by Crystal Dawn
He’d forgotten about her chocolate obsession. She hid it well, being a closet chocoholic. Steve fed her obsession on holidays or when he messed up to get back in her good graces. “Agreed. Now let’s get things worked out. Each kid can present her with a box of chocolate. There’ll be a message for each one to give her. I need some help with that.”
“Okay, let’s get to work,” Truly suggested. She sent the kids to clean up. She said would dress them in something cute so they would make a good impression.
“Don’t all kids make a good impression on females?” He asked confused.
“There’s a cuteness factor we want to use to our advantage,” she admitted. Seb would wait to see what this factor turned out to be. He didn’t care what Truly had to do. Now that his lion had decided Andi was his mate, he wanted her now. The lion’s pacing inside his head was driving him crazy.
Truly picked out a huge box of assorted European chocolates for the youngest one to give Andi. It seemed the youngest would be better off with the smallest box, but apparently, that wasn’t the case. The oldest would give her a box of French chocolate. They were filled with crème or fruit filling. It was a small box but it was fancy looking. The last selection was some round chocolates filled with hazelnut crème. They were a popular brand he liked personally.
Andi was bound to like one of the offerings. Truly left to get her boys dressed. When they trooped back in, they were wearing dress slacks with formal shirts. The youngest had on a tie. They did look cute, he had to admit it.
“Did you get any messages worked out?” Truly asked.
“Um, I’m sorry?” Seb asked.
“Okay. Davie.” That was her youngest son. “You hand her this big box and tell her, he’s really sorry. Can you do that?” The little boy nodded enthusiastically.
“Rob, you hand her this box and tell her Sebastian misses her. Okay?” He shrugged but nodded. “Junior. You hand her this and tell her Sebastian cares about her a lot.” The boy also nodded.
“You!” She pointed at him. “Order your supper so you can bring it before the kids leave. I don’t think she’ll refuse you while they are there. Do it now,” Truly directed.
Sebastian called in the steak special for two which included drinks. They waited a few minutes so the boys wouldn’t have to stall while waiting for him to arrive. “I’ll take the boys there now. Call when you have the food so I can take them inside. By the way, you are taking the boys someplace cool for a day to pay them for this.” The two oldest high fived each other then their little brother. They started calling out theme parks and other places they thought of as cool.
Truly was going to really make him pay for this. He didn’t know how he felt about being stuck with three energetic boys for a day, but he knew he owed her, regardless of how it turned out. Running by Sara’s, he picked up his order nodding at people he knew but wasting no time. Seb knew what he needed to do. Getting there was a part of the battle and battle, it was.
He was gathering his allies to breach the heart of his fair lady. Hitting Truly’s number, the phone rang. “I’m on my way,” he explained when he heard her pick up the phone.
“Wish us luck, we’re headed in.” He caught the glimpse of Truly bringing up the rear as they marched into the flower shop. Sebastian parked before he grabbed his bag to run it.
Stopping near the door, he could look through the window as the whole scene played out. The little one walked up to Andi with a box he could barely manage. Sebastian now understood the cuteness factor. Andi melted as she took the box the little guy handed her.
“He’s really sorry,” the small fry said, his voice dripping with sadness. That one could be an actor someday.
Next was Rob, the middle boy. The little Romeo smiled at Andi, making her smile back. Handing her the box of chocolates, he leaned in close. “Sebastian misses you,” he whispered softly as if sharing a secret. That was one hell of a negotiator.
Last came Steve Jr. He shot her a jaunty grin. The boy was on the cusp of adulthood. His mix of confidence and shyness was appealing to the older ladies. Andi was no exception. Junior handed her his box as he stared deeply into her eyes. “Sebastian really cares about you a lot. You’ll give him another chance, won’t you? He’s a great guy. I know he won’t mess up again.”
Wow. Junior was really helping. Seb opened the door stepping inside. “Hello, Andi. Would you please have supper with me?” All three boys looked at her with puppy dog eyes. Who would have thought lion cubs could pull it off? They were going all out for him, he realized they deserved a big reward.
“I guess I need to eat,” she replied.
The boys rushed her, hugging her before Truly called them away. “We need to go now, boys.” She winked at him as she herded her boys out the door. He and Andi watched as she loaded boys before they took off down the road.
His attention turned back to Andi who now stared at the floor her cheeks tinged pink. “Why don’t you show me where to set up our meal?”
“We can eat right here. I don’t close for another hour, but sometimes no one comes in this late,” Andi admitted.
She went back to working on arrangements while he set their food out in the to go containers. It didn’t bother him, but he was surprised she didn’t prefer plates like she had last time. It occurred to him she didn’t want him upstairs in her living space. He would reignite her interest in him. Seb couldn’t blame her for feeling burned when his attitude had turned cold.
“I have it all set out. It’s ready whenever you are.”
“Okay, but if someone comes in, I’ll have to take care of business,” she explained.
“I understand. I have a business myself.”
What do you do? Or are you talking about running the pride?” She asked. He was happy she was curious about him. At least she was still interested. “No, I have a business as well. You may have heard of it. Lion Guards?” She shook her head. “No? It’s a good-sized security company. Like what Tyne does. Speaking of guards, where is yours?”
“He’s prowling around the perimeter. The pacing was driving me crazy.”
“I suppose that’s one way to guard you, but I think he’d be better off staying with you.”
“We’ll agree to disagree. Isn’t the customer always right?” Andi asked.
“Not if it will get them killed or kidnapped.”
“We don’t know if they’ll be back.”
“They’ve tried twice with two different mercenaries. There’s probably a price on you. Odds are good they’ll be back until something definite happens to change their mind.”
“Like what?”
“One thing might be a show of force that discourages even the strongest mercenaries.”
“You mean like killing them?”
“That would be one way.”
“I’m not prepared to kill someone, except as a last resort.”
“You shouldn’t have to. That’s for the professionals to see to.”
“I don’t want them to do it, either.”
“What I don’t think you realize, is your family and friends are at risk as long as you’re a target.”
They stopped talking to concentrate on food. He was worried about her, but he didn’t want to argue. Seb was here to pursue happier activities.
Chapter 8
To Mate or Not To Mate
Andi couldn’t believe what Seb had just done to get her attention. No one, other than her family, had ever put so much effort into doing something for her. It was incredibly romantic. Normally, after the way he’d ended their one night stand, something she’d never indulged in, she would never speak to him again.
He’d explained that she had made him feel things he’d never felt before which confused him. She could relate to that since she was confused about her feelings for him too. Andi had always had feelings for the guys she’d been involved with, but never had they been as strong as what he’d made her feel, in bed or out of it. Before their date, she’d told herself there
would be no sex, just to drop her panties the second he looked at her.
Maybe part of the reason she’d felt so betrayed by his abandonment was because she had just fallen into bed with him like a slut. None of the rules or controls she applied to her personal life seemed to work with Seb. Her body betrayed her. Her heart jumped on that same bandwagon. Only her mind tried to think logically about what was happening between them, but no logic could explain it.
Maybe he had gotten concerned over the depth of feelings that had flared between them. The sex had been so hot she was surprised the sheets hadn’t caught fire. When she woke to find him gone, her heart had ached, but her body had wanted to find him. Andi was not normally the kind of girl to chase a guy, so she had refused to do so now.
Now, he wanted another chance. The problem was, if he left again, would she be able to go on? Her wounded heart could only take so much. Her body, of course, wanted to take all it could. The memory of what he’d done to her that night wouldn’t go away.
“Andi?”
“Yes?”
“Did you want some dessert now or later?”
“What’s for dessert?”
“Sara’s homemade lemon meringue pie. It was the special of the day.”
“It’s one of my favorites. I think I can squeeze in a little of that.”
He opened the box so he could get her a piece, putting it on the now empty box in front of her. The perfect piece of pie really deserved to be served on a plate. Her problem was she knew if he got back upstairs, they’d end up in bed. A naughty voice in her head wondered what was wrong with that. He’s just a big kitty, we can tame him. Andi snorted, drawing Seb’s attention. Yeah, like we did last time?
“Are you okay?” Seb asked.
“Yeah, it’s just been a busy day. You remember that mobile I bought on our shopping trip?”
“Um, the ah rustic remnant?”
“I’ll admit it was a piece of trash. Want to see it now?”
“Sure. I was wondering what you would do with it.”
She got up to fetch it, motioning for him to sit waiting. When she brought it back, it was covered with a cloth. Seb’s stunned face made her day when she dropped the cloth. Soft little stuffed wolves hung from the shiny metal. Andi held it as she wound it up. The music played as the wolves circled round. They were all the colors of natural wolves, grey, white, black, brown, and red.
“Why wolves?”
“It’s a gift for Tyne and Moe. I’ll give it to them at the baby shower. Moe is a white wolf while Tyne is black, but I wanted to represent all the colors that were possible.”
“I never saw this possibility. Honestly, I didn’t even know what the thing was. It’s amazing now.”
“All it takes is something to start with and an idea. I was almost tempted to keep the thing. Both my sisters said someday they want one just like it. You just can’t find these antique things these days. I doubt I’ll ever find another one.”
“I bet you find something else just as interesting. Isn’t that part of the challenge? Working with what you find, that is?”
“You’re right. I see you’re beginning to understand how it works.”
“I think you’re right,” Seb said sending her a panty melting smile. Who was she kidding? It wasn’t if they would end up going upstairs, it was when.
She finished her dessert after slowly savoring every bite. Andi noticed Seb enjoying his food too. Even with them taking their time, eating slowly and several interruptions, it still wasn’t time to close the store. The bells tinkled letting her know someone had entered.
“I need to see to the customer,” she explained. Seb followed her but stayed just out of sight in her work room. That was probably for the best. As she entered the shop, goosebumps broke out on her body. “What are you doing back?”
“Come on, Gorgeous. You knew I wouldn’t leave you alone until I managed to get you. This time the guard is knocked out and you don’t have a gun or your alarm. You’re all mine!” The blond fae exclaimed with relish.
“I disagree with that,” Seb declared as he stepped into view.
“Who invited you to our party?” The fae asked.
“Andi did. We were in the middle of our date. Now run along before I kick your ass,” Seb threatened with a snarl.
Andi didn’t know what weapons the fae had, so she took off running as Seb and the fae mercenary confronted each other. Once she hit the stairs, she rushed up them with all the speed she could manage. The gun was on the nightstand. Luckily, she’d not put it in the drawer. The alarm was next to it. She hit the button before grabbing the gun.
She turned just as the fae rushed into the room. “This is getting tiresome, lovely lady. Put the gun down then come to me.” He waited expectantly.
Raising her brow at him, she stood her ground. “That usually work for you?”
“You might be surprised by how often,” he admitted. Moving quickly, he tried to disarm her but she shot twice hitting both legs.
He fell, but got up fast. “Try that again, I’ll go for your head.” She heard a car pulling up, the doors slammed.
“Andi!” It was Moe.
“Up here,” she yelled back.
The fae ran to her side, jumping through the board over her window splitting it in half. Ouch, that had to hurt. Andi thought. She wished these mercenaries would leave her alone. Thank goodness, she’d not replaced the window yet.
Moe came through the doorway. “Fuck!” She screamed as she eyed the gaping wooden board.
“Is Sebastian okay?” Ando asked.
“Yeah, he was just knocked out cold. This guy’s not a killer, at least not unless the target is a bad guy. Blondie has a reputation, though. He’ll not give up unless you become unavailable,” Moe explained.
“Unavailable?” Andi questioned.
“That means mated or you go somewhere he can’t follow,” Moe answered.
“Where the hell would that be?”
“There are places on the other side of the veil he can’t go. Marissa might be able to cast a spell that he can’t get past. I just don’t know,” Moe replied.
“I do. He’s a master at magic. If you use Marissa’s spell, you’re still risking being taken if it doesn’t work.” Seb came in rubbing his head.
“Don’t be a pussy,” Moe said. “Your cat’s already healed you.”
Seb glared at her. “Tyne’s mate?” He asked.
“The one and only,” Moe answered.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Moe replied eyeing him with suspicion.
“Andi, let me stay tonight, for your safety.”
Moe snorted. “For her safety?” She giggled.
“What’s so funny?” Tyne asked as he entered.
“How’s my guard,” Ando asked.
“He’s alright. His wolf fixed him right up,” Tyne admitted.
“Sebastian offered to stay with Andi tonight for her safety,” Moe replied.
“That’s not a bad idea. My guy will guard the perimeter, but if you weren’t here, he’d have taken her,” Tyne observed.
“You guys all stick together,” Moe said. Tyne just shrugged. Males did stick together, but not like white wolf cousins did.
Andi did feel bad that Seb had gotten hurt protecting her, but it was more than that. She felt like he belonged here with her. What did that even mean? It was almost as if he was her mate. That was funny. If the one she was intended to be with wasn’t human, she’d always expected he would be a wolf. It was true in most of the matings she knew about. Why would she be any different?
Seb looked at her expectantly. “You want to sleep on my couch? Are you sure?” His face fell, but he nodded. “Okay. Decision made. Seb will be up here with me.” At least Andi could pretend she’d stick with that decision.
Once everyone was gone, who knew what she’d do. Okay, she knew that she’d melt like snow on a hot tin roof. Moe and Tyne stayed for a few minutes looking as if they didn’t know what
to do, but finally their need to get home won out. She didn’t blame them, whatever happened next would be completely on her. At this point, she wasn’t even sure she cared.
“I’d best go downstairs to close up. Mercenaries aren’t good for business,” she said with a nervous giggle. Andi intended to move on getting back to as close to normal as she could. There would be no sitting around moaning poor me.
After she got everything downstairs put up, she returned upstairs with Seb trailing after her. Her body was betraying her already, with no doubt in her mind he could scent her growing need. He was a predator about to pounce as they made it to the top of the stairs.
“Andi,” Seb whispered making her turn. The male was right up against her, they were practically touching. “How sure are you of the sleeping arrangements? The closer we are, the easier I can protect you,” he practically purred, but why not? He was a cat.
“I don’t think we should pursue a physical relationship. Let’s just be friends.”
He stripped off his shirt tossing it carelessly on the floor. “Do I look like your typical friend, Sweetheart?”
“I don’t have a typical friend. My talent is to build friendships with anyone, even arrogant males.”
“Mm, you smell so sweet, so needy. Let me help you with that.” He unsnapped his pants before unzipping them. Toeing off his shoes, his pants and underwear followed his shirt to the floor.
She’d stood there frozen, watching as his naked beauty was revealed to her. His muscular body, his long and thick cock. Seb wanted her which was evident by the drop of cum that dripped off the end. Andi wanted to move, really, she did. Her bedroom door was so close, yet she couldn’t find the will to go to it.
Seb chuckled. Victory was apparent in his look as he reached out to pull her into his arms. There was no surprise when she melted in his arms.
Chapter 9
Claiming
Sebastian knew exactly what he had to do. Not only did he intend to make love to her, but he would also claim and mate her. There would be no stopping his lion once it started. His hands moved over her body. Even though he was naked, she was still dressed which would never do. Stepping back, he pulled her shirt over her head, flicking it away carelessly. Pulling her back against him, his hands moved to the back of her bra unsnapping it.
