by Casey Lane
I pursed my lips as I considered how to respond. “I don’t mean to come off that way, but you’re my sister. And I can’t stand watching you demean yourself for someone who isn’t interested in you. Understand?”
She shook her head. “He’s my mate. I know it.”
“Wanting something doesn’t make it so,” I argued. “Even if you want this really badly, it doesn’t mean he will come around.” My shoulders drooped. I could see she was unmoved by my words. “You know, as your Alpha, I could order you to stay away from him.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“You’d be condemning me to death.” Lennie whimpered and covered her face with her hands. “You just don’t understand.”
“I’d like to. Try me.” I sat on the bed and patted the mattress beside me so she’d join me and we could talk like we used to when we were little.
Her head tilted and she reluctantly sat where I’d suggested. “If he could just see me like he sees you, Tanner would know we’re meant to be.”
I frowned, uncertain where to go with this discussion since she seemed so determined. Before I could come up with something wise and Alpha-worthy, a new knock sounded on my door.
“Is Lennie with you?” Shelby leaned into the room. When she saw her twin, she sighed. “I thought you were going to meet me at the van. We have to go to school.”
“I’m done with all my tests.” Lenoir moved closer to me, as if she thought I’d take her side and save her from her fate.
“Yes, but attendance still counts. You want to graduate in a couple of weeks, don’t you?” Shelby’s hands were on her hips.
Lennie’s head hung. “I suppose.” Reluctantly, she hopped off the bed and then turned to me. “Can we talk more later?”
I laughed. “We’re going to be stuck together in an RV for the next few months. I don’t think we can help but talk.”
“Good. I need you to understand.” She picked at a cuticle nervously.
They started out the bedroom door, but I stopped them. “Hey, Howl isn’t downstairs, is he?”
Shelby snorted. “You named him Howl?” Then she shook her head. “He’s not down there.” Obviously, she sensed my concern. “Savvy, he’s a stray. I bet he’ll come and go. Watch. He’ll show up again tonight. He knows when he’s got it good.” She winked at me and then the twins disappeared down the stairs.
After deciding she was probably right, I pulled my hair back into a ponytail, and made my way to the kitchen. Lula was sitting in a chair, staring out at the backyard. “It’s surprisingly peaceful here,” she murmured when she saw me.
“Well, we’re back off the road and the gate helps.” I grinned. I could smell the coffee and realized one of the women had even made bacon and eggs.
“That’s for you.” Lula pointed at the food. “They left it for you.”
I prepared my plate and poured myself a coffee before joining her at the table. “Where is everyone?”
“They went back to the homestead. I’m going to clean up the house before I return. Can you have someone pick me up later?” She took a sip from her mug, and I could tell something was bothering her.
“What’s wrong, Lula?” I laid a hand on her shoulder. “You can talk to me.”
“Don’t be mad, Alpha,” she murmured with her head down.
“Why would I be mad at you?” I scoffed at the idea.
She leaned forward. “I called your aunt.”
I slapped my forehead and sank in my seat. “I should’ve thought to do that. After all, Aunt Jo lost a sister.” With a smile, I murmured, “Thank you, Lula.”
“I should’ve asked, Alpha.” Her eyes watered.
I grabbed a napkin from the middle of the table. “Nah. You were being helpful.” For a moment, I stared at my plate. “I’m actually not hungry.” My wolf had been restless ever since I woke and it had turned my stomach. Instead, I packed some bacon in a baggy, then poured some coffee into a travel mug I found in the cupboard. I started to pick up after myself, but Lula shooed me away.
“This is my job, Alpha. You go take care of business.” Then she shoved me out the front door.
As soon as I started the car, I decided to call Quinn. When he answered, he sounded breathless. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“Not at all. I just finished exercising.” He cleared his throat. “What can I do for you, Savvy?” He sounded remarkably happy despite the way we left things the night before.
“So, you’re not mad at me?” I was filled with self-loathing for how timid I sounded.
“How could I be mad at you? In fact, you should come over. I’ll make breakfast and we can finish those plans before you go RV hunting.” He chuckled.
“RV hunting. Right. Did we talk about that?” I frowned.
“Savvy, quit arguing with me and come over.” He sighed. “I’m hanging up now. I’d better see you in the next fifteen minutes.”
“Or what?” I challenged him.
His voice grew deep, the way I loved it. “Or your breakfast will be cold. See you soon.”
I held the phone to my chest once our call ended. Then when my heart had stopped racing, I drove to his place. Sure, I felt a twinge of guilt for leaving Howl, but he wasn’t mine. He could come and go as he pleased. Still, I felt as responsible for him as I did the rest of the pack.
Determined to present a confident façade, I strode up the steps and knocked firmly on the door. When Quinn opened it, I opened my mouth, ready to offer some snappy comment. Instead, his lips were on mine, his arms wrapped around me. “What do you do to me?” Quinn whispered in my ear.
“Me? Pretty sure you’re the one with the lips who decided to get all handsy.” I giggled.
“Apparently, I have an extremely visceral response to your presence.” He pulled me into the house and shut the door behind us. “I see you and I have to touch you.” He walked me to the table where he had food on plates, hidden under heavy silver lids.
“What’s all this?” My eyes widened.
“Sit down and I’ll show you.” Quinn pushed my chair in and then elegantly draped a linen napkin onto my lap.
I shook my head. “I don’t even know what to think.”
He leaned low and murmured in my ear. “No thinking. Only eating. And then approving the plans so I can get the builders to work on your new house.”
“Mm, I like the sound of that.” I lifted my fork, but only managed to hover over the food. “Are these crepes?” My stomach, which had been churning earlier, was now grumbling for a meal.
“Of course. Nothing but the best for you, Savvy.” Quinn eyed me, and I could feel my cheeks flushing in response.
“Thank you.” I couldn’t even look at him. When he was near, I suddenly had needs and wants I’d never experienced before.
We made short work of the food, since we were mostly silent. As he cleared our plates, Quinn touched my ponytail. “You look adorable.”
“It’s practical.” I shrugged.
He nodded. “Right. Given your plans for the day, it makes sense.” His shoulders heaved. “Can I help?”
I stood abruptly. “I’m fine. I’m just buying an RV and cleaning out the house.”
His hand grazed mine and I shivered at the contact. “I hope you know that having help doesn’t make you weak.”
Whipping around, I glared at him. “It sure as hell doesn’t make me strong. There are a lot of guys just waiting for me to fail. If I can’t accomplish this on my own, how the hell can I be trusted to lead the pa—to care for the people on the homestead?”
Quinn gnawed on his cheek and then shrugged. “Fine. We’ll do it your way, but I’m warning you, I’ll never be far away.”
I sighed. “I know. You’re what…a few miles?” I hugged him briefly. “Thank you. For everything. Now show me. I gotta get to the homestead.”
“You’re going to eat and run again, aren’t you?” His lids lowered and I could feel his disappointment.
Slowly, sadly, I walked into his arms. “I
don’t know what you want, or what you expect, but I promise you…I’m nothing like what you’re used to.” I frowned.
Lifting his chin, Quinn finally met my gaze. “And how do I stack up to what you’re used to?”
I snorted and quickly covered my mouth. “Sorry. I’m not used to anyone.”
His eyes narrowed. “What does that mean?”
Immediately my cheeks were on fire. “Let’s look at the plans.” I turned and clapped my hands, hoping to change the direction of our discussion.
“Are you trying to tell me you’ve never been with anyone?” His brow furrowed.
Part of me really wanted to ignore his question, but the rest knew I had to be honest. Then he’d know I really wasn’t his type. “Yeah. That’s what I’m saying. Plans, please?” I scanned the room for the iPad he’d shown me the night before.
Quinn groaned. “I’m trying to process this. Give me a minute.”
“I don’t have a minute.” I rubbed my temples. My head had begun to pound, probably from the blood shooting to it every ten seconds. “I promised I’d wait,” I whispered by explanation. “It was really important to my father. He told me it would matter to my—husband. Not once have I regretted the decision.” My eyes teared up as I stared into his gorgeous blue ones. “Until now.” I sniffled and swiped at my nose. “I hope you’re happy.”
Instead of running, like I expected, Quinn crushed me to is chest. “Your father was right,” he murmured into my hair.
Chapter Twelve
After leaving Quinn’s house, I drove straight to the nearest Asheville RV dealership, which meant going to Hendersonville. My heart wasn’t in it. I didn’t feel any excitement even though I should’ve been thrilled to return to our homestead. Instead, I was consumed with the unexplainable sense of loss. By the time I met up with a salesman, I was ready to buy the first tow-behind I found.
“What’s your price range?” The guy smiled at me in way that made me mildly uncomfortable.
“I don’t have a limit. Let’s find one that meets my needs, then find me someone to deliver today, and I’ll buy it.” I sighed.
He tugged on his chin. “So, do you want to get the credit application going and we can look after we get the results.”
Only sheer restraint kept me from growling at this man. “No,” I gritted out. “I will pay for it. I’ll get a cashier’s check as soon as you give me the total. Got it?”
His eyes widened briefly, but he quickly recovered. “Well, then let’s get searching.”
By the time I’d seen three different models, I was completely over this chore. I didn’t even bother trying to hide my frustration anymore. “Find me one with bunks and a comfortable living area in the back, a bedroom for me, a nice functional kitchen, an outdoor kitchen, and a bathroom I can turn around in. I’ll take it.”
The man scanned the list of models on the lot. “I think I have just the one for you.” He quickly steered me to one on the far side of the lot. “Now, it’s a little pricey.”
“I don’t care.” I tightened my ponytail and followed him.
He unlocked the door. “Take a look and let me know what you think.”
I walked into the open living space, which consisted of a couch, a U-shaped booth, and a kitchen with an island. To the right was my bedroom with a queen-sized bed. The TV was on a swiveling panel, so it could be watched in the bedroom, if I was so inclined. I walked through the kitchen and found a small, but functional pantry. The bathroom was on the left with a standup shower and door to the outside. The entire back was a bunk house, which could sleep three, plus an entertainment center where the twins could have their own television. When I walked out the door, I found the outdoor kitchen.
“Fine.” I shrugged. “This will work.”
The salesman was practically rubbing his hands together as we returned to the office to complete the paperwork. Meanwhile, I trudged behind him lost in thought, until my phone began to vibrate. I grabbed it from inside my satchel and grinned when I saw Quinn’s name appear on my screen. “Hey.” For some reason, I sounded breathless.
“Don’t do it,” he warned. “I have a better idea.”
“Don’t do what?” I covered my other ear with my hand. The background noise drowned him out. The mountains didn’t help either.
“You don’t strike me as a camper.” Quinn chuckled.
I hesitated before responding. “I’m not.”
“So, if you buy an RV, you’re wasting money,” he explained.
I paced just inside the showroom. “I know, but I don’t have any alternatives. We have to move back to the homestead.”
“Savvy,” he murmured.
I could almost feel him caressing me through the phone. Closing my eyes, I leaned against the wall. “Yes, Quinn?”
“I have an idea. It’s a better idea. It’s a practical idea.” His excitement was obvious.
With a groan, I asked, “What’s the idea?”
“Tiny house.”
“What?” I croaked. In my mind, I pictured a living space so tight, the twins and I were practically on top of each other. Nothing relaxing about that. I shook my head.
“I know what you’re thinking. It’s nothing like that. I’m texting you an address. Come meet me,” Quinn urged. “Then, if you still want an RV, I’ll help you negotiate a deal.”
My temper flared. “So, you think I can’t do it?” I stormed out of the showroom and made a beeline for my car. “I can do this. I was already about to do it. What makes you think I need your help?”
He swallowed hard. “Maybe I don’t think you need me,” he admitted quietly. “Maybe I just want you to need me some. Would that be so terrible?” He sighed. “I sent you the address. See you soon.”
Then he ended the call and I felt like an ass. Why did I always think the worst of him? Why was I so determined to exert my independence? Why couldn’t I let anyone help me? His text chimed and I loaded the address into the map and started on my way. While I drove, I considered all these questions paining me. The truth was difficult to accept. My father had made me this way. He didn’t want me to ever need a male. I could still hear his voice in my head. This is how you’ll know the love is real.
Apparently, if I didn’t need a guy, but I still wanted to be with him, we were on a level playing field. I wouldn’t be some sucker. I’d be the strong, fierce woman my father trained me to be. I’d be the Alpha, completely untouchable. I’d prepared for this role for ten years, never really expecting I’d actually have to step up. My parents were supposed to still be here. My chest tightened. My wolf whined. Then, thankfully, I arrived at the destination. The last thing I needed was more alone time to think.
Quinn had been watching for me. As soon as I parked, he opened my door and offered me a hand. My brow rose. “You do know I can get out all by myself, right?”
He chuckled. “Of course, but as a gentleman, I should open doors for you. I should make you feel safe and cared for.”
My brow furrowed. “And why would you do that?”
Leaning close, he whispered, “Haven’t you figured it out yet?”
“Figured what out?” I giggled because everything about this seemed so silly.
He wrapped his arms around me and drew me close to his chest. “I like you, Savvy. I could more than like you.”
My breath caught in my throat. Why couldn’t he be a shifter? Why did life have to be so complicated? “But you can’t. I told you. Last night, even.”
“I know. No rush.” Quinn smiled down at me. His whole face seemed to light up and those eyes pierced my soul. Seriously, my wolf was about to lose her mind.
I rubbed my temple. He didn’t get it. This wasn’t one of those things time could fix. This was an impossible situation. “Show me,” I murmured.
He bent his head and grazed my forehead with his lips as he continued to kiss a path to mine. By the time he reached his destination, I was ready…more than ready. I was ravenous. Hell, I almost forgot. I pulled back a
nd placed my hand over his mouth. Shaking my head, I tried to clear the fog in my brain that blotted out everything but him. “No, Quinn. Show me the tiny house.”
If he was disappointed, he hid it behind a mirthful mask. “Of course. This way.” He gently took my hand in his and pulled me into a huge warehouse. Inside, were several homes in various stages of completion. Then he stopped and pointed. “That one.”
My jaw dropped as I stared at the tiny Craftsman with a porch. I was in love. “I’ll take it.”
He laughed. “You haven’t even looked inside yet.”
“I don’t care. It’s beautiful. And it even fits in with the homestead.” My heart raced. I wanted to believe this was because of this amazing find, but I feared my reaction had more to do with the man standing behind me with his arms casually wrapped around my waist. “This is the one,” I murmured. Inside, my wolf howled and I tried to convince myself I was still talking about the house.
Chapter Thirteen
Once the deal had been made, I drove back to the homestead. I still had to unload the house. Some would go in the dumpster I’d ordered. Some would go in my car to be transported to the storage unit. A truly tiny pile would soon be moved into our temporary home. Thinking about it made me smile. This was right. Oh, and there were few things I’d enjoyed more than watching Quinn negotiate my purchase. By the time he was done, I had free blinds for the place in addition to free delivery and set up.
I tossed the ottoman in the dumpster. Most of the furniture was ruined either by water or smoke damage. For last few hours, I’d been trekking back and forth. Determination to finish had me lost in my own thoughts. Quinn had called, but I couldn’t reach the phone in time. Standing on the porch, I prepared to return his phone call when I heard the sound of a vehicle on gravel. The house had been set up. The homesteaders had gone back to the Phoenix House to pack. Suddenly, I found myself all alone. I stood at the ready, prepared to shift in an instant if necessary. The vehicle came to a stop at the end of the driveway. I recognized it as a taxi, but still I felt uneasy. We didn’t have visitors here.
