by Lisa Oliver
By the time he’d pulled out of the driveway driving Simon’s car, he was bouncing between hurt and anger. As the night progressed and there was still no sign of his mate, Darwin was left wondering if the huge house he was living in had a spare room. Resolving to check it out when he got back, Darwin plastered another smile on his unhappy face and got back to work.
~~~~/
“I said I didn’t want to be disturbed,” Simon hissed as someone knocked and his office door opened. He’d lost track of time, buried in his research, but he was close to finding his answers. He just wanted to triple check there was no other possible explanation before he talked to Darwin. He snarled as Ra sauntered in, dropping a plate of food on his desk.
“Problems with your mating?” Ra curled into a chair, a smirk on his handsome face.
“Teething troubles; nothing I can’t handle.” Simon looked back at his screen, hoping Ra would take the hint. Unfortunately, the only hint a tiger took was one delivered on the end of a piece of four by two. “Look, is this important? Because I’ve got to work this issue out before Darwin goes to work.”
Ra yawned. “Darwin’s been gone since just after dinner. Seth and the others have gone to bed. It’s almost midnight. I’m just getting some bottles for the kiddies and I’m heading up too.”
“Midnight?” Simon automatically looked out the window. The night sky mocked him. “Fuck. Did anyone go to Cam’s to keep an eye on him?”
“Why would they?” Ra shrugged. “You said yourself your mate was capable of killing a snake shifter. He’s been out in the world long enough to know how to handle himself. Cam will keep an eye on him. You know he doesn’t let anyone mess with his staff. I thought that’s why you agreed to let him work there. I was surprised you didn’t want to be with him, especially on his first night, but then you two haven’t spent much time together anyway. I figured you’d argued and were giving him some space.”
“I’ve not been feeling myself lately.” Simon sighed as he hit the button to shut down his computer. “I was trying to research possible causes. Darwin’s pretty pissed at me for not spending much time with him and he’s got every right to be mad at me.”
“What’s wrong? Do you need to see Doc Farriday?” Ra could be flighty at times, but his caring for his friends was legendary.
“Yeah, I might have to.” Simon shook his head. All his research had pointed to the same thing and while he didn’t think it was possible, his ass still twitched as he remembered his and Darwin’s last night in Jackson. Darwin turned the tables on him beautifully and Simon couldn’t say no. His mind was filled with images of him on his hands and knees, his ass in the air….
“Not everything’s going wrong in your mating then, if the smell of your arousal is anything to go by.” Ra had the cheek to smirk.
“A mating is more than sex,” Simon said sharply.
“Don’t I know it.” Ra sighed and got to his feet. “Hear that? Michael’s awake and that means Annabelle and Sage won’t be far behind.” Simon could hear the faint sounds of a baby’s cry.
“I’ll come up and give you a hand,” Simon followed his friend out of the office.
“Aren’t you worried about Darwin?” Simon noted his friend didn’t say no. Raising triplets was a lot easier with adoring uncles who didn’t mind being woken up in the middle of the night.
“I have got a lot to do in making things right with my mate,” Simon agreed. “But it’s not the sort of thing I’m prepared to do in a bar full of nosy shifters.”
Nope. He’d help Ra with the triplets; get them fed, changed and back to sleep. Then he’d sit up and wait for Darwin to get home. Hopefully his mate would be in the mood to listen to what he had to say.
~~~~/
Darwin crept into the house, determined not to wake anybody. He could see Simon’s office door was open but there was no sign of his mate anywhere. Four o’clock in the morning and the whole house was asleep. Tiptoeing up the stairs, he checked their room first, frowning when there was no sign of his mate. Simon wasn’t outside because the garage was dark when Darwin parked the wagon. Where could he be?
A whimper reached his ears and he headed silently for the nursery. One thing Darwin appreciated since making his new home with the pack was the way Ra and Seth were so open about allowing the others to help with the children. Michael, Sage and Annabelle helped make Darwin’s interactions with the others a lot easier, especially when he first arrived. He loved kids and could happily spend an hour or more playing peek-a-boo with the happy children.
Peering into the nursery, Darwin’s eyes filled with tears. He’d found his mate, asleep again; this time with Michael and Sage curled up on his chest. Closing the door softly, Darwin padded down the hallway, brushing away the wetness on his face. At least my mate has someone in his arms tonight. I only wish he cared enough for it to be me.
Chapter Sixteen
This is getting ridiculous. Simon cursed as he saw the tail lights of his wagon disappearing down the driveway. Since he started working that was all Darwin seemed to do. Simon didn’t mean to fall asleep cuddling the babies, but by the time he’d made it to his own bed, Darwin was already up and doing the laundry. When Simon tried to talk to him, Rocky came in with extra clothes and that same scenario played out in different ways with different house members for a whole week. Seth interrupting them in the living room. Liam wanting help with his bike when Simon cornered Darwin in the garage. At least he got a kiss that time, but as soon as Liam’s cheery voice filled the garage, Darwin darted out of his arms and was gone.
The only reason Simon knew Darwin still shared his bed was because his scent clung to the sheets, giving Simon the hard on from hell. But Simon went to bed alone every night, determined to be awake when Darwin got home; and every morning he woke up alone. His damn sickness made it difficult for him to keep his eyes open longer than five minutes once he crawled under the covers.
And now Darwin was sickening too. It wasn’t obvious to anyone else but Simon could see the shadows under his eyes and the tightness around his mouth. Darwin still had a smile for everyone else, helping out where he could and offering to babysit the kids whenever Seth and Ra needed a run. But his laughter was forced and Simon noticed his mate was getting thinner. I have to do something.
“I still don’t understand why you don’t spend time with your mate at work.” Ra appeared by his side, looking out of the window.
“I need to talk to him and I’m not going to do that at a pub. You know what shifter hearing is like. Our issues will be all over town in less than twenty-four hours.”
“They are anyway.” Ra chuckled. “This is a shifter town. Mates exhibit certain behaviors that everyone comes to expect. One of them is never wanting to be apart from each other. Darwin never hides his mating mark, but I’ll guess most people don’t know who his mate is. It’s not as though they’ve ever seen you two together.”
“I didn’t want him in town. He’s had bad experiences with predators in other shifter towns. I was trying to protect him by keeping him here.”
“And how’s that working for you? He’s in town every day and all night with a mating mark and no mate shadowing his every move. People are starting to talk.”
“He smells of me. People will know.” That was one thing that could be counted on.
“Does he?” Ra quirked an eyebrow and Simon wanted to slap his smug friend. “Rocky mentioned Darwin doesn’t smell of anything but mouse anymore and when I saw Cam in Hooper’s store yesterday he said a number of people were eyeing Darwin as a possible bond mate. Word around town is he has a dead mate and they’re speculating why Darwin didn’t pine away too. Of course, that makes him look like a strong shifter with a shitty mate and that adds to his appeal. Of course, they got one part right. You are a shitty mate.”
“I need the chance to talk to him. Alone. You guys aren’t helping with that.” Simon’s anger roared. “Every time I try to catch him by himself someone wants something from me or him. The
re’s no peace in this house. Nowhere where we can spend our time together so I can fix this.”
“You have your own suite of rooms.” Ra didn’t seem fazed by Simon’s anger, but then he wouldn’t be. The men had gone through too much together to fall out over a temper tantrum. “But then you do nothing but sleep in there anyway, do you?”
“I’m still…sick. I can’t help sleeping all the time.” Simon hated using that word but there was no way he’d tell his best friend what was going on before he had a chance to talk to his mate.
Simon’s arms were gripped tight and he was swung around to face his friend. “You are about to get a damn sight sicker if you don’t go and make a public claim on your mate.” Ra growled. “Darwin’s pining for you. Any fool can see that. And you and your sickness…don’t make me laugh. Rocky had your problem sussed out a week ago. What we don’t understand is why Darwin doesn’t know.”
Damn Rocky and his super sensitive nose. “I don’t want to tell him in a fucking pub.”
“You don’t have to tell him then,” Throwing up his arms Ra yelled, “are you really that thick? You’re the one who stopped me making a fool of myself when Seth left me. I’m trying to return the favor.” His finger prodded on Simon’s chest. “You need to get your ass into town, fucking stride into that bar like you own it and plaster one hell of a kiss on your mate if you have to drag him over the bar to do it. You’ve left him looking as though he’s mateless, scar or not. He doesn’t smell of you anymore, don’t you get it?”
“We haven’t…there hasn’t been a chance…Darwin made it plain he wants more from me than sex.”
“Then give it to him.” Ra huffed loudly. “Simon, stop thinking like a lawyer for a minute and listen to your instincts. There’s never a perfect time to have an awkward conversation with your lover. So, stop waiting for it. You’re a predator, you don’t want to be groveling in public. I get that. But if you don’t make some grand gesture soon you’re going to lose that boy.”
Simon’s gaze took in the barren driveway. Darwin wouldn’t be home for hours. And yep, I’ll probably be snoozing when he does get home.
“Here’s your bike keys.” Ra handed them over.
“Flowers.” Liam handed him a bunch of roses and Simon realized he’d been so consumed with his tormented thoughts, he hadn’t even noticed the rest of the pack was in the room.
“Chicken wings.” Brutus shoved a delicious smelling box at his chest. “Worked for Seth when Ra was being an egg.”
“Bike’s out front.” Rocky was leaning on Mal, a huge smile on his face. Mal gave him the thumbs up.
“Boots and jacket.” Lucien handed them over and Simon almost lost the chicken wings.
“What is this? An intervention?” Handing the chicken wings to Ra, Simon shrugged on his jacket and slipped on his boots.
“Mates are meant to be cherished, loved and protected at all costs.” Liam’s blue eyes shone with tears and Simon felt like shit all over again.
“You’ll get yours soon,” he whispered. “And yeah. Thanks. I guess I’m going to town. Anyone want to come along for the ride.”
“Wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Rocky yelled. “Woo hoo. Let’s ride. Simon’s out to stake his claim.”
“I’m coming too,” Ra said, slapping him on the shoulder. “My mate’s over at his mom’s with the kids or he’d be supporting you too.”
Just then a flustered Seth came running in, jumping up into Ra’s waiting arms. “Did I miss it? Mom’s looking after the kids for us. I told her we had a mercy mission in town. She sends her love and suggested kissing Darwin until he comes to his senses. It works a treat when she and dad have a fight.”
He grinned at Simon who groaned. Does everyone know what a shit I’ve been? But for the first time in over a week, Simon felt the ache in his heart lessen as he strode out to his bike which sat gleaming in the sun. He could do this and even if he couldn’t say the words in his heart, within an hour everyone in Arrowtown would know the sexy little barman at Cam’s was well and truly claimed.
Chapter Seventeen
Darwin nimbly evaded the pinch aimed at his butt and took the tray of glasses to the bar before jumping over it.
“Some of those guys are getting a little handsy,” Cam commented as he stacked the glasses into the tray.
“Nothing I can’t handle,” Darwin muttered. His boss was right. Four wolves had blown into town the night before and Darwin couldn’t wait for them to blow back out again. They were a royal pain in his ass. But at the moment his job was the only thing keeping Darwin sane and he didn’t want Cam thinking his presence was a problem.
“You can take some time off, you know.” Cam indicated for Darwin to pick up the tray and followed him through to the back. “Working your ass off isn’t going to help things with Simon.”
Darwin’s heart lurched as it did any time he thought about his mate or heard his name. “He knows where I am,” he said shortly, piling the tray into the dishwasher. “If he wants me, he can come and tell me so himself.”
“You might just get your wish sooner than you think.” Cam lifted his head, listening. “Line up four draft beers in pints, three whiskeys and a bottle of honey dew beer on the bar. We’ve got customers coming.”
It wasn’t the first time Cam made such a request, although the order was longer than usual. His boss seemed to have a knack of knowing when regulars were due in. Darwin was pouring the beers when one of the wolves sauntered over and put his glass on the bar. “I’ll be with you in a moment,” he said, keeping his eyes on the beer frothing in the glass.
“Take as long as you like.” The tall wolf folded himself over, leaning his elbows on the polished wood. “I can watch you all day.”
“Mated.” Darwin carefully put one glass on the bar and reached for another one. A strong hand caught his arm and Darwin’s stomach lurched.
“All I smell is mouse and a damn fine sexy one at that.” The wolf’s claws were digging into Darwin’s arm.
“Let go of me.” Pain screamed along Darwin’s arm as he wrenched it free, knocking the three beers he’d poured onto the ground. Glass and beer splashed everywhere.
“Oops. Let me help with that.” The wolf jumped the bar, knocking Darwin to the ground. Beer soaked through Darwin’s tight white shirt rendering it almost translucent and the wolf’s eyes gleamed with lust. “Oh yeah. You’re going to make a lot of noise for me.”
“Let him go.” Cam appeared from the back, fury etched over his rugged face. “NOW!”
“Or you’ll do what?” Darwin’s back left the floor and he winced as glass dug into his back now firmly pressed against the wolf’s solid chest. “He’s prey. He needs a protector.” The wolf took a long sniff at the base of Darwin’s neck. “He might carry a mark, but he ain’t been touched in weeks.”
Eight days, ten hours and fifty-two minutes, but who’s counting? Darwin struggled in the wolf’s grip and seriously considered shifting. But knowing his luck the damn wolf would stamp on him. “As soon as my mate catches a whiff of you on my clothes, he’ll fucking kill you,” he raged, cursing his own impotence against a predator and Simon’s total dismissal of him. Mated shifters couldn’t stand to be touched by another sexually and the wolf’s bulge pressed against his ass threatened to make him vomit.
“Aww. You still holding onto hope this fictional mate of yours still wants you?” The wolf’s crooned words drove a nail into Darwin’s chest. Closing his eyes, he bit his lip against the whimper threatening to escape. “Me and my boys will take real good care of you. Let’s go,” he called out to his friends who were hovering menacingly on the other side of the bar. As he started to move, Darwin’s eyes flew open searching for Cam who was watching with a half-smile on his face.
“I wouldn’t step one foot out of here with him, if I were you,” Cam warned. “Not with him in the state he’s in.”
“Who’s gonna stop me? You?”
“Me.” Darwin saw Trent from the garage stand up wi
th two equally large friends.
“We will. No one interferes with mates in this town.” Mrs. Hooper’s boys stood up. She was a terrifying woman Darwin had only spoken to once when she’d questioned him about his parents and his “weird” accent. Her boys were not technically old enough to be drinking at Cam’s but Cam allowed them in because he delighted in upsetting Mrs. Hooper. The boys were built like tanks but Darwin knew their mother didn’t like them fighting.
“And there’s me.” Cam showed his teeth as he blocked the door. “Still think you can get away with stealing a mate?”
“Fight before I fuck. Don’t mind if I do.” The wolf popped Darwin on the bar and flexed his muscles before bending over in pain as Darwin’s boot caught him right in the family jewels. “You fucking cock-tease,” he moaned, his hands cupping the offended body parts.
“I’m not teasing.” Darwin kicked him again and then because he could, he swung his leg round, his boot connecting with the wolf’s head. The guy fell to the floor, moaning. “I have a mate, damn it and even if he’s being a dork, you’ve got no right taking me.”
“Darwin.”
Shit. Darwin froze and then slowly turned around. He swallowed and then forced a smile. Simon stood in the doorway framed by his friends. Seth and Rocky were grinning. Brutus was eating a chicken leg and Liam and Lucien were giggling into each other’s neck. But it was the scales on Simon’s neck and the fangs framing his mouth that caught Darwin’s attention. His mate was pissed off
“Hi babe.” Darwin slipped off the counter. “Fancy a drink? I’ll just…er…just give me a minute to clean up this mess.” The wolf’s friends backed up as Simon and the others walked up to the bar. Simon peered over at the prone wolf who stilled as he saw the scales.
“I’m just going,” the wolf babbled as he backed up along the floor. “Just a bit of harmless fun. Nothing happened, man. Nothing happened!” He screamed as Simon bounced over the bar as if it wasn’t there.