I grunt in response and Hawes looks over and studies me with narrowed eyes.
“What?” I ask.
He sits up, leaning back on his hands with his feet out in front of him. He stretches, but keeps eyeing me.
“Come on,” I say. “Just staring is creepy.” That gets a grin from him and he finally sits back, seemingly ready to talk.
“It’s just…I get the feeling you’re into Lindon,” he says carefully.
I shrug. “Does it matter? He’s not participating. He’s been clear on the matter.”
“Has he?” Hawes asks, raising an eyebrow. “Because I’m not sure he’s always the best source of truth when it comes to himself. You can trust him otherwise, but not about himself, I think.”
“That’s confusing.”
“Well, if you don’t want confusing, then you definitely want to look elsewhere than Lindon.”
“And what if I wanted to look at Lindon?” I ask. Then a light bulb goes off, one I didn’t get before because Asher was distracting me by being on top of me. “Wait, you said he was like me, like scent wise?”
Hawes presses on the bridge of his nose and takes a deep breath. “Maybe I spoke out of turn. Lindon’s spent a long time getting away from that. But yeah, he used to have kind of out of control pheromones. I think that’s why he likes living alone most of the time. Before, it used to affect both males and females, I think. That’s how strong it was.”
“Is that why there’s a lock on the outside of his door?”
“No, that’s because he’s paranoid about being able to lock it when he’s gone so we don’t snoop around. No, Lindon’s fully capable of defending himself from unwanted advances. I think what’s killing him right now is having to constantly suppress his pheromones since his house is full of people and he’s always interacting with them. That and suppressing his own response to your pheromones.”
Sweat is beading at my forehead now. I kind of feel bad for him. More than before. “Is that why he passes out sometimes?”
“Yeah, exhaustion. Poor guy,” Hawes says. But he doesn’t look overly worried. It doesn’t seem like much worries Hawes. “Well, when it’s over he can rest.”
“If he has to do that for the rest of his life, why doesn’t he just take a mate?” I ask.
Hawes shrugs. “I’m not sure. None of us really get what’s going on with Lindon there. There’s really been no one he’s interested in. I mean, our pack mate Aspen, he was willing to be considered for her, but it didn’t really seem to bother him much when she didn’t pick him or me, but Rafe instead.”
“Ah,” I say, trying to keep unwelcome jealousy from pooling in my stomach.
“But yeah…” He folds his arms over his knees. “I guess if you want to figure him out, you’ll have to be patient. What I can tell you is that my brother is an incredible person. Oh, and that one of the ways to his heart is through food.”
“What?” I ask.
Hawes shrugs. “Try it and see.”
We get up and head out of the gym together. He gives me a friendly pat on the back that I’m sure even his mate would approve of.
I can’t help but think that he’d make an awesome brother-in-law. Him, his mate, Rafe and Aspen would make good family members, if only I could win Lindon over.
He’s the one I wanted from the start. Before I’d even met him.
Too bad I can’t cook.
Chapter 5
When Hawes and I come up the stairs and into the living room, a pissy-looking Asher takes one look at us and goes brushing past, heading for the stairs. Hawes just shrugs at me and I stretch as I walk forward, enjoying the sunlight streaming in through the open blinds of the bay window in the living room.
Jack is leaning against the front door and listening to Fifi and Bradley as they do something in the kitchen, but his green eyes flash to mine, to my midriff as I realize my shirt is coming up from the stretch. I immediately put my arms down and smooth the shirt, self conscious of my flab, but Jack just flashes a bright grin at me, and then gives me a wink.
I don’t know how anyone can have such pitch black hair and brows and lashes and such amazing eyes. Truly the color of perfect emeralds in the sun.
He takes a look at the kitchen and then walks forward. He takes my hand, which gives me a little pulsing thrill, and presses a soft kiss to the top of it. He has to bend over to do so.
“Nice to see you again, Misty. What are your plans for the day?”
I blink at him as he regains his full height, looking up from his impressive pecs to that handsome, squared face that is rougher, more masculine than Lindon’s. I notice for the first time that there’s a slight bump on the bridge of his long nose, like it’s been broken once before. It gives him a rakish look when combined with those lush green eyes and full lips.
I can’t forget our first kiss either.
Slow down, Misty. You can’t fall in love with all of them.
Or can I?
“Sleeping beauty has finally arisen?” Fifi asks snottily from the kitchen, walking toward us while wiping his hands delicately on a dishcloth.
“I wasn’t asleep. I was downstairs with Hawes.” At my last word, Fifi comes to an abrupt halt and takes a long slow look at Hawes.
“Damn. Rowan’s genes aren’t fair,” Fifi says, shaking hair off his face.
“Your hair,” I say, looking at the lavender ponytail. “When did you dye it?”
“You like it, princess?” Fifi asks, flipping it over his shoulder. “I just went out this morning and got some box dye. I was already bored with the blond.”
His hair is now a gorgeous, light lavender pastel color that matches his scent perfectly. I can’t tell if his eyes are really purple or just a very deep, vivid blue that looks purple in some lights. His angelic features light up as he looks behind me.
“Well, don’t you look like hell,” Fifi says, eyeing Lindon as he comes through the doorway to the living room. But I can tell he means it affectionately.
“Thanks,” Lindon says tersely.
“No,” Hawes says firmly, putting an arm around Lindon’s waist and pulling him back toward the stairs. “You go rest. I told you, I got this.”
“Calm down, asshole. I was just coming for breakfast,” Lindon snaps.
Hawes’ eyebrows go up and he looks at me, as if hinting at something.
“I got it,” I say, ushering a confused Lindon toward the stairs. “I’ll make breakfast for you.”
Fifi tilts his head at me and I bite my lip. I don’t know why I’m promising that when I can’t cook for shit, but I want to do something for Lindon after everything he’s done for me.
And as a peace offering for accidentally pressing that button and nearly giving him a heart attack.
I can’t help feeling a bit flattered that he could feel that worried, just for me. Between that and our kiss, I can’t help thinking there is something between us.
And I mean to explore it. Why not? I have all the time in the world.
“Ah,” Lindon says, rubbing his neck and looking from me to Hawes to Fifi. “Well, if you’ve got things then…”
“We do,” I say, putting an arm around Fifi’s waist. Fifi looks down at me, one lavender eyebrow cocked, and then gives me a knowing smile. Like he’s getting a joke I’m not in on.
“Now get,” Hawes says, swatting Lindon’s butt when he finally turns to go up the stairs.
A sharp golden glare turns on us all as Lindon rises to his full, intimidating height. He may be a pretty boy, but he’s scary when he’s angry.
“Who did that?”
Hawes grins, showing that scampy fang. “Who do you think, perv?”
Lindon shakes his head. “Says the man swatting another man’s butt. You need to get back to your mate.”
“I intend to,” Hawes says. Then he lowers his voice. “As soon as you come to your senses and see what’s in front of you.”
“What?” Lindon says, turning around again. “What was that last part
?” His golden gaze narrows. “I didn’t quite catch it.”
But I get the distinct feeling he did, and it pissed him off. I grab Fifi and tug on Hawes’ shirt. “Okay, lets get going,” I say. “Let grumpypants get some rest.”
Lindon stops again, nearly all the way up the stairs now. But I guess he decides to let my comment slide. He stomps the rest of the way up the stairs and into his room, where I hear a lock click.
“What was that all about?” Jack asks, walking over to us. He’s wearing a loose gray hoodie over a thin tee shirt and sweats underneath.
“Nothing, we’re just going to make him some breakfast.”
Jack rubs his hair in the back and nods. “Yeah, I feel sort of bad for the guy. I imagine it’s stressful.” He grins at me. I love the way his jaw sharpens when he grins. “I mean, not bad enough to give up a chance at winning you, but bad.” He chucks me gently under the chin as Hawes and Fifi watch open-mouthed and then goes past me toward the hall.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“Downstairs. I saw a basketball court down past the gym.”
“Ah, sure,” I say.
He grins again and I let him go and turn back to the kitchen. When we walk in, we see Bradley, standing at the counter by the sink, drying off a newly washed dish.
“Isn’t there a dishwasher?” I ask.
“Yes, but I like washing dishes. Calms me,” he says. In the sun from the open window, his light brown hair catches glints of gold and red, and his smooth, young looking skin is almost luminous. He smiles at me and throws the dish towel over his shoulder to put a hand out for me to shake.
I take it, and he pulls me in for a hug. “I feel like I’m the only one who hasn’t gotten any time with you.”
I blink. I guess he’s right. I haven’t given much thought to Bradley. There are just so many more charactery characters running around that he kind of blends in.
But his hug is soft and nice, smells of powdered sugar and cinnamon.
“What did you make?” I ask, pulling back.
“Pancakes,” he says, licking a bit of sugar off his finger as he pulls back. “And a few other things. I meant them for you but the brutes around here just scarfed them down.”
Fifi gives me a devious smirk and I think I know where a good deal of Bradley’s baked goods went.
“Where is everyone else?” I ask.
“I think the brothers are working out downstairs. Thor is up in his room. I think I saw Lock go up there too. Lindon’s in the shower. Matt’s probably moping around somewhere. Fifi was here, being an assistant.” Bradley blushes slightly at that, giving Fifi a look over his shoulder. I don’t get the idea that he’s actually attracted to him, but with Fifi, it’s hard not to look at him and just wonder why the hell he’s so beautiful.
Fifi nods. “I gave valuable tasting feedback.”
“I’ll just bet you did,” Hawes says, laughing. He sits down at the table in the kitchen and rests his cheek on one tanned hand.
“You miss your mate?” I ask.
Hawes nods. “Of course. But family stuff is important too.”
“I don’t know why Rowan is going so far for me.”
“I guess only Rowan knows that,” he says. “But a Pack’s Promise is an important thing.”
Bradley nods. “Did I hear you guys offer Lindon breakfast? Do you want me to help you cook something?”
We all blink at each other.
“Do any of you know how to cook?” Bradley asks, folding his arms and standing with one hip cocked. Kind of looking like an ex boy band member in an apron.
I meet his eyes and notice they are a pale, clear blue. Like the sky on a sunny day. And he has a few freckles over his high cheekbones.
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to speak for you. I’ll figure out something,” I say.
Bradley puts a hand around my shoulder. “No problem. As I said, we haven’t had a lot of time together, so it’ll be my pleasure.”
He gives a slow look over his shoulder at Fifi and Hawes, who are sitting there staring. “Are you guys…staying?”
The way he says ‘staying’ seems to suggest they shouldn’t. Hawes looks at me for confirmation he can go, and I nod. He and Fifi move into the living room and turn on the TV, talking amongst themselves.
After all, if Lindon knew Fifi growing up, Hawes probably did too.
Bradley pulls me over to the kitchen and grabs an apron from where it’s hanging on the hook. I reach for it, but instead of handing it to me, he loops it over my head and then reaches around me to tie it at my waist.
All the background noise seems to fade out as he does it, as his deft fingers brush my curves, as he looks down at me, blush deepening, eyes on my lips. Then he finishes tying it and turns away, flustered.
“So, what are we making?” I ask.
“How about crepes?” he says, pulling a book down and flipping through it.
“Sounds good.”
“It’s easy,” he says, flitting about the kitchen, grabbing bowls and ingredients. I lean one hip against the counter and watch him.
I can’t help but notice that he’s quite built. It’s just not something you see when you first look at him. He’s a little shyer than the others.
But when he reaches up for something on a shelf, tight triceps bulge and move, and when he turns on water in the sink and tests the temperature, I can’t help but notice that he has really nice hands. Long, well shaped fingers with great nails, tapered wrists and long, muscled forearms, leading to impressively large biceps that disappear under his fitted tee shirt.
Damn, Rowan wasn’t kidding about shifter men.
“So,” I say, “Tell me about your family.”
Bradley pulls all of the ingredients together and sets them on the table in one large armful. Then he brings over the bowls. “Not much to say. Normal, good family. Nothing flashy like Lindon’s. But let me get you started on this. After all, you did say that you would handle Lindon’s breakfast. Somehow I don’t think he’d find it as delicious if it was cooked by me.”
“Aren’t you competing against him?” I ask, baffled by his sweetness. Especially after the other day when he seemed irritated with Lindon.
“Well, I was taken aback the other day, but then I realized I can’t compete with these guys.”
I cock my head, considering that.
“No, no.” He waves a hand. “I mean, not like a typical alpha male. I’m not going to fight everyone and beat my chest. But I can show you who I am. I’m a nice guy, Misty. If you want someone nice, someone to wake you up with breakfast in bed, I can do that.”
“Nice, huh?” I eye him carefully.
“Nice,” he affirms, opening an egg carton. “So yeah, that’s me. I mean, that doesn’t mean I can’t give you a screaming orgasm as well as the next man, but I’m not going to punch other people for the right to do so.”
“Ah, so you aren’t very protective then?”
He raises an eyebrow. “I can punch people when I need to. But I don’t think it’s a good way to prove yourself to a woman.”
I agree logically, but I can’t help thinking it’s hot when men fight over you. I mean, you’d have to think that in order to come to this mansion and agree to what I agreed to in the first place.
“But if you were my mate, or someone tried to force you, I would definitely not be nice, Misty. Nice doesn’t mean weak,” he says quietly.
As Bradley helps me crack eggs into a bowl and explains the next steps, gently guiding my hands with his large, capable ones, I can’t help but feel his hard abs graze against me.
His scent isn’t powdered sugar. That was just the scent in the kitchen. No, his scent is a bitter, earthy jasmine. Erotic but in a subtle way. I could stay here and cook and joke with him and smell it forever.
He’s…comfortable.
Like a warm, well worn in sweater. But handsome. And built.
“Alright,” he says. “Let’s get out the griddle.”
He shows me how the pour and cook the crepes and I try not to stare at his arms and back flexing as he works. When he picks up my hand to help me gently scrape a crepe off the griddle, I gasp at the touch. It’s like a static shock, like my friendliness with Bradley has finally reached the breaking point and turned into attraction, and he’s been close for too long.
He releases my hand and takes a half step back. “Sorry,” he says, a light flush on his cheeks, hiding his few freckles.
“It’s fine,” I say lightly, listening to the pounding of my heart. Why do all of them affect me like this? Why does my wolf seem somewhat out of control? Why can I start to feel her talking, howling to me, sometimes. Especially when I’m near a male.
And why do I call them males now?
I rub a hand through my hair and sigh.
“Hey now, no hair on the food,” Bradley says. “Lindon strikes me as the type that would send that back to the kitchen, insults to the chef.”
I nod, laughing a little, and thinking that maybe it’d be good to go out and let my wolf run for a little while.
Bradley and I finish cooking the crepes, and I listen to him make small talk as he gets a box of strawberries and begins to cut them. I take some and start cutting as well, but I’m not nearly as good at it, and in only a few seconds, I manage to cut myself.
“Ouch!” I say, bringing it to my mouth instinctively.
“Let me see,” he says, as Hawes and Fifi look in from the living room. He waves them off.
“Ah, just a tiny cut.” He reaches for a box above the fridge and pulls down a first aid kit. “Sit down.”
I do, and he kneels in front of me, sorting through the small box.
“Wow, you already know where everything is.”
“Lindon showed us around. I have a good memory.”
I’ll say. He rubs an antibacterial on the small cut on the side of my pinky and then smooths a bandaid over it. Then he brings it up in front of his face and studies it with those gorgeous blue eyes. He has long lashes, maybe the longest in the house, next to Lindon’s, and they are lush and black, unlike his light brownish red hair.
His eyes raise to mine and he places a soft kiss on my finger, and I hold my breath as heat builds between us. A slow, comfortable kind of heat. Like the kind you have with a best friend that you develop a crush on.
Ultimate Alpha Boxed Set: A BBW and Wolf Shifter collection Page 49
