by Alicia White
She woke up to a screaming Beth and looked over at Lindsey. Her eyes were closed, and she wasn’t moving.
“Beth, what’s going on?”
“Accident…” That was the only word she whimpered. Emma moved as if in slow motion and looked out the broken car window.
“Oh, God.” Tears burned her eyes, and Emma looked down. Oh, God, so much blood.
Jerking back to the present, Emma bit her lip, preventing herself from crying. All it took was one bad decision to change their lives forever. That night, Beth had wanted to go home early, but Emma talked her into staying. Now, she had an ugly scar that ran down her cheek. She held Emma responsible and probably always would.
The accident also affected their families. Emma’s dad was a prominent judge in Seattle. His image tainted because of her, and although Emma tried to prove herself, she was never forgiven. Leaving Seattle was the only thing she could do.
She was now secluded away from her family wondering if or when she would be accepted back. Guilt ate at her, she should’ve said something, should’ve prevented Lindsey from getting behind the wheel. Why hadn’t she been strong enough?
A tap on the glass got her attention, and she jerked her head up, blinking back tears. It was one of her coworkers. She pasted a fake smile on her face, grabbed her purse, and got out of her car. It was time to work. She walked with Nadine to the front door, only half listening to her drone on about the day ahead. She barely heard a word, so lost in her own thoughts.
* * * *
Chayton moved around on the bed, trying to find Emma. He could still smell her, but it was obvious she wasn’t there. Forcing his eyes open, he looked around the bedroom and knew that she was no longer in her apartment. Throwing his legs over the edge of the bed, he went to the bathroom before getting dressed and heading out into the living room.
A lone light was on in the kitchen, spotlighting a notepad. He went to the counter and grabbed the paper, reading her short note to him. He smiled, looking at the bubbly cursive before wandering around her home. The rooms were all the same, sparse. There was very little furniture throughout the small apartment, only a bed, small nightstand, and dresser in the bedroom. He walked around and noticed one loveseat, a chair, and small TV in the living room area, as well as a table with two chairs in the kitchen. He found it odd there were no family photos anywhere.
Pulling his cell phone out of his pocket, he checked his voicemails and text messages. He had quite a few from Mahkah, Takoda, and his parents. He still wasn’t sure what to do about the whole situation yet. He only knew he didn’t have much time. His brothers were amazing trackers. They would eventually start looking for him and their mate. He couldn’t keep Emma to himself forever.
With his mind made up, Chayton decided that he’d better get a few things done while Emma was at work. He had the day to figure out a way to convince her to let him stay with her. Grabbing his truck keys, he headed out the front door, closing it behind him. He didn’t have a key to lock up. He hoped that her place would be safe until he returned.
Pulling away from her apartment complex on a mission, he headed down the street. After a few minutes, he located a super store that carried everything he would need. So many different thoughts were running through his mind as he walked from his truck to the store. Emma was his main concern, and he needed to find out more about her before making a decision on if she was ready to meet his family. They were a wonderful group of people. He loved them, and his clan, but was she ready for a ménage? Doubtful.
How was he supposed to even begin the conversation? It wasn’t like there was a class for the youngest brothers to attend on how to approach their mates. Shaking his head, he grabbed a cart and walked up and down each aisle, grabbing food, toiletries, a few pairs of clothes, and a small bouquet of flowers. His plan was to cook her a nice dinner, but not before looking in the local paper for a job. He needed money and time. His only hope was that his brothers would understand.
At the checkout, Chayton paid for the items he purchased and grabbed the plastic bags before walking briskly to his truck. It was cold out, and even though the streets had been plowed, fresh flurries descended, littering the ground once more. It really was a beautiful sight. He loved living in Alaska, always had. He actually wasn’t looking forward to leaving to find his mate, and he was glad that he wouldn’t have to now.
Chayton maneuvered his truck easily through the light traffic and back to Emma’s apartment. He let himself in and put the groceries away before moving into the bathroom to take a shower. When the hot water hit him, his muscles relaxed. Picking up Emma’s soap, he opened the cap and inhaled deeply. The amazing scents filled his head, and he identified each one. There was brown sugar, honey, apple, and vanilla. Delicious, just like her.
He covered himself in thick-smelling bubbles and closed his eyes, pretending that she was with him in the shower. His cock sprang to life, and Chayton gripped his shaft, using the soap as lube. He pumped his cock, thinking about her soft skin, heart-shaped face, and plump lips. He wondered what her mouth would feel like, her pussy, and her ass. What would she look like being filled with all three of them?
Leaning his head against the cool tile, Chayton pumped his cock slowly, pretending his hand was Emma’s sweet little soft one. Gritting his teeth, he teased himself, holding back all the while, thinking of her. It didn’t take long before the tingling started at the base of his spine and moved to his balls. After a few more pumps of his hips, Chayton’s cum sprayed out of his cock in a thick stream on the wall.
Chayton rinsed off and got out of the shower. He dried off and quickly got dressed in a simple long-sleeve T-shirt and blue jeans before heading to the kitchen table. Taking a seat, he opened the paper and started looking for a job. He’d been a sentry most of his adult life, so he wasn’t really sure what he was qualified to do.
Finding a few positions, he circled them. He could probably get a job doing construction or some other physical labor without having to show a résumé of any kind. He really didn’t care what kind of work he did, just as long as he could make some money and be with Emma. If she didn’t want him to stay with her in Anchorage, then he would have to think of another plan.
Looking over at the clock, he decided to start dinner, unsure of when Emma would be home.
* * * *
Emma pulled up to her apartment building. She hated walking in the door and feeling the chill from her dark apartment while microwaving a frozen meal. She hated feeling alone. Parking her car, she went to her apartment and pulled out her key to unlock the door. The door opened, and she jumped back, shrieking loudly.
“Hey, I’m sorry, Emma. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Chayton stood just inside her door, looking a little worried, and she immediately felt her heart lighten in her chest.
“Hi. I didn’t expect you. I–I mean I didn’t think you would still be here.”
“Come inside. I made you dinner.” The lights were on, and as she walked inside, a wonderful aroma wrapped around her, making her mouth water. She took off her jacket and boots once the door was closed behind her.
“Wow…You did this for me? It smells amazing.” His whole face lit up from the compliment, and she threw herself in his arms, hugging him tight.
He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, rubbing her back. Emma couldn’t remember the last time she felt safe and relaxed in someone’s arms, other than the night before. The timer went off, and he put his hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the small kitchen table. Pulling out her chair, Emma sat down and waited for Chayton to tell her what was happening.
After he served them both a steak, baked potato, and salad, he sat down. Emma picked up her fork and started eating, inhaling the potato covered in cheese, butter, sour cream, and chives. The different flavors exploded in her mouth, and she moaned. She hadn’t had a home-cooked meal in ages, not since she was home in Seattle. Being in Anchorage for the last year, she either had something frozen, ordered out
, or went and got fast food. When she finally looked up from her plate, she realized that Chayton was staring at her.
“What? Do I have something on my face?” Picking up her napkin, she wiped her mouth.
“Oh, no. I’m sorry. You make the most amazing noises when you eat.” He smiled, picking up his fork and eating a bite.
“Oh. Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve had a nice meal like this. It tastes amazing.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you like it. I’m a good cook. My mom, she taught us.” Emma felt a pang of jealousy, wishing that she would’ve been that close with her own mother.
“I–I’m glad that you’re here. I hate coming home to a cold, empty apartment.”
“I really didn’t want to leave.” He cleared his throat before continuing, “I was hoping that maybe I could get a job and stay here with you.”
“You want to live with me?” She arched a brow, not really understanding. Was he offering to live with her or was he just saying that he wanted to move to Anchorage?
“Yes. That’s what I’m saying. I looked through the paper today, and there are a few jobs that I qualify to do. I could help pay the bills.”
“You don’t want to go home?” He shook his head. “But your family, won’t they be upset if you don’t return?” He shrugged as if he didn’t care. “Your job?” Again he shrugged, and Emma found herself wondering why he wanted to stay.
“Chayton, why do you want to stay here with me?”
“The thought of leaving you makes it hurt.” He rubbed his chest above his heart.
She really did understand that. Her heart had hurt when she was leaving for work. She’d stared at her cell phone all day, wondering if he would call to say good-bye, or if he would call when he got home. After not hearing a word from him, she figured she would never see him again. That hurt more than she cared to admit. She had been distracted the entire day.
“Okay. Did you call your family and tell them?”
“Yes.”
“They’re pissed, right?” He shrugged, not really confirming or denying her statement. “Shoot. They probably think I’m some crazy woman who’s convinced you to move here and abandon your life.”
“No. They know that I’ll go back home eventually when the time is right.”
“Okay.” She really didn’t know what to say to that.
“So it’s okay that I get a job and live here with you?” His eyes lit up, and she really didn’t want to deny him. She’d been alone for so long.
“Sure. I mean if you want to stay.” She was overjoyed. It felt good to have someone in her life, someone who wanted to be with her.
“After dinner, I thought that we could watch a movie. I bought a few while I was out shopping today.”
“Sounds good.”
They ate together, talking about his shopping experience and her day at work before they did the dishes and sat down on the love seat to watch a movie.
Chapter 4
Emma jumped on the couch and grabbed Chayton’s arm, holding him tight. They were watching Underworld, and although she liked the movie, a few parts were a little scary. Hiding her face behind his large arm, she looked over at him and saw a smile curve his lips. He seemed to be enjoying her reactions, even though he kept telling her that werewolves weren’t violent and vampires didn’t exist.
“Would you be a lycan or a vampire?” she asked him.
“Neither.”
“You have to pick one.” She pouted, and Chayton pulled her onto his lap, holding her close.
“Can I pick something else?”
“Fine, you can pick something else. I would be a vampire.” He gave her an odd look, and she continued. “They have better clothes. I mean seriously, I would rather wear tight leathers than a burlap sack.”
“Damn,” he breathed out, “I would love to see you wearing tight leathers and high heels.”
Emma grinned and cupped his face. “I’ll try to find something just for you.” He growled deep in his throat, and she shifted on his lap. “Now, answer my question.”
“I would be a shifter, but not a wolf.” He winked.
“Let me guess. Hmm…” She checked him out, wondering what animal a sexy man like Chayton should shift into. He would need to be a predator, that was a definite, no fluffy bunny for this man. Maybe a lion or a tiger? “I know…a bear.”
A huge grin split his face, and he nodded. “Absolutely, a bear.”
“What kind of bear? Grizzly, black, polar, panda, koala…”
“Koalas are not bears.” He shook his head. “I would be a great brown bear, and you, ciqala, would be my mate.”
“Ciqala?” she asked, trying to ignore the fact that he would want her to be his mate. That one word growled from his throat made her whole body tingle. Everything about the man made her body shake with need and desire.
“It means ‘little one’ in my native tongue.”
“I like it.” Staring at him, she leaned forward and touched her mouth to his.
His lips touched hers, and she was surprised by how soft they were. He let her dominate the kiss, leading them where she wanted them to go. It was an odd sensation. She thought for sure that he would take control, but instead, he let her. She turned her body, moving so that she could straddle him. Emma gripped his shoulder tightly and leaned her chest against his. She slowly pushed her tongue into his mouth, wanting to taste him.
Pulling his lower lip into her mouth, she sucked on it until he groaned and grabbed her hips, holding her tight.
“Ciqala…” He moaned, and Emma pulled back. “It’s okay. Let’s take things slow.” He winked before brushing his lips against hers once more. Part of her felt rejected, but he was right, they should take things slower.
Turning around, she remained on his lap and continued watching the movie. He seemed to know what she was thinking or feeling. It was nice to know that he wouldn’t push her, especially since they really didn’t know each other. She was drawn to him, no doubt about that, and yes, she wanted to see him naked. Eventually she would, just not yet.
Leaning her back against his chest, she curled up in his lap, and he held her.
* * * *
Chayton held Emma in his arms, a full-body hug. He loved the fact that she was petite, so he could hold all of her. He tried to focus on the movie, but it was impossible with the delicate bundle in his arms. She had the most expressive face, talked during the movie, and even reacted as if it was really happening in front of her. During a part she deemed scary, she would lift his arm and hide her eyes. When the music was too loud, she plugged her ears. A few times, she turned her eyes wide and asked him, “Did you see that?”
She was the most entertaining woman he had ever encountered. Then again, she was his mate, so he was biased. He’d been nervous about introducing her to his brothers, thinking they might be a little too rough around the edges. After spending more time with her, he knew his brothers would completely change and end up babying her. She was priceless to them.
Staring at her, he felt a bit guilty for keeping her all to himself. When the music changed and Emma shifted on his lap, he finally realized that the movie was over.
“Are you tired?” he whispered, kissing the top of her head, and Emma nodded.
He stood up and held her in his arms as he made his way into the bedroom. Setting her on her feet, he stared at her, wanting to kiss her once more. Instead, he watched her grab her pajamas and head into the bathroom. Now that he was going to be living in her home, he wanted to take things slowly and let her warm up to him. When the door clicked shut, he decided to quickly strip and put on some nightclothes. He refused to call them pajamas.
Pacing around the room, he wasn’t sure how to proceed. Should he get into bed before her or wait for her? Should he kiss her good night or just hold her like the night before? All this was new to him. Yes, he had been with women before, he wasn’t a virgin, but this was his mate. He didn’t want to scare her away. During the kiss on the couch
, he made himself relax and let her take the lead. Normally, he was an assertive man, but this woman completely threw him for a loop.
When the bathroom door finally opened, his little goddess was covered from head to toe in flannel. She looked adorable, and he winked, trying to break some of the tension in the room. She glided toward the bed and climbed on, biting her lip. She looked a little nervous, and he wondered what she was thinking. A soft smell reached his nose and he inhaled, drinking in the scent of her arousal. She wanted him. Puffing out his chest, he felt more like a man. His little mate wanted him.
He went over to the wall and shut the light off before getting into bed with her. She lay stiff, and Chayton chuckled to himself. “Come here, ciqala.”
“Are you going to hold me like last night?” She breathed out, moving toward him.
“Yeah.” That was his only plan, to just hold her and let her become accustomed to his presence.
Their bodies touched, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. Her shivering stopped immediately, and he willed his body heat to seep into her skin to warm her completely. They lay like that in the dark until she finally turned, putting her ass against his hardening cock and letting him spoon her.
“Tell me about your family.” She yawned.
“You know that I have two brothers. I’m the youngest…”
“How old are you?” She interrupted his story, and Chayton smiled, glad that she wanted to know more about him and his family.
“I’m thirty-three, and so is Takoda, my twin brother. He’s a few minutes older than me. Mahkah is thirty-six. I have two dads. They also have Native names, Honaw and Shiloh…”
“Wow, twins huh? That’s really great. So how does it work having two dads? Does it ever get confusing?” She interrupted him on another yawn, and Chayton wasn’t sure how much he would be telling her before she fell asleep.
“It’s wonderful having two fathers. They both loved us and took care of us growing up. They taught us how to live off the land, about our heritage, and even how to work together to be good mates in the future.” He spoke in soft hushed tones. Pausing for a minute, he wondered if she would ask a question. He held his breath, hoping that she might ask what a mate was, but she never did, so he continued.