“I know now.” How did I get suddenly stuck with two kids who aren’t mine?
“Can you honestly handle it?” Her words vibrated around his brain and he didn’t know the answer. Having one little one in the mix was already a large pill to swallow but two…now that was a bit much.
“I need to think it over.”
“Well, I need to get my little one fed so she can go to school. Spring break is over.” She pressed against him to move out of his cage of flesh, but he kept her there.
“Can you blame me for hesitating?” His wolf nodded but Zac ignored him. Heartburn rolled up his chest like a dragon’s fiery breath.
“No, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt my heart to find no man in my life truly cares for my babies.” She pushed him back and this time he let her go. The blow she landed stung like a bitch, but he took it and didn’t say a word as he followed her down the steps. It wasn’t for lack of caring, but he would become a father to pups who already had a dad.
“Mom, I’m going to be late if we don’t leave soon. I want to talk with Hulio and Patrick about last night.” She bounced on her toes.
“Go sit down.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand why you can’t have girlfriends.”
“The human girls are mostly scared of me while the other pups are older or younger.” Annmarie shook her head.
“Cora’s not that much younger than you.” Zac leaned against the counter and she turned to face him. His kitchen had enough space to fix everyone’s food plus have room for a few more full-grown males to bs with while cooking. He wanted to know how Rayne felt in the spacious area.
“Right, she just moved to my school because of the hunters.” Annmarie pointed at Zac then wiggled into a seat at the dinner table.
“Where on earth is your cereal?” Rayne turned to ask Zac after shuffling through the cabinets. What adult keeps cereal in their house?
“I don’t have any. Annmarie, do you like eggs?” He pushed off the counter.
“I guess.” She placed her chin on her hand and rested her arm on the table.
“Go sit and I’ll make breakfast in four minutes.” He resisted the urge to kiss Rayne as he passed her on the way to the fridge. Her hand brushed against his arm, and his wolf threw mental pictures of them from the night before.
“Better because then I’ll only have five to eat.” Annmarie tapped her other fingers on the table. The little girl had sass and Zac knew where she received the gene from. Rayne backed out of the kitchen and walked over to her daughter.
He quickly cracked the eggs and whisked them up while the pan heated. His usual breakfast on a weekday was coffee. He did have practice cooking good meals on the weekend but never raced the clock. The eggs sizzled as he poured them in and caught Annmarie shaking her head. Rayne walked in behind him and slid bread into the toaster. He liked working as a team to feed the grumpy kid.
“One minute behind.” Annmarie shook her head when he set the plate in front of her. Would she act like this if he had been the one to raise her? If only I met Rayne before Jacob got his hands on her. Then he would be having two kids of his own instead of debating on if he wanted to raise Jacob’s kids. He struggled to wrap his mind around the thought of two little ones running around his home.
“Instead of having sass you could say thank you, miss.” Rayne raised her brow.
“Thank you, Zac.” She shoved the slice of toast into her mouth seconds later.
“You’re welcome.” He walked back to grab his and Rayne’s plate. He wondered if this would be his new normal morning routine. Fuck, I’m not ready to be a dad!
Chapter Seven
Rayne
Maybe this isn’t a good idea. Rayne nibbled on her lower lip as she scanned the busy school. Kids ran away from their parents into the playground while others slipped into the building.
“What if you come to work with me today?” Rayne offered, but Annmarie shook her head.
“Mommy, I’ll be fine.” She glanced around at her friends. Rayne’s wolf huffed, wanting to carry her to work but her human side kept hold of her sanity. She’ll be in school, it’s safe. Plus, the hunters hadn’t even taken a child from a school so logically she had nothing to worry about. Her beast huffed again at the sound reason.
“Fine. Have a good day, baby girl.” Rayne kissed her daughter. The scents of joyful parents and sweaty kids filled her nose. Instead of voicing her fear, her wolf pouted in the back of her mind.
“Mommy?”
“Yes, sweetheart.” The rhythmic whoosh of the swings sounded off to her left.
“Are we going to live with Zac?” Children ran around behind in the playground while Annmarie bounced from side to side. The crunch of rocks breaking under her shoes made her wince as the sharp pieces tried to press through the soles.
“Would you like to stay with him?” She adjusted Annmarie’s hair as the sensation of being watched rolled down her spine. Rayne tried to look around again, but nothing seemed out of place.
“He’s nice, but he’s not dad.” She pulled on her shirt.
“But your dad and I will never be together again.” Ryne hated crushing her little girl’s hopes, but she had to learn men don’t always stick around. A hard truth which caused pain for years.
“Because he’s not your mate and Zac is?” She lifted her brow. Rayne’s heart dropped as she lowered herself to her daughter’s level. A few pebbles pressed into her knee.
“No, your dad isn’t my mate, but I loved him for many years. Yet my wolf knows Zac is a good man. He’ll protect us no matter what, like last night.” She moved her daughter’s hair back again and Annmarie grinned.
“That was pretty cool.” She stopped bouncing around. Hulio called her name and she waved. “I think it would be cool to live with Zac. I can get used to him.”
Her heart swelled with pride at her little girl’s open attitude. “Well, I do appreciate that, honey. Now I’m sure Patrick and Hulio are waiting for you.” Rayne lifted her gaze to the two pups who were best friends with her daughter.
“Love you, Mommy.” Annmarie kissed her, and she hugged her tight. Words could never truly describe the love a mother has for their child and Rayne didn’t want to try. Her wolf perked up as the sensation of being watched struck her again. She glanced around and caught Maple watching Cora. They locked gazes for a moment then Rayne turned to stare after her baby.
“Have a good day, sweetheart.” She let her go and Annmarie dashed over to her friend. Cora walked by and she stopped the new pup.
“Hey, do you want to eat with us today?”
“Sure.” Cora grinned. Rayne hoped they became good friends, her little pup needed a girlfriend. All four of them walked toward the playground together. Rayne stared at them with hints of tears in her eyes. After a few moments of staring at her baby girl, she slid into her car and headed to work. She had no idea what today might bring, but she hoped for a simple day.
After leaving the neighborhood, traffic lightened up and she weaved through the airport. With the hotel so close to the major airport, most of the guests were waiting on a flight. Her mind wandered back to the night before with Zac and his sweet torture. Even after their little bump with her sensitive nipples, he managed to send her soaring, unlike her stupid ex.
Her phone buzzed when she parked. Think of the jerk face and he will call. Ughness.
“What?”
“That’s a great way to greet your mate,” Jacob snapped back. A couple struggled to get their screaming toddler in her car seat a few spots down.
“No, you’re not my mate because a true fucking mate doesn’t just abandon the love of his life,” Rayne growled. She hoped Zac realized staying could make him happier before it was too late. The crying continued but was muffled as the mother won the battle. Soon she would have her own tot to struggle with.
“Well, I want to see Annmarie.”
“Not happening until I know where the hell you’re living and am assured you won’t take her
away.” She didn’t trust Jacob anymore. Her chest ached and her free hand twitched on the steering wheel.
“Do you really think so fucking little of me?” Jacob growled over the line. Rayne climbed out of the car and pulled her bag close to her side. Other guests filtered in and out of the hotel but she ignored them and took in a deep breath.
“Yes. Oh yes, I do. You were the selfish prick who walked away.” Her wolf lurched forward but she pushed her back. Maybe I shouldn’t have answered the phone!
“But I heard a little rumor about you imprinting with someone.”
Her heart raced in her chest. She swallowed hard and focused on getting inside. “And what if I did? It’s not like I’m your concern.” She walked into the lobby and the new guy waved at her. Rayne waved back and headed straight for her office.
“He’ll be near my daughter, that makes it my concern.” Jacob shuffled something on his end as frustration pulsed through her body.
“Should’ve thought about it before you left.” She wouldn’t lay down and take his crap anymore. He sighed heavily.
“I’m staying at Sherman’s house.”
“Well, maybe this weekend you can take her out for a few hours. She’ll have homework again,” she suggested.
“She’s my daughter!” he yelled. She could sense his anger growing and she didn’t have time for his shit.
“Yes, but she’s my responsibility. I have to work.” She ended the call and put the phone on her desk. Rayne rolled her shoulders and tried to calm herself down. Looking back at all the trouble he had caused her, she might have been better to just push him away when they didn’t imprint all those years ago. But she can’t change the past. All she could do was move forward.
She sat down at her desk and dove into her work, trying her best to focus on the numbers on her screen. After an hour she pulled gingersnap cookies from her bag and munched on them to help settle some of the morning sickness. Annmarie had done a number on Rayne when she was growing in her belly. The morning sickness lasted the entire time and it didn’t always stay in the freaking morning. She prayed the second kiddo wasn’t as mean to her tummy.
She scrunched up her nose as a strong chemical scent rolled into the office. Pregnant nose fucking sucks! She swallowed hard trying to keep the cookies down. The door swung open making the scent stronger. She lurched for the trash can and hurled. The door slammed shut and a large hand rubbed up and down her back.
“I thought morning sickness stayed in the morning.” Zac’s calming voice settled her stomach and she put the basket down. Oh, how I wish it were true.
“Is it lunch time?” She took a tissue and cleaned off her face. He glanced at the clock on the wall.
“Uh, no.” He raised his eyebrow.
“Well then, it’s still the morning for this little one.” She shrugged. Zac grabbed the bag from the trashcan and carried it out of the office. The scent bombarded her again, but she had nothing left to vomit. Instead, she dry-heaved into his trash. When he came back in she held her breath and let it out once the door closed.
“What’s making your stomach so upset?” Zac scanned the room and she took in a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart. Losing her cookies and everything else took so much energy out of her, she needed a minute.
“The floor cleaner, I think.” She met his gaze. “I could normally smell it any other day, but I guess it will be my silver allergy this pregnancy. Last time it was my mother’s perfume. She had to stop wearing it till after I gave birth.” She wiggled her nose at the memory.
There was a tap on the door and Rayne held her breath.
“Come in and close the door,” Zac said. Bryn stuck his head in.
“I need some help with a guest.” He gave a sheepish smile and then hurried away and the door slowly closed. The air whooshed out of Rayne and she inhaled quickly.
“Are you going to be okay?” Concern filled his gaze.
“Go help the newbie. I’ll be fine in here till Branden is done cleaning.” Rayne gave him a short smile and he leaned in for a kiss.
“When I get back we’re going to talk about a few things.”
“Sure thing, boss.” Rayne winked which made him chuckle. When he placed his hand on the door she held her breath again. Her thoughts raced to think of another type of cleaner for the floor. She would be buying it in a heartbeat to avoid vomiting every day. Till then she’d be stuck in her office smelling the hints of chemicals. The joys of being pregnant.
She glanced back at the door wondering if she was ready to be with another man. He seemed to be willing to take the risk, yet she didn’t know if she was ready to jump paws first.
Chapter Eight
Zac
“What seems to be the problem?” Zac walked up to the front desk with his customer smile plastered on his face. The man leaning on the counter, reeking of weed glared at Bryn. His brown eyes lifted and zoned in on Zac. The drug odor made it hard for Zac to focus on any underlying scent.
“I already told him.” He pointed at Bryn who pointed at the computer. The subtle sound of the central air grew stronger behind the counter.
“I have the room pulled up here.” Bryn bounced uncomfortably sending the scent of fear into Zac’s nose. The new guy kept his area clean which Zac liked very much, even if he was a bit timid.
“I have my bosses coming in and their room isn’t ready.” He waved his hands everywhere making his shaggy blonde hair bounce around his face. The guest glared at Bryn before staring at Zac’s torso. His wolf puffed out his chest liking the respect the man showed.
He slipped behind the counter and glanced at the computer. “Are you Donald Douglas?” The man gave a firm nod and met Zac’s gaze. His eyes didn’t have the bloodshot effect a stoner would normally have but he could have the weed in his pocket. Zac read over the details about the suites the man booked.
“Well, it’s not ready because it’s the day before their arrival, Mr. Douglas.” They still had Drake and Anne who were due to check out in a few hours. Probably getting every ounce of alone time as possible. He couldn’t really fault them, after all, they did pay for the freaking room.
“I called and asked for it to be moved to today,” he spoke through his teeth. Bryn put his hands up and backed away. His wolf scented the air and caught hints of nervous tension coming from his employee. The motto of customer service is the customer is always right. What a load of bullshit!
“He didn’t talk to me.” Bryn tried to keep moving away but Zac shook his head once. Bryn might not have a wolf but most knew Zac did. And he didn’t want his employees to have no freaking spine.
Donald’s phone buzzed, and he yanked it out of his pocket. “You better have good news and choose your words carefully.”
“We’re in place. We’ll get the package without any issues this time.” The voice sounded oddly familiar but Zac pushed it away as coincidence while he typed on the computer.
“You better.” He jammed his finger onto his screen. “You know what, just give me a refund and I’ll find a place that has a suite tonight.”
“You’ll be paying a pretty penny for it.” He failed to mention only part of the room was refundable, but hey, it was in the fine print.
“Whatever, wolf. Just give me my money back.” He motioned toward him like he didn’t have a bunch of time to waste.
“Bryn, you know how to process the refund?” Zac patted the new kid’s shoulder as he nodded.
“Yes, I need the card you put the room on.” Bryn gave Donald a small smile and Zac strolled back toward the office. Branden continued to clean the floor on the other side of the lobby. His stomach turned at the idea of Rayne vomiting every time Branden cleaned the floors.
“Branden.” Zac headed over to the wolf. “I need to you to change the cleaners and stop using this right now.” He pointed toward the bucket of soapy water. Confusion crossed his eyes.
“But why?” He shoved the mop back into the water and lifted his gaze to Zac.
“I’m the boss, I don’t need a fucking reason.” Zac yanked out his business credit card and put it in the wolf’s hand. “If you buy anything other than cleaners, I’ll hunt you down myself,” he growled low.
“I get it.” Branden lowered his head and walked over to the utility closet.
“Dump it before you leave.” He watched Branden pour out the bucket before Zac turned and headed back to the office. Donald had left the lobby leaving a trail of weed-infused stank in his hotel. “And come straight back.”
Branden cleaned up quickly after a short nod. Drake and Anne walked over, her brown curls were all over the place. Anne grinned as a deep blush covered her cheeks.
“Did you enjoy your stay?” Zac asked with a straight face.
“Well, I might need to speak to the owner because the service was terrible.” Drake glared at Zac for a moment before his dark brown eyes lit up and a smile covered his lips.
“Well, it looks like your shit out of luck.”
“You both are ridiculous.” Anne shook her head and leaned into Drake. “Last night was needed. Thank you, Zac for the room.”
“Glad it helped. Now go on. I’m sure you two have jobs to get to.” He waved to the door.
“I called in sick to clean the house.” Anne grinned. “He’s going in after lunch.”
“Well, you two have a good day.” Zac winked and they waved before walking out into the parking lot. He stood just outside of the office wondering what his life might be like since he finally found his mate. Would he have to plan getaway nights just to get laid? Or only have sex at night when the kids were asleep? He pushed back the thought. Life with kids was supposed to be worth it. At least that’s what he heard from every sleep deprived and sex-depraved parent.
Zac tapped on the door once, and listened for Rayne as she sucked in a deep breath before he slipped into the office. When she let go of her breath, her chest caught his attention. Memories of the night before filled his mind. He took a step toward his sexy little mate, his wolf throwing images of her naked body into his thoughts.
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