by E A Price
He knew what he should do, but was well aware that his nature would never allow it. His wolf was determined to tie her to him no matter what. And the man certainly wouldn’t argue. He was a selfish bastard.
Uneasiness stirred within him. This was all reliant on her actually accepting him as her mate. It wasn’t a full blown conclusion that she would. He could tell she had felt aroused by him but that didn’t mean she wanted to bond with him. She was a witch not a wolf, the idea of having a true mate might not mean as much to her. Could Liv have actually felt the connection between them? Maybe.
She wasn’t just any witch either. She was the niece of the high priestess wolf hating Emerald Cole herself. Although he had a hard time imagining the two of them actually being related. Liv had been polite but bashful toward him. The other witch was vicious and condescending. He wasn’t happy at her returning to the boarding house. The thought of his sweet Liv being there with that spiteful Emerald woman made his wolf snarl. No, no she wasn’t his. Not yet, but soon.
Liv hadn’t really given him any encouragement but she hadn’t dismissed him completely. His confidence slowly started to seep back. He had no doubt about his sexual prowess, he’d been with dozens of women. Surely he could win Liv over just as easily.
His wolf growled at the comparison between his mate and the other women.
None of them had ever gotten him this excited. None of them were as beautiful as her. None of them smelled as good. None of them had those sweet alluring curves. All the other women paled due to the fact that none of them were her.
The sooner she was officially his the better. Would his pack accept a witch as a member? He didn’t give a fuck really. He would fight and beat any member who sought to challenge her joining. He doubted Adam would deny his request, he was much more progressive than the previous Alpha. And if she didn’t want to join the pack he would leave to be with her. There was no question of that.
His main worry should be the disappearance of Iris Bennett. If someone was randomly abducting witches it meant Liv was a potential target. Whoever it may be might think twice about a witch if she was mated to a wolf. He hoped. How soon was too soon to ask her to mate with him? Should he go to her now? He could ask her to move in with him. He could ask her to marry him. Nervous excitement swelled within him.
By this time tomorrow they could be mated, married and living together! In no time at all she could be pregnant with his pup, his seed growing within her belly. No, no, no, he was moving too fast. God he needed to get rid of some of this energy.
His clothes were too restrictive. He needed to get out of them. Hell, his skin felt too tight at that moment. He needed to shift and go for a run. He ran out of office and out through the back door that led straight to the woods. Everyone on night duty must have thought he was possessed.
He shed his clothes as he ran, quickly turning into his giant grey wolf.
Chapter Five
13th September
Alec sat on the steps of the library yawning deeply.
“Morning Sheriff, rough night?” He hadn’t even heard Terri arrive. He wondered if there were any cat shifter genes in her family tree. Or maybe it was a side effect of being a librarian.
She walked past him and unlocked the door, flipping the sign to open as she went in. He followed her.
Alec had spent half the night running and the other half hunting. Neither of which left him satiated.
He had come to make very gentle enquiries about Liv. Such as whether she had a boyfriend, who the boyfriend was, where he could find said boyfriend so that he could kill him... that kind of thing. He had discovered from Gabe, that Liv and Terri often had lunch together, so he guessed they were friends.
Terri was a charming woman of Chinese heritage in her late twenties, her wide almond eyes and glowing skin made her very pretty. She had casually dated a few younger men in town, including one or two shifters, but was quick to halt things if it looked like they were becoming serious.
Alec wanted to dislike her for this but logically he knew her relaxed attitude towards sex was no different than his own. Of course that had all changed for him now. At least Terri was always direct and honest about what she expected from the men she dated, it was just unfortunate that young shifters tended toward the possessive. Not that he could talk...
Given that she worked with an older human, and motor mouth, called Mrs Martin Terri was a good source of gossip. But whilst Mrs Martin was completely indiscreet about who she told what to, Terri was a little more sensitive, and if he asked her a few questions it wouldn’t be broadcast to the entire town within six minutes.
After switching the lights on she went and made herself comfortable in her round central desk. A few patrons started to filter in and they called out greetings to both Alec and Terri.
“What brings you here Sheriff?”
He leaned on the counter. “I was wondering if you could help me.”
“Sure if I can.”
Her attention was briefly drawn away and Alec saw her smile at a young wolf called Mal Tanner who was hovering around periodicals. Mal winked and leered back at her but yelped and retreated further into the library when Alec glowered at him. Terri blushed.
He raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
“I know what you’re thinking...”
“It’s none of my business.”
“Mmm hmm. I know he’s a few years younger than me, more than a few in fact...”
Not as many as Liv is to him though. “Really Terri, it’s none of my business.” Alec cleared his throat. “I just wanted to talk to you about Emerald Cole.”
She looked puzzled and cocked her head to the side. “I’m not sure how much I can tell you about her.” Clearly Terri wasn’t her biggest fan.
“I’m trying to get a handle on how to deal with her.” He decided to take a roundabout route in order to get information on his mate. Just asking about Liv outright would be suspicious.
“I can’t tell you much really, her highness rarely graces us with her presence. I think the only time I ever saw her in here was about two years ago. It was my first week here and the queen bee came stalking in screaming the place down. She was looking for Liv.” Terri blew out a breath trying not to get angry at the memory.
Alec stiffened. “What was the problem?”
“I only found out a few days later. At the time she was just screeching about how Liv was a wicked girl and pushing and pulling her out of here. I tried to stop her but Liv begged me to not to do anything. Old Mr Greenwood, bless him, tried to intercede and almost got his eyes scratched out.” He was the librarian before Terri and must have been about eighty at the time.
“Why didn’t anyone call the Sheriff?”
She snorted. “We did. No offence to your predecessor but Sheriff Barnes was as useful a Sheriff as a wet fish! He heard Emerald Cole was involved and didn’t even bother to get off his butt to come over. He told us he wasn’t suicidal!”
Alec tapped his foot impatiently.
“It was pretty horrible. But when I finally got hold of Liv she was all smiles like nothing had happened. I asked her if she was okay after what had happened. She said it was just the way her Aunt Emerald was. I pressed her and Liv admitted that her Aunt was mad at her because Liv had been giving healing potions to a wolf. Emerald was apparently livid that her niece had been ‘consorting with the enemy’ and helping to heal them.”
Alec stared at her. Terri said quickly, “Liv was just trying to be nice, that wolf was in pain, if Liv hadn’t helped who knows what would have happened. And no, Liv never actually told me their name so you can’t punish them for it.” Heat had risen to her face.
Alec held up his hands in a placating gesture and said softly, “I would never punish any wolf for that, just like I would never punish any witch for that either. I’m just surprised that Liv would be brave enough to go against her aunt.”
Terri smiled. “Liv’s pretty brave, not to mention sweet natured. Liv doesn’t c
omplain but I can tell she isn’t treated well. Liv’s mother Sapphire was Emerald’s sister and was even more powerful than she is. Emerald worshipped her, and she can’t get over the fact that Liv isn’t like her.”
“Liv told you this?”
“Not all of it, some of it I gleaned from the other witches from the boarding house. FYI they’re not as loyal to Emerald as she likes to think.”
Terri was interrupted when Gwen Lucas a young wolf shifter and pack member came to check out a book. She looked at Alec with interest and tried to linger to listen to their conversation but a hard look from Alec had her scuttling away.
“Anyway, Sapphire died protecting Liv from a, err, rogue werewolf.” Terri looked embarrassed but Alec remained impassive. “The rogue attacked the family and her mother and father fought it so Liv could get away. Liv felt guilty over her parents dying and Emerald has made it clear that she wished Liv had died instead of her sister.”
“That bitch!” Everyone in the library looked round startled at Alec’s outburst but Terri didn’t seem perturbed.
“I know right! Woman’s a nasty piece of work. I’ve been telling Liv to move out for years, but she’s never been able to hold down a job. Emerald always talks to her managers and gets her fired. I tried to have Liv move in with me but every time she tries to leave Emerald suddenly becomes ill and needs Liv’s help. Emerald’s a control freak, she wants to keep Liv under her thumb.”
“Doesn’t she have a boyfriend who can help?” Alec asked holding his breath, fearing the answer.
“No. Most men are too afraid of Emerald to ask her out and recently any that have she’s turned them down. Although I get this feeling there is someone she’s crushing on but she denies it, she’s been kind of moony for the last few months.”
His wolf growled. Was Liv already in love with another man?
Terri looked at him quizzically. “Did you get the information you needed?”
“Yes.” If Terri thought it was odd that Alec had asked her so many questions about Liv she didn’t say anything.
She shrugged. “You know, Liv’s a wonderful person. If anything could be done to, umm, help her out with Emerald... that would be great. I worry about her.”
Hearing of her affection for Liv warmed him, he found himself liking Terri more and more. He smiled and nodded at her. “Thanks Terri, take care.”
“You too Sheriff.”
Alec left the library his head swimming with thoughts about Emerald Cole. She was poison, he had to get Liv away from her. Then there was Liv’s mystery crush, he had to get Liv away from him.
Alec stared absently at his surroundings thinking about his next move. He froze as he noticed Liv sitting in the Honeypot Diner across the road. Thankfully she was alone. His legs started moving towards her before he could even engage his brain.
Yes, an early lunch with his mate is what he needed. His wolf yipped in happiness.
*
“Mind if I join you?”
Liv started at the sound of his deep voice and dropped her book. It slipped to the floor. Alec chuckled and bent down to retrieve it. Kneeling next to her he handed it back to her. “Sorry didn’t mean to startle you.”
She reached out to take it but he didn’t let go.
“So...?” The corners of his mouth turned up.
“Hmmm?” His beautiful honeyed brown eyes sparkled.
“May I join you?”
“Oh! Yes, of course. I’m sorry.” She looked away from him in embarrassment.
“Nothing to be sorry for.” He smiled reassuringly before settling into the chair opposite her.
She looked around wondering if perhaps the diner was busy and that was why he had sat with her. Nope, there were lots of spare tables. Her heart thudded in her chest. He wants to sit with me, he wants to spend time with me. No, a nasty little voice said, he probably just wants to talk to you about Iris.
She breathed in and out slowly trying to calm her heartbeat.
He studied the menu, despite knowing it inside out, sneaking quick glances at her. Her blonde curly hair framed her heart shaped face. She wore no makeup, she was a natural beauty. She was an angel.
He cleared his throat. “What are you having?”
She examined her own menu biting her lip. He felt his trousers tighten as blood rushed to his groin. He shifted uncomfortably.
“I think the chicken kiev and an iced tea.”
“Me too.” He said quickly. Both were the last things he would normally order but part of him thought that she might take to him more quickly if he liked the same things as her. He desperately needed her to like him.
“So... is there any news about Iris?”
He looked at her directly, his eyes were piercing. She wavered under his gaze and felt heat pooling in her womb. “No, I’m sorry. Nothing yet.”
A young bobcat called Dennis came over to take their order. He was training to be an EMT and working at the Diner part time.
“Hey Liv,“ he called cheerfully looking her up and down appraisingly, a whiff of arousal hit Alec and his wolf grumbled.
Liv returned the greeting. Dennis noticed Alec and cringed. Alec had arrested him for underage drinking, more than once. “And hey Sheriff... nice to see you.”
“Dennis.” Growled Alec.
Dennis looked between the two of them with interest but dare not say anything. “What can I get you both?”
Alec ordered for both of them. An ice tea for each of them, one chicken kiev for Liv and two for him. Liv was surprised at the double order, she’d probably never eaten around wolves before. They eat a hell of a lot.
Dennis jotted down the order and before leaving his eyes settled on Liv’s generous breasts, widening in lust. Alec stared at the young man unflinchingly. Sensing the Beta’s dominant nature Dennis unconsciously bared his neck in a show of submission and backed away.
Dennis was the same age as Liv. He was probably the kind of boy she was dating, a silly, young boy. What if it was Dennis? Would Liv degrade herself by being with a pervy little cat like Dennis? She needed someone better than that damnit. She needed him!
Alec banged his fist on the table, startling a few of the other diners. He stared at them until they looked away. Turning back to Liv there was a look of curiosity on her face but she didn’t say anything.
Absently she tapped her fingers on the book she had dropped earlier.
“Good book?” He asked.
“Hmmm, don’t know yet. It’s a murder mystery, they’re my favourites. But the murder hasn’t happened yet, there’s just lots of long winded exposition about the characters. I’m hoping things will pick up once someone dies.” She blushed. “That sounds really callous doesn’t it?”
He laughed. “It’s just fiction, better to read about it than have it happen. You enjoy reading?”
He felt her warm to the subject. “Oh yes, ever since I was a little girl. My mother wouldn’t allow a TV in the house, so it’s always been books for me. I go to the library practically every day. Did you know you can see right into.... erm, the station from the second floor window.” She felt herself pale, she was about to tell him she could see into his office, she was about to admit that she had been watching him, she was about to admit that she was a crazy stalker! Thank god she managed to catch herself.
“Really? I’m surprised I’ve never seen you around here before.” He looked down thoughtfully, how could he have missed her?
Probably because I’m a chicken who runs in the opposite direction to you. She shrugged. “No idea, I’m probably not that noticeable.” A hint of hurt entered her voice.
“That’s not true. Not at all.” He said a little more forcefully than he intended. He checked himself and strained to be gentler. “I noticed you sat in here from all the way over on the library steps...” Oh shit. He practically admitted that he purposefully came into the Diner because of her.
He held his breath waiting for her response.
She frowned. “You were in the l
ibrary? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in there. Do you read much?”
He exhaled softly, pleased that she had focussed on that.
He rubbed his hand over his jaw. He had stubble, probably a couple of days old. While it would look unkempt on other men it just added to his rough handsomeness. She winced as she had an irrational urge to ask him to rub his chin over her shoulder.
“I just wanted a word with Terri, I rarely go in. I’m sorry to say I’m not much of a reader.” But the thought of a long winter night, the two of them on his couch, his head cradled in her lap while she read a book to him was certainly enticing.
“What do you usually do in your spare time?” She almost wished she hadn’t asked that, it sounded like she was trying to turn the meal into a date.
He was surprised but pleased at the direction the meal had taken, however he couldn’t tell if she was just being polite or if she was truly interested in getting to know him. “Running, hunting, working out. I don’t really have that much free time with being the Sheriff and my duties as a Beta. How about you?”
“Well other than reading I like cooking and you may not believe this,” she glanced down at her rounded figure, “but I love hiking.”
His eyes tracked down alighting on her breasts. They darkened with desire. His visible reaction made her nipples harden. She crossed her arms so he couldn’t see them.
“Why wouldn’t I believe you? What do you like to cook?” He changed the subject before she could say something else about her body. For one thing he didn’t like hearing her put herself down, but also if she drew attention to her breasts again he may not be able to control his wolf. The urge to mate with her was only getting stronger with every passing moment.
She relaxed a little. “Anything really, I usually just make what I like. I love Italian, my favourite is spaghetti and meatballs. I love baking too. But then I love cake, oh and cookies.” Obviously by the size of my thighs she thought bitterly. “What about you?” Or does one of your girlfriends do all your cooking?