Shifters Hallows Eve

by Lori King

  “Or you could just wait until you’re in tomorrow,” she drawled. “You know, when you’re on duty and not focusing on wooing your mate.”

  “One, I’m the Alpha. So in these matters, I’m always on duty. And second, wooing...really?”

  “Yeah, wooing...it’s a thing we women tend to like.” She snorted. “No wonder you don’t get laid much.”

  Grinding his teeth, Jackson breathed deep, trying not to react. The worst thing one could do when faced with Cassidy’s baiting was actually rise to it. “Check in tonight.”

  Not giving her a chance to respond, Jackson hung up and made his way to his car. Opening the driver’s door, he took one more look around, brows furrowing at the slightly familiar tone to the scent he had picked up. He couldn’t place it, but an uneasy feeling settled over him.

  His mate was finally home and within his grasp, and now he had some rogue that seemed to be following her. When it rains, it pours.

  “One thing at a time,” he muttered to himself, slipping behind the wheel.

  He had a date to get ready for.

  * * *

  “Shit!” Eva exclaimed, frustration gnawing at her as she picked up a wipe and removed the mess she had created with her mascara. Attempting for a third time to apply it correctly, Eva nearly screamed when the bathroom door opened and startled her.

  Not again!

  “What the hell has you so jumpy?” Cassidy asked, amusement colouring her tone.

  “Nothing.”

  “Oh, those are not ‘nothing’ boots, and that dress…” Cassidy whistled. “Not nothing, or well, yeah, it kinda is nothing I guess, with how short it is.”

  Eva pegged her eyeliner at Cassidy’s ridiculously happy face. “Shut up, bitch.”

  Holding her hands up in mock surrender, Cassidy shrugged. “It’s true; I am a bitch.”

  With a sigh, and ignoring her friend’s extremely unsubtle comment about her true nature, Eva turned to face her friend, holding out her mascara brush. “Well, if you’re going to stand there and make fun of me, the least you could do is help me.”

  She tried to hide how badly her hands were shaking, but Cassidy noticed instantly, and her expression softened. “Of course.”

  Damn shifters.

  Not that she had told Cassidy that she knew. Turnabout was fair play, and besides, Eva was kind of hoping her friend would finally be honest with her soon.

  “Thanks again, by the way.”

  Cassidy quirked a brow. “For?”

  “For letting me get ready here. I messaged him to let him know where to pick me up from. There was no way I could do this with my parents hovering. Could you imagine the questions I’d have to dodge?”

  Her friend shuddered. “Good point. You are absolutely welcome. And you know, we could always make this a semi-permanent thing, if you want?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, I could definitely get used to paying half the rent for a little while,” Cassidy said absently, reaching up to fix her hair. “Just until you find a place of your own. Beats having to run around your parents.”

  “Are you sure?” she tried not to sound too eager, even though inside, she was jumping for joy.

  “Of course. Hell, take my keys tonight, you have the spare room, there is already a bed,” Cassidy insisted. “Come back here tonight after your date and get settled in. Unless the date ends up going really well...in which case head back to his. I don’t need to be inflicted with Jack’s hairy ass first thing in the morning, or scarred from whatever sounds he may make.”

  “Cassidy!” She flushed bright red. “It’s our first date, if you can even call it that. We’re not going to have sex, for crying out loud.”

  “You never know,” Cassidy sang as she continued her work.

  What had taken Eva over half an hour to accomplish took Cassidy seconds to fix. Eva smiled when Cassidy didn’t even hesitate to move on to fixing up her lipstick and adding other touches to her make-up.

  “There. Gorgeous as always,” she said with a satisfied grin. “You’ll knock him dead.”

  Frowning, Eva studied her friend. “Cass? What you said before about his hairy ass...how did you know I was talking about Ja—”

  “Don’t even try it.” Cassidy cut her off. “Of course it’s him. Given how well I know you, there is only one guy that could get you this worked up.”

  “Great. I’m a hot mess and I’m predictable,” Eva grumbled.

  “Only to me, sweet cheeks. Now go,” Cassidy ordered with a slap to her ass. “Knock him dead.”

  Rolling her eyes, Eva didn’t have to be told twice. Grabbing her purse and phone, she was out the door within seconds. She’d wait for Jackson outside. Eva doubted much had changed between Cassidy and Jackson. They were like family, and like most siblings, chose to show their love through verbal sparring matches.

  She was nervous enough.

  With one last goodbye to the maniac known as her best friend, Eva made her escape and headed downstairs, praying tonight went the way she hoped it would.

  * * *

  The waiter led them through the busy restaurant to a section much more formal and intimate for dining. Eva received more than a few looks when they made their way to the table and she couldn't help feeling on display. Passing one duo in particular, two women leaned into each other, whispering and staring. They made no effort to hide the fact they were clearly discussing her. She suspected that they were members of Jackson’s pack, though why they were so intrigued with her, she had no idea. What did it matter if one of their pack went on a date? Was it because she was human?

  Once at their table, Jackson pulled out a chair. Eva frowned when she heard a phone ringing so close to them, and glanced around. Realizing the noise was closer, she peered over at Jackson to see him grimace.

  “Sorry, I have to take this.”

  Eva nodded, a little shocked that the man stood quickly and left her sitting there. They had barely said two words to each other.

  Uncomfortable, Eva shifted in her seat, the weight of other people’s stares making her skin itch. Eventually, Jackson made it back to the table, another apology on his lips.

  “It’s fine,” she said reassuringly. “It gave me time to work out what I want to order.”

  “Great.” Jackson grinned, not bothering to pick up his menu. “I’ve been here a few times, so I know what I want.”

  She tried not to let the simple statement get to her, though she couldn’t help but wonder how often Jackson brought women here. Maybe that was why everyone seemed to be staring.

  After they ordered, Eva said, "So, what have you been up to lately? You seem to know all about me, presumably from my father, but I’ve heard nothing about you. I know you're still a deputy and all."

  "Well, actually, I’m not a deputy anymore.” He chuckled nervously.

  "Oh?" She frowned with confusion.

  "I’m the new Sheriff."

  She blinked in surprise. “Oh, wow. Dad never mentioned that. I guess that’s why everyone is staring.”

  Jackson studied the looks they were getting from the others, glaring. His expression so unpleasant, the moment anyone met his eyes, they immediately diverted their gaze.

  “They are just being nosey. Don’t mind them, th—" Jackson was cut off by the sound of his phone going off again. “Sorry, I really have to take this.”

  "Don’t let me stop you." Eva said quietly, watching miserably as he made his way through the tables and left her alone, again.

  This certainly hadn’t been how she thought it would go. Jackson barely seemed to be making an effort, too distracted by whatever was going on at work. She tried to reason that he was the Sheriff. She remembered the times that would take her father away from home, but still, he always managed to have time for them. Could Jackson not give her this one night? Why had he even asked her out?

  The more she thought about it, the lower she began to sink into depression. Eva hadn’t realized how much she had been holdin
g out hope that perhaps she was Jackson’s mate. That there was more to them than just some basic chemistry.

  How wrong she must have been. This wasn’t a date where a man romanced his mate. This felt more like an apology date gone wrong.

  God, she was an idiot.

  * * *

  Dinner had been filled with quiet talk, and some flirtatious banter after that, but nothing too heavy. Eva tried to enjoy seeing the playful side of Jackson that occasionally peeked out, but every time it felt like they were getting somewhere, Jackson excused himself to take or make a phone call.

  At least Jackson appeared to notice her growing unease, because when it had come to dessert, Jackson had promised he knew something that would soothe any and all cravings she might have for sweets and put a smile on her face. Her eyes widened, and her mouth watered at the decadent dish they were served. Eva had a feeling that that much chocolate in one small bowl should probably be illegal.

  "God. This is crazy.” She laughed, the sauce dripping from the spoon too quickly for her to catch.

  "Crazy, but so good.” Jackson chuckled.

  Something in the bright sparkle of the man’s eyes had Eva suddenly wanting to tell Jackson the truth. She wanted to tell him she knew who and what he was. She wanted to know if there was more, and if not, then ask what the hell tonight was. Eva just couldn’t take it anymore.

  "Jackson. Tonight has been—" Again the man’s phone went off and Eva snapped, holding up her hand to stop him from answering. “Enough, Jack. You pick up that phone one more damn time and I’m out of here.”

  Jackson’s brows shot up high. “Eva?”

  She scoffed. “Oh, don’t be so surprised. You’ve been pushing it all night. I’ve tried to be understanding, but seriously? What could be so important? And if there was something that needed your attention so drastically, then why didn’t you just cancel tonight?”

  He grimaced, and tried to reach for her hand but she pulled away. “It’s not like that. It’s work, but it’s not. I jus—”

  “Oh, fantastic. So it isn’t really work?” She laughed humorlessly. “You know what? Let’s just forget about this, Jack.”

  He peered at her cautiously. “Forget about the fight?”

  “No,” she shook her head sadly and stood, grabbing her purse. “Forget about this whole thing.”

  “Eva, wait!” he called out to her as she stormed her way out of the restaurant. He caught up to her outside just as she managed to wave down a cab. “Eva, please. Let me explain.”

  "No. I really don’t think I can hear it. Listen, it’s fine. I overreacted. This obviously wasn’t what I thought it was about. And that’s on me. Don’t worry about it. Goodbye, Jack." Eva whispered, slipping into the taxi and closing the door on his shocked and fallen expression.

  A tear slid down her cheek even as anger welled inside of her. At him, at herself.

  She had been right before. She was an idiot.

  3

  Jackson watched in horror as his mate drove away in a taxi. Christ, he had screwed up.

  Knowing he had to fix this now, he raced to his car and sped to Cassidy’s, hoping he hadn’t ruined everything. Jackson wasn’t ashamed to admit he threw on his siren and lights to make the drive quicker. After all, this was an emergency as far as he was concerned.

  He had barely put it in park before he jumped out, nearly forgetting to lock the damn thing. Thankfully he had the combination to enter Cassidy’s apartment building so he hadn’t been stopped at the glass front doors; however, he was still stuck knocking on her door and waiting for her to answer.

  The door opened to reveal an extremely pissed off Cassidy.

  “No,” Cassidy snapped before he could say a word.

  Jackson sighed. “Whatever she said, I promise it has been blown all out of proportion. I jus—”

  “Oh, no, I kinda figured that,” she said, shrugging easily. “I meant no, you are not coming into my home and getting it on with my friend under the same roof as me. No.”

  He narrowed his gaze. “So you’re not letting me in because you think we’ll have sex?”

  Cassidy held up one delicate finger and shoved it in his chest with a growl. “Bullshit. We both know how this is going down, and it’s not happening here.”

  Jackson huffed in annoyance. “Well, I can’t exactly drag her back to my place with the mood she is in, can I?”

  “Ha!” Cassidy shouted, her finger moving to wave in his face. “See, you admit it. You totally want to screw her.”

  “Of course I do. She’s my mate, Cass,” he bit out through clenched teeth. “But none of that matters if she won’t even speak to me, and I can’t fix that if you don’t let me.”

  He saw her determination waver as she considered his words, and then crumble when she realized he was right. He could lose the chance to make things right with Eva if Cassidy didn’t let him in.

  “Goddammit, Jack.”

  He tried not to smile. “Does that mean you’ll let me in?”

  Jackson didn’t think he was that successful in hiding his grin when Cassidy glared at him. “Give me your damn keys.”

  He frowned. “Why?”

  Both eyebrows raised as she stared at him incredulously. “You don’t actually expect me to stay here tonight, do you? And I swear to god, Jack, you go near my bed, and alpha or not...you’re a dead man.”

  Grumbling under his breath, he handed them over. “What if she kicks me out?”

  “I hear the jail cells are comfy?” she said innocently, snatching them before he could change his mind.

  “Bitch,” he muttered, letting her push past him.

  “You know it,” she sang to him, throwing a wink over her shoulder for good measure as she jogged down the hallway to the lifts.

  Waving him off, she entered the lift and Jackson found himself standing aimlessly in the doorway. Gathering himself, he stepped further in and closed the door behind him, taking a quick look around.

  Light filtered from a room at the end of the hall that he knew was the spare room. Nearing the room, he peeked through the slit in the doorway. Eva stood at the end of the bed, lowering the zipper of her dress, all the while muttering under her breath. Thanks to his superior hearing, he had no trouble distinguishing all the colorful terms she was using to describe him. Jackson smiled. Some of them were quite creative, if not crude.

  His erection pressed against the zipper of his slacks, making itself known. In all the years she’d been gone, his lust and desire for her had never waned. During the day, he would fantasize about her, and at night when he went to sleep, he dreamed of nothing but Eva.

  Jackson had lived and breathed her since the moment he recognized her scent as his mate, coconut and vanilla, and he’d be damned if he’d let her push him away. Without a second thought, Jackson shoved open her door, ignoring the rattle of the wood’s hinges.

  Eva gasped, spinning around, her eyes wide with shock and something much more. The expression quickly faded, to be replaced by a deep, stark anger that would have shaken a weaker man to his core.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Get out,” she seethed.

  Her words registered in his ears, but Jackson was too far gone. Ducking when she swung at him, he clamped his fingers around her wrists and used her shock to push her back onto the bed behind her. Eva went down, Jackson falling on top of her, careful to let go of her and land most of his weight on his hands. He couldn’t stop the groan that slipped past his lips as his body molded to hers.

  Oh, shit. That felt good.

  She struggled against him, though he noted it was half-hearted at best. He heard more than felt some of the buttons to his shirt pop off as Eva tugged at the material. “Get off me, you ass,” she shouted, and he would have believed she meant it had he not seen the way her pupils dilated. The sexual heat in that honey-brown gaze seared him to his very soul.

  “Eva,” he breathed.

  Although her arms were still tensed, her hands balled int
o fists, Eva’s body relaxed underneath his as though all the fight had left it. Jackson lowered his lips to hers, the softest of touches, barely a caress.

  “I’m sorry, Eva.”

  His heart broke at the hurt he saw in her eyes. “Sorry? You can’t be serious? You spent the entire night looking at your goddamn phone. I tried to give you a chance. Putting all that hurt you left me with aside wasn’t easy for me, Jack. And you repay that by working when we’re supposed to be on a date.”

  “I know. I was wrong. I should have left it all up to my pa-deputies,” he quickly corrected himself at the last minute. “Sometimes it’s hard to let go, but I know that’s no excuse. Believe me, all I wanted tonight was to spend an evening with you, uninterrupted. And it’s on me that things were ruined. Please. Give me a chance to make it up to you.”

  Her mouth was pressed into a hard line, yet her eyes softened. His Eva wanted to forgive him, no matter how pissed she currently was.

  “There is so much I want to tell you. So much you have to know,” he whispered, pleading with her to understand. Eva started shaking her head at him, but he was determined to make her listen. “You’ve always known I was different. Haven’t you?”

  Eva lay beneath him, a frown marring her beautiful face. “I didn’t really know until I went to college.”

  “You met a shifter, didn’t you?” He sighed. “I could see it in your eyes. You knew more than you were letting on. I should have been the one to tell you this years ago, but I didn’t want to be the one to stand in your way.”

  “No, leaving me to find out from my new roommate was so much better. Thanks for that, by the way. Did you all realize you had been scenting me the whole time?” she asked, searching his face.

  Jackson leaned to one side, careful of his weight above her. He brought up his free hand to cup her cheek, using his thumb to tug at her bottom lip that was currently being abused. “I guess I had hoped. I wanted to protect you. We all did. You can't blame Cassidy and the others. It was my call to make.”