Rachel shook her head rapidly. “No, no, it's not like...”
“Rachel,” Ruby said softly. “You're only thirty-six. You're not planning on being an old maid for the rest of your life, are you?”
“Actually, I...”
Ruby tut-tutted loudly. “Just give it a chance. Don't shut him out. Wyatt deserves a wonderful, beautiful mate. And you, you deserve so much more. You deserve to be happy,” Ruby said and squeezed her shoulder.
“I am happy,” Rachel protested. “I just...”
“Take a chance, Rachel. Wyatt may...surprise you. Put yourself out there, Rachel. It just might be worth it.”
Rachel swallowed. “But...what if...?”
“What if it doesn't work out?” Ruby finished for her and shrugged. “Well, no loss I guess. Great sex never hurt anyone.”
“Ruby!”
Ruby giggled and winked, skipping deftly out of the way as Rachel swatted at her. Rachel gave chase, and Ruby laughed and ran up the stairs.
The two of them barreled into a large room at the end of the carpeted corridor just as she caught up with Ruby and started to mock strangle her. “Help!” Ruby squeaked. “Help me, Mikey, Wyatt! She's killing me!”
Rachel released her sister and straightened up. Mikey and Wyatt grinned at them, then turned back to the enormous computer screen. They were sitting side by side, expertly navigating their race cars down a winding track. Wyatt had slipped out of his dinner jacket, and Rachel could see his white shirt stretch snugly over his broad, powerful shoulders. Sitting cross-legged beside her little boy, he looked completely at ease and so darned sexy.
On the screen, the two race cars powered noisily towards the finish line. They were neck and neck but Mikey was faster by a nanosecond. “I win!” Mikey shouted, throwing up his arms. “I am the champion!”
Wyatt put down his console and stood up. He high-fived Mikey and did a silly victory dance with him.
“I am the champion of the world,” Mikey sang, jumping up and down. “Mom! Did you see that? I beat Uncle Wyatt. Again!”
“Did you?” Rachel picked him up and kissed him. As he wriggled out of her arms, she wondered how much longer she could continue carrying him and swinging him around. He was growing up so fast and pretty soon he would be much too heavy for her.
Rachel put her son down with a small sigh and glanced round the room. She saw a kid's bed shaped like a race car in the middle of the room, two bookshelves filled with children's books at the corner and boxes of games and toys all over the spacious room. And there was that humongous computer and a flat screen TV at the far end of the room. Big, colorful, squishy bean bags were strewn in front of the TV screen.
The room was a kid's dream. A paradise she couldn't afford to give Mikey.
Wyatt smiled and came over to them. “You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble,” she told Wyatt. “This is too much...”
“No trouble,” he answered. “This is Mikey's room.”
“B-but we're only staying for a few days. And when we leave...”
Rachel blinked when Wyatt let out a low growl.
“What...” she began, frowning.
But Ruby stepped hastily in front of her and cut her off. “You'll make sure Rachel and Mikey enjoy their stay in Ursa Springs, won't you?” Ruby said pointedly to her brother-in-law. “Nate and I will be leaving for our honeymoon tonight.” She glanced at her watch and started to back out of the room. “Um, in fact, we should be leaving now.”
Rachel went over and took Mikey's hand. “Come and say goodbye to your Aunt Ruby and Uncle Nate.”
“But Mom, I want to play...” he protested.
“You can play later. Your Aunt and Uncle are leaving now,” Rachel said sternly.
“Oh. Okay,” Mikey slid off his little stool and followed the adults down the stairs. “When are you coming back, Aunt Ruby?” he asked as he hopped down the stairs.
“In about a week,” Ruby replied. “I expect you'll be even taller by the time I get back.”
“Oh yes!” Mikey puffed out his chest. “I'm going to be taller than Uncle Wyatt soon.”
Wyatt ruffled his hair and whispered something to him which elicited a fit of giggles.
Nate and Jack were already loading the suitcases into the car in front of the house. Rachel went to hug both Nate and Ruby, kissing them resoundingly on the cheek. “Enjoy your honeymoon. Eat lots, play lots and...make some bear cubs!”
“Rachel!” Ruby punched her arm but Nate gave her a wide grin which told her that he planned to do just that.
Wyatt and Jack went up to Nate and the brothers shared a big bear hug. “Have fun, but don't do anything I wouldn't do,” Wyatt told Nate in all seriousness.
“Oh, I'm very sure I wouldn't do anything you would do,” Nate answered solemnly.
The brothers grinned and clapped one another on the back. Rachel could tell the Lawson brothers shared a very tight, close bond, and they would always have one another's backs. The Alpha position had passed from their father to Nate, who was the eldest son, but his brothers were his second and third-in-command. They would take care of the clan and the company in his absence.
As Rachel helped her sister with her bags, she reminded Ruby to take good care of herself. “We should be back in a week's time. Will you still be in Ursa Springs when we get back?” Ruby asked her. “Or do you have to rush back to the city?”
“I took just one week's leave. But that should be enough time to explore Ursa Springs and see what this charming little town has to offer.”
Ruby grinned. “Ursa Springs has a lot to offer.” With a wink, she added, “I'm sure Wyatt will show you the irresistible charm, attraction and appeal of Ursa Springs.” Before Rachel could respond, Ruby gave her a big hug. “Have fun, Rachel, and...take a chance. I love you. I hope you find your heart's desire here in Ursa Springs,” she whispered, giving her one last hug before waving and bounding towards the car.
CHAPTER THREE
Rachel waved until Nate's silver Bentley rolled out of the mansion gates and turned out to the main road.
Take a chance, her sister had told her.
Rachel turned and stole a glance at Wyatt. He was standing at the top of the front steps, his eyes scanning the distance.
Once the Bentley was out of sight, she saw Wyatt check the cameras and alarm system. He made sure that the automatic gates were locked securely and all the security cameras and alarms were switched on. In Nate's absence, Wyatt, being the Beta of the Silvertip clan, was now the acting Alpha of the clan and the acting Chairman of the Silver Group. He was now responsible for the safety and well-being of his clan, his company, his family.
Plus, he now had two humans living in his wing of the mansion.
For the first time, Rachel realized that his playboy persona may be just a facade. She saw that when it came to his family's safety and security, Wyatt took no chances.
There was another side to him. He was sharp, perceptive and protective. There was no doubt that he was an alpha male. But he preferred to take the Beta position and support his eldest brother. He wasn't envious of Nate, and he didn't want to vie with his brother for the Alpha position. It showed his strength and integrity, his loyalty and character.
Rachel could see that Wyatt was as good an Alpha as Nate. He stepped effortlessly and confidently into the Alpha position in Nate's absence. He was just as alpha, just as dominant as Nate. But he didn't use his power and aggression to fight his eldest brother and destroy him so he could take over as Alpha. He used his capabilities and intelligence to help expand the Silver Group's business interests, and protect and defend his family and his clan.
There were indeed many, many facets to Wyatt Lawson.
He was a playboy, a playmate, a prankster, a protector.
As Wyatt locked the front doors, Jack raised his brows and asked, “Turning in so early, Wyatt? Aren't you going to the opening of that new, swanky nightclub in town?”
“No.”
Jack cupped
his ears. “No? Did I hear correctly? The club will be swarming with rich, gorgeous women. You'll be surrounded by horny little heiresses, all babes lookin' for a good time.”
Wyatt scowled at his brother and turned back to check the locks.
“Something's not right.” Jack came up to him and put a hand on his forehead. “You okay? It's not like you to say no, to babes!” When Wyatt glared at him, Jack gasped and backed away dramatically with a feigned look of horror. “Who are you? And what have you done with my brother?”
They shoved each other playfully, and when Mikey joined in the mock brawl, the three of them fell in a heap on the ground and began to wrestle.
Rachel couldn't help laughing. Bears really loved to play, and Mikey was having so much fun with them. She was really glad that Mikey had these wonderful, fun-loving uncles in his life now.
And for all his boisterous play and roughhousing, Rachel saw that Wyatt was gentle towards both Jack and Mikey. He pretended to sit on Jack and pummel him, while tickling Mikey and distracting everyone by bellowing a string of meaningless, ridiculous threats.
Rachel held her sides and laughed. Wyatt was being very silly and funny, goofing around and making an utter fool of himself. She caught her breath and realized that he was actually horsing around for her benefit. He wanted to make her laugh, make her comfortable. Now that Ruby had left with Nate, Rachel was essentially alone in the huge house with two burly, towering werebears. And she had her young son with her.
She was amazed that he could see all this from her point of view. She was right. The devil-may-care, debonair persona was just a facade. Wyatt was actually very astute, observant and sensitive.
Wiping her eyes, Rachel saw that Wyatt was smiling at her from under the pile of arms and legs. Grateful and touched, she returned his smile and went to grab Mikey off the top of the grunting, growling heap.
“That's enough for now,” she told Mikey. “Look at you. You need a bath right now.” She wrinkled her nose. “Bathtime, then bedtime,” she said sternly.
“Aww, Mom!” Mikey sagged in her arms. “Can't I stay up late tonight?”
“Nope.”
“Why not?” He gave a loud yawn and rubbed his eyes.
“Because you need your sleep, young man. You can hardly keep your eyes open,” she laughed, carrying him towards the stairs.
Jack came to bump fists with Mikey. “Goodnight, Mikey. See you tomorrow.” He bent down and kissed Rachel on the cheek. “Goodnight, Rachel. Just give me a holler if you need anything.”
At that, Wyatt growled low. “I'll take care of her. She won't be hollering for you,” he said in a tone which warned his younger brother to back off.
A look of surprise crossed Jack's face. He rubbed his chin as he studied Wyatt. Rachel saw the trademark Lawson glint of mischief in Jack's blue eyes as he grinned at her. “If he tries anything funny with you, you just shout for me,” Jack told her in a loud whisper. “I'll come to your rescue in a jiffy. That is, if you want to be rescued.”
Rachel blushed furiously. “Goodnight, Jack.”
Jack waggled his eyebrows at his brother before ambling off down the long corridor. “Nighty-night, y'all,” he called out and chortled. “Sleep tight, don't let the big bear bite!”
Wyatt scowled at his brother's back before turning to Rachel. “Ignore him. Jack's being a dick.”
“He's just joking,” Rachel said mildly.
Wyatt let out a curse under his breath before his eyes fell on Mikey. “There's a kid in the house. I should watch my language.” Then he promptly cursed again, and gave a final vicious curse at his own unstoppable cursing.
Luckily, Mikey appeared to have fallen asleep on Rachel's shoulder.
“I'll go and get his bath ready,” Wyatt said gruffly and climbed the stairs ahead of her. Rachel stared down his long legs as he took the stairs two at a time. She could tell his legs were powerful, muscular, and the tailored pants molded perfectly to his tight, manly butt. She felt the oddest urge to press herself up against him and cup his nice, firm butt in her hands.
Rachel shook herself. Her son was asleep on her shoulder, for God's sake. And here she was, ogling, drooling and making goo-goo eyes at his hunky Uncle Wyatt. It must be all that champagne she'd drunk. That sparkling, delicious champagne had turned to liquid fire in her gut, and was reigniting her Wyatt-fever.
She recalled Jack's parting shot and tried to ignore the heat blooming in her core and spreading up her body. Would she dare let the big bear bite? Would she mind if Wyatt tried something funny with her?
She swallowed a gasp at the turn of her own wanton thoughts.
Oh, she did want to writhe and burn under the big bear's bite. And if the tormenting ache between her legs was any indication, she did want Wyatt to try something funny with her tonight. And if he did, she definitely didn't want to be rescued.
“In here!” Wyatt's voice made her jerk her head up. Her cheeks were still burning and she hoped he wouldn't see the flush on her neck and face. This was just...too embarrassing.
The light in the bathroom flicked on. “I bought a whole family of rubber duckies for him!” Wyatt called out.
“Oh.” A smile came naturally to her lips as she stepped into the clean, spacious bathroom beside Mikey's bedroom. Wyatt was kneeling by the bathtub with his sleeves rolled up. There was a look of intense concentration on his handsome face as he carefully tested the water and filled the bath with boats, submarines, rubber sharks and yes, a whole family of rubber duckies.
Rachel undressed a yawning Mikey and lowered him into the bathtub of toys. With a happy squeal, Mikey immediately perked up and began to steer the sharks towards the hapless, innocent rubber duckies. At the same time, he happily created a tsunami by kicking his legs and sending the boats crashing against the side of the tub.
While he played, Rachel shampooed his hair and scrubbed him with quick, practiced moves. She sponged and rinsed him off quickly, getting her nice dress thoroughly soaked in the process. She continued chatting and answering his incessant questions as she lifted him smoothly out of the tub.
Wyatt was standing by with a huge, fluffy towel. As she toweled him off, Wyatt slipped out of the bathroom and was back in a minute with a set of Sesame Street pajamas.
“Elmo!” Mikey said sleepily, patting the front of his pajamas.
“Yep, that's Elmo,” Rachel answered. “Now, brush your teeth and I'll tuck you in.”
Mikey dutifully went to the sink and reached for the new toothbrush. “Elmo's on the toothbrush too,” he said, grinning.
Rachel smiled gratefully at Wyatt. It was so sweet and thoughtful of him. He had made sure that they got everything they needed.
“Done!” Mikey hopped down from the step stool and opened his mouth wide for Rachel's inspection. Then he went and grabbed Wyatt's hand. “I want Uncle Wyatt to tuck me in.”
“All right then. Let's go.” Wyatt ushered him to his bedroom and waited for him to clamber onto his bed. Then he pulled the covers up and tucked the little boy snugly in. “Sleep tight and I'll see you in the morning.”
“Okay. Goodnight.”
Rachel bent down and gave him a hug and two kisses, one on his forehead and one on his nose. “Goodnight, baby. I love you.”
“I love...” Mikey murmured. He had fallen asleep mid-sentence. It had been a long, exhausting but exciting day for the little boy.
Rachel stepped out of the room with Wyatt, letting him flick off the light and close the door quietly.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “Thank you for everything, Wyatt.”
He didn't reply. Instead, he took a step towards her and backed her against the wall. Rachel sucked in a heady breath and blinked up at him. Bracing his palms on either side of her head, he stared down at her, his blue eyes stormy with pent-up hunger and desire.
He was so close she could feel the heat rolling off his hard, powerful body in waves. But he didn't touch her. She couldn't even feel his breath on her. Wyatt seemed to be
holding his breath as he held himself absolutely still. Watching her. Wanting her. And waiting.
He waited, his dark blue eyes searching her face quietly, intently. He was giving her a chance to push him away. To say no.
She was caged in like a prisoner between his strong arms, but she knew that if her eyes showed just the slightest flicker of fear or objection, he would release her straight away.
But she didn't want to be released. Not yet.
Her lips parted and she tilted her face up to him.
Without a word, he leaned in and took her mouth in a bruising, passionate kiss.
CHAPTER FOUR
Just one kiss. He just wanted, needed a taste of her.
But the moment their lips touched, Wyatt knew that one kiss wasn't going to be enough. He wanted more. He needed to taste her and take her completely. His hunger for her was all-consuming, tormenting and downright, crushingly crazy. He'd never, ever wanted a woman so much. He liked sex, yes, and he liked to play and party and just have a good time. But this—this was different. This was just...crazy.
He couldn't understand it himself. It was almost like she'd cast a spell over him, trapping his heart and mind in an inextricable, inescapable web.
But the funny thing was, he didn't want to escape. He didn't want to extricate himself from her. In fact, now that he'd had his first taste of her, he couldn't imagine not touching her.
He didn't want any escape, for the both of them. He wanted to take her, claim her, own her. For the first time in his life, he wanted this woman all to himself. He didn't want any male to touch her or even look at her with sex on his mind, ever again. The thought of her being with another man infuriated him and tortured him. He'd never cared for any woman like this before. With a start, Wyatt realized that all the females he had bedded before her had just been a fun, mindless distraction for him. He didn't care if any of those women hopped right into another man's bed after leaving his. He'd had his fun, and fun was all it was. Nothing more. Nothing less. He gave as good as he got. He was a gentleman and he never blabbed about his conquests.
Owned By The Bear: BBW Billionaire Bear Shifter Romance Standalone Page 3
