Shelter For My Mate: Sassy Ever After (Sanctuary for My Mate Book 3)

by Terri A. Wilson

  Wednesday sat at their dining room table waiting for Caleb. They lived in the biggest suite at the resort. With the two of them and two babies, it would be cozy. Neither wanted to choose another place to live. Caleb struggled with the thought of moving out of the physical resort building because he wouldn’t be here in case something went wrong. His brothers lived in small cabins at the opposite ends of the compound.

  It was hard for Caleb to give up control in all areas of his life. The resort had been his passion for so long. When it was the two of them it was easy for Wednesday to understand that level of commitment. With the babies coming, she worried he’d work more than be with her. It made her laugh to think of a falcon shifter as nesting, but since they discovered she was pregnant, he spent more time making the resort better than he did with her.

  Once they settled on the details for their night out, she came home to rest, but the crib boxes were too tempting. It was frustrating to move with a protruding belly and she gave up an hour after she started. Online shopping for bedding was more fun than putting the beds together.

  Most shifters were practical and tied to the earth, but Wednesday wasn’t born a shifter and thought more like a human. She’d planned on a life for her family most of her life. Decorating a nursery was important to her.

  With her online cart filled, she entered her credit card to pay. A declined message appeared on the screen. She entered the information again and received the same message. This made no sense. The zero balance on her credit card made even less sense. Wednesday knew she had been spending a lot, but never thought it was close to the limit.

  Before she could investigate further, Caleb came home. “Hi, honey. You will never guess who’s at the resort and wants to use our canyon for his next movie.” Caleb kissed her on the cheek.

  She pulled back.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “You tell me. Our credit card was declined.”

  Caleb sat across from her. “I meant to tell you about it. I used it for the first payment on the contractors working on the restaurant.”

  “So, you used our personal credit card for the business? That makes no sense. Doesn’t the resort have money?”

  He clasped his hands together and rested them on the table. “Money for the resort is tied up right now. It’s not as easy to get to when I need it.”

  Wednesday closed the lid to her laptop. “Is the business going to pay us back?”

  “At some point.”

  She stood, stepped away, and leaned on the end of the table. “I don’t like this. We should have talked about this.”

  Caleb exhaled. “You’re right, but I had to make a quick decision.”

  “What about your brothers? Couldn’t they have helped?”

  “They’re always busy and distracted.”

  “You are not the only one running this business. There are three of you. I’ve never heard Cam or Connor mention they’re too busy to help. They are constantly asking you to use them.”

  Caleb slammed his hand on the table and Wednesday flinched. “It’s my business.”

  “It’s the three of you together. They don’t work for you, they work with you.”

  “You don’t get it. Cameron joined me after his last tour. He was jacked up, mad at the world. And reckless. This resort saved his life. The same with Connor. When his friend killed herself, his world ended. This resort saved them. I worked this place alone for a long time. When the time came, it was there for them. I was there for them and I can’t stop that.”

  Wednesday stood behind her mate, dropping her arms around him. “You saved me, too. I was headed nowhere when Barbara introduced us. I’d been alone for so long, I forgot what it was like to be loved. You changed that for me. Your brothers are owners of this place. They understand what’s involved. Promise me you will let them help you more. There’s enough going on here with the babies and our family.”

  Caleb put his hand on Wednesday’s arm and nuzzled close. “It’s easier to do it myself than ask for help.”

  Wednesday snickered. “Then consider it a challenge.”

  “Hmm. Easier said than done.”

  “I know, big guy.” She kissed his neck. “Now tell me who wants to do a movie with our canyon?”

  He reached behind him and brought her to his lap. Her midsection was bigger than the space between him and the table. She couldn’t sit. “I’ll be so glad when I’m not the size of a house.” Caleb adjusted his seat, but to no avail. “Come on, babe. Let’s sit on the couch.” She took his hand and walked him to the living room.

  “Do you remember about the guy from the Air Force who told the best stories? We used to patrol together. Eli Mackenzie.”

  Wednesday nodded.

  “Well, do you also remember that movie we saw the first time we went out with Cameron and Sky? The Fortress Within?”

  “That was a great movie. I still get choked up thinking about that boy and his dog.” She slipped off her shoes and put her feet in his lap. He massaged them.

  “I know. Right? That was one of his movies. He’s making one about King Arthur and he needs mountains and a canyon.”

  “And ours will work?”

  “He seems to think so.”

  “That’s awesome. Can he introduce me to that lead guy? He was hot.”

  Caleb harrumphed.

  “Do I get to meet him?”

  “I wanted to have him over for dinner, but Ginger mentioned your night out with the girls.”

  Wednesday bent her knees. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. It gives me a chance to go out with the guys.”

  “Perfect.” She checked her watch. “We’re leaving in an hour. Would you like me to make you something to eat?”

  Caleb headed to the kitchen. “You don’t have to do that. I can warm something up.”

  “By cooking something I meant warming up something in the microwave.”

  “What a talented cook you are.”

  A few minutes later, Caleb rubbed her leg, and she opened her eyes. “Mmm. I can’t believe I fell asleep. It seems like all I do these days is sleep.”

  “Are you sure you want to go out tonight?” He handed her a plate.

  “I want to go out. I hope I’m not the party pooper.”

  “If you get too tired, come home early or send me a text and I’ll come get you. Everyone will understand.

  “Thank you for making this. I already feel better.”

  Tatum, Eliza, Skylar, Ginger, Maria, and Wednesday crowded into a booth at Tony’s Bar waiting for their drinks.

  “Sky, this new chick has nothing on you,” Eliza said.

  Sky kissed her. “You’re sweet. She’s new. It gets easier.”

  “Is it weird being on this side of the table?” Tatum asked.

  “It’s nice. I love being the one who calls the shots. People listen to me now.”

  “Well, they should. You’ve gotten great at it. The shop will be a huge success,” Ginger said.

  Sky lifted her glass, toasting Ginger. “You’ve been a big help. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  They clinked glasses. “You only needed help with a few of the big things,” Ginger said. “Now the big question I want to ask, and it may be rude, Maria, why didn’t you go to San Francisco?”

  “I had to wait until next term. I couldn’t afford it. I moved in with my parents so all my money from the resort can go into savings.”

  Ginger nodded. “Ah, I get it. I tell you what, if you have trouble finding something you can afford, call me. I own an apartment building. If I have a vacancy, I’ll hook you up.”

  Maria squealed and reached across Wednesday to hug Ginger. “That’s incredible. Thank you so much.”

  Wednesday pushed her way through a tangled mess of arms. “Hey, pregnant woman here. It’s hard enough to breathe these days.”

  The ladies giggled and separated. “Sorry,” they mumbled.

  “Don’t worry. I’m grumpy. It hurts to mov
e, I can’t wear my cute shoes, and I haven’t shifted in so long, I’ve forgotten how to fly.”

  Tatum furrowed her brow. “Honey, I haven’t been a shifter for a long time, but I don’t think you forget how to do it. Connor keeps working with me. It’s been hard to embrace this new life.”

  “I’ve been around shifters my whole life and I don’t understand everything you go through,” Maria said.

  “Have you ever been afraid?” Tatum asked her.

  “Once, I had to complete volunteer hours for school. I spent time with Hank one day at the Carter Compound. There was a young wolf who was undergoing his first shift, and he lost control. He pinned me against a wall. Now, that was scary. But since then, it seems normal. I used to want to become a shifter.”

  “And now?” Wednesday asked.

  “If it happens, it happens. My boyfriend is human, like me. I’m not sure he’s the one though.”

  “Why would you say that?” Eliza poured another beer from the pitcher.

  “Whenever I bring up moving, he always changes the subject.”

  “Maybe he’s worried about losing you.” Tatum finished her beer, stretched her legs under the table, and rested her arm on the booth back.

  “If he worried about losing her, he’d move with her. Does he want to move with you?” Eliza asked.

  “It’s hard to tell. I’m the one that calls, or texts and he takes a long time to get back.”

  Sky held up her mug. “Let’s not talk about guys. We’re here to celebrate Wednesday. This is her last night out before the babies.”

  “And look how much fun I’m having.” She held up her glass of water.

  “We can fix that.” Sky motioned to Tony, who sent over a fruity drink with an umbrella. “Not as good as a full-strength cocktail, but he put a tiny splash of tequila.”

  Wednesday glanced at Tatum.

  “A tiny splash should be fine.”

  “Okay, then.” Sky nodded. “Your doc says it’s fine.”

  All the ladies held out their glasses. “To Wednesday,” they said.

  Tears welled in her eyes. “You guys are the best friends I’ve ever had. I went from an only child to having five sisters.”

  Ginger held Wednesday’s hand. “We didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  Wednesday laughed and wiped her face. “I know. Everything makes me cry these days. Caleb doesn’t know how to handle me.”

  “The Hanson Brothers are not good at handling emotions,” Tatum said.

  “Ain’t that the truth,” Eliza said.

  “Speaking of the Hanson Brothers.” Sky pointed to the door where Caleb, Cameron, Connor, and a fourth stood.

  “Who’s that?” Tatum asked.

  “That must be Caleb’s friend,” Wednesday said.

  “That fine hunk of manhood is named Eli Mackenzie. I met him in Caleb’s office today.”

  “He’s yummy,” Eliza said.

  “Hands off, Sister. You’ve got your own man.”

  “I can still look, can’t I.”

  Cameron walked to the table. “Hey ladies, are we butting in?”

  “Not at all.” Eliza pointed to a chair and turned to Eli. “Join us.”

  “Aye, lass. That’s a great idea,” Eli said.

  Connor brought over a chair. “Are you ladies having a good time talking smack about us?”

  “Believe or not, Mr. Hanson,” Tatum started, “we have other things to talk about besides you.”

  “What could be more important than us?” Connor signaled for the waitress.

  Tatum winked at Wednesday. “We were actually talking about the pros and cons of breastfeeding.”

  “Um, er, um, I’m a progressive shifter,” Connor said.

  Tatum snuggled around his arm. “You’d like to think you’re progressive.”

  “I helped a lot when Noel had her baby.”

  “I’ll give you credit for that. It was easier with you than it would have been without you.” Connor kissed Tatum.

  Eli reached across the table and held his hand out for Wednesday. “Since this lug-” he pumped his thumb back to Caleb, “-has forgotten his manners, my name is Eli Mackenzie. You must be Wednesday. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Wednesday shook his hand. “Yes. Eli, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

  Caleb separated their hands. “That’s enough slick. She’s mine.”

  Eli winked. “If you ever get tired of this old bird, I’m available. I’ve heard dogs make better companions.”

  “Oh,” Ginger interjected.

  Eli perked up and spent the rest of the evening talking with Ginger.

  Wednesday watched her friends laugh and drink and held her middle. A twinge shot across her back making her sit up straight. Caleb gave her a questioning glance. She smiled and shrugged. Their babies would be here soon. This new family would give them more love than her family ever gave her.

  Caleb squeezed her hand. She studied the worry on his face. His eyes appeared tired and older. The resort was a lot of work right now. He loved her and all the people around this table. At some point he’d have to stop taking care of everyone all the time, but she knew better than to have that discussion tonight. Tonight, they would laugh and enjoy each other’s company, not worrying about the responsibility tomorrow would bring.

  Caleb

  Caleb reached for his phone. His head moaned with every move. He rarely had a headache, but with the late hours and early morning meetings, sleep was a luxury. After coming home from the bar, he finished reading a leadership book he found and answered the plethora of emails he had. Two of the alphas from the packs he visited had concerns about non-pack shifters running on the land. Shifters enjoyed the company of other shifters, but wolves were the only ones concerned with outsiders.

  None of the brothers wanted to make the resort exclusive. It was their vision to create a spiritual place for all shifters, witches, and humans. In theory, it seemed an easy plan. The reality was much more work.

  The text message was from Wyatt’s father. They brought him on staff after the first of the year. An on-site therapist made sense. Gabriel Carter sent two of his wolves and a few locals came in to talk. Doug had a way with people. Even Cameron saw him.

  The text was from Doug asking him why he was late for their morning run.

  Running was the last thing he wanted. Not going made him feel weak. If the witch could show up, so could he.

  Caleb slipped out of bed and dressed in the dark. Doug waited on the trail.

  “Hey, late night?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You look like crap.”

  “Just a lot on my mind.”

  “Want to talk about it?”

  Caleb stretched his arms. “Do you see a couch anywhere? We come out here to run, not talk. Got it?”

  “Whoa. Relax, dude. I’m only asking. It doesn’t have to be a counseling thing?”

  Caleb shook his head. “Whatever, let’s run.”

  They matched pace with the first mile warmup. As they entered the second mile, Caleb felt crowded. He ran ahead. Doug ran faster too. Caleb upped his pace again and Doug stepped up his too. Before the third mile, they were sprinting across the trail.

  “Hold up.” Doug slowed and bent over gasping for air. “Are we racing?”

  Caleb jogged in place. “It’s not my fault you can’t keep up. Maybe you need a new partner.”

  “Maybe you need to chill and deal with your anger.”

  Caleb stopped jogging and pushed Doug. “I’m not angry. I already told you there’s nothing wrong. So, shut up and run.”

  “Okay.” Doug turned and ran the opposite direction.

  Jerk.

  Wednesday was still asleep when he returned. After a shower and a muffin, he headed to the office.

  His brothers’ loud voices arguing carried into the hall before he made it to the door. Not what he wanted. He retreated to the kitchen. Coffee. Coffee made everything better

  “You look lik
e crap.” Eliza glanced up from her computer as he came into the kitchen.

  “So, I’ve been told. Is there any coffee?”

  She pointed to the counter. “Have you had breakfast?”

  “I had a muffin.”

  “That’s not breakfast. That’s a snack.” She closed her laptop, tied on an apron, and washed her hands. “I made Wednesday blueberry waffles yesterday. You need something more. How about an omelet? There’s leftover fajita meat from last night.”

  Caleb sat in a chair in front of her desk. “I don’t want to put you out.”

  Eliza raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry about it.” She disappeared into the walk-in cooler.

  Caleb leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes. His falcon paced like a caged animal. He was not happy with Caleb. Their disconnect added to his foul mood. Shifting was a physical need like eating. Caleb used shifting like meditation. Each bone crack and muscle transformed was a way to connect to his body. The shifting was almost as spiritual as being the falcon. Ignore it for too long and his body would suffer.

  His breath slowed as he focused on his surroundings. The kitchen smelled of onions, garlic, and vegetables. The gas hissed from the stove and released a slight sulfide smell. Dottie and Wyatt worked together prepping vegetables, their knives thumping against the butcher block island. Wyatt laughed at Dottie’s joke.

  Caleb inhaled and forced his ears to hear outside the kitchen. In the dining room one couple talked in hushed tones about the sex they had before breakfast. A man talked on the phone and another one typed on a keyboard. He used the sound levels to determine where the guests sat. The man at the keyboard sat the furthest away, but the man on the phone proved to be the most interesting. It was one of the crew from the boutique remodel. He was not happy about how fast his team had to work. The foreman created an unsafe environment.

  The thud of Eliza putting the plate down on the table yanked him out of his meditative state. “Here you go. A steak and cheese omelet.”

  Caleb made a mental note to talk with the foreman and crew. “Would you mind if I got this to go? Cameron and Connor are waiting in my office. I’ve avoided them long enough.”

  “Do you want to take it with you, or I can get Wyatt to deliver.” Eliza picked up the plate.