by Delta James
Roz snuggled against him. He was strong enough physically, emotionally, and mentally to impose his will on her whenever he chose. But he always gave her the choice and time to yield before he did so. “I’m lucky it was you. I don’t think I would have done well with anyone else.”
“Sweetheart, I am the one who is most fortunate. I waited for you… far past the time my pack thought I should. But I knew my fated mate would be wild and strong, sensual and loving and you are all of that and so much more. Regardless of how long you kept me waiting and how you made me chase you and how many times I feared for you, you are worth all of that and more to me.”
She wrapped her arms around him, nuzzled his neck, and inhaled his scent deeply. “I do so love that romantic fluff…”
He laughed out loud and swatted her behind affectionately. “I forgot to add—obnoxious and naughty!”
* * *
The day was moving much too fast for Roz. Oliver had made very slow and deliberate love to her that morning, leaving her in a relaxed and happy state of mind. They had walked into the dining room arm and arm. Roz noticed her younger sister was also rather snuggly with her mate this morning.
Roz smiled as she looked at the buffet choices for breakfasts. There were strawberry blintzes—something she had learned to love from Skylar—as well as a seafood hash that Robert had learned she was especially fond of, lots of bacon because, well, who doesn’t like bacon, especially if he or she is a wolf, and eggs prepared in several different ways.
She looked at Oliver. “I suppose breakfast isn’t optional.”
He kissed her. “Good girl. And look, Robert has gone out of his way to tempt you.”
“I know. Like everyone around here, he spoils me.”
“Not everyone spoils you,” teased Bash.
“Let me amend that… everyone who counts,” she teased back, sticking her tongue out at him.
He shook his finger at her. “It’s a good thing your mate is one of those who counts. It is considered very naughty to stick one’s tongue out at one’s beta.”
Oliver laughed. “Yes, I do indulge my mate because she deserves it.” Roz stuck her tongue out at Bash again. “But mostly because sticking her tongue out at you was the best option of the ones she suggested when you persisted in teasing her.”
Bash laughed. “I’ll bet.”
Robert joined them. “I just wanted to ensure there were no last-minute changes to the food and drink this evening.”
It took Roz a moment to realize he was addressing her. “No. Everything is perfect. And thank you again for all of your help. I know at least the food and drink are going to be huge hits. Please let the rest of your staff know how much I appreciate all their efforts.”
“That is part of their job.”
“I know, Robert, but they and you have worked so hard and made this part of the planning so much easier for me. I know the parties we give out here are considered to be among those that everyone wants to be invited to. And I also know that part of the reason is because people want a chance to come and eat your fabulous food.”
Robert tried to hide his smile. He and his family before him had served the Halseys for generations. His mother who had been the chef before him had urged him to never get too close to them. Robert had always been able to maintain a professional distance but was finding it increasingly difficult to do so with the alpha’s mate as was everyone else who worked on the island. She often reminded them that until Oliver had run her to ground and taken her to be his mate, she had been a blue-collar worker.
As the afternoon approached, both Liza and Roz were holed up out on Roz’s private patio so they could iron out the last-minute details and be out of everyone’s way. They were just finishing up when both Bash and Oliver joined them with some refreshments. The four enjoyed sitting out on the patio and enjoying the sunshine.
“Shit!” said Roz.
“Rozalyn,” admonished Oliver.
“Sorry. But Liza—my dress. I forgot to go into town to get it.”
“Not to worry, Razzy. Robert had one of the townies who’s working the party and was coming early stop and fetch them for us. It should already be in your closet.”
“Thank God. I’d have hated to make do with a pair of skin-tight black jeans and my new black leather motorcycle jacket.” She turned to Oliver. “Thank you again for that. I love it.”
“It was my pleasure. Now, both of you have been working yourselves to the bone. Our beta here suggested having a masseuse out for each of you to help you relax before you rest.”
Both Liza and Roz groaned. “I think the massage is a great idea, but can it be later this afternoon before I shower and get ready? And I told you I have too much to do.”
Liza continued where her sister had left off. “It’s so sweet of both of you, but Roz is right, there are so many…” She trailed off as she saw the look her mate was giving her.
Oliver took Roz’s hand in his. “You like choices, so let me give you a choice. You can have the massage and try to take a nap. Or, you can skip the massage, get your bottom spanked bright red, and then take a nap.”
Liza looked at Bash. “I take it I have the same choice?”
“No. Your choice is follow in your sister’s footsteps and be put on twice weekly maintenance spankings for the next six months or do as you’re told.”
Liza looked to her sister. “Do me a favor? Stick your tongue out at him. If I do that, I get a mouth full of soap and a spanking.”
Roz did as requested with Oliver laughing. Before his beta could get truly annoyed, he intervened. “Rozalyn, you apologize to Bash.”
“But…”
“But nothing unless you’d like me to paddle your cute little butt.”
“I apologize, Bash… even though you’re a bully and you deserve it.”
Oliver growled. It was one thing to allow her to be cheeky with him when they were alone. It was another altogether when there were others present. “Okay, I’m sorry. I apologize, Bash. Liza and I were only teasing though.”
“I know, little wolf. But there are times the two of you go too far and become the naughty girls we first met when you were turned.”
Liza nuzzled her mate. “She only did it because I asked.”
Bash kissed her. “I know. And I will deal with you after the party tonight for that.”
Roz bristled. “Oliver, tell him he can’t do that.”
“I will not come between Bash and Liza. She is his mate and he will deal with her as he sees fit. I suggest, little girl, that you do the same lest you want to look forward to the same.”
There was a discreet knock on the door. Sylvie poked her head inside. “There’s a bunch of massage folks here with their equipment?”
Bash stood. “Take two of the masseuses and set up one in Liza’s and my room and the other in here. The rest can set up on the patio. Let everyone know they’re here and paid for.”
“Thanks, Bash and Oliver. I’ll go help them set up.”
Bash offered his hand to his mate. “Let’s go upstairs. I want you to relax and enjoy your massage. Then you are to get into bed and try to sleep.”
“I don’t want to,” fussed Liza.
Normally, she was very good about obeying Bash without a fuss. Her sister’s disruptive influence and being overly tired and stressed told him he was right to impose the nap on her.
“Liza, do you need to have me spank you before you decide to be a good girl?” He reached down and took her gently by the arm, helping her to her feet.
“No. I’ll behave.”
He kissed her forehead. “There’s my good girl.” He turned to Oliver. “You deal with your naughty girl.”
They left and before he could say anything else, Roz said, “I know. A massage and a nap or a spanking and then a massage and a nap.”
“Naughty but smart.”
Roz snorted at him. “And stuck with you,” she said as she leaned across and kissed him deeply.
After he end
ed the kiss, he searched her face. “Yes… for this life and all the ones that come after.”
The masseuse knocked and then entered, quickly setting up her table.
“What if I’d wanted a man to give me my massage?”
“Never happen. I won’t tolerate another man’s hands on your body.” He dropped his voice to a whisper only she could hear. “Unless it’s Bash’s because I’m away from you and you need a discipline spanking.”
“There’s no fun in that for me—so best you take me along with you.”
Oliver turned to her and spoke quietly but angrily. “Rozalyn, if I ever have to be parted from you and leave you in Bash’s care, I will expect you to behave for him as if it were me. If I return and find you did, the matter will be closed. If, however, I find you acted out and refused to behave, you will get to feel what it is like to be knotted and tied to your mate after he’s welted your bottom.”
Roz looked at him closely. There was something there; something she didn’t know. She looked at the masseuse. “I’m so sorry… could you give us a few minutes? Maybe get a glass of water or juice for yourself?”
The young woman smiled and left the room.
“What is it, Oliver? What aren’t you telling me? There’s something, isn’t there.”
“I don’t need you to worry, sweetheart. It will all be fine, but if ever that day comes, I need to know that you will let Bash keep you safe.”
Roz drew her foot back and kicked him in the shin for all she was worth.
His eyes took on an immediate, ethereal glow. “Do you want to have to stand for the party?”
“No. I want you to tell me whatever it is that’s worrying you.”
“I said…”
“Lie to me again and I swear I’ll kick the other shin twice as hard… and give you some first-hand experience with that nasty soap of yours.”
Oliver was fascinated; he’d seen her angry, fearful, upset, in the thralls of passion but this was something different. Her eyes had definitely taken on their own glow and he could feel the she-wolf lurking just behind her conscious mind. He drew her to him and kissed her gently but with great feeling.
“You are right. Let it keep for tonight and I will tell you in the morning.”
“I want to know now. And I want to know why you didn’t want to tell me in the first place.”
“Because I want you to enjoy your success. It isn’t imminent, but it is serious. I forgot I had mated a blooded beta warrior. I only want to keep you safe, but I will not try to keep you in the dark ever again. Forgive me?”
“You’ve heard something from Dylan, haven’t you?” She eyed him suspiciously.
“Not Dylan, but Jean-Michel out of New Orleans. But I want you to enjoy tonight. You’ve worked so hard to make this a memorable evening for our pack, our friends, and the people with whom we need to maintain a certain status. I love and adore you. Please, for me? Get the massage, take a nap, and then enjoy your triumph.”
“I don’t want a nap.”
“Didn’t we discuss your choices around that earlier?”
“You mean that my only choice is whether or not I get a spanking first?”
“That’s the one.”
“You’re such a jerk.”
“I know. But you love me.”
“Think so?”
“I know so.” The masseuse knocked again and then entered when Oliver called to her. “Now, go enjoy your massage and then get into bed, relax, and take a nap.”
She purred at him as she ran her finger down along his core. “You could come back and help me relax. I always sleep so much better when you help me relax.”
He laughed. “Behave yourself, mate. I’ll come wake you up when it’s time to get showered and dressed. One of the other girls asked if you wanted or needed help with your hair.”
“No, I’m good and if anyone but Liza touched my hair, there would be hell to pay.”
He kissed her forehead. “Relax. Nap. I’ll be back in to wake you in a few hours.”
Roz quickly undressed and settled herself on the massage table.
“Your man loves you very much.”
“Yes, he does. I’m very lucky.”
Chapter Eighteen
Roz had fallen asleep in spite of herself. She had wanted to be wide awake when Oliver returned so she could prove she didn’t need a nap. The first thing she felt was Oliver’s warm hand rubbing the small of her back as he whispered kisses along her spine.
“Hmm, that feels nice,” she said.
“Wake up, my beautiful mate. Come on, let’s get a shower and get dressed. Our guests should be arriving in the next hour or so.”
“An hour? Oliver. I’ll never be ready in time.”
“And if you’re fashionably late, it’s your party and that’s fine.”
“No, I’m the hostess of this damn thing. I need to greet everyone. Why did you let me sleep so long?”
“I couldn’t bear to wake you. You were so peaceful.”
“How long were you watching me sleep?”
“About an hour.”
“If I’m late, I will… Oh, I don’t know what I’ll do and I don’t have time to figure it out.” Roz threw back the covers and ran into the bathroom, shutting the door in his face.
“I thought we’d shower together,” he said through the door.
She opened the door a crack. “No way. Had you got me up an hour ago, maybe. But now? You and me in the shower? I’d be lucky to make it to dinner. So, tell that knot that I’m sure is forming it’ll just have to wait.” She closed the door once again, but then reopened it. “But tell it I’ll have a nice, warm, soft, wet place for it to spend lots and lots of time much later tonight.” The door shut a final time and he heard the shower turn on as he laughed.
Roz was incredibly adept at getting dressed quickly. She came out of the bathroom to let him take a shower wrapped in nothing but a towel. He reached for it and she slapped his hand.
“Oliver, please?”
He pulled her close. “All right. I’ll become the perfectly charming, perfectly groomed, and perfectly behaved Hamptons host that no one will notice.”
“Yes, they will.”
“No, my mate. They will only have eyes for you.”
She kissed him and pushed him toward the bathroom. “Get showered and dressed.”
Oliver took a quick shower and made himself presentable except for his clothes. As he rejoined Roz, he was stopped dead in his tracks.
“What? Hurry up!”
He entered their dressing room in the main closet and donned his dinner jacket. He rejoined her.
“You take my breath away.”
She grinned. “It is pretty, isn’t it?”
She looked stunning in a thigh-length, raw silk slip dress. Her luminous ivory complexion was perfectly complemented by the loose black fabric that draped her frame perfectly. The dress’s sleeveless design showcased her toned arms and cut away into a very low back, so low it just brushed the top of her luscious backside.
“You clean up pretty good yourself.”
“I couldn’t decide—clean shaven or stubble,” he said as he checked himself out in the mirror.
She joined him and kissed his lips. “Stubble… definitely stubble.”
Oliver reached into his pocket. “I have something for you. Liza showed me a picture of the dress. Turn around and close your eyes.”
She presented her back to him. Oliver withdrew the simple solitaire diamond hung on a titanium chain and placed it around her throat. He looked over her shoulder in the mirror. The jeweler was right, the necklace was perfect.
“Open.”
She gasped. “Oliver, it’s… it’s… you could buy a Harley for this.”
“Actually, sweetheart, more like three or four.”
“Can we afford this?”
“I love that you are concerned. But yes, we can afford it.” He handed her a pair of relatively simple titanium and diamond earrings.
&nb
sp; “They’re perfect.” She turned back around and wound her arms around his neck. “Thank you. I’ve never had anything that was this… well this,” she giggled.
“Ready, my love?”
She positively beamed at him. “You bet. Let’s show these people what a couple of Jersey girls can do and how we party.”
He wrapped his arm around her and they entered the foyer just as their first guests came through the gates to the estate.
Roz looked around at the people she now called pack and family. Her smile was infectious. “Damn, you people look fine.” There was general laughter amongst the members of their pack. “Let’s not inundate people when they come in. Start mingling in different places so people don’t feel like they have to go off on their own.”
Liza embraced her sister. “You look amazing.” She touched the diamond solitaire. “That thing is real, isn’t it?”
“No, Liza, he got it out of the gumball machine this afternoon.”
Liza laughed, glad that her sister seemed in good spirits and full of confidence. There was no doubt Oliver was good for her. And if the looks Oliver gave her sister were any indication, he had fallen deeply in love with his mate. “Bash and I will head out onto the patio.”
“Thanks, Liza… for everything.”
* * *
Any concerns that Oliver may have had about Roz being able to play the perfect hostess were immediately dispelled. She had a true knack for making people feel welcome and as though they had known her for years. He watched as she quickly came to the same realization about herself. He smiled as she relaxed and began to enjoy herself.
Bash joined Oliver at the bar. “I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. I don’t think we’re going to be able to get away with just one party a year.”
Oliver smiled. “Oh, ye of little faith. My only concern was how much pressure she put on herself. I think she’s figured out that she and your Liza did an amazing job. Both of them seem to be having fun… as is everyone else.”