Sassy Ever After: Kiss My Sass (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by Serena Pettus

  “When the dust settled, I was trying to take stock on the damage and the men littering the area. Luke came running in, doing the same, when we realized that neither of us had seen Matt since everything blew. When we did find him, there was nothing we could do. He was still alive, but dying.”

  Ashe’s eyes were full of tears again, her voice cracking as she spoke. “He must have been so scared.”

  Luke finally piped up, needing her to know what was said. “Ashe, he was scared, but not of dying. He was afraid you’d think he abandoned you. He was afraid you and the baby would need him and he wouldn’t be able to help. I promised him I would be here for the two of you, no matter what. He died knowing that you and his child would be looked after. I like to think it helped him find some peace.”

  She sniffled and Luke passed her a box of tissues, waiting while she plucked one out, before resuming his seat. “Thank you. That was a very sweet thing to do for your friend.”

  “I meant every word of it too. I’m here, staying with Benson for the time being, but I’ll be around if there’s anything you need help with, or if you just want some company.” Looking back at her damaged front door, he added, “The first thing I plan on doing is fixing your door and updating your locks and such around the house. Whoever it was who got your door open was sloppy, but your lock wasn’t all that great to begin with either.”

  “It’s an old house. I was planning on replacing a few things here and there as I go along, so I suppose it would be a good place to start,” she admitted, shifting Lilly around before pulling the blanket off her shoulder. “If you wouldn’t mind helping me, I could pay you for your time.”

  “Not necessary. I’m happy to help,” Luke insisted.

  “I’ll be around as well,” Benson offered. “Between the two of us, we can have any projects you have knocked out pretty quickly. You had a lot of plants, seeds and manure in the back of your SUV. Where you panning on planting all of that on your own?”

  “I wanted to start a garden, that way I could grow my vegetables organically. I just need to get the section of the yard ready to plant, and I’ll be working on that soon.”

  “You’ll need to have it fenced in somehow too in order to keep the rabbits and such from nibbling on your crops. We’ll work on that first thing tomorrow. Meanwhile, where would you like this garden to be located?” Benson asked.

  Luke was glad his old buddy was there. No doubt he would have bumbled this situation something awful if left on his own. Granted, Ashe seemed to be handling things well enough so far, but he knew all to well how hiding emotions could only last so long. Once the sun was down and she was alone in her room, he had a feeling it would all come pouring out.

  Actually, he didn’t like the idea of her and the baby being here alone tonight, or any night for that matter. They were too isolated out here, too vulnerable. If that badger were to come back, then help would be too far away to get here in time to help them. It was a good thing his wolf was good at being stealthy. He’d be camping out on her land for the foreseeable future.

  “I can’t ask you guys to do all of this. If anything I owe the two of you for everything you’ve done for me today. There’s no way I’m asking you to do any work for me for free.” She was being stubborn, but Luke figured he could get around that, given time.

  “Okay then, we’ll figure something out,” he conceded. “But for now, I think a trip to the hardware store is in order. We need to replace that door and get some good locks.”

  “I’m on it. Why don’t you stay here, just in case. I’d hate to leave the two of them alone if that badger comes back.”

  Luke understood what Benson was saying. With the badger having been a shifter, they would need to be on the lookout, in and out of town, until they could figure out who it was. Whoever it turned out to be, he would die for attacking Ashe. Luke wouldn’t allow that to go unpunished.

  After Benson took off for town Luke was given a tour of the house by Ashe once she’d put Lilly down for a nap. She explained to him what had happened when she’d arrived home earlier, and showed him where the badger was on the stairs.

  When he went up, he noticed the animal’s scent was particularly strong near one door. “What’s this room for?”

  “Oh, that’s my dad’s old office. It’s locked, but I have the key. I haven’t gotten around to cleaning out those rooms just yet. I guess I need to, but it’s like saying goodbye all over again. I’m still psyching myself up for it.”

  “I can understand that. I’m the last in my immediate family. I have a few cousins, but that’s about it. Keeping family close is important. You never know how much time you have left with them.”

  “Exactly. I have an uncle, but he’s not related by blood. He’s my dad’s adopted brother. He stops by from time to time, but I think he’s just lonely. His wife left him a few years back and nobody has heard from her since.”

  The way she spoke so freely with him about her family was refreshing. It seemed nowadays everyone was guarded, not allowing anyone to get close…sort of how he’d been, especially after leaving the service. Yet here she was, chatting with him like they’d been friends for a while.

  “So he lives nearby?”

  “On the other side of town, but he works in the next town over. He’s a used car salesman there, and I suppose he does well,” she said, moving slowly back down the stairs.

  “Let me help you. I think you should steer clear of these for the next few days. We don’t want you hurting yourself. Is there anything you need from up there? I could get it for you so there’s no reason to go up.”

  Just the thought of her falling down the stairs sent a cold chill down his spine. His little mate was a strong, independent woman, that was for sure, but he could also sense a softness that she tried to hide. It was plain to see every time she gazed at Lilly, and he hoped to one day see it directed his way as well.

  Her body was another thing all together. Ashe was a feast for the eyes. Her creamy complexion and long chestnut hair left his fingers itching to touch her. The way her soft curves moved when she walked had him imagining what she would look like when he stripped her down.

  Shaking his head, Luke fought to clear his head of the inappropriate thoughts threatening to leave him with a raging hard-on.

  As luck would have it, Benson was back within the hour and they managed to get the strips placed on the worst of her cuts, then replaced her front door. They were just finishing up with the locks on the back door when the sun began to set.

  “Can I fix you two dinner? It’s the least I can do for all the work you’ve helped me with today,” Ashe offered, setting a happy Lilly into her swing. “I had just picked up some steaks today, and I can get them fixed up pretty quickly.”

  Luke’s inner wolf perked up at the mention of red meat. He’d need to let the beast out for a quick hunt later in the evening, but perhaps a juicy piece of beef would keep him leashed a little longer.

  “That sounds wonderful,” Luke replied.

  Benson gave a nod in agreement, and Ashe asked. “How would you like it cooked?”

  Both men answered in unison, “Mid-rare.”

  Chuckling, she turned back to the kitchen. “Well, all right then. Dinner won’t take long at all if you still want your cow mooing. I’ll get the sides started.”

  “Would you like any help?” he offered, looking for any excuse to stay near. Ever since discovering she was his mate, his wolf hadn’t wanted to stray too far from her side. Unfortunately, that would likely be the case until he was able to mark her properly, and claim her as his own.

  The problem with that was, he still hadn’t dropped the bomb about shifters yet. It was something he would have to figure out how to do, and soon. She would need to understand that both the mugger from earlier and the badger in her house had other forms. He didn’t want to chance her coming in contact with those nasty guys and not even be aware of what they were.

  She was human, and it would already be next to im
possible for her to determine who was shifter and who wasn’t, but knowledge was power and he would teach her everything he knew. For the time being, he needed to figure out a way to have her guarded without freaking her out. Being in the woods was one thing, but he wanted to be right on her damn porch where he could see everything and hear anything going on in the house.

  If she saw a large wolf camped out on the other side of her door, he’d probably end up with a load of buckshot in his ass, and he’d rather avoid that scenario. Instead, he decided to confer with Benson while she was working on the food. Maybe he could come up with a solution.

  Stepping out the back door under the guise of checking out potential garden spots, Benson pitched his idea. “How about after we leave, I come back with my wolf? I can explain how he’s trained to guard the property where my honeybees are, so I could easily order him to guard her home and trust that he would do just that.”

  Luke thought for a moment. “It might work. You don’t think she’d freak out with a wolf being so near her kid though?”

  “There’s only one way to find out. Plus, if I’m bringing you here, then she’ll see you’re tame. If I have you sit, roll over and beg she may start to see you more as a sweet little pup.”

  If Benson didn’t watch it, he’d be getting a bite on his big ass from his “little pup”.

  “I’m not too sure about the party tricks, but let’s bring it up to her at dinner. Regardless I’ll be roaming around her land, but I’d rather not get shot if she does see me.”

  Benson was still laughing when Ashe popped her head out the door and announced the food was ready.

  “So what’s so funny?” She asked.

  “Benson was picking on me.”

  “For what?”

  Her curious expression was so damn cute. Luke imagined he could look at her face forever and never tire of the way her emotions were there on the surface for anyone to see. What would she look like in the throws of passion? Would her cheeks flush pink, her eyes roll back as he brought her over the edge?

  Luke had to shift in his seat when Benson shot him a look. Sure enough, his buddy had probably caught a whiff of the raw lust rolling off him.

  “I was giving him a hard time about how my pet wolf follows orders better than he ever did in the service,” Benson put in. “I’ll have to bring him over sometime so you can meet him.”

  “You have a wolf? As a pet?” She gasped. “Is that safe? I mean, they’re meant to be wild animals. Aren’t you worried he could turn on you?”

  Benson shrugged. “I’ve been with him for years and he’s never shown any aggression towards me or anyone else that didn’t deserve it. He makes a great guard dog. In fact,” Benson snapped his fingers as if an idea had just come to mind. He was playing it off well. “I should bring him here to keep guard tonight in case that nasty badger comes back.”

  Her lip tucked between her teeth, Luke could tell she wasn’t quite seeing the plan in the same way they were. “He’s a really special animal, Ashe,” Luke added.

  “I don’t know. I would hate for him to run off and get lost in the woods. I don’t even have a fenced yard.”

  Ah, so she’s not opposed to having him there, she just doesn’t want to be responsible for him running away, he thought with an inner smile. He could work with that.

  “You won’t have to worry about anything like that from him. He’s been specially trained,” Luke insisted. “At least let Benson bring him by so you can meet him. If not, then I’m afraid I may be sleeping on your porch with a shotgun.”

  Ashe laughed, the sound so carefree and open, all Luke could do was stare. He wanted to hear her do that all the time. Perhaps Lilly would have her mom’s sweet laugh too. She should always be happy, his inner wolf demanded.

  “Okay, okay. I’ll meet him. Let’s eat first, then after I get Lilly down for bed we’ll see about bringing him over. I’m not sure how she would be around animals yet.”

  “Oh, I’m willing to bet she’d be great with him. Kids really relate to animals,” Benson offered. “She may get attached though, then you’d end up with a permanent pet.”

  Luke snorted. Yeah, Ashe could pet him any damn time she pleased. And that little princess she had cradled in her lap could ride his ass like a pony in the back yard if it made her happy.

  It was insane how the whole mate thing worked. He’d known her for less than a day and already he was willing to do absolutely anything she asked or needed. It was intense, to say the least, and his feelings would only grow the more time they spent together.

  For the first time, he understood why some of his kind died shortly after their mates. With a bond that strong between two souls, it would only be natural to follow them on to the next life.

  The three of them enjoyed their dinner and some light conversation before Luke and Benson excused themselves with a promise to return with her guard for the night.

  “So are you ready to put on your collar?” Benson snickered from the driver’s seat.

  Luke shot him the dirtiest look he could muster. “If you want her to think that I’m a tame animal, it would be best not to show back up looking like you’ve been mauled by your own pet.”

  The bastard let loose a full bellied laugh, slapping the steering wheel. “Don’t get your fur twisted, I was just kidding. You just focus on not growling so you don’t scare her.”

  “I’ll be on my best behavior unless something or someone comes up unannounced. All bets are off at that point. That’s my future family in there, and I’ll do everything in my power to protect them,” he snarled, his anger over the danger surrounding them getting the better of him.

  “You see, that’s what has me worried. She’s human, Luke. She isn’t likely to feel the same level of attraction as you right now. You’ll need to let things build. Earn her trust, make her laugh and help her around her home and gardens. Basically, make yourself indispensable.” Benson smiled. “Compliment her, play with Lilly and allow Ashe to take a break from time to time to unwind. A few light touches here and there will add to the intimacy. Before long, you’ll see her coming around. Trust me on this. You’ve got nothing to worry about. Fated mates will always end up together.”

  “I hope you’re right, man. I’m not sure what I’d do if she rejected me.”

  “You’d still watch over them.” Benson’s solemn tone caught Luke’s attention, but he didn’t comment on it. Something deep inside told Luke his friend was speaking from experience.

  The rest of the drive was made in silence. Luke was going to have his work cut out for him this time, but like the good soldier he was, he was already formulating a battle plan.

  Chapter Seven

  Ashe

  Puttering around her kitchen, Ashe was more nervous than she cared to admit. Was she really considering allowing a wolf around her house? It was time to consider if her sanity was still intact. Between the two attacks that day, she’d been beyond stressed, but once the bombshell about Matt’s death had been dropped Ashe couldn’t explain her feelings. Frankly, she was ashamed of them.

  Matt was one of the sweetest guys she’d ever met. At one point she’d actually entertained the thought that maybe there could be more between them than just a fling, but he’d been gentle, yet firm when he’d said he wasn’t looking for a serious relationship. Now it looked like it had been for the best, as this would have been so much harder had he been around for her to become even more attached to him over the months following when he’d gone back overseas.

  She would have loved to have him be a part of Lilly’s life, but her emotions when it came to thoughts of Matt had been all over the map once she’d lost touch with him. They’d ranged from feeling abandoned and alone, to anger and resentment for deserting her when she needed him to step up the most. It wasn’t like she wanted to get married, she just wanted her daughter to have everything in life other kids had, including both parents. Now she felt guilty, not only for that, but also for the fact she found his best friend so a
ttractive.

  It was wrong on so many levels to feel drawn to the man who just told her that the father of her child was dead, yet there she was, wondering if by some miracle he’d be in her yard working shirtless in the next few days.

  Yup, there was a special place in hell reserved just for her and her out of control hormones. Honestly, her body had lit up when she’d awakened in his arms earlier. There was something about being held against his broad chest, warm and safe, that seemed to set her entire being at ease. It was like some natural instinct telling her that she was safe with this man.

  Shaking her head, she finished loading the dishwasher and wiped down her counters. They would be coming back soon, and she wanted to have Lilly fed and in bed beforehand.

  “Come on baby girl, let’s get that belly filled so you can rest those sleepy eyes for the night,” she softly cooed.

  Ashe didn’t think she’d ever tire of looking at her sweet baby’s face. She had Matt’s dark brown eyes, and his full lips, but she had Ashe’s dark hair and fair complexion. A picture perfect blend of her parents, if only Ashe had more pictures of Matt. It would be nice to be able to show Lilly her father once she got older. Regardless of whether another man came into their lives, she wanted her daughter to know who her dad was, and how brave he’d been. Maybe she could ask Luke if he had any she could put in an album for her daughter.

  With her bottle sucked down, Ashe moved Lilly to her shoulder, only having to wait a moment for a rather robust belch to work it’s way up.

  “Impressive, peanut. I’ll chalk that up to another thing you got from your daddy.” She couldn’t help but chuckle when Lilly emitted a disgruntled noise. “Let’s get you a fresh bottom and tucked in for the night. I see your little eyes drooping.”

  It never took more than a quick application of her lavender lotion and a dry butt to send Lilly off to sleep. Something Ashe was so very thankful for.

  She’d just walked back into the living room when she spotted the headlights of Benson’s big truck coming up the driveway. Opening the front door, she stepped out with the baby monitor in her hand and waved.