by Liv Brywood
“You skipping out on chores?” Diesel asked in a joking tone. “I’ve got to get going soon. I have a new physical therapy patient later, but I wanted to help with the harvest first.”
Aaron stood there with his brows furrowed. He opened and closed his mouth three times before he was able to find a way to tell his brother the news.
“Violet’s pregnant.”
“Oh, wow. Zack’s going to be pissed you beat him to the punch on baby-making. Congratulations, man.” Diesel slapped him on the back.
“You might want to hold the celebration.”
“Why?”
“She doesn’t want to move to Lost Hills,” Aaron said.
“So, you can move to San Francisco. I hear it’s cold and foggy all the time, but you’ll get used to it.”
“No, it’s not that. She doesn’t know we’re shifters—”
“And she’s having a shifter baby.” Diesel whistled. “That’s one hell of a mess.”
“I have to tell her.”
“Sooner than later.”
“I know.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“I can’t believe you never told her,” Diesel said.
“I couldn’t find the right way to do it. It was never the right time.”
“Well time’s run out on that little secret. You have to tell her the next time you see her. Are you flying out there?” Diesel asked.
“No. She’s coming here. At least I think she is. She hasn’t confirmed anything yet. She needs to check with work,” he muttered.
“What are you going to say when she gets here?”
“I don’t know,” Aaron said.
“Well, you better figure it out fast, because she’ll be here before you know it.”
Three days later, Violet stood in front of the luggage carousel at the Houston airport. As bags tumbled out onto the conveyer belt, she sighed. Between the stress of work and telling Aaron about the baby, she was ready to sleep for a week. Preferably someplace in the Bahamas.
Her bright purple luggage crested the luggage chute before tumbling onto the belt. A pair of huge male hands reached for it before she could.
“It this your bag, ma’am?”
“Aaron, what are you doing here?”
“I came to pick you up,” he said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“I told you I could handle this myself.”
He brushed a lock of hair from her face and trailed the backs of his knuckles down her cheek.
“I know, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help you. I want to help you… if you’ll let me,” he murmured.
“Let’s talk about this someplace else.”
She glanced around to make sure no one had overheard them. Her pregnancy wouldn’t be a secret for much longer, but she had to find the right way to tell her parents. They were going to be furious that she was having an unplanned pregnancy out of wedlock. Although they weren’t overly old-fashioned, small-town gossip could negatively affect their business.
“I didn’t get a chance to talk to your dad today,” he said as he rolled her luggage behind him. “He knows you’re here, right?”
“Not exactly.” She swallowed.
“He doesn’t know?”
“I’m not ready to tell him about the baby yet. I wanted to talk to you first,” she said.
“Where are you staying?” he asked.
“I was going to book a room at one of the bed and breakfast places in town.”
“No. That won’t work. You’re staying with me.”
“As much as I love your macho cowboy act, staying with you isn’t the best idea,” she said.
“Why not?”
“For one, your house is crowded.”
“We have several cottages open right now. You could stay in one of those,” he said.
“I don’t know…”
The last time they’d been alone in one of the cottages things hadn’t turned out the way she’d expected.
“My parents might see me there. Your brothers and sister will know I’m in town.”
“I’ll ask them not to say anything,” he said.
“You can’t ask them to lie for me. That’s not right.”
“I won’t. I’ll tell them to forget they saw you. I don’t plan on parading you around town. Besides, we need some privacy,” he said.
Her brows shot up.
“Not for that,” he said with a chuckle. “Although I will admit you’re glowing.”
She flushed as warmth spread from her checks to her chest and then lower.
“Come on, let’s go home,” he said.
She bit her tongue to keep from reminding him that his home wasn’t hers. Her home was back in San Francisco and he couldn’t do anything to change her mind.
When they reached his truck, he gently lifted her into the passenger seat. His hands drifted down from her waist and trailed across her thighs before pulling away. A slow burn of white-hot desire simmered in her core. Being around Aaron had that effect on her. He’d always been the only man who could turn her legs to jelly with one sultry look. Maybe she was a fool for pushing him away all the time. What good was it to be a successful businesswoman when she had no one to share it with?
As he ran around to driver’s side, she settled into the seat. Her lower back ached, but she welcomed the low-level discomfort knowing it was only going to get worse over the next six months.
After hopping into the truck, he fiddled with the air conditioner.
“Let me know if it’s too cold or too hot.”
“Thank you,” she said.
“I can’t have my baby freezing her butt off.”
When he grinned, her stomach flipped. He was so damn handsome. A dark wash of stubble covered his jawline, almost completely hiding the small cleft in his chin. His tan skin glistened in the afternoon light.
As he turned out of the parking lot, the taut muscles in his forearms flexed. She shifted in her seat and crossed her legs. Ever since she’d agreed to fly out, she couldn’t stop picturing their long, hot, sexy romp in the cottage.
Damn stupid useless birth control pills. Had she known it could have failed, she would have used extra protection. Double bag it if she had to.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want kids—she did—but now wasn’t the right time. She was too busy with her career. But she’d find a way to make it work. There had to be plenty of qualified nannies in the Bay Area. She was making a ton of money, so she could afford the best. Everything would work out. Now she just had to convince Aaron that she could handle the baby on her own.
When they reached the ranch, she ducked.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Hiding.”
“Your parents are bound to figure out you’re here,” he said.
“I can’t face them yet. I don’t know how to tell them.”
“We could go together.”
“No. Definitely not.”
“Why not?” He parked next to one of the cottages and turned toward her. “Your parents love me. I’m sure they’d be happy to find out they’re going to have a grandchild soon.”
“Soon? I’m not due for another six or seven months.”
“Seven.”
“What?”
“I did the math. You’re due on April 15th.”
She burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“Of course I’m due on tax day.” She laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks. Then she curled up and began crying. She tried to stop, but the tears kept flowing. “I’m sorry. It’s too much right now.”
“Let’s get you inside.”
She didn’t resist as he scooped her into his arms and carried her inside. She wrapped her arms around his strong neck and clung to him with a desperation she hated to admit. He was always so strong, so in control, so dependable. And so damn sexy.
He smelled like hay and sunshine. She never wanted to let go, so when he set her on the bed and
stepped back, she groaned.
“Hold me,” she said.
“If I sit on that bed with you,” he said in a husky tone, “I won’t be able to stop at holding you.”
“I need you.”
“That’s what I keep telling you. You can’t raise a baby alone. You need me with you. I’ve done a lot of thinking about this, and I’m going to move to San Francisco.”
“But you hate big cities,” she said.
“I’d do anything for you, for our baby.”
“Do you think I can’t do this alone? That I’m too weak to raise a child?” she asked.
“No. I know you’re more than capable of doing anything you set your mind to, but I want to be there for you. I don’t want you to have to go through this alone.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “Why don’t you want me there? Is there someone else?”
“Never,” she whispered.
“Why are you being so stubborn?”
“I don’t like being pressured.”
“I’m not pressuring you.” He paced back and forth like a caged lion. “I’m trying to do what’s best for our family, for us.”
“We’re not together.”
“Why not?” he demanded. “Am I too much of a country bumpkin for you? I may not be a city slicker, but I’m not an idiot. I graduated from college too. I have a business degree. I manage every aspect of the ranch’s finances.”
“This has nothing to do with you,” she said, exasperated. “I don’t want you to move to a place you hate. That would be like you forcing me to move to Lost Hills. We’re not meant for each other’s worlds.”
“That place you live isn’t your world. This is your world.” He stabbed a finger toward the door. “You can’t honestly tell me you prefer the stench of city air to the clean air outside.”
She couldn’t argue with that. However, putrid city air wasn’t much worse than horse poop.
“If I move back, I’ll be trapped here. My company means too much to me. I know no one understands that here, but back in San Francisco, I’m somebody. I’m not just another girl in cowboy boots. I’m a businesswoman who’s running a huge corporation. I’ve broken through the glass ceiling and I’m as good, if not better than any other CEO in tech. I’m not about to drop my life because of one mistake.”
He stepped back as if she’d slapped him. His jaw clenched as his gaze dropped to the floor.
“A mistake. That’s all I’ve ever been to you,” he muttered.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I want custody of the baby. You clearly don’t want her, but I do. I’ve wanted to start a family ever since I could remember. I never thought I’d be a single dad, but I’m going to raise my child the right way with good values.”
“I’m not giving you full custody,” she snapped. “Maybe when she gets old enough we can trade off. But not until she can fly by herself.”
“Unbelievable.” He stalked toward the door.
“Where are you going?” She wasn’t done talking to him.
“I have to go before I say something I’ll regret.”
The door slammed behind him, rattling the pictures on the wall. She slumped down on the bed and dropped her face into her hands. She was making a mess of everything. Coming here had been a huge mistake, but he’d been so insistent that she’d caved against her better judgment.
Now she regretted flying out. She never expected him to get so angry. They’d been friends as far back as she could remember, and she didn’t want to do anything to push him away. But he needed to be reasonable. He wouldn’t last longer than a few weeks in the city. He’d hate every minute of it and end up hating her in the process.
She didn’t want to ruin his life. He belonged on the ranch with his family. And as much as it hurt to admit it, deep down, she knew they’d never have the chance to be a normal family.
Chapter 10
Aaron’s bear ripped and clawed at his chest. Holding the beast back was impossible. He raced toward the bayou. He couldn’t shift outside the cottage and risk being seen. Things were bad enough without adding this monstrous secret into the mix.
His bear roared at the thought of losing his mate. No matter how much Aaron tried to reason with the beast, it was impossible. The primal need to claim his mate consumed him. He couldn’t make his bear understand why she wanted to take the baby, because he didn’t understand it himself.
She was going to leave him.
Again.
And this time she’d be taking more than his heart with her.
The shift sliced through his tendons, forcing him to all fours. As his back contorted, burning pain electrified his spine. Trying to resist the shift had made his muscles tense and unmalleable. Normally he didn’t suffer through a shift, but this was pure agony.
In bear form, he tore through the bayou. Small animals skittered away into the swampy underbrush. The tap-tap-tap of a woodpecker ceased abruptly. The ever-present croaking frogs went silent as if sensing a predator in their midst.
He splashed through the river, not caring that muddy water tangled his fur. He ignored the scent of decaying trees. A branch floated by, catching him in the shoulder. He grabbed it with his paw and hurled it onto the river bank. Up ahead, an alligator hissed. He headed toward it, but it scrambled off into the bushes.
As he plunged through the bayou, he left a path of destruction in his wake. He tore up bushes and clawed apart logs. He snarled at any animal that dared get in his way. When he scented another bear, he turned and stood on his hind legs. He held his front paws up and roared. Spittle landed on his furry chest, but he didn’t care. Blinding rage pushed him into motion.
He raced along the riverbank toward the other bear. He could hardly see through the mud matting the fur around his eyes. Without stopping to sniff the other bear, he hurled his body forward and attacked. He swiped at the bear and sunk his teeth into its shoulder. The bear howled and tried to push him away, but he bit harder.
The metallic scent of blood filled the air. Something familiar lingered below the briny scent of the bayou. He released the other bear and stepped back. He cocked his head to one side and sniffed.
Oh hell. It was his brother Kody.
He stepped forward to help, but Kody swiped a paw at him. The other bear stumbled up the bank before collapsing next to a tree. As he shifted back to his human form, the long red gash on his back stretched and ripped. Blood pooled in the wound before spilling out over his tattered flesh.
Shit!
He needed help fast.
He shifted back into his human form and ran toward the ranch. When he reached the back paddock, he grabbed a wheelbarrow. His sister Beth hollered across the field.
“What on earth are you doing?”
“Come quick. Kody’s hurt.”
“Gator get him?” she asked as she ran to his side.
“No. I got him.”
“You did what?”
“I didn’t know it was him. I was…never mind. He’s hurt. That’s all you need to know right now.”
After finding Kody in the same spot he’d left him, Aaron scooped him into the wheelbarrow and rolled him toward the house.
“Get the first aid kit,” he said.
Beth hurried ahead.
When he reached the picnic area, he hooked his hands under Kody’s shoulders and dragged his unconscious body from the wheelbarrow. He laid him face down on a picnic table. As soon as Beth returned, he ran to get a bucket of water.
“What the hell were you thinking?” she demanded.
“I wasn’t thinking anything. I was reacting to a threat.”
“He’s your brother. Why couldn’t you scent him?”
“I don’t know.”
Oh he knew, all right. He was too enraged to use his senses, but he wasn’t about to admit that to Beth because she’d start asking even more questions.
“You could have killed him,” she snapped. “I don’t know what your problem is, but I think I can guess. You’d bett
er get your shit together before you kill someone.”
“What do you mean you can guess?”
“Don’t you narrow your eyes at me,” she said. “I know Violet’s pregnant and that you’ve got her hidden in one of the cottages.”
“How did you find out? Was Diesel running his mouth again?”
“We don’t keep secrets from each other. You know that. And don’t try to turn this around on your brother. This isn’t about him.”
“If your mate was a selfish pain in the ass you’d be pissed too,” he shot back.
The minute he said the words, he knew he’d messed up big time. Beth’s entire countenance changed as her bear flashed toward the surface. Fur sprouted on her arms and face for a second before receding.
“Don’t poke the bear,” she growled. “Maybe if you showed Violet your loving side and not your asshole side, she’d be more inclined to let you be her mate.”
“Her mate?” he laughed bitterly. “She doesn’t even want to let me see our child. She wants to hire a nanny and keep our baby locked up in some hell-hole apartment in San Francisco.”
“Maybe you need to work harder to convince her. I don’t know. But you need to keep your bear under control.”
“Fine.”
He turned and stomped off toward the house. She didn’t understand anything about the situation, so how could she possibly give him advice?
“Hey,” Diesel said as Aaron passed him in the living room. “You look like hell.”
“Screw you. And keep your damn mouth shut about Violet.”
“What’s going on with Violet?” Zack yelled from the kitchen.
“Nothing,” Aaron said.
He stomped up the stairs and into the bathroom. He slammed the door behind him and leaned over the sink. River water dripped from his hair onto the counter. He raised his head to meet his gaze in the mirror. A swamp monster stared back at him.
“Dammit,” he grumbled.
He turned on the shower and waited for hot water. And he waited. And waited. They really needed to add a second hot water heater onto the house.
When he finally stepped into the lukewarm water, his shoulders relaxed. Remnants of his blinding rage lodged in the pit of his stomach. He scrubbed his body with a rough bar of soap until his skin turned pink and the last vestiges of anger had dissipated.
