Delivered: (The Blackpaw Prophecy, Book 1)

by Leona Crowley

  Wow. Look at her determination. Her back is straight, and she’s not giving up. If I didn’t already know she was human, I’d think she was an alpha female.

  “I’m not going anywhere. If you hire me, I promise you’ll be ready for winter.” How is it that fate has determined that this human is the one I will spend the rest of my life bonded to? I already know that she’s perfect for me in many ways but one: she’s human.

  “The job is yours if you want it, but I’d still want a complete estimate with competitive pricing.” She looks at me without flinching, shoulders back and jaw set. Complete determination.

  That’s the look right there. I want more of it. Her eyes are locked with mine, and she’s not intimidated by my size. The unexpected turn of events has rattled her, but she refuses to give up. She’s sexy as hell and I think I’m already falling in love with her. Fate has truly blessed me with a gift, and I’m grateful.

  “I’ll take the job and get you the estimate. Should we go ahead with the walk-through? The more I learn today, the better. Do you know if any building materials were left on the property?” I need to get my head back on the work.

  “Yes, there are some in the garage and more down in the basement.”

  I can feel her watching me. Thank the universe AJ is staying for the walk-through. I’m not ready to be alone with her.

  “AJ, can you look through your father’s files and see if you can find a list of all the materials that were delivered? We’ll need to inventory what’s on hand. I want to use as much of it as possible.” My mind is bouncing all over the place. I need to concentrate on the task at hand.

  “I’ll look tonight. I’ll also try to find something on the roof and the windows.” AJ seems ready to work. Hopefully, his presence will keep me on track.

  “Try to familiarize yourself with everything your dad did and everything he had planned for this job. Find out who his subcontractors were and if they completed what they were hired to do. We’re basically going to continue where he left off. The more we know, the better.” I grab my notebook and look at Ashley. “Where do you want to start?”

  ◆◆◆

  The walk-through was straightforward. It didn’t take long once we got started. Except for some minor work and flooring throughout the main house, most of the work will be down in the basement. All the bathrooms only need some minor cosmetic work. The bedrooms upstairs have some water damage due to a broken window, but it’s not too bad. The kitchen needs new appliances, but the layout won’t change.

  I like a lot of her ideas. They’re similar to what I would do if I were designing it for my pack. I love what she wants to do with the basement, turning one side into a game room and rec room combination with a bar at one end. I look forward to helping that come together.

  We’re just about ready to leave. AJ is saying goodbye to Ashley. I want to come back in the morning with Max. Discuss everything with him while it’s still fresh in my mind. I also want some of the guys to start marking the perimeter. I want it to be perfectly clear that this property and Ashley are mine.

  I still can’t believe she’s my mate. My mate. Holy shit. I just realized that I’m the one who’ll have to tell her about shifters. How the fuck am I supposed to do that? I’ve never told a human before. I’ve always lived where they already knew about us. I don’t even know where to start. I’ll have to worry about that later. AJ is getting into his truck and she’s walking toward me.

  Ashley walks up to me slowly. “Thank you for everything. It’s a good thing what you are doing for AJ. Today did not go according to plan, but I’m pleased to have a contractor.” She seems nervous to be alone with me. Not scared nervous but turned-on nervous. I need to get out of here before I do something stupid.

  “He’s a good kid. Can I come back in the morning with some of my guys? I want to walk the property with them while everything is still fresh in my mind. Also, I just learned that there’s a construction permit still active from before. It only has a few weeks remaining before it expires. We can’t use it to do any new work, but we can use it for demo while we wait for our permits. That means we can start as soon as possible.” Who’s nervous now?

  This is a new experience for me. I run my hand through my hair and continue talking, fighting the urge to reach out and touch her. “Is Monday too soon? You let me know what works best. Can I have your phone number? I want to be able to let you know when supplies are being delivered and when people will be coming and going.” I need to stop talking and let her answer.

  “Yes, tomorrow is fine. And Monday is perfect to begin. Starting that fast is incredible. Are there papers for me to look over? Do I need to sign anything before work begins?” She holds out her phone. “Here’s my phone. Put in your number, and I’ll text you so that you have mine.”

  Taking the phone, her fingers lightly brush against mine. That one touch was all I needed. She is, without any doubt, my mate. My knees are even weaker than before, and my wolf is yelping out of control for me to claim her. Her shiver at the physical contact does not help either. She’s responding to my touch and feeling the mating bond just as much as I am.

  “Grant will have all the paperwork in the morning when we get here. He’ll also have the permits ready to sign. I hope to get those turned in tomorrow afternoon. I hate to rush off, but I have another meeting I need to get to. See you in the morning, Ashley. I look forward to working with you.”

  I open the door to my truck, trying not to break it. If I keep a firm grip on the truck, then hopefully, I won’t grab her. I really don’t want to leave but staying is a very bad idea. I need to get a handle on these emotions and my wolf. I also have to figure out how it’s possible that my fated mate is a human.

  She walks back toward the porch. “Thank you for everything. I’ll see you in the morning. It was a pleasure meeting you, Jack, and I look forward to working with you too.” She waves as she makes her way to the front door.

  ◆◆◆

  I’m still out of sorts as I pull into the parking lot of Dakota’s. My mate. I can’t believe I found my mate. This changes everything, for me and my pack. But she’s human. Why can’t fate be clearer about these things? Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful. But just once, could fate make it easy?

  Walking into Dakota’s, I head to the back where we usually sit. I told Grant last night to meet me here after the walk-through. I see the gang is all here. Nicholai and Gabe are sitting with Grant. I slide into the booth beside Grant and wait for them to go first. There’s already a beer in front of me, so I take a long pull from it.

  “You can’t send a text like that and then go silent, Jack. What do you mean, she’s yours?” Grant goes in hard.

  “Yes, Grant. We got the job, in case you were wondering. Thank you for the help. I hired AJ as a sub, he’ll work with you and Max. We go back in the morning. I want to go through with Max while everything is still fresh in my mind. You need to bring all the paperwork for her to sign. I want the permits submitted to the town tomorrow afternoon. I want Preston, Runt, and Tanner to go too. We need the perimeter set. Has any food been ordered? I’m starving.”

  I motion to Sam to get his attention. “Oh, I almost forgot. She can cook. She had homemade cinnamon rolls ready for us when we got there. They were still warm. That was the best cinnamon roll I ever had. I think AJ had two. She said she loves to cook.”

  I wink at Gabe across the table. He knows I’m pissing Grant off. He sits back and enjoys the show.

  “Jack! What the fuck is going on?” Grant can’t take it any longer and gets loud.

  I run my fingers through my hair, trying to pull myself together. “OK, OK. Here it is. I swear to the universe, Ashley Carson is my fated mate. I don’t even know how I made it through the walk-through. Being in her presence was paralyzing and her scent was intoxicating. I can still smell her. How is this possible? She’s human.”

  Grant looks mad. “I swear, Jack, you better not be fucking with me. This isn’t funny.”

/>   “Do you really think I’d joke about something like this? Look at me, Grant. This woman has knocked me on my ass, and I can’t get back up.” I’m shaking in the seat and sweating through my clothes. How can he possibly think I’m messing around?

  “He’s being truthful. And yes, food has been ordered.” Nicholai’s always calm. Dragon senses are more powerful than ours. If I were lying, he would know it.

  Grant’s excitement is growing. “Holy shit. Jack, you know what this means? Just like that, you found your mate.”

  “Hold on, Grant. Don’t get too worked up. Did you hear the part about her being human? We have a whole new set of problems to deal with. She doesn’t know about shifters or fated mates.” I drink the last of my beer.

  “Gabe, what do you think? Ever heard of an alpha and a human before? Do you think Doc has ever heard of such a thing? I want to be positive before I do anything. Telling her about shifters is going to be hard enough. I can’t even think about telling her about fated mates right now. Maybe I’m wrong. My wolf has been anxious for the past few weeks. Maybe I’ll go back in the morning and have a completely different reaction to her.

  “I loved the way she looked at me. If telling her about shifters destroys that look, then I don’t want to tell her. I don’t think I could take it if she looked at me like I’m some kind of monster. When we touched, I felt it go through me like a bolt of lightning. What the fuck am I supposed to do?”

  I know I’ve been rambling. I can feel them staring at me, but I don’t give a shit. I’m usually in complete control. I need it. I thrive on it. Right now, I’m a total mess.

  Sam breaks the silence as he approaches the table with our food. After he walks away, I try to distract myself with my burger.

  Gabe holds a ketchup-dipped fry. “I don’t know what to tell you, Jack. I’ve never heard of it happening before. Maybe Doc has. I do know this: you can’t deny your fated mate. Once they’re made known to you, the deal is pretty much done. Even though she’s human, she feels it too. I guarantee that. The pull between the two of you will only get stronger.”

  Gabe puts the fry in his mouth and picks up his burger. “I do remember that before I met Lorraine, my wolf was anxious, almost like he knew what was coming. Maybe your wolf knew Ashley was on her way.”

  “If my wolf knew, why the hell didn’t he tell me? I’m going to be working with her every day. In her scent-filled house. She said she wants to be involved and to help. If the desire to claim her is only going to get stronger, then the fuse on this is short—really short. What a fucking mess.” I take another bite of my burger.

  Nicholai swirls his glass of red wine. “Try to look at the bright side, Jack. You found your mate. The rest of the details will work themselves out soon enough and then you can live happily ever after.”

  “I guess I’ll take it one day at a time. Fate got me into this mess. It can get me out.” I pick up my beer.

  Grant finishes his burger. “I still can’t believe you found your fated mate. Just like that. I wonder what made her come to this town? It seems fate has been guiding her too.”

  Fred Sullivan waves across the pool tables as he walks toward the exit. I don’t like that guy one bit. I nod in his direction. I bet he heard our conversation. Oh well. I can’t worry about that now.

  “He’s up to something. I’m sure of it.” Gabe doesn’t like the guy any more than I do.

  Nicholai empties his glass. “I saw him yesterday. He was coming in here. It was well after the council meeting. He was looking around strangely. His behavior seemed odd to me.”

  Grant pushes his plate away. “OK, Jack, let’s hit the road. I have a lot of work to do tonight. I want to have the permits close to done before we get there, then let AJ finish them. What are you going to tell the pack? They’ll know something is up as soon as we get home.”

  Getting up out of the booth, I turn to face the guys. “For now, I’m not going to tell them anything. I need to figure this out. I also want to see if I react to her the same way tomorrow. There’s a chance I could be wrong.”

  Nicholai’s already standing, and Gabe is starting to maneuver out of the booth. Nicholai looks at me. “Do you really think you could be wrong?”

  “No, I don’t, but anything is possible at this point.”

  We walk to the door together while Grant pays the bill.

  “I’m supposed to meet Doc at the mayor’s office later. I’ll ask him what he thinks. Maybe he knows something.” Gabe says his goodbyes and starts toward his car, followed by Nicholai.

  Grant comes outside and goes to his truck. “See you at home.”

  I came from the walk-through so we’re in separate vehicles. I wave as I drive past him.

  Thinking back on the whole day, I’m still confused. I knew my wolf was anxious, but I had no idea that I’d meet my fated mate today. I know that there’s a lot to clarify and she does need to be informed about shifters, but I can’t wait to be mated to that woman.

  CHAPTER 7

  Nicholai

  Watching Jack’s reaction as he talked about Ashley was enlightening. He was moved by the encounter. And his arousal was evident. She is the one—his fated mate. It’s still a mystery how she came to be in this town to begin with, but it doesn’t matter really. She’s here now.

  “Hello, Nicholai. I’ve been waiting patiently for your call. Tell me everything.” Snowbie jumps right into the conversation.

  “Hello, Snowbie. I just left Jack. His reaction to her was undeniable. He also declared to us that Ashley is indeed his fated mate. He’s completely confused that she’s human. It was difficult to watch his frustration.” I’m sitting in my car outside of Dakota’s Pub, again.

  “You must not interfere, Nicholai. Jack and Ashley must work through this obstacle on their own. It is for them to decide their path, whether together or apart. Revealing any information to either of them may have negative consequences. You must continue to get close and to observe only. Have you thought of how to make contact with Ashley? Jack will be protective of her, so it’s imperative that you do not jeopardize your friendship with him.” Snowbie is tapping something. I can hear it in the background.

  “I know. It was tough to feel his anguish and not comfort him, but I won’t interfere. I was thinking of stopping by Ashley’s home tomorrow. I already know that Jack will be there. I could drop by with a housewarming gift and welcome her to the neighborhood. Despite what I witnessed with Jack, I’d still like to see them together. See her reaction to him. It would be best, I think, to be completely certain. Don’t you agree?” I look out the window.

  I wonder what would make a good housewarming gift. I have the perfect bottle of wine at home. That should do nicely.

  “Good thinking, Nicholai. You’re right, of course. We must be certain. There can be no mistakes. I like the idea of taking a housewarming gift. Staying in Jack’s good graces is paramount. Be careful to not arouse suspicion. What gift are you going to take?” Snowbie ponders the question she just asked me.

  “Jack said she likes to cook, so maybe a good bottle of wine will be appreciated.” I start my car and slowly leave the parking lot.

  “That sounds wonderful, Nicholai. Please call me tomorrow after you meet her. I want to know about her reaction to him. Things will progress quickly now, so we must be vigilant in our efforts.” Snowbie disconnects the call as I begin my ascent up the mountain.

  I’m thankful that our conversations are direct and to the point. I’ve never been much for small talk, and I appreciate that she’s the same.

  CHAPTER 8

  Christi

  How lucky am I that I ran into Jack yesterday? He looked just as good as always. And I will look amazing with him next to me. He’ll be the perfect accessory that only I will have. I need to think of something for us to do this weekend. I’m certain he will call this time. He has played this game long enough. I’m positive that our time has finally come.

  The people in this town have never appreciat
ed me. Having Jack by my side will change all of that. Not only will I get the respect I deserve, but I’ll also have the man of my dreams worshipping me like the goddess I am.

  I spend so much time and money trying to look good. I am class and elegance, and they’re barely trained animals and mountain hicks. My platinum-blond hair and acrylic nails need weekly maintenance. I order my makeup and perfume online. They don’t make my favorite perfume any longer, so I combine two different ones to get close to the scent I had before. My boobs are flawless and cost a small fortune. I had to go to several doctors before I found one who would do exactly what I wanted. And don’t get me started on the clothes.

  The ringing of my cell phone pulls me out of my thoughts. Oh, I need to hurry. It could be Jack. I knew he would call.

  “Hello?” I try to contain my excitement and sound sexy at the same time. A skill I have mastered over the years.

  “Hey, Christi. This is Fred. I was at Dakota’s earlier today and heard some interesting news. I thought you were the perfect person to share it with.” Fred Sullivan. Why does this man keep calling me? I have no use for a fox. I need a wolf to achieve my goals.

  “Why would I be interested in your information? I have to go. Please don’t call me again.” I pull the phone away to disconnect the call.

  “It’s about Jack.” Fred goes quiet.

  Hearing the magic word, I freeze and put the phone back to my ear. “What about Jack? I was with him yesterday.”

  What could have possibly happened to Jack in twenty-four hours that I don’t know about? This town is fueled by gossip. I would have heard the news long before now.

  “I thought that would get your attention. Now, how much is this information worth? Let me think about it.” Fred is dragging this out.

  “Get on with it, Fred. I’m not giving you anything. Tell me or not. I’ll find out soon enough anyway if it’s that big.” This fox is pissing me off, but I need to keep my cool.