Ashton Grove Werewolves (Boxed Set, Vol. 2)

by Jessica Coulter Smith

  “Something like that. I always believed there was one mate for every wolf.” He looked at her. “And I believe you’re mine.”

  “What about Chloe?” she asked softly.

  “I could have been happy with her, but she belongs with Michael. I can see that now. At the time, I was in love with her and was blind to everything else. I couldn’t even see that she loved the both of us, and that she loved him more. I only saw what I wanted to see.”

  “You don’t just fall out of love with someone, which means you still love her.”

  “I guess a part of me does. It’s not the same kind of love I once felt for her though. Because of our past, I think being friends would be awkward, but I’ll always care about her on some level.”

  Harper nodded and looked out the window. Ramsey had a feeling he’d upset her, but he’d been honest. He didn’t want lies and half-truths between them. She deserved better than that. Chloe was a part of his past and he couldn’t change that. It was something Harper would just have to learn to deal with. Maybe in time she would realize that Chloe didn’t mean as much to him as she once had, that she didn’t have anything to do with their relationship. He just wished he knew what to say to make things better.

  When they pulled in the driveway at home, she got out of the car and went into the house without a word. He gathered the baby items and followed her, worried about her silence. Taking everything up to the room they had designated as the temporary nursery, he set down the bags and went back downstairs to find Harper. She was in the living room on the sofa with her knees pulled up to her chest and her arms wrapped around her legs. A lone tear trickled down her cheek.

  “Harper, what’s wrong?”

  She quickly wiped away the tear and looked away. “Nothing.”

  “Don’t lie to me. Something is bothering you.”

  “I just have a lot on my mind and a lot to deal with emotionally. Blame it on pregnancy hormones or something.”

  He sat beside her and brushed her hair back from her face. “Want to talk about it?”

  “Not particularly. Not with you, anyway.”

  He stiffened. “And why not?”

  “I’d just rather talk to a woman. Maybe Marin.”

  “Honey, please talk to me. I don’t like seeing you upset like this.”

  She glanced at him. “You want the condensed version? I’m worried that Luna’s baby will turn out to be yours; that something will happen to you in the upcoming war; and most of all, I’m terrified that you’ll never come to love me the way you did Chloe.”

  He sighed and pulled her into his arms. “It won’t be long before we know about Luna’s baby. I wish I could change the past, but I can’t. And I really, truly believe the baby isn’t mine. I already told you that. Please stop worrying about it.

  “I can’t make any promises when it comes to the war. Demons are ruthless and every wolf will be called on to fight, including me. I’ll have to do as the alphas command. But I will guarantee your safety and that of our child, no matter what I have to do, even if it means taking you out of the city. I want to keep you close, but only if I can watch over you.”

  He kissed her cheek. “As for Chloe, that’s a closed chapter in my life. The moment I met you, I began to forget about her. My feelings for her diminished because all I could see was you. I don’t know what I feel for you right now because everything is still so new, but I do know that I care about you a lot. And I think it can easily grow into something more.”

  “So you’re telling me I have nothing to worry about?” she asked softly.

  “That’s exactly what I’m telling you.”

  She snuggled into him. “I can’t help worrying. There’s something I should tell you, but I’m afraid to.”

  “Harper, you never have to be afraid to tell me anything.”

  “Ramsey, I... I love you,” she said softly.

  He looked down at her, stunned. Out of all of the things she could have told him, he hadn’t expected to hear those three little words. He wished he could say them back to her, but he didn’t want to lie to her. How could he confess to something he wasn’t sure he felt?

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  She cupped his cheek and kissed him. “You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know how I felt. I almost told you several times, but I chickened out each time.”

  “I’m glad you told me.”

  “Me, too,” she said with a smile.

  A few days later, Ramsey received a call from Gabriel. Luna had refused to comply with a paternity test. Gabriel and Connor had confronted her and forced her to tell the truth. She’d admitted that Ramsey wasn’t the father and that she’d lied so she could be his mate. The wolf that’d gotten her pregnant had been in on the plan.

  “So who was it?” Ramsey asked.

  “The new wolf – Trent.”

  “Trent?” Ramsey asked incredulously. “The new wolf from California is Trent? Why am I just now hearing about this?”

  Gabriel growled. “As alpha, I don’t have to tell you everything.”

  “Trent is the reason Harper left Los Angeles. You can bet he was part of the plan because he wanted her as a consolation prize.”

  Gabriel was quiet.

  “Are you still there?” Ramsey asked.

  “Yeah, just thinking.”

  “If he comes near Harper, I won’t hold back. He made her life hell and I don’t know what he’d do to her, especially since she’s pregnant.”

  “I understand.”

  “Have you thought about forcing Trent and Luna to mate? Since she’s carrying his child it would make sense. Besides, they seem to be a lot alike.”

  “I thought you didn’t like it when I did that.”

  “I’ll make an exception.”

  “And then what?” Gabriel asked. “Even if they’re mated to one another, I can’t promise they won’t cause trouble.”

  “They won’t if they’re part of another pack.”

  “Force them to leave?”

  “You were going to make me leave,” Ramsey reminded him. “I think it’s time for them to grow up. If you need help placing them somewhere, I can get them in with the Denver pack.”

  “You sound awfully sure about that.”

  “Because I am. There’s a reason their alpha called me before. I held rank in the pack and was the alpha’s favorite.”

  “Rank?”

  Ramsey laughed. “Yeah, your number one rule breaker was a pack enforcer.”

  Gabriel was silent again.

  “I take it I’ve shocked you.”

  “It actually explains a lot.” Gabriel sighed. “You’ve given me a lot to think about. I’ll call you, or Connor will, by the end of the day. I want this situation wrapped up before I go to bed tonight.”

  “Sounds good. Let me know if I can be of help.”

  “I will. Thanks, Ramsey.”

  After the alpha hung up, Ramsey set his phone down on the kitchen counter. He needed to let Harper know about Trent. Until the wolf was out of Ashton Grove, Harper wouldn’t be going anywhere alone. Ramsey didn’t trust him not to cause trouble.

  He found Harper in the living room watching TV with Shakespeare stretched out at her side. She smiled when she saw him and he gave her a brief kiss. Tucking her hair behind her ear, he caressed her cheek.

  “I have some good news and some bad news,” he told her. “The good news is that I’m not the father of Luna’s baby. She confessed everything to the alphas this morning.”

  “And the bad news?”

  He filled her in on his discussion with Gabriel, including his proposed solution to the problem. Harper had paled a little when he’d said Trent’s name, but she’d listened intently. When he was finished, he pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight.

  “It sounds like something Trent would do,” she said. “But why would Luna agree to it?”

  “She was desperate I guess.”

  She relaxed into him. “So you we
re an enforcer, huh? I can see that. What made you decide to be a mechanic here? I would have thought being a police officer or security guard would be more your style.”

  “It allows me to be close to the pack. Plus, the alpha owns the garage so getting time off is easier. And if something major goes down with the pack, I don’t have a lot of explaining to do if I miss work.”

  “I see your point.”

  “Why? Would you prefer that I do something else?” he asked.

  “I want you to do whatever makes you happy.”

  “My job doesn’t really matter to me. What makes me happy is being with you.”

  She pulled his head down and kissed him, her lips caressing his. “Make love to me.”

  He grinned. “Now there’s an order I’ll always be happy to comply with.”

  Lifting her into his arms, he carried her down the hall to the bedroom. He quickly shut the door before Shakespeare could dart into the room. He laid her on the bed and devoured her with his eyes, his gaze raking her from head to toe.

  “I think we have on too many clothes,” she said softly.

  “How do you propose we remedy that?”

  With a grin, she stood and pulled her shirt over her head and dropped it on the floor. Next, she slid her pants down her legs. She quickly stripped out of her bra and panties and reached for him.

  “You aren’t moving fast enough,” she told him as she undressed him.

  When they both stood naked, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. No matter how long he lived, he would never get tired of having her in his arms, feeling her soft body against him, hearing her soft sighs of pleasure. He caressed her silky skin, trying to memorize the feel of her. Burying his nose in her hair, he inhaled her sweet scent, one that was uniquely hers.

  He laid her down on the bed and covered her body with his. Trailing kisses along her jaw and down her neck, he gently nipped her shoulder.

  “Do you have any idea what you do to me?” he asked.

  “If you want me half as much as I want you, then I have an idea.”

  He grinned and kissed her again, his lips caressing hers, gently stroking and teasing. The kiss turned hotter and his mouth seared hers as he claimed her body and soul. He felt her hands grip his shoulders, felt her nails sink into his skin, and he growled low in his throat, wanting to mark every inch of her so that everyone would know she was his.

  Releasing her lips, he kissed and licked his way down her body to her beautiful breasts. Claiming first one and then the other, he licked and sucked her nipples until she arched against him, begging for more. As his tongue caressed the hardened peaks, his hand caressed her body, sending shivers of delight through her. When he reached the juncture of her thighs, he caressed her pussy, groaning when he felt how hot and wet she was.

  “God, Harper, I want you so much.”

  “Then take me.”

  He wasn’t going to argue with her. Settling his hips between her thighs, he entered her with one thrust, drawing a gasp from her sweet lips. Looking into her eyes, he rocked his hips against hers. Using long, gentle strokes, he brought her to climax almost immediately, but he held back. Harper wrapped her legs around his waist, taking him in deeper and he lost his inner battle. He thrust into her harder and faster, losing himself in the scent and feel of her. And just when he thought he couldn’t hold on a moment longer, he came inside of her.

  Harper released him and cuddled up against him.

  “That ended a lot sooner than I had planned,” he said.

  “I’m not complaining.”

  “If you’re happy, then I’m happy.”

  She kissed him. “I’m always happy when I’m with you.”

  Holding her tight, he kissed her back. He might not have lasted long the first time around, but who said they couldn’t go for round two?

  Chapter Fourteen

  The doorbell rang pulling Ramsey from sleep. He glanced at the clock and realized it was only eight o’clock. He couldn’t believe they’d fallen asleep. Getting out of bed, he pulled on his boxers and a pair of jeans. Quietly walking out of the room, he went to answer the door. He was more than a little surprised to find Connor standing on his front porch.

  “I didn’t realize you were coming by.”

  Connor shrugged. “I’ve been talking with Gabriel most of the day. Instead of calling, I decided to drop by on my way home.”

  “Well, come in.”

  Ramsey stood back and allowed Connor to enter his home. Closing the door, he gestured for the alpha to have a seat in the living room.

  “Can I get you something to drink? Water? Soda? Beer?”

  Connor grinned. “No, I’m good. I won’t be here long. I liked your suggestions for the issue with Trent and Luna. Have you dealt with something similar before?”

  “No. It just seemed like the best solution.”

  Connor nodded. “You’re used to doling out punishment. I knew who you were when you showed up in Ashton Grove. I just didn’t say anything because... well, I figured if you wanted anyone to know, you’d say something. We have a small pack and haven’t had a need for an enforcer here. But it seems that things may be changing as we grow.”

  “Your point?”

  “I spoke with Gabriel at length. First, we’re going to use your suggestions. He’s going to force Luna and Trent to be mated to one another. Then he’s going to make them leave. So if you really don’t mind calling Denver, I think that might be our best option.”

  “I’ll call them after you leave,” Ramsey said. “I’ll let you know their answer tonight.”

  Connor nodded. “Good. Now for the other business. We debated back and forth quite a bit over this part, but we both decided it was for the good of the pack.”

  “What is?”

  “To make you our enforcer.”

  Ramsey was more than a little stunned. “Why would you do that? After everything I’ve done...”

  “You did it for love. Otherwise, you’ve been a model citizen and were instrumental in saving Kiera from that vampire. I have no doubt that if you’d been around when Marin was in trouble, that would have been handled a lot quicker, too.”

  “And Gabriel agrees with this?”

  Connor grinned. “At first he wasn’t sure, but by the time we finished talking about it he did.”

  “Then I guess I accept.”

  “We’ll call a pack meeting tomorrow after Trent’s and Luna’s mating ceremony. We can make the announcement then and let them know exactly what your position will entail. Some of them may not have had a pack enforcer before.”

  “Hell, Connor. Even I don’t know what my position is going to entail. This pack is a lot smaller than the one in Denver.”

  “True, and you know Gabriel. He isn’t going to give up control easily so you won’t have as much free rein as you did in Denver. But we can go over details later.”

  “While you’re here, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you. When you have time, would you mind taking a look at the house for the possibility of adding a nursery to the master bedroom? Harper is a little anxious about having the baby upstairs.”

  “Sure. I can probably swing by after work one day next week. That should give us plenty of time to get things settled with the pack. How is Harper, by the way?”

  “She’s fine. She’s resting at the moment.”

  “I’m sure Aislinn will be by for a visit soon. She seemed to like her. She’s friends with Marin and Chloe and Kiera, but she hasn’t really had a chance to get to know anyone else in town. It will be good for her to make a new friend.”

  “She’s welcome here anytime. I know Harper wants to feel like she belongs not only in the pack but in Ashton Grove. She seems to have hit it off with Marin, but for obvious reasons she hasn’t gotten to know Chloe very well. And Kiera was cold toward her in the beginning.”

  Connor gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’m sure things will work themselves out where Chloe is concerned. I know it’s going to be awk
ward at first, but eventually it will get better.”

  “I know. I just hope it’s a short journey.”

  “I’m sure everything will work out for the best. Anyway, I need to get home before Aislinn sends out a search party for me. She worries when I’m out late.”

  Ramsey grinned. “It just means she cares about you.”

  “Yeah, I know. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

  “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Connor nodded. “I’ll call as soon as I know when we’re having the pack meeting.”

  Ramsey walked him to the door. “Let me know how things go with Trent and Luna, too, if you don’t mind.”

  “Will do. Good night, Ramsey.”

  “Night.”

  He closed the door behind the alpha and locked up for the night. Glancing at the clock, he realized it was nearly nine o’clock and he knew he should wake Harper. If she kept sleeping, she’d be awake in the wee hours of the morning. But he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he grabbed a snack and sat in the living room. Flipping through channels, he finally found a movie to watch.

  ***

  Trent and Luna’s ceremony went off smoothly. When Ramsey saw them at the pack meeting, they looked miserable. He couldn’t find it within himself to feel sorry for them, not after the trouble they had caused for him and Harper. If they would just open themselves up to one another and to the idea of being together, he figured they could make a good match out of it. But they were both too stubborn for that to happen. Each wanted what they couldn’t have and had decided to be miserable instead of settling for what could make them happy. He only hoped that one day they would realize their mistake, for their child’s sake.

  He looked around at the gathered wolves and wondered how they would take the news of his new position. While it was true their pack was growing, he still wasn’t convinced an enforcer was necessary. So far, other than himself, Trent and Luna were the only ones to break pack laws or the alpha’s command. He doubted there would be much use for his new position, but he wasn’t going to argue with Connor and Gabriel. If they wanted him to be the enforcer, that’s what he would do. He was still a hazy on what that was going to entail. Back in Denver, he’d had more power than he should have had. The alpha had allowed him to not only dole out the punishment for the offenders, but he came up with the punishments as well. He kept an eye on the pack and watched for any offenders and acted accordingly. He doubted the same would happen here.