Private Wolf

by Tl Reeve

  ***

  Shawn followed Brienne home. Call it being creepy or stalkerish, he didn’t care. He needed to make sure she was safe. Trying to talk to her about the pack and what happened since she left was like pulling teeth. He’d expected her to be a little obstinate, but not in total denial. Not paranoid. He snorted. Yeah, right. He should have expected nothing and hoped for the best.

  When he was satisfied she was safe, he left. He didn’t know what surprised him more. Her candor or the skepticism and the downright fear she exuded when she first saw him. All three made it easy for him to talk to her and hard to leave her. Yet, there’d been moments when the sweetest hint of her arousal curled around him, enticing him to take a sip of her sugary nectar.

  He glanced in his rearview mirror as the two-story apartment building where Brie lived grew more distant with each tick of the odometer. Part of him wondered if he should have stayed with her—initiated a full-court press. Bind her to him so she’d have to come home.

  His gut said give her space.

  His wolf demanded he bring his mate home. Now!

  Shawn had never seen himself as a mate. Never even imagined settling down—despite the certainty of a babe’s words, when she’d been six years old.

  They’d been a childhood fantasy. A crush. Sure, his wolf might have recognized her. But, did a child’s admission mean forever? Shawn didn’t have the answer to that particular question. He’d dated a few shifters while he was away but never made the same connection he created with Brienne. Duh, stupid. She’s your mate.

  In theory. Not in practice.

  Due to her age, he hadn’t tested those waters. Maybe if their pack had been different, he’d have pursued the mating when they were both of age. He wouldn’t have left. She might not have either. He also wouldn’t be the man he’d become, and perhaps the same could be said for Brie. He, more than likely, wouldn’t have helped all those families who’d needed him. She might not have gone to school. Their lives may not have matured them and made them who they were today.

  The turnoff for the motel came up fast on the right side of the road. Shawn followed the small side street and pulled into the driveway. Not too bad. He’d seen worse. The desire to turn around rode him hard. He needed to breathe in her scent. He craved touching her. Holding her. He wanted to mate her. His wolf snarled, desperate to be set free to find his mate. Be damned with the consequences.

  Instead, he parked his truck near the entrance then grabbed his bag. The cool nip of late-night air bit at his cheeks as he got out. Not the same as the Black Hills. Not as comforting or as welcoming. He strolled inside the lobby and up to the front desk. After taking his key, he rode the elevator to the third floor then walked the short distance to his room.

  He couldn’t help thinking about what would happen in the morning. If Brie decided to go with him, how would she react to Los Lobos and the way it looked? Would it scare her? Would she be surprised? Enjoy it? Would it make her stay? Or run away at how much things had changed?

  He hoped she’d consider staying. He hoped she’d see the town…the revitalization of the pack, and make the right decision. Of course, he had to admit, when he returned, some people were still a little shaky, and there remained some issues, but, for the most part, things were getting better.

  Speaking of happy, Fern would want an update. Shawn pulled his phone out as he stepped inside his room. The door swung close behind him, and he dropped his bag near the bed as he waited for Fern to answer, if she retained a cell signal.

  “You called,” she exclaimed after two rings. “Did you find her?” The absolute and genuine excitement filling her voice, made him smile.

  “I did.” He glanced out over the rolling terrain behind the hotel. “I’d like to say this was pure skill, but I had a little help.”

  “Is she well?” In the background he heard Henry settle in beside her, mumbling about the time.

  “She is. You’d be very proud of her.”

  “Fantastic news. When is she coming home?” Right to the point. He loved his aunt’s directness.

  “Well, I can’t say for sure. I gave her a deal,” he replied.

  “You’re trying my patience, boy,” she admonished him. “You made a deal? No more dragging this out. Tell me what is going on.”

  “Pushy, pushy,” he teased then sobered when she growled. “The agreement is simple. Tomorrow morning, I am meeting her at the diner where she works. If she says yes, we’ll be home late tomorrow. If she says no, I’ll know she honestly doesn’t want to come home.”

  “It’s not what we agreed to,” his aunt snarled then blew out an exasperated breath. “I need her to come home, Shawn.”

  “Easy. I don’t need Uncle Henry kicking my ass.” When she settled down some, he continued, “I have a feeling she’ll say yes. She’s scared. Worried Magnum is still alive and will harm her or me, if she comes home. I told her she’s safe, but she can’t reconcile the two fears yet. I believe giving her tonight to think about everything will help her settle herself and see reason. There’s more, though.”

  “Oh?”

  “She’s in school, and she says she’s almost done. Of course, she hasn’t told me what she’s doing or becoming, but I figure she’ll tell me on the way home.”

  “When will she finish?” Curiosity laced Fern’s question.

  “The end of the semester is what she’s telling me,” he replied. “I’m thinking it’s not far off though.”

  “Are you sure?” Eagerness filled his aunt’s voice.

  “Yes.”

  “Oh,” she gasped. “Oh, this is good news. Very good news!” She clapped her hands together as a giggle bubbled up from her.

  “I hope so,” he agreed. “I’ll find out more in the morning.”

  “Don’t leave me hanging, boy. What else did you find out?”

  “She’s happy. Lance, the alpha of the Rosewood pack has taken care of her. She has friends and she looks…good.” Better than good. She’d worn skin-tight jeans and a fitted shirt with the diner’s logo showcasing her generous breasts. His palms itched to touch all of her lush curves while his mouth watered, yearning to taste every inch of her.

  “Wow,” Fern whispered. “I can’t wait to tell Claire.”

  “You can’t.” Maybe he’d been a little too quick with his words. “I mean, I’d rather wait to tell Claire until we have a definite answer about coming home for the week.”

  “Oh.” Dejection laced the one syllable word. “I think you’re right. Don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up just to have them dashed again.”

  “Exactly,” he replied. “I think she’ll come, though.”

  “Good. Then we’ll have a celebration when she returns.” Fern was already getting way ahead of herself. She had a bad habit of doing so, even though she meant well by it. It was one of the things he loved about her, but it also frustrated him. “I’ll make sure Drew is there, and Betty. Of course Claire and Joe. Chris. There is much work to do.”

  “I love you to pieces, Auntie, but I think you need to slow down. Remember, she might say no.”

  “Nonsense.” A cabinet clicked closed. “If you have a feeling she’ll return with you then it’s official.” She brushed off his statement. “I’ll make sure there is plenty of food for everyone. Before I go through our family cookbook, is there anything special you want?”

  Leave it up to his aunt to forge on. “I’ll be happy with whatever you make.” He accepted the fact she was excited and nothing would stop the roll she was on. “I know I have been home for a little while, but I thought I’d reiterate how much I missed you while I was gone.”

  “We missed you, too, Shawn. I’m so glad you came home to us,” she sobbed softly. What he wouldn’t give to be able to hug her right now.

  “All right, you two,” Henry growled, taking the phone from Fern. “No more crying and no more emotional crap. My mate hates it when her eyes get puffy.”

  Shawn la
ughed. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “With Brienne?” Fern added.

  “If she says yes,” he replied, then spoke to his uncle. “Don’t let her get too crazy with this. I’m not convinced Brie will come with me.”

  Henry chuckled. “Son, when my mate sets her mind to something, there’s no stopping her.”

  He frowned and nodded. “It’s what worries me the most. Letting her down.”

  Chapter Four

  Brienne paced the length of her room. Was she really contemplating going home? Hadn’t she promised herself she’d wait? Shawn showing up hadn’t played into her wants and needs. He didn’t even talk about himself. Rather odd if anyone asked her. In fact, the only tidbits of information she’d gleaned from him left her a bit shell-shocked. Magnum’s death and Drew’s return.

  Did she want to know any more than he told her?

  She wouldn’t be pacing, even contemplating going home, if she hadn’t been the least bit curious. Right?

  Shawn’s lack of talking intrigued her—not like she’d given him a choice. Sitting across from him, she’d seen the desire in his eyes—the longing to explain everything and the hope. Instead, she’d blocked him at every turn. She spoke little and even listened less. What had she become? Wasn’t she the one who wanted to be a therapist and listen to those in need of validation? Wasn’t he in need of said validation? Brienne scrubbed her face.

  She’d totally and unequivocally rebuffed him and his presence. Sure, she agreed to give him an answer about going to Los Lobos. But she’d only been placating him, right? An answer of no to going home sat on the tip of her tongue, yet she couldn’t force the word out. Not even the beginning syllable of the word no. It had seemed simple at the time. No, Shawn. I don’t want to go with you. But, even as she thought it, the yearning to go home overrode the need to stay away.

  Sitting on her bed, Brienne sighed. One night to think about it didn’t seem long enough. She glanced around her eight-by-ten bedroom. You’re fooling yourself. Yeah. One night wasn’t long enough. Because she’d realized she’d say yes, the minute he told her to think about it, even though she’d promised herself six more months. Seeing Shawn caused overwhelming homesickness to settle inside her stomach like a lead weight.

  “I guess it’s time.” She needed to pack a bag. She couldn’t give him a week. A week would cause her to question everything. No way in hell she’d give up her dreams for her mate. A mate who’d left her all those years ago.

  Brienne sighed. This shouldn’t be so hard. She shouldn’t feel so angry. She needed to put away her claws. Stop gnashing her teeth.

  Hard to do after ten years.

  Well, you’ve got to do it or else he’ll leave and you’ll never be able to go home. Again, she posed the question to herself—do you want to go? Yes. More than anything she wanted to go home. Tomorrow she’d embark on a new adventure. Strange as it sounded, it felt right. She grabbed her bag out of the closet and began to pack it. As she gathered her things, she grinned. I’m going home.

  The next morning, she woke early and was ready an hour before Shawn was supposed to arrive at the diner. Dreams of running through the forest being chased by a large, dominant timber wolf woke her several times, breathless and tangled in her sheets. The wolf didn’t scare her. In fact, she recognized the wolf. It’s Shawn. Still, the minute he pounced on her and held her in place, ensnaring her with his unusual-colored eyes, she startled awake. Twisted in her sheets, she lay there covered in sweat. Her heart pounding. Her mind racing. She’d been so close to completing the mating. Two seconds from feeling what it’d be like to have sex with him. Why did she have to wake up?

  As she paced the length of her room again, she wondered if she was making a terrible mistake. Did seeing him after so many years cloud her judgment? Make her foolhardy when she should have been stalwart in her convictions? Brienne groaned. With no way of calling him and telling him never mind, the decision was made—partially. However, if she told him no when he arrived at the diner, she’d change her mind just as quickly. Or, she’d spaz out. Lose all ability to string multiple words together in a coherent sentence, and go along with him, because he is, after all, her mate.

  Nothing in life should be this hard. Her overnight bag sat by the door staring at her. Her keys on the table called to her. Taunted her. Didn’t she tell herself it was only for a week? Her heart understood what her jittery nerves didn’t want to admit.

  A spark of excitement filled her even as the knots of unsure tension built inside her.

  In all honesty, she wanted to see her aunt and uncle. She wanted to see Tinks. She was curious about Drew and how everything had changed.

  Had it really changed?

  She took one last look around her bedroom as determination filled her. One week. She could do it. She would do it. Picking up her keys and purse, she crossed the room and opened the door. Her adventure started now. She had somewhere to be. She locked up then strolled to her car. No more thinking, no more worrying. She’d made up her mind and now she’d follow through.

  After throwing her bag in the back of her car, Brie got in then started it up before she pulled out of her parking spot. A week from now, she’d return. A little bit happier and a little bit more determined to finish up her schooling and go home. As she drove through the sleepy town, she memorized everything, not wanting to forget a stitch of what she’d return to. A week. She could do this.

  Brienne pulled into the lot of the diner and parked in her normal spot. A creature of habit, she went through the motions of a regular day. Nothing new to see here people. Run along. After getting out of her car, she grabbed her things then walked into the diner.

  She paid no attention to who might be there or if anyone saw her. Her sights were set on one man, her mate. No turning around now. She took another step forward and bumped into an unmovable wall. Brie stumbled backward until a strong hand gripped her arm, steadying her. “Sorry,” she muttered. “Stupid of me not to pay attention. Serves me right for being in a hurry.”

  “Not a problem.” Shawn let her go and stood there, a lazy smile on his face, his curly, blond hair brushing against his forehead. His other hand was tucked in the pocket of his jeans, drawing her attention to his groin. Big mistake. Her breath hitched. The rather large bulge excited her. No, terrified her. Get yourself together, girl. There is nothing to be afraid of. It’s only Shawn. Not true. He wasn’t only Shawn; he was her mate. When his light-green gaze met hers, Brienne’s heart skipped a beat. “I’m ready. I want to go home.”

  Next time add a grunt or two, why don’t you? It’s like you’ve regressed to a primitive wolf. Yeah, well, she felt like one right now. Afraid of what might come out of her mouth next, she kept it simple. At least I didn’t say I want to jump your bones. Or take me, I’m yours.

  “Relax,” Shawn chuckled. “You’re acting like a trapped rabbit trying to find a way out.”

  “Easy for you to say,” she mumbled. “I’m not a rabbit.”

  “Oh no,” he teased.

  “Not even a little bit.”

  He laughed. “You’re jumpy,” he replied, grabbing her bag. “Is this it?”

  Like she didn’t have enough? “Yeah. One week.”

  “Right.” He nodded.

  “Shawn, don’t pull any tricks with me,” she stated, following him out of the restaurant.

  “I don’t play games, sweetheart. It’s not my style.” He took her hand in his, and warmth bloomed, spreading through her from their contact. She relaxed marginally. “Besides, wolves play more interesting games when they’re chasing their mates through the forest.”

  Her stomach dropped. “Good to know.”

  They walked through the parking lot in compatible silence after his little announcement. The scent of her nervousness mingled with arousal and excitement. The bite of it grabbed him by the balls and squeezed. “So, when we get to the pack lands, where do you want to go first?” He stopped next to his truck
.

  “I haven’t given it any thought” She bit her bottom lip. “Where do you suggest?”

  “Well, I’m not sure either.” He placed her bag in the bed of his truck then opened the passenger side door for her. “We’ve got plenty of time to decide though.”

  “Seven and a half hours.”

  “Give or take. We’ll stop for lunch, of course.” He smirked before closing her in.

  “Why didn’t you have Lucy pack us a lunch?” she asked as he got in on the driver’s side. “If you’re doing this, people are waiting for me so we shouldn’t dawdle.”

  “Perhaps.” He starting the vehicle. “Buckle up.”

  He pulled out of the parking lot and headed back the way he’d come, surprised by her statement. In all honesty, he’d prepared himself for her to decline his request. Not like it would have deterred him. He’d return weekend after weekend until she agreed, if he needed to. Call it a dogged determination. Call it whatever, but she wanted to come home. She didn’t know how to say it, though.

  Each mile they put between themselves and Rosewood, Shawn considered a mini victory. So far she hadn’t told him to turn around. If she does? He entertained the thought for a minute then mentally shook his head. Nope, I won’t take her home.

  “We didn’t talk much yesterday. I thought I’d start then you could tell me about you.”

  “Okay.” She turned in her seat. “Where did you go?”

  “Chicago.” He wasn’t surprised by her directness. “Not the best place, believe me, but it worked in a pinch.”

  “An urban wolf. Interesting. Didn’t it make it hard to shift?”

  “Oh, it messed everything up.” He nodded. “The smells there are ten times what you’d smell even in Rosewood, let alone Los Lobos. But, I got good at pulling them apart and finding what I was looking for.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep. I worked this missing child case,” he started. “The kid ran away from home. A fourteen-year-old who thought she was grown. Anyway, when her mom wasn’t looking, I grabbed one of her shirts and took a whiff.”