by Clare Atling
Thinking now of that bathroom, she hoped she wouldn’t be disturbed for a while longer as she wanted to jump back in the shower and try and wash away the grime and memory of all that had happened during the last 24 hours. Although Callie had come with her, she hadn’t spoken to her since they were in the hotel room. Callie had tried to speak to her, but she just couldn’t look at her friend for fear she would say something she would regret.
Rummaging through the drawers in the room, Sarah took out a shirt, which fell to mid-calf. She didn’t care whose it was, because there was no way she was getting back into those ripped clothes, having already spent two nights and a day in them.
Her stomached growled loudly and she realised she was hungry. Her head felt dizzy and her limbs ached as she made her way to the bathroom. Before she got halfway across the room, she glanced at the photos on top of the chest of drawers. Walking over and picking one up, she saw Seth and, she assumed, all his brothers and sister, Hope, sitting together. They looked so happy. Her stomached clenched as she looked at the bright smile on Seth’s face. Man, she needed to take a shower instead of thinking about the hot man who’d insisted they come here. Werewolf, she reminded herself, not hot man. Off limits!
Once she was finished, she wrapped a thick, fluffy towel around her body and grabbed a smaller one to dry her hair. She walked back into the bedroom and looked around, seeing it with fresh eyes. It was decorated in light browns and cream, but felt masculine with the dark wood furniture. She instinctively knew it wasn’t Hope’s home, but prayed it wasn’t Seth’s, either. Surely Brandon would have taken her to his house?
She looked in the top of the dresser for some underwear and, although she wasn’t keen on the idea of borrowing secondhand undies, there was no way she was going to walk around a bunch of sniffing wolves with her lady bits exposed. Yep, definitely a man’s room,’ she thought, as she stared at a pile of boxer shorts and sport socks. Grabbing a pair of socks and boxers, she pulled them on, then ran her fingers through her damp hair as she couldn't find a brush anywhere. Again, her stomach let out a loud protest at not having been fed for a while. Just as she was about to go and find something to eat, there was a knock at the door. Before she could ask who it was, the door suddenly flung open. Seth, taking up most of the doorway with his huge frame, just stared at her.
‘Normally it’s polite to wait for an invitation before you enter a room,’ she snapped, putting her hands on her hips. She narrowed her eyes at him as he just continued to stare at her. His eyes moved from her face to her chest, down her body, all the way to her toes and back up again. Sarah hoped he couldn’t tell how hot it made her feel to be checked out by him. Broad-shouldered, Seth was dressed in a white T-shirt that stretched across his chest, his jeans fit snug to his thick thighs and he wore, what she assumed, were his work boots.
‘I’m never going to wash those shorts again. I hope you know that,’ he smirked. Sarah cocked her head to the side.
‘What do you want?’ she asked, not meaning to sound quite so hostile, but she couldn’t help it.
‘Well, this is my bedroom and, seeing as you kind of took it over last night, I couldn’t come in here whilst you were sleeping and get my stuff. Thought you might think it creepy.’ He pulled off his T-shirt and threw it in the hamper beside the dresser.
Sarah's mouth went dry as she stared at the honest-to-god best body she had ever seen. It was as if he had been airbrushed with that six pack, while Adonis himself had crafted his strong shoulders. She licked her lips as her eyes moved up and were met with two bright amber ones.
‘If you keep looking at me like that whilst wearing my shorts and shirt I might have to go against my brother’s wishes and ravish you, right now.’ He was trying so hard to keep control of his wolf, not wanting to scare her.
Her eyes narrowed again. ‘You're the one who walked in here and started stripping your clothes off. If you don't want me to look, then you should have kept them on.’ She raised an eyebrow at him, ready for a challenge.
‘Oh, sweet darlin’,’ he said softly, ‘you are so going to be in trouble when I finally catch you.’ He started walking closer to her, stalking his prey. ‘You smell so fresh and delicious that I could feast on you for hours.’
He saw the blush creeping up her neck and onto her face as he stood in front of her, the top of her head reaching his shoulders. Her hands came up and pushed gently against his chest, the burning hot sensation of her touch sending his already hard cock to granite. Sarah's eyes shut as a shudder went through her body. Seth cupped her cheek in his hand and bent slowly down for his lips to meet hers. As if someone had snapped their fingers, her eyes opened and she jumped back.
‘Stop it,’ she said crossly. ‘You’re just trying to throw me with your hot body and get me to join your werewolf cult.’
As she folded her arms across her breast, Seth suddenly realised she probably wasn’t wearing a bra. Fuck, he needed to calm his body down and not think about her in his shirt and shorts.
‘I can’t help it when you’re standing there like that,’ he said, ‘all beautiful and perfect. The mating urge is strong in me, sweetness. I can control it, but not for long if you continue to saunter around in my clothes.’ He stepped back, giving her some space. He wanted to show her that, if she wanted him to stop, he would – although not for long, as he wanted her. No, he needed her, writhing under him, screaming his name. His wolf wasn’t helping. He could hear it panting, shouting, ‘mate, mate’ over and over at him. ‘I know, just give it time,’ he told his wolf.
‘Well, control your urge and don't call me sweetness,’ replied Sarah. ‘I have nothing else to wear and it was all I could find in your room. As much as you don't seem to care, I'm not one for walking round wearing next to nothing.’
‘I don't mind at all.’ His smile made his already handsome face gorgeous.
‘Urgh, you’re just so frustrating!’ She stomped off out of the room, leaving him chuckling to himself as he walked into the shower.
Her scent was everywhere; it was all he could do not to climb into his bed and roll himself up in the sheets she had slept in. His mate was not afraid of him anymore and that pleased him. Now, he just had to work on the trust and get her to fall in love with him enough to mate. He looked in the mirror at himself. Dark, shaggy hair framed a strong face that desperately needed to be shaved free of stubble. He knew he was a handsome guy and worked hard to keep fit, which was easy for a wolf; plus, she had called his body hot, so he knew she liked what she saw. He could smell the start of her arousal and just the thought of it had his cock hard once more. Looking down, he knew he was going to have to take care of himself if he was going to get through the first day with his mate.
Going downstairs, Sarah walked in the direction of what she hoped would be the kitchen. Callie was already sitting at the island on a stall, looking down at a plate of toast.
‘I heard you coming down,’ she said. Actually, Callie had heard the whole conversation with Seth, but she didn’t want to freak Sarah out anymore than she had to. ‘Sarah, will you let me explain everything to you? Will you please talk to me?’ Sarah saw the tears in Callie’s eyes and heard the pain in her voice.
‘I'm starving,’ she replied. ‘Let me get some toast and coffee. I really need coffee.’ She turned and started opening doors to find what she needed.
‘Here, let me help.’ Callie jumped off the stool and helped Sarah find the bits to get started. Sarah noticed that Callie had on a bath robe that hugged her closely. Callie hated the fact she was bigger than most girls, but Sarah constantly told her guys like something to hold on to and not sell herself short. As Callie reached up to grab the coffee from the top shelf, Sarah moved behind her and wrapped her arms around her and squeezed.
‘I love you so much,’ she said. ‘You’re a sister I never had but always wanted. I'm sorry I was such a bitch to you. I'm just scared and confused and I still don't understand it all. I hated that you kept a huge part of your life from me
.’
Callie spun round, tears streaming down her face. She hugged Sarah back. ‘Sarah, I love you too...’
Just then, the back door swung open.
‘Fuck me, I'm pretty sure I had a dream like this once. Two sexy girls wrapped in each other’s arms, wearing next to nothing. Although it wasn’t in my brother’s kitchen…’ Brandon stood in the doorway, watching as the girls laughed at his comment.
‘Pervert,’ Sarah laughed and wiped her eyes on the shirt sleeve. She smiled childishly to herself, knowing it was Seth’s shirt she was wiping her tears and snot all over.
Brandon laughed and sat down on one of the stools. ‘You girls ok? Dad’s going to call a meeting at his house and he’ll be expecting an explanation as to what happened.’ Looking at Sarah, he smiled. ‘And just to warn you, Mum knows you’re Seth’s mate and she’s gunning for grandkids by Christmas.’ He winked at her.
‘I don't care what he says, I'm not his mate,’ said Sarah indignantly. ‘I don't even know what that means, but I know he is the most frustrating man I have ever met.’ She poured herself a coffee and started buttering her toast. Callie sat down next to Brandon and smiled at him. He placed a hand over hers, which made Sarah smile, wondering if they could be mates too.
‘It’ll be ok,’ he continued. ‘We’re here to help you. We’ll give any support you need. Callie, I know you don’t belong to any pack, but I’m pretty sure if you feel safe and happy here then Seth wouldn’t mind swearing you into our pack.’ He noticed her stiffen up. ‘Or not,’ he went on. ‘The choice is yours, okay?’ He gave her hand another squeeze and caught Sarah eyeing him suspiciously.
‘As for you, Sarah, we are going to take to the pack altar and sacrifice you to the wolf gods.’ He winked at Callie, who snorted into her coffee cup.
‘Nice to see you think my dilemma is joke-worthy,’ Sarah replied haughtily. ‘Unless you’re serious, then I will haunt you all!’ Secretly, she hoped she wasn’t really going to be sacrificed. Callie looked at her and smiled a warm smile, assuring her she wouldn’t let any harm come to her.
‘Well, Brandon, looks like you've made yourself at home as usual.’ Seth spoke as he walked through the kitchen. His eyes instantly connected with Sarah's. She looked down into her coffee cup and took a sip.
‘Just warming up the girls for you!’ Brandon winked at his brother, who let out a deep growl. Brandon held his hand up. ‘Calm down, brother, I know better than to get between two mates. Just wanted to let you know Dad has called a meeting at his to find out what happened. Logan has gone to the girls’ house to collect some clothes and bits, and see if he can get a scent of a wolf being there.’ He looked over at Sarah. ‘Callie gave him a list of what you would need. If you want anything else, we can run out again once we know it’s safe, alright?’
‘Dammit!’ snapped Seth. ‘I'm the alpha and I’m more than capable of calling a pack meeting.’
‘Oh my god, can you get any more childish, brother?’ laughed Brandon. ‘Dad thought you might want to spend time with your mate and took over pack duties last night.’
Seth had the good grace to look embarrassed, which resulted in Brandon looking down at his hands. Sarah looked at Callie and wondered what had happened. Callie looked between the two men.
‘Sarah,’ she explained, ‘Seth is alpha of this pack, which means he rules over everyone here. They, in return, should show him the respect he earnt.’ Sarah, shocked at this statement coming from her friend, looked at Seth, then at Brandon.
Seth snorted. ‘Yes, Brandon is also pack omega, and it is good for my ego that he puts me in my place. I would never harm family. Ever.’ He walked over to where Sarah was standing and rubbed his hands up her arms. She flinched at his touch. ‘I'm sorry,’ he said, pulling away. ‘I didn’t mean to startle you.’
‘No, I'm sorry,’ she replied. ‘It’s just that my arm still hurts from the attack, and you just touched…’ Before she could say anything else, Seth had her in his arms and was walking out the back door. ‘Put me down!’ she shouted indignantly. ‘What in the world do you think you’re doing? Put me down now!’
Seth kept on walking. ‘I'm taking you straight to our healer. Why didn’t you tell me your arm was giving you so much pain? I'm sorry, my sweetness, I should have taken you last night.’
‘Stop calling me your sweetness and put me down now, you great lug! I didn’t tell you because I was asleep and forgot how much it hurt till you touched it.’ Sarah looked over his shoulder and saw Callie and Brandon following them and she couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Callie in the bath robe. Seth looked down at her smiling face, but as soon as her eyes met his it changed to a scornful look. It was his turn to chuckle.
‘What has you smiling, my mate?’
‘My name is Sarah, not sweetness, darlin’ or mate,’ she replied. However, she couldn’t help but snuggle closer to his warm body; it was as if it knew they were meant to be together. She mentally slapped herself. Nope. Werewolf, furry fuzzy thing that howls at the moon and eats people! Off limits!
It hadn’t escaped his notice that she’d snuggled closer to him on their way to Polly, the healer. His mate was hurting and he needed to get her fixed. He loved how feisty she was and knew she would make a strong mate standing by his side.
Chapter Nine
They made their way to his father’s home after Polly had confirmed Sarah’s arm wasn’t broken. It was just bruised and would heal great on its own in a few days. Callie and Sarah were walking, arms linked, behind the two brothers; although Sarah still felt betrayed by Callie for not trusting her with her secret, she couldn’t be angry with her. Callie had saved her life and put a huge part of her own life out there for Sarah, without knowing how she would react. Sarah felt ashamed as she recalled the way she’d treated her best friend.
‘I'm sorry, Callie, for everything I said,’ she said. ‘I love you so much.’ Callie stopped and swept her into another hug.
‘Oh no,’ said Brandon, looking behind him. ‘If you two are going to get all huggy and kissy again, please give me notice so I can get my camera ready.’ Seth swiped Brandon behind the head, making him stumble forward.
‘That’s my mate you’re lusting over,’ he said, in mock chastisement.
Callie and Sarah laughed. Sarah realised she hadn’t felt this relaxed and peaceful for a long time. I mustn’t get used to it, she thought. As soon as it was safe to do so, she and Callie would return home to the plans they had made about opening their own store. She thought back to the conversation Brandon had started that morning with Callie, about her joining their pack; she remembered the look of hope and acceptance on Callie’s face. Would Callie really want to stay here with other wolves like her?
They approached an older-style house that had an immaculately kept front lawn. Walking up the steps to the house, Brandon held the door open for Seth, Callie and Sarah. Seth took Sarah's hand and held it up to place a kiss on the back of it. He smiled that dazzling, lopsided smile that had her insides melting, looking at her with all his heart in his eyes.
‘Seth…’ Sarah tried to pull her hand out of his grip. He kissed it again and looked down at her. She saw such pain in his eyes this time and wondered what was wrong. Was she really going to be sacrificed and he was sad about it? He cupped her check with his hand and she could feel his rough work hands gently caressing her face.
‘Please, my sweetness,’ he said softly. ‘I know you don't know me, but I know you’re the other part of my soul. If I have to listen to your story of how another wolf was attacking you, I don't think I could stand it without ripping out the side of the house. Plus, my mother would kill me.’ Sarah laughed at his comment. ‘Your touch sooths me,’ he went on. He wanted her to set the pace, yet he didn’t want to let her go. ‘It’ll help me deal with the harsh facts. Please, my sweetness.’
‘Okay, fine,’ Sarah replied. ‘Please don't get angry. Callie was there and she saved me. I'm still not sure about this mate part, but I’ll let you l
ead for now. Just for now, mind you,’ she stated as he leant down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. ‘And stop calling me sweetness,’ she whispered against his lips as she felt him smile. Okay maybe, just maybe I could get used to a hot guy making me feel safe and secure for a while, she told herself.
He led her into a room where some people were already waiting. An older man, who was obviously their father, and a beautiful woman who stood next to him, and who looked like she was about to burst when they walked in. Sarah thought there was no way she could be their mother as she couldn’t have been more than 30 years old herself.
‘Mum, Dad,’ began Seth, ‘this is Callie and my mate, Sarah. My mate, this is my mother and father, Christopher and Mary Penn.’ Before Sarah could say her hellos, the woman – who apparently was his mother – launched herself at Sarah.
Seth let go of her hand so his mother could wrap her in her arms. Sarah swallowed a lump in her throat. She had never been hugged like this by her own mother, ever. Her own mum came in and out of her life when she needed money or a place to stay. At 26 years old, she could count on one hand the amount of times she had seen her mother in the last ten years.
‘Welcome to our family, Sarah,’ said Mary, ‘and you too, Callie. Oh my, you’re such a pretty little thing.’ She squeezed Sarah in a hug again, then pulled back to look at her. ‘A mate. My oldest boy has finally found his true mate. I'm so happy for you both.’ She smiled at Sarah and walked over to Callie and placed a loving hand on her shoulder.
