“So you don’t want to join the ladies downstairs to hear more about your spectacular thighs?” she teased.
He laughed. “No, I’m good. My ego is plenty big thanks to earlier, what was it you were screaming at me?”
Carrie blushed and climbed to her feet. “I better get Mikey’s bag together.”
Riker roared with laughter, and Mikey joined in with his own little roar.
Chapter Seventeen
Riker stared at the other shoppers as Carrie chewed her lip and agonized over the earrings she had been looking at for the last half hour. She had looked at every pair in the shop twice and couldn’t decide. He was holding Mikey, who had wailed about being put in his stroller, and had only been happy when Riker took him out to carry him. At least Carrie could put her shopping in the stroller. Mikey seemed happy enough, he was once again trying to shove the teddy bear into his mouth.
Riker surprised himself by not minding it too much either. He had always hated shopping, preferring to pick up what he needed in the dead of night at a 24-hour Haul-Mart where you could get anything you wanted, and at that time of night, only the insomniacs and perverts were around. They were much easier to deal with – they went out of their way to avoid contact with other living beings.
But, this was nice. Okay, it was boring, but he was a trained hunter who could sit for hours doing nothing, watching and waiting. Waiting for Carrie to make up her mind wasn’t a problem. He liked being around Carrie and Mikey, and didn’t really care what they did. Plus, it gave him an opportunity to get used to holding Mikey. Some might laugh, but just holding a baby was a big deal to him. So he was slowly getting used to it, and yeah, he liked it. He liked having his pup in his arms, and getting to sniff the fresh, yet familiar scent of him – he was a mixture of baby powder, Carrie and himself. Well, it was mostly his wolf who was enjoying the smell of him so much. His wolf was pretty much on top of the world at that moment, though, he was starting to notice that the shop assistant was becoming a little impatient with Carrie, and if the guy did or said anything to upset her, then the wolf would have to show his displeasure… probably with his fangs.
“I just don’t know which to choose,” said Carrie. She licked her pretty lips and Riker smiled. “Which do you think for Ariel?”
She held up two pairs of earrings that looked identical and Riker chuckled. “They look the same.”
Carrie looked scandalized. “Hardly! They’re completely different.”
“Sure they are, babe.”
She blushed and smiled at babe, but quickly turned back to her annoyance. “These ones are rose gold and these are yellow gold.”
“Ah, consider me chastised.”
The shop assistant started pointedly looking at his watch, and muttering something under his breath. Thankfully, Carrie was too distracted to notice, making him even more irritable.
“I just want to get her the perfect gift. It’s her first Christmas with us, and I want her to know how happy I am that she married my brother.”
“Excuse me, madam…” started the shop assistant in a snooty tone. He said the word madam in the same way he might say time-wasting scumbag.
“The light over there is better,” said Riker, cutting him off and pointing to the other side of the jewelry store. “Take them both and look at them over there.”
Carrie nodded. “Good idea.”
The moment she was out of earshot, Riker turned to the shop assistant with a stare, and his expression must have been frightening, because the guy flinched at the look.
“My girl’s going to take as long as she needs,” said Riker in a firm but friendly enough voice, “and you are going to be patient and helpful. Have I made myself clear?”
The male nodded quickly, gulping and unable to meet Riker’s eyes.
Carrie trotted back over, a dazzling smile on her face. “You were right, the light was much better. I’m going to go with the rose gold.”
Riker nodded. “Good choice.”
He held Mikey in one hand and grabbed his wallet with the other.
“What are you doing?” she asked, blinking at him.
“Paying,” replied Riker.
“Oh, there’s no need. I can pay.”
“No, I’ve got it.”
Carrie looked uneasy. “But, Michael…”
He handed the credit card to the shop assistant who seemed uncertain. “Take the payment, now,” ordered Riker, and he scurried off to do it.
“You don’t have to do that,” said Carrie, looking altogether too unhappy for his wolf’s liking. “I didn’t ask you to come shopping so I could spend your money.”
“I know. But I’ll pay. It’s a gift, it can be from both of us.”
“It can be from both of us if I pay,” she argued.
His inner wolf humphed. What was so wrong about wanting to take care of his female? He hadn’t been taking care of her for over a year – he had a lot of ground to make up for.
“Carrie, I’m paying,” he said sternly.
She pursed her lips. “I just… I just don’t want this to be about money.”
“It isn’t,” he replied simply. “I mean, no matter how much you beg, I won’t allow you to pay me for what I did to you this morning.”
Not even his lame joke could penetrate her unease – he would at least have expected a titter or an eye roll for that.
“I know you said you’d support me, but I was hoping that you’d want more…”
He drew an arm around Carrie’s back and pulled her closer. “This isn’t the time or the place, Carrie,” he said lowly, so the nosy shop assistant couldn’t hear. “But yes, I don’t want it to be just about money between us. I want more too.”
Carrie shook her head and looked a little tired. “I’m sorry, I’m overreacting. It’s all just happening all at once, and…”
“It’s fine, babe,” he said, soothingly. He rubbed his hand up and down her back. “Just know that money isn’t a big deal – I’ve got plenty. I’ve never cared about money and I wouldn’t care if you wanted me just for my money, because I’d still be getting the better end of the bargain.”
Carrie smiled naughtily. “You know I don’t want you for your money.”
Riker grinned. “No, it’s not my big wallet, it’s my big…”
“Here we are,” said the shop assistant with perfect timing, and before Carrie really did turn the color of a beetroot.
“Thank you,” she mumbled, taking the package as Riker grabbed his credit card.
“Why don’t we get some lunch?” he suggested as they walked out of the store.
Mikey spat out the bear and made a grumbling noise before smiling excitedly. He certainly liked the sound of that idea.
Carrie kissed Mikey’s hand. “I swear this one’s first word will be lunch. But yeah, I am a little hungry. Must be that workout I had this morning,” she said, giving him a coy smile.
“Really? I reckon it was all the sex that’s made me hungry.”
Carrie gave him a look of mock anger. “I promise you that if Mikey’s first word is sex I will kill you!” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “Now you’ve got me saying it!”
Riker virtually howled with laughter, and Mikey joined in.
*
Carrie smiled as she watched Riker feeding Mikey. Her reindeer hooted in pure joy. They were in the mall food court; Riker had Mikey on his knee and was feeding him some baby food. It was supposed to be chicken and rice, but really it just looked like a beige gloopy mess.
Their pup had virtually thrown a fit when they tried to put him in a high chair. If they were at home, Carrie would have made him sit in the chair because bad behavior should not be rewarded - but since they were out and about and in public, she hadn’t forced it. Also, she didn’t really want Riker to think that Mikey was a difficult baby. He really wasn’t – he was an angel. He ate well and he slept well and he was very affectionate. But today, he was throwing a few fits. Though, given that the only thing that stoppe
d the fits was Riker holding him, she had a pretty good idea why.
Shifter babies were more in tune with their animals than Carrie realized. He knew who his dad was, and he wanted to be near him. Honestly, Carrie didn’t blame him for wanting that. Maybe if she threw a fit she could sit on his other knee…
“Do you want me to feed him for a while so you can eat?” offered Carrie.
Riker hadn’t even touched his food yet. He was too busy giving Mikey his six-course meal. Shifter babies ate twice as much as human babies – something to do with their metabolism.
He smiled. “No, I’m fine. I kind of thought this would be harder. You know, from seeing people on TV trying to feed babies.”
“Oh, you were expecting him to throw some food at your face? Well, if you feel like you’re missing out on that I’d be happy to oblige.”
“I’m good, thanks.”
“Yeah, he’s a good eater, always has been. If any misses his mouth he tries to lick it up after.”
Riker grinned. “Yeah, I reckon he gets that from me.”
Carrie reckoned he got most things from Riker. Handsome devils the pair of them.
“So,” his eyes dipped to her chest with only the hint of a smirk, “are you still breast feeding?”
“Oh yes, he wants feeding that way as often as possible.”
“Well…”
“Don’t,” she scolded playfully.
His face was a picture of innocence. “Don’t what?”
“You were going to make a remark about how you couldn’t blame him or how he’s definitely your son for wanting that.”
Riker pretended outrage. “As if I would.”
“Okay then, what were you going to say?”
“I was going to say he’s a growing boy,” replied Riker with pious honesty that wasn’t fooling anyone.
“Umm hmmm, sure.”
“Though, your breasts are…” Riker stilled and stared at a point behind her.
“What’s wrong?”
Riker didn’t reply. He passed her Mikey as quickly and carefully as he could, and barked at her not to move. She watched as he pelted through the food court, dodging people and leaping over tables like he was running a marathon.
Carrie gaped as she watched him. Then she realized he was chasing after someone else who was running. Shortly after, two security guards were panting and wheezing after them. Riker was so intent on catching whoever it was that he didn’t even let the fountain slow him down – he just charged right on through it.
Carrie realized her heart was beating erratically and fearfully. Hoot?
Like the rest of the occupants of the food court, she got up to get a better look. The crowd swelled and Carrie couldn’t see what was going on. Her reindeer hooted in alarm as she heard a yell, and the collective crowd inhaled sharply. But before she could find out what happened, everyone broke out into applause.
“What happened?” she asked breathlessly to a woman at the back of the crowd who was clapping so loud anyone would think she was trying to bring a fairy back to life.
“I don’t know,” said the woman, on the verge of tears, “but I bet it was something wonderful.”
Carrie watched in amazement as the cheering crowd parted and Riker strode through them, dripping wet and completely unmoved by the people who were clearly clapping for him.
“Michael,” she started. “What just…”
“I told you not to move,” he said, though he wasn’t angry or annoyed, merely stating a fact.
“But what just…”
“I have a change of clothes in my truck.”
Carrie watched helplessly as Riker grabbed all their stuff. People came up to him and told them he was a hero. He didn’t react much to their approach, other than to get them to find some to-go boxes for their dinner. Carrie had half an idea what happened, but the words, brave and knife from all the well-wishers set alarm bells ringing.
But, before she knew it they were by the truck and Riker was slipping into a change of trousers.
“What on earth just happened?” she nearly exploded.
Riker rolled a shoulder. “There was a thief. I chased after him and caught him.”
“A thief?”
“Yeah, I heard some yelling, saw the guy running and the security guards chasing after him, and figured he was a thief.”
“So you just leaped up to get him?” Carrie asked testily.
Riker frowned. “Of course.”
“And am I right in thinking the guy had a knife?”
“Only a small one,” said Riker dismissively. Like chasing after knife-toting thieves was the most normal thing in the world. Well, for him it probably was nearly an everyday occurrence.
“You didn’t think that maybe you should have left it to the security guards? It is their job after all.”
“They never would have caught him. I could scent he was a fox shifter and they were human. I had to do it.”
“You had to?” she repeated weakly.
Carrie shook her head and was embarrassed to realize that angry, fearful tears were pooling in her eyes.
Riker stared at her in amazement. “What’s wrong?” he asked, obviously baffled.
“Nothing,” she hissed.
She turned her back and started strapping Mikey into the car seat. Their pup was dozing and rumbling quietly, thankfully oblivious to her mood.
“Babe.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her. “What’s with the tears?”
“Nothing.” She angrily tried to dab at her cheeks. “I just… I don’t know. You scared the hell out of me when you ran off like that.”
“I was always coming back,” he said, giving her an uncertain look.
Carrie groaned. “I know that, I just… For a moment there, I just worried that you might have been hurt. That’s why I’m upset, you big idiot!”
Riker chuckled gently. “There’s nothing to worry about. I can take care of myself.”
“Oh, of course, well I don’t know why I bothered getting upset at all. Just run right into a hail of bullets by all means! Since you can take care of yourself, what does it matter? Just because you have a son and I’m starting to fall in love with you…”
“You love me?” Riker pulled her even closer and looked at her keenly.
“I ah, umm, I didn’t say that,” she sniffled, cursing her big, fat mouth.
His eyes had a predatory gleam that she found far too sexy for her own good. “You said you’re starting to,” he pointed out.
He didn’t miss a freaking detail did he?
“I’m considering stopping now that you’re annoying me so much.”
Riker kissed her. He pressed her against the truck and kissed her as if… well, as if he hadn’t seen her for eighteen months. It was hungry and passionate and made her toes curl, and never mind remembering why she was irritated, she could barely remember her own name when he pulled away from her.
He rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. She just basked in the warmth and loveliness of being in his arms.
“You have more shopping to do?”
“Hmm, yes,” she agreed dreamily.
“Let’s go somewhere else. I don’t think I can stand the prospect of anyone else calling me a hero.”
Carrie giggled. “Most people like being called heroes. Some go out of their way to do heroic things just so they can be called heroes.”
“I don’t need any of that.”
No, she didn’t suppose he did. It made her wonder what he actually did need. By his own admission, he didn’t care anything for money. He had spent most of his life as a hunter, and maybe hunting – the chase - was what he needed. He hadn’t thought twice about running after the thief.
She worried he didn’t need her or Mikey. She worried that rather than needing them, he would just be lumbered with them, and would come to resent them because they took him away from hunting.
Chapter Eighteen
“Breakfast is on the ta
ble,” growled a voice through the door.
Carrie stirred against him and Mikey grumbled on his chest. Riker tried not to smile smugly, but, well, he had a lot to be smug about. His wolf preened in agreement.
For the last few days while he had been staying with Carrie, they had been sleeping together in the den. Each morning when Mikey woke at 6 am, Carrie would go get him, change his diaper, bring him down to the den, and the three of them would then snuggle together until breakfast. Then, the rest of the day varied. There was Christmas shopping, or decorating, helping out with herd mates, and various other things that they did together as a family. Riker had surprised himself with just how much he enjoyed it. He wasn’t antsy to leave, or keen to start hunting again – as he always had been when his downtime lasted longer than twenty-four hours. No, he was rather content just to do this. So was his wolf, who was always braying for a hunt, but the wolf was now directing all of his attention at his mate and pup, so he was otherwise occupied.
“Hmmm, I guess we should get up,” cooed Carrie as she rubbed her cheek against his chest. “It is after nine, we’ve been dozing for over three hours.”
“Yes,” agreed Riker lazily.
That was another thing he had never been able to do before – sleep in. When he woke up, he usually had to get up no matter what. Before now, he couldn’t rest or do nothing.
Mikey let out a growl of protest at his parents who didn’t seem to want to move.
“Oh, he smells the waffles,” murmured Carrie. “We better go before he gets really annoyed.”
Riker chuckled and planted a kiss on Carrie’s head before swinging out of bed. He kissed Mikey too, who giggled delightedly, and then started checking his diaper.
“Still clean,” said Riker proudly, who had learned how to change a diaper the day before.
It had involved a mishap with the powder – that went everywhere, and he had managed to ruin several diapers before he got one on Mikey, and there was an incident where Mikey… that was best left un-thought about, but he got there in the end. Carrie almost couldn’t breathe from laughing, but yeah, he managed.
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