I just hope I’m giving them a good, stable base to stand on so they are able to transition okay into their teenage years.” That was one of her biggest worries, that she wouldn’t be everything they needed or give them all the tools they needed in order to succeed.
“I think you give them much more than that, Quinn. You are giving them a leg to stand on not only in their teen years but in their coming adult life. What you teach them isn’t merely short term, Quinn. It will have a lasting effect on all their coming days and give them a foundation to become better people because of that care you’ve shown them.”
“I hope so. I’ve only see a couple of them after they left me, but that’s okay because they seemed to be doing very well for themselves. The kids that I’ve seen afterwards have all seemed to be very calm and found their niche in life. One of the first kids that I had has found a girlfriend, and it seems serious. He’s only sixteen now, but, wait. I wonder if he’s a shifter.” She named the student for him and when he nodded she laughed. “I have a feeling he met his mate very early in life. That’s a good thing, right?”
“He might not know she’s his mate, not yet. Sexual maturity for a shifter doesn’t kick in until they are between seventeen and nineteen, depending on the species. He likely feels the pull to her, but it’s yet undefined and will remain that way until the last kick in the proverbial nuts hits him and her. Both mates have to reach sexual maturity for the mating bond to start forming.”
“As long as they don’t do anything before they are eighteen. There is far too much teen pregnancy in this world, and we don’t need to add those kids to it as well.” Although she had to admit, here in Shifter Falls that wasn’t much of an issue.
“Not exactly an issue around here,” he said. The fact that his words mirrored her thoughts had her lips twitching in amusement. “Shifter mommas tend to be scary creatures only read about in lore and mythology. But we all know they exist right here, ready to go from sweet, making-a-cake, motherly type to demonically possessed in the blink of an eye. Trust me, while the kids might fool around, not a one wants to ever face that creature for any reason if they were to do something dumb enough to bring it out. There is no mercy from the demon-shifter mother. None.”
That had her laughing. She couldn’t help herself. “Oh God, now you’re making it even harder for me to want to meet your mom with you telling me about demon-shifter moms. You do know that you are talking her up to being a very mean person, right?” she teased.
“My momma is the sweetest cat on the planet. Unless you mess with one of her babies. Then you’d better have your life insurance policy paid in full. But seriously, you will love her and she will love you. There is no reason for you to worry at all, little mate. Trust me.”
A knock on the door had Quinn nearly wearing what she’d measured into the bowl before her. “Easy. It’s only the alpha and sheriff.” Piran slid off the counter and padded over to the door. He looked out before opening it to admit the sheriff, who was followed by another man with eyes that seemed to bore right through her.
Quinn moved in just a little closer to Piran. “Hi.” She waved. “I’m making cookies. Do you have any preference in what kind you get? I was going to do plain but figured since I had little mini chips of all sorts I could toss those into the batter. What do you think? Will that be okay?”
The sheriff snorted out a laugh. “Chips work for me, Quinn. Ooh, coffee.”
“Cups are above the coffee maker,” Piran told him. Sliding his arm around her waist, her mate drew her closer to the other man. The alpha was a tall man. He looked lea
n and cagey but radiated power and seemed to be trying to discern all her secrets. “Quinn, this is Travis, the jaguar alpha. Travis, this is my mate, Quinn.”
The alpha tipped his head in greeting. “She is your perfect match,” he said. His voice sent chills over Quinn’s flesh, the tone deep and not entirely human.
“I think so,” Piran said cheerfully. “Help yourself to coffee. We can get down to business once Quinn gets her ability to speak back under control again.”
Quinn smiled and she looked up at Piran. “He’s my perfect mate. I couldn’t have asked for a better man in my life than I have with him. He’s pretty awesome. Okay, so chips. We will have cookies with chips in them. I have some mint chocolate chips, butterscotch, peanut butter, and chocolate. By the way, hi. Nice to meet you. I wish it was in a better way than this, but hi,” she finally said to Piran’s alpha.
“She’s babbling,” Travis commented.
“She’s also extremely nervous. I kept telling her there was no reason to be, but…” Piran shrugged. “Grab some coffee while I get her calmed down to a point where normal conversation is possible. Come on, little mate. Let’s get those cookies done up.” He led her back to her mixing bowl, then wrapped her up in a hug. “I told you there wasn’t any reason for you to get all nervous. He likes you.”
She leaned back against him and smiled. “I hope you’re right. I can’t help it. He’s very important to you, and that makes me nervous with him. Can you imagine how I’m going to be when I meet your mom? Holy Christ, I’m going to need freaking Valium when I meet her.”
His laughter vibrated through her. “Baby, you need to take the occasional pause for air. You keep this up, you’ll turn blue and pass out—not my idea of a good time with you. But this does prove one thing. Your mate is always right, and you really need to start listening to him more.”
“My mate is mostly right. Sometimes he is wrong and you need to know that,” she told him with a grin and took a deep breath. “Okay, I’m calm now.” She needed to keep her shit together so that she didn’t scare anyone else or worry them about her state of mind when they met her. It simply wouldn’t do for people to think that she was mentally unstable.