Jake gave her the binoculars and stepped to the side. He kept contact by rubbing small circles on her back. She could get use to this. She saw the car, but didn’t know the driver. She promptly let them know and went back to her room to pack.
Jake pulled his truck out onto the street and picked them up farther down the road, so that whoever was in the car would believe he was leaving alone. He was nervous, not for himself but for his family. It didn’t take him long to become accustomed to thinking of them that way. After all, he had bought Shana the most gorgeous solitaire diamond engagement ring, with a gold band, after dropping her off at work today. It obviously wasn’t the right time now, but soon.
Pulling into his garage and closing the garage door, he saw that Shana and Trevor had stunned looks on their faces. He became a little uneasy. “Everything alright?”
“Great googalie moogalie! You live here?” came Trevor’s amazed little voice.
Feeling quite shy, he answered, “Yeah, welcome home.” His home was a sprawling mansion. It has twenty rooms, give or take. A large patio in the backyard for the frequent BBQ’s because shifters like their meat. And a gourmet kitchen. All of the rooms were kept clean and ready because, at any given time, he would house random pack members in need.
Shana bit her tongue. “This is all a bit much to take in, Jake. Couldn’t you have told us up front you were rich-instead you had to rub our noses in it.” She was seething. He was going to show Trevor what it was like living it up, and then rip it all away.
“I knowed he had lotssa moneys. It’s okay, mama.”
She could hear the confusion in her son’s voice so she put on her plastic smile and said, “I’m sorry, honey. I was just surprised is all. It’ll only be for a couple days. I’m sure we can endure, right?”
Jake was struck dumb. She was mad at him because he had money. That was a new one. He’d worked his entire life to make himself what he was, and he was damn proud. Damn mate made him feel pensive.
“Don’t go outta your way in a show of appreciation for me.” Jake got out of the car and slammed the door, not forgetting their bags from the trunk. He did leave the door to the house open so they could come in, when she was done brooding.
“I think you maked him feel bad, mama. He just wants to be with us. Happy and accepted and loved.” He unstrapped his car seat and got out of the truck, following Jake in the house.
Great, now she felt like an idiot. It wasn’t his fault he was loaded. Why did she even care? She sat there in the dark wondering what her problem was, when she remembered she had to call Katie. She dialed and it went to voicemail so she left a message updating her situation. She felt alone and lonely. She was inadvertently pushing everyone she loved away.
Resolved, she got out of the car and found her boys in the kitchen, making dinner. “I’m so sorry for freaking out on both of you. I just...dunno. I feel like I’m losing control of our lives; I just want us to be happy and settled. Just when I think we’re close, we get uprooted. Please forgive me.”
They both looked at each other before smiling and looking to her. At the same time, they both said, “Forgiven,” and they all laughed.
She went to them and kissed them both on the cheek. Trevor promptly wiped his off and said, “Eeewwwww,” but Jake closed his eyes and savored the contact, not knowing when it would happen again.
Jake picked up their bags and said, “While dinner is cooking, why don’t you come pick out the rooms you want to use.” He moved toward the stairs.
“I call the one with the Power Ranger sheets!” an excited Trevor yelled as he was bounding up the stairs.
“I doubt he has a room like that, lil’ man,” Shana said in her mother-knows-best voice.
“Wanna bet? Jakie buyed them for me. He knows I was coming.” He ran down the long hall and into a room with blue walls, a desk in the corner, and, sure enough, Power Ranger sheets. It also had a Power Ranger rug and numerous toys. The desk had loads of books they hadn’t read yet.
Shana smiled down at her son as Jake linked their hands. She felt instant heat and the same tingly feeling she got every time they touched.
“Ready to find a room that suits your needs?” He was so giving, and tender, it gave her butterflies in her stomach.
She pulled him down the hall. About three doors down at the end of the hall, she entered what had to be the loveliest room she’d ever seen. The walls were the softest green with a huge four poster bed along the back wall. It had all natural wood furniture that looked as if it was handmade. The door on the left was open and hinted at a beautiful bathroom. She saw a door off to the right and walked into a spacious walk-in closet. Unfortunately, she noted by the closet’s occupant that this room had already been taken. She turned to find Jake had entered the closet behind her; it suddenly felt a lot smaller than she’d originally thought. She noted the wolfish grin on his face and knew instantly whose room this was.
“I think this is perfect for your needs.” He gave a sly smile and was suddenly ravenous for her touch. “It’s your choice. I said I wouldn’t expect your services in return for your stay here. In all truth I’m just happy you walked through the door. I’ll take some of my things and get settled down the hall.” He was trying not to project his feelings of rejection, but it was hard to hide.
“There is no need. I trust you. We can both stay in this room, if you’re willing to share. I do expect you to stick to your promise though. I enjoyed the simple act of sleeping protected next to you and, good golly, your bed is big enough. If you’ll allow...”
“You had me at ‘you trust me.’ I’m honorable and won’t break my word unless it is mutually agreeable; so don’t try and ravage me in my sleep.”
She could see he was pleased, as was she.
“You hungry? We put baked potatoes in the oven, there’s salad in the fridge.” He cringed. “And we have some steaks to grill.”
“You have a thing for meat, huh? How will I ever compare?” She joked as she unpacked her bag.
“You and Trevor are all I’ll ever need. I will gladly give up my home, money and meat, for you in my life.” He smacked her butt. “So shake a leg and I’ll give you the grand tour.”
She blushed but was secretly blooming on the inside. She’d never felt this kind of dedication. What did she do? She could try to flirt.
“I can’t wait to see the firm hard wood you have laid in the living area. It looks delightful and I bet it feels even better. I love the feel of natural hard wood.” She was looking at the bulge in his pants while she made the statement and knew by his groan he got the undertone.
Jake was in trouble. She was so fresh and, almost, innocent. She probably didn’t understand the needs of his beast. He sensed her sensuality and wanted so much to strip her, flip her and mark her. She was playing with fire and would end up being scorched, but sated. Could she handle his shifter side?
They walked hand-in-hand down to Trevor’s room, but he wasn’t anywhere to be found. Hell’s bells, how was she going to find him in this ginormous house? She started calling to Trevor back down the hall. When Jake’s lips twitched, she said, “What, gotta better idea?”
Jake tapped his nose and started down the hall back towards the kitchen. He heard a mumbled, “Damn shifters,” as they entered the kitchen. Shana turned and told Trevor, “We’ll have to get you a GPS for when your da— Jake’s not here to find you.”
As her gaze settled on Trevor, she saw he was talking to someone. A female someone, who was very...cute.
“Mama, this is Tara. She lives here too.”
She could hear the excitement in his voice at makin’ new friends.
She came around the counter and held out her hand. “Hello, I’m Shana. This is my son, Trevor. We’ll only be here for a couple days and then you can have your home back.” She was jealous. Green-eyed demon just wouldn’t let up. Why was this cute young little girl living with Jake? It was none of her business. But why?
Tara took in a great big gu
lp of air and suddenly looked fearful. She backed away, looking down, and started to stutter and put her hands to her slightly rounded abdomen. “Uh, I...I should go, I mean, Um, well, good to meet you but I...”
That’s when Shana noticed it. Shit, the cute girl living with Jake was pregnant. Was it Jake’s? He could have told her.
“It’s okay, Tara. Shana and Trevor are new to all this shifter stuff and I’m sure they don’t know how it all works,” came Jake’s calm voice from behind Shana. He put his hands on her shoulders. “Tara was from another pack that doesn’t allow true mates. They want you to mate with any available male, as soon as possible, to continue the species. Tara came to us because she no longer liked how her pack was handling the females. She lives here because I am pack Alpha and protector. I open my home to those in need. I, however, do not take advantage of them.”
Bending down to whisper in her ear, he added, “She can smell your jealousy and thinks you’ll harm her, or her cubs, which are not mine by the way.” He kissed her lightly on the jaw line.
Why would she harm anyone? Oh, with wolves there was that whole territory thing. She was learning. Shana walked over to a cowering Tara and put her hand to the woman’s abdomen. “Is it a boy or a girl?” she said in the softest voice possible.
“Uh...I think it will be twins. It smells like a boy and a girl.” She gave a tentative smile, which looked more like baring her teeth, and then immediately lowered her head in a submissive pose.
Shana turned to Jake. She didn’t know what to do or how to make her more comfortable. “I’m very sorry. You’ll have to excuse my behavior. I didn’t intend to upset you. I’m new to the shifter way of life. I know that it’ll be wonderful to have you around. You’ve already charmed Trevor.” She smiled. “And it’s been a very long time since I’ve been able to see a woman grow with child. It’s such a wonder.”
Tara sat back down and looked tentatively at Jake. “Hello, Alpha.” She tipped her head down. “Is it okay if I remain? I see things have changed; I’m sure you and your mate would like the run of the house.”
“No, please don’t go. This house is super huge and there is enough room for us, and more. Stay.” Why did she feel like she was pleading?
Tara looked briefly to Jake. At his nod she lit up the room with her smile. She looked truly beautiful and Shana had a sudden longing to be close to this girl. They both had been through bad pregnancy situations, but now she had a chance to help this young woman.
Jake studied Shana; by her smell she was no longer jealous, but he couldn’t identify her scent. She was an amazing woman. To go from jealous to protective in a matter of a minute. He was in awe. He couldn’t wait until the day Shana grew round with his child. Oops...there went his uncontrolled boner again.
“Let’s get cooking. We can continue the tour after dinner or maybe tomorrow, it’s been a long day.” He pulled Shana into his arm and held her close. He didn’t make any advances toward her. He wanted her to know how proud he was of her.
Trevor poked him in the leg and whispered, “Come on, dad. I’m hungry.” And his little hand rose to pull him toward the grill.
Shana heard Trevor call Jake dad, but she didn’t have that instant bolt of fear pass through her. She wanted so badly to be accepted into this large family, but was unsure where to begin.
She grabbed Tara’s hand and pulled her out to the porch. The grill smelled fabulous, but the scene surrounding it was even better. The guys were drinking beers and flipping the steaks while laughing and making fun of each other.
When she stepped outside, it was to a few new faces. Jake made introductions and the sudden silence became alarming. One of the guys stepped forward and said, “So this is her, huh?”
She held her head high and said, “Yep, what of it?”
His name was Lorenzo but everyone called him Tinker, go figure. “Did you...really give them...dog food?” He punctuated the statement with bits of laughter.
She put on her bitchiest expression and said, “Yep, they ate every bite too.” No apology in her voice. She was trying to be hospitable. “By the way, you’re welcome.”
Tinker laughed and the rest of the pack followed. She felt foolish, but not enough to apologize. She was going to be Alpha female to this...frat house. Life was not fair.
Tinker handed her a beer named Blue Moon, ironic. “Welcome to the pack,” he said as he dipped his head. He explained his name was Lorenzo but they called him Tinker because he was the town mechanic.
She felt at home. Comfortable, accepted. She felt loved. She looked over at Jake playing with Trevor and felt her heart swelling with love. She knew without a doubt she loved Jake.
Jake must have sensed a disturbance in the force. He looked at her, his grin making her panties wet and her nipples hard.
Jake sauntered over to her, sniffed her neck and noted the scent of gingerbread, the scent of love. He took her into his arms and said, “Finally.” Tipping his head down, he took her mouth in a kiss that rivaled no other. As they lost themselves in each other’s kiss. She heard hoots and hollers with one little voice saying, “Yucky, ma.”
It took all of her willpower to pull herself away from Jake’s tight embrace. As she gazed into his eyes, she saw everything she’s ever wanted. Love, trust, safety and security. She had accepted him fully, and couldn’t wait for tonight. Because tonight, she was going to mate with her wolf, and rock his world.
Chapter 17
“Where the hell is she?” bellowed Ryan. He’d broken into the school, gotten her contact information, and staked out her house. He’d broken into her house, but no one was there. It was a ghost town. He didn’t understand. He saw her enter the house after school, and hadn’t seen her leave. He did see a man leave and wondered if she went with him. He’d have to find out.
He called her cellphone and it rang with no answer. He was furious. He went into her room and rifled through her drawers. He smelled her panties, threw them all over the bed. He found her purple vibrator in the bedside drawer. Maybe she wasn’t a whore. She must have been waiting for his return. He stripped naked and lay in her bed, smelling the sheets.
He picked up her home phone and tried to call her cellphone with it. This time she answered on the third ring. “Hello.” She sounded confused. After all, who would be calling from her own home?
“You coming home anytime soon, love? I’m waiting for you. You still smell the same Shana, but your taste in lingerie has definitely improved. I can’t wait to see you in the red silk.” He began to stroke his rigid shaft.
“What are you doing in my house? Get out now or I’ll call the cops. Never mind, I’ll call in them anyway. Get out!”
She was shaking with fear and had lost her appetite. She’d been sitting, talking with Tara about her pregnancy. When the phone rang her scent must have changed because Tara ran off. Oops.
“Come home, Shana. I’m waiting on you; I’m ready for you.” He let loose with his release all over her sheets and said, “I’ll find you, babe. Don’t worry. You’ll be mine again. I know you’ve been chaste; I found your toy. It tastes just like you.”
Bile rose in her throat and she hung up. Running to the bathroom, she barely made it in time to throw up her dinner. She could feel big warm hands at her nape, and knew Jake was at her back. She felt how tense he was just from the way he held her hair back. She vomited again, and again, until her stomach had nothing else and still she continued to dry heave.
He was shaking with rage after Tara found him and told him of his mate. Her fear and anger. He ran to Shana just in time to see her disappear into the bathroom and become ill. Paul was already on his way to her house after the silent alarm was triggered, and he hoped that Paul caught the bastard. He was ready for a little pack justice.
When it appeared that Shana was done, he scooped her up in his arms and headed to their room. She tried to talk, but he couldn’t understand between the hiccupping sobs. “Shh, it’ll be okay. I’m here with you. You’re safe, love.
” He laid her on the sheets and came down next to her. He held her and stroked her back until she quieted.
When he felt she was calmer, he got up and brought a warm rag to wipe her face. He stripped her naked, and put her in her jammies. He hopped under the covers with her for comfort. She snuggled up next to him and promptly fell asleep. When he noticed the change in her breathing, he gently got out of bed and went to his pack.
He approached Conner, who was pacing. “Where is Trevor?” He knew he was on edge and needed to deal with lil’ man before he lost it.
“Tara bathed him and he’s waiting in bed for his story. He wanted you. I’ll be here when you get back.” Jake could tell it was bad by the way Conner was holding his beast in check by a thread.
Jake walked into Trevor’s room and noticed he was looking down at the book he held. When his eyes met Jake’s he put on a small smile. “Mama is gonna be fine, Jakie. It’ll be over soon enough.”
Jake went to the bed and took the book from Trevor. His eyes misted with tears that he refused to let fall. This little boy had known such hardship. The book was called ‘I Love You, Daddy.’
Jake read the book and when he closed the back cover, Trevor’s little voice said, “We’ll be happy, Jakie. I know it seems all bad now, but we will be happy. Mommy too.”
He tucked Trevor in and then went to his second to get a report. Conner looked briefly alarmed at the rage in Jake’s eyes but held firm.
“It’s bad, Jake. The guy is a lunatic. How could they have let him out of prison?”
Jake just stared, waiting.
“He broke the front window; easy fix,” Conner said. “Paul’s putting a board up.”
“Get to the point, Conner. I have little patience. I’ve spent the last couple of hours comforting my mate and an innocent child. Out with it!”
Connor winced; he really didn’t want to be the one to tell him. “He went straight to her room and picked through her...uh, underthings. He got in her bed and…” Oh God, this part was bad. “He got himself off. It was all over her sheets and her...panties. It was his intent to claim her, keep her. He had no interest in the boy. His scent was nowhere near his room.”
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