by Ellis Leigh
The woman, Michaela, smiled, nearly bouncing on her toes in excitement. “God, I've missed you. And this is Colt. He'll be playing the role of a pain in the ass while I'm here. Now, no one go all badass protector on us. I need to hug my friend.”
Without a word from Ariel, the two women came together, arms wrapping around one another, soft giggles and whispers shared as they reconnected. The affection between the two, the connection, burned obvious and pure. Something that caused him to stop growling and simply watch. Phego hadn’t experienced a hug in a long time. Some of the Dire mates were huggers, some of the females more affectionate than others, but they all tended to stay away from him. Perhaps that was his fault, perhaps theirs. Whatever the reason, he coveted the easy camaraderie the women shared. That hug was so strong, that connection so clear…he didn’t think he’d ever experienced anything like it.
As the two women came apart, Michaela finally looked his way. It was in that moment when their eyes met that their souls connected. That the bonds between them grew and infiltrated every inch of his being. Fate wrapped itself through his head, the connection solidifying into something overwhelming and nearly painful.
Mate.
The word echoed through his mind, pulling him deeper into the abyss of his memories while simultaneously thrusting him straight into a future he didn’t want. Shit. This wasn’t supposed to happen to him. Not then, not ever. This wasn't part of his plan.
Michaela took a single step back, her eyes wide, her mouth falling open as she stared. He knew she felt the connection, which meant she had power over him. Something he needed to rebel against. Something he could not allow to affect Ariel.
He ripped his gaze from Michaela's, circling in front of Ariel and herding her back, forcing her up the stairs and onto the porch.
“Apparently, we’re going inside,” Ariel said, glaring down at Phego. But he didn't care. He needed her safe, needed her calm and unafraid, which meant he needed her inside.
Ariel opened the door to go into the cabin with Phego following close behind. A moment later, Michaela and her male, Colt, followed. Phego pushed and growled and demanded until Ariel fell into the corner seat, the most protected position in the place. And then he sat directly in front of her, his fur brushing her legs. His mind and heart shielded from the lure of his mate.
“Well,” Ariel said. “Isn't this awkward.”
But Phego didn't feel awkward. He felt threatened. In danger.
He felt as if his life was over all because of the woman across the room.
4
Michaela had never been so twitchy, so perfectly in tune with the energy around her. The wolf ignited something within her, every look from him setting her soul on fire. The tug of connection tied them together, binding and strong, the pull of something bigger than both of them demanding her attention.
Holy shit, she’d found her mate.
She hadn't really searched for one, hadn’t been out looking or attending The Gathering events to try to find that connection. Hell, she hadn't even taken a pleasure mate to her bed in years. She'd simply gone about her life. She went to college, she went to med school, she became a doctor. During that time, of course, she had the pleasure of a man's company now and again. No boyfriends, as the humans called them. Nothing serious. To Michaela, arousal was much like any other irritation; arousal was the itch, and sex was the scratch. Nothing more, nothing less.
But with one look, things had changed. With one gaze into those pale, silver eyes, she'd become something else. Something more. She was his, whether she liked the idea or not. And while the concept of mates was something that intrigued her, the wolf the fates had picked for her wasn't exactly who she would have chosen for herself. He was so rough, so powerful and intense. Brutal, really. And that was just in his wolf form. He still hadn't shifted human. She had no idea what he looked like in that form. She wanted to, though. Would have given almost anything to lay her eyes on his skin and see what all that muscle looked like without the fur covering it.
But along with rough and hard and mean, he was also apparently stubborn. He settled in front of Ariel in wolf form. Not budging, not laying off the wolf glare for a second. Though considering the features of that wolf, she shouldn't have been surprised.
Coming from an old-school pack, Michaela knew the signs of a Dire Wolf. She’d grown up with the legends and stories, the tales of the large breed that served as the soldiers of the shifter world. She also knew they were supposed to be extinct.
Her mate’s heavy body, his thick neck, the sheer size of him indicated he was something else. Something more than just your average, everyday shifter. But it was the spots along his back, on his shoulders and upper head, that locked in that Dire lineage in her mind. If anyone else noticed, they didn't say anything. Neither did she. But she wondered where he’d come from, how he’d ended up in the woods of Montana with her friend, and how he’d survived centuries living among other shifters without being found out. She wondered a lot.
“How are you feeling?” Michaela asked, her eyes flitting to Ariel. A hard thing to do considering how magnetic her mate seemed to be. But she refused to give in, refused to stop and stare. She was there for one reason.
The shewolf smiled, also ignoring the wolves growling subtly around them. Her hand rested on her belly in a symbol of protection as old as time. “Good. Really good. I just can't wait to meet this little guy.”
“So you know it's a boy?” Michaela glanced at the wolf on the floor, tearing her eyes from Ariel’s for a moment before fighting to regain focus. Unable not to at least peek. Unable to completely look away. If she didn’t pull it together, everyone was going to figure out what had happened. That she’d found her fated mate. And that he could barely look at her without sending a violent growl her way.
Lovely.
Ariel shrugged, still rubbing her belly. “No, not really. But Thaus thinks so. He's kind of convinced of it.”
“And if the baby’s a girl?” Michaela hated to ask, but some of the males of her species were a little…out of touch. Male offspring implied strength and potency while a female was more of a burden at times. Unless they were an Omega; then the tables tended to be turned. Omegas were rare, though. Very rare.
But Ariel only smiled and shook her head, completely at ease. “If it's a girl, he's never going to let her out of his sight. He's very protective.”
The wolf at Ariel’s feet huffed, as if agreeing with her. Michaela couldn't help sweeping his body with her eyes once more, following the ridged curve of his back to the thick muscles of his thighs. Just the thought, the idea of what all that would look like in human form, had her clenching her thighs together. She wanted him to shift.
Michaela coughed and forced herself to focus back in on Ariel, trying her hardest to keep her eyes on her patient and not the male at her feet. “Well, as a friend, I’m so happy for you. You look beautiful, healthy, and unbelievably at peace. But as a midwife, I know looks can be deceiving.” Michaela smiled and stood. “How about we check a few things out?”
But as she took a step toward Ariel, the wolf at her feet rose. He stood between the two women, his hackles raised, a silent snarl curling his lips. Michaela refused to be cowed. She was here for a reason, and that reason was making sure that her friend and the baby made it through the delivery safe and healthy.
But Ariel’s eyes widened and focused on something over Michaela’s shoulder. Colt. He’d moved closer, set himself into a defensive position at her side. And he’d scared the pregnant shewolf, if the way she stared at him was any indication. Odd. Ariel had never been skittish when they were in school.
Wanting to calm the situation, Michaela held a hand out toward Colt. There would be no fighting, no more wrestling or battling. No intimidating her friend and patient. She’d had enough of the dick-swinging contest.
Colt took a step back, giving her room to do her thing, but not Phego. The wolf refused to budge, refused to quiet his growl, refused to give her a
chance. Stubborn, that one.
Michaela cocked her hip, raising an eyebrow and glaring down at her new mate. “I’m here in a professional capacity. She’s my patient, and I would never do anything to hurt her. Why don't you quit growling at me and get out of my way?”
The wolf’s eyes widened, a comical look of shock on his canine face. Maybe nobody talked to him that way on a normal basis. Boy, was he going to have to learn.
Ariel sighed, rolling her eyes. “Phego, let her through.”
But the wolf didn’t move, didn’t give up a single step. He just stared Michaela down. Good thing she’d gotten used to those long, hard Alpha stares.
“Look, Phego. You don’t mind if I call you by your name, do you? Good. Now look, we’ll stay right here so you can watch the exam. It’ll all be G-rated. Ariel and I don't need to get up close and personal quite yet.” As Michaela moved forward again, Colt shadowed her. Ariel sat deeper into the chair, her eyes flitting to him, her body stiffening up. Shit, this wouldn’t work. Phego snarled at Colt, rising slightly as if preparing to fight, looking as if he was ready to defend Ariel to the death. Michaela had no doubt he would. Irritated with both men in the room, she held up her hand, ordering Colt to stop.
“I'm fine,” Michaela said, directing her words at Colt. “He won't hurt me, and I won't hurt her. This is nothing more than me getting handsy with the baby bump. But I need you to back up, Colt. You’re making my patient uncomfortable.”
“I’m okay, Phego,” Ariel whispered, her words barely reaching Michaela’s ears. After several long seconds of intense masculine glaring, and a few nudges from the leg of the pregnant woman in the room, the two males stepped out of the way. Even so, they stayed awfully close. Uncomfortably so.
“Good thing I learned how to play Twister.” Michaela stretched over the Dire Wolf, reaching for Ariel as best she could. Before she made contact, she paused, holding up her hands, meeting her friend’s eyes to get permission. Ariel nodded, still smiling through whatever emotions were pulling at her. Glowing, practically. Michaela couldn’t hold back her own smile.
“Let's see what we've got here.” Michaela placed her hands on Ariel's belly, closing her eyes and focusing on the life within. The power of the Omega warmed her, swirling around in a way that other wolves would never know. Most of the time, Michaela used her human training: stats and figures, labels and signs. But when it came to babies, shifter babies especially, she had something most people did not. She had an innate power within her. A gift to sense and feel and know with just a touch. And that gift calmed her worries in a matter of seconds.
“Well, I can't tell you if it's a boy or a girl, but the heart rate is strong, your blood pressure is fine, and everything feels right.” She looked up at Ariel. “The baby is coming soon.”
Arial’s smile faded a little, and she grabbed for Michaela's hand. “Not too soon. Thaus is…away.”
Michaela cocked her head, sensing something more Ariel wanted to say. Knowing that she wouldn't, whether that was because of the guard at her side, because of the stranger standing behind Michaela, or for some other reason she might never know.
Michaela's lips turned up in a supportive smile, one she’d practiced a million times to soothe her patients. “I'm sure he'll make it back. Everything will be fine.”
But as she glanced at her new mate, as she met Phego’s unusual silver eyes, she sensed his understanding. His stress. Her words weren't necessarily true. That baby was going to come—and soon—whether the daddy was back or not.
Hours later, after a healthy dinner, a few cups of tea, and a lot of conversation, the foursome sat in Ariel's living room. Calm and quiet, finally. Though an edge of wariness still vibrated around the males—one in human form and dressed, the other still wearing his fur—the women were doing just fine. Typical.
Feet up, eyes droopy, Michaela sighed. “It's getting late.”
Ariel yawned and nodded. “Yeah, it might be time to hit the hay.”
“The hay? So I'm sleeping in a barn, am I? Wouldn’t be the first time.”
With a laugh, Ariel stood, wobbly on her feet. Michaela jumped up to help her, but her coordination felt off. Sluggish. She moved a bit slower than Colt, who reached the pregnant Omega first. Ariel jerked her arm away from him, though, tripping herself and falling into the side of the chair. Michaela was there to catch her in an instant, evaluating every move, every reaction from her friend. Something had gone wrong somewhere. Something had hurt her.
Michaela's mate jumped up from the floor and growled, but Ariel only shushed him. “I’m fine.” Ariel took a deep breath when she was on her feet and stable. “It gets harder and harder.”
Michaela frowned, unsure if she meant dealing with Colt or being pregnant. She hoped it was the latter. “Just wait until that baby drops. Walking around is going to be quite the adventure.”
Ariel rolled her eyes. “Great. Just what I need. More difficulty getting around.”
Michaela yawned and stretched, ready for bed. Definitely ready to get Colt away from Ariel so the woman could relax again.
“I'm turning in. We can resume this conversation tomorrow.” Michaela gave Ariel a hug, squeezing her tight as she whispered, “I'm so glad you called me to help.”
“I'm so glad you were able to come.”
“There was no way I wouldn't. Even though I had to bring Colt with me for backup.”
The shifter in question rolled his eyes and headed for the stairs. “Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Ariel.”
Ariel's eyes widened as they met Michaela's, shock evident on her pretty face. Colt hadn’t spoken much all night. And the words he had said had been gruff, direct, and not necessarily polite. That sentence was practically turning over a new leaf.
Ariel recovered first, murmuring a quiet, “You're welcome, Colt.”
Michaela turned to grab her bag, but the soft sensation of fur against her leg made her freeze. Her mate was there. Standing beside her. Almost bumping into her with his shoulder. It was the first time they’d touched; the first time they’d made any sort of contact. And even though the moment was fur on skin, it nearly knocked her to her knees.
Before she could act on that, before she could reach down and run her hand over his fur, before she could do anything other than freeze, the moment was shattered by her brooding, crabby packmate.
“Michaela, are you coming up?” Colt's voice carried from upstairs, the words innocuous enough if one knew their situation fully. Not that Phego or Ariel did. Her mate’s eyes narrowed, a growl breaking the silence. Michaela had forgotten about the sleeping arrangements her Alpha had laid down, knew it wouldn't look good heading up to a single bedroom with another man. But what could she say? Colt and Ariel didn't know she’d mated to Phego, didn’t have any idea the possessiveness he probably felt toward her. He hadn't shifted human, and Michaela hadn't told her bodyguard. Colt probably assumed the situation was as normal as it had been while they were traveling. That the two of them would act as a couple and sleep in the same room. Such an awkward spot to be in when your newly found mate had no idea it was all a ruse.
As Ariel busied herself in the kitchen, Michaela attempted to whisper to her mate, to explain. To make him understand. “It's not—”
But he only snarled, the sound sending a shiver up her spine.
“Phego?” Ariel called, padding back into the living space. “What’s going on?”
The wolf didn't answer, didn't even look at her. He stalked to the front door, standing on his back legs until his paw hit the lever just right. The second the door popped open, the wolf was gone. Running out into the darkness of the night like a wraith hell-bent on wreaking havoc. Or hiding. Michaela wasn’t sure which.
“What just happened?” Ariel asked, coming to stand beside Michaela. Both women looked outside, but the night was too dark. The forest made up of deepening shadows and pits of lightlessness. Still, Michaela knew he was out there, watching her, probably angry and upset. He wouldn’t
have left Ariel alone with two strangers, not after all the fight he’d put up earlier. He was dancing in the dark, alone, watching them. Listening. But there was nothing she could do at that point. Nothing she could say that would relieve him of her judgment without admitting their mated bond. And if he wasn’t willing to tell people about that, neither was she.
“I don't know. Though, I don't know a thing about him.”
That was the truth. What she didn't say, though—what she didn't add to that sentence—was that she hated her ignorance in regards to Phego. She wanted to learn everything about him, wanted to know his face and his body, his voice and his touch. She wanted to know him, and she would. Eventually.
She hoped.
5
Phego clawed the wet ground, digging himself a shallow hole just to the side of the porch. Typical. His mate was inside, sharing a room with a man he didn't know, and he was outside in the dirt. Not that he wanted a mate. Not that he cared for one. But the fates had chosen her for him, had brought them together at the worst time, dangling her in front of his face like some sort of cosmic fuck you.
He shouldn't have cared, shouldn’t have been attracted to her. He should've trusted his instincts when he'd first seen the couple standing outside the cabin and acted on them. He’d wanted to kill the male and kick the female off his property. That's what he should've done. No second chances, no option for betrayal, cabin locked down and secure for Ariel’s safety…and his.
But that's not what he’d done.
The screen door creaked open, and Phego found himself looking. Staring. Hoping it was Michaela, the woman he'd been chosen for. The one he shouldn’t want or crave or desire. And he definitely should not have been disappointed when Ariel stepped outside instead.
Ariel…his mission. His Dire sister. He needed to get his head on straight.
Phego chuffed softly, not wanting to scare her but letting her know he was there. Letting her know she wasn’t alone outside.
