by V. Vaughn
I frown at her. Not only don’t I want Sophie to go out with Paul, but I definitely don’t want to be there with her as someone else’s date. I let out a dramatic sigh. “Cancel. Go ahead and ruin your chance at true love.”
Sophie’s smile gets bigger as she whispers, “Guess who’s on his way over.”
A warm hand lands on my shoulder, and Paul’s voice seems to flow through his fingers into me as he says, “Caroline.” I gaze up at him, and he doesn’t break eye contact with me as he continues. “Sophie, what a pleasant surprise.”
My insides tremble at our connection, and I hope my voice doesn’t waver when I say, “Hi, Paul.”
Apparently I’m not successful, because Sophie hides a snort with a cough before she says, “I’m so glad to see you. I’m afraid I’m going to have to cancel our date tomorrow night.”
Paul looks at her as he says, “Well, that’s too bad. I made a reservation at one of my favorite restaurants.” He returns his mesmerizing stare to me. “I don’t suppose I could convince you to take your sister’s place?”
I open my mouth to answer, but Sophie speaks first. “That’s a fantastic idea. Caro has almost finished her book, and I’m sure she’ll be done in time.”
Heat rises to my cheeks as Paul’s eyes twinkle with what I guess is suppressed laughter. I find a bit of composure. “I’d be happy to fill in.”
“I’ll be by at seven.”
I smile back. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me too,” he says. “Enjoy your evening, ladies.” I watch Paul walk toward the man I saw him with earlier who is waiting by the door. The man dips his head when Paul speaks to him, and I wonder about their relationship.
I let out a small sigh at the way Paul’s wide shoulders taper down to trim hips and firm butt. Sophie says, “I bet I know who your next hero will be modeled after.”
I reluctantly turn my gaze to my sister. “You’re pretty proud of yourself right now, aren’t you?”
She nods. “I am, because this was inevitable. Paul and I would have spent the night talking about you anyway.”
I lift my drink and take a sip as I hold in my desire to squeal in happiness. When I swallow, reality hits me. Oh my god! “I have a date.” I stare at Sophie in shock. “I haven’t gone out with a guy in almost twenty years.”
Sophie asks, “Whatever are you going to wear?”
I groan, and it’s met with Sophie’s chuckle before she says, “Don’t worry. I’ll help you.”
I roll my eyes at her, but I’ll be taking her up on the offer. I say, “Thanks, Soph. I don’t know how I’ve managed all these years without you.”
She says, “Me either.”
Chapter 8
“You’ve got to invite him in,” says Sophie. “Otherwise he’ll be wondering if you’re a hack author.”
She’s talking about the fact that I live in a trailer park. I fiddle with my bracelet, and the metal is smooth in my fingers as I say, “I don’t think Paul is that judgmental.” I glance at my sister in the mirror as she curls my hair.
“Come on, Caro. Everyone is.” She lifts the hairspray and blocks my eyes with her hand to apply it. The perfumed scent is strong. She’s probably right, considering the whole point of choosing to live here was to hide my success. She asks, “How about I answer the door as if you’re not ready yet?”
“I suppose that would work.” I take in my appearance. After our night out on the town, my makeup looks subdued in comparison. But it’s more my style, and I smile as I finger comb through my hair to make it fall naturally. “You’ve worked your magic yet again.”
“Yes, I have,” says Sophie. “You look fantastic.”
“Thanks.” I wipe my damp palms on my lap before I stand. My sister dressed me in an outfit similar to what I wore to the country club but glammed it up a bit with heels and a belt. I say, “I really have to stop wearing yoga pants all the time. I forgot I like clothes.”
My doorbell chimes, and I take in a deep breath as Sophie says, “Relax. This will be fun.”
“I know.” I feel like a teenager, the way my stomach flutters with nerves. I glance around my bedroom as if I’m going to find a boy band poster on my wall, and I listen as Sophie greets Paul.
Embarrassment heats my face as she goes on about how successful I am. I step out to interrupt before she gives my pen name away and I have to deal with Paul reading my books. I say, “Sorry about the wait.”
Paul is in dress slacks and a button-down shirt open at the neck. I take in his broad shoulders and mouth that begs to be kissed. “Not a problem,” he says. He glances around the room. “I like your place.”
“Thanks.”
I grab my coat, and the leather of my purse is cool in my hand as I say, “Shall we go?”
Paul holds out his arm for me as he nods. I take it as Sophie says, “Have a good time, kids.”
“We will,” says Paul. “Don’t wait up.”
The muscles of his forearm flex under my hand as we walk to his Jaguar, and I recall the way he looked in a T-shirt last summer. As Paul opens my door, he says, “You surprised me, Caroline.”
I slide over the smooth leather and settle into the comfortable seat as Paul makes his way over to his side. When he gets behind the wheel, I ask, “How so?”
“You have the nicest trailer I’ve ever seen, and one would never expect it from the outside. I have a feeling there’s a lot you hide from the world, and I hope I get to see it.”
“Oh. Well, you have to understand, when we moved there, I was protecting Trixie from what I do. Can you imagine the gossip that would have surrounded her if the parent-teacher association discovered I was writing what people love to call lady porn?”
Paul glances at me as he drives. “But that’s not what you write.”
“No, it’s not.” Did he Google my genre? “How do you know that?”
“Romance is about relationships. And erotic romance focuses more on the sexual journey.”
We’re driving toward Silver Lake, where I know most of the werewolves reside, and the roads are lined with thick forest. An earthy aroma wafts through the vents of the car. “I think someone has done a bit of research.”
“I’m interested in you, Caroline.”
I think about how I peppered Trixie with questions about the Silver Lake Wolves after I first met Paul. I ask, “Was the man with you last night your beta?”
“Yes.” Paul’s teeth shine as he smiles, and I imagine what he looks like as a wolf as he says, “I’m not the only one who does their research.”
I’m not sure if it’s the fact that Paul let me know he likes me or if I’m giddy about being so close to him, because I say, “I’m interested in you too.”
Paul reaches over and takes my hand. The electricity I crave zings through me, and I want to grab onto his fingers so he won’t let go. “Then tonight should be fun.” He glances over and says, “Maybe sometime you’ll tell me why you tried to get me to go out with Sophie instead of you.”
I close my eyes and sigh. “I might as well confess right now.” Paul squeezes my hand as if he’s encouraging me, and I open my eyes again. “I haven’t dated anyone since Trixie was a toddler, and I think it’s stunted my relationship maturity. I got scared of rejection and acted like a teenager.”
Paul flips his hand so that he can thread his fingers between mine, and the warmth makes me tingle inside. “I’m not going to reject you, Caroline. I’ve known since the first time we met you’d be a suitable mate. And now that I’m ready for it to happen, my intentions are to make you mine.”
Wow. Talk about a fast-forward romance. I know when werewolves find true mates it’s insta-love, but I was sure Paul’s wife was the one. We’ve pulled into a gravel parking lot, and the wheels crunch over the small stones before we stop.
When Paul comes to my side to open my door and helps me out, I ask, “We’re not true mates, are we?”
“No. But we’re the next best thing.” He tucks my arm in cl
ose, and his body pressed against mine makes my blood hum. I’m dying to know what he means, but I think I need to wait until we get to the table.
A cute girl Trixie’s age greets us, and I watch as she interacts with Paul. He treats her like a young woman but almost in a fatherly way. The vision of him holding a baby flashes in my head. Goodness, Caroline. Perhaps you should kiss him before you start wanting him to father your next child?
We’re led to a small room with only a few tables, and it’s empty. The lighting is dim, and the music is soft enough that it will be easy to talk. I raise my eyebrows at Paul as we’re seated. When the girl leaves, I ask, “Private dining room?”
He reaches for my hands across the dark-green linens, and I grasp onto his fingers. “Yes. We’ll be alone, because I need to explain everything to you, Caroline. If we have a relationship, it won’t be casual.”
I gaze into blue eyes that are wise with age. This is a man that knows exactly what he wants. And he wants me. My breathing becomes shallow as I say, “I’m listening.”
“My wife, Sheila, was my true mate. When she died, I wanted to die too. But as the alpha, I had no choice but to remain strong for my pack.”
A soft knock sounds on the door, and Paul releases my hands. He doesn’t speak, but I think he may have communicated with the waitress, because she enters. She fills our water glasses. Paul asks me, “May I order for you?”
How alpha. Years of being a single parent have made me fiercely independent, and I can’t believe I want to say yes. “Please.”
Paul orders us filet with a pepper sauce and a Cabernet that will go nicely with it. The waitress leaves, and when the door snicks shut behind her, Paul turns his full attention to me. “One of the provisions of being alpha is that we need to reproduce. Sheila and I thought we had plenty of time to make that happen.” Pain flashes in his eyes, and he swallows before he continues. “Clearly we didn’t.”
I return to my earlier thoughts about Paul being a father. “Are you asking me if I want to have more children?”
“Yes.”
I take a deep breath. I think my fantasy for a baby might be only that, and I just let my hormones do the talking. “Good.” Paul sits back. “Because there’s more.” The waitress enters again, but this time she didn’t knock, and I’m sure Paul’s communicating telepathically with her.
I ask, “Alpha trick?”
He nods as he swirls a sample of the wine in his glass. “It’s good to be king.”
Once the waitress leaves, he leans forward. “The day I met you last summer, something interesting happened. We may or may not be true mates, but you’re fated to be my queen, Caroline. And I’m going to do what I must to convince you to make that choice.”
Chapter 9
I sip my wine and let the smooth flavor sit in my mouth for a moment. I stare at the candle on the restaurant table between Paul and me, and I watch the flame burn without wavering. We might be true mates? I ask, “What happened last summer?”
“I met the woman that is strong enough to be my new mate.” Paul reaches for my hand again. “I was instantly attracted to you in a way I never thought I’d feel again. And that night, I dreamt of you as a wolf.”
“Was I beautiful?” I close my eyes for a second at the words that just spilled from my mouth. “I’m sorry.”
Paul squeezes my hand. “Don’t be. I like your sassy side. And yes. You are a stunning wolf.”
I turn to the sound of the door opening again and pull my hand away. We’re silent as salads thump between us. When the server leaves, Paul says, “I’m only allowed one true mate, but fate has given me a second chance at true love.”
True love?
Is that why I haven’t been able to get Paul out of my mind since last summer? If I hadn’t just filled my mouth with salad, my jaw would have dropped. Pistachios crunch between my teeth, and I swallow. “Just what does the job of being your queen entail?”
“First, let me tell you that I believe you’re the same as a true mate for me. I’m sure our love will last forever. Nobody can come along and change how we feel, and my devotion to you will never waver.”
“And mine for you won’t either, will it?”
“Right.”
My fork clatters against my plate as I drop it. “Wait. Did you just say you love me?” I grab my water, and it’s cold in my throat when I gulp some down. I’m in love with Paul, and I barely know the guy.
Paul reaches over to stroke my cheek with a finger. “Yes, I do.” I’m aware of just how small our table is, because I could easily kiss him without leaving my chair. I discover I’ve leaned forward as if he’s drawing me in like a magnet, and my breath catches in my throat as he moves closer too.
He sighs, “Oh, Caroline.”
Our lips meet, and I taste the man I’ve been dreaming about for months. Wine flavor makes way to something even more intoxicating, and when Paul breaks away, my whole body is flushed from desire.
“I’ve wanted to do that since the first moment you looked at me,” says Paul.
I place my hand on my chest as if it can slow my racing heartbeat. “Oh my. None of my fictitious heroes have anything on you. I should really write more shifter romance.”
Paul chuckles, and the waitress brings us our meals. As we eat, Paul says, “You asked what being my mate would mean.” I nod as I chew, and he says, “I don’t expect you to stop writing full time, but you would have duties of an alpha’s partner.”
I lift my wine glass, and it’s smooth in my hand as I ask, “What would those be?”
“You’d assist me as I mentor the young members of our pack. Being of human descent, you’ll be especially helpful for the newly changed females that join us.”
Human descent. I’m going to have to become a werewolf. This isn’t really a shock as the mother of a new werewolf, but my eyes must have widened, because Paul wipes his mouth and leans forward on his arms to be closer. “Is this too much for you?”
I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “No. I’m fine. But this sure is one hell of a first date.”
Paul grins at me as he leans back. “I suppose it is.”
“I believe you said you were going to do what it takes to convince me to be yours.” I crook my finger at him as I lean forward and whisper, “You should probably kiss me again.”
The hunger I see in his eyes isn’t for food, and our mouths meet. This time I’m the one that pulls away to catch my breath, and I say, “You’re very persuasive.”
He sighs as he looks down at his half-eaten meal. When Paul glances back up at me, a low growl rumbles in Paul’s throat before he says, “Let’s get out of here.”
I nod as I stand. When I move toward the door, Paul places his hand on my lower back. The heat of his touch sears me like a brand. One I want, because I can’t fight the need to be Paul’s in every way.
When we get to the door, Paul grabs my shoulders and twists me to face him. Wood is hard against my back when I press against it, and he takes my wrists and lifts my arms over my head to hold them in one of his hands. His grip is tight as he traces a finger down the underside of my arm. I tremble in reaction, and when he moves toward my breast, I arch toward his touch. My voice is raspy when I say, “Paul.”
Now his growl is more than a rumble as he shoves his thigh between my legs and crushes me with a kiss. I’m helpless under his weight, and it excites me. I rock my hips to ride his leg as Paul moves from my mouth and down my neck. His breath is hot against my neck as he whispers, “I want to devour all of you, Caroline. This is just a sample of what’s to come.”
I moan softly with need as he lowers his mouth to my chest. Paul’s hand reaches in my bra and massages my breast as he suckles on it. I cry out when he bites my nipple lightly. I’m so drunk with my lust, I don’t care that we’re in a restaurant, and when Paul releases me to step back, I whimper.
“I know, love.” He scans my body with his gaze, and a growl rumbles through his chest before he say
s, “We’re leaving.”
Paul grabs my hand and leads me out of the restaurant. I’m in a lust-drunk daze over his words. The man that seems so proper and responsible is undone by me. He nearly lost control in the dining room, and I smile with the knowledge that I do that to him.
Once we’re outside, a cool breeze soothes my flushed skin. I welcome the cold leather seat under my bottom when I get in the car. Paul glances at me before he starts the engine. “Your scent is making me crazy.”
“How far is your house?”
“Just a couple minutes.” A parking lot light illuminates his wolfish grin as he turns to me. “Lift your skirt for me.”
I grin back. “You’re bad.”
“Oh no, love. I’m good.” His voice is low, and it ignites a fire in me that reaches down to my toes when he adds, “So good.” Fabric bunches in my hands as I gather it to pull my skirt up around my hips. My legs are bare, and goosebumps break out on my skin in anticipation of what Paul’s going to do.
The wheels of the car hum over asphalt as he places a warm hand on my thigh. I spread my legs as he slides his palm higher and says, “Your skin is so soft.”
“Your hand is so warm,” I say.
His finger finds my folds, and he strokes me as he moves it to my clit. He asks, “Does it make you hot?”
“Um-hmm.” Lights from an oncoming car flash in my eyes as I lift my hips. I haven’t been touched by a man like this in so long, I think I might explode. Paul slides a digit into me, and I gasp. He says, “So wet. I’m going to taste you, Caroline, and you’re going to scream loud for me. Do you want that?”
I breathe out, “Yes.” Now he’s got two fingers pumping in me, and my belly quivers as I rock against his hand.
“And when you’ve come, you’ll beg me to give you more.” He’s moving his hand quickly now, and I’m so close to coming, I clench the seat to hold on as he asks, “Would you like that, love?”
“God, yes.” My core flexes uncontrollably as my orgasm takes me. The car slows, and as I regain my composure, I realize he’s turned off the engine.
