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  “I’ll think about it,” she finally responded.

  “You will?” he asked hope filling his voice and showing clearly on his face.

  Chloe gave him a small smile. “Yeah, I’ll think about it. I’m not making any promises though!”

  “I wouldn’t expect you to,” he replied with a smile of his own.

  Chapter Five

  Later that afternoon, Michael’s house was under siege. His two sisters-in-law and Cassie showed up with Cole and Matt in tow. Gabriel probably would have joined them if he hadn’t been working. It seemed that everyone was curious about the woman living in Michael’s house.

  Cassie had brought a few more maternity outfits and Kiera and Marin had brought food. The women immediately headed for the kitchen, herding Chloe along with them.

  Michael looked at Cole and Matt, “Why exactly did all of you decide to converge on the house at once?”

  “We just wanted to welcome the newest member of the pack,” Cole said.

  “Shh! Are you out of your mind?” Michael asked in a harsh whisper.

  “You didn’t tell her?” Cole asked in surprise.

  “Of course not! What am I supposed to say? How am I supposed to tell her that the baby she carries could very well turn furry when it gets older?” Michael demanded.

  Cole shrugged. “She’s your mate. She’ll accept you.”

  Michael shook his head. “I’m not so sure about that. She’s pissed at me, and I have to toe the line right now or I’ll lose her for sure. At this rate, she may never marry me.”

  “But she moved in,” Cole stated.

  “She didn’t really have a choice. She lost her apartment so I offered her a place to stay."

  That stumped Cole for a minute. “So she’s just staying here? She didn’t really move in?”

  “Right. At least for now… I convinced her to give me another chance, so I’m hoping I can make it permanent,” Michael answered. “And I asked her to marry me.”

  “What did she say?” Cole seemed surprised his twin had asked the question so early.

  “That she’d think about it. I don’t think I’ve ever screwed up this bad before,” Michael admitted.

  Matt gave him a pointed look, and he remembered the time he’d been under the influence of a spell and had attacked Cassie.

  “Okay, so other than the incident at Whispering Lake I haven’t ever screwed up this badly,” Michael amended. He knew that Matt and his brothers would never let him live that moment down.

  ***

  In the kitchen, Marin, Cassie, and Kiera had backed Chloe into a corner. The women were relentless.

  “So why didn’t you tell Michael about the baby?” Marin asked.

  “He didn’t seem interested,” Chloe replied stiffly.

  “You didn’t think he’d want to know he was going to be a father?” Kiera asked.

  “He only seemed interested in sleeping with me. When he left without calling, I thought that pretty much summed up his feelings.”

  “And since he’d behaved so callously toward you, you thought he wouldn’t want your child, either?” Cassie prompted gently.

  Chloe shook her head. “I didn’t think he wanted anything to do with me. If he didn’t want me, why would he want a baby? I’d been warned he was a one-- night-stand type of guy.”

  “And a leopard can’t change his spots?” Kiera asked.

  Chloe shrugged. “He says he wants to.”

  “And you don’t believe him?” Marin pressed.

  “I don’t know what to believe. Part of me wants to believe him, but if he truly felt anything for me he would’ve called.”

  The women backed off a little and looked at one another. They had to wonder if she wasn’t a little bit right. Why hadn’t Michael called Chloe? Why had he just walked away like he had countless other times?

  “You’re wondering the same thing, aren’t you?” Chloe asked. “You know he never stays with one woman.”

  “A man can change,” Kiera pointed out.

  “Yes, he can.” Chloe looked at each of them. “But did he change because he found out I’m pregnant? Or did he change because he has feelings for me?”

  Marin chewed on her lip and looked at the other women. “Can’t we find out?”

  “How are we supposed to do that?” Chloe wondered.

  “I’m sure we can figure something out. Until then, what are you going to do?” Marin asked.

  Chloe shrugged. “I’m not sure. He’s asked me for another chance. I told him he could have it, but that he’d have to start over. He seemed excited, but I still don’t know if it will last.”

  “Only time will tell. Do you have feelings for him?” Cassie asked.

  Chloe blushed. “Does it really matter? If he doesn’t feel the same, I won’t stay with him. When it comes down to it, I’ll do whatever is best for the baby.”

  “You don’t think having his or her father around will be what’s best?” Marin asked.

  “I think watching a mother suffer in a loveless marriage wouldn’t be the best thing. I’d still

  make sure the child got to see Michael as often as possible, but I won’t stay if he doesn’t love me.”

  Kiera looked at the women standing around the small kitchen and came to a decision.

  “I think what you need most right now is a support system,” Kiera said.

  “A support system?” Chloe asked.

  “We have a large family, both blood related and extended like Cassie and Matt. When I get back to the house, I’m going to start making arrangements for everyone to come over this Saturday night. I think it will be good for you to meet them.”

  Chloe smiled. “That would be nice. I don’t really have any friends around here. I had some co- workers, but we never really did anything outside of work.”

  “Are you not from around here?” Cassie asked.

  Chloe shook her head. “I’m originally from California, but I moved here a while back. I just never really clicked with anyone I guess.”

  “Several of our friends in the area are from California. Maybe you’ll make new friends this Saturday,” Kiera said with a smile.

  Chapter Six

  “Kiera, have you lost your mind?”

  “Just hear me out, Gabriel.”

  He crossed his arms and stared at her.

  “Michael cares for Chloe that much is obvious. But does he love her? You said yourself that she’s part of our pack. If she isn’t Michael’s mate, then she has to belong to someone.”

  “Go on.”

  “The party Saturday night would give her a chance to meet everyone. It would also give you a chance to see how she interacts with the other single males. If she connects with one in particular, then it’s possible she isn’t meant for Michael.”

  “You do realize that it would be rather awkward for my brother to have fathered a child with another werewolf’s mate, don’t you?”

  Kiera sighed. “I know, but there’s nothing we can do about that. Besides, Chloe is lonely.”

  “Doesn’t she have friends and family around here?”

  “She said she never made any friends. I’m guessing she’s alone. If she had anyone to turn to, don’t you think she’d have gone to someone for help other than Michael? She felt like he abandoned her. She knows about his past record with women, yet she went to him for help anyway.”

  “You’re right. If she’d had any other options, she wouldn’t have come here that day.”

  “So you’re okay with the party?”

  “Do I have a choice?”

  Kiera smiled. “Not really.”

  “I didn’t think so.”

  “I’ll call Collin and Connor to get the ball rolling. They can help spread the word. Between the three of us, we should be able to reach everyone in the pack by the end of tomorrow.”

  “And just what are we doing for food?” Gabriel asked.

  “I thought we could grill a bunch of steaks, hamburger, and hot dogs. Everyone else c
an bring something like chips, drinks, or other side items.”

  “It seems you’ve thought of everything.”

  “Either Chloe will find her true mate, or your brother will stop dragging his feet. Something good will come of the party. Besides, everyone needs to meet our new addition.”

  Gabriel nodded. “I take it you like her.”

  “She seems a little skittish. He hasn’t told her what he is.”

  “You mean she doesn’t know we’re werewolves?”

  Kiera shook her head.

  “Are you telling me that my idiotic brother has moved his pregnant girlfriend into his house, and he hasn’t told her anything about who he really is?”

  “That’s what I’m telling you.”

  “Then he doesn’t think she’s his mate.”

  “You can’t say that for sure,” Kiera said.

  “I can’t? You don’t think he would have told her?”

  “I told you she seems skittish. Maybe he’s afraid of how she will react.”

  “I guess I’ll have to give him the benefit of the doubt for now, but I’ll have to talk to him. Soon.”

  “Go easy on him, Gabriel.”

  “He needs to have some sense knocked into him.”

  “He needs his brother to be understanding,” Kiera countered.

  “I’ll try your approach, but if you don’t get anywhere then I make no promises.”

  Kiera sighed. “I guess I’ll take what I can get.”

  “I know he stands by the pack when we need him, but he has to grow up. It’s time for him to take responsibility.”

  “If you’re talking about the baby, I think he’s trying.”

  “Kiera, this is Michael we’re talking about. If he were really trying, he would have succeeded by now. Do you honestly think Chloe would have said no to him if he had meant it when he proposed to her?”

  Kiera shrugged.

  “My guess is that my baby brother bungled the whole thing.”

  “You’re probably right.”

  “Do you think anyone in the pack would take her as their mate knowing she’s carrying Michael’s baby?”

  Kiera studied him a moment. “Would you have taken me as your mate if I had been pregnant with someone else’s baby?”

  “You know I would have!”

  “Then I think you just answered your own question. We owe it to Chloe and to the pack to show her all of her options.”

  “Kiera, she doesn’t know she’s part of a werewolf pack.”

  “I know, but that doesn’t mean she can’t see her options.”

  “You better make sure you mention that when you’re inviting everyone. If someone makes a slip, it could end badly for all of us.”

  “Gabriel, I’m not an idiot.”

  He chuckled. “I know you aren’t. It’s the guys I’m worried about.”

  “Consider them all warned.”

  ***

  An hour later, Ramsey sat at the kitchen table across from Kiera sipping a cup of coffee. He’d been intrigued by her phone call to say the least. A new female in the pack didn’t happen often enough.

  “So tell me more about Chloe,” he said, setting his cup down on the table.

  “I don’t really know her. I’ve only met her once.”

  “But she’s definitely part of our pack?”

  Kiera nodded. “Gabriel knew it the moment he saw her. She came here looking for Michael.”

  Ramsey snorted. “Figures. Is there a female in the city he hasn’t slept with?”

  Kiera fought back a grin. She loved her brother-in-law, but Ramsey had a point. “I’m afraid it’s more complicated than that.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She’s pregnant. She came here that day to find him and tell him.”

  Ramsey sat back in his seat. “So why have the pack get together? It’s obvious she and Michael are together.”

  Kiera shook her head. “Not exactly. She’s staying with him, but only because she doesn’t have another option right now.”

  “Kiera, I get the feeling there’s a lot you aren’t telling me. Aren’t friends supposed to tell each other things?”

  Kiera told him what she knew, which was precious little.

  “I get the feeling she’s alone. I mean really alone. No family, no friends. She mentioned only having coworkers and not friends. It’s kind of sad.”

  “Well, she has a huge family now, whether she wants it or not.”

  “I just hope that things go well on Saturday.”

  Ramsey studied her a moment. “Kiera, I know you well enough by now to know you have an ulterior motive for all of this. Why don’t you just tell me what it is you hope to accomplish.”

  “I just want Chloe to meet everyone. Is that a crime?”

  “Kiera…”

  “And maybe I want her to see that there are other eligible bachelors in the area other than Michael. He may be the father of her child, and for all I know he could be her mate, but she needs someone to support her emotionally right now and Michael just isn’t that person. He can’t even support himself emotionally.”

  “Are you sure you aren’t just trying to make Michael jealous?”

  “Well, that wouldn’t be a bad thing either.”

  “Kiera…”

  Kiera sighed. “Ramsey, I want whatever would be best for Chloe. Really, that’s all I want. If Michael is what’s best for her, then I hope she ends up with Michael. If someone else in the pack is better for her, then I hope she finds that person Saturday.”

  Ramsey laughed. “I think you’re asking a bit too much. It takes time to find a mate. Just because you gather everyone in one spot on Saturday doesn’t mean she’s going to find the right guy.”

  “Maybe not. But maybe she’ll at least find one that will treat her right.” Kiera watched him from under her lashes. “You know you’re intrigued.”

  Ramsey grew quiet. “If she’s with Michael, it won’t matter how intrigued I am.”

  “I have a feeling you’re going to be very intrigued.”

  Ramsey grumbled under his breath and took another sip of his coffee.

  Chapter Seven

  A few days later, Chloe sat at the kitchen table looking over the want ads. She still hadn’t found a job and her prospects were no better today than they'd been weeks ago. She hated the fact that she couldn’t pull her own weight. Michael hadn’t complained or said anything, but it didn’t feel right to rely on him for everything.

  “Still looking for a job?” Michael asked as he walked into the room.

  “Yeah, but I don’t know why I bother. I think they keep listing the same jobs every week.”

  “Matt still needs someone at his office, if you’ve changed your mind.”

  Chloe sighed. “Do you think he’d take me on temporarily? Maybe on a trial basis to see if it’s a good fit for both of us?”

  Michael grinned, knowing he’d just won a small battle. “I’m sure he would.”

  “Then go ahead and make the call. Any job is better than no job. I hate that you keep paying for everything.”

  “Chloe, even if you have a job, I don’t expect you to pay for stuff around here. I want you save your money.”

  “But I want to pitch in.”

  “And you do. You wash the dishes, clean the house, and help with the grocery shopping. You’ve been doing all of the tasks I can’t stand ever since you moved in.”

  “Michael, that isn’t what I meant and you know it.”

  “You might not be helping in a monetary way, but you’ve been helping in other ways, Chloe. I don’t expect you to pay for stuff. I don’t want you to pay for stuff.”

  “Is that some of your macho crap?”

  He grinned. “Maybe it’s something like that. Or maybe I just want to help take care of you and our baby.”

  “I guess I can’t argue with you for now, but once I start making some money I plan on contributing in some way or another.”

  “When you get your first
check, we’ll talk about it. Until then, stop worrying so much.”

  Chloe nodded and folded the newspaper shut. It was a small relief not to have to job hunt any longer. Working part-time would keep her mind occupied and give her some spending money. It wouldn’t solve her larger problems, but it would be a good start.

  “When you talk to Matt, find out what the dress code will be,” Chloe said as she glanced down

  at her jeans and knit top. Cassie had given her a lot of maternity clothes, but only a handful were considered business casual.

  “I will. I’ll call him on my way in to work. What do you plan on doing today?”

  “Actually, I thought I might ride with you and walk over to Kiera’s. The party is in a few days and I’m sure she could use some extra help.”

  “Get your stuff together. I’m leaving in about ten minutes.”

  Chloe nodded and stood. “I just need to grab my purse from the bedroom.”

  “I’ll meet you in the car,” Michael said, heading for the front door with his cell phone in hand.

  At the garage, Chloe got out of the Corvette and closed the door. She rubbed her aching lower back and stretched her muscles. While Michael’s car was sleek and beautiful, it was killing her ever- changing body.

  “I’ll meet you back over here when it’s time to go home,” she said as she walked around the back of the car.

  “I can come across the street and pick you up,” he offered.

  “Okay. If Kiera and I go anywhere for party decorations or anything, I’ll call and let you know.”

  Michael nodded and watched her cross the street. He walked into the garage and was greeted by the curious eyes of Hunter and Ramsey.

  “I take it that’s Chloe?” Hunter asked with a jerk of his chin in Chloe’s direction.

  “Yeah, that’s Chloe,” Michael answered with a grin.

  “Kiera didn’t mention she was pregnant,” Hunter said.

  Michael shrugged. “Maybe she didn’t want anyone to form a bad opinion of Chloe before they met her.”