by E A Price
“I never wanted to marry her. I only went out with her because Olivia set it up, and Helena’s mom was friendly with my mom. Plus I felt sorry for her; Helena had a rough time after her father died. I was just being nice. Then, when we started dating, I realized we had nothing in common. But every time I tried to break things off she just cried and went on and on about her father, and I didn’t have the heart to go through with it.”
Kim’s claws lengthened as her beast grew more and more impatient. “But you proposed!” Lord, they were going round in freaking circles!
“I don’t even remember proposing!” he yelled in frustration. His wolf snapped his jaws at him, and Ed immediately calmed. There was no point in getting angry with Kim; this was his fault and he wasn’t explaining it very well.
He rubbed his thumbs over the smooth flesh of her arms and almost died when he saw the pain in her emerald eyes. “Gorgeous, the truth is, I barely remember proposing. We met up one night, and I was going to break things off, and the next thing I knew, I woke up the next day with vague memories of proposing marriage.”
Kim’s face was stony, and her wolf was unrepentant. “So you were drunk? Should I be worried about any other ex-fiancées climbing out of the woodwork? Because you are no stranger to alcohol.”
Ed’s jaw ticked. “I had a glass or two of wine, but I wasn’t drunk. The truth is…” Ed closed his eyes; the only other person he’d told this to was his brother Jonathan, as he was the only member of his family who would believe him. No one else would believe that Helena would be so devious, but Jonathan would believe anything of anyone. “I don’t think I was in the right frame of mind when I asked her to marry me.”
“What?” asked Kim crisply.
“I think Helena may have slipped something into my drink to make me a bit more… malleable.”
Kim blinked. “You’re kidding?”
“Helena works as a pharmaceutical sales rep; if she wanted to get something, she could. It’s the only explanation I can think of. I lost just about all my memory of that night, and I felt groggy for days afterwards. I would never have asked her to marry me if I were in my right mind.”
Kim looked at him doubtfully, but her wolf was stirring at this idea, and Kim did have to admit that he looked very earnest. She didn’t know much about Helena, but due to her own jealousy, it would suit her down to the ground if Helena were as manipulative as Ed claimed. It all sounded kind of reasonable, in an outlandish soap opera kind of way…
“Why was she so desperate to marry you if she knew you weren’t into her?”
“Other than my good looks and charm?” he looked at her hopefully, trying to inject a smidge of humor, but she merely glared at him in return, and his shoulders slumped a little. “It was just for money.”
“I can’t believe you have enough money to warrant drugging you.”
Ed gave her a half-smile and his wolf sighed. Of course, she couldn’t, money wasn’t important to Kim. She might look like an Amazon warrior, but inside she was the sweetest person he ever met. That wasn’t to say she couldn’t be downright fierce when roused, though.
“My family owns their own private island. People have killed for a lot less. Helena’s dad was almost as rich as my grandmother, but a year ago it turned out all of his wealth was built on a ponzi scheme, and he’d been stealing other people’s money. He got a tip-off that he was about to be arrested, and he killed himself.”
Kim chewed on a plump lip. “Jeez, that’s awful.”
“Helena and her dad weren’t exactly close but she does want to be rich again. She went through dozens of other rich men until she got to me. I’m just lucky I managed to escape her clutches.”
“So you’re glad she slept with Jonathan?”
She had no idea how glad he was; it gave him the perfect reason to get rid of the single, red wolf female. “Let’s just say I wasn’t sad." And in the interest of full disclosure… “I told Jonathan about my suspicions and asked him to help me get rid of her. I had no idea he would seduce her like that, but, it got the job done.”
She frowned. “So if you ever want to break up with me, can I expect a visit from Jonathan too?”
Ed let out an almost feral growl. “I would never let him near you. You’re mine!” His wolf roared possessively.
Kim looked out at the water. She wanted to believe him so much, but if Helena didn’t matter, why hadn’t he told her?
“I never wanted to tell you about Helena, because I never wanted you to meet her. I think she’s dangerous, and I’ve been trying to tell that to Olivia too.”
“Are you keeping any other secrets from me?”
Ed let his hands drop. “Just one.”
Kim flashed him a fearsome look that quickly turned to surprise as he sank to the ground in front of her. She let him take her hands and gasped.
“Kimberly Anne Hawkins, I never wanted to marry anyone until I met you. I love you, and I never loved anyone before I met you. And the real reason I asked you to come here, was so that I could do this. I know that this is a really crappy time to propose, and I don’t even have my ring with me, but please, please will you marry me? Will you bond with me? I can’t live without you, Kim.” His wolf prowled in nervous anticipation.
Kim licked her lips as stray tears flowed down her cheeks. “I can’t live without you, either.”
Ed beamed and jumped to his feet, pulling her into a hungry, wet kiss. Their wolves danced around like happy puppies.
He pulled back and gave her a worried look. “Wait, that was a yes, right?”
She chuckled at his expression. “Yes, idiot, it’s a big, fat yes.”
“Thank god.”
They met for another toe-curling kiss. She felt her doubts and worries floating away like bubbles. There, at that moment, they seemed so insignificant. Ed wanted to marry her and he wanted to bond with her; he was going to be hers forever, and that was all that mattered.
*
Ed breathed a sigh of relief, and his wolf finally relaxed. He’d been waiting for this moment ever since he first laid eyes on his delectable she-wolf. He’d known she was his the moment he caught sight of her and scented her beautiful lavender fragrance. Now it was a just a short step to bonding…
If he’d had his way it wouldn’t have been so long, but he hadn’t wanted to rush her and scare her away…
*
14th September
Ed strolled into Bar Luna; he held his breath in anticipation, but was disappointed to see that curvy Kim wasn’t behind the bar. His wolf prowled impatiently. He’d been thinking of her ever since he left her the night before.
The feel of her soft lips, her hands clutching his shoulders and her warm, soft body in his arms - it had been exhilarating. His manhood had been at full attention since the moment she crushed her body to his, and it didn’t seem likely that it was going down anytime soon.
He rubbed his neck and thought of how badly the night had started, and wonderfully it had ended. They’d kissed and talked, and hours had just floated by. He’d never had such a strong, natural reaction to a woman. Not that he’d been surprised; he defied any man not to be enamored by the six-foot goddess.
Instinctively, he believed her to be his mate, and lord, he prayed that she felt the same way too. If his wolf had his way, they would have already mated and bonded. The beast was certainly pushing for it…
Ed said hello to Andy, the huge bear bartender, and ordered a beer.
Adam the Alpha came in the bar and gave Ed a sound slap on the back. “Hey, couldn’t stay away, huh? It’s good to see you.”
After Ed stopped cringing he returned the sentiment. Adam ordered a beer and sat next to him.
“No Kim tonight?” asked Ed, seemingly indifferently. He could smell her lingering scent, and was hoping she was nearby.
Adam arched an eyebrow. “She’s probably in her office.”
Ed smirked; ah, yes, her office, he knew it well.
“The two of you seemed pretty
cozy last night,” said Adam cautiously.
Ed tensed and his wolf huffed. The wolf shifter sat next to him was an Alpha; he deserved respect and Ed instinctively knew he should defer to him, but his wolf was immediately on alert regarding his mate. “What of it?” he asked quietly.
Adam frowned. “I know that red wolf shifters look down on us hillbilly greys…”
Ed winced; it was true of many red wolves. Red wolves were more like yuppies, while greys were blue collar; hence the different dynamics of the different packs.
“But, I’d hate to think that you were planning on leading Kim on and hurting her. I don’t think my wolf would like you toying with one of my pack mates because you have a school boy crush on her, and you thought it might be fun to fool around with a hillbilly.”
Ed let out a growl as his eyes turned amber and his fangs and claws came out to play. Andy was a little taken aback but Adam shook his head at him, and Andy moved on.
“I have no intention of hurting her,” spat out Ed, barely holding onto himself.
His wolf was snarling. She was his mate; finding her meant everything to him. He didn’t like this other male insinuating otherwise. His wolf wanted to shift and challenge this other male. For one thing that would be suicide, and for another, challenging his mate’s Alpha certainly wasn’t going to end well…
Adam gauged his reaction. “You think it’s something more than just a crush?”
Ed’s jaw ticked as he considered his options. He doubted the Alpha wouldn’t be discreet. “I do,” he admitted stiffly, “but I haven’t said anything to her, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t either.”
Adam inclined his head in agreement.
Ed’s wolf settled a little. “I take it you don’t have a problem with one of your pack mating a red wolf?”
“Not at all; my pack members are free to mate with any species they choose. I do, however, ask that you take it easy with Kim. Don’t rush her, for both your sakes.”
Ed looked at the large Alpha suspiciously, and Adam laughed. “Look, you’ve got nothing to fear from me where Kim’s concerned. She made it very clear when she was 9-years-old and her kicked me in the shin and ran off with my football that I was far too bossy for her. But, she had a rough time with her worthless ex; and since then, every time a guy tries to get close she tosses him out on his ass. Good guys, too.”
Not good enough, thought Ed irritably. “Are you telling me this out of the goodness of your heart?”
Adam grinned. “Sure; I’m all heart. Just take it easy; take your time, get to know her and Jamie.” Adam got up and gave Ed another punishing slap on the back. “And don’t hurt her.”
Ed’s wolf snapped his fangs together. “Or else…”
“Nothing; just don’t hurt her.”
Adam hailed some pack mates and moved away. Ed frowned but soon smiled when he spotted Kim heading his way. A devastating smile broke out over her lovely face and his wolf whimpered in satisfaction.
Alright, yeah, he could go slowly; he could woo her. It went against his beast’s wishes, but if it meant that Kim would be his, then it was definitely worth the wait. He’d do whatever it took. Mine.
*
Present day
He clutched at her hand as he led her back through the house. “I was thinking that I would move to Rose, I figured I could stay with you guys until we found our own house. If we can’t find a suitable one, we could have one built…” He’d had a really long time to think about this.
Kim stopped him. “Wait, are you saying that you would leave your pack and join mine?”
Ed shrugged. “Well, yeah. I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I think it’s the best option.”
“But it’s your pack…”
He shook his head. “Pack doesn’t mean the same thing to red wolves that it does to greys. We’re more like an organization than a family, and I wouldn’t want you or Jamie to leave your family. That is, if you think your pack will have me.”
Kim giggled as her wolf yapped gleefully. “Are you kidding? My Alpha loves you; honestly, I’m a little jealous of the bromance you two have got going on.”
Ed chuckled in return. “Actually, Adam did offer me a job working as legal advisor for the pack construction company.”
“Oh!” she exclaimed in surprise, “are you going to take it?”
“I told him I’d have to discuss it with you first. What do you think?”
Kim shuffled from foot to foot. “Well, what do you think?”
“It would mean I’d be closer to you and Jamie, less hours, less stress, I love the idea.” Honestly he did; before he met Kim he had been focused on his career, and becoming the youngest partner his law firm ever had. Since meeting Kim, he’d lost his drive for work, and slowly she had taken over as his obsession.
“I love it too,” she said in relief. She brushed her lips over his. “But enough of this stalling, where is my engagement ring?”
Ed rolled his eyes exaggeratedly. “That’s your favorite part of getting engaged isn’t it? The ring.”
She waggled her eyebrows. “Damn straight, now gimme.”
Ed chuckled and led her into his room. She immediately spread herself out on the bed in a seductive pose. “Ooh, I feel so naughty being here in your room. Shall we fool around? Do we dare risk it?”
He opened a draw and was about to answer when he frowned. He started rooting around, pulling out clothes. “Fuck!”
She sat up. “What’s wrong?”
“Your ring; it’s gone.”
Chapter Six
18th February
Kim stretched and spread out on the bed. Lord, this was the most comfortable bed she ever slept in, and probably cost more than all her furniture put together, she thought sourly. Not that it mattered; she’d sleep on a park bench if she had Ed beside her.
Her wolf yipped excitedly remembering the night before. Yep, they were getting married. Should they have a big wedding? What should her dress look like? How many bridesmaids should she have? Okay, easy girl. One thing at a time, they still have to find the ring.
Although she hadn’t minded, she didn't really need a ring, Ed had been livid. Ed was adamant that someone had taken it, but Kim was hopeful that he’d just forgotten where he’d put it. She’d soothed him a little before she found Jamie and took herself off to bed. Hopefully, he’d be a little calmer today.
Kim sniffed and smiled as she scented Ed. She opened her eyes and sat up to find Jamie and Ed trying to build a playing card house. “Mmmmm, morning.”
“Mommy!” squealed Jamie, “look what we made!”
“Very impressive.”
Jamie then snapped a hand out and knocked it over. She giggled at seeing Ed’s mock look of horror.
Kim creased her brow as she looked at Jamie. “Sweetie, who did your hair?”
“Ed,” Jamie told her proudly as both she and the red wolf gave her happy grins.
Kim tried to stifle her smirk. “Wow, babe, I had no idea that you could braid hair, I’m very impressed. Perhaps you could paint my toenails later.”
Ed raised an eyebrow suggestively. “I know you’re kidding but I would love that.”
Jamie frowned with an adorable look of confusion on her small face. “Why would you love touching mommy’s feet?”
Kim blushed a little and Ed clapped his hands together. “Right then, time for us to go for a swim.”
Kim rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and saw that both Jamie and Ed were already kitted out in their swimsuits. “You’re disturbingly perky this morning.”
He shrugged. “We’re on a beautiful island and I’m with my two favorite girls – why wouldn’t I be perky?”
“It’s been a long time since anyone called me a girl. Okay, now I’m perky.” She threw back the covers, grabbed her costume and strode to the bathroom to change.
Ed took a moment to admire her long shapely legs. They just go on and on and on… His wolf snapped at him; he was almost drooling.
; Minutes later, Ed was giving Jamie a piggyback as he followed Kim to the pool. He watched the sway of her ass and was almost salivating. How long had it been since they were last together? Jeez, an hour felt like too long at that moment. Thankfully, he was saved from looking like too much of a leering pervert by Jamie, who urged him to hurry to the pool.
Kim held back a groan as they found almost everyone else already gathered around the pool. Apparently, they had the same idea of an early morning swim too. Jamie wriggled until Ed put her down, and she ran over to the other pups to play in the shallow pool.
Ed and Kim bade hello to everyone and were met by various desultory greetings in return. Other than Marie and Jonathan, everyone else was present. They were sat around the pool reading from books, tablets and electronic reading devices, and generally ignoring each other.
Kim noticed, with some irritation, that Helena was currently lying on a lounger in a skimpy red bikini with gold links. The gold looked good against her tanned skin, and the shining sun picked out the golden flecks of her auburn hair.
Feeling a little self-conscious, Kim picked a sun lounger as far away as possible from everyone else. She knew she was good looking; it’s just that her own skin was kind of pale and freckly. She wasn’t exactly a friend of the sun. “Did you know everyone would be here?”
He chuckled. “No, but I should have. I mentioned I was thinking about having a morning swim last night; I guess they all thought it was a good idea too. They just look like red wolves – they’re really sheep.”
Kim watched as Jamie splashed and giggled with the young boys. Oh well, it’s not like she had anything to be ashamed of. She pulled off her oversized shirt to reveal a modest cut, dark blue swimsuit.
Ed licked his lips as his wolf growled softly in approval. “Mmmm, very nice.”
She slapped his arm. It was the most sensible swimsuit she could find; the idea of flitting about in a two-piece in front of his parents left her cold. She wasn’t there to impress anyone with a show of skin, although, looking at Helena she was kind of having second thoughts…