by Bryce Evans
“I don’t know about that, but I’m Simone Alexander.” She answered with a laugh.
“I’ve been dying to finally meet you. I have something for you.” Simone squinted, wondering what in the world that could be. Jade retrieved a wrapped box from behind the display, and handed it to her.
“What’s this for?” Simone asked curiously.
“It’s a gift, from me. A welcome to town gift.” When Simone’s eyes widened, Jade added, “Please take it Simone. I hope we can be friends?”
Simone put her hand on Jade’s, “Oh… you don’t have to give me anything for my friendship,” and pushed the box back over to Jade.
“But I want to. Please, take it. I made it just for you. I think it will be my next online made-to-order piece.” Jade smiled and pushed the box back over to her.
“Are you sure? You could keep it and have one to show to customers. I hate taking a new one.” Simone answered concerned.
“Of course, I want you to have it. When I made it, I thought of you. In fact, you are my inspiration.” Jade answered, waiting for her to open it.
Biting her lip, she unwrapped the box, and opened it up. She couldn’t speak at first. She quickly blinked before the tear could fall from her eyes. “It’s beautiful, Jade. Turquoise is my favorite stone,” The design of the bracelet was stunning and elegant. The beads were placed onto a shining silver chain. “This is so exquisite. I’m honored to receive it.”
Jade beamed. “I knew you would like it.”
“I love it Jade. I can’t believe you’re giving this to me.” Simone admitted.
“When Bane described you to me, I…I just knew turquoise would be your stone.” Jade replied.
“Bane? He described me?” Simone asked
“Would you like to know what he said?”
Simone could only nod.
“He said he felt an instant calm around you, yet you were invigorating and made a person want to face the world again. Your drive for life was contagious. He also said that you were the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and that you had the prettiest green eyes. This is how I knew to use turquoise, because this is how my brother sees you—it’s his favorite stone. Turn the bracelet in the light, the colors are a blue green color. ”
Simone stood speechless, staring at Jade. Trying to figure out if this was just a joke, she asked, “Bane said all that about me?”
“Yes he did.” Jade answered. “Here, let me put it on you.” Pulling the bracelet out, she placed it on Simone’s right wrist. “Look, it fits you perfectly.”
“I don’t have anything for you Jade. It feels wrong for me to take this.” Simone muttered as she gazed at the beautiful turquoise bracelet.
“It’s a gift, I don’t expect anything in return…except maybe some of those cookies I ate yesterday. The double chocolate trouble cookies were absolutely wonderful. All that chocolate is so worth this bracelet.”
Simone and Quinn both laughed at Jade’s comment. “Of course you can! In fact, let me go and get you some.”
“No please, look around first. I’ll take my break and come to the store to get some. I think I will get some to take back with me.” Jade winked, like she had a secret. Then Simone remembered the surprise party for Quinn tonight. She would make sure they had plenty of sweets to eat; these people were just too good to be true.
“Thank you, Jade. Thank you for this.” Simone couldn’t believe how sweet this woman was. She glanced down in the display and saw that some of her bracelets sold for eighty dollars. She felt guilty for accepting the gift, when Jade could sell it and make money off of it.
Simone hugged Jade all the same, before Quinn took her around the store. She couldn’t stop looking down at the bracelet. “You like it?” Quinn asked.
Touching the bracelet, Simone answered, “I love it. I’ve never gotten anything like it before.”
Quinn narrowed her eyes, “You never received jewelry before?”
“Never received a gift before.” Simone answered.
She looked up when Quinn stopped and stared at her. “Never, not even from your mom?”
“My mom wasn’t much for giving anything, except maybe heartache. I lived in foster care until I was seventeen years old and could legally leave. I was lucky to have a roof over my head and food to eat. On some occasions, I didn’t even have that, but I lived, and I’m here now.”
Quinn looked like she was going to burst into tears. “Please, don’t cry for me. It was a long time ago, and besides, I learned how to take care of myself.” She didn’t want Quinn’s pity. “I think I need to get back to the store now. I don’t want to leave Monica by herself for too long. I’ve got a ton more baking to do.” Simone quickly hugged Quinn and rushed out of the store. She hated when people looked at her like she was broken or felt pity for her. Yes, she came from nothing, but dammit she made something out of herself. She owned a successful business now, and she wasn’t going to be made to feel awful over ancient history.
Chapter Eighteen
Bane was sitting drinking coffee with Ben when Simone got back. Both of them looked up as she walked in. Bane rushed over to her and grabbed her hand, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Before she could walk away, he had found the bracelet and smiled, inspecting it.
“Jade does great work. It suits you.” Bane smiled at her.
His concern for her took her breath away. But it didn’t matter. Stick to the plan, Simone. Stick to the plan.
“I’m fine. I’ve got some orders to fill.” Simone hated to pull away from his warm touch, but she had to. Her heart had been crushed enough.
Reluctantly, Bane let her go, but she saw something like hurt flash across his face before he schooled his emotions. She hated the fact that she couldn’t get to know him, but they were different in so many ways. Most of the time they just argued. The reality that he would eventually meet his mate one day and forget all about her only gave her more determination to stay away from Bane Cross.
Taking in a deep breath, Simone walked to the back and found Monica and Finn decorating cup cakes. It appeared that Finn was eating more than he was decorating. “Having fun?” Simone asked.
She laughed when Finn turned around with icing all over his face. He looked like a little kid. “This batter is freaking awesome.”
“It looks like you like it, Finn. Hey, are all the orders filled yet?”
“These are the last ones.” Finn answered.
“Good, I’m going to make some things for you guys to take to the surprise party for Quinn.”
“You’re not coming?” Finn asked and Monica also turned around too.
“No. Look, this is for Quinn, and it’s a pack party. I’ve got to get unpacked and do some things that I haven’t had a chance to do yet, but I’m hoping you’ll take these desserts I’m about to whip up with you from me.” Simone walked over and started pulling out ingredients to make some pies for the party. “You guys can go take a break now. I think we’re caught up, with plenty of cookies and cakes ready for tomorrow.”
Finn and Monica put the last cupcake in the box, taped the receipt on top, and put it in the fridge.
“We’re going up front.” Finn said. Monica had a few extra cupcakes with her to put in the displays. She didn’t even have to tell Monica what to do, the girl just did it. Simone was sorely going to miss Josh when he went back to school. She would have to find a replacement, or Monica would end up running the register. Her thoughts were on finding help when Bane sat down on the table beside her. He didn’t say anything, just watched as she mixed the batter.
“There’s a surprise birthday party for Quinn going on tonight, and we would like for you to come. She’d be mad if you didn’t. I can wait until you get ready, and I’ll drive you out.” Bane offered.
“Thanks for asking, but I already told Finn and Monica that I was going to bake some desserts for them to take for me. I’ve got some unpacking to do, and besides, it’s a pack party.”
�
��Ben is coming, and he’s not pack.”
“Ben’s coming to the party?” Simone asked, stopping what she was doing. She wondered what Monica thought about that.
“Yep, along with at least a few members of his clan, if not all of them. We’re going to have a cook-out and dance. I would really like for you to join us, and Quinn would be upset if you didn’t come. Everybody wants to meet the lady who bakes all of those mouthwatering desserts. Come on, you need to get out and meet some people, socialize a bit.”
“Man, you’re pouring it on thick.” Simone scoffed, that he was putting the guilt trip on her. Worse, it was working. She did kinda want to get to know some of the people who lived in New Hope.
“It’s Quinn’s birthday, Arden asked me to invite you.” So that was it. The Alpha wanted her there, not the Beta. Whatever, she couldn’t stay inside her store all the time. Besides, she owed it to Quinn.
“Okay, but I can drive and follow you, that way you don’t have to bring me home.
“I think it would be better if I drove you. Tate is making his famous punch and you’ll have to drink some of it; he won’t leave you alone until you do. You shouldn’t drive after you drink any alcohol.”
“What about you? I’m sure you will have some too, you shouldn’t drive either.” Simone remarked, wondering where he was going with this.
“Shifter metabolism burns off the alcohol so fast that I won’t feel any effects. That way I can drive you home.” She narrowed her eyes as she stared at him, fascinated at what he was really up too.
“Well…okay I guess. I’ve got a lot to bring. Now that the bears are going, I want to make some that they will love too.”
“Perfect, I can help you now that I know how.” Bane jumped off the table, put his apron on, and started making the honey buns. Whatever, she thought. She was going to the party for Quinn and Quinn only. It was her life now, and she wasn’t going to sit home at night afraid of meeting new people. No, she was going to share in the celebration of her new friend.
* * *
Now she regretted even getting dressed.
Bane waited for the pies to cool while she went upstairs and got dressed for the party. She put on some tights and boots with her favorite green shirt. The green in the shirt made her eyes sparkle, or at least, that’s what she thought when she looked in the mirror.
Adding the turquoise bracelet, Simone sprayed herself with the only bottle of perfume she had left. It was her favorite, but it cost a lot of money, and right now she had to use it sparingly until she could get back on her feet. All of her money was going back into the store, and besides, she wasn’t planning on going on any dates for a while. This wasn’t a date. He was simply giving her a ride.
Simone walked out of her apartment and locked it behind her, only to find Bane waiting for her at the bottom of the steps. She had to stop and just stare at him. He looked too good in his dark blue jeans and black button up shirt, with a dark brown sports coat that fit him to a tee. His blond hair was mused up, like he had been running his fingers through it. He looked simply gorgeous and she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. She nearly whimpered at the sight, damn him.
Neither of them spoke. Bane finally broke the silence with a groan, and then he broke down everything, every promise she had worked for and plan she had made, when he put his lips to hers. His fingers speared through her hair, holding her gently as he placed soft kisses across her face. Everything about this man drove her insane. His taste was intoxicating and she wanted more. All she had to do was open her apartment door, go back inside, and show him exactly how much she wanted him—but she couldn’t. It was Quinn’s birthday party, and she wasn’t going to do something she would regret in a few hours. Hell, she already wanted this man to take her back to her home and have sex with her.
The plan, dammit. The plan had to come first; she could never forget it.
Simone pulled away hesitantly, knowing if they didn’t stop now, she might not be able too. Bane was so addicting, and she didn’t understand why. How could she want him one minute and want to knock him out the next?
“I can’t do this.” Simone whispered, groaning as Bane licked and gently bit down on her ear lobe.
“I’m sorry I…” Bane whispered.
“We need to get to the party. Let’s just go.” Simone said, her voice huskier than she realized. She ached for him now, but Simone knew what she needed, and this wasn’t it. Distance was what she needed. Why was he doing this to her if she wasn’t his mate?
“You drive me crazy.” Bane’s eyes had turned yellow. He blinked several times. “You smell like cookie dough.”
Simone took another step back, silent, and turned to Bane’s truck.
Chapter Nineteen
Bane took a deep breath of the cool night air before he got inside the truck with Simone. He had to keep himself from touching her, or he was going to have to pull over.
Even as they drove, her scent continued to wreak havoc with him. She did things to him that no woman had ever done before. He felt frenzied every time he was around her. Even her temper turned him on. Simone never backed down from him, and he loved that about her. He glanced down at his watch; they were already running late.
He stepped on the gas.
Arden said he was going to take Quinn out for a moon-lit drive, then be back in an hour. She had no idea about the party, and wouldn’t think anything about a bunch of cars being at the pack house. He needed to get all the desserts that Simone had made there, but all he wanted to do was keep kissing her.
They drove on in silence. Before Bane could ask her anything, Simone spoke first. “Why do you continue playing with me? Why would you want me to get attached to you, when you know I’m not your mate?”
He wasn’t expecting that. Her bluntness made him pause, staring at her in disbelief. The pained look on her face said enough. “I’m sorry Simone…I just like you a lot, and every time I see you, I want you more. I can’t explain it to you. Even though you’re not my mate, you feel like it… sorta.”
“What does that mean? I’m not your mate, but I sorta feel like one? Let’s be honest with each other, you want to fuck me, plain and simple, and that’s all. You could care less about me, but you continue to pursue me because you want me in your bed. I think that about sums it up.” Simone’s words were straight-forward and sharp, cutting like a knife.
That wasn’t all he wanted. Dammit, he wanted her, in every way imaginable. He had wanted her from the moment he heard her voice, then once he saw her, she was like a beacon of light that drew him in.
Before he could respond, Bane’s phone lit up with a text message.
‘We’ll be there in ten minutes.’
Shit, he needed to hurry to get everything ready before Arden and Quinn got home.
“I..”
“Don’t say anything. I screwed up, again. Let’s just leave it at this—Simone, I’m sorry,” he found himself saying, “It won’t happen again.” He needed some time to think about this. Maybe he needed some time away from her; that might help. He needed his control back, some type of similarity back in his life. Right now, all Bane wanted was to be around her, to see what she was doing. Was she happy? Was she sad, and if she was, how could he fix it and make it right for her?
Bane pulled up to the pack house and got out without a word. Tate and Jade came outside to help. It wasn’t hard for them to figure out that Simone and Bane had been arguing.
“Hey Simone! I love your outfit.” Jade said as she hugged her, and Simone hugged her back. They locked arms as they carried some of the desserts inside, leaving the men behind.
“You know, you have such a way with women.” Tate teased, stepping far enough back that Bane couldn’t reach him. The Beta wanted to hit something, and Tate was a good target.
“Not now, Tate. Not now.” Bane muttered as he stacked the remaining bakery boxes on top of each other and closed his door.
“You know me man, I tell it like I see it. Why you can’t
see what’s right in front of you, I just don’t know.” Tate grinned, making Bane stop and turn toward him.
“What do you see, huh?” Bane snapped as he threw his empty hand in the air. “What do you see that I don’t?”
“Your mate. I know you-”
Bane put his hand out, stopping Tate from any more nonsense. “Simone is not my mate. We fight like cats and dogs. Hell, she can’t even stand me half the time, and I can’t seem to form a coherent word around her. You’re wrong.”
He turned around to walk inside, but he heard Tate’s remarks as he opened the door. “Sure buddy, if that’s what you’re trying to make yourself believe.”
Bane shook his head and kept walking, knowing deep down that Tate was right. But Bane didn’t know how to fix it. She felt like his mate, but something was different, and not at all like other mates he had seen when they first met.
* * *
Terry Dunn moved in closer as the man struggled to breath.
“Let him down RJ, so he can talk.”
His brother dropped the young boy onto the ground. “Now, let’s try this again. What did you hear Mr. Olsen say about Simone?”
The young boy looked like he was going to pee his pants and cry, but Terry needed him alive if he was going to get anything useful out of him. “I heard him talking to his wife about going to check on Simone. He put on the calendar that he was going on vacation on Saturday, but that’s all I know. When anyone comes around, he stops talking.”
Patting the top of his head, Terry smiled at Mr. Olsen’s worker. “That’s good William, that’s great news. Now, you run back to the store and keep listening. When you hear where he’s going, then we’ll discuss paying off dear old daddy’s debt. But I can promise you this, if you give Mr. Olsen a head’s up on this, I will gut your father and string him up in front of your house. Then you can bet that I’ll come after your little sister next. We don’t want that, do we William?”
