by Kasey Belle
“Rainbow Mason is by far one of the sweetest, most kind-hearted women I’ve ever met. That’s saying a lot considering who my mate is. Her little boy Stevie is so damned lovable. The boy literally sparkles and I’m not just talking about his clothes. Ella and Nikki don’t say much. They take their job as Bow’s confidants seriously, but I don’t think Bow’s always had it easy. She’s a single mom, so it stands to reason. It’s a tough job. However, she doesn’t need a hero. As alpha males our instinct is to go riding in on white horses and fix everything we perceive as wrong. Do not do that. Trust me. Save yourself a shit ton of trouble and let her lead. It seems that our human mates are much better at this whole mate thing than we are.”
“You wouldn’t think so.” Humans didn’t have their shifter instincts that drew them to their mates. It made more sense that humans would fight the mating pull not be drawn to it.
“No, you wouldn’t. However, it’s the truth.”
“I think I recall your mate mentioning something about your stubborn ass.” Storm couldn’t help but add that little jab. It was well known Koda wasn’t the most willing mate in the beginning. He seemed to have gotten over it though if how he doted and loved on his mate and daughter were any indication.
“Fuck you,” Koda responded without any heat behind it.
Storm stared out the windshield not really seeing the anything as he mulled over Koda’s words. The man did speak from experience. He couldn’t argue with Koda when it came to playing the white knight, either. He’d spent all of two minutes with Rainbow and Storm already felt the need to protect her and Stevie. He hadn’t actually met the boy yet, only heard about him from Casey.
Could he squash his instincts and allow Rainbow to be in charge? He wasn’t sure. However, there was another way to look at this situation. Perhaps if Storm followed his mate’s lead, it would confuse whoever was in charge of the universe. Which meant he might stand a better chance at keeping her. Keeping them. If there was ever a gamble worth taking, it was this one.
“Alright. I’m willing to try it your way. What do I have to lose?” The answer to that was everything. “Thanks for the advice, oh great elderly wolf.”
“Anytime, smart ass.” Koda nodded and patted Storm twice on the shoulder before walking away.
Chapter 4
Even though there wasn’t much to the town of Sanctuary―it was a size extra-small compared to most places Storm had lived―the place was a bustling hub of activity. People were out an about supporting the local economy. Many of them waved at him as he drove by.
Town Hall and the Sheriff’s Office were located on opposites ends of a pretty park that sat in the center of town. The park was well manicured with what appeared to be new playground equipment. A large white gazebo sat in the middle with four walkways leading away from it connecting to the four corners of the park.
Along Main Street, which ran along the east side of the park, were a couple of doctors offices, little shops, small businesses, First Street, which ran along the west side of the park was where Ella’s veterinary clinic and the diner were located. Storm knew if he took a right at the stop light past the Town Hall he’d find a grocery store, pharmacy, and a hardware store. Going left would lead him to the feed store and a western clothing store. Down the road past his intended destination was the elementary school. A little further outside of town was the junior high and high school which students from Sanctuary and the surrounding areas attended.
There was also the hospital in the opposite direction. He’d driven by on his way to The Sanctuary when he first arrived. It was pretty large for the area. Storm assumed it serviced the whole county. There were a few fast food joints and strip malls but those were closer to the interstate.
Storm parked in front of the coffee shop and couldn’t help grinning as he read the sign for Mug Shots. The tagline ‘Coffee… because nobody looks good in prison orange’ had him chuckling out loud.
He climbed out of his vehicle. Anticipation of seeing her again rode both him and his bear hard. He hadn’t been able stop thinking about his mate since the second he clapped eyes on her. She was the most the beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
“We will make her ours.”
“Yes. Eventually.”
Bear growled. His impatience palpable. “What does that mean? How long?”
“I don’t know. We aren’t exactly fit for polite company half the time, you know? Our mate is very sweet.”
“Mmm. I bet she tastes sweet as well.”
“Don’t say shit like that,” Storm barked at his beast. “We can’t go in there with a raging hard-on. We’ll look like a pervert. That certainly won’t endear us to her.”
Storm took a deep breath then pushed the door open. The little bell over the door announced his presence.
“I’ll be right with you,” Rainbow called out from somewhere. He assumed the kitchen. Storm made his way to the counter. On either side of the order and serving area were display cases with curved glass fronts filled with muffins, cookies, and various other baked goods including his favorite. Mmm, cupcakes. The wonderful smells made his mouth water.
There was an area around the corner from the display case on the right where you could doctor your coffee with various creams and sweeteners.
Bistro tables and chairs lined the wall that separated Rainbow’s shop from the hair salon next door. Shorter, café style tables and chairs were placed in front of the plate-glass windows overlooking the sidewalk and street. Eighties pop music filtered from the speakers in the ceiling. Pictures of actual mug shots of gangsters and other infamous criminals, as well as more recent famous Hollywood celebrities, decorated the pale blue walls. The place was eclectic and fun. He somehow knew it fit his mate perfectly.
The swinging door behind the counter opened and his breath caught when she came into view. His Rainbow stopped in her tracks when she saw him. She ran her hands down the front of her apron and donned a smile. “Hi. Um. Storm.”
“Hello, Ms. Mason.” Storm made sure to keep his voice soft and polite.
A little frown marred her perfect face. “I thought I told you to call me Rainbow or Bow.”
“So, you did.” He shot her sheepish grin. “I’m a Southern boy. Old habits die hard.”
“I guess I can forgive you for your impeccable manners.” She snickered. “What can I get for you today?”
“Your perfect body wrapped around mine?” His bear quipped. “Do you think she’s on the menu?”
Storm mentally groaned. “Shut it.”
“I hear you make a mean iced coffee.”
Rainbow beamed. “You didn’t happen to hear that from a little woman named Nikki, did you?”
“I may have,” he teased. “I think I’ll try one of those and a half-a-dozen pastries.”
“Would you like a flavoring in your coffee or whipped cream?”
Storm studied the many bottles lining the shelf next to the coffee machines. “I think I’ll try hazelnut and yes, to the whipped cream.”
“What type of pastries?” she indicated the glass cases next to the counter.
“Surprise me.”
“Are you sure?” Her incredulous expression made him grin. “What if I pick something you don’t like?”
“I’m not picky.” Bow still didn’t look convince. “Is there anything in that case you wouldn’t recommend?”
“Well, no. Everything in there is pretty yummy if I do say so myself.”
“All right then. Choose your favorites as long as one of those is a cupcake. I trust you not to poison me.” He winked.
His statement earned him the giggle he had intended. “A hazelnut iced coffee, various pastries, and one cupcake coming up. Take a seat. I’ll bring it out to you.”
Just as Storm took his seat, a little boy with sandy blond hair wearing a glittery pink camouflage shirt, jeans, and pink Chucks burst through the door. “Hey, Mom.” He rushed around the counter and gave Rainbow a hug. “Can I have a snack? I’m starving.”
“It’s our Stevie,” his bear confirmed. “He’s adorable. Koda was right. The cub does sparkle.” Bear smiled with fondness.
“In the best way.”
“Sure.” Bow kissed Stevie’s cheek. “Let me make this for my customer, then I’ll fix you up.”
The boy glanced in his direction. Eyes the same color as his mother’s widened and something that looked like recognition hit his expression. He came from behind the counter and headed straight toward Storm. “You must be Mr. Storm. My best friend Casey told me a big man with long black hair who wears an eyepatch moved to The Sanctuary and works with her dad and Mr. Koda. You fit that description, so you must be him. I’m Stevie.”
Storm grunted. “I must be, huh?”
“Um, yeah?” Stevie watched him with wary eyes.
Storm blew out a breath. His social skills were never great, but when caught off guard they sucked, especially since the drastic change in his appearance. “Hi Stevie.” Storm held out his hand to the little boy. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Stevie shook his hand then quickly pulled away. “
Storm hadn’t meant to scare the kid, and he didn’t like that Stevie was nervous around him. This boy would eventually be his cub. It was then he remembered what Casey told him about how a few of the other kids picked on Stevie because he was quote-unquote different. Nothing pissed Storm off more than bullies. He needed to put his boy at ease. “I like your shirt.”
A wide smile brightened Stevie’s face. “Really? Thank you. I like it too, but it’s not mine. It belongs to Casey. We did tradesies. That’s what Casey called it. So, I call it that now too. She wanted to borrow my unicorn shirt and told me I could pick one of hers in return. I chose this one because I love pink camo that sparkles.”
Storm snickered. The kid was a chatterbox who obviously didn’t require a lot of oxygen. “It certainly sparkles. Remind me not to look directly at your shirt when we’re in the sun. It might blind me,” he teased. “I’ve only got the one good eye. I kinda need it.”
Stevie giggled. “Did anyone ever tell you that you look like a pirate, Mr. Storm?”
Storm shifted uncomfortably. He’d heard that and worse.
“I’m not making fun of you,” Stevie promised, his wide, guileless eyes met Storm’s. “I would never do that. I know what it’s like. Kids make fun of me all the time because I’m not normal.”
“Normal? Fuck that!” Storm snarled. Stevie’s eyes widened, and he took a step back. Storm rushed to reassure him that the outburst wasn’t aimed in his direction. “Sorry, kid. Didn’t mean to curse or yell. But, seriously, fuck that. Who gets to decide what’s normal? Not me. Certainly not some snot-nosed little jerk at your school. One person’s normal―” He used air quotes. “is another person’s abnormal. So, you see that’s why there can’t be any such thing.”
“You really believe that?” Steve asked looking skeptical. “You don’t know me.”
“Yep, I do. I know enough. Casey talks about you all the time.”
“Casey and Marie are my best friends,” he interjected.
“See there you go. Casey wouldn’t be your friend if you weren’t a good person. Screw normal.” Storm indicated Stevie should sit in the empty chair across from him. He waited for Stevie to sit before continuing. “You’re a special kid, Stevie. You choose to see and embrace the bright, sparkly beauty in the world. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, I think it’s pretty awesome. If someone does have a problem with it that’s on them. Not you. Don’t change who you are to please someone else. You feel me?”
The kid looked as though he were blinking back tears. “Yeah. I do, and I won’t.”
Storm held out his fist and Stevie bumped it. “Good. So, the pirate thing? Yes, I’ve heard it before.”
“Pirates are cool. Like Pirates of the Caribbean cool.” Stevie flashed a grin. He glanced over Storm’s shoulder. “I’m gonna go wash my hands. Be right back.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Storm saw Rainbow approaching with his coffee and a plate piled with pastries and cookies and one cupcake. She set the cup in front of him and the plate in the middle of the table.
She gave him a warm smile. “Thank you for what you said to Stevie.”
Storm shrugged. “I only spoke the truth. Sorry about cursing.”
Rainbow waved off his apology. “I’m sure he’s heard worse from me.”
He shook his. There was no way. “I find that hard to believe. You seem more the fiddlesticks type not the actual F-word type.”
Rainbow snorted a laugh. “People who know me would not agree with you. Stevie’s first real word was asshole. My word of choice when I’m behind the wheel.” The corner of her mouth kicked up, and she shrugged as if to say What are you gonna do? They shared a laugh.
Damn, he really liked his mate. She was light to his darkness. She was bright, and he wasn’t just talking about her intelligence. She literally glowed. It wasn’t hard to see where Stevie got his love of all things colorful. Rainbow’s name―like her multi-colored hair and boho clothes―fit her personality perfectly. What you saw was what you got with his mate. There was no artifice. Rainbow Mason was a genuinely sweet person who tried to make the world a better place one kind smile at a time.
“Will you go out to dinner with me on Saturday?”
Rainbow froze, and her mouth dropped open. Storm wanted to bang his head against the table when her face turned red. Damn it. So much for letting her lead. He hadn’t intended to just blurt that out. In his defense, she smelled so damn good it messed with his head. The universe would have to forgive him since technically the deviation from the plan was his mate’s fault.
Chapter 5
Oh, my goddess. Oh, my goddess. Ohmygoddess. Storm asked her out. On a date. Mr. Sexy Pirate on Steroids with the haunted look in his eye wanted to go out with her. Rainbow Mason, modern-day flower child. She mentally did a happy dance complete with butt wiggle and inflatable tube-guy flailing arms.
The man was exceptional in every way. Ruggedly handsome, perfect body, but more than that, he was kind. She’d fought the urge to throw herself at the man and kiss the daylights out of him. The way he’d handled Stevie had been so sweet. Storm looked ready to go on the hunt for a couple of seven-year-olds. She hated to break the news to the man, but shit like that was learned behavior. Children weren’t born bigoted or bullies. The adult influences in their lives were responsible for them teaching them that.
The longer she stood there the more vulnerability crept into Storm’s expression and she hated it. A man as strong and capable as Storm Brightman should be impervious. Say something, girl. You’ve stared at the guy with your mouth hanging open like a moron for five fucking minutes.
Bow cleared her throat. Play it cool, Bow. “Y-You want to go out… o-on a date… wi-with me?” Nice. Very impressive stuttering.
Storm’s lips curled into a grin as he if her were privy to her thoughts. He nodded. “I really would. I know it’s short notice, so if a babysitter is a problem, Stevie’s welcome to come out with us.”
A date that included her son? Who was this guy? She wasn’t sure what to make of him. He intimidated and intrigued her in equal measure. He seemed self-assured one minute and insecure the next. Bow assumed it had a lot to do with the loss of his eye and facial scarring. She so wanted to reassure him that his injuries didn’t detract from his looks in any way. In fact, they made him more beautiful. They were a testament to his strength and his will to survive. She didn’t think he was ready to hear it though.
“I’m welcome to go where with you?” Stevie’s voice startled her, and she jumped. For a boy so full of energy, he sure could move like a ninja when he wanted.
“I asked your mom out on a dinner date,” Storm explained. “I probably should have asked if that was okay with you.”
“Sure, it’s okay.” Stevie danced on the balls of his feet. His eyes bounced between her and Storm. “Where are we going to eat? The diner’s nice.” H
er little boy smiled.
Bow wanted to throttle Storm. Didn’t he know you couldn’t mention things to a child that weren’t set in stone?
“I haven’t actually agreed, Stevie.”
Stevie cocked his head to the side. His eyebrows dipped as he frowned. “Why not, Mommy?”
Storm shot her an impish grin. “Yeah, Mommy. Why not?”
Because he was so out of her league? Bow narrowed her eyes at him, which only made Storm’s grin grow wider. She glanced down at Stevie who’d retaken his seat across from Storm. Storm pushed the plate toward her son.
Stevie muttered a thank you, took a cookie, and placed it on a napkin then looked up at her. “Well?” The unspoken hope shining in his eyes melted her.
Storm must have noticed the shift and pressed, “We could go to the diner or we could drive to Missoula. I understand there’s a great steakhouse there.”
He slowly reached out and took her hand. Once again, Bow felt his touch to her core.
“It doesn’t matter to me where we go, Rainbow. Whatever makes you feel most comfortable is fine with me.” She would never forget the tenderness in his voice. “Please say yes,” he whispered.
His quiet plea sent her already shaky resolve crumbling into a pile of rubble.
“Okay.” She took a fortifying breath and let it out. “Yes.”
Stevie cheered. “Woo-hoo!”
Storm held out a fist and Stevie bumped it. “I second Stevie’s enthusiasm.” Storm sat a little taller and graced her with a heart-stopping smile. “Does Saturday work?”
“Yes. I close the shop at four.”
“How about I pick you both up at seven? Is that enough time for you to make it home and get ready?”
“More than enough,” she responded.
“We live upstairs.” Steve pointed at the ceiling. “Our apartment is as big as the shop. It’s really cool, too. We can get to it from the kitchen or the stairs out back. When you come over on Saturday, I’ll show you my room. Mommy let me decorate it any way I wanted.”
“I can’t wait to see it.” Storm smiled at Stevie then turned his attention to her. “Where would you like to go?”
