by Susan Bliler
Sucking in a steadying breath, Hillary wondered what happened now. She’d just had a blow up on the Alpha of Blood Lust and… She jerked hard at a loud bang from behind and spun to find the room empty. Modess just walked out and let the screen door slam behind him without even saying a word.
Oh God! What does that mean? Pacing to the screen door, Hillary looked out. She could see Modess’ silhouette fading in the distance as he stalked back toward his large house. Acid filled her belly. Was he pissed, and if so, what did that mean for her? For a second it had felt good to get all that off her chest, but now dread filled her and she wished she’d just kept her mouth shut.
Quietly closing her door, she went to her room and started packing the few things she’d hung in the closet in anticipation of the worst. Now, she was worried what would happen when Modess sent her back to Shadow Wolf. Clearly, Michael would be pissed. She’d just ruined the one chance her Alpha had at ever turning his men into legitimate fighters and for what? Plants! Sinking onto the wooden floor, Hillary buried her face in her hands. “Oh God!” Her stomach heaved and she swallowed hard, trying to keep from retching.
In the living room, she heard the front door open and she dropped her hands and braced herself. Here it is! Lifting her chin, she feigned confidence as she waited for Modess—or more likely, Bull—to come and inform her that she was going back to Shadow Wolf.
Feet sounded in the hall. When Wanda peeked her head into Hillary’s room, the other woman’s face was full of concern. She stepped inside followed by another shorter woman who Hillary didn’t recognize. She hadn’t come to any of Hillary’s cooking classes yet.
“Hey,” she greeted quietly before slowly entering. “Hillary, this is Brittany. Brittany, Hillary.” Her brows slipped lower. “Hill, are you okay?”
Hillary answered honestly. “No.” Head falling forward, she fidgeted with her fingers. “I blew up on Modess and he’s gonna send me back to Shadow Wolf. Michael’s gonna kill me.”
Wanda walked to Hillary and dropped to a kneel beside her, throwing an arm around her shoulders while Brittany lingered near the door. “Mo isn’t sending you back to Shadow Wolf.”
Head snapping up, Hillary gaped at the other woman. “He’s….he’s not?”
“No,” Wanda grinned. “He sent me here to see what you need. He said something about idiots packing for you and that you might not have everything you want. Look!” She dug into her pocket and pulled out a wad of cash. “He told me to take you town tomorrow and get you whatever it is you need to make you comfortable while you’re here.”
“He…did?” Hillary couldn’t hide her shock. “But I thought…”
“What? That after one little confrontation he’d send you packing?” Wanda shoved up off the floor. “My brother may be an asshole, but he’s not a fucking asshole.”
“I know. I didn’t mean…”
Wanda threw up a hand and cut her off with a grin. She paced to the open closet and started pulling out hangers before motioning for Brittany to help. The other woman hurried to Wanda’s side with a grin.
Hands full of hangers, Brittany followed Wanda as she crossed to squat at Hillary’s still open suitcase where she started pulling clothes and placing them on hangers. “I haven’t had a girl’s day in town since who the fuck knows when.” Glancing over her shoulder, Wanda winked at Hillary. “We’re gonna have a blast.” She turned to look at Brittany, “You wanna come?”
The other women didn’t speak, just nodded excitedly.
Standing, Wanda paced to the closet door and hung a handful of things before closing the door. Planting delicate hands on narrow hips, she directed her attention back to Hillary. “In the meantime. What do you need? Lotion, make-up, clothes, hygiene products? I’ve got it all.”
Shrugging, Hillary blushed. “I’m good. I just… I wanted my things.” Standing she crossed to the dresser and pulled the top drawer open. “My Alpha had two enforcers pack my clothes.” She pulled out a fistful of lace and held it up. “They only packed a handful of sexy thongs that I bought years ago and haven’t ever worn. I hate these things.”
Wanda crinkled her nose. “Ugh! Me too, and yuck! Random pack males going through your panty drawer? What the fuck?”
A flood of relief of Wanda’s understanding crashed over Hillary. “I know right? I mean Michael could’ve given me ten minutes.”
“Yeah,” Wanda’s face twisted in regret. “Modess should’ve been more patient though, too. Sorry. He’s just so used to getting what he wants.”
Her words had Hillary blushing. “I know. I kinda feel like a dickweed now for freaking out on him. I was really worried he’d send me back.”
A smile split Wanda’s face. “And you don’t want to go back home?”
“Well, yeah. I mean no! I mean…”
Wanda was giggling now. “I think you like it here.”
“I do. It’s different from home, but it doesn’t change the fact that I didn’t have a say in the matter. Michael, that douche, just called me to his den and sent me off. No goodbyes, no getting to close up my cabin. Then the whole ride here, Henry kept calling me Kitchen Aide.”
Wanda’s eyes narrowed to slits. “That fucker.”
From where she was leaned against the wall, Brittany repeated, “That fucker.”
Wanda asked, “Has anyone else been messing with you?”
“No,” Hillary shook her head. “Most of the guys leave me alone, and the ladies are really excited about the cooking classes. They’ve been great.” She flashed a grin. “Some of them have been trying the recipes for their mates. Apparently things are going well because the ladies couldn’t be more eager.”
With a roll of her eyes Wanda gave a soft snort. “Figures. Beasts and their bellies.”
“What about you?” Hillary looked to where the pretty woman, Brittany stood silently by the door. “How come you haven’t come to any of the classes? Do you already know how to cook?”
Brittany shrugged.
Hillary was wondering if the women ever said more than a few words at a time when Brittany shoved off the wall. “My mate’s really picky. He literally likes only a handful of things so I just cook those on a cycle. It’s pretty boring and I actually hate it. I miss foods with bell pepper and fresh tomatoes.” Her eyes lit up, “I used to know this Santa Fe chicken and rice recipe.” Her eyes rolled closed, “God, it was fabulous.”
Hillary asked, “But you don’t make it anymore?”
Eyes blinking open, Brittany stared at Hillary. “No, not since I mated. He doesn’t like beans, chicken, tomatoes, tomato sauces, gravies, mushrooms, pork, onions, any vegetables at all really. I’m really limited with what I can make.”
Wanda chimed in, “Have you tried experimenting?”
“Yeah. I tried a few different things, but he will literally sit at the table and gag. It pisses me off, ya know.”
Hillary didn’t respond because Brittany suddenly looked vulnerable. She didn’t want to cut in and discourage her from continuing.
“I mean, he doesn’t understand why I can’t get off when he…” she flicked a glance at Hillary then Wanda. “You know!”
Hillary ducked her head, “Tastes you?”
“Yeah. That. But, how can I? He gets so grossed out from actual food and then I’m supposed to not be self-conscious when he’s got his mouth on me. The whole time all I can think is, I bet he hates this. I bet he wants to puke. I can never relax enough to enjoy it. There’s no way I’ll ever be able to convince myself that he actually enjoys it, not after the way he reacts to the food I cook.” Quickly she tacked on, “And I’m a good cook! Everyone likes my food. Well, they did when I used to cook.”
“Awww, Brittany.” Wanda crossed the room and squeezed the other woman’s shoulders. “Have you told him this?”
“How can I? It’s too embarrassing.”
“If it bothers you, you should say something.” Hillary’s advice stalled, “Unless…”
Wanda shot her a look. “U
nless what?”
“Unless it was a mating of convenience?”
Brittany shook her head. “Oh no! I’m madly in love with the man and he actually has the good sense to worship the ground I walk on.”
“But you’re not comfortable enough to talk about this?” Wanda sounded confused.
Brittany shrugged again. “We’ve only been mated a few years. Perhaps in time.”
“No way!” Hillary planted her hands on her hips. “You shouldn’t have to wait. Besides, if you’re comfortable enough to talk about it with us, then you’re good and ready to discuss it with your mate.”
Brittany paled. “Gosh, I wouldn’t even know how to start the conversation.”
“Simple.” Lifting her chin Hillary declared. “Make your favorite dinner tonight. Not his. Not the dumbed down bland food you’ve been enduring because it’s what he likes.” She grinned. “Make your specialty. Something you want, something…spicy!” She jerked her chin toward Brittany. “What’s your favorite meal?”
Excitement stole Brittany’s features. “Stuffed bell peppers!”
“Hey!” Hillary beamed, “I love those too. Plus, it’s perfect. So tonight, you go home and make these stuffed bell peppers.”
Face scrunched in uncertainty, Brittany whined, “I can’t. He won’t eat it. I told you, he hates all peppers, and I make this with a beef, rice, cheese, tomato, and zucchini filling. He hates tomatoes and zucchini too.”
“That’s why it’s perfect.” Wanda declared apparently catching on. “He’ll complain or balk and it’s the perfect opportunity to bring up your issue.”
“I don’t know,” Brittany shook her head.
“What have you got to lose?” Hillary chimed in. “Besides, you want to wait another few years before discussing this?”
Wanda answered for her. “No! You don’t. You shouldn’t have to feel uncomfortable and gross just because he eats like a six-year-old. Talk to your man, Brittany. You’ll both feel better about it. He’s probably beating himself up too, wondering what he’s doing wrong. It’ll help you both. I promise.”
With a timid smile, she nodded. “Okay,” she huffed. “Stuffed bell peppers and awkward conversation for dinner.”
Wanda wrapped her in a hug.
“Yay,” Hillary clapped her hands, “And I think you should start coming to cooking classes. I have several recipes that incorporate some of your mate’s not-so-favorite foods, but in a way that he wouldn’t ever notice unless you pointed it out.”
“If things go well tonight, I just might do that. When are you holding your next class?”
“It’s supposed to be tomorrow evening.” Hillary turned to eye Wanda, “I mean it will be, if you’re sure Modess isn’t sending me packing.”
“No,” Wanda’s grin was a little too knowing. “Mo doesn’t want you going anywhere, which is a little odd. I’m gonna be honest. Not many people blow up on him, and when they do, his first instinct isn’t to track me down to fix it.” She angled her head. “What did you do to my brother, Hillary?”
“I-uh-nothing! I didn’t. I freaked out and he just stood there and listened, staring at me like I was a crazy person. He probably thinks I’m some psycho.”
Brittany was grinning now too. “Oooh, he thinks you’re something alright.”
Chapter 11
(One week later)
Modess rolled his head on his shoulders trying to alleviate some of the tension there. He’d been more than irritable lately and he couldn’t place why.
“And then…” Christian began, but Modess held up a hand.
“No one fucking cares, Christian!” His reply had all of his enforcers eyeing him curiously. They weren’t the problem though. Wanda shoved off the wall from where she’d been leaning, watching him intently the entire meeting. Her brows snapped into a scowl, and Modess should have expected it. He could get away with talking to most of his enforcers anyway he wanted, but Wanda wasn’t about to stand around while he talked to her mate like that.
“Everyone out!” she bellowed.
Knowing better than to tangle with the Alpha’s sister, the group of enforcers that filled his living room stood in unison and exited the house. Christian stopped to plant a kiss on his wife’s temple and tried to whisper. For some reason Modess’ senses had recently gone on high alert, so he picked up Christian saying, “Take it easy on him. He’s been off lately.”
Wanda watched her mate exit the house and then turned on her brother.
Modess shot Wanda a warning look, but she crossed her arms over her chest and met his glare with one of her own. “What’s your fucking problem?”
Snarling, he shoved to his feet and paced the length of his living room. “Nothing! I don’t know! Something feels…wrong!”
Wanda’s fierce look slipped and her arms dropped to her sides. “What do you mean wrong? Wrong with you? Are you sick?”
“I’m fine. It’s not me. It’s something else. I just feel on edge all the fucking time.” Plowing his hands roughly through his hair, his muscles bunched and flexed with the tension filling him. “I feel like I should be doing something. It’s been keeping me from sleeping.”
Wanda’s attitude was gone and now she was all in big sister mode. “Well, when did this start?”
Rolling his head on his shoulders, Modess sighed, “A little over a week.”
Brows knitted, Wanda bit her lip and then just as quickly released it. “Since you went to Shadow Wolf?”
He blinked, brows dipping as if he just now realized the connection. “Yeah. Guess so.”
“Soooo,” Wanda grinned. “Since Hillary’s been here.”
“That’s not it,” he snapped in annoyance.
“Okay, okay,” she threw her hands up in a show of surrender. “Look. Just…relax! You didn’t eat much at dinner.”
He shot her a look. He didn’t know anyone had noticed.
“Which sucks for you, brother, because Hillary’s lasagna was phenomenal.”
His stomach growled at that.
“It’s late.” She looked at the window. “Try to get some rest. We’ll talk about this in the morning when you’re a little less crabby. In the meantime, I’ll get you a snack from the kitchen. It might help take the edge off. After you eat, you should shift and go for a run. I can feel the heaviness radiating off of you. If I can feel it, I can only imagine what it’s doing to your enforcers.”
He nodded, knowing he needed to do something.
Once alone, Modess went to his bedroom where he stripped down and changed into a soft pair of low slung, black, cotton pants. He wasn’t going on a run tonight because the last few times he’d shifted, his stupid fucking wolf took him straight to the guest cabin. He told himself it was because Hillary was an outsider and his wolf wanted to keep an eye on her, but deep down he knew better. His wolf was interested in her. Hell! They both were interested in her. It’s why he’d been unable to sleep, but he sure as shit wasn’t telling that to Wanda. And he certainly wasn’t putting himself out there after he’d shown up at the kitchen like a crazed lunatic the other day. For some reason, his wolf had felt compelled to take him directly to the kitchen, knowing Hillary would be there. Hell, her damn cupcake scent perfumed the air and called to him each and every day. That day, he’d been unable to ignore his wolf and had stormed to the kitchen. When he’d gotten there, Wanda had been with Hillary and he hadn’t really had a plan of action. He’d wanted to bark at her to stay away from Henry, but he couldn’t do that with Wanda there because it would have been…odd. So, he’d fumbled for an excuse before demanding to know what time lunch would be served. Worse, when he’d caught up with her as she took Simone and Bull lunch, he’d practically dragged her back to the guest cabin where he’d been unable to keep his hands off her.
That woman had him acting like a damn fool and that couldn’t continue. He had a reputation to maintain. The pack females were alternating shifts in the kitchen learning to cook. It’d been over a week and his enforcers at Shadow
Wolf were itching to come home, which meant Hillary would be going back home soon too. Problem was, he was having a difficult time convincing himself that he was happy she’d be leaving.
Something about her called to him. Sure, she was sexy as seven shades of sin and at night his dreams were filled with the thousand ways he wanted to bury himself inside her, but there was more to it. He liked that Wanda and Hillary had become instant friends. Wanda trusted few people and the fact that she liked Hillary spoke volumes about the woman’s character. Also, he liked how she treated the other females in his pack. At meal time, when he watched her in the kitchen, she was patient with everyone, even the young girls who made a mess or got in the way. Hell, she was more than patient. She laughed and spoke easy. Wanda had also told him that Hillary had asked if there was anything else she could do to help with the pack. It’s more than a lot of his own shifters had done.
Still, Hillary was a weakness. A weakness that was keeping him from sleep, keeping his attention from the pack, keeping his focus from his enemies. Soon, she’d finish teaching the women and she’d be going home. All he had to do was steer clear of her and that damn sweet scent that never failed to have his mouth watering, his dick going hard, and his sack filling with seed that he wanted more than anything to pump deep inside of her.
Fuck! Just thinking on it had his balls drawing up tight as his suddenly engorged cock twitched.
Stay away from her, stay away from her. Stay the fuck away from her!
Chapter 12
Hillary hummed to herself as she waved to the group of women who’d helped her clean the kitchen after dinner. Brittany had been among them and had been a regular at the classes since the big talk with her mate that had gone, as Brittany described, “surprisingly perfect!” It made Hillary feel good that she and Wanda were able to help the woman achieve a better level of intimacy with her man.
Turning, she gave her attention back to the oven she was just finishing scrubbing out. Tonight’s lasagna dinner had gone perfectly except when one of the teenagers, Harper, had spilled half a tray into the bottom of the oven.