Becoming His

by Albany Walker

  “What?” He sulks. My goodness.

  “I may have made you cookies this morning. If Sniffer didn’t steal yours out of my jeep, they should still be in the back seat.”

  The smiles back full force. “You made cookies this morning? Wait. Did you say if Cass didn’t steal mine? He got some to?”

  I roll my eyes. “Yes he did. Yours are bigger. I was trying to butter you up so I’d get in your pack.” I laugh.

  “If he took them, I’m going over there to beat his ass right now. Then, I’ll take all the damn cookies.”

  Shaking my head “Masen, if he took your cookies, there won’t be any left. He’s kind of a piggy.”

  “I really like it when you say my name, Baby.” His voice is deeper than just a few moments ago.

  He’s moves closer, abandoning his two foot rule. I think I need the two feet because the way he just said that has me wanting to say his name again and again. I take a step back regaining the space but smile up to him. “How tall are you anyway?” I can tell by his face he knows how he affects me.

  He leaves the space between us but bends so his face is near mine. “Six foot five.” His breath fans my cheek. Still close, his nose brushes mine. “I’m going to get my cookies,” is what he says, it feels like he’s saying something altogether different. I just nod and swallow not sure what I’m agreeing to.

  He’s out the door in a flash, and I lean against the counter to keep myself standing. I’m way out of me element. I’m playing t-ball, and he’s in the major leagues.

  I heat the oven and griddle. Then, I start to gather some ingredients to make a steak sandwich again. I cut up some potatoes and toss them with olive oil and seasoning to thrown in the oven. Instead of sour dough, I find an large oval loaf of cheese bread that smells yummy. I melt some butter to brush the bread with after I slice it so I can grill it. I season the steak and wait until the potatoes are closer to being done before grilling it. Thirty minutes later, dinner’s ready, and I officially love this kitchen.

  I heard Masen return while I was cooking. He seemed content to just watch me and shovel cookies and oatmeal bars in his face. I did tell him if he ate the whole container, he’d be too full for dinner which got me a loud snort.

  Eating with Masen is very intimate. He seats me at the table then sits himself so close to me that if I don’t squeeze my thick thighs together my knee rests against his leg. That’s just too much hard work so I eventually just relax. He’s more refined than Sniffer, but he still moans in appreciation. He also takes every opportunity to touch me; he squeezes my hand and tells me how delicious it is. Brushes my hair back, when it falls forward from looking down at my plate, but the most intense situation came when he wiped a little sauce from my bottom lip with his thumb right as I was trying to lick it off. When my tongue touches the pad of his thumb, he sucks in air through his clinched teeth his other hand goes white from fisting it. He hasn’t moved but seems to be struggling for control. I slowly move my head back, and he lets out a long exhale. I’m not really sure how to deal with this. I find him immensely attractive, and I feel the sam pull to him because he’s my Mate.

  Trying to ease the tension I ask, “what did you mean earlier when you said I still don’t understand?”

  His light eyes stare into mine “it means Little one I’ve been waiting for you for five years. I don’t have, nor have I had, a girlfriend since the night we met.” He can read the doubt clear on my face. He adds, “I’m not saying I haven’t been with women,” shame is written all over his face, “but what I am saying is that it’s you, it has always been you, I was just waiting for you.”

  Now, I’m pissed. “Oh, is that supposed to make me feel good? You’ve been waiting for me, but while you waited, you’ve been with not one woman, but probably many.” I haven’t even addressed the fact that he still wants me. I’m not ready for that.

  Masen stops eating and gives me his full attention. “Yes, I have had sex, just sex, with a few. I was a twenty four year old shifter when me met. Had you been old enough to shift, I wouldn’t have been with anyone else. I broke off my relationship with Roxanne immediately.”

  My mouth falls open in outrage. “Broke it off? You where just with her today.” My voice is getting louder.

  He shakes his head. “No, I wasn’t. I have had sex with her but not today.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Did we interrupt you?” Now I’m yelling.

  “If you’d let me finish, I didn’t do anything with her today. She showed up here today dressed like that because she knew Cass was bringing a new female,” he points to me, “to join the pack. She wanted to make sure whoever it was saw her here and assumed I was taken, and I’m sure she would have been doubly happy if I would have had sex with her.” He’s not yelling, but his voice is defiantly louder than before.

  I know I’m the one that brought her up but boy does it hurt when I hear about him having being with anyone, let alone the devil woman. His face softens. “Shit. I’m sorry baby. You have every right to be mad. If I’d seen a man at your house half naked, I probably would have killed him...slowly. So I get it, I do. I’m not saying what I did was okay or make excuses, but I can’t change what happened. What I can promise you is that I will never look at another woman that way for the rest of my life!”

  His oath makes me feel a little better, but I’m still hurt from the betrayal. “This is all a little overwhelming. I thought you chose her over me back then. I did know it was unusual to meet your Mate at such a young age. I never told my parents what happened. I was to embarrassed because I thought you rejected me,” I say ruefully. “I gave up hope for us a long time ago. Then, we pull up to this house, and I knew you were close. I also knew it would be harder to get past the loss this time. When I realized who it was standing on the porch, it just...it’s just hard, ya know.” Not really expecting an answer I continue, “I kept thinking you were trying to tell me I needed to leave, that you still choose her.” I blow out a long breath. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around what you told me. Logically everything makes sense, that you didn’t know, that you did look for me, but I still have five years of doubt.”

  He grabs my hand and says simply, “it’s all my fault. I should have been there. I’m sorry.”

  “Not everything is your fault. I’m not blaming you. My parents died, but you didn’t kill them. A lot of the crap I’ve had to deal with sucks, but stop acting like you did it to me.”

  He face is tense. “I should have protected you,” his fist hits his chest, “that’s my job to make sure you’re safe and happy.” He growls, angry at himself.

  I roll my eyes. “I’m fine now. Simmer down.”

  He gapes at me; the left side of his lips starts to curl up in a deadly smirk. “Do you know? No one talks to me like that, especially when I’m upset. Yet, you, Little One, are so sassy. I never knew how much I’d like it.” He reaches over and snags me onto his lap then picks up his sandwich to finish eating, like it’s perfectly normal.

  I stay for a few minutes then get up to rinse my plate. I don’t see a dishwasher, but I couldn’t tell where the fridge was either, it just looks like cabinets. “Is there a dishwasher?” Still chewing, he motions to my left. Sure enough, it blends right in. I clean the mess from dinner, and when he’s done eating, he helps with the dishes.

  “Thank you for dinner; it was delicious. Will you stay over? No pressure, for anything. I’d just like to be near you.”

  I like being with him here too. Is it too soon to stay the night? I know he’s not asking for a romp, but it’s still strange. “I have class in the morning. I didn’t bring anything to sleep in or clothes for tomorrow.” Which actually sucks. I think I kinda wanted to stay.

  “I have something you could sleep in. I can take you home in the morning, or we could wash what you have on.”

  He’s looking at my rolled up skinny jeans and black tank covered by a white cropped cardigan with a tiny black skull and crossbones like he’s seeing it for the fir
st time. He stares the longest at my wooden, clog bottomed, light purple mary-janes. I’d stare at them too; they’re fabulous and comfy. He widens his legs. “We can just go to your place in the morning so you can change.”

  Is there something wrong with how I look? I’m not skinny like the devil woman, but I always try to dress for my body. I love my curves. “Is there a problem with what I have on?” I demand.

  His eyes slowly rise to mine, and he rasps, “I like what you’re wearing very much. I don’t want anyone else to like it quite as much, Little One.”

  Before making our way to his media room to relax Masen gives me a tee shirt that hangs to my knees, we decide on watching reruns of BlindSpot when he finds out it’s one of my favorite shows and he’s never seen it. We’re sitting on a loveseat. He’s brought what’s left of the cookies and some drinks. I make it through the first episode, but I fall asleep soon after. I wake up to Masen carrying me into a darkened room. He places me on a soft bed, covers me, and kisses my forehead. “Good night, Little One.” I’m falling back asleep before he leaves the room.

  When I start to wake up, I’m on fire. I can’t move, and I’m on fire. Holy hot batman, I try to push away from the heat, and my hands smack into a warm, rock hard chest. “It’s too early go back to sleep baby.” His voice is slow and sleepy.

  I almost scream, but he mashes my face into his neck with a palm to the back of my head, effectively silencing me. My heart is racing when I feel his other hand stroke my back lazily. “Shh, Little One, it’s okay.”

  My brain comes back online. I realize it’s Masen. He never did leave the room; I just feel asleep before he got into bed. I contemplate how he managed to cocoon me without me waking. I became a light sleeper out of necessity, but I still haven’t broke the habit. I must have been really tired. Keep lying to yourself, Sophie. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the living blanket you’re snuggled up to. Too much, too early.

  “Masen,” I whisper .”Masen.” I try to wiggle. “I’m so hot, and I need to pee.”

  He flips over so I’m under him; his arms cage my head, his lower body just brushing mine. “Mornin Baby.” His hooded eyes take in my face then move lower when he sees the shirt he gave me rode up my hip so my panties are barely visible. “I need to get up, need to get up.” Somehow, I know he’s talking to himself, not me.

  When he stands, I see the black sweatpants he’s wearing do nothing to hide the impressive erection he has. My cheeks heat with a blush, and I look away but not before he sees me looking. “No need to look away baby. You’re the reason it’s there.” He chuckles.

  I pull the cover over my head. “Masen, are you serious? You big freak!” I say embarrassed.

  I feel the bed bounce as he jumps on my legs. “Oh, I’m a freak. Huh?” He questions while he prowls up my body. Once his knees hit my waist, he lowers himself to sit on my thighs. The blanket covering me slowly inches down revealing a playful Masen right in my face.

  I cover my mouth and say, “I’ve got yuck mouth, backup...freak.”

  He moves my hand and runs his nose up my neck, across my jaw, over my cheek, then brushes it against my nose. His mouth is so close to the corner of my lips I can almost feel the swell of his bottom lip on my top. He’s teasing me. As he moves up to feather his lips on my eyelids, I feel the soft scruff of his chin tickle my lips. My lips are so sensitive I gasp. When it happens again, I know it’s on purpose, and a small moan escapes.

  “I was just trying to tease you, Little One, but I can’t ever seem to get the upper hand.” His lips graze mine as he speaks.

  I’m so tempted to lick my lips so I can taste his. Instead, I say, “I need to get home and change for school.”

  He nods, letting his nose caress mine again. “I know baby, just one second,” he answers. His eyes close, and he slowly backs away. When his face is near the apex of my thighs, he inhales deeply and shutters. “I want you to move up the bed, Little One. Move backwards to the head board.” I do as I’m told. His voice brokers not argument. “Good girl. Now, go to the bathroom. I’ll wait for you.” He’s still crouched on the bed; his eyes track my every move. When I close the door, I lean against it trying to regain my balance. That was...scorching. I may not be experienced, but I know I feel like strutting back out there just to see what would happen. Oh, I’m in big big trouble.

  Redressed in yesterday’s clothes, I find my way back to the kitchen. Masen is dressed similar to yesterday, only his jeans are a little looser, and his belt and boots are a caramel brown. His wide shoulders are bent over the counter messing with the coffee pot. When he stands and turns, I’m again taken back by his size.

  “Are all Alphas as big as you?” I ask.

  His smile is pure mischief. “No baby, I’m the biggest” He states proudly.

  “Psshs, you,” I point, “are trouble.” But, I love how playful he can be. His strong jaw is clean shaven, and his dark hair is damp. His light eyes make his handsome face so striking it’s hard to look away. I wouldn’t have guessed he’s almost thirty. He looks closer to early twenties, but shifters live a long life so we age much slower.

  He offers me coffee, but he doesn’t have any creamer so I decline. “I’m kinda picky about my coffee. I’ll grab some at home.” He drinks a cup of black coffee and lets me know he’s ready when I am. “It’s okay as long as you point me out of the pack land. I can make it from there.” I still have plenty of time before my first class to make it home and change.

  “I want to come. Please?” He adds as an afterthought. I don’t think he uses that word often.

  “Sure, are you going to follow me, then?”

  He runs his hand through his beautifully messy hair. “I was kinda hoping I could drive you home and then to school. I won’t try to go to class with you or anything,” he says, like that’s even an option, “but I thought maybe we could hang out again tonight?” At least, he phrases it like a question.

  “What about my jeep though? If you drive, it’ll be here, and I wouldn’t have anything to drive.”

  “I’ll make sure you have your truck when you need it.”

  My purse and keys are on the island where he left them after bringing them in last night with the cookies. Grabbing my things, I announce, “I’m all set.”

  He tucks my hand into his arm in the way I’m becoming familiar with and leads me to his garage. There are a few cars, a large SUV, but he approaches a motorcycle. “No way, Masen. I’m not riding to school on that! Everybody already stares at me. I can just imagine what they’d say if I pulled up on the back of their Alpha’s motorcycle,” I scoff.

  “First, who stares at you?” He asks darkly.

  “Only every shifter at school,” I throw my hands in the air, “thank god for Sniffer and Sam, or they may have kicked me out for being a rogue or something.” I add. “Even my English Professor held me after class.”

  His eye narrow. “Did he now? I’ll take care of it,” he says brushing my concern off. “Now for second, of course you can ride up on the Alphas bike, you’re the Alpha’s Mate,” he smirks, “and I plan on Marking you as soon as you let me.” He growls.

  “Freak,” I say.

  My purse is wrapped around my body, and my hair is in a loose braid tucked under the helmet. Masen sits astride the motorcycle, waiting for me to get on. “If you plan on making it to school, we need to get going.” I reluctantly lift my leg and slide behind him. My breasts touch his back when I lean forward to put my arms around his waist as instructed. Masen grabs behind my knees and yanks me forward. My breath leaves my lungs in a huff as every part of my body molds to his. “I like this, we many never ride in a car again,” he muses.

  Minutes later, we’re flying down the road headed to my house. It’s still early so there’s not much traffic; we make it in fifteen minutes. My legs are wiggly when I step off, but man was it fun. “I liked that very much, Masen. Thank you,” I say sincerely.

  “No need to thank me baby. I’ll give you a ride anytime.”
He winks.

  I show him around my house and tell him to have a seat while I get changed. I already washed my face last night when I changed into Masen’s shirt, so I put a on what little makeup I wear and re-braid my hair. I throw on a new pair of jeans over clean panties and a sheer gray sleeveless shirt the black bra I just put on is barely visible. Lastly, I grab my favorite, old gringo cowboy boots.

  When I walk out, Masen is in the kitchen trying to figure out how to work my Keurig. “I know you want coffee. I was trying to help, but I can’t find where the coffee goes.” I laugh and show him the k-cups and how to load it up.

  “There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”

  I can tell it’s serious. “Yeah?”

  He clears his throat. “Other than Cass, I’d rather you didn’t tell anyone we met five years ago. Like I was telling you yesterday, Mates have never been identified before their first shift. I’m not sure if it means anything, but I’d like to be sure before anyone else knows,”

  “Okay I can do that.” No problem. I don’t want people to know that either.

  “One more thing, Little One.” He points to my chest. “Are you trying to kill me, or have me kill someone else?” He says seriously.

  I smack his arm and make my coffee to go. “How am I going to bring my coffee?”

  “You can just hold it. School’s only a couple blocks, and I’ll drive slow.”I grab my book bag and lock up.

  Holding the cup wasn’t to bad. I’ll just have to start getting it at campus. Calm down, Sophia; he’s not offering to drive you to school everyday.

  When we pull up, it’s seven fifty. The parking lot is a lot fuller than Monday. Every head turns with the sound of the loud engine. Ugh, I knew this would happen. When I get off, he turns the engine off, takes the helmet I had on, and places it on the seat. He looks around. Gone is the playful Masen; his face is hard as he puts my hand on his elbow. “Where’s your first class, Little One?” His voice is at odds with his face, so gentle.