by Alicia White
“No. I’m a sentry.” He looked over at her with on odd look on his face, and she quickly explained.
“You’re wearing a uniform and so were some of the other men inside the bar.”
“Oh…yeah. We are all sentries together. My job is to make sure that the National Park stays safe.”
“Like a forest ranger?”
“Not exactly,” he said, and Emma decided not to push it. It really wasn’t any of her business, and she figured it didn’t matter. This was probably the only time she would spend with him anyway.
“So, tell me…How did you get your name? Do you have a big family?” She changed the subject, hoping to learn more about the man driving her home.
“I have two older brothers Mahkah Tuketu and Takoda Uzumati, I’m the youngest.” Mahkah sounded like Mik-ah. She loved the way he spoke, so smooth and rich. She could listen to him speak for hours about nothing at all.
“I love those names. Do they have meanings as well?”
“Mahkah Tuketu means ‘earth bear making dust,’ he’s the oldest, and Takoda Uzumati basically means ‘friendly bear.’”
“I guess your parents have a thing for bears.”
“My dads are Native American, part of the Sioux tribe. They moved here to Alaska many generations ago from the Dakota Territory. My mother is not from here. She moved from Montana when she was younger.”
“Um…dads, as in multiple fathers?” She turned to look at Chayton and noticed almost immediately that he tensed. Interesting. Does he have multiple dads? Or maybe he has a biological dad and a stepdad and refers to them both as dad?
He seemed to be struggling with an answer until finally he spoke. “I have two fathers and one mother. It’s acceptable for women to have more than one ma…uh...husband in my clan.”
“Oh…I’m not sure if I would want more than one husband. Sounds like a lot of work.” She looked at him, studying his face. When he didn’t respond, she laughed a bit uncomfortably, feeling awkward. “Although, I’m sure your mother must be really happy to have two men.” Still he said nothing and she felt like an idiot. I hope I didn’t offend him.
Emma yawned, feeling physically and mentally exhausted. Chayton clicked on the radio, and soft music flowed from the speakers. She stared out the window into the darkness unsure of what more to talk about. She leaned her head back and enjoyed the peaceful silence between them. She didn’t feel the need to talk to fill the void. Closing her eyes, the slow rocking of the truck put her to sleep.
* * * *
Chayton drove in silence, waiting for Emma to relax and fall asleep. When her breathing slowed, he knew that she slept. He looked over and studied his beautiful little mate. She had short black hair that framed her heart-shaped face, full plump lips, and the body of a goddess, curvy. He felt like the luckiest man in the world.
One minute he was playing pool with some of the other sentries, taking a break, and the next in walked the woman he had been waiting for. He still couldn’t believe his luck. He focused on the road and took his time, knowing that he had four hours ahead of him, but he really didn’t care. The phone in his pocket began to vibrate. He ignored it, knowing that it was probably one of his brothers checking up on him.
As the youngest of three, it was his job to leave home in search of their mate, and bring her back to share. That had been the tradition for centuries. That had been his plan, until he’d listened to her phone call and realized that his little mate had secrets. The last thing he wanted was to take her back home to meet his brothers. They were a little rough around the edges, and he didn’t want to scare her off. He needed to earn her trust before thinking about bringing her back. Perhaps he just didn’t want to share her.
Chayton swallowed hard, knowing that was part of the reason. He wasn’t ready to share her with anyone right now. He’d just found her, and although he didn’t have a plan, he knew he wouldn’t be returning home for a while.
He wondered if his other clan mates had felt the same way. When Conner found Chloe, did he want to keep her all to himself? Did he feel protective of her and not think his brothers were ready for her? Shit! I need to take her home. What options do I have? Chayton shook his head and began going over all his options, hoping that he would have the answers when they finally reached Anchorage.
Hours passed, and he still didn’t have any answers to his dilemma. His cell phone vibrated constantly, but he wasn’t ready to talk yet. He needed a plan before he answered the phone. Emma stirred next to him, and he looked down at her face. She’d moved around restlessly and finally settled on the bench seat, her head against his thigh. It felt good to have her touching him even if she didn’t realize it. He let his gaze travel her body, the curve of her cheek, the flare of her hip. She was perfection.
They would be arriving in Anchorage soon. Although they weren’t that far away from his home, he knew that they wouldn’t be going back for a while. He hated the thought of not being able to run free and hunt with the rest of his clan, but he also knew that Emma was more important to him than anything. He needed to earn her love, trust, and respect. Then he would take her home.
* * * *
Emma stretched and opened her eyes. She blinked a few times, trying to figure out where she was. She sat up quickly and realized that she was still inside Chayton’s truck. Looking around, she spotted him outside pacing around the gas station, talking on his cell phone. It was really late, and she breathed a sigh of relief recognizing where they were. They were in Anchorage.
Emma watched him closely, wishing she could read his lips. He was obviously irritated. She felt guilty, wondering if he was talking to his wife or girlfriend. She didn’t ask, and the truth was she really didn’t want to know. He shoved his long fingers through his hair and closed his phone, staring at the ground. Sitting up straight, she tried not to watch him, but it was impossible, her eyes were drawn to him.
He started making his way back to the truck. Their eyes locked, and he gave her a smile. It didn’t feel sincere though. Something felt off.
When he opened the door, cool air rushed in, and she shivered. “Are you married?” she blurted out.
“No.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes. I was speaking to my brother, Mahkah,” he said before removing the gas nozzle and stepping up into the truck. He didn’t say anything more, and Emma was tempted to question him further, but remained silent. It wasn’t any of her business. He would be leaving soon anyway.
He pulled out of the gas station and headed down Main Street. Emma gave him directions to her little apartment building. It didn’t take long to reach, and she kicked herself for falling asleep. She should’ve stayed awake and talked more, even got to know Chayton a little better. He parked the truck, and shut the ignition off.
“Will you come inside? Maybe take a nap before you head back home?”
“Sure, I would like that. Thank you.” He climbed out of the truck and rushed over to the passenger side, opening her door. He moved fast, and she gasped when he pulled her into his arms.
“Um…”
“Which apartment?”
“Just over there.” She pointed. “Number 118.”
Chayton walked in the direction she indicated. His long legs ate up the space between the truck and her home. She looked at his face, his fierce eyes, tight jaw, and wondered if the conversation with his brother had been more of a fight. Emma shook her head and decided not to analyze the situation. She was in his arms, and he was taking her to her home. Maybe he would even stay a bit to rest up. She wasn’t ready for their time together to end just yet.
He stopped in front of her door, and Emma wrestled with her purse, trying to find her keys. Once she pulled them out, he slouched down and let her unlock the door. Together, they went inside her small apartment and she looked around, wondering what he would think. He put her down slowly, and Emma looked up into his eyes when her feet touched the thick carpet.
“What do you think?”
<
br /> “I like it.” He nodded, looking around, but didn’t say any more.
“Are you hungry?” she asked.
“No.”
“Tired?”
“A little.” He nodded.
“I only have one bedroom, but we can share my bed. I mean…the couch is really small, and I don’t think that you would fit on it comfortably.” Emma felt herself blush. She stumbled over her words, hoping he understood she was inviting him to her bed to sleep.
Emma went to the thermostat and turned on the heater before taking off her jacket. She was chilly, and her teeth almost immediately began to chatter together. Feeling a bit awkward, she rubbed her arms vigorously and headed for the bedroom. She knew that Chayton was following her. She couldn’t hear him as much as she could feel him.
Emma grabbed her flannel pajamas and went into the bathroom, changed, and got ready for bed. She shut off the light and went back into her bedroom. She watched Chayton closely as he sat on her bed to remove his black boots. After pulling back her huge down blankets, she climbed into bed. Her heart pounded in her chest rapidly, and Emma took a quick look at the clock on her bedside table. It was midnight, and she would have to be awake in six hours for work.
“I’ll shut the light off,” Chayton said before standing up. Emma noticed he was only wearing a pair of boxer briefs, and her heart kicked up a beat.
Slamming her eyes shut, she willed herself not to open them, not to check him out even though it was one of the hardest things she had ever done. He is not a piece of meat. He is not a piece of meat. Oh, damn! The bed moved, and he climbed on, pulling the covers off himself before reaching over and pulling her body flush against his. Emma stiffened and took a deep breath. She could feel his hot chest against her back, searing her skin. His hard cock stabbed her ass cheek, and Emma knew she wouldn’t be getting any sleep.
“Close your eyes and go to sleep,” he grumbled, and Emma bit her lip, wondering if he was feeling a little frustrated by their closeness. He held her, and Emma found herself lulled to sleep in the comfort of his arms.
* * * *
Chayton held Emma close and inhaled her delicate fragrance. It helped to calm the beast in him, especially after the conversation he had with Mahkah. It played through his mind, and he felt confused about his emotions. He never doubted that when he found their mate, he’d bring her home and introduce her to his brother’s. Chayton wasn’t sure what to do now. He wouldn’t be taking her back though, not yet, not until she was ready. He looked down at her sleeping form. A surge of protectiveness slammed into him, and he tightened his arms around her.
His brother had been excited the moment Chayton revealed that he’d found their mate. That wasn’t entirely true. She had found him. Smiling, Chayton leaned down and rubbed his cheek against her silky soft hair, letting the conversation once again play through his mind.
“Chayton, where the hell are you?” Mahkah demanded.
“I found our mate. She’s in the truck sleeping right now.”
“That’s fantastic news, Chayton. When can we expect you home?” His voice changed to one of excitement and awe.
“I’m not heading home right now.” The truth was, he didn’t have a plan. He was playing this one by ear.
“Why?” He growled, taking the Alpha position, but Chayton wasn’t backing down from this. Not with Emma. It was too new, too unstable. He wasn’t certain of anything other than she needed time.
“I’m taking her to her home.” Again he didn’t elaborate.
“To pack her things?”
“No. She came into Mack’s tonight and needed a ride home, so I volunteered. We are headed there now.”
“Where are you?”
“Not too far.”
“That’s not an answer, and you know it!” Mahkah’s voice grew louder, causing Chayton to cringe. “When are you bringing her home? What’s her name?” His voice deepened. “Tell me something.”
“Her name is Emma.” He intentionally left off the last name to prevent his brothers from searching for her. “She’s perfect. I don’t think she’s ready yet to meet you and Takoda yet. When I gain her trust, we’ll talk again about this.”
“Chayton, that is unacceptable. Your job is to find our mate and bring her home. You know this. Bring her home, now!” Chayton hated doing this to his brother, but he had no choice. He couldn’t do it to Emma.
“I can’t do that. Not yet. I’m sorry. Please understand.” Before his brother could say another word, Chayton hung up.
Putting his phone on silent, he walked back to his truck and his mate, still unsure of what to do.
Chayton closed his eyes and took a deep breath to try and relax. He had no doubt that his brothers were still trying to call him. Clearing his mind, he focused on Emma’s breathing and buried his nose in her hair. She was his mate, and he would do whatever it took to protect her, even if that meant going against his brothers.
Chapter 3
Emma woke up feeling warm and comfortable for the first time in a long time. Slowly, she moved, stretching and blinking open her eyes. Her room was still dark, and she lifted her head, noticing that it was five o’clock. A soft snore got her attention, and she turned her head and stared at Chayton. His features were relaxed, making him look innocent, and she took her time studying his face.
He was a very good-looking man, and she wished she had more time to thank him for rescuing her and bringing her home. Slowly, she got out of bed, pulling his heavy arm up off her waist. She tiptoed into the bathroom and closed the door as quietly as possible, so she wouldn’t wake the sleeping man in her bed. Emma turned on the hot water and stepped under the spray. The pounding jets felt so good. She could stay here for hours. Emma groaned and relaxed her shoulders. Her mind wandered back to the sleeping man in her bed.
It didn’t take her very long to get cleaned up and ready for work. Getting dressed in the dark was a bit of a challenge, but she managed, not wanting to wake Chayton. Staring at him once more, Emma tried to memorize him in her bed. God, he looks good. It took some doing, but she made herself turn and leave the bedroom.
In the kitchen, she found a notepad and pen. She quickly wrote him a note, making sure to leave her phone number and hoping that one day again their paths would cross and she would see him again. She might have to take a drive up to the National Park when the weather warmed up a bit. Maybe they would see each other again. Staring down at the note, she read through it before signing her name.
Chayton,
I appreciate all the kindness you’ve shown me. I can’t thank you enough for driving me home last night. You were there for me when I needed someone, and I’ll never forget that. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. Drive safe.
Love, Emma.
Dropping the pen on the counter, she put on her boots and zipped up her jacket before opening the door and heading out in the cold. It was September, and although it was fall, she knew the coming winter was going to be freezing. She walked to her car quickly, and unplugged the engine from the warming block before jumping in. She stared at her apartment building and found it hard to breathe. Her chest hurt and her eyes filled with tears.
“Jeez, you are overreacting. You just met the man,” she chastised herself, wondering why she felt connected to a virtual stranger. It made no sense.
Her phone beeped, and Emma looked through her purse and noticed that it was a text message from her cousin Beth.
Did you make it home safe? she asked, and Emma felt relieved that she did actually care.
Yes, thank you. She typed back, keeping it brief.
I’m sorry that I asked if you were drunk. I should’ve known that you weren’t. It’s just…I’m sorry. Emma understood. She’d made some horrible mistakes in the past. She didn’t expect forgiveness and would never ask that of her family.
It’s okay. She really didn’t know what else to say. Closing her phone, she shoved it back into her purse and headed to work, feeli
ng a great weight on her shoulders.
* * * *
Emma pulled up to the National Bank of Alaska and stared at the building while sitting in her car. It was so unbelievable that she had moved from Seattle to work at a bank. She hated thinking about the past, but it always forced its way into her mind and ruined any sort of happiness.
Emma took a deep breath, trying to control her emotions. She stared at herself in the rearview mirror, feeling older than her twenty-six years. Closing her eyes, Emma couldn’t stop herself from reliving everything once more. She was with her cousins Beth and Lindsey at a fraternity party. They’d been celebrating her twenty-first birthday and drinking too much. The three of them had been so close then, and Emma wiped the tears off her cheeks, remembering all that had happened.
“Emma…we better head home. It’s almost two,” Lindsey reminded her, slurring each word. Emma grabbed her purse, kissed her then boyfriend, and headed outside.
“I’m not sure if any of us should be driving,” Emma told them, feeling drunk.
“I’m tired. Let’s just get home.” Beth yawned, opening the door and climbing into the back seat. Lindsey got into the driver’s seat, and the three of them headed home.
The road was blurry, and Emma was having a hard time seeing straight. Closing one eye, she stared at the road, hoping that Lindsey wasn’t having as much trouble seeing as she was. Beth rambled on in the back seat, but Emma wasn’t paying attention. Deep down, she knew that Lindsey shouldn’t be driving. They should’ve called for a ride or just stayed at the fraternity house until they sobered up a bit.
The car swerved and Emma looked over, watching as Lindsey righted it. She held the steering wheel tighter, her fingers turning white, and Emma was about to tell her to pull over.
That was the last thing she remembered...
