by V. Vaughn
Chapter 13
I sneak back into my bedroom with minutes to spare before the sun will rise, and it gives Gigi enough time to get home before anyone will be up to notice. The moment she leaves, I jump in the shower. As much as I’d love to keep the scent of Luke on my skin, I can’t tip off Zander. Hot steam rises from the scalding water as I scrub any trace of my mate and what we did from my body. I’m not sure if I’m punishing myself because I should have stayed with Luke, or if I’m preparing myself for the pain I’m sure awaits me as I break the ties with the people who have been important in my life.
I’m certain I need to have an exit plan in place. While I toyed with the idea of approaching the council, I know I can’t. Even if they allowed Luke and me to mate, I don’t think it would be fair to him to live where he’ll never truly be accepted. One way or the other, I’m leaving.
When I emerge from my room, Zander sits up to stretch. He yawns loudly and says, “You’re up early.”
My emotions are too close to the surface to fake my way through breakfast with Zander, so I say, “Yeah, I had trouble sleeping. I’m going into the shop early and will stop for something to eat on the way. Help yourself to what you need.” My key clatters on the table by the door when I set it down. “You might as well take this, since I expect you plan to stay here for a while.”
“Just like old times.” Zander smiles at me, and it takes all my willpower to return it instead of letting my cat hiss at him.
I walk out. I breathe a sigh of relief as I jog down the stairs. I managed to get out from under Zander’s watch for a few minutes. Now it’s time to get my current life in order, and the first step is to talk to Gigi about signing over my half of the salon to her. I know I’ll be leaving her in the lurch, and I plan to make it financially worth it by taking only half of what we have in savings and letting her keep the assets. The hardest part will be finding a stylist to replace me, but I’m sure she’ll figure it out. My breath catches in my throat as my steps pound on the pavement. Will I ever see Gigi again after I leave?
I think about my mother. While we’ve had our differences over the years, we love each other, and I’m going to miss her too. Suddenly the idea of leaving my family is harder than it was when I was lying in Luke’s arms. Am I making a huge mistake?
I stop by the bakery, and the aroma of sugary treats makes me recall how I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl. I eye the donuts in the case and decide to order a dozen to bring to the shop. It will make my mother smile and perhaps soften the blow when I tell her I plan to leave to be with Luke.
When I get to the door of Turning Heads, I stand for a moment and reflect on the day Gigi and I opened up our dream business. I vow we’ll find a way to see each other with an annual girls’ trip of some sort, because I’m going to miss my best friend. The bell jingles as I push my way in, and it makes me think of the day I met Luke, not the day Gigi and I opened the shop.
The coffee maker has barely started to gurgle when the salon door opens again. I expect to see Zander when I turn, but it’s Gigi.
I smile as she approaches me and says, “I guess you couldn’t sleep either. You’re going to leave, aren’t you?”
I nod. “I want you to keep everything except half our savings.”
“Xena, no. You deserve more.”
I shake my head as I step toward her. “I don’t. Your friendship means everything to me, and I hate that I’m leaving you hanging like this.”
She grabs my hands. “Hush. You wouldn’t mind any more than I do. I’ll make things flush when I can.”
I tug her into an embrace. “You already do.” When we pull away, both of us have tears in our eyes, and I clear my throat to get down to business. “I’m going to need a few things, and Zander should be here soon. Could you go pack a bag for me?”
“Of course.”
“Feel free to take any clothes you want, even the red blouse.”
“Wow, you sure you don’t want Luke to see you in that?” She waggles her eyebrows before she says, “When do you plan to go?”
“I need to say good-bye to Opal. She’ll be in at noon, and then I’m on my way.”
“Let me get Mitch to pick you up so nobody will notice your car missing.”
“Clever girl. Would you mind selling that junker for me too?”
“It would be my pleasure.” Gigi has wanted me to get a new car for years.
“Thanks.”
Gigi nods as Zander pushes his way in the shop.
I put on my game face and call out, “There’s donuts, and coffee’s ready.” I wink at Gigi and add, “The shampoo boy’s going to need his energy to keep up today.”
She chuckles as she walks to the back.
I spend the morning with regular clients and struggle with the knowledge that I may never see them again. So many connections are about to be severed, but the pain of leaving doesn’t cloud my love for my mate. I know in my heart that I’m supposed to be with Luke, even if it means turning my world upside down to do it.
My mother arrives right on time, and when I greet her I say, “Mom, I need to talk to you.” I glance over at Zander, who’s got Georgia, an older woman, at the wash sink, and she’s doing a good job of monopolizing his attention. I whisper, “Come meet me in the back room in a minute.”
She frowns at me but doesn’t ask any questions.
I walk by Zander and say to Georgia, “You treat my shampoo boy right. He’s new at this.”
She chuckles and says, “Honey, I don’t care how badly he washes my hair. I like having this supple thing pressing up against me. Can I take him home?”
Zander teases her right back about how he’d require home cooking as I leave them. I should feel guilty that I’m about to ditch him, but I’m not feeling charitable.
My mother comes to me within seconds and asks, “What’s going on?”
I flip on the water to drown out our words. “I’m leaving town this afternoon to be with Luke.” I hold up my hand as her eyes narrow. “This isn’t up for discussion. You know how badly I’ve wanted a mate, and while Luke is not what you had in mind for me, I know this is what I have to do. Please...” Hot tears roll down my cheeks, and I swipe them away with my hand as I say, “Just be happy for me.”
Opal’s eyes are glassy as she nods and opens her arms for me. I let my mother hug me tight, and she whispers, “Xena, I am happy for you. But my heart is breaking over the fact that you’re leaving for a bear.”
I pull away and gaze at her as tears roll down her cheeks too. “Mine too, Mom...”
“Please don’t cut me out completely. I’m not happy about you mating with a werebear, but I’ll never stop loving you. I’ll find a way to accept this. I’ve dreamed of being a grandmother for a long time.” She offers me a watery smile.
“Of course, Mom. Wherever we end up, my door is always open to you.” I knew she’d come around, because even though my mother can be quick to judge, she’s a good person at heart. I kiss her cheek. “Do you think you’d be willing to help me get a head start on Zander?”
My mom sniffs as she grabs a tissue. “What’s the plan?”
“Can you send him on an errand and promise you’ll watch me while he’s gone?”
“Will do. Do you need any money?”
I smile at her kindness as I shake my head. “I love you for offering.”
She yanks me in for one more hug and whispers in my ear, “I always knew you’d follow a different path. Make the best of it; you deserve a fierce love.”
I squeeze her tightly. “I love you, Mom. In the parent department, I couldn’t have gotten any better.”
Chapter 14
After Opal sends Zander on his errand, I hug her and Gigi quickly before I let myself out the back door to hop in Mitch’s truck.
He says, “Get on the floor so nobody sees you.”
I curl up in a ball, and the floor is hard on my bottom as we bounce along. I gaze up at Mitch as he drives. “Thanks for doing this.
You’re taking a big risk for me, and I appreciate it.”
“Let’s just say I’ve come to understand the lengths one would go to for a mate.” He glances at me, and his eyes twinkle with his love for Gigi. “Besides, Luke is a great guy. I’m embarrassed to be the same species as the guys who tried to kill him. It’s the least I can do.”
Once we get to the dirt road that leads to Jim’s cabin, I climb onto the seat. Metal rattles and the shocks squeak as we ride over the uneven terrain.
Mitch says, “I’m going to drop you and go. I’ve got a trip this afternoon that’s waiting on me.”
“Thank you so much, Mitch. I’m not sure how I’ll ever repay you.”
The door groans as I open it, and he says, “No need. I’m sure Gigi and I will see you again. Perhaps a vacation up north. Good luck.”
“Thanks.” I slam the door, and gravel crunches under the tires of the truck as Mitch drives away. My bag is heavy as I hoist it over my shoulder as I walk. A chill runs down my spine when something rustles in the woods, and I turn toward the noise just in time to land flat on my back from the impact of a cougar jumping on me. Zander. My ears ring from my fall as I shift immediately to protect myself.
I hiss as I scratch at him to get away, and he growls as we struggle. Zander is too strong for me, and his jaw opens wide as he yowls. The noise hurts my ears. He lowers his open mouth toward my neck, and ice floods my veins when I realize what he wants to do. He wants to bite me. Zander intends to mark me as his mate so that Luke has no right to me. A new surge of adrenaline surges through me as I buck up to shake him off. In a flash, something slams into the side of Zander and releases me from his grasp.
I scramble to my feet quickly and realize Gigi is now fighting with Zander. He pins her quickly, and I pounce on his back to sink all twenty of my claws into his flesh. He yelps in pain, but it’s drowned out by a deep roar I am sure can only be from a bear. Luke.
I step back as Luke’s massive animal form swipes at Zander. The cougar flies into the air before he lands on his feet with a thud. Gigi has come to my side, and she leans against me as if she’s reminding me not to interfere. When two men fight over a mate, it needs to be fair, and we shouldn’t join in.
My body twitches with nerves as I watch Luke battle with Zander. I wince at the sight of fur from both men flying in the air as growls and roars deafen me. Every cell in my body is primed to fight, and I want to protect my mate. The ground shakes as Luke slams Zander’s body down, and I watch in fascination as he gains control of the cougar. His mouth is open wide and inches from Zander’s neck when he pauses. Luke glances at me, and I think he’s asking me if he should kill my ex-boyfriend.
My heart is in my throat as my instincts scream for the cougar’s death for his attempt to ruin my mating with Luke. But my human sensibilities won’t let me do it, and I shake my head. Gigi races over to Luke’s side as he climbs off Zander, and the cat scrambles to his feet to growl. I move to stand next to Luke too. Flanked by Gigi and me, Luke rises up on his hind feet to let out a roar that is so loud I fear he’ll shatter the cabin windows.
Zander lowers his head and turns to run away. I nearly collapse in relief as I shift back to human form. I’m quickly scooped up by a naked Luke.
He pulls me into a chest-crushing embrace as Gigi says, “Wow. Your bear is amazing.”
Luke releases me to say to her, “My bear was pissed.” He turns to look at me. “Are you okay?”
“Fine.” I smile at Gigi. “Thanks to the best friend in the world.” I turn back to Luke and place my hand on his chest. The skin has healed further, and his muscles flex under my touch. “And the love of my life.” I glance at Gigi. “What happened?”
“Zander didn’t buy your mother’s lie and raced off to find you. I followed him, and I’m glad I did.”
“Me too.”
Gigi shakes her head. “I can’t believe Zander tried to mark you.”
Luke combs my hair back with his fingers and says, “I can. He didn’t want to lose something incredibly precious.”
I gaze at my mate, and his blue eyes are dark with desire. I notice something flash in them, and I imagine it’s his love for me. “I wasn’t his to lose. I belong to you, Luke.”
A low rumble vibrates through his chest. “Yes, you do. And I think it’s time we solidified our bond.”
Gigi chuckles and says, “I’m going to take that as my cue to leave. But before I do, promise me you’re going to do something about his hair.” She shudders.
I glance at her as I grin. “Promise. Thanks for having my back. I owe you.”
“Any time, my friend. Any time.” She shifts back to a cougar, and her feet pound softly as she gallops away.
Luke stoops down to grab the backs of my thighs and lifts me up. “Wrap those legs around me, Xena. Just like I wanted you to the first day we met.”
I hook my feet behind his back and squirm as my moist folds press against his groin. The friction between us is glorious as he walks toward the cabin, and I say, “I’m going to let you in on a secret. I wanted this too.”
“That’s not a secret. The moment you saw me, you were a done deal.”
I slap at his chest. “You act like you were the one in control. You forget it was my hands that felt like magic.”
Luke takes us inside the house and stops to let me down. He grips my shoulders and twists me around. Wrapping my hair around his fist, he walks me over to the arm of the couch, and it’s hard against my thighs as he presses me against it and says, “Show me how you got that card you dropped again.”
I recall how I bent over that first day to present my plump rear to him. I lean over the arm of the couch and sway my hips from side to side. “Like this?”
A low growl comes from my bear as he slaps my bottom hard enough to sting. “Just like that.” He releases my hair to push my shoulders farther down as he slides his thick cock between my butt cheeks and down to my slippery channel. “Wet and ready for me, aren’t you?”
I quiver as his hand slides around my hips and he pinches my tender nub lightly. I gasp and say, “Always, Luke. Always.”
He guides himself into me slowly, and I let out a low purr as he seats himself deep. Luke says, “I’m going to brand you in more ways than one, Xena.” He slides back out slowly and then thrusts in fast. “You’re going to know you belong to me inside and out.” He grips my hair again and yanks my head back as he moves his mouth over my neck. Sharp bear teeth poke at the tender skin just above my collarbone, and I tremble with the need for his mark. His breath tickles as he whispers, “You want this.”
“God, yes.” I pant as I rock back to meet him stroke for stroke.
Luke begins to pump harder. “Soon, baby. Soon.”
Thick upholstery is rough in my grip as I hang onto the couch while Luke slams against me, and my cries are frantic as I reach for my orgasm. I’m so close, and when my body begins to quake, Luke shoves his cock in as far as he can go and groans when he gets there.
He growls out, “Mine,” before he plunges his teeth into my shoulder.
Hot pain shoots though me, but it’s quickly followed by intense pleasure as I explode with my orgasm. Now it’s my screams that just might shatter the windows as I nearly black out from the sensations. Luke roars behind me as hot seed splashes in me to mark me inside too.
I feel like a rag doll when Luke lifts me up and carries me to the bedroom. He lays me down and laps at my wound. I sigh as tingles of pleasure run through me. Luke moves on from my shoulder to my breast, and I’m amazed at how I respond. I must have a well of energy that was just tapped, because it won’t take much for me to be ready for round two.
“Luke, what are you doing to me?”
He stops to gaze up at me. “Loving you. Is that a problem?”
I grasp his head, and singed hair is rough against my palms. I suppose it does look ridiculous, but everything about this man is making my heart sing right now. “Not a one. But it’s my turn.” I sit up and orde
r, “Lie down.”
His eyes are wide as if he’s afraid, but the glimmer in them is playful, and he takes my place.
I hover over him as I lick my lips slowly. “Where to begin.” I trail my finger down his chest and swirl it around his navel as his stomach quivers. “I know.” I raise my eyebrows as I dart my eyes down to his cock and then back to his gaze. “So many tender places to bite. However will I choose?”
Luke’s brow knits for a second. “Ah, be gentle?”
I chuckle as I position myself to suck his cock. “You mean the way you just were?” I grip his dick in my hand and begin to stroke as I say, “Because I think I may be missing a few locks of hair.”
He sighs as his hips lift up. “Fair enough. Do as you must.”
I place my tongue at the base of his shaft, and the sweet flavor of our musk assaults my tongue, making me want more. I drag it up to the tip and nip at the mushroomed head of his cock. He flinches, and I gaze at him to say, “I will.”
I apply myself with gusto, and when Luke is on the brink of his orgasm, I pull away. As tempted as I am to mark the tender flesh of his groin or upper thigh, I need to mark him where everyone can see. Sliding his pulsing cock into me, I sigh as if I’m home. And I believe I am, because no matter where we live, Luke is all I’ll ever need to be content. I ride him until he’s about to explode, and when I bring my cat to the surface, she’s happy to bond with our mate for life. The final thread of our forever connection is attached when I sink my teeth into the meaty flesh of Luke’s shoulder. The metallic taste of his blood is delicious, and I savor it as he thrashes beneath me in his mind-altering climax.
Once we’ve both regained composure, I slide off my satiated mate to lie next to him and say, “We should probably go. I don’t trust Zander and his friends.”
“Me either, although I’m tempted stay and show them who they’ve been messing with.”
I sit up. “No. Please don’t. There is nothing you need to prove to me.”