Shana the dutiful student said, “she smells mated, and there’s an undertone of…Oh God. No, it can’t be.” Shana jumped from her chair and scowled at Conner.
“Fabulous, now what did I do?” Conner was also becoming outraged. Couldn’t they see that Katie was uncomfortable? He had no idea of their intentions, but they better spit it out.
Shana’s livid voice yelled across the kitchen. Punctuating every word, while tossing a fruit from the bowl at Conner’s head, “She-smells-like-apricots-you-and-now-a-very-faint-scent-of-fresh-rain.”
Conner’s eyes squinted in disbelief, while Shana was panting at her exertion and anger. Katie was flummoxed.
“Don’t you think we would have smelled it yesterday? It’s not possible,” Conner said in disbelief.
“Yesterday we all smelled of ash. It must have overpowered everything else. You better believe it lover boy. Come on Jake; let’s go so Conner can make with the explanations.” Shana looked to her friend, “We’ll be in the living room if you need us. Listen to Conner. I know I’m upset with him right now, but he is a good guy-mostly.”
What the heck was going on? They watched Shana pull a hesitant Jake out of the room before they heard Jake’s whispered, “You’re sure she doesn’t have her gun on her?”
They sat there staring at each other across the table, before Conner got up and approached Katie. He seemed cautious when he bent to her neck and inhaled. His frown was instantly changed into a tentative grin. He just stood over her, in wonder, before he picked her up and swung her around in his arms.
He was crushing her. “Care to articulate what the hell is going on? I’m starting to lose my cool.”
He gently put her down, and looked into her eyes. He loved this woman. He would do anything for her, but he knew she was going to be miffed. “Uh, it would, ummmm, it seems like…maybe…”
“If you don’t tell me why everyone is on edge, I will cut off your balls and feed them to your pack.” She looked indignant.
“Why do you always go for the cutting of the balls?” At her look of distress he blurted, “You’re kinda pregnant.”
Her jaw dropped. No way, she couldn’t be. She was trying to think how late she was, only a week, or two. But she was always irregular. She screamed, loud and long, and then launched herself at Conner.
Conner had her arms pinned when Jake and Shana came in the room. Shana was smiling and Jake looked worried for his friend.
“You better wipe that grin off, Shana; I’m not in the mood.” Katie said with rage. Uh, oh. “Someone get me a pregnancy test now!” She howled, and sat down heavily at the table.
Shana made Jake give her the test because she’d never seen her friend so bothered.
Katie snatched the test from Jake and said, “You’re coming with me friend. I’m not doing this by myself.” As Shana started for the door Katie turned worried eyes to her and said, “Not you, him!” Pointing to Conner. She crooked her finger, “Hurry up.”
Conner leapt to his feet, and ran for Katie’s retreating form.
Chapter 4
“Two lines. What does that mean Conner?” She was secretly hoping to be pregnant, but she knew that was selfish. A baby couldn’t survive in her rough world. She was a cop. How do you chase a suspect when you’re the size of a cow?
“Katie, I told you the test wasn’t needed. I can smell the pregnancy hormones. You smell of fresh rain, new life. It is a wonderful blessing. You are one hundred percent pregnant, but if you need your little test. Two lines means…pregnant. Surprise!”
“A blessing? You are not helping wolf. I can’t be pregnant. It doesn’t fit into my life.” Great, first her house burns down around her, then she finds out werewolves are real, and to top it all off she’s pregnant, by said werewolf. What a week.
“Are you saying you’re going to get rid of it? No Katie. That’s the product of our love. There is nothing more that I want other than for you to have our children and marry me, but that can wait, a couple weeks.”
“Love, we just met you bafoon. Are you on medication, because if not I highly recommend it.” Who the hell did this guy think he was, to upend her life without thought?
“We’ll work it out together, and there is no need for name calling.”
“Shana!!!” Katie was yelling again. Hell yeah she was yelling this man was crazy, and a wolf. “Shana, come in here now!!! Conner, please leave.”
“You can’t run away from me. I know you’ve been thinking about me. You feel the same connection, I know it. Just let me talk to you. Let’s just…talk.” He needed her and she was pulling away. What was he supposed to do? “I’m real sorry that you’re unhappy, but I’ve never been happier.” He smiled.
“Yeah, because it’s all about you, right?” She pulled in a lung full of air, “Shana!!!” She bellowed again, just as her friend was entering the bathroom. “Get him out. Now!”
Shana simply looked in his direction, and Conner bowed his head. He left looking alarmed.
“I’ll be across the hall if you need me.”
“I won’t.” Katie saw him wince as he walked out.
Shana winced, “Damn girl, that was harsh. Maybe you’re overreacting.”
Katie just held up her hand, “Are you kidding me? You yourself said that Jake could smell your, ovulation, or whatever. That means Conner knew I could have gotten pregnant. He fucked me, bit me and got me pregnant.”
“I see what you’re saying. When you put it that way it sounds really bad. I honestly don’t think he’s a bad guy Katie. He was just probably very…overwhelmed. Do you know that Conner scented you about a week before Jake and I met? He was in frenzy. He got all the way to the police station and couldn’t smell you over all the, scum. He’s been waiting a long time for you. You said before that you want what Jake and I have. You can have it. Conner would be dedicated, and love you forever. Just think about it.” Shana could see that Katie’s anger was dimming. At least her gun was outta reach. Yowsa, that could have been bad.
“I know Shana it’s just, now I’ll never know if he wants me or the baby.”
“Uh, hate to break it to you, but he loves you. Conner rode to Petaluma in my trunk to be reunited with you. Plus, he risked his life going into a burning building for you, and stayed to collect your stuff. He’s also been borderline challenging me all month. Me, the Alpha bitch.” Should she tell her that it was more than one baby? Nah, not yet. In fact she thought she smelled three different aromas. Shifters usually had multiple births with their true mates-no problem.
“I should probably say sorry to Conner for acting all…crazy. Will you send him in? With ice cream, please.” Katie could do this if she was noshing on her favorite treat.
“Yeah, but don’t let him off easy. This is mostly his fault and you should blame it on pregnancy hormones. Works like a charm.” Katie snickered at Shana’s teasing. “I’m here if you need me. After all you helped me through many an agonizing night. I still have your favorite nail polish too, OPI’s ‘I Think Pink’. We can paint out toenails and stay up watching chick flicks.”
Katie laughed openly, “Nah, just Conner and the ice cream for now. I do envy what you have.” Said sorrowfully.
* * * * *
Conner’s blond handsome face peeked around the corner of the bathroom. He was the most striking man she’d ever met. Every time he was in the room she wanted to strip him naked, and lick him everywhere. It was worse when he tilted his lips in a half smile and held out her ice cream with an extra-large spoon. She couldn’t help the snort of laughter she released.
“I hate to have to do this again. I’m sorry for, once again, freaking out on you. You must think I’m insane.” He was looking at her with a combination of sympathy and sadness. Try again, “It must be the hormones, ya know, from the pregnancy.” She groaned feeling pathetic. “Okay, maybe I’m just irrational. No excuses.”
“You don’t have to apologize. I’m the one at fault. I haven’t exactly gone about this in the best way.
Although, I’m willing to give it a shot if you are.”
He looked amazing, and she couldn’t focus on what he was saying because she was so aroused. Bizarre. She was still mad but with him being so close, smelling like heaven, pine and soap-yum. Her anger was diminishing rapidly.
“Uh, I think we should have this conversation after the ice cream, and out of the bathroom.” She gave him a half smile and licked her lips. His eyes traced the movement, and he groaned.
Holding out his hand he said, “Come on, before I jump you in the bathroom.”
She sat on the bed and dug into her ice cream. Ohhhh, ecstasy. She loved coffee ice cream. It was one of her favorites. “So, since we’re having a kid and all. What’s your favorite color, your favorite ice cream, your age, and your last name?” That was probably poor form. “My name is Katie Ward in case you didn’t know.”
He simply chuckled, “Hello, I’m Conner Matthews. We met officially at the wedding, you were probably too stunned by my good looks to remember. I love the color black; it’s the color of my wolf. I’m partial to cookies and cream ice cream, and I’m thirty years old. Does that answer all of your immediate questions?”
His voice was rough with emotions she couldn’t identify. “I think Shana said we’re mates. I think I should know more about your werewolf culture.” She noticed his grimace. Oops, was it something I said? “What is to be expected of me? Am I going to turn into an animal? Aw, crap. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do or say.” She suddenly felt panicked.
“It’s alright. We prefer the classification Shifters. We are not ruled by the full moon and we are unable to make humans turn into wolves. We can breed them.” She scowled. “We’re a part of a pack that’s like a big family. Do you have family?”
“Shana and Trevor are all I have. I lost my parents long ago when they were killed during a drug bust; they were cops not drug lords. I was raised by my grandmother who died shortly after I graduated college.”
“I’m very sorry to hear that. I have a big family, not including the pack. They all live in Australia though, so I rarely see them. I do however spend a great deal of time with the pack. I’m second only to Jake’s Alpha status. We’ve been friends a long time. I’ve taken to Shana and Trevor as well.”
Katie beamed up at him.
“You aren’t expected to do or say anything. We are mates, which means, in shifter culture that you are my other half, I know you by your scent. When we’re together, we’ll find contentment and bliss.” His eyebrows waggled. “There will be no other female for myself, and if you choose to accept me I will be your only male, forever. You will take on some of my magic by scenting emotions and feelings, and your life will be extended because of our bond. I love you already, and am willing to wait if you need time to process this mess I’ve made. Did I say I was sorry already?”
“What mess are you referring to? Why were you and Shana fighting?”
And here was the sticky part. “When a mate is found, the shifter should consent the human before mating. Unfortunately, I was caught up in the moment and completed the bond without…informing you. I am truly sorry and if I had to do it all over again…I would still take you, but I wouldn’t have bonded with you.”
“What’s the difference between a mate and a bond? I still don’t understand. If I’m your mate and we bond isn’t that what’s supposed to happen?” She was more puzzled with all this shifter talk than when they started. And, why did he suddenly look petrified?
“You are my mate. I will know you by scent, and be able to follow you anywhere tracing your scent-within a reasonable distance. The bond is when a mated pair…Mate.”
“That’s it? Come on, what are you hiding?”
She was gonna be pissed. “We bonded when I came inside of you, and mauled you. Sorry again.” At her further look of bewilderment he said. “I bit you.”
“And…”
“A bonded mate cannot, uh, orgasm without the scent or voice of the other near. They cannot find their own release, without their mate’s scent in the room. And they are unable to have intimate contact with a non-mate, without becoming physically ill.” He closed his eyes and waited for her palm to connect with his cheek.
Unexpectedly, she doubled over in a fit of laughter. It was music to his ears. It was a little crazed and a bit illogical until she said, “That’s why I puked.” She was laughing so hard she was crying.
“I hate to interrupt, because you seem so cheerful, but I don’t understand. Puked?” Now he was the bewildered one. Until…
“You see, I went on a date with another officer. And at the end, when he kissed me goodnight, I spewed all over his shoes.” She couldn’t stop laughing.
Well, he didn’t think it was so funny. “Why were you kissing another man? I thought we, well, I thought we would be together.”
“Honey, I bolted after the wedding/sex and tried to get you out of my mind. Unfortunately, I had a pretty rough time so I kept busy.”
“Retching on other men? I have to admit I’m extremely jealous-of the kiss, not the vomitus. It is a wonderful story, but it is making me irate so let’s not speak of it again-ever.” While he was pining after her she was out smooching other men. His jaw clenched.
Uh, oh his eyes had turned from beautiful intense blue to a vivid yellow. “Um, are your eyes supposed to be turning color? It’s quite disturbing. Can you make them happy blue again? If not I might just start crying. I am pregnant you remember. And out of ice cream.” She held up the empty carton.
He closed his eyes, took a few calming breaths, and when he opened them again his eyes were the color of indigo and they reflected his glee. “That’s the past. I will try not to think of you necking with other men.” He heaved. “My eyes turn yellow when my beast is close to the surface. I’m sorry to have startled you. You’re not upset that you cannot…copulate with others?”
She blushed, “No, I haven’t exactly been the most experienced. I never had the time, or inclination, to start a sexual relationship with anyone. I would say you caught me at a weak moment, but if you insist we were meant for each other, I’m not going to dispute it.”
“You’re pretty agreeable.” He beamed at her.
“Whatever you say. Just try and remember that.”
Chapter 5
“I’ll go pick Trevor up. I’ve missed him so much. Do you mind? I’d like to keep busy.” Katie asked Shana.
“I don’t mind at all. He’ll be so happy to see you. Just be prepared for the non-stop questions of the five year old mind.” She smirked. “Last time I picked him up he asked, ‘how come Tina don’t have a weenie’ in front of the teacher and parents.”
Katie smiled “It’s kinda early for him to have seen Tina’s non-weenie. Kid is starting early.” She picked up her car keys, a bag of chips, and walked out to her car.
Something smelled funny. Like garbage, slimy. Ick. Katie went to her car and got in before she saw what was on her windshield. She simply sat there for a few minutes to let it process. When she comprehended what she was viewing, she went back into the house and saw Shana at the table. “You’re going to have to get Trevor today, Shana. I’m not feeling real well.”
Shana turned and saw Katie, white as a sheet, walking through the kitchen. She looked unfocused and lost. Without thought she yelled for Conner. He came bounding in from the back porch and saw Katie. He sprinted over to her and took her in his arms.
He held her for a lengthy amount of time just stroking her hair and whispering soothing words in her ear. He had no idea what was going on.
When Shana came from the garage and spoke, “I called Sheriff Paul. He’s on his way. Are you alright Katie?”
She answered on autopilot. “Yeah, I’m just super tired. I’m going to take a nap.” She started to pull away from Conner, but he simply lifted her into his arms and headed toward her room.
He undressed her to her panties and bra and laid her under the covers. He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple and started to wa
lk away when he heard her small voice.
“Don’t go. Stay with me for a while.”
He tried not to let his disbelief and alarm show. He could tell she was a strong, and proud, woman who didn’t ask for comfort often. He removed his clothes down to his boxers and hopped into bed with her. “Will you tell me what happened?”
She shuddered and admitted, “There was a picture on my car window.” He waited and was surprised when she continued, “It was a picture of me fresh from academy. Last time I saw it, it was on the mantle at my house. Someone put a bloody hole in between my eyes, and the edges of the photo were burned. Who does that?” He could hear the note of alarm in her voice.
He was outraged. Someone had nerve to do that in front of their pack house. “Did you smell anything unusual?” Chances were that she was so new to scenting she wouldn’t have noticed anything smelled unusual.
“Actually, when I was walking to my car I smelled garbage or slime. It was just unusually stinky. Why?” She looked up at him and noticed his eyes were yellow again. Wolf.
“Don’t be upset Conner. It was probably someone playing a prank. How did they know where I was though?” She had an absorbed look to her, as if she was trying to piece together a puzzle.
“Me, upset? Honey, I’m fine as long as you’re fine. I plan on finding this person and having a nice chat.” He looked at her, lost in thought again, so he ran his knuckles down her cheek. She leaned into the caress.
She suddenly had the desire to touch him. Maybe he was too close, or they were too naked, but she suddenly couldn’t stop herself from reaching out to place her palm on his naked chest. It was an innocent enough touch, but it sent sparks of delight up her arm and her sex became tingly. Why did she have such a strong response to this man?
He looked down at her with intense eyes. “Don’t be afraid. It’s normal for us to be…connected. I feel a bolt of electricity when we touch too. It’s not painful, it’s…arousing. At least it is for me.”
A Second Chance (Fated Mate) Page 4