Delivered: (The Blackpaw Prophecy, Book 1)

by Leona Crowley

  “I will tell you everything, I promise. Good night, Jack.” She closes her eyes to go to sleep with a smile on her face.

  I need to calm my wolf and my cock before I can sleep. Normally I would go out and let my wolf run, but I can’t with her beside me. All I can do is try to convince him why we can’t claim her yet. He’s not listening. My cock isn’t calming down either. Seems it’s two against one tonight. Good thing I’m the alpha.

  CHAPTER 12

  Christi

  Where’s that idiot? I’m at the boat landing at the other end of the lake where we agreed to meet. As soon as he broke the glass, I ran back to the boat, just like we planned. It was so easy. I really didn’t have to be there, but I couldn’t resist. Later, when all this is over and everyone is happy that she’s gone, I’ll be able to take full credit for getting rid of her.

  I hear something big in the woods. As it gets closer, I see a wolf coming through the trees toward me. It better be the rogue I hired. He shifts just before he gets to me. I throw his clothes on the ground near him. That whole shifting thing still creeps me out. It’s just wrong on so many levels.

  “You bitch! You didn’t tell me that the house was marked by an alpha. You said it belonged to a human!” He’s yelling as he puts on his clothes.

  What’s he mad about? I followed the plan exactly.

  “It’s owned by a human, you idiot. The contractor doing the remodel is an alpha, but what difference does that make? He doesn’t have anything to do with her. Are you going to tell me what happened? Was she really scared?” I yell back just as angrily because he’s ruining this moment for me. And I shouldn’t be explaining myself to him anyway. He’s a nobody. He’s not even a part of a pack. Just a stray.

  “I couldn’t find her, and as soon as I realized that an alpha had a claim on the place, I got out quick. Keep your money. I don’t want it.” He walks away.

  Is he leaving?

  “Wait! You can’t go now. You didn’t finish the job.” I hired him. He has to do what I say. I’m the one in control here.

  “You’re on your own, lady. I’m out of here fast.” Just like that, he’s gone.

  What the hell am I supposed to do now? He didn’t scare her out of town. Now Jack will know that somebody is trying to get rid of her. What if he decides to protect her? I can’t let that happen. What a mess.

  I have to think. I must figure out a way to salvage this and get back on track. Walking to my car, I try to come up with a new plan. I can’t think with all this filth on me. I need to get home and shower. That boat was disgusting and smelled like dead fish. Why people like being outdoors is beyond me. It’s dirty and stinky.

  Driving home, an idea comes to mind. Maybe I’ll wait until word gets out about the break-in. It shouldn’t take long in this town. Then I’ll go introduce myself. Offer support and comfort. Let her think I want to become friends. That should work. Once Jack sees the two of us together, side by side, he’ll realize that I’m the best choice. His only option will be to pick me.

  CHAPTER 13

  Nicholai

  Flying over Jack’s place, through town and the surrounding area, has become part of my nightly routine. It’s usually peaceful. Tonight, however, there was quite a show. I kept my distance but was able to make out just enough to put the pieces together. I need to inform Snowbie, but I hesitate to call in the middle of the night.

  “Nicholai, what’s wrong? Is everything alright? Has something happened?” Snowbie answers the phone despite the late hour.

  “I’m so sorry to call in the middle of the night, Snowbie. But I thought you would want to know what has happened. Ashley is in danger. Someone broke into her house this evening. She was shaken up but not hurt. The police, Jack, and the rest of his pack are at her house.” I pause to let the information sink in.

  “I’m glad she’s not hurt. And I’m glad you called. Do they know who did it? What do you think Jack will do? His instinct to protect her must be strong, even if the mating bond is still weak.” Snowbie sounds more alert.

  “You’re right about that. Jack has decided to sleep at her house from now on. I’m not sure of the details. I didn’t make my presence known when I was in the area. But if I know Jack, he’ll be sleeping in the bed next to her. Even if he’s just staying in the house, it will move things along more quickly. I’ll see them tomorrow.” I pace the floor, doubting my decision not to help.

  “Why did you not make your presence known?” I can hear Snowbie moving around.

  “I was only out for a nighttime flight. I was flying near the house when I saw the police arrive. Once I realized it was something significant, I moved in closer to hear what was going on. I was too late to help in any way, so I felt it best to keep my distance. I did see a boat going away from the house. It was hugging the water’s edge and seemed to be going fast for the middle of the night. I’ll tell Jack and Gabe what I saw in the morning.”

  I pause for just a moment. “I only wanted to make you aware, Snowbie. Try to go back to sleep. We’ll finish this conversation tomorrow when I have more information.”

  The phone disconnects.

  CHAPTER 14

  Ashley

  My own moaning wakes me up. Umm, I’m so turned on, but I can’t move. I slowly open my eyes. Jack’s wrapped around me from behind. His leg is draped over me, causing my ass to be perfectly pressed against his cock. His really big cock. His arm is around my waist and his hand is up my shirt. He’s cradling my boob, and every so often, his thumb swirls around my nipple. When he does that, I moan.

  Oh wow, he’s also kissing my neck. No, wait, licking my neck. Nope, wrong again. He’s kissing and licking my neck. And whispering something, but I can’t figure out what he’s saying. Ooh, there goes the thumb again. Wait a minute, is he naked? Oh, I wish I didn’t know that right now. I can feel his hard-on pushing up against my panties. I have to get out from under him, and I really don’t want to wake him. Let me just try to move out of the way.

  Oops. Very bad idea. I freeze. My shifting moved his cock into position. The position that, if I were not wearing panties, would have the tip of his cock entering me perfectly. I’m so wet. I don’t know what good the panties are doing anyway. I feel Jack tense over me.

  “Don’t move.” Jack is breathing hard.

  “I was trying to get out from under you without waking you up.” Not moving is difficult. My body wants to take over and push him deeper. I’m trying to stay relaxed and calm, but it’s not working.

  “Just give me a second. Fuck. You feel so good. Why are you so wet?” Jack is taking controlled breaths, but he’s not moving yet. His forehead is on my shoulder and his breathing is tickling my neck.

  “Umm, that right there. Stop doing that. You keep swirling your thumb around my nipple.” Not only do I moan. I uncontrollably roll my hips into him ever so slightly, pushing him further into me and my wet panties.

  “Grr, fuck. Stop moving. You feel too good. I don’t want to stop.” Jack moans, and it’s mixed with a throaty growl. It’s incredibly sexy.

  Moving his hand out from under my shirt first, he then very slowly lifts off me and rolls away. He lays on his back breathing hard. I turn over onto my side, facing him.

  He turns his head to look at me. “I’m sorry about that. I guess our sleeping bodies are against the take-it-slow plan.”

  He takes a few deep breaths and continues. “I want you right now, but I still think we should wait. We’ll figure it out, OK?”

  “Don’t apologize. I’d like to think we’re in this together. I agree that we should wait, but I will say this: the wanting part is going to become hard to ignore soon. That was intense.” I start giggling and he starts laughing.

  We look at each other for a few minutes, not moving. I feel like the tension in the room is changing. That the need we have for each other is increasing the longer we stay in bed. There’s just a little light outside so it must be early. I force myself to turn over and get out of bed.

&nb
sp; “Where are you going, beautiful?” Jack reaches for my hand.

  “I want to make some bread before the crew gets here. I’ll get it started and then take a shower.” Sitting on the edge of the bed holding his hand, I realize I like having him in my bed. And I definitely like seeing him naked.

  “You keep cooking good food and you won’t be able to get rid of us.” He rolls onto his side and props his head in his hand over his elbow.

  “I love to cook, Jack, and usually I don’t have anyone to cook for. When I want a break, I’ll take it. Besides, I have some strawberry preserves that I made back in April. It’ll go perfectly with the bread.” I stand up and start walking toward the bathroom.

  “Don’t cook for them. Save it all for me.” Jack lays back down on the pillow and gives me a cheeky grin.

  “Ah, the truth comes out.” I put on a pair of jeans and pull my hair back into a ponytail. Just before I leave the bedroom, I look back at Jack. “Are you going back to sleep? If not, I’ll start the coffee.”

  “I’m getting up. I’m too wired to sleep and the bed’s not any fun without you. I think I’ll go for a quick run. The guys found a trail in the woods when they were looking for downed trees.” He winks at me as he moves to get out of bed.

  I continue toward the kitchen and get the coffee brewing. Pulling out all the ingredients necessary to make the bread, I think about everything that happened last night. I still can’t believe someone is trying to run me out of town. Over a man. I wonder if they know that they have pushed Jack and me closer together. I’m pretty sure we’re a couple now.

  A couple. I like the sound of that. I know we’re still basically strangers and we need to get to know each other, but being with him seems natural. Like we’re supposed to spend our life together in this house. Why does it feel like the house and the man are connected?

  Maybe that’s the destination my wolf was leading me to, not just this house or the man but the whole package. I mean, the wolf in my dream had one black paw. Jack’s company is Blackpaw Construction. That can’t be a coincidence. I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason. I just didn’t factor in how difficult it would be to put all the pieces together.

  I wish I could figure out why his eyes look so familiar. Maybe I saw him somewhere when I was playing tourist all over New England and don’t remember. I can’t help but think that his eyes are the key to everything.

  CHAPTER 15

  Ashley

  Baking is a passion of mine, and this morning I made three loaves of beer bread. Just a quick-bread recipe, no yeast or anything. The nutty flavor of the bread goes well with the strawberry preserves. I hope it’s enough to feed these guys. They eat a lot.

  Jack walks out of the bedroom as I’m taking the loaves out of the pans and placing them on the cooling rack. He comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. “Smells good in here.”

  I could get used to this being-a-couple thing. It’s hard to believe that just last night I was terrified and dealing with the break-in. This morning, I’m disgustingly happy in a new relationship. The fact that someone wants to run me out of town still bothers me, but there’s not a lot I can do about it.

  “What time is everyone getting here? I should start another pot of coffee.” I don’t know why I’m nervous. I survey the counter to make sure I have everything ready and that I didn’t forget anything.

  Jack turns me around so that I’m facing him. He pulls me closer and kisses my forehead. “There’s nothing to worry about. Everyone coming today is part of my crew. You already know AJ, and I’ll be here the whole time. Let me worry about the break-in from here on out. I’ll take care of it. Got it?”

  “Got it. Thank you, Jack.” I lean into him and wrap my arms around his waist, laying my head on his chest. We stay that way until we hear the front door open.

  “Hello? Anyone home?” A voice I don’t recognize echoes through the empty house.

  “In the kitchen. Tell everyone to come inside. Ashley made breakfast.” Jack kisses me again before he walks around to the other side of the island.

  I hear the front door open fully and a few guys walk in carrying dining room chairs. Followed by more guys with pieces of a table. In just a matter of minutes, a very big table is set up with fourteen chairs around it. I watch in amazement. It happened so fast.

  “Morning. I’m Brooks. I hope you don’t mind that I brought the table. They told me you’ve been cooking, and I thought this would be easier with all of us here. Something smells good. I can’t wait to try it. More coffee for you?”

  Brooks is the guy from last night, the one that was in my kitchen. He picks up the coffeepot and begins pouring coffee into the mugs I had on the counter and passes them around.

  “Thank you. Yes, please.” I put my cup out for him to top it off. “It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for your help last night. And the table is great. It fits in the space perfectly, like it was meant to go there.”

  “Ashley, want to tell everyone what you made for us this morning? I’ll make sure you get introduced to everyone while we’re eating.” Jack seems eager to get the morning started.

  “Yes. Good morning. Today I made a few loaves of a simple beer bread. They’re still warm from the oven. Brooks, if you don’t mind, you can start slicing. A little on the thicker side, please.” I slide the cutting board and bread knife across the counter toward him. Brooks begins his task as I continue. “To go with the bread we have whipped butter, some local honey, cream cheese, and strawberry preserves I made back in April. Please help yourselves.”

  I place the slices on a platter and put it in the center of the table. Followed by everything else I originally had laid out on the island. Everyone takes a seat at the table and begins eating. Brooks finishes slicing the last loaf and starts a fresh pot of coffee before he takes his seat at the table.

  Preston reaches for a second slice of bread. “What beer did you use in the bread? It’s really good. What’s giving it that nutty flavor?”

  “I’m glad you like it. The nutty flavor comes from the beer. I usually use an English ale in this recipe, but I found a local beer at Dakota’s that I like better. It’s called Blackpaw Ale. Hey, like Blackpaw Construction. I didn’t make the connection before.” I notice that everyone is looking at Preston and grinning.

  Preston has a mouthful of bread, so Jack explains. “Preston makes that beer. A hobby that is turning into a business. We all enjoy the beer, and the bread is good too.” Everyone nods in agreement.

  “Do you cook with beer a lot?” Preston asks after he takes a bite.

  “Yes, and wine. The chili you had on Saturday also had your beer in it. When a recipe calls for water, I try to use something that has more flavor. Most of the time I can, but not all recipes are that forgiving.” I’m happy that they like my cooking. It makes me feel good.

  All eyes turn to Jack. “OK. Let’s finish up and get ready to work. Ashley, you’ve met most of the guys, but the new faces are Timothy and Chase, who will be working with Preston and Runt. Yes, Timothy and Tanner are twins, but it’s easy to tell them apart. Timothy is bigger and more muscular. And finally, there’s Brooks. I hope it’s OK if he uses your kitchen. We usually eat dinner together at the end of the day. It will be easier, and we can work longer if we do that here.” Jack waits for a response.

  This seems like a test of some kind. I get the feeling this is a bigger deal than just eating dinner together. Everyone is looking at me. I think they’re worried I’m going to say no.

  “That’s fine. I do have one condition.” I give Jack the same stern look he’s giving me. I’m very determined to get my way and I don’t back down easily.

  “OK. I’m listening.” Jack waits.

  I get the impression everyone is holding their breath while they watch, wondering what I’ll say.

  “I get to help Brooks in the kitchen. And go shopping. I already told you that I love to cook, and it’s my kitchen.”

  Everyone at th
e table starts nodding before Jack can say anything.

  “Hey, my cooking is not that bad. No one has gone hungry.” Brooks laughs as he pretends to be offended. Everyone else laughs too.

  Jack is smiling. “I guess everyone is good with that. Done. Now we can get to work. Everyone knows what they should be doing.” Jack and Grant go to the office while the others split up, some going to the basement and some outside.

  Brooks and I start clearing the table and cleaning the kitchen. I didn’t notice before, but there are three big coolers on the floor next to the island. I wonder what’s in them.

  I like Brooks. He seems to always have a smile on his face. He’s smaller than Jack and has messy brown hair. He’s fit and muscular. He laughs a lot and seems to see the humor in the simple things. I think it’ll be fun to work together.

  After we clean up from breakfast, we work on a menu for the week. We unpack everything in the coolers and start a list for the store. I show him what I picked up from the farmers market on Sunday. We talk about our strengths in the kitchen. He’s better at knowing how much to prepare for his group, and I’m better at putting things together and creating a menu. Between the two of us, we should be able to make it work.

  We go to town after we get organized. I’m nervous about the gossip. But no one seems to be aware of the break-in. If they do know, they don’t let it show. Surprisingly, I haven’t thought about it that much today. Jack said he would take care of it, and I trust him.

  Today was just a quick trip into town to get a few things. Later we’ll go to the big-box store to really stock up for the week. The amount of food these guys go through will take some getting used to.