Ten minutes later Jason pulled into his driveway and put the truck into park.
Tara jerked. Her eyes flew open. “Where are we?”
“My house.”
Tara groaned. “We’re making you miss the game, aren’t we?”
“You’re not making us miss anything.”
“If you’ll just show me the guest room, I’ll take Haley and you and Ben can go back to the game.
“Are you just stubborn or what?”
“Excuse me?” Tara looked at Jason. “You didn’t just call me stubborn?”
“You are stubborn and scared, but you have nothing to be scared about anymore.”
“I’m not scared. I’m pissed.” Tara’s eyes narrowed. “There’s a difference.”
Jason reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Pissed is good. You’re more alert to what’s going on around you, than if you’re scared.”
Tara blinked. “You’re baiting me.”
Jason grinned. “I like your stubborn, hot temper, and I have your full attention. The only thing missing in my life is you.” He caressed her cheek.
Tara closed her eyes and leaned into the caress. A soft sigh escaped her lips. Desire surged through her body, causing her pussy to quiver. Warm moisture soaked her panties.
Jason sniffed the air. “I want you too.”
Tara opened her eyes and stared into Jason’s green eyes. “This is happening too fast. I’m not sure if what I’m feeling is real.”
Jason nodded. He agreed with Tara, but his bear and the mating heat were riding him heavy. “Let’s get you and Haley settled inside.
“Staying with you may not be a good idea. It could make things more complicated than they already are. We need to talk about this mate thing.” Tara bit her bottom lip. She wanted Jason, but they both had issues they had to deal with first.
“You’re not staying anywhere else.”
“Fine!” Tara undid the seatbelt and got out of the truck. “Ben, would you hand Haley over to me?”
“I’ve got her,” said Ben as he slid out of the truck with Haley in his arms. “I don’t think she’s letting go anytime soon.”
“I’m sorry.”
Ben shrugged his shoulders. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. I’ve always wanted a baby sister. Now I have her.” He reached back into the truck and grabbed Haley’s bag.
“My bear,” said Haley as she patted Ben’s cheek with her chubby little hand.
Tara smiled at her daughter. Even though Haley was a child, she knew Ben was a bear shifter.
Jason came around the truck. He had Tara’s suitcase in his left hand. “Let’s go inside.” He put his right hand on the small of Tara’s back and guided her up the side steps and onto the porch that wrapped around the house.
A smile flickered across Tara’s lips. She loved the older style houses with wrap-around porches. She always dreamed of owning one, but Andrew did not like old houses. He liked modern buildings with all the conveniences and amenities the city had to offer, like the building in New York City where they bought the condo. The same condo Donald managed to see out from under her.
“Is something wrong?”
Tara glanced at Jason. “No, I was just remembering a dream I used to have about owning an older house with a porch like this one.” She sighed. “It was just a silly dream.”
“You are my mate. My home is your home.” Tara liking his house pleased him more than he wanted to admit. Tina hated the place and wanted him to sell it and buy a newer home in town. They fought over the house issue more often than Jason wanted to remember. He refused to sell the house, not because it was his home, but because he had built the house for Allison.
Allison. Jason closed his eyes. This was Allison’s house and without a thought about it, he gave the house to Tara.
She will fill the house with the same love and laughter I once did.
Jason’s eyes jerked open. He looked around but did not see anything.
“Are you okay?” Tara watched Jason look around as if he had seen a ghost or something.
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.” Tara crossed her arms. “Are you going to tell me?”
Jason looked at her. He did not want to talk about Allison, but he had to be open with Tara. He was afraid it would hurt her or upset her. “I built this house for Allison, and I think she just spoke to me.”
“Is she upset because I’m here?” The idea of a ghost hanging around the house bothered Tara, especially the ghost of Jason’s first mate.
Jason looked at Tara. “No, she wants you here.”
“Okay, but do you want me here?”
Jason pulled Tara up against him. “I want you here.” He bent down and kissed her lips.
Tara kissed him back. She could not stop herself. She wanted Jason. The desire burning in her was growing. She worried it would consume her.
“Haley and I are going inside,” said Ben.
Jason broke the kiss. “We should go in too.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t.” Tara shuffled from one foot to the other. “Maybe Haley and I should go somewhere else.”
“And where would you go?” Jason caressed her cheek.
Mate needs to stay here. Want mate. Jason’s bear pushed against his ribcage.
I don’t plan to let her go anywhere.
Want mate in lair where she will be safe.
“I’m not sure, but I’ll find somewhere.” Tara’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of leaving Jason, but she could not stay, she argued with herself. She would put him and Ben in danger.
“That’s not the real reason. You’re scared.”
“Aren’t you? We just met and already we are acting worse than a couple of teenagers going out for the first time on prom night. I don’t act this way.”
“It’s the mating fever.”
“I know it’s the mating stuff causing this.” Tara frowned as she bit down on her bottom lip.
Jason put down the suitcase and pulled her into his arms. “I’m scared too. I lost Allison. I don’t want to lose you. I won’t survive it this time, but the longer we push aside our mating, the worse the fever will get. We will mate.” He kissed the top of her head.
“I don’t want to lose me.”
“You won’t.”
“Can you guarantee it?”
“Do you want it in writing, or would a verbal guarantee work?”
“Like you would honor a verbal guarantee.” Tara rolled her eyes.
“Hey, I’m a man of my word.” Jason swatted her rear with his hand, causing her to yelp in surprise. “Now behave yourself.”
“And what fun would that be?”
Jason grinned. “Don’t challenge a bear shifter.”
“I’m so scared. NOT!”
The back door opened and Ben poked his head outside. “Dad, Mrs. Williams is on her way to the clinic with Buster.”
“And what’s wrong with Buster this time?”
“She says Buster has pneumonia,” said Ben.
Tara looked from Ben to Jason. “Is it serious? Do you need to go to the hospital?”
“I doubt it’s very serious. Buster probably got into something he shouldn’t have.”
“But if his mother is worried, serious or not, you have to go.” From the look Jason gave her, Tara knew she had missed a critical piece of information.
“It could have waited until morning.”
“Mrs. Williams is a widow, and she has a thing for dad.” Ben stood inside the doorway. Haley had her arms wrapped around his neck.
Tara put her hands on her hips. “And are you interested in this Mrs. Williams?”
“No.” Jason shook his head.
Tara raised an eyebrow. “Am I going to have to worry about this woman, or any other women, constantly calling because they have a thing for you?”
“The only woman could possibly cause a problem is out of my life. She didn’t mean anything to me.”
Tara shook
her head. “So you’re just getting out of a relationship?” she asked.
“I’ve been out of the relationship for months. It just took me awhile to pull my head out and realize it. Tina left a month ago. She left me with a bit of a legal mess that I have to sort out.”
Tara pushed her hair out of her eyes. “You’ve broken up with Tina. You have a Mrs. Williams chasing after you, and possibly other women too. I’m your mate. Don’t you see a problem emerging?”
Jason shook his head. “The only problem is that we haven’t—”
Tara cleared her throat and nodded her head toward the children.
Jason got the hint. “There is no one but you.”
“My life looks simple compared to yours. At least I have only one person to deal with and I know what he wants.”
“We need to talk about it soon.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“I need to know details so I can keep you and Haley safe.”
“Fine.” Tara snorted. “But first, you have to go take care of Buster. I’ll stay here with Ben and Haley while you’re gone.”
Do not leave mate and cubs alone. Jason’s bear growled in protest.
I don’t plan on it.
Jason’s bear grunted.
“I think it would be best if we all went to the clinic,” said Jason.
Tara started to protest, but Jason put his fingers on her lips.
“Buster is a beagle mix. I’m a veterinarian. Most of the time I deal with large animals, but I also take care of small ones too. I don’t know much about the guy chasing you, so I don’t want to leave you alone in the house trying to protect two kids.”
“But—”
“This is the best plan, besides Ben can show Haley the kittens.”
Haley’s eyes widened. “Kitties?”
“Do you want to see the kittens, sweetie?” asked Jason.
Haley let go Ben and clapped her hands. A huge smile lit up her face.
Jason smiled at Haley. “Everyone back into the truck.”
* * *
Tara watched Jason pick up a black and white kitten out of a box tucked under the front desk. He sat down on the floor and called Haley over to him. Haley’s eyes were wide and sparkling. She sat down next to Jason. Her eyes never left the kitten. Jason showed Haley how to hold the kitten.
Watching Jason with her daughter, and seeing what kind of young man Ben was, Tara knew Jason was a good father. He would protect the children.
Haley reached up and patted Jason on the cheek. “Papa Bear,” she said.
“Are you okay?”
Tara glanced over at Ben. “Yeah, I’m fine. I was just thinking.”
“You and dad are meant to be together.”
“It seems that way.” Tara leaned against the counter.
The bell on the front door jingled. Tara looked up as an older woman and man walked through the door. “Jason?”
“Grandma. Grandpa. What are you doing here?” Ben ran around the counter and hugged the woman then the man.
“When no one answered the house phone, we figured you had to be here.” She patted Ben’s cheek. “We heard the news, and thought we could help.” The woman turned to Haley. A warm smile spread across her face. “And you must be Tara.”
Tara stepped forward and held out her hand. “Tara Wilson.”
Ben’s grandmother ignored the hand and hugged Tara instead. “No need for formalities. We’re family. I’m Mary Anderson, and the big guy behind me is Robert, my mate. Now where” is my new granddaughter?”
“Granddaughter?” Tara frowned.
“You’re my son’s mate. That makes your daughter my new granddaughter.” Mary Anderson smiled. Her eyes twinkled.
“Mom. Dad.” Jason took the kitten and put it back into the box. “Why are you here?”
“I told you, we are here to help.”
Haley stared at Mary and Robert while sucking her thumb. She walked over to Ben and wrapped her arms around his leg. “My bear.”
Mary chuckled. “I see this little cutie has already claimed you.” She bent down. “Hello honey. I’m your new grandma.”
Haley peeked around Ben’s leg. “Gwandma?”
“Yes.”
Haley let go of Ben’s leg, and walked over to Mary and held up her hands. Mary picked her up and cuddled her.
“What’s going on?” Tara’s uneasiness caused Jason’s bear to push toward the surface.
“Settle down, son.” Robert stepped between Jason and his wife. “Get control of your bear. No one is hurting your mate or the cub. We’re going to take both cubs home with us so you two can have the time you need.”
“Excuse me?” Tara moved toward Haley. “No one’s taking Haley anywhere.”
“We’re not taking her from you. We’re just going to babysit for the night. You and Jason need some alone time.”
Haley patted Mary’s cheek. “Gwandma.” She laughed.
“They’re safe. I can vouch for them,” said Jason. “We just have to watch them closely so they don’t spoil the kids rotten.”
“Now, would I do something like that?” Mary smiled at her son.
“The grandkids? Yes, you would.” Jason hugged his mom.
Mary turned to Tara. “I know this is unusual, but I want to babysit Haley and Ben to night. They will be safe at the ranch.”
Tara bit her bottom lip. It was obvious to her that her daughter was a better judge of character than she was.
“You and Jason need some alone time to discuss things. Haley will be safe, and in the morning, Jason will bring you over for breakfast. If you think about it, it will only be a few hours.
Tara did not want Haley out of her sight, but if Donald came after her, Haley would be safe somewhere else. Tara’s instincts told her she could trust the woman.
“Don’t worry Tara. I’ll be with Haley the whole time.” Ben put his hand on Tara’s arm. “You know I won’t let anything happen to her. I’ve waited too long my sister to come into my life.”
Tara swallowed. “You’ll need her bag.”
“We stopped by Jason’s house and picked it up.”
“If anything happens—”
“I will call you and Jason.”
Jason walked over to Tara and pulled her into his arms. “Haley and Ben are safe with my parents. And we will go over to pick the kids up first thing in the morning.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
Tara nodded. She pulled out of Jason’s arms and walked over to Mary and Haley. She took Haley into her arms, and hugged and kissed her. “You be a good girl.”
Haley kissed her mom’s cheek. She turned and reached for Ben. “My teddy bear.”
“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” Mary hugged Tara. “Now you and Jason go and get to know each other. We’ll lock up and turn out the lights.”
Jason bent down and kissed his mom. “Thanks.”
“Go and don’t worry about the cubs.”
Jason took Tara’s hand and led her out of his clinic.
CHAPTER 6
All the way back to Jason’s house, Tara questioned her decision to let Haley go with Jason’s parents. Her gut instinct told her Haley was safe and protected with the Andersons, but her head and heart told her she was a bad mother to let her child leave with someone else.
“Haley is safe. My parents won’t let anything happen to her.”
Jason’s husky voice sent tremors through her body. Tara glanced at him. How could just his voice make her body to tremble with desire? It was crazy! She swallowed. “I feel like a bad mom.”
“There’s no reason to feel that way. Parents need breaks from their cubs, just as cubs need breaks from their parents. Besides, this gives Haley a chance to get to know her new grandparents. Just be warned. Mom will spoil her rotten.”
“We will have to set some boundaries.”
“We?”
“Yes, I said we. Don’t get too excited. You’re still a Neande
rthal.”
“Guess that makes you my little cave woman.” Jason grinned.
“You need your eyes checked.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my eyesight.”
“Yeah, there is. You called me little. There is nothing little about me, and there never will be.” Most of the time, Tara was comfortable with her size and her curves, but when it came to letting someone see her naked in the bedroom, that was a very different story. The sight of her extra flesh embarrassed her.
Jason turned the truck into his driveway. He got out of the truck without saying anything to Tara.
Tears filled her eyes. Jason did not want to see her naked either. She quickly rubbed her eyes, and told herself not to cry. “So much for the mating thing.”
Jason stood in front of the truck, staring at Tara. How could she not see how beautiful she was?
Mate crying. Jason’s bear butted its massive head against Jason’s chest.
Stop that.
Mate crying. You are not making our mate happy. Make mate happy.
Give me a minute.
Make mate happy.
Jason shook his head. His bear was not telling him anything he didn’t already know. He adjusted his jeans again. He wanted Tara. Jason moved around the side of the truck. He opened Tara’s door, picked her up.
Tara screamed when Jason jerked open the door and picked her up. “But me down before you hurt yourself.”
Jason put her down and closed the truck door.
“Don’t do that again. Are you trying to hurt yourself?” Tara was shocked. No one had ever lifted her out of a vehicle as if she weighed nothing.
“You are not heavy.” Jason reached down and tossed Tara over his shoulder.
Tara gasped. “Put me down! I’m going to hurt you.”
“Be quiet.” Jason smacked the round butt.
Tara yelped. No one had ever spanked her, not even her mom. “Put me down, you hard headed Neanderthal.”
“I said be quiet.” Jason smacked the other round butt cheek.
Tara’s bottom jaw dropped. He spanked her again, but this time his hand was still on her rear. The slow circular pattern he made sent a shiver of desire up her spine. She closed her mouth. This wasn’t happening! She shook her head. There had to be something wrong with her. The spanking turned her on.
Jason climbed the steps leading to the porch. He unlocked the door and went inside, pausing just long enough to close and lock the back door.
Chasing Tara (Bryant Station Curves) Page 5
