Marriage Claws

by Paige Cuccaro

The bench in front of the snow leopards was empty. I sat, watching the cats lounging in their habitat. I should’ve been trying to think of a way to save the diner. I should’ve been calling in favors, helping the people who counted on me find work, find a place to go once The Sweet Spot closed.

  I should’ve been crying over the death of my dream, cursing fate for the loss of the only real family I’d ever had.

  But I could hardly focus my thoughts. I couldn’t even remember any details of how I’d gotten to the zoo. My mind just kept circling over the same singular, undeniable fact.

  I was in love with Jack Pensione. And he’d made it clear he could never love me back.

  My brain was so caught in my thoughts that I only half noticed when both leopards hissed, one hunching its back, ears pressed to its head.

  “You’re wrong about Jack, sis.”

  I looked over my shoulder. “Lenny. What are you doing here?”

  He shrugged. “Out for a run in the park. I, um, sensed you were here.”

  “You smelled me? Over all these other animals? Should I be insulted or impressed?”

  He took the seat next to me on the bench. “Not over the other animals. In addition to. And impressed. You should definitely be impressed.”

  “Then I am.” I smiled, though it was only a ghost of the emotion. “Wait. You were running? In broad daylight?”

  “Right. Nothing wrong with it,” he said. “It’s a lovely day. The bloody paths are full of runners.”

  “Oh. I thought you meant you were running as the—” I glanced around, lowering my voice. “As the wolf.”

  “Naw. I can run in human form too,” he said.

  “Right. I guess I’m a little preoccupied with all things wolf,” I said.

  “Especially if they start with a J?” he asked, and I gave him a halfhearted laugh. “He’s not backing out of his promise to you.”

  My gaze snapped to the curly-haired surfer dude. “What?”

  “George told me what happened last night at the diner,” Lenny said. “Bad luck that was, Jack walking in when Marcus was there. You could’ve cut out his heart with a spoon and hurt him less.”

  “It’s not like I knew either of them were coming to the diner,” I said then looked away. “The last I heard, Jack was off proposing to Alexia.”

  “Bullshit.”

  “He did. Alexia told me he asked her to marry her yesterday,” I said.

  “He wouldn’t propose to that two-faced twit,” Lenny said. “At least not after meeting you. If anything, she proposed to him. Alexia smells power like a fly smells shit. She’s drawn to it. Seeing Jack with you at his parent’s house likely put her on his scent again.”

  “Why?”

  “He’d met his mate,” Lenny said as though it should’ve been obvious. “With you at his side, the wolf was finally ready to step up and claim his place—and the power that comes with it.”

  I slouched. “But he loved her first. She’s his type.”

  “The hell you say.” Lenny snorted. “She’s the type of chick Jack dates to keep the matchmakers off his tail. Willowy, feebleminded twits, too weak to fight their way out of a wet paper bag without his help. Not one of them, Alexia included, has the wherewithal to be a proper alpha female. And Jack knows it.”

  “She’s still the more strategic choice, and Jack wants to be alpha more than he’s ever wanted a real wife—a mate,” I said. “Marrying Alexia eliminates any risk that Marcus can challenge for alpha. Why wouldn’t he jump at it—at her?”

  “Because he loves you,” Lenny said.

  My heart leapt for a beat, then I remembered. “No. He doesn’t. He told me so.” My blood iced through my veins at the memory.

  “Well, then he lied,” Lenny said. “I know Jack better than anyone, and the boy’s in love. He just doesn’t recognize the signs.”

  “Is one of them imbuing the person you love with the essence of a wolf?” I asked. “’Cause I suggested that one and he basically accused me of cheating on him.”

  Lenny sat straighter. “Has that happened?” He leaned over and sniffed my head. Then again. He leaned back. “I can’t tell. I smell . . . something.”

  Weird how I was starting to get used to that sort of thing.

  I shrugged. “It’s been a few days. I thought I started to shift in the shower at Jack’s parent’s house. But nothing since then. I don’t know, maybe Jack’s right and I just imagined it.”

  “And no one bit you? You’re sure?”

  I huffed at him. “Seriously? I mean, do you really think it’s possible to get bitten by a wolf and not realize it? Yes. I’m sure I wasn’t bitten.”

  “Right. Dumb question,” he said. “It’s just that I’ve never met anyone who’s been turned by the passion of a wolf.”

  “But you’ve heard of it happening?” I asked, hopeful. “It’s a real thing?”

  Lenny nodded. “Yeah. I mean, theoretically. Most of our pack was born. So the wolf essence was already inside us. The few who were turned were bitten before they started manifesting any signs. But Frank’s positive that it can happen. He makes a big deal about it having to be true love.”

  “So it definitely has to be love?” I asked. “Like, awesome sex wouldn’t do the trick?”

  “No.”

  “I’m talking seriously mind-blowing sex.”

  “Sorry, sweets,” Lenny said. “It’s got to be love. Real love. And I don’t think you imagined it. In fact, it proves I’m right. Jack does love you. He’s just in denial. The dude’s got baggage.”

  “Who doesn’t?” I carried around a twelve-piece set of my own.

  “It’s not entirely his fault. His dad’s a bit of an ass and he cheated on his mom. Nearly broke her heart. It screwed Jack’s whole view of love and life mates. He’s convinced his mom is trapped in a miserable relationship because of our traditions. The poor bastard’s terrified the same will happen to him.”

  “Is that what happened with Alexia? She cheated on him? Or was it the other way around?” I’d heard two versions and I wasn’t sure who to believe.

  “Both,” Lenny said. “Though if you want to be technical about it. Alexia did the actual boinking—with Marcus. Threw Jack for a bit of a loop, but the truth is he was never really committed to the woman. Hard to be faithful to a mate who never believed in life mates to begin with.”

  Jack didn’t believe in love. He didn’t want to love. What flavor of crazy was I that I loved him anyway?

  I shook my head, my brain beginning to throb. I held my forehead. “I don’t understand. I thought life mates were a kind of fated love. Once you find the one, you’re not supposed to want anyone else. How can infidelity even happen?”

  “Not often, that’s for sure,” Lenny said. “It’s as rare as being turned by passion. In Frank’s case, he was drugged by another pack. Their alpha couldn’t get his mate preggers, so she got her beta to help her drug Frank just enough to take advantage.”

  “That’s insane,” I said, fighting to keep my mouth from gaping. “Who does that?”

  “Pups are vital to a wolf pack,” Lenny said, serious as a heart attack. “Especially alpha pups. Born wolves are stronger than the bitten, and pass that strength to their young. But miscarriages are a constant plague on our kind. Most are lucky to have one pup survive. Frank had two—Jack and his little sis.”

  “Marcus has a brother.”

  “That he does. A rare and wonderful thing . . . some say. They’re the first siblings in their line . . . though survival of the first pup might have been a sick quirk of nature, if you ask me. Still, the Russo line is beta. The alpha female wanted Frank’s stronger lineage.”

  “And Meredith blames Frank for what happened?” I asked. It seemed obvious to me that Frank was the victim.

  “No. But a part of her life mate was taken, and she felt it just as keenly as if he’d given it willingly. She’ll suffer that missing piece forever, but she loves him as sure as the day they bonded. And he loves her.”


  “Really?” I raised a skeptical brow. “You sure? They fight a lot.”

  Lenny laughed. “Jack says the same thing. But it works for them. They’re both strong-willed alphas. Fighting is almost a kind of . . . foreplay for them. She loves him still. I’m sure of it. That’s the real reason behind Jack’s hang-ups. He knows how his mother suffers from what happened and still won’t leave Frank. Jack’s terrified of loving someone so much that they could destroy each other and be unable to escape the pain. The idiot doesn’t even realize it’s already too late.”

  “Too late for what?” I asked, instinct fluttering through my belly.

  “Too late to avoid love,” he said. “If you’re shifting, you’re already bonded. You’re mates. No going back now.”

  “That can’t be true. I mean, I’m not sure what’s happening,” I said. “I haven’t shifted since that first night, and I don’t really feel the wolf anymore.”

  “Jack, ya bullheaded ass,” Lenny said, half mumbling under his breath. “It’s because Jack’s pullin’ away from you. His love’s what transformed you. The love of his wolf keeps yours alive inside you. He needs to give you the bite to make it permanent—to make you lupo mannaro.”

  “And if he doesn’t?”

  “You’ll still be life mates,” Lenny said. “No way to undo it. Fate brought you together and sealed the deal—twisted bitch that she is. But if he doesn’t accept it, if Jack doesn’t take the next step and give you the bite, you’ll both be miserable forever. It could get bad. You might feel the wolf inside you from time to time, but you won’t be able to transform. You’ll be one of us, but always outside of the pack.”

  “So now what?” I sighed. “What am I supposed to do with this information? Call him? Will he even speak to me?”

  “Naw, he’s got his mind set,” Lenny said. “He’s convinced if you don’t really love him he’s safe. Catching Marcus at your diner was a convenient piece to his paranoid puzzle. He told me and his dad you called off the wedding.”

  “I didn’t,” I said then reconsidered. “I mean, not technically. I told him he should explore his options if he wasn’t sure about our arrangement.”

  “Thought as much. The dude is the bravest, level-headed guy I know. But when it comes to love he’s a friggin’ idiot,” Lenny said. “Y’know, he’s still fighting to keep your diner open? Say’s he made you a promise. He’s going to talk to Marcus. See if they can work something out if Jack promises not to challenge for alpha.”

  “What? No.” I shot to my feet. “Lenny, I can’t let him do that. He has to be alpha. It’s all he’s ever wanted. The pack needs him.”

  “Don’t see how you can stop him.”

  “I’ll talk to Marcus. You said Jack and I are already mates whether he admits it to himself or not.” I wasn’t sure I believed that. I could still hear the hard edge of his voice echoing through my mind telling me he didn’t love me. But I wasn’t the one who needed to be convinced.

  “That’s right,” Lenny said. “He just needs to take that final step and give you the bite.”

  “Marcus doesn’t know that. I’ll speak to him as the future alpha female,” I said, my hands shaking, adrenaline storming through my veins. I pulled my phone from my back pocket. “I can’t let Jack give up his birthright. I’ll figure something out for the diner, but Jack will be alpha. I’ll make sure of it.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Lenny said pushing to his feet beside me. “No need to pretend at being alpha female. Just like your mate, you were born an alpha.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  “Marcus, this is Kate. Jack’s mate.” That one statement into phone cut through any threat of confusion.

  “His mate?” Marcus said. “Not just his fiancé?”

  “The wedding’s just a formality,” I said hoping I sounded more confident than I felt. “We’re mates. But I think you knew that. Which means Jack will be alpha.”

  “So I guess that means you’ve decided against my offer to give you the money to save your diner from eviction.”

  “That’s right,” I said. “Accepting your help isn’t worth betraying Jack’s trust. If Jack can stop the eviction as alpha, he will. If not—”

  “Kate,” Lenny said behind me. I turned to see he was on his phone, his hand over the speaker.

  “Just a minute, Marcus.” I focused on Lenny again, a look of question on my face.

  “It’s George,” he said. “There’s a fire in the building. The cops are telling them they’ve got to shut down the diner.”

  “What? Is everyone okay? How long are they closing us?” I asked.

  Lenny shrugged. “I don’t know. Hold on.” He turned his back, speaking into his phone again.

  I turned to mine. “Marcus, I’m sorry. Can I call you back? I mean, I need to talk to you, but . . . there’s something I have to check on.”

  “Sure. Take your time,” he said. “Give your friends at the diner my regards. Oh, and tell your cook to make sure his cigarette’s out before he throws it into the alley. With all the construction, it’s just too easy for the wind to pick it up. You’d be amazed how many things in a construction area are flammable.”

  “What?” I said, not sure I’d heard him right.

  “I’ll be in the park when you’re ready to talk,” he said. “Meet me in the North Woods, in the Ravine, near the arch.”

  “Wait. Do you know something about the fire at my diner?” I asked, but he didn’t answer. “Marcus? Hello?”

  I checked my phone. The call was ended.

  “What’d he say?” Lenny asked, slipping his own phone into his pocket.

  I shook my head. “He wants me to meet him. I think he may know something about the fire,” I said. “What did George tell you?”

  “The fire was in the alley, but the whole place smells like smoke. Everyone’s okay. The cops closed the diner until the fire department gives the okay. Could be hours,” he said. “I’m going to run over and see if George needs any help.”

  “Thanks, Lenny,” I said. “Tell him I’ll be there soon. I want to talk to Marcus. Find out what he knows and straighten out any confusion about Jack passing on being alpha.”

  “Good idea,” he said.

  We walked at a fast pace through the zoo toward the entrance, and parted ways on the sidewalk. I turned left, heading for the corner to hail a cab and pulling out my phone again as I walked. I dialed Marcus.

  After four rings he hadn’t answered, but I’d gotten a cab. “I need to get to the Ravine in the North Woods. So drop me at the North Meadow ball fields and I’ll walk in from there.”

  “You got it, lady,” the cabbie said, starting the meter.

  We sped off through the park, winding along the road, lush trees dappling the sun as we drove. After ten rings Marcus still hadn’t answered and the call went to voicemail. I considered leaving a message for about half a second then decided against it—thumbing the end button. I dialed again, figuring if he didn’t answer this time, I’d redirect the cabbie to the diner and insist that the future pack beta meet me there.

  “Kate, calling back so soon,” Marcus said answering on the third ring.

  “I’m on my way to the ravine. How long will it take you to get there?” I asked.

  “I’m already here, darling. Just waiting for you,” he said and something in his voice made the hairs on the back of my neck prickle.

  I ignored the instinctive warning. “Great. I’ll be there in about five minutes.”

  It was less than that before we pulled up next to the ball fields in the North Woods. I gave the cabbie my fare and scooted out. The small through road didn’t have much traffic, so I was able to jog across to the walking path the second the cab pulled off.

  Minutes later I was in the ravine, lush trees towering above me, a babbling stream splashing near the path. It was a beautiful day. Surrounded by the forest, something inside me loosened—like a tight knot finally uncoiling. I liked it here. It felt like coming home, though I’d nev
er been to this section of the park.

  The paved path was scattered with leaves, forest debris spilling over the edges. The sound of my leather work shoes shuffling along the cluttered pavement melted with the chirps and snaps and creaks around me. I was alone in this dense patch of woods, and that realization suddenly lifted the fine hairs all over my body.

  I glanced behind me, the sun struggling to cast a warm glow between the leaves. In front of me the path stretched deeper into the forest, around a bend and out of sight.

  “Hello, Kate.”

  I jumped and swallowed my scream at the sound of Marcus’ voice behind me. I spun. “Where’d you . . . Were you hiding?”

  He hadn’t been there a second ago.

  “I left the path for a minute to examine a patch of flowers just over there.” He pointed back the way I’d come, through the trees, off the paved trail.

  He looked different without his expensively tailored suit. The big man had dressed in a thin white t-shirt, and gray gym shorts. His buttery yellow hair was tucked behind his ears, brushing the back of his neck. I’d think he was out for a jog, except he wore leather flip-flops instead of sneakers.

  Still, it wasn’t a bad look on the man. The thin shirt showed off biceps six inches thick, clinging to his defined barrel chest and ripped abs. He lifted weights. He had to, to get those massive muscles on a narrow waist. Even his legs were huge, bulging, veins snaking under the skin.

  “Like what you see?” he asked and my gaze snapped up to his. “It’s in the genes. Betas have to be ready to fight, and guaranteed to win.”

  I shrugged. “What do you know about the fire at the diner?”

  Marcus folded his massive arms across his chest. It didn’t look easy. “There was a fire?”

  I didn’t buy his guileless surprise. “Right. Your warning to Lucas about his cigarettes and fire danger was just a coincidence.”

  His brows went high, mouth shaping into an O. “Is everyone alright? Any damage?”

  I studied him for a half second then shook my head. “It’s fine. The fire was in the alley. There’s some smoke damage, I think, but not a lot. I’m going over there after this.”