Handful of Mate

by April Dinh

  Moose eyed Nester before turning his attention back to Pyke. “An incident.”

  “You don’t have to talk in code.” Pyke nodded at Nester. “He’s my mate.”

  “Oh.” Moose grinned. “Congrats.”

  “Thanks?” Nester wasn’t sure what to say or think. He was starring in The Twilight Zone. Nothing made sense. Absolutely nothing.

  “Vampire attacked someone in the bathroom,” Moose said. “The owner shut the café down, and my mate has been trying to track the vampire down.”

  Nester blinked rapidly.

  “I took care of him,” Pyke said. “Son of a bitch tried to attack me in the alley. You should call your mate and let him know the body is still there.”

  “What can I get you?” Moose asked Nester.

  “A lobotomy.” Nester rubbed his temples. He had to get out of here. It seemed the whole town was loony. The two were talking as if killing vampires was an everyday thing. As casual as talking about the weather.

  “He just found out about us,” Pyke said. “He’ll need time to absorb things.”

  Moose gave Nester a weird look. “Try not to break his mind. Humans need to be handfed. I’ll get him some chicken, too.”

  Moose walked away, and Nester felt panic set in. “I have to use the bathroom.”

  Unfortunately, the bathroom didn’t have any windows for him to escape. He paced the small area, racking his brain on what to do. He had to get away from Pyke before he became the guy’s next victim.

  Nester splashed some cold water on his face and then stared at himself in the mirror. God, he looked like shit. His hair was greasy and flat, and dark circles were under his eyes.

  Pyke worked on the restoration job. If Nester hadn’t just killed a guy, he would have used him to find out if a phone had been found.

  But Nester wasn’t willing to risk his life to find out.

  Chapter Two

  Pyke strummed his fingers on the table as he looked toward the men’s room. His mate had been in there for at least ten minutes. Pyke knew he had a habit of coming on strong and wondered if he’d really melted Nester’s brain.

  Worried, Pyke got up and stepped into the men’s room. He found Nester pacing in front of the sink, his arms tucked around his midsection.

  “Everything okay in here?”

  “No.” Nester stopped pacing and faced Pyke. “I’m having an existential crisis, questioning my sanity, and could use some alone time to contemplate my existence.”

  Pyke leaned a hip against the counter and crossed his arms. “I sometimes forget that honesty isn’t always the best policy, but I wanted to be upfront with you. I’m not very good at subterfuge, and I’m sorry if I short-circuited your brain.”

  The terrified look on Nester’s face said there was more going on here than his mate’s eyes being opened to the nonhuman world. Pyke had seen that kind of look before, that level of panic, and he wanted to know what Nester was running from.

  There was an innocence about Nester that drew Pyke to him. He wanted to help in whatever crisis his mate was having. He was still in shock that he’d met his mate.

  While killing a vampire.

  Talk about the worst timing ever.

  Pyke wanted to reach out and pull Nester to him, to fold his mate into his arms, to soothe his worries away. Pyke’s bear snarled at the idea of anyone making Nester so anxious, but his gut told him that Nester wouldn’t welcome his touch.

  So Pyke curled his hands into fists and kept his distance. He watched his mate, gauging his reaction, trying to assess his mental state. Nester’s greenish-yellow eyes were a bit large, like when someone was in a panicked state. His hands wouldn’t stop moving as he touched his neck, his nape, and cheek.

  “Why don’t we finish dinner and then go for a stroll?” It was cold out, but Pyke wasn’t ready to end their time together. From the greasy limpness of Nester’s hair, the dark circles, and the way he looked as though he would fall asleep standing up, Pyke’s gut also told him that Nester was homeless.

  He could have been wrong, but he’d learned to trust his gut a long time ago, and that instinct had saved his life on more than one occasion.

  Pyke had to find a way to offer his spare bedroom without Nester thinking him some pervert for trying to take him home moments after they’d just met.

  “We should go eat.” Nester headed for the door. “I don’t want you wasting your money on uneaten food.”

  A twenty-dollar dinner was the least of Pyke’s worries. Even so, he waved a hand at the door, and Nester smiled before he exited the bathroom.

  As soon as Pyke walked out, he saw the rain past the window. There was no way he was letting his mate walk out in it, possibly catching a cold. He slipped back into the booth just as Moose brought them their food.

  “Let me know if there’s anything else you fellas need.” The waiter walked away, leaving behind two plates of delicious-looking chicken and crisp golden fries.

  “This smells so good.” Nester licked his lips and shoveled a few fries into his mouth, only to blow out and wave his hands in front of his lips.

  “Fresh from the kitchen.” Pyke winked. “Gotta be careful. Everything is fresh and hot.”

  “Thanks, Captain Obvious.” Nester looked past the window, a gloomy look in his eyes. He pulled his attention back to Pyke. “I’m sorry. That was rude of me.”

  “You can make it up to me.” Pyke dug into his food. He really was starving after working all day. Plus, he could eat anyone in the diner under the table with the exception of Moose, who was also a bear shifter.

  “And how is that?” Nester looked at Pyke warily as he cautiously bit into another fry. It seemed his mate was a fast learner.

  Pyke spread his arms and gave Nester his most charming smile, trying his best to seem genuine and sincere. “It’s like fate dropped you into my lap.”

  Nester pursed his lips as he chewed. When he swallowed, he said, “You already said fate made us perfect for each other, and that’s if I even believe what you’re selling.”

  Pyke wasn’t going to try and convince Nester of their mating. First he had to win over his mate’s trust. “I’m talking about the project I’m working on. I could use some help, and the job pays.”

  Nester’s eyes brightened. “Are you serious?”

  “And it also provides room and board.” Pyke knew he was stretching things, but hopefully Nester didn’t turn him down. Now all he had to do was think of a project at home. He’d said the first thing that had popped into his head, and now that Nester looked eager, maybe his countertops could use a makeover.

  “What kind of project requires a roommate?” Nester picked up a piece of chicken and bit into it, moaning as his eyes rolled back.

  Fuck, his mate was sexy as sin. How could eating food look so damn erotic?

  “Like I said. Fate.” Pyke wiped his mouth with his napkin. He believed in honesty when it came to his mate, but a little stretching of the truth to get Nester somewhere safe wasn’t technically lying. “I’ve been thinking about getting a roommate. One, it sucks living by yourself. Two, I could use help around the house. I work long hours, and it would really be nice to come home to a hot meal and company.”

  Okay, so he was stretching the truth so far that it should’ve snapped. Pyke wasn’t lying about having someone to come home to, though. Living alone really did suck.

  “So, you basically want a live-in maid.”

  Pyke cocked his head. “I guess that’s what I’m getting at. Yeah, that sounds about right. Like I said, the job pays.”

  He looked out the window when the rain tapped harder against the glass. Why did he have an ominous feeling in his gut? What was it about Nester that sent up all of Pyke’s red flags?

  Nester finished his fries and glanced at Pyke, staring at him from under the fall of his thick blond lashes. His mate looked out the window, too, and Pyke saw the guy really didn’t want to go out there.

  “Okay,” Nester said with a nod. He turned
back to Pyke. “You have yourself a deal.”

  * * * *

  Nester couldn’t believe he’d just agreed to go home with a guy who had killed someone in an alley and then treated him to dinner. This was completely insane, yet the prospect of spending the night in the cold rain held no appeal to him.

  If Scott hadn’t lured him to the Bates Motel, Nester would have a job, food, and a roof over his head.

  Nester had had it with being lured places. He’d barely made it out of the last situation alive. If Pyke tried anything, Nester would…run like hell and never look back. It wasn’t as if he could beat Pyke. The guy was freaking huge, with muscles on top of muscles. He could probably snap Nester’s neck with one hand stuffed in his front pocket.

  Pyke sat back and rubbed his toned abdomen. “Now that hit the spot.”

  Nester had to agree. The Diner Train had some amazing food. “Do you live far from here?”

  “About five minutes away.” Pyke dug out his wallet when Moose arrived with the check.

  This was Nester’s first time in Maple Grove, but it seemed being huge, good-looking, and muscular was some sort of requirement to live here.

  “Everything okay?” Moose asked.

  Pyke chuckled, softening the hardness of his features. “Do you ever have to ask that?”

  Both men had heart-stopping smiles, but Nester was ready to go. The less he was in the public eye, the better. At least with this job he would be able to stay inside and hidden from the law.

  “You ready to blow this joint?” Pyke left some cash on the table for a tip before pushing from the booth.

  Nester got up, stretched, feeling much better now that he had a full stomach. Unfortunately, that also made him sleepy. Nester covered his mouth as he yawned.

  “Don’t worry.” Pyke headed for the door. “A hot shower and a soft bed will do you wonders.”

  That sounded like a dream to Nester. It also reminded him of his apartment, which he hadn’t been to in over a week. Thank goodness he didn’t have any pets to take care of. Still, he missed his home, his old life, and wished to god he’d never met Scott.

  The exact sentiment his mother had voiced on many, many occasions, to the point that Nester had started to dread going over to her house.

  They were almost to the door when Pyke came to an abrupt stop, making Nester nearly run into the man’s backside. Nester sidestepped, wondering what the holdup was, when he spotted a cute little redhead, with plump lips and gorgeous green eyes, staring right at Pyke.

  “Hmm,” the stranger said as he gave Nester a scathing glance. “I see you’ve tried unsuccessfully to replace me.”

  Nester had no idea who this guy was, but he was instantly insulted.

  “Payton,” Pyke said through gritted teeth. “Don’t you have a life to destroy?”

  Payton pressed a hand to his hip, waving around the other one. “I tried, but first you’d have to possess a heart for me to stab you in it.”

  Were they ex-lovers? Nester had no idea what was going on, but there was definite tension in the air. He became uncomfortable and wanted to get out of there. That last thing Nester needed was a scene. That would be counterproductive to keeping a low profile.

  “Excuse me.” Nester stepped around the scowling stranger and walked out, breathing in the fresh, cold air. When he looked back, he saw Pyke and Payton arguing by the counter.

  Why in the blue blazes did he feel jealous? That was weird as hell considering he’d just met Pyke and he’d also seen the guy killing someone in cold blood.

  Nester shook his head, blaming his lack of sleep on his strange emotions. He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, wishing Pyke would hurry up, when he spotted a guy in a law enforcement uniform.

  Shit. Nester stiffened, trying his best not to look suspicious. He glanced at his watch and then started across the street, hoping he looked as though he was running late for something.

  Too bad he hadn’t been watching where he was going and nearly got hit by a car. The driver laid on his horn, the sound blaring and drawing unwanted attention.

  Nester didn’t dare look back to see if the cop was looking his way. He kept going, keeping his head lowered as he hurried down the street. He had no clue where Pyke lived, so if Pyke left without him, the job offer would blow away in the cold wind.

  Taking a deep breath, and a huge chance, Nester crossed back to the other side of the street, taking his time as he drew closer to the diner.

  Crap and double crap. It was just his luck that Pyke now stood outside the diner and he was talking with the cop.

  Screw it. Nester would just have to give up the job he hadn’t even started yet. It wasn’t worth the risk of being caught and sent to prison.

  He spun on his heel and moved as swiftly as he could down the street and around the corner while his heart threatened to beat right out of his chest.

  It seemed he was going to spend the night outdoors whether he wanted to or not. God, he couldn’t seem to catch a break. Ever since he’d met Scott, his life had turned to crap.

  By the time he made it a block away, Nester was soaked from the rain. Now he was wet, cold, and tired. At least he was no longer hungry.

  Nester’s steps slowed when he realized he was heading right for the alley where Pyke had killed a supposed vampire. Jeez. Was he really going to believe anything Pyke had told him? Was he that gullible? Was he that desperate for a place to stay that he would believe some crazy story some hot guy told him?

  Nester wiped the rain from his face and lifted his head, staring at the stars as he tried to center himself. He could do this. He could move on from Scott, from the tragedy that happened, and somehow, he would make it through this.

  Even if it felt as if he couldn’t take one more step. Even if it felt as though the cosmos was shitting on him. Even if he would do anything to change what had happened to him.

  “Hey, why are you out here?”

  Nester spun to find Pyke getting out of his shiny black pickup. It still amazed him just how tall the guy was. “I…”

  Words failed him. He couldn’t tell Pyke the truth, and he wasn’t even sure he could trust the guy. Not after what he’d just seen.

  Pyke stuck his thumbs in his front pocket and looked toward the ground. “Look, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I promise you I’m a nice guy. I don’t really need a housekeeper, but I would like the company, and I don’t mind helping someone down on their luck.”

  He was saying all the right words, but Nester still wasn’t sure. “Prove to me that what you’re telling me is true.”

  “The housekeeping?”

  “No.” Nester shook his head, getting colder and colder the longer he stood there in the rain. “Change into a bear.”

  Nester wasn’t afraid because he was dead certain Pyke couldn’t do it. Once he proved the guy was a nutjob, Nester could… He could do what? Sleep outside? Keep being hungry? Even if Pyke couldn’t transform into a bear, sadly, Nester would still take the job. He had no other choice.

  “Come home with me and I promise I’ll prove it to you.”

  Nester snorted. “So you can trap me in your house? I don’t think so. Prove it to me now, or we can go our separate ways.”

  He could possibly be throwing away a decent gig, but Nester needed to know how far Pyke would go with his lie. He needed to know what kind of man he was dealing with.

  “You’re seriously going to make me strip naked in this freezing rain?” Pyke crossed his arms over his massive chest.

  “Naked?” Nester’s brows shot up, and he had to admit that seeing Pyke strip would make his year.

  “Well, I’m not ruining my clothes.” Pyke opened the passenger door to his truck. He took his thick brown Carhartt jacket off and tossed it onto the seat.

  Nester couldn’t believe Pyke was actually stripping down. Now he felt bad, fearing the guy would catch pneumonia, but was too fascinated to stop him.

  A few moments later Pyke stood in front of Nester w
ithout a single stitch of clothing on. “You owe me for this.”

  Nester had no idea what to say. He tried to keep his gaze from wandering past Pyke’s waist, but the only way that would happen was if he poked his own eyes out.

  And no one could tell him that Pyke wasn’t preening. The guy purposely flexed his muscles and twisted to the side, showing off his gorgeous physique.

  “You’re not bodybuilding, so what’s with the poses?” Nester asked.

  “Hey, if you’re demanding I get naked, then I can do whatever I want.” Pyke wiped the rain from his eyes.

  It was starting to come down harder, and Nester was seconds away from telling Pyke to get his damn clothes on when—“Holy shit!”

  Once moment Pyke stood there, looking like a walking sex god, and now…now…

  “Ah!” Nester spun away from the bear and raced around Pyke’s truck, hopping into the driver’s seat and slamming the door closed.

  No, no, no. It wasn’t possible. Once again Nester believed he’d died in the woods and this was some strange purgatory. The bear had to weigh at least five hundred pounds, though Nester wasn’t good at guessing weight. The bear was also brown, made darker by its wet fur, but intimidating as hell.

  Then the bear was gone. Poof. No more. Pyke stood there wiping the rain from his face. “For future reference, don’t run.”

  Nester had forgotten to close the passenger door. A soaking-wet Pyke stood there with his arms crossed.

  “Why not?” Nester asked, his gaze still wandering to Pyke’s groin. Fuck, the guy was hung. Then again, what did he expect with someone so freakishly tall?

  “Because my bear will chase you.” Pyke walked around the truck, opened the driver’s door, and gave Nester the motion to scoot over. Nester did, though now he was seated on Pyke’s clothing.

  “And eat me?”

  Pyke gave a low, amused chuckle. “In a pleasurable way. I know who you are even when I’m in my bear form. I can understand you, too.”

  Nester’s head was spinning. There was no way a person could change into an animal. How was that possible?