Ashton Grove Werewolves (Boxed Set, Vol. 2)

by Jessica Coulter Smith

  She sighed. “I guess you’re right.”

  They continued walking until they reached the maternity store. Inside, Harper flipped through various shirts, pants and dresses. She wasn’t sure what to look for since she didn’t know what she would need. It wasn’t like she could try things on since she wasn’t showing yet. The sales women eyed her uncertainly, probably wondering why she was in the store.

  “May I help you with something?” the tall brunette asked.

  “I’m trying to pick out an outfit or two so that I’ll be prepared when I start to show. But I have no idea what I’m looking for.”

  The woman smiled. “How far along are you?”

  “Just a few weeks.”

  “Most of our customers like our jeans and v-neck knit shirts. You might try those. Or maybe one of our knit dresses. I’ve heard they’re comfortable.”

  Harper smiled. “Thanks. I’ll check them out.”

  Ramsey stood back and let her shop, trying to stay out of her way. He offered his opinion when she asked for it, but otherwise he let her do her thing while he observed. A half hour later, she had found what she was looking for.

  The sales woman placed her purchases in a bag and rang up the total. Ramsey handed her his credit card and signed the receipt.

  “Thank you for shopping with us today! I hope you and your wife have a lovely afternoon.”

  Wife. Ramsey looked down at her, who was smiling broadly. That was the one thing she wasn’t. She was his, and they were bonded, but she wasn’t his wife. The other mated wolves in the pack could call their mates “wife,” but Ramsey wasn’t one of them. He had to admit that it was bothering him more and more.

  Harper insisted that she didn’t care if she was his wife or not, as long as they were mated she was content. So why wasn’t he? Shouldn’t she be the one worrying about such things as being husband and wife? Why did it bother him so much? Regardless of whether or not they were married, their child would carry his name, so that wasn’t it. He knew that she was his, so that wasn’t it. So... what was it?

  That one word left him feeling confused. Should he ask Harper to marry him? And explain it how? It wasn’t like he loved her, so he couldn’t tell her that. If he insisted on having an actual wedding, she would want to know why. If he told her he wanted to be able to call her his wife, she wouldn’t understand, not without an explanation – one he couldn’t give.

  They walked through the mall, stopping at stores along the way. Harper added to their shopping bags. Some candles purchased at a spa store, a CD purchased at a music store, a pair of shoes, a throw pillow for the sofa... She’d been hesitant over the pillow until he’d assured her that he didn’t care if she decorated the house. It was her home now too and she should be happy living there. If she wanted to make the place her own, he had no problem with that. He only wished he’d thought to tell her sooner.

  Walking out of the mall, their arms laden with packages, Ramsey smiled. Even doing something simple, like taking Harper shopping, made him happy these days. She’d changed his life so much in such a short amount of time, and he knew it was only the beginning. His life was richer and fuller with her, and would be more so once their child arrived. Part of him was worried that he wouldn’t be a good father. He’d never really had experience with kids before, but at the same time, he was happy about Harper’s pregnancy.

  “You’re awfully quiet,” she commented.

  “Just thinking.”

  “Good thoughts or bad?”

  He smiled at her. “Good. I was just thinking about you and the baby. I can never tell you enough how happy I am that you’re part of my life. Without you, I’d still be an emotional wreck.” He reached over and placed a hand over her stomach. “And you’ve given me a precious gift.”

  “You would have been fine without me, Ramsey. It just would have taken you a little longer to realize you were over Chloe.”

  He shook his head. “You’re the reason I’m over her. You were meant to be mine.”

  “You really feel that way?”

  He nodded. He’d known from that first kiss that they were meant to be together. He just hadn’t realized in what capacity. If he hadn’t been so blind, he would have made her his mate the moment he’d laid eyes on her. She’d taken his breath away with her beauty, and she still did. He knew that he could wake up next to her every day for the rest of his life and it would be like seeing her for the first time each and every time.

  Once they were back in the SUV, Ramsey looked at Harper. “So, where to now?”

  “Where do you want to go?”

  He shook his head. “I’m just the driver. This is your day. You tell me where to go and I’ll get us there.”

  “How about lunch and then home?”

  “If that’s what you want, that’s what we’ll do.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Ramsey was in the shower the next morning when the doorbell rang. Harper frowned and pulled on a robe. She couldn’t think of anyone who would visit so early, unless it was one of the alphas. She walked barefoot to the front door and pulled it open – and stared in shock.

  “Can we talk?”

  “Trent, what are you doing here?” she asked, proud that her voice sounded steady.

  “I’m leaving in a few days and wanted to talk to you first. But you always have someone with you.”

  She gathered her robe close, feeling vulnerable in so few clothes. “I’m not exactly alone now, either.”

  “Since he didn’t come to the door, I’m guessing he’s asleep. Come on, Harper. Let me in.”

  “No.”

  He looked surprised. “You really want to have this conversation out here?”

  “I don’t want to have any conversation with you, now or ever. I left California because of you. Why would I want to talk to you now?”

  “I was forced into the mating ceremony with Luna. It was always you that I wanted.”

  “Stop! I don’t want to hear this.”

  “We could still run away together.”

  “I would never go anywhere with you,” she said. “I’m happy with Ramsey. I love him.”

  Trent growled and narrowed his eyes. “You’re making a mistake.”

  “No, I’m not. I suggest you leave before Ramsey discovers you’re here.”

  “Too late,” a voice growled behind her.

  “Ramsey.” Harper looked over her shoulder, relieved. She wanted to wrap herself around him, but hesitated. “Trent was just...”

  “I came to talk to Harper,” Trent said.

  “You will not speak to my mate, nor look at her, ever again. Understood?” Ramsey growled. “You have no right to show up here. Go home to Luna, where you belong.”

  “I’ll go where I damn well please,” Trent replied.

  Ramsey shoved Harper behind him and stared down at the much shorter wolf. “If you come anywhere near Harper again, it will be the last mistake you ever make. Are we clear?”

  “Crystal,” Trent said through clenched teeth.

  Ramsey slammed the door shut and turned to face his mate. “What happened?”

  Harper eyed him nervously, trying to decide if he was upset with her. She knew now she shouldn’t have opened the door, but how could she have known Trent was waiting on the porch? Was Ramsey angry with her?

  “The doorbell rang a few minutes after you got in the shower. Since it was so early, I thought it might be one of the alphas. If I had thought for one minute it would be Trent, I wouldn’t have answered the door.”

  “He didn’t try to shove his way in here or touch you?”

  She shook her head. “He asked to come in, but I wouldn’t let him.”

  “And all he did was talk?”

  “That’s all.”

  He smoothed her hair back from her face. “I’m glad you’re all right.”

  She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face against him, inhaling his scent. Being in his arms was comforting.

  “I was nervous when
I saw him on the front porch, but I didn’t know what to do.”

  “You did fine, honey.”

  “Do you think he’ll come back?” she asked.

  He grinned. “Not unless he’s stupid. I wasn’t kidding when I threatened him. He only has a few days left in town. I’m sure he can stay out of trouble that long. But just in case, don’t go anywhere by yourself.”

  “We already covered that,” she said.

  “It bears repeating.”

  With a sigh, she nodded. “I promise.”

  Ramsey was having a hard time concentrating at work. The fact that Trent had been bold enough to come to the house bothered him. The wolf had to have known he was in the house, and yet he’d approached Harper anyway.

  “Something bothering you?” Hunter asked.

  “Trent.”

  “Just two more days and he won’t be a problem.”

  Ramsey grunted. “It’s the two days I’m worried about.”

  “You’re probably worrying for nothing.”

  Ramsey told him about the morning’s events. “Now you see why I’m concerned.”

  “Yeah, I guess so. Look, why don’t you just ask someone to shadow her until Trent and Luna leave town. Either that, or take time off and watch over her yourself.”

  “You think Lucas is busy today?”

  “Why don’t you take a break and go find out? You know your mind won’t be on your work until she’s taken care of.” Hunter grinned.

  “What?”

  “I knew the two of you were perfect for each other. And I’m glad to see you’re taking such good care of her.”

  Ramsey felt a little uneasy. If they were so perfect for one another, wouldn’t he love her? But how could he admit to Harper’s brother that he didn’t love the woman? He cared for her more and more each day, but was that enough? It would have to be. It was the best he could do. Maybe loving Chloe had broken him on some level.

  “I’ll be right back,” he told Hunter and left the garage. Finding a quiet spot outside, away from the clamor of the garage, he dialed Lucas’s number. The young werewolf answered on the third ring.

  “Ramsey, what’s up?”

  “Are you busy today and maybe tomorrow?” he asked.

  “I’m free today, but my day is planned out for tomorrow. Why do you ask?”

  “Trent stopped by the house this morning and bothered Harper. He tried to convince her to run away with him. I’m worried he’s going to cause more problems before he leaves and I don’t like leaving her alone. I told her not to go anywhere by herself, but still... I was hoping you might shadow her today.”

  “Yeah, I could do that. Do you want her to know I’m there, or is this is a secret?” Lucas asked.

  “It might be better if she doesn’t know you’re there. She knows I’m worried, but I don’t know how she’d handle having a bodyguard.”

  “Consider it done. I’ll hang around until I see you come home later.”

  “Thanks, Lucas. I owe you one.”

  The young wolf laughed. “No worries. You know I’m happy to help when I can.”

  Ramsey disconnected the call and went back to the garage. Hunter slid out from under the car he was working on and eyed him in curiosity, obviously wondering what had happened.

  “He’s going to do it, but just for today,” Ramsey told him. “I don’t know what I’m going to do about tomorrow.”

  “Maybe she can do something with the girls.”

  “Not a bad idea.” He pulled out his phone and sent Kiera a text. “Let’s see if we can make that happen.”

  Ramsey lowered himself to the ground and slid under the car, ready to get to work. Finally, he felt he would be able to focus.

  A few minutes later, he heard Kiera dash into the garage and stop beside him. He finished up what he was doing and slid out from under the car to face her. She was flushed and bright eyed.

  “What type of plan are you hatching?” she asked.

  “One that will hopefully keep Harper safe tomorrow. She’s being guarded today, without her knowledge, but tomorrow I’m out of options.”

  “So what did you have in mind?”

  “I thought maybe all of you could get together for a spa day or something. I know everyone works, but I thought maybe you and Aislinn could take a break from the books long enough to take her out.”

  “I think Chloe’s off tomorrow, too.”

  Ramsey grimaced. “Don’t you think that might be a little awkward? I know they met already, but still...”

  “The two of them have to get used to one another. It might as well be sooner rather than later.”

  “Fine, if you think that’s best. But I’d feel better if we waited until after Trent and Luna were gone. I think she’s under enough stress already. It can’t be good for her, especially while she’s pregnant,” Ramsey said.

  “Okay, okay. I’ll see if Chloe will watch the kids for all of us.”

  “Thanks, Kiera. Don’t let her think it was my idea. I want her to feel like she belongs here, and I think it would make her day to be invited out with the girls. I get the feeling she didn’t have many close friends in California, and I want to correct that here. I want her to feel like one of us.”

  Kiera nodded. “We’ve all been new so I’m sure we can manage that. Marin is usually the first to extend the proverbial olive branch since she was the first in the pack. I may be an alpha’s mate, but I still go to Marin with certain things before making a decision.”

  “I’ll invite everyone over to the house before long, but for now I appreciate all the help I can get.”

  “I’ll go start making calls now.”

  Ramsey gave her a hug. “Thanks. Let me know if you need anything.”

  He watched her walk away before returning to his work. While he wished the women in the pack would have thought to do something like this without him nudging them along, he was thankful that Kiera was going to run with the idea. He wouldn’t have to worry about Harper tomorrow, and it would give her a chance to get to know the other females in the pack better. The pack was small enough that everyone was pretty close, but Ramsey had been particularly close to the alphas and their family. He wanted his mate to feel the same. He just didn’t think she was ready to face Chloe yet.

  Realistically, he knew they would have to get along eventually, but he was a little concerned. How could he expect his ex-lover to get along with his mate? It was bound to be awkward for a while. He could only hope that eventually the women would become friends, for the sake of the pack.

  Lost in his thoughts, time flew by and it was lunch before he knew it. Hunter kicked his leg to get his attention.

  “What?” Ramsey snapped.

  “Want to grab a drink at Laguna Paradise?”

  He slid out from under the car and looked up at his friend. “It’s the middle of the day, and we’re working.”

  “It’s one beer.”

  “All right. Just let me wash up before we go.”

  Ramsey was surprised when Hunter sat at a table instead of the bar at Laguna. His friend surveyed the room, as if he were looking for something, or someone. Could this be why Hunter had seemed so distracted lately? Maybe Harper had been right, he had had something on his mind. It just wasn’t necessarily something that was bothering him.

  “Looking for someone?” Ramsey asked.

  Hunter looked at him in surprise. “Why?”

  “Because it’s either that or you’re casing the place.”

  He grimaced. “I’m that obvious?”

  “Only to me. Now, who are you looking for?” Ramsey asked.

  “Her name is Holly and she’s a waitress here. I don’t think she realizes I’m interested though, and I haven’t come right out and said anything. She seems a little shy.”

  Ramsey laughed. “Shy? Working here?”

  He looked around at the waitresses in their super short skirts and skin tight shirts. It was hard for him to imagine any of them as being shy.

  �
��She’s over there, at the end of the bar,” Hunter said with a nod to the left.

  Ramsey looked and was surprised. The woman standing with her side pressed against the bar more than just a little curvy. He wouldn’t call her fat by any means, but she definitely had more meat on her bones than he would have expected. Looking at her face, he realized that she was quite pretty, with long dark hair and pale creamy skin. If anyone in this place were going to be shy, this woman would be the one.

  “So why haven’t you said anything?” Ramsey asked.

  “I don’t know. I come here all the time, make sure I sit in her section if I can. I watch her. I’ve even followed her home a few times, when she’s left late at night. She brings her car into the garage when it breaks down, which is often.”

  “She’s pretty.”

  Hunter grinned. “Yeah, she is that.”

  “Are you ever going to ask her out?”

  “I’d like to think that I’ll eventually get around to it. But something keeps holding me back.”

  Ramsey glanced at the woman again. “You like her, so what’s the deal? You already said you come here all the time just to see her. What more do you need to know?”

  Hunter shrugged. “I get the feeling she’s going to be important to me. I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet.”

  “Ah.” Ramsey took a swallow of his beer. “Well, don’t drag your feet too long, or someone else may come along and sweep her off her feet. Then where will you be?”

  Hunter scowled at him. “Not everyone can have their mate hand delivered.”

  “Maybe you have and you just don’t realize it. Ever think of that? What if Holly is your other half?”

  Hunter glanced her way again. “You think she could be?”

  “Don’t see why not. But you’ll never know if you don’t ask her out. At least get to know her better.”

  Hunter nodded. “Fair enough. But enough about my love life. Let’s talk about something else.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like... why did I have to find out at the pack meeting that I’m going to be an uncle?”