by Milly Taiden
Inside, Kasen shifted to two feet, walked into his bedroom, closed the door behind him, and crawled behind Andi and snuggled her closely. He would never let her go, no matter how stubborn she was against him. She was his.
He must’ve fallen asleep because he suddenly woke. He looked around to get his bearings. Voices came from the other room. One voice in particular was his mother’s. Fuck. He slipped on a pair of sweatpants and an old T-shirt. Ready to get this confrontation over with, he schlepped out the door.
“Hello, Mom. What do you want?” His mother and Spike quieted their argument.
She gasped, lifting a brow and pursing her lips. “Well, that’s not a polite way to greet your mother.”
He wanted to disagree, but kept his mouth closed and lumbered to the fridge for food. When he didn’t reply, she huffed.
“Kasen, I heard you were on a date with that cat woman again.”
He straightened with a container of orange juice in his hand. He twisted the lid off and tipped back the plastic gallon jug. After a few chugs, giving him time to think, he put the lid back on and stuck the juice in the refrigerator. His mother grimaced.
“Mother, look at me.” He gestured to his shabby clothes. “Does it look like I’m on a date?”
Her reply bumbled. “Why didn’t you answer your phone?” He looked around the counters.
“Spike, you see my phone anywhere?”
“Not me. I do good to keep up with my own.”
Kasen shrugged. “Must’ve left it somewhere, Mom. Sorry.” His indignation at his mother’s constant intrusion into his life was starting to get to him. “You know, Mom, who I date and socialize with are not your concern. I’m more than capable of picking out who I want to be with.”
Her eyes narrowed. This was the first time she’d shown out right hostility. “I am aware you are capable of finding a mate. I’m concerned about it being the best choice for this pack. Docile, domestic, baby driven.”
“Well, concern yourself no more, Mother. I have it under control. I’ve made a decision.”
Surprise covered her face. “You have? Who is it?”
“Yeah,” he’d forgotten Spike was there, “who is it?”
His frown turned to his beta. “I will announce it tomorrow night at the dinner.” He turned to his mother. “That is still on, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. Tell me who, so I can make sure she’s there,” his mother demanded. He wasn’t about to be cowed into submission.
“Don’t worry about her.” He patted his mother on the back and aimed her toward the door. “She knows who she is, and she will be there. I may even pick her up myself and bring her with me. Yes, I think I’ll do that.”
Kasen opened the door and nicely pushed her out before she could say anything. “I’ll see you tomorrow night at your and Dad’s house. Okay? Goodnight, Mother.” He closed the door and blew out a breath. Now he just needed to convince Andi to go with him tomorrow night.
TWENTY-SIX
Andi opened her eyes. She was in bed, though the dark room wasn’t hers. With her first breath, Kasen filled her senses. What a wonderful way to wake. She must be in his room, but why and when? They were on a picnic.
A warm hand softly landed on her cheek and turned her head to the side. Hot, wet lips took hers in a demanding kiss. Full of desire and passion, the smacker lit up her insides. She moaned and rolled on top of her sensual attacker. That was until her bare bottom was exposed to the cold air. She squealed and retucked the blanket around her. She was completely naked.
“Kasen, what happened? Why are we here? I don’t remember coming back from the picnic.”
“Love, listen to me.” He pushed up to lean on an elbow and gazed down on her. His eyes ran the gamut of emotions. What was he thinking? His fingers slid down her cheek. He pecked the end of her nose. “Are you hungry?”
Her stomach rumbled at that moment. “I am a little hungry.” She wanted to know what was going through his head a moment ago, but Kasen rolled off the bed and set clothes next to her.
“Change into these and come out to the kitchen. I’ll have food waiting.” He kissed her again, then left her wanting more. She huffed at him. He did that on purpose. He laughed as the door closed behind him.
She changed into drawstring shorts that went to her knees and a T-shirt that swallowed her. Good thing she wasn’t going for looks. She was still having a hard time with the fact her cat was completely obsessed with him. Her human emotions were all over the map. She wanted the wolf so badly but was unsure things could work out.
In the kitchen, she scooted onto a stool at the granite bar overlooking the sink. Kasen slid a plate loaded with hot filet mignon in front of her. She could definitely get used to eating like this. She forked a bite into her mouth. “So, why was I naked in your bed with no memory of getting there?”
He scowled, not looking at her. “Andi, someone shot a tranq dart at you.”
She stopped chewing, her brow furrowed. “Why would they do that?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “Maybe it was an accident. The tranq missing another animal and the shooter not knowing it hit you.”
“How many animals do you have in your woods that you need to knock out?” He had no answer for that, or if he did, he wasn’t saying. She kept eating, even though her appetite had gone away. It’d be a shame to waste such good steak.
“So I was hit by a dart. What happened after that?”
“Basically,” he began, “I fished you out of the water and brought you here to sleep it off.”
Hmm. Something didn’t seem right. “Fished me out of the water, that’s it?”
“Well, your clothes got wet, so I changed you out of them.” Her cheeks instantly heated. “Nothing happened, I swear. I was a bit preoccupied at the time.”
“Preoccupied with what?” she asked.
He shook his head. “Don’t worry about anything. I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable and safe.” She thought that was especially charming. When finished eating, she put her fork on her plate and Kasen put both in the sink. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into a hug. He held her tightly like there was no tomorrow.
“Kasen, are you sure you’re all right? You seem strange.”
He smiled. “Of course I’m all right. I’ve got you here and we’re sitting on the couch for the rest of the night, just talking.”
She rolled her eyes. “So I’m still off the menu? That can be really annoying.”
“What?” He pulled away and laughed. “I’m being a gentleman and not just some wild animal.”
“Maybe I want the wild animal.”
He chuckled, but she saw the heat in his eyes. “C’mon. Let’s sit down for a while.” He led her into the living room where he had candles scattered, the fireplace roaring, and soft music.
“Oh my gosh, Kasen. This is so romantic.” He kissed her forehead and those emotions in her heart expanded.
“I’m glad you like it. You deserve so much more than filet for dinner and Skittles for dessert.” He gestured toward the candy dish on the coffee table.
She did a little happy dance. “I love Skittles. They’re my favorite.”
He sat sideways on the sofa so his one leg stretched out while the other remained on the floor. When he pulled her down in front of him, she snagged the single bag of tangy candy before plopping back. He kissed her neck as she tore open the bag.
Andi poured the little balls onto her palm, then set the bag down. From her hand she picked out a green one, popped it into her mouth, then dug around to pull out another green piece. Those were her favorites.
“Hey,” he said, then plucked his own green candy. “Why are you eating all the green ones? Those are my favorite. Get your own color.”
“No way. I ate the first one. You get a different color.”
“It’s my candy. I bought it,” he said, teasing.
“You bought it for guests, and I’m the guest,” she replied.
He grunted. �
��How do you know I didn’t buy it for myself?”
“Because, silly,” she grinned, “everyone knows if you want something for yourself, you don’t put it on the table in the middle of the living room for everyone to eat.” She bent forward over the bag, peeking for more green.
“Hey. No fair.” He reached around, trying to grab the bag. She laughed and shoved it against her chest, hiding it from his hands.
“Mine,” she mumbled.
He wrapped his arms around her and playfully bit at her neck. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.” He brushed her hair to the other shoulder and whispered into her ear, “So, besides green Skittles and noodling, my lady, what do you like?”
“Hmm.” She laid her head back on his solid chest. He felt so good against her. “I like things all girls do. I’m not a girly girl, but I can take spa pampering once every month or two. Being alpha is hard work.”
“Really,” he said. “I wouldn’t know anything about that.”
She laughed. “You said it, not me. What do you like to do, Mr. Macho Alpha?”
He puffed his chest up. “I do the manly man things. Eat nails for breakfast, wrestle a herd of alligators every day, then come home and make love to my beautiful mate all night.” He swirled his tongue over the tender spot behind her ear. She couldn’t help but moan.
His fingers slid up her side to her breast, finding the loose nipple under the cotton shirt. Fuck. The taunting sent chills down her back. She felt wetness slide in her panty-less pussy. Her back vibrated from Kasen’s growl. His control was being tested, and he was failing. She loved it.
His voice was deep and rough. “I like when my mate creams for me, responds from my slightest touch.” His hand slid down her stomach, under the waistband of the shorts. “I like when my baby’s clit is swollen and ready to be sucked until she comes on my face.” Now she was losing control. She pushed her lower back against him, feeling his large, hard cock, ready for her.
She sucked in a deep breath. “I love the way you touch me. You know exactly where I need you, how I want you. You know me better than I know myself.”
“Because we were born to be together, my love. Our animals know. They never choose wrong. Tell me you feel it. I know you do.”
Oh, yes, she felt it. Even if she didn’t want to. “Kasen, I—” She didn’t know what she wanted to say. She wanted him, but he wasn’t right. She would be the one to lead and protect her pride. Kasen was too much of an alpha to concede control to her. He had to be, he was so strong in his convictions. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe they could work it—
Her phone rang, making her jump. Kasen’s hands came off her as she hunted for her purse. On the floor next to the recliner, she grabbed up her bag and pulled out the phone. “Hello.”
“Is this Miranda Colilla?”
“Yes.”
“Miss Colilla, this is the Medical Examiner’s office. We have two of your men in our morgue.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
Andi sat quietly staring out the passenger side window as Kasen drove them to the medical examiner’s office in town. She couldn’t imagine what happened. Maybe a car wreck? What kills more than one person? Could it have been the Black Rock Pride? They’d been sniffing around, bringing problems. Maybe they were the ones who left the dead cat on her kitchen table. It would make sense. Her people didn’t do that kind of stuff. Oh, god. Shit just went from bad to worse.
What’s worse, the ME wouldn’t release the two victims’ names. He said she needed to come down to identify the bodies before he released any further information.
Her dry clothes had sat in the alpha wolf’s dryer and she was able to fully dress before they left. She was in a daze thinking about the deaths, and Kasen directed her actions and got her in his vehicle. Without him guiding her, she probably would still be wandering the house. How could two of her people be dead?
Kasen took her by the hand and led her inside the county’s governmental offices. The ME’s department was down a long hall. A light shined through the top half of the wood/glass door. When they entered, a man dressed in scrubs met them. He took them to the room where the bodies were held and folded down the white sheet to show each man’s face. Yes, they were both from her pride. One was Shantelle’s grandson. The other man was one who’d been friends with her father. Someone with a family.
Andi turned her face against Kasen’s chest and held back her tears. She had to be strong, but dammit, these men were her family. She grew up with them and one had children he would never see go to the prom, or walk down the aisle. And young Christoff would never get a chance to find a mate. Yes, he’d been pushy, but he wasn’t a bad guy.
Kasen asked the ME what he knew. From what he pieced together, the younger one was killed first. Probably an ambush since the deepest injuries were in the soft portion of the lower back. The second man may have either come across the kill in progress or intercepted the killer shortly afterward. No other animal scents were found in the area.
They were both found in the same area by one of her enforcers. The police were called and they were able to keep it under wraps at the scene. With only one person from the pride knowing about the murders, it was a bit difficult to get the information they needed to call her. He apologized for the late hour, but some things were time sensitive when it came to forensics.
Once tests came back, they’d be able to give more information. Andi thanked him for his time and Kasen hauled her to her home. She spoke to Derrek, the one who found the bodies, on the phone, but he couldn’t tell her any more than the medical examiner. She asked him to call the other enforcers for a meeting in the morning to discuss everything and take a course of action.
God, she was exhausted. Even if she hadn’t been drugged earlier, she’d be dragging. Kasen gathered her to him and carried her to bed. He said he’d wake her in the morning when it was time for the meeting. She didn’t question or argue with him about staying at her house for the night. She was asleep before the full meaning of his words clicked.
When Andi opened her eyes. The sun shined through her window. That meant it was later in the morning than she intended to sleep. Shit. The men must’ve been wondering what the fuck was wrong with her. She called a meeting and couldn’t take the time to show up for it.
She threw clothes on, brushed her teeth, then headed down the stairs. She stopped in her tracks when entering the dining room. All the men looked at her, including Kasen.
“Hey, sweetheart. Come and sit beside me. We have things for you to review and make a decision on.” She mechanically walked in and sat in the chair next to Kasen. Naya set a plate of eggs, bacon, and fruit in front of her. She listened as Kasen went over details and ideas the group had discussed.
She learned that along with the two dead pride members, Josh Wilx was missing. Nobody had seen him for twenty-four hours, which for Josh was unusual.
They had come up with options for the next step, and Andi decided the plan to put into action. First they needed to inform the families of the two deceased then call the community together to inform them of the situation and setup search parties to scour the forest for signs of Josh.
Out of all of these tasks, Andi knew she had the hardest to do: tell Shantelle that her only grandson was dead. Derrick, her top enforcer, said he’d like to visit the family of the other deceased person to break the news. Andi agreed since they were blood family.
Everyone had their assigned duties and left to begin the long day. After everyone had left, Kasen took Andi into his arms and just held her. This was exactly what she needed right now. No words, no orders, just silent strength from the man she—she what?
Kasen kissed the top of her head. “Would you like me to go with you to Shantelle’s? She seemed like a very nice elder with her head on straight.”
Andi laughed. “Yeah, you could say that about her. She’s not afraid to tell it like it is, that’s for sure.” She leaned back from his chest. She did want him to go with her to the elder’s home. This
was probably the hardest thing she’d ever done. Being bossy was easy, telling someone their only remaining family had passed was heartbreaking.
She asked, “Do you have time to go with me? I don’t want to take you from your work, either.”
His smile warmed her, genuine and caring. “I will always have time for those I love.”
Dear god. Did he always have to say the perfect thing? Were there no faults to this man? There had to be something she could yell at him about. She just needed to stay the course. Docile man who was happy to be a home dad while she ran the pride. That’s what she needed. Not someone to take over and ruin everything her parents had worked so hard to build.
Almost noon on a Saturday, she knew Shantelle would be up and about. Andi lowered her eyes and said, “Let’s go. We need to get this over with so we can start the pride meeting on time.” Kasen took her hand and they walked silently down the sidewalk to the tidy, quaint home on the corner.
Andi sucked back her building tears and knocked on the burgundy door with flowers artfully strung around a wreath. She tried to keep semi-smiling when the older lady answered the door.
The pride meant so much to Andi. Each person was her close, personal family member. Knowing she would never see Christoff again, her dam of emotions broke. All she could do was throw her arms around Shantelle’s shoulders and silently let the tears flow for the pain she was about to cause the beautiful woman.
Shantelle patted her back like a mother would a little cub upset over something they’d done. “Miranda, what’s wrong, dear?” Andi couldn’t speak. The first words she uttered would break the lump in her throat holding everything back.
Kasen cleared his throat. “Shantelle, good to see you again. We have sad news to deliver to you.” Andi nodded against the frail shoulder she held. “Last night, your grandson, Christoff, and another man were killed by an unknown attacker.” Andi nodded again. The elder remained quiet and still.
