A Second Chance (Fated Mate)

by Shannon Duane

  “No Katie. Someone bombed your house. I think it was one of those Molotov cocktail things. Where’s Conner?” She was getting worried; he hadn’t come out of the house yet. Shana dialed Jake’s number from her cell.

  “What’s up honey bunny?” Jake’s soothing voice filled her ears.

  “Katie’s house is on fire, and Conner is still in there. What should I do?” She was trying to sound calm, but the wailing of the fire engine was…upsetting.

  “That’s not funny babe. You better be watching backdraft or I’m going to be disappointed.”

  She could tell he was around Trevor because he wasn’t yelling-yet. “Uh, okay. Talk to you later.” She hung up. No use pissing him off when she needed to get Conner out of the scorching house. Turning to Katie she said, “Where did you last see Conner?”

  Katie simply gaped at her blazing house. All of my belongings, gone. Suddenly stuff started flying out her bedroom window. Panties, pants, shirts, entire drawers were flung onto the grass outside of her home. Then her jewelry case, spare weapons and last but not least her photo albums. Conner climbed out of her bedroom window looking winded, in a pair of her sweats; holding her bridesmaids dress and the fuck me pumps that made her limp for a week. He sat heavily on the ground and laid down closing his eyes.

  Katie stared at him long and hard. “Why did you do that?” Katie said in a small timid voice that was very unlike her.

  Shana ran to Conner’s side and tried to sit him up, he needed oxygen.

  Conner turned his head, and his soot covered face held so many emotions. “I’m so very sorry about your home. I saved everything I could.” He coughed a couple times, and then passed out.

  Katie kicked herself into action yelling, slurring, for a medic to bring oxygen and help him. She had never felt so panicked.

  Chapter 2

  Katie’s home was gone. The home she had spent the last six years living in. The home her and Shana would stay up at night and talk about their futures, while painting each other’s toenails. She was terrified. She had nothing. That wasn’t true; she had a lot of her belongings because of Conner and his heroics. He healed quickly, only needing a few minute of oxygen before he was up and helping to collect her meager belongings.

  “What now?” They had to give a report to her boss Eddie, who had told her to take the next day off work ‘to recover.’ He also told Katie he would love to have her over if she needed a room. Eddie is definitely yucky. He was always trying to come onto her in subtle ways, and once in a not so subtle way but that was in the past.

  Katie had nowhere to go. She stood in front of her blackened house and said, “Will you please take me to Decker’s. I’ll stay with him a few nights.”

  Conner growled low and menacing in his throat and countered, “You’ll stay with me. For however long you’d like.”

  “Thanks, that’s…nice but I work here, and don’t want to drive an hour to work every day. It’ll be fine. I’ll look for an apartment later this week while I talk to the insurance company.” Life pretty much sucked. The alcohol was wearing off, but right about now she’d have given anything for a bottle of tequila.

  Shana looked at her with concern “Katie, someone tried to intentionally hurt you. Maybe it’s best for you to get away for a while. You can stay at our house. Trevor misses you.” Seeing the look of fear on her friends face she added, “Only for a few days, and then you can do whatever you want.”

  Damn, Shana was right. Someone wanted to kill her. It probably wasn’t the first time, but no one had ever tried to do it up close and personal before. “Fine, maybe a few days’ vacation will make me feel better. But I’m coming back to work as soon as possible.”

  She was surprised when Conner got in the driver’s seat of Shana’s car. Shana got in the passenger seat, like everything was normal and Conner was her personal driver. “I guess I’ll climb in the back. I didn’t know you guys drove together.” She was a bit envious of the close relationship Shana and Conner shared.

  “We didn’t. Conner must have stowed away. I didn’t lead him to you Katie, he merely followed. I wonder what Jake will have to say.” She turned angry eyes to Conner, who seemed unfazed.

  “I’m sure he’ll thank me for keeping his precious wife from harm.”

  Conner was still smiling. In fact, Katie realized she’d never seen him upset.

  “We’ll see,” Was Shana’s cryptic reply.

  “It seems like there is something going on here I should know about. Are you guys, uh…together or involved? I hear the sharing thing is pretty popular these days.”

  “NO!!!” They both shouted their reply.

  “Conner is Jake’s best friend” Shana explained.

  * * * * *

  The car ride back to Shana and Jake’s was uncomfortably quiet. Katie had a long stressful day, and found it was easy to doze off in the silence.

  When Shana heard Katie’s even breathing indicating sleep she rounded on Conner, “I can’t believe you followed me. I told you I’d talk to her but you just couldn’t let it go. I’m so pissed right now Conner, I can’t wait to tell Jake. You’ll be in so much trouble.”

  “Do you honestly think he’ll be mad, Shana? What do you think he would have done if the situation was reversed? He’d have chased you in a heartbeat. In fact he did, every damn day he was chasing you.” Conner didn’t feel the least bit troubled. He knew his Alpha would understand. If Katie wasn’t Shana’s friend, he knew she’d understand too. For Pete sakes, he’d saved Katie’s life tonight.

  “That’s different. Jake would never have mated me without my knowledge, and consent. You should be ashamed. You’re a bad wolf.” She was acting like his mother. No, she was acting like his Alpha.

  “I can’t say I’m sorry enough, but it’s between me and Katie. I would have talked to her a million times over and apologized, but I couldn’t find her. Let us work it out.” He was surprised at his annoyance. Usually he was very unassuming when unthreatened.

  Shana knew he was right but she was indignant, and pregnant; a bad combination. She was riding high on emotions right now. Katie had stuck up for her, for years, and it was time for her to do the same for her friend. “She deserved better. She deserves a choice. You took that away from her. Maybe, one day she’ll forgive you, but I never will. I know what it’s like having your choices taken from you.”

  He looked hopeless, and he felt doomed. Instead of getting down on himself, he was going to fight. “I realize you’re life hasn’t always been peaches and cream, Shana, but you have no right to pass judgment on me. I’m doing the best I can for Katie. I had no idea she would leave so suddenly. You know I love her, hell I was willing to die for her today. I have never been as agonized as I was standing outside her burning house, I could feel her pain. I want her happiness and love. I’d do anything for her.”

  Shana knew he spoke the truth, she could smell it, but she was still vexed on her friend’s behalf. “Leave her to make her own choices.” She sounded uncompromising.

  “Maybe you can let her make her own choices, mom.” Conner was amazed that he was getting annoyed at Shana so easily.

  “Pull over the car, and get out.” Shana was not going to take this any longer.

  Conner pulled over and got out. As Shana got out of the passenger side to get in the driver’s seat, Katie climbed over the center console, hopped in the driver’s seat, closed and locked the doors. Katie rolled down the window a smidge, “Maybe you both need to understand that I’m a big girl and can make my own choices. I really enjoyed the in-car-entertainment but it’s over. Enjoy your walk.” She peeled away causing the dirt to kick up into a cloud of dust. Take that!

  Katie drove straight to Shana and Jake’s house and rang the doorbell.

  Jake had wide eyes when he opened the door and asked, “Where are they?”

  “They were fighting about me when they thought I was asleep in the backseat; I felt it would do them good to walk the rest of the way. It’ll give them a chance
to fight it out.” At Jake’s wide white smile she went on. “I hope you understand that I make my own decisions. I will not be bullied into anything.”

  Jake sobered “I understand, and please feel free to come to me with any questions you may have about our lifestyle.”

  “Thank you but all I’d really like to do, is get a carton of ice cream, and go to my room and shower.”

  Jake inhaled, “You smell like bar BQ. I’ll show you to the ice cream, and then your room. Where would you like to stay?”

  “As far away from everyone as you can get me.” She grinned up at him and said, “Thank you. Out of all of the stuff that has happened to me, you have shown me kindness. I won’t forget it.”

  “You’re welcome, but can you do me a favor? I agree with you, forcing the fighting out of the car but, Shana will be unhappy and I don’t want that. Will you allow them to apologize?”

  She beamed up at him, “Sure, tomorrow. Let’s let them think about it a while.”

  * * * * *

  Jake was waiting outside when Shana and Conner walked up. Damn, they knew they were both in trouble. He was scowling at them both. Katie was nowhere to be found.

  Connor innocently asked, “Where’s Katie?”

  “Do you honestly think she wants to be around either of you right now? She’s been through a major trauma, and you two were bickering in the car, about her, like two old biddies. You should both be extremely humiliated. She was right to let you both out of the car. I agree that your punishment was apt. She doesn’t want to see you right now, but she said she’ll be down for breakfast in the morning.”

  They both bowed their heads submissively. They knew they were wrong, and had discussed it on their lengthy walk. However, they both wanted to make it right-now. They didn’t want to wait until morning. Katie must be really pissed.

  Jake asked, “Are you staying the night Conner?” At Conner’s slight nod Jake continued, “I had your room prepared. Sleep well.” He grabbed Shana’s hand, pulled her into the house, and toward their room.

  * * * * *

  The heated water of the shower was just what Katie needed. She felt refreshed. One’s outlook was always better with a pint of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, and a hot shower. Someone had brought her belongings up to her room. She searched through them; ultimately, she chose to wear the robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door. Her clothes all smelled like a fireplace. She put the robe on, and collected her clothes to take to the laundry.

  She went down the hall and followed her nose to the fresh scent of fabric softener. Her sense of smell was much better than it had been. She tossed her stuff in the oversized washer, and set it for the longest heaviest wash cycle available.

  As she was walking down the hall she felt a sudden pull towards one of the rooms down the hall, and went to check it out. She lightly knocked on the door, and assumed it was empty because she got no response. She entered the room and took a big whiff of the room. It smelled like…well, hell. It smelled like Conner. She immediately turned to leave, when she noticed a dejected Conner leaning against the doorframe.

  He straightened, “Sorry, did you want to sleep here? I can take another room.” He started to walk away.

  “Good Lord. I wouldn’t take your room Conner. Geez, I’m sorry I made you walk home. I was angry, and I didn’t stop to think that you guys were only fighting for my best interests.” She paused at his wide eyed expression, “What?”

  “Did you seriously just apologize, to me? I was wrong, not you. I’m willing to wait until tomorrow to talk with you, about everything. Get some rest, love. And I’m glad you’re safe.” He walked up to her and kissed the top of her head, taking in a lungful of her precious scent.

  She walked past him to leave the room, but felt like she should say something more. She stopped at the door and called back to him, “Enjoy your shower. Thank you for everything today. I appreciate what you did for me, saving my life and all.”

  Chapter 3

  As the sun came through the window in her room, Katie groaned, and rolled to cover her head with her pillow. That’s when she noticed two things: She was not alone, and she was naked. She pulled the sheets up to her neck and said, “Who’s there?”

  A small chuckle came from her right side as the bed dipped, and the angelic face of Trevor came into her view. “Hey there little buddy. How you been?” She reached out to ruffle his hair.

  “I’m not little Auntie Katie, I’m a big boy. I goes to kindergarten now. My teacher is Mrs. Miner and she lets me use scissors, and glue sometimes. Lookit what I made.” He held up a picture of what appeared to be two women petting dogs. Weird kid.

  She yawned, “Cool Trevor. Is your mommy awake?” She was reluctant to see Shana because she knew she’d hurt her friend.

  “She’s making coffee, and then she’s gonna come bring you some clothes. She told me to tell you, but I forgot.” He had the cutest little sheepish look on his face.

  “Are you ready for school?” At his hesitant nod she asked, “You brushed your teeth?” He sighed.

  “I’m going. You’re gonna be a good mama, ‘cause you already got the mommy voice. You gotsta practice on me.” He smiled and hopped down, not knowing he had her tied in knots. How could she be a mother when her house was getting blown up, and she was getting death threats? She wished she’d chosen a different path in life. Oh well, saving others was a greater good, she would not feel shame.

  She brushed a silent tear away before a tentative knock sounded at her door, “Permission to enter?” Shana’s voice was hesitant.

  She suppressed her emotions and called back, “Well, come on. It’s your house after all.”

  The door opened and Shana came in carrying a tray with food, flowers, coffee and clothes. Katie couldn’t hide her small smile. “What, no ice cream?”

  “You know damn well you ate it all last night. I had to make Jake go get more for me. Plus, what kind of example would I be setting for Trevor if I gave you ice cream for breakfast.” Her smile was cautious.

  Katie got out of bed and went to Shana to retrieve the clothes. She kissed her friends cheek. “I’ll be right back.” She headed to the bathroom to change.

  When Katie came back, Shana had set the tray of food down on the bed and had started eating without her, “Sorry, pregnant. I’m always hungry, even though I just ate.” She seemed shy.

  “I’m really sorry about making you walk yesterday, Shana. Especially in your condition. I was just confused and hurt. I’ve lost my house, Shana. I don’t have much else, except our friendship, and a job I’m not too pleased with anymore. I don’t want to lose your friendship.”

  Shana began to weep openly. “You will never lose my friendship so don’t even think it. You’re my best friend; we will support and love each other forever.”

  “Stop blabbering. Damn Shana. I’ve never seen you cry so much. Are you sure you’re happy here?” She was starting to question her friend when she began to snivel as well. What the hell? Is Shana’s crazy starting to rub off on me?

  “Of course I’m happy!” She shrieked. “I love my husband and Trevor. It’s these damn babies that are messing with my hormones. Why are you crying?”

  “I dunno, I’ve been through a trauma. I’m allowed to cry if I want to.”

  They were both laughing and crying when Jake poked his head in the door and said, “I’m taking Trevor to school. I’ll see you both in the kitchen when I get home. We have things to discuss.” They saw him walk out the door and heard a whispered, “Women???” as he went down the hall.

  * * * * *

  They all sat at the table waiting for Jake to get home. Conner was at the other end of the table from Shana and Katie. He was trying to make Katie feel comfortable, but she just kept looking at him with sadness in her eyes. Had she been crying? He wished more than anything he could get close to her. Take her fresh apricot scent into his nose and savor it.

  Katie’s tummy growled, and Shana turned offering her th
e fruit bowl that was sitting on the table. Katie smiled her thanks and took an apple. Fuji, yum. Shana was munching on her own apple while smiling at Conner. With a look that screamed, ‘Ha, I fed your mate.’

  * * * * *

  The door slammed open and closed; standing in the kitchen doorway was clearly the Alpha male. Everyone in the room dipped their heads unconsciously. However, Shana looked at Jake from under her eyelashes, and blushed. Yuck.

  Jake moved around the table and clasped Conner’s hand, and proceeded to Katie, kissing her cheek. As he bent his head to her he sniffed her neck, and stilled. He took another whiff, and Katie heard Shana growl. Holy shit this is weird. Jake straightened and looked over at Conner with fury.

  Jake moved over to Shana next as she rose to meet him. They kissed long and hard. It was a bit uncomfortable for Katie, but whatever prevents Shana from growling at her was okay with her.

  Jake turned to the table with a blank look and said, “Shana your friend smells…different.”

  Conner stood and had an enraged look in his eyes. The entire room held their breath. “What do you mean Jake? Why the hell are you sniffing my mate?”

  Jake however didn’t get upset. He merely chuckled and looked to Shana, who leaned over to sniff her friend. “I noticed she smelled different when I got to her house, but I don’t know what it means.” She was new to scenting. Love was gingerbread; anger smelled like tar, ill was like rotting garbage.

  “Okay guys this is getting really weird. Maybe someone can tell me what’s going on. Minus all the smelling.” Katie was getting annoyed.

  “Think about what the change is honey. Who does she smell like?” Jake was so sweet to instruct his wife so patiently, but Katie was about to explode. She resented these people for their closeness, and smelling skills.