by K R Hall
“You’re welcome, Mazie.”
Nathaniel went in search of Tatiana. He found her upstairs in one of the bedrooms.
“Tatiana, I want to host a thank you party for everyone when everything is finished. Can you help me with that? Patricia is my new cook, but I’m sure she would need some help.”
“That’s a great idea! I can help. I will call Patricia and set things up. We should be finished today, so how about if I set the party for Saturday?” Tatiana replied.
“You think we will be finished today?”
“Sure. The floors are finished except for the library. Dane will finish it when he returns with the new belt. Once Mazie is done painting the lobby, that will be everything.”
“The appliances were delivered, and the plumber has finished. It’s hard to believe it’s almost done. Let’s have it Saturday,” Nathaniel decided.
“Perfect! Leave everything to me,” Tatiana replied, then pulled her cell phone out of her pocket to call Patricia.
“Tatiana, thank you for everything you have done. I wouldn’t be close to opening if it weren’t for your help.”
“You’re welcome, Nate. Remember, the pack helps pack. One day someone else will need our help, and I know you will be there helping,” Tatiana replied, then continued to make her phone call.
Saturday
The group of party-goers plowed their way through shrimp, chicken, roast beef, fresh vegetables, and for dessert, they had a fresh apple pie, complete with vanilla ice cream, cupcakes, and brownies.
Children at the party played, and their activities included running, hiding beneath tables, climbing chairs, dancing, or running into bushes. Nathaniel could hear them screaming with joy.
By the end of the evening, everyone was quite perky; alcohol didn’t have the same effects on shifters as it did with humans. It was the best party he could recall.
Chapter 5
Four years later
Tracie felt like a failure returning to the only home she knew, the foster home run by Shannon. She made a few commercials, but her acting career went nowhere. She had to work two jobs to make ends meet after the woman she was subletting the apartment from returned. Her social life was nonexistent. It was time to return to the safest home she knew.
“I’m a twenty-six-year-old failure,” she complained to Shannon.
“Nonsense. Many young people try acting, but very few make it,” Shannon said. “I’m glad to have you back. I’m so happy to see you again. You’re more than welcome to stay here until you get a job and can afford to move out.”
“Really? I wouldn’t want to be an imposition. I appreciate it so much.”
“I wouldn’t have offered if I minded. You can’t stay in one of the children’s rooms because you’re too big for a twin bunk bed. You can stay on the main floor in one of the guest bedrooms.”
“Thank you,” Tracie said as she followed Shannon down the hallway to the guest bedrooms.
A desk sat in one corner, and a few shelves were pushed against the walls and filled with books. This little room would be home for the next few months until she could afford to move out on her own.
It was strange, being here again after so long. Despite how long she had been away, Tracie still remembered everything about the place.
As Tracie lay in bed, there was a tenseness to her muscles that made her feel more like a mannequin on the soft mattress than a woman of flesh and bone. She wanted so much to melt onto the soft bed and drift into the world of dreams. Yet her mind was a whirl of craziness, trying to organize the failure of her life.
Tracie’s eyes opened and darted to the clock. It’s two-thirty in the morning. In the four hours she had been in bed, she must have woken up six times. Not for that long each time, but enough to break her sleep into un-refreshing chunks.
“Did you sleep well?” Shannon asked as she poured Tracie a cup of coffee.
“Not really. I tossed and turned most of the night. I couldn’t turn my mind off of my worries.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. As I said, I’m so glad you came back. It’s Sunday, so you can take the day to relax and begin job hunting tomorrow. I suggest checking out the Lykos Winery. I heard through the rumor mill that they are hiring for many departments.”
“Thank you. That sounds like a great idea! I can work on my resume later today.”
“Gabe and Spencer opened a vineyard in De Luz Heights if the Lykos Winery doesn’t pan out for you,” Shannon suggested.
“I remember them. They used to hang out with Tanner, Nate, Rosalie, Dixie, Lacey, and me. Maybe I will contact them first. It would be nice to work with someone I know.”
“Do what makes you comfortable, Tracie.”
“I texted the girls to let them know I was here.”
“Rosalie lives in Rainbow at the Lykos pack with her mate, Dante. Dixie and Lacey moved to Escondido.”
“I haven’t seen them in almost five years. We went to Disney and had a blast. I’d love to catch up with them.”
“Escondido is thirty minutes away, so it may be a little short notice for them to come. Rosalie would more than likely come, as Rainbow is less than ten minutes away. Maybe you could talk to her about the Lykos Winery and Vineyards?” Shannon suggested.
“That sounds like a great idea. I will call Rosalie. Thank you for everything, Shannon. You are more of a mother to me than my own mother was before she died.”
“Thank you, child. It took you a little while to come out of your shell, but the kids knew you were worth the wait. I remember the first month you were here. The others walked on eggshells around you for fear of scaring you away. You also hoarded food in your room until you realized you would never go hungry again.”
“You knew about my hiding food?” Tracie blushed.
“Of course. Shifters have sharper senses than humans. I never said anything because I knew it would take time for you to realize you were safe here,” Shannon replied. “Now, finish your breakfast. I really do need to get the housework done while the foster kids are playing outside.”
Tracie indulged herself with orange juice, pancakes, and fresh blueberries because that was Sunday mornings back at her old place. While eating, she texted Rosalie and made arrangements to meet her that afternoon for lunch. Having a few hours to kill, she sent off a text to Gabe.
Tracie: Hi Gabe, I don’t know if you remember me; this is Tracie Lowe. We grew up in the foster home run by Shannon in Fallbrook.
Gabe: Hi Tracie, yes, I remember you. How have you been?
Tracie: I’ve been okay. I moved back to Fallbrook. Shannon said that you might be looking for some help at your winery or vineyard.
Gabe: Sorry, Spencer and I can’t hire you. Nate would kill us.
Tracie: What do you mean Nate would kill you? What does he have to do with this?
Gabe: Come on, Tracie. Do you mean to tell me that you didn’t know you were Nate’s mate? That he sabotaged all of your dates? Hell, a few times, he had one of us guys help him out.
Tracie: I’m Nate’s mate? He had you guys help him sabotage my dates, and no one told me? How could you do that to me?
Gabe: Tracie, Nate wanted you to fall in love with him. He didn’t want you to feel obligated to be with him because of the mating bonds.
Tracie: How long did you know?
Gabe: The first day you arrived at Shannon’s, Nate’s wolf told him.
Tracie: Wait. You have known that long?
Gabe: Nate knew that day. We didn’t know until a couple of months later. Tracie, don’t hate him for it. You don’t know how hard it was for him not to tell you. He spent many days fighting his wolf not to claim you once you both were teenagers. His wolf didn’t understand that you guys were too young.
Tracie: Just because he says we’re mates doesn’t mean I have to accept it.
Gabe: I don’t know. It would be better to talk to one of the shifter elders. They can explain all you need to know about mates and mating.
Tracie: I
don’t care if we’re mates. If he wants me, he needs to fight for my heart. I will not just roll over and accept this mating! He needs to treat me with respect.
Gabe: Tracie, I’m sorry you had to hear about it all from me. I’m sure Nate would have told you. Please talk to him. Let him explain.
Tracie: I can’t talk to him now. I’m so angry. I will speak with Shannon. I remember her talking about mates when we were kids. Maybe she can help me understand.
Gabe: I hope she can help. Come by for a visit sometime. I know Spencer would like to see you as much as I would. I’m sorry we can’t hire you.
Tracie: Maybe I will come to visit in a few days. Thank you for telling me, Gabe. I’m sorry I yelled at you.
Gabe: At least the yelling was over texts. LOL
Tracie: You got lucky. LOL TTFN
Tracie had calmed a little bit after her initial shock. She decided to look for Shannon and see if she would explain mating to her.
Tracie found Shannon folding laundry in her bedroom. She knocked on the door frame.
“Oh, hi, Tracie. Come on in and have a seat. What can I do for you? You look troubled.”
“I talked to Gabe, and he told me that I’m Nate’s mate. He also told me that he and the boys helped Nate sabotage my dates when I was growing up,” Tracie said in a rush of hurt and anger.
“I knew you were mates, but I didn’t know that the boys had sabotaged your dates.”
“Would you please explain to me about mates and mating?”
“The thing about a shifter’s mate is that the universe has to bring the two souls together. When a shifter finds his or her mate, they are the greatest of lovers. Shifters vow to fight for love all the rest of their days. A shifter’s mate will love you, live for you and even die for you, yet knowing that their death will be yours too, for once the bond is made, it is eternal. Show with your actions, your deeds, as well as your words that you are willing to fight for love with everything you have. You see your soulmate’s flaws—all of them. They make you want to be a better person. Nothing can change your love for each other.”
“Wow. I don’t know what to say. What if I don’t want to mate with Nate?”
“You have every right to not mate with Nate. You need to know the facts before you make that decision. I do not say this to get you to change your mind, but you need to know the truth.”
“Okay, I will listen with an open mind.”
“If a mate rejects the shifter mate, he will grow weak. Eventually, he will become so weak that he will die.”
“Is there nothing to save Nate?” Tracie whispered.
“Only mating. His wolf chose you when you were twelve. Nate knew you were too scared and too young to understand mating. He didn’t know a lot at that age. He wanted you to love him for himself, not because of the mating bond.”
“That’s what Gabe said too.”
“When you went on a date the summer between your junior and senior year in high school, what did you feel?”
“Oh, umm. That was so long ago. Let me think about it.”
“You don’t have to answer me. I want you to think about it. About how you felt. Have you ever been attracted to him? How do you feel when he is near? How do you feel when he is away from you?”
“That’s easy. I feel lost without Nate nearby. We have been together since we were twelve. It’s like a part of me is missing. I just thought that was because we grew up together.”
“Ask yourself if you felt that way when you went off to college. How did you feel when the others you grew up with didn’t go with you and Nate?”
“Well. I was sad when we said our goodbyes. I missed them, but not like how I miss Nate,” Tracie reasoned.
“That is the beginning of the mating bonds.”
“So, it’s too late for me to reject the mating,” Tracie said sadly.
“You can reject the mating at any time. That’s always been up to you. Please, think about it before you make any decisions.”
“Okay, I will give it some serious thought,” Tracie agreed right before the alarm sounded on her cell phone. “Oh, that’s the reminder to get ready to meet Rosalie for lunch.”
“I must warn you that Nate lives at the Lykos pack as well.”
“Ugg. I hope I don’t run into him. I’m not ready to face him.”
“It’s a large pack, but there is still a chance. I thought you should know that it’s a possibility so that it wouldn’t catch you off guard.”
“Thank you.”
***
Nathaniel’s wolf knew when Tracie walked into the room; his whole world slowed down. He looked up from reading the menu and laid eyes on the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Tracie looked the same. Same perfect crimson hair that rested right above her shoulders. Same hazel eyes that could swallow galaxies. Her perfect skin looked so soft. The same smile curved her lips. Her cheeks were the color of pink roses, and her eyelashes longer than anyone’s he had ever seen. And her out-of-this-world body caught his attention, a small waist hidden under a skin-tight green top and curvy hips that fit so perfectly in her dark blue jeans. And Nathaniel was still in love with her.
Nathaniel fought his wolf often. Back when they were in college, whenever Tracie passed him, he had to wrestle with the instinct to take hold of her. To pull her into a dark room and to bend her over the nearest flat surface. To fuck her against a wall or door. To make love to her anywhere. Everywhere. To slide deep into her ass and pussy.
“Tracie. My sweet, beautiful Tracie. My mate,” Nathaniel mumbled.
Nathaniel watched as Tracie’s eyes scanned the room with determination in search of someone; when her eyes met someone else, she smiled. He turned to see who she was smiling at and was relieved to see it was Rosalie. She strode over to the table as Rosalie stood. They embraced in what looked like a warm hug before taking their seats.
Gabe had called him earlier and explained that he had let it slip about the mating and sabotage. He knew she would be angry. He didn’t want to ruin her lunch with Rosalie. While they embraced, Nathaniel snuck out of the diner. He wasn’t ready to talk to Tracie yet.
Rosalie smiled when she saw her favorite waitress, Elsa, emerge through the swinging doors of the kitchen. Her long brown hair was pulled back into a tight bun. She stopped at another table and set plates before the diners before turning and approaching their tables with a bright smile on her face.
“How are you this afternoon, Rosalie?” Elsa asked.
“I’m fine; thank you. Elsa, this is my friend Tracie. We grew up together in Shannon’s foster home.”
“Nice to meet you, Tracie.”
“Thank you. Nice to meet you as well.”
“Have you had a chance to look at the menu, ladies?”
“Yes, I think we’re ready to order,” Rosalie replied.
“What can I get for you, ladies?” Elsa asked as she pulled out her order pad and pencil from her apron pocket.
“I’d like the roast beef sandwich with fries and iced tea. No lemon. Sugar,” Rosalie replied.
“I’d like the club sandwich, no bacon, fries, and an iced tea. Lemon is fine, but no sweetener,” Tracie gave her order.
“I’ll be right back with your drinks,” Elsa said before returning to the kitchen.
A few minutes later, Elsa returned with their iced teas.
“Your meals will be up soon,” she said after she placed their drinks on the table. Then she headed off to check on her other tables.
The two of them sat and ate and chatted about the upcoming harvest in mid-August. Traditionally, harvesting was done at night or dawn, when it was coolest outside. Elsa came out of the swinging doors with their lunch. She quickly placed their plates in front of them.
“Anything else I can get you?”
“No, thank you,” they said in unison.
“Well, enjoy your meals.”
Elsa stopped by their table several times, asking if she could get them anything else or seeing if they enjoyed t
heir meals. When she saw they had finished eating, Elsa took their plates and left the bill.
“I’ve got this,” Tracie said, reaching for the bill.
“Nonsense. I invited you, so I will pay the bill,” Rosalie insisted.
“I can pay my half.”
“Tracie, you just returned home. I know you are looking for work, so keep what money you have until you start getting a regular paycheck.”
“Thank you. Speaking of jobs, do you know anyone hiring who wouldn’t care that I was Nate’s mate?” Tracie asked.
“What do you mean, wouldn’t care if you are Nate’s mate?”
“I talked to Gabe this morning. He said that Nate wouldn’t be happy if I worked for them. Did you know we were mates?”
“Well, that’s just dumb. No, I didn’t know you were mates. Oh, you know what? Most male shifters wouldn’t like their mates to be around unmated males. That must be what they are talking about,” Rosalie explained. “Shifters would never cheat on their mate. As a shifter’s mate, your life would be extended to the same length as theirs, and you would heal faster. If you were lucky enough to mate a shifter, you would be the only person both the human and the beast could love.”
“Now, that is just silly. Who cares who I am around?”
“It’s a shifter thing. I know when I met my mate, Dante, my wolf was upset every time he was around unmated females,” Rosalie explained. “Anyway, you asked about a job. Well, Nate opened a bed and breakfast a few years ago. You can see if he has any job openings. Unless you don’t want to work for him.”
“I couldn’t work for him. I’m too mad at him right now. I have cashiering experience. I’ve worked as a waitress, and I was a data entry clerk in Los Angeles.”
“I can put in a good word for you with our alpha, Darias; he may know of something.”
“Thank you. I should get back to Shannon’s. I want to help her out with housework for letting me stay there until I can find a place to live.”
“It’s great that she can let you stay there. If you get a job here in Rainbow or the pack lands, it wouldn’t be a far commute. Many people drive here from Fallbrook.”
