“Is she still asleep?” Connor asked.
Cassie nodded. “I’m sure she’ll be improved by morning.”
“I hope so. The only way she could get worse is if she died.”
Cassie tried not to grimace. She knew that death was a very real possibility. “If you need anything, just let me know.”
“If she lives, do you think you could sit with her when I go in to work on Monday?”
“You’re going to work? You don’t think this is reason enough to take a few days off?” she asked, incredulous.
“I don’t have a choice, Cassie. I’m the boss, remember?”
“All the more reason to take off! Don’t you have a foreman or someone who could oversee things for a day or two?”
Connor rubbed the back of his neck, tension having built up painfully. “Yeah, I have one, but I need to be there Monday to sign their pay checks. I’m the only one authorized on the bank account.”
“I don’t mind staying with her, but she needs you. Don’t ask me why it’s important that you stay with her as much as you can, but it is.”
Connor stared at her a moment, trying to read between the lines. He knew there was something Cassie wasn’t telling him, but he couldn’t figure out what it was. But if she thought it was important for him to be with Aislinn, then he would stay by her as much as he could. Regardless of what Cassie said though, he had a job to do.
“If you can stay with her Monday, I’ll take Tuesday and part of Wednesday off work. I’ll see if Colin can stay with her when I’m not here for the rest of the week.”
“Connor…”
He shook his head. “I can’t let the company run itself yet, Cassie. It wouldn’t do me any good to stay with Aislinn and lose the company, the only means I have of supporting her.”
Cassie grinned. “So she’s going to stay here permanently?”
“I’m hoping she will. She knows what I am and she accepts it.”
“Well, for your sake, I hope she stays. Call me if you need anything.” She tugged her husband toward the door. “We need to get home before it gets any later.”
In the bedroom, Eric materialized by Aislinn’s bed. He was glad she had chosen to be Connor’s mate and to stay in Ashton Grove. But, before she could have her happy ending, she was going to need a little help. The werewolf blood now flowing through her veins was helping repair the damage that had been done, but it wasn’t enough. Even Cassie’s spell had lent a little extra power, but it would fall short and Aislinn would die by morning. Unless he intervened.
Leaning over her prone form, he brushed his lips against hers, passing some of his magick to her. As his breath entered her lungs, her body was bathed in a golden, healing light. The bruises on her face and arms slowly started to fade.
Eric placed his hands on her ribs and felt them become whole again. He stepped back from the bed and smiled. He’d done as much as he dared. It was time for the werewolf’s and witch’s magick to heal her now. As it was, interference of this magnitude would be frowned upon. But he couldn’t let her die. She was a fighter and deserved her chance at happiness. No matter what it took, Eric was determined she would get it.
Sitting in the chair by her bed, he decided to watch over her until the werewolf returned. While he knew the Fates had to test her, he didn’t want the trials to begin before she was fully healed. It was going to take everything she had to fight the upcoming battle. If it had been left to him, she would have been given her second chance free and clear. After all, the Fates were the ones who had screwed up, not the young woman lying in the bed before him.
If he had to play guard dog until she was well, then he would do so. It was beneath him, but this one time he didn’t mind. He’d seen so many humans get a second chance, most of them undeserving. This was the first time he felt the human had truly deserved another chance, a new life.
Aislinn was a remarkable young woman. More so than she realized. She may think of herself as plain or ordinary, but she was far from it, especially in Ashton Grove. In this world, she was capable of so much more than she realized.
He grinned when he realized that Cole’s and Michael’s mates were the only ordinary humans. The gift of sight allowed him to see Colin’s future mate, Ramsey’s and also Hunter’s. All three men would be blessed with unique women. And Connor… Connor’s mate would be the most unique of them all. Coming from another world, defying death and being granted special gifts would make Aislinn the strongest of the mates, and the most useful.
The footsteps echoing down the hall were his cue to leave. While he knew Aislinn had told Connor about him, it was entirely different to let the werewolf see him. He needed to maintain an air of mystery. More importantly, he needed to make sure no one would recognize him. Aislinn would be able to, but she would be the only one in the pack who would know who he was, and it needed to remain that way.
As the doorknob turned, Eric faded until the werewolf wouldn’t be able to see him. Cloaking himself in darkness, he hid in the shadows. The werewolf would know he had been here, but he wouldn’t know why.
Eric smiled when he remembered how jealous Connor had been before. Let the werewolf stew a little longer. It wouldn’t do for him to think Aislinn was his simply because she was his destined mate. After all, everyone had free will.
Chapter Six
Connor stepped into the bedroom and sniffed the air. Growling, his eyes scanned every inch of the room. He knew the sorcerer had been here again, but he didn’t know why. Swiftly walking to Aislinn’s side, he checked on her.
Shock rippled through him. All of her bruises were gone. He knew it was impossible for his blood to have healed that much damage so quickly. Scenting the air, he recognized some of Cassie’s herbs and realized she had done a spell. But somehow, he didn’t think even that would have been enough to heal her so quickly. That only left the sorcerer. Connor had no idea why the illusive man had chosen to heal Aislinn, but he was thankful just the same, if not a little suspicious.
Aislinn was still sleeping peacefully. Making sure she was comfortable, Connor settled himself into the chair near her bed and kept watch. So far, the sorcerer hadn’t harmed her. But not knowing what the man’s motives were, Connor wasn’t about to take any chances; his mate was far too precious to him.
As he watched over her, Connor pondered Cassie’s statement. She had seemed convinced that Connor should remain by his mate’s side. But she hadn’t said why. It wasn’t like Cassie to be so cryptic. Was something going on that he needed to worry about? Was Aislinn not yet safe?
He had promised Cassie that he would leave work early on Monday and would remain home Tuesday. He had every intention of keeping that promise, but he didn’t like to leave the office for too long. Sure, he had a good bunch of workers, but the company was still new to him. It was like having a new baby and leaving it with complete strangers, it left him feeling unsettled.
The thought of a baby drew his eyes to the sleeping woman in the bed. She had finally accepted that she was his mate, but did she fully understand what that meant? Would she welcome children that could very well shape shift into werewolves?
He grinned. She was certainly an unusual woman, not even balking at the thought of werewolves existing. No, what had worried her was the fact that Ashton Grove had existed in reality and not just in a book. He still found it hard to swallow that there were other realities out there, realities in which he and his family played fictitious characters. Yet, with a cousin who was psychic, a cousin by marriage who was part fairy and part werefox, and a family full of werewolves, he had learned that anything was possible. It seemed that life was going to test his belief system on a regular basis. Between fairies, vampires, other shapeshifters, psychics, discovering the sorcerer was real… well, he’d had an interesting life to say the least, and most of those things had happened just in the past year.
The phone in the living room rang and he reluctantly went to answer it, leaving the door ajar on his way out. Picking up the
phone, he recognized the number on the caller ID and grimaced. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to Cameron.
“Hello.”
“Hi boss. Just thought I’d see if you were busy tomorrow.”
Connor glanced at the clock. “Cameron, do you know how late it is?”
She laughed. “Yeah, but you’re still awake so what does it matter?”
“I may be awake, but other people are sleeping.”
Silence reigned on the other end of the line.
“Are you still there?”
“I’m still here. So you’re having a sleepover and didn’t invite me?”
He could practically hear her pouting on the other end of the line. She probably thought it was cute, but Connor only found it annoying. He’d tolerated her before finding Aislinn, but now that he had found his mate he found that he was less tolerant of the woman.
“Cameron, I’ve told you before that I’m not interested in you that way. We have a working relationship and that’s all.”
“But it could be more than that.”
Connor sighed. The woman was so damn thick headed! “No, Cameron, it can’t be more than that.”
“It’s not like you’re seeing someone.”
“How would you know?”
“Are you? Is that why you won’t date me? Because you’re sleeping with someone else?”
Connor fought back a growl. “Cameron, I’m not having this conversation with you. We can either continue to have a working relationship, and only that or you’ll need to find another job.”
He heard the loud click and knew Cameron had hung up on him. Turning the phone off, he put it back on the charger and walked back to the bedroom. To his amazement, Aislinn was sitting up in bed waiting for him.
“Was that your girlfriend?” she asked softly.
“I don’t have anyone in my life but you, sweetheart.”
“It sounded like you were talking to a woman.”
He grinned and walked to her side. “It was someone from work.”
“A female someone who wants to be more than a co-worker?”
Rather astute of her, he thought and he nodded.
Aislinn wasn’t sure how she felt about other women wanting Connor. She might be his mate, but she knew she wasn’t what most would call beautiful. Deciding not to think on it any longer, she decided to change the subject.
“If I’m feeling better next week, I’d like to start looking for a job.”
Connor sat on the edge of the bed, unsure what to make of her statement. She might have healed quickly, but she should probably take it easy for a little while. “You don’t have to.”
“Yes, I do. I’m not going to rely on you to support me. I’m going to need a car and a place to live, and I can’t get those things without a job.”
“I thought you would stay here.”
Aislinn stared at him a moment. She would have never thought of arguing with Hugh, but knowing Connor wouldn’t hurt her made her a bit braver than usual.
“Connor, my husband refused to let me work, refused to give me a way to earn any money for myself. No matter how nice of a guy you may be, I’m not putting myself in that situation again.”
He winced when she said “my husband.” Maybe he could find a compromise. He didn’t like the idea of her living anywhere other than here with him. His house was large enough, but if he had it his way she’d remain in his bed, even if they weren’t sharing it yet.
“What if you got something part-time to give you some spending money of your own and let me worry about the rest?”
She started to shake her head, but he stopped her.
“Honey, you almost died. I don’t want you to over-do it right now. You’ve already agreed that you’re my mate and belong with me. At least let me help take care of you. I’m not asking you to be completely dependent on me, not that I would mind it if you were.”
“I don’t know that I can buy a car with a part-time job.”
“What if we went car shopping and you picked out something you felt comfortable with?” He hurried on before she could protest. “Think of it as a gift. It’s not every day I find my mate.”
Aislinn bit her lip, thinking it over. She had expected an argument over her declaration, but he was being really nice about it. She knew he wasn’t Hugh, but at the same time she was terrified of being without the means to support herself. “You won’t mind if I work?”
Connor reached over and took her hand. “I would prefer it if you didn’t, simply because I think you need a break, but I won’t stop you.”
His kindness and understanding brought tears to her eyes. She blinked them back and smiled at him. “Thank you. You don’t know what that means to me.”
Connor smiled and settled himself in the chair by the bed. He would give anything to hold her, but he didn’t want to push it. Just because she had let him hold her once, didn’t mean she would let him do it again. At least, not this soon. He knew she had suffered a great deal at the hands of her husband, and he swore she would never be harmed again.
Chapter Seven
Monday came all too soon and Connor had to leave Aislinn in Cassie’s capable hands . His mate had tried to argue that she was fine and didn’t need a babysitter, but he’d finally convinced her that it was more for his peace of mind than anything else. She still hadn’t been happy, but she’d relented.
Now that he was sitting at his desk, he wondered if he’d made the right decision. So far, he’d done nothing but think about Aislinn. He wasn’t getting much work done, and if he didn’t focus on the job at hand, he was going to have furious employee’s. Payday was coming up and so far he’d only managed to tally two timecards.
Shoving everything side, he picked up the phone and called the house, needing to hear his mate’s voice. When no one answered after the fifth ring, he began to worry. He hung up and called Cassie’s cell phone next. Getting no answer there either, he finally called Matt, knowing that if anyone would know the location of Cassie and Aislinn, he would be it.
Matt answered on the second ring.
“Hi, Connor. Is this a social call?”
“I can’t find my mate, and since she’d supposed to be with your wife…”
Matt chuckled. “You assumed I’d know where they are.”
“Don’t you?”
“Maybe.”
Connor growled. “Don’t play games with me, Matt. Not about this.”
“Relax, Connor. They’re fine. Cassie took Aislinn shopping for a few essentials and then they were going to get a bite to eat.”
“A phone call would’ve been nice,” he muttered.
“I’m sure they thought they’d be back before you even knew they were gone.”
“As long as they’re save, that’s all that matters.”
“If I talk to Cassie, I’ll be sure to tell her you called. Aislinn probably didn’t call so she wouldn’t disturb you at work.”
Connor snorted. “The woman is a distraction even when she isn’t here. If you talk to them, make sure she calls me.”
“I will. Now get back to work and quit worrying about your mate. She’s fine.”
Connor hung up the phone and stared at the paperwork on his desk. Maybe Matt was right. If he submerged himself in work, maybe he’d stop thinking about Aislinn so much. It was worth a try anyway.
Aislinn looked at Cassie uncertainly. She hadn’t felt comfortable leaving the house, but the other woman had convinced her it would be okay. They’d been out for an hour now, but Aislinn still felt unsettled. Maybe she would’ve felt better if Connor knew where she was, or that she’d left the house at all.
“What do you think of this one?” Cassie asked, holding up a knit dress.
“The same thing I thought about the last four outfits – that you shouldn’t be buying me anything.”
“Oh, please! What good is money if you can’t spend it?”
At her stubborn look, Cassie sighed. “Look, I promise I won’t spend more than f
ive hundred dollars.”
“One hundred.”
“Four hundred,” Cassie countered.
“Two hundred.”
Cassie’s eyes narrowed. “Three hundred and not a penny less. That should get you a few outfits and some shoes if we bargain hunt in the clearance racks.”
Aislinn couldn’t believe how carelessly Cassie threw money away. She couldn’t imagine spending three hundred dollars on shoes and clothes. Of course, all of her shoes had come from Payless, and her clothes from Walmart. She’d never shopped in a mall before, not for herself anyway. She’d only gone on special occasions, like Christmas.
After a while, their arms were laden with packages. Cassie suggested stopping for lunch on the way home and Aislinn agreed. They’d just entered the mall from the store when Cassie’s name was called. Looking around, Aislinn spotted and attractive blond man heading their way.
“Hunter! What a pleasant surprise,” Cassie said.
“I picked up some new tools at Sears and thought I’d hit the food court. What are you up to?” he asked, eyeing Aislinn in curiosity.
“I’m shopping with Connor’s mate.”
He looked surprised. “Mate? I hadn’t realized…”
Hunter held his hand out to Aislinn. “Let me be the first to welcome you to the pack. My name’s Hunter.”
She placed her hand in his. “I’m Aislinn. It’s nice to meet you.”
Cassie smiled at them. “Well, you’ll have to excuse us, hunter. We’re actually on our way out. Unless…”
“Unless?” he prompted.
“Would you want to have lunch with us? Maybe invite one or two pack members?”
He narrowed his eyes. “What are you up to?”
“Nothing. I just thought it would be nice for Aislinn to know a few pack members outside of Connor’s family. She’s new in town and doesn’t have any friends here yet.”
Hunter nodded. “I think Austin has the day off. Let me call him and see if he’s available.”
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