by Zena Wynn
She thought back to Conor’s statement about treachery surrounding them and that they’d have to stick together in order to be victorious. Hard to do when your mate thought you were a naive twit.
Earlier this morning her furry counterpart had taken a stand and earned Rory’s respect. The woman could do no less. While her wolf relied on sheer dogged determination, Shayla would use the one thing that had never failed her—her brain.
She needed a plan, but before she could come up with a course of action, she needed information. In a sense, Rory was right. There was a lot she didn’t know about being a shifter or being a Sparrowhawk, but she would learn. She would watch, take notes, and not take anything at face value. She didn’t know who the enemy or enemies were, but when the time came, she’d be ready.
In the meantime she was here to do a job. It was time to get busy on it.
“There you are,” Rory said as she entered the kitchen. “I was getting ready to come and get you.”
She took a seat at the table and waited until he’d placed a plate in front of her to say, “Where’s the equipment you set up? I’m ready to begin work.”
“You need to rest,” he stated as he set a glass of juice and another of milk in front of her before sitting across from her.
“I’ve rested,” she said around a mouth full of bacon. “That’s all I did yesterday and this morning. Now it’s time to do what you contracted me for."
“Your work doesn’t officially begin until Monday. If you’re feeling energetic, why don’t you take today to settle in? Unpack and I’ll throw your suitcases in the attic, then give you a tour of the house.”
She thought about it for a moment, not telling him she’d seen every room in the house yesterday when she searched for him. “And where do you suggest I put my clothes?”
He stared at her, nonplussed. “In our room, where else?”
“So it’s our room?”
His eyes narrowed. “You try sleeping somewhere else…” He shook his head. “What’s wrong with you? What happened to the woman who calmly announced that she lived here and wasn’t leaving?”
“Last night you were being stupid, and I was mad.”
He crossed his arms and settled back in his chair, rocking on its two hind legs. “And today?”
Shay shrugged one shoulder. “Today I’m wondering if you were right.”
His chair landed on all fours with a bang. “So you do think I’d hurt you.”
She glared at him for being dense. “No, asshole, I don’t.”
Now he just appeared confused. “Then what’s the problem?”
Shay took a deep breath and set her fork to the side. “No problem. I simply think we should take one day at a time, one step at a time. At least until we see where this is going.”
Rory studied her while she played with her toast. “Finish eating. Shifting consumes a lot of energy. With the babe, you don’t have any to spare.”
So no protestations of dying devotion, Shay thought cynically as she resumed eating. Figures. Get a grip. Shannon already told you the man has issues. Between his issues and your hang-ups it’s a wonder you two have made it this far. With a sigh, Shayla conceded that this was true. If they didn’t get their act together, this was going to be one messed-up child, she mused.
When she finished, Rory took her plate and utensil and loaded them into the dishwasher. “Drink your milk,” he commanded.
Shay screwed up her face and did as he commanded without complaint, something that would have shocked everyone who knew her.
“I need to call the pack’s midwife and have her check you out. You haven’t seen a doctor yet, have you? Prompt medical attention is essential for a healthy pregnancy.”
Shayla’s temporary obedient streak came to a halt. “No.”
“What do you mean no?” he asked, his eyebrows scrunched.
“Just what I said. N. O. You need it in another language? Nein. Nyet.” She crossed her arms over her chest and settled more firmly into her seat.
His mouth opened to say something, closed, and then he shut his eyes and appeared to be counting under his breath. “Why, Shay?”
“I’m not opposed to medical treatment, but when it comes to my health and the welfare of this child, it will be handled by someone with a string of letters behind their name, preferably OB-GYN.” Her set gaze dared him to state differently.
“Shay, our midwife has lots of experience. She’s been delivering pack babies for over twenty years. She knows what she’s doing. You think I would trust you or our child to simply anyone?”
She shook her head. “Not happening. I don’t care what you say. You want me to see someone, take me to Alex. I know he’s certified. Checked him out myself.”
“Fine,” he growled. “I’ll take you to go see Alex. Get ready. We roll in five.” He stalked out of the kitchen.
Chapter Seven
A brooding werewolf. Now there’s an interesting sight. Shay watched Rory’s reflection in the window.
“Shouldn’t we have called first and made an appointment?” she asked.
“No. Your cousin’s his mate. He’ll see you. Besides, I’d rather Kiesha not know we’re coming. She’s a bit…bloodthirsty,” he finished with a grimace.
“That’s what happens when you act without thinking, dumb-ass.”
“Evil bastard, asshole, and now dumb-ass. Any other names you’d like to call me, mate?” Rory asked in a silky, if menacing, tone of voice.
Shay pretended to think on the matter. “Hmm, that’s it for now. At least it is until the next stupid thing you do,” she finished.
“That’s it,” he muttered. “Tell me how you really feel about me.”
With a sigh, Shay scooted closer and laid her hand on his thigh. “Not you,” she admitted, “but your actions.” She rested her head on his shoulder.
He covered her hand with his own, and nothing more was said until they arrived. It was nice, Shay reflected. She’d heard of companionable silences, but this was the first one she and Rory had experienced. Only now that the clinic sat in front of them, he was tensing up. The shoulder she leaned on and the thigh her hand lay on felt like rocks. Deep inside where she was bonded to him, she could literally feel his aggression rising.
The small parking lot was rather full for a Friday afternoon, but somehow she didn’t believe that was Rory’s issue. Personally she hated waiting in doctor’s offices. They really should have called first and made an appointment, but it was too late to argue now. They’d driven almost an hour to get here, and he was determined that she see someone today. So it was sit here and wait or see his pack’s midwife.
Shay mentally debated the pros and cons of staying. Neither she nor Rory made a move to get out of the truck. She knew why she hesitated but had no clue what his problem was. Finally she asked, “What’s wrong?”
“He’s going to see you. Touch you,” he growled.
“Alex’s a doctor. That’s what they do, especially for this type of exam.” Shay didn’t particularly like the idea of Kiesha’s husband seeing her—the whole thing was creeping her out—but she couldn’t tell Rory that, not when she’d insisted Alex be the one to do the exam. Damn, now she was tense and the tiniest bit nauseated.
Rory snarled. Actually snarled.
Shay turned to look at him. Meeting his gaze, she realized Rory was no longer home behind those eyes. Rory’s wolf’s golden-eyed gaze stared back at her. Lord, spare me from possessive werewolves. “We can go home. I’m sure the baby’s fine,” she offered.
A growl rumbled from his chest. She could see the wolf’s possessiveness over his mate fighting with his concern for his cub. He couldn’t go inside with his wolf this close to the surface. He’d scare the staff, be kicked out, and then all hell would break loose. She needed to calm him somehow. Shay rose to her knees on the bench seat and rubbed her cheek alongside his, the way she’d seen wolves do, hoping to calm him.
It did and didn’t work.
Shay fou
nd herself plastered to Rory from chest to pelvis as he pulled her to him in an inescapable grip. Feeling his claws on her butt, she quickly shrieked, “Don’t rip my pants.”
The world tilted, and she found herself on the seat below him. As Rory attacked the button and zipper of her pants, Shay rose on her elbows, trying to see if there were any witnesses to what was surely about to take place. Having her body put on display once was enough, thank you very much. If the wrong person came along, they’d get arrested for indecent exposure. If that happened, Kee would tease her mercilessly, forever.
“Down.” One hand pressing firmly against her chest ensured she obeyed while his other stripped her pants and panties from her legs. At least he left her upper body clothed. Thank God for small favors.
A slash of his claws and his jeans fell open, revealing his already heavy and bobbing cock. Shay hoped he had another pair in the truck. Rory parted her thighs and then he was between them. “Mine,” he pronounced as he entered her with one determined thrust.
Good thing she stayed in a perpetual state of arousal with this man or she would never have been able to take him. If Rory’s wolf was running the show, all it was interested in was staking its claim. Come to think of it, that’s all the man was usually interested in as well. Then Shay lost the ability to reason.
* * * *
Hours later Shay entered the house, still in a state of shock.
A whistling Rory closed the door behind her. “Guess I’d better get started on the nursery. With the way time’s flying, our cub will be here before we know it. I was thinking of opening the wall between our room and the one on the right. I can close off the hallway door and leave the only access through our bedroom. Just for the first year or so; then we’ll move him across the hall. I think two’s a good age, or sooner if you get pregnant again. I think we should have more than one cub, don’t you?”
He didn’t stick around for an answer. Instead he wandered up the staircase muttering about safety gates and baby proofing.
Shay drifted into the living room and sat staring out the picture window. She didn’t see the vibrant greens and browns of the surrounding hills and forest. All she could hear was Carol’s voice saying, “Well, you’re definitely pregnant.”
Shay couldn’t believe she’d forgotten Alex and Kiesha were gone on their honeymoon. Since they’d driven all that way, she’d agreed to let Carol, a nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife, do the honors.
Thinking she was pregnant and having it confirmed were two different things. Nothing like hearing a heartbeat to drive home the fact that she was really going to be a mother. She didn’t even have nine months to get used to the idea. According to Carol, her pregnancy was progressing more like a shifter than human.
Normal gestation for a human female was forty weeks. For shifter females it was more like thirty. That meant in four to five months, she’d be delivering. Figured she couldn’t even do pregnancy like a normal human. But then, when had the word normal ever applied to her?
Her body jostled as the weight of Rory lowering to the seat beside her dented the cushions. “Somehow I’m sensing you’re not sharing my excitement.”
Shayla shrugged. “It just hit me. I mean, I knew I was pregnant. All the signs were there, but…I’m pregnant! This is really happening. What do I know about being a mother?”
Rory put his arm around her and tugged her to him. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. Every first-time parent feels that way. You think I’m not nervous about being a father?”
“Please.” She rolled her eyes. “If there’s any part of this equation I’m not worried about, it’s you. Shannon said you practically raised her. Our kid will be lucky to have you as a father. I’m the one most likely to make it need therapy.”
He tucked his face against her nape and squeezed her so hard the breath left her body in a rush. “Can’t breathe,” she gasped.
Immediately his hold loosened. After a while he raised shining eyes and said in a hoarse voice, “Thank you. You don’t know how much that means to me.”
“It’s the truth,” she stated, waving aside his gratitude.
He shook his head but didn’t argue. They sat in yet another companionable silence, each busy with their own thoughts. Rory broke it when he said, “I might have some experience with little girls, but I know nothing about raising boys. Being one doesn’t count.”
“Good thing it’s a girl.”
“Highly improbable. Shifters aren’t known for their female offspring. Most likely it’s a boy.”
“That’s what you say. Excuse me if I choose to believe Conor instead,” she told him.
He turned her face so that he could look her in the eyes. “Conor said we’re having a daughter?”
“Actually he said daughters, which I assume meant plural, not possessive, but I’m not sure if he means now or accumulatively speaking,” Shay said with a shrug.
“He’s a seer,” Rory murmured, speaking to himself. Then his gaze sharpened. “Did he say anything else?”
“You must fight to hold on to what is yours. Treachery surrounds you. Only by uniting together will you be victorious. Show no mercy. Your daughters’ safety depends on the decisions you make now.” Conor’s words flowed through her mind.
She debated. Alphas were protective of their packs. Kee and Conor had both taught her pack meant family, and as their leader, Rory was like their kingly father. But I’m Rory’s mate and as such, his first priority. If not me, then definitely our child. But still, she didn’t really know Rory. Yes they had amazing sex and yes she was pregnant with his baby, but…
“Shay…” His tone said he was willing to push until she told him the whole.
Shay weighed her response. Conor had said she and Rory needed to work together. Then she remembered how easily he’d dismissed her concerns about Ashley, and it tilted the scales against Rory. “Nothing you need to be concerned about,” she finally muttered.
“I don’t believe you.”
She arched one brow. “Sounds like a personal problem to me.”
Rory glared at her, his face slowly building to a fine red color. Shay met his stare calmly. She’d tell him when she was good and ready, and not a minute before.
He took a deep breath. “Shay, mates don’t withhold information from each other.”
“Really? It’s my understanding that mates take each other’s concerns seriously.” She shrugged. “Guess we were both wrong.” Shay rose and looked down at him. “Since it looks like I’m staying, I’m going to go unpack…in our room.”
He grabbed her hand as she walked past, pulling her to a halt. “I don’t know what the problem is, but I promise, one day you’ll trust me.”
Shay tugged until he released her. “Maybe. But will you trust me in return?” At the moment she didn’t think so. Their staring contested lasted a long while. Finally Shay turned away and walked off with her head held high.
Despite Conor’s warning, she had a brain. She was more than capable of handling things herself. It wasn’t in her nature to ask for help. She’d figure out who the threat was and bring Rory in only when absolutely necessary.
WHAT THE HELL’S her problem?
Rory watched his mate stalk away from him, bemused at how such a tender moment between the two of them could have turned into such a disaster. Pregnancy hormones must be kicking in. Let it go.
A minute later he charged up the stairs.
When he topped the rise, he found Shay contemplating one of the extra bedrooms. “If you prefer that room, I’ll be happy to move all our things in there. Might be a little cramped…”
She flicked an annoyed look over her shoulder. “I’m checking out the storage. I doubt you have enough space in your room for both of our clothing.”
“Our room,” he emphasized, making sure Shay was clear on that point. “And think again. I prepared.” He turned the knob and pushed opened the bedroom door with his hip.
“All the furniture is new. The dresser and ni
ghtstand on the right side of the bed are yours. I also cleared out half the closet. If you need more space, let me know and I’ll move more of my stuff to another room.”
As she shoved past him into the room, Rory took in the antique-looking cherry wood set he’d purchased. It had a low-profile, king-size sleigh bed, eight-drawer dresser, and five-drawer chest, which should be more than enough for them, but if not, there was still the empty two-drawer cedar chest designed for comforters. Being a shifter, with his naturally high body temperature, he never used heavy covers.
He noted Shay preparing to lift her suitcase onto the bed and gently nudged her out of the way. “I’ll get this and the other one. I don’t want you straining yourself.”
She snorted but stepped out of the way.
As Shay unpacked, Rory tried to define what he was feeling. It was like all the random dots that made up his life were finally connected into one big, glorious picture. His mate was here, in their room, taking her first major step to settle in to their life together.
“We need to call the pack together to celebrate our mating and the coming of our young,” he said as he sat on the bed near where she worked.
Shay looked up from the contents of her suitcase, a frown on her face. “Will they?”
Confused, he asked, “Will they what?”
“Celebrate. The few members I’ve met so far didn’t seem all that joyous.”
He scowled, feeling his ire rise at MacDougal and even Caleb’s reaction to his desirable mate. “I’ll deal with Mac later on the proper respect due an alpha pair.”
Her hair fell forward when she bent over the luggage, and she shoved it back with a muttered curse before lifting a stack of folded cotton shirts and carrying them to the dresser. “And will Ashley be sitting in on this lecture?”
Baffled, he reminded Shay, “Ashley’s a child.”
Shay snorted. “That’s what you say.”
“Shay, Ashley’s getting close to the age where she’s old enough to be mated. She wants strong pups and a mate strong enough to protect her. It’s a survival instinct. I’m the most powerful wolf in the pack. It’s natural that she would make a play for me. All females do. Eventually she’ll realize I’m not interested and move on to someone who is.”
