One True Mate: Shifter's Shield (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by Jules Tyler

  She nodded eagerly, chewing the bottom of her lip in a failed seduction attempt, “I have to tell you something.”

  “Oh yeah? What is that?” Caylan asked.

  “It’s a secret. Shhhhhh,” Tansy whisper yelled.

  “What’s a secret?” Caylan asked a little louder than he meant to.

  “That she wants to have your babies,” Willow giggled before clapping her hands over her mouth.

  Tansy was too drunk to notice, but everyone else locked eyes on Willow as Caylan asked, “Wait what?”

  “I wasn’t supposed to say anything! Forget I said anything,” Willow said around her hands.

  “Did she really say that?” Caylan’s eyes grew round.

  Willow and the rest of the girls all nodded in unison.

  “Word of advice, Caylan,” Graeme said from the other side of Tansy. “Be the gentleman and wait until tomorrow when she’s coherent enough to own up to her words.”

  Caylan frowned but nodded in agreement with the dragen. There was apparently a lot of things they needed to discuss tomorrow. Starting with Tansy’s intentions for her future and where the two of them would go from here.

  After dinner, Crew pulled Caylan outside to talk.

  “Look Caylan, I know that Willow’s loose lips tonight got you excited about things. Let me just remind you that you promised all of us in front of Tansy today that she would to make her own choices.”

  Caylan nodded, “I still intend to keep my word.”

  “Good, now with that in mind, there was something else I wanted to share with you, but I wanted to wait until we were alone to share it with you,” Crew started. “I had a series of visions this morning before you brought Tansy to us at the station. They were all about you and Tansy and the future. I’m only telling you because I feel that these visions are important and they need to happen.”

  “Okay?” Caylan said, leaning up against the wall of the cabin.

  “In the first vision, I saw you and the other rebels with Tansy. You were with the rest of us in the final fight against Khain. I couldn’t figure out what the roll was that Tansy would be playing, but after what we started figuring out today, I believe that there is a way that Tansy could stretch her shield over the other Mates to protect them. It’s imperative that we let her work with the others so that she can stretch that muscle and get stronger. No one knows when we will battle Khain for the last time, not even me, but when that time comes, we all have to be prepared.”

  “If it keeps her safe, I want her to train. No matter what happens between the two of us, I just want her happy and safe,” Caylan said in agreement.

  Crew nodded before continuing, “In my other vision, I saw all of us with our mates sitting here, watching a whole slew of children run and play. Tansy’s belly was swollen with child and she was curled up next to you. I know that she is meant to be yours. Keeping that in mind though, I caution you to not rush her into anything. If she does indeed struggle as much with PTSD as other veterans do, rushing her into anything could be harmful to what you’re trying to build together. Be patient with her, Caylan. I think she is the key to the foxen rebuilding and joining the shiften community. Guide her, be there for her, but above all, love her in any way she needs you to love her.”

  Caylan stared out at the grassy yard and smiled at what Crew was telling him. There was hope for his people after all, and there was also hope for him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Tansy woke with a throbbing in her head and rolled over on her side, cracking open one eye to survey her surroundings. She was in Caylan’s room again, but she didn’t remember coming back to his house the night before. Eyes growing wide as she remembered the wine she had consumed the night before, she lifted the blanket to make sure she still had her clothes on. She sighed in relief when she saw that she had on her sweater and panties. The jeans were folded and set neatly on the bedside table next to a bottled water and bottle of Ibuprofen. There was also a note taped to the water.

  Tansy-

  Thought you might need this after last night. You had quite the good time with the girls. I was happy to see a smile on your face when I got there last night. I needed to go get more firewood for tomorrow night’s meeting. Help yourself to the bacon and eggs in the fridge, and there are bagels on the counter as well.

  Please don’t leave while I’m gone. When I come back if you still want to leave, I won’t stand in your way. Let me say good bye.

  - Caylan

  P.S. You took your own pants off last night, for the record. I just folded them for you.

  A smile played on edge of Tansy’s lips, “Always the gentleman, that one.”

  Making quick work of the pill bottle, Tansy took enough to knock out her headache and chugged the bottle. She had made her mind up last night as she listened to each of the girls’ stories. She wanted to be someone’s. That someone was going to be Caylan, but only if he wanted her and only if he could prove himself worthy of her affection. Crossing over to the bags of clothes that Ella had bought her yesterday, Tansy pulled out another pair of jeans, a pair of socks, the new hiking boots she had picked out, and a black sweater.

  Pulling on the clothes and shoes, she walked out to the kitchen and smiled when she saw the bouquet of wild flowers sitting on the countertop next to another note and a cell phone.

  T-

  The flowers are from me. I think the phone is from the girls. Crew came by and dropped it off to me before I left this morning. All of their numbers are in here, as well as my own. Text me if you need anything.

  -C

  Tansy shook her head in amusement as she picked up the device. It had been so long since she had had a cell phone. Clicking the power button, she was pleased to see the screen light up with a full charge. There were several missed texts.

  Ella: Good morning, sweets! I forgot to slip this in your shopping bags last night. This is a gift from the six of us to you. Text us if you need anything. All of our numbers are in here. Xoxo!

  Tansy giggled at the duplicity between what Ella said and what Caylan had said before clicking on the next text.

  Rogue: Hope your head isn’t pounding too hard this morning, Light Weight. ;)

  Tansy typed back a quick response: Nope, not too hard. Been awhile since I had anything to drink. Looks like I need some practice.

  She hit send before moving on to the next.

  Willow: Come by the Honey Depot and see me soon! I’ll make you the best waffles and eggs you’ve ever tasted!

  Cerise: You seem nice. I hope I get to see you again soon.

  Heather: I’m always home if you ever need a place to clear your head.

  Smiling at the outreach of the sisters, her sisters, she went to turn the screen off as one last text came through.

  Dahlia: No matter what, don’t run. We’re here for you.

  Tansy knew that Dahlia was right. She was where she belonged; it was why she had taken so long to move on from this town. She kept putting off packing up camp because she felt like there was something more out there. She had been ignoring the attraction she had been feeling to Caylan. She’d been a bitch to everyone except for the girls. The realization hit Tansy like a brick wall that this, the girls, the cabin… Caylan… This was all home. Grabbing the phone, Tansy put together a group text before she could over think any of it and hit send.

  It was time to put in the work. Caylan was definitely meant to be hers, of that much she was certain after speaking with the girls and hearing their stories the night before. It was time to make him see that she was in this if he was.

  Chapter Fifteen

  It had taken Caylan all day gathering firewood, trying to give Tansy as much time as she needed in case she was hesitant about staying. He was hoping if she did decide to leave that she at least listened to him and waited for him to come back to say good bye. There was a pang in his chest from the thought of her leaving. He had just found her and he wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to let her leave. He had promise
d Crew, and himself, that this decision for Tansy to make and he wouldn’t pressure her. If she decided it was best if she left, then he would support her.

  To save her time, he had hiked up the hill and found her camp. He had rolled up all of her gear and attached it to her back pack. Between carrying all of her gear, and an armload of firewood, Caylan was feeling tired for once. The extra work was definitely appreciated though or he knew he would’ve sat around all day stewing over what decision she was going to make. As he came down the last part of the trail to the clearing, he could see two trucks leaving and all the lights were off in the house.

  Panic surged through Caylan’s veins as he dropped everything and ran for the house as he called her name, “Tansy!”

  He threw open the door and flicked on the lights, tossing his head around like a crazed animal as he looked for her. Looking towards the kitchen, he saw her sitting at the table, hands folded in front of herself. She looked beautiful in the deep purple sweater dress she was wearing and his heart skipped a beat as she smiled at him.

  “Everything alright?”

  He ran a hand through his hair, “Damn it, woman. I thought you had left without saying good-bye or that someone had come and taken you away! Who the hell just left?”

  “The uh, my uh, the girls did. They came to help me make dinner,” Tansy said shyly as she gestured to all of the food on the table.

  “The girls,” Caylan said, reiterating what she had said.

  “Well yeah, I mean… I haven’t had a whole lot of kitchen time in the last while. I wanted dinner to be edible,” Tansy said before pointing to the empty chair. “Why don’t you sit?”

  Caylan crossed over to the table and sat down, blood pounding in his ears, “What does this mean?”

  “If you’ll stop talking for two seconds, I could tell you,” Tansy teased, handing him a plate stacked high with what looked like chicken fried steak.

  “You’re in a good mood,” Caylan observed as he filled his plate.

  “I made a decision today,” Tansy said, pausing until Caylan’s eyes locked with hers. “I want to stay.”

  “You want to stay? In Serenity?”

  Tansy chewed her lip, Caylan could see the nervousness filling her eyes as she spoke, “No. I mean I want to stay. Here. With you. If you’ll have me. I know that I haven’t been the most gracious guest, but I promise to help where I can. I promise to…”

  Caylan stood and rounded the table in a flash as he scooped Tansy up out of her chair and kissed her. He crossed to the counter and set her down to allow his hands to wander, sucking on her bottom lip as he did so. Her tongue danced with his as a soft moan escaped her mouth.

  Oh what that moan did to him though, he had gooseflesh breaking out all over his body. He needed to make her his.

  “Does this mean you want to be mine? Is that what you’re telling me, woman?” Caylan asked in a raspy voice before he leaned down and sucked on her neck.

  “That’s exactly what it means. I don’t want to be with anyone but you. Your broken pieces’ match mine. If I’m meant to be with a foxen, I want that foxen to be you,” Tansy said softly.

  Caylan pulled away from their embrace, his eyes searching hers. Every word she had spoken had been true; he could hear it.

  “If we are going to do this, there’s no more running. It’s going to be me and you every second of every day. Promise me that even when doubt creeps into your mind, you won’t run. I promise to always protect you. You don’t have anything to run from anymore. Promise me.”

  Tansy smiled at him as she grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him closer before claiming his mouth again with her own. He felt her body shiver beneath his touch.

  “I promise,” Tansy said, the finality in her words making up Caylan’s mind.

  “I’m going to make you mine,” Caylan growled seductively in her ear.

  Sliding his hands underneath her, he picked her up and walked towards the bedroom. With every stride, he got more and more anxious to bury himself inside of her. This was really happening. Tansy was his to claim. Setting her down on the bed, Caylan slid her panties to the floor before pulling her dress over her head. Tansy was beautiful.

  “You’re a sight for sore eyes, you beautiful woman,” Caylan grinned at her cheesily.

  Tansy undid the clasp on her bra and tossed it to the floor before working to undo Caylan’s pants, “Shut up and make me yours, you brute.”

  Caylan quickly undressed and pushed Tansy down onto the bed, before kneeling on the floor next to the bed. Leaning forward, he pulled her towards him and licked her folds. Lapping at her sensitive bud, he slipped a finger inside of her. A moan escaped her lips with each thrust of his hand.

  “Noisy little thing. I like it when you tell me what you like,” he murmured against her clit before swirling his tongue around it.

  He could feel her getting closer and closer as he worked his tongue in tandem with his hand. The things he wanted to do to her body. He wanted to worship her, make her cry his name in ecstasy. She was his for the taking. He would make sure she always knew she was his.

  Standing, he grabbed his now rock hard member and angled it over her entry as she sat up and looked him in eyes, “What are you doing?”

  Caylan hesitated, “Well, now I’m not sure.”

  “I haven’t gotten to pleasure you yet,” Tansy said, scooting to the edge of the bed and then wrapping her mouth around the head of his cock.

  “Fuck, Tansy. If you do that, I won’t last long,” he said, trying to maintain control of his instincts.

  Tansy’s only response was a throaty laugh as she continued to work her mouth over him again and again. He was getting close. Pulling her off of him, he bent down and picked her up, holding her to where she was right over him. Moving his hips, he teased her, sliding the tip between her folds.

  “Are you opposed to me taking you from behind, my little vixen?” Caylan asked, his voice coming out so smooth it was like it was silk.

  Tansy wriggled in excitement, “Take me however you want.”

  A snarl erupted from Caylan’s throat as he set Tansy back on the floor and she bent over the bed for him. Sliding his cock inside of her, they both moaned in pleasure. Caylan grabbed her by the hips and rocked into her slowly, picking up speed with every stroke. He let his hands wander, reaching around to tweak her nipples as he continued you to rock into her.

  Tansy moaned his name over and over again, “Caylan, Caylan, yes, fuck yes.”

  Losing himself in the rhythm of it all, he gave himself over to instinct, taking her harder and faster as he went before pulling her up towards his chest as he bent over to meet her halfway.

  “There’s no going back after this. I’m about to come with you. When we do, I will have to bite you to seal the mating ritual. Every shiften will know you’re mine and I am yours. Are you ready for a commitment like that, Tansy?” Caylan asked, trying to force himself to maintain control long enough for her to answer.

  Tansy nodded as she whimpered in pleasure.

  “Say it. Tell me to claim you,” Caylan grit out, his movements becoming more jerky as he staved off their orgasms a moment longer.

  “Claim me, Caylan. Do it,” she moaned out as she shattered around him.

  Caylan leaned forward and sank his teeth into her shoulder where the muscle met with the neck as he came undone inside of her. As he released the tender muscle, wings of vibrant golds and silvers grew from Tansy’s shoulders. Together they floated gently in the air for a moment before floating back down onto the bed, her mating mark healing completely as they did so.

  How odd. Cool, but odd.

  “Best. Sex. Ever,” Tansy panted from beneath him.

  “You think so, huh? You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that you’re the first woman I’ve ever been with,” Caylan said, humor tinging his voice.

  “Wait, seriously?” Tansy asked, casting a look over her shoulder as Caylan fell to the bed beside her.

  “Yes, serio
usly. There’s not a whole lot of women out here, if you catch my drift,” Caylan winked at her, pulling her into his arms.

  “Good point,” Tansy said. “You’re damn talented for a first timer.”

  Caylan laughed, “Careful what you say, it might give me a big head. Let’s get you cleaned up; then we can enjoy the food you made.”

  “I like the way you think.”

  Epilogue

  Tansy sat on the porch of the cabin with the girls as they watched their mates talk with the group of rebel foxen that Caylan had called for a meeting. He was mostly just filling them in on their recent mating, as well as giving some suggestions for how they can prepare themselves physically for when the final fight with Khain comes. He had managed to keep their mating a secret from his rebel friends for almost two months, until Tansy had given him the green light to formally announce it. She knew that once something was out in the open, it also meant that they would have foxen and bearen guards posted all over the perimeter and she still valued her privacy. She still couldn’t believe that all of this was happening. Not that long ago, she had been a simple wanderer, now she was putting down roots. She had to hand it to Caylan; if he hadn’t come looking for her, she would still be out there hiding and living a lonely existence.

  “So how’re you feeling these days?” Dahlia asked, peering around from the other side of Rogue.

  Tansy shrugged, “Same as usual I guess. Although I’m reeeaaalllly over the morning sickness.”

  “I still can’t believe you guys got pregnant that fast. C’mon girl, we were supposed to get you practiced up with the drinking first,” Rogue teased.

  “What can I say, foxen swimmers are potent!” Tansy laughed.

  “So are dragen swimmers. Let me tell you, I still cannot believe how fast everything happened. I thought I was going to die of a heatstroke the entire pregnancy! So much for being the oven and baby being the bun, I was so damn hot I’m pretty sure she was the oven!” Heather laughed, fanning herself for effect.