A Wolf's Mate Read online

  He flipped the page and spotted Jill walking out. She smiled at Nick and soon settled on the chair next to him.

  “So what brings you here?” she asked.

  “Waiting for Maisey. Impromptu business meeting. You’ve been busy. I mean I just overhead you finishing with a client and that she’ll be back next week.”

  “Oh, you mean Ava.”

  “Is that her name?” Nick flipped another page, trying to act as casual as he could but wolves were smart and coy, and he should know better than anyone else that you couldn’t fool one.

  “You do know you’re blushing?”

  “It’s kinda warm in here today. Maybe you have the heat cranked too high.”

  She patted him on the knee. “Business meeting my ass. You do know Ava’s a human?”

  “Sure I do.”

  She squeezed his knee. “I actually think you and a human would be perfect. She’s just your type.”

  “And what exactly is my type?”

  “Curvy, career girl, knows what she wants and doesn’t stop until she gets it.”

  “Really.”

  “You know if you sneak through the curtains over there you might catch a peek of her being waxed.”

  He pictured that in his mind’s eye and it made him instantly hard.

  “That’s a naughty idea,” said Nick throwing the magazine over his crotch.

  Jill smiled just as Maisey came back.

  “So did you know that our alpha wolf here has his sight set on a human?” asked Jill.

  “I did and I’m going to help the process along. Well, would you look who’s here,” said Maisey.

  Nick looked up to see Charlotte Renner and Melanie Reynolds waddling in with their yoga mats under their arms. Maisey had talked them into attending the prenatal yoga class. She’d never taught it before, but they were her guinea pigs of sort. She immediately rubbed both their bellies.

  “Hi Nick,” said Charlotte.

  “How you feeling?”

  “Big and clumsy.”

  The whole group was now eagerly awaiting the first half-shifter and half-human babies. Even he was curious about what they’d look like.

  “Could you get Dane to give me a call because I’m having trouble with some computers,” Nick asked Melanie.

  “Sure will.”

  Dane was their computer whiz and now working at the same elementary school as Trent’s wife Emily, yet another human.

  “I just have to introduce Nick to one of my yoga students and I’ll be right with you if you want to head along to the class…she’s a human,” Maisey added.

  Charlotte winked at him.

  “I’m impressed,” said Melanie. “We could offer you some pointers.”

  Nick stood, knowing he was in dangerous territory. Four females, two of them pregnant, definitely meant estrogen overload and he needed to get out of here, but Maisey kept her hand firmly planting on his arm. He was guessing Lucas was teaching her how to read minds.

  Jill headed off with Charlotte and Melanie in tow. He tried to follow, but that iron-like grip held him in place.

  “You are not moving until you’ve met Ava and asked her to go for a drink with you.”

  “What if I don’t like her once I’ve spoken to her? What if she doesn’t like me?”

  He didn’t have chance to say any more because the next thing he knew, he was looking straight at Ava.

  Jill had told him he was blushing earlier when Ava’s name had been mentioned, and by the burn in his cheeks he guessed it was true. A shifter woman had never caused this sort of reaction and how a human was achieving it, he didn’t know. As well as the blush of his skin, his cock and balls were pretty much on fire too. All things pointed to this woman being his true mate, but how could he, Nick Pearson, possibly be destined to spend the rest of his days with a human?

  “Ava, I’d like you to meet my business partner, Nick Pearson. Nick, this is Ava Spencer.”

  He stood frozen, his mouth open and nothing coming out until Maisey kicked the back of his leg. He quickly reached for Ava’s hand and shook it, hoping she’d focus on his face, look into his eyes, and not down at his crotch which said everything about the way he was feeling.

  “Nice to meet you,” he said, giving her hand a firm squeeze.

  “Same here. I think I saw you yesterday when I left the class,” said Ava. She had beautiful green eyes, slightly wolfish, and long eyelashes that fluttered when she spoke. In fact, she made his knees weak which for a wolf meant he was smitten.

  “Yes, I seem to remember you while I was checking to make sure Maisey was doing a good job with her yoga instruction.” He winked at his wolf buddy so she knew he was only teasing her.

  Maisey looked at her watch. “I hate to run off like this but my prenatal yoga class students are probably wondering what’s happened to me.”

  “No problem. I would love to stay and chat with Nick,” said Ava.

  Maisey left them, hurrying along the corridor to the classrooms like her butt was on fire.

  “She has lots of energy,” said Ava.

  “She sure does, but she’s still young,” said Nick.

  “That’s true. When I was her age, I tried to run a couple of miles a day.”

  “You like to run as well as practice yoga?”

  “I love it. In fact, you know of any good places to run around here?”

  He knew lots but not suitable for humans because the terrain was purely wolf country.

  “There’s a couple of jogging paths over by the lake,” said Nick.

  “Really? I’ll have to check it out.”

  There was a few seconds silence.

  “How about I buy you a drink in the café next door?” asked Nick.

  Maisey had been bugging him to put a cafe inside Downward Facing Wolf and he was seriously thinking about it. And yes, he knew Maisey was thinking more along the lines of asking Ava out of a drink at night, but maybe this would take care of it.

  “I’d love that,” said Ava.

  “Shall we just walk there?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  She pulled on her jacket and slung her purse over her shoulder as they headed toward the door. Nick held it open for her. As he stepped out, the wind chose that moment to gain intensity and some snow began circling in the air.

  “Does it ever get warm here?” asked Ava, pulling on gloves that looked more suited to middle of winter than the end of March.

  “I take it you’re from somewhere warm,” he said.

  She pulled up the collar of her jacket and shivered. He had the urge to put his arm around her to keep her warm. He, as his wolf half, could keep her toasty hot.

  “Florida. You ever been there?”

  Nick shook his head.

  “Maisey tells me you’re here to write some stories.”

  “That’s right.”

  They walked across the parking lot to the strip mall that housed the café.

  “And you’re here for both business and pleasure?”

  “Yes, I guess a little of both,” said Ava.

  He held the door for her and then followed her inside the café.

  “You get us a table and I’ll grab us some drinks. What would you like?” asked Nick.

  She took off her gloves. “I know I shouldn’t but I figure I can work off some calories later. Hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream.”

  He liked her more with each passing second. A woman who consumed what she damned well pleased and used physical activity to get into shape. And she was definitely in his kind of shape. Curvy and more woman to hold.

  Nick walked to the counter and ordered one chai latte and one hot chocolate with a double serving of whipped cream. He stood by the pick-up area and watched her take off her jacket and hang it on the back of the chair. The outline of her breasts caused a distinctive mound under her sweater. He licked his lips.

  The order finally came up and he walked to the table she’d picked by the window. He placed the mug of ho
t chocolate in front of her. She wrapped her fingers around it. Pretty pink polish adorned her nails. He could imagine her running them up and down his back and chest.

  He sat, hoping she didn’t catch sight of yet another one of his erections and conclude he was always in a constant state of arousal. He glanced out the window where the snow had started to fall with more gusto.

  “So you and Maisey co-own Downward Facing Dog?” she asked. “By the way, I love the name and the logo. I’ve always had a thing for wildlife.”

  He didn’t know quite what to make of that last statement. Did that mean she’d find his wolf appealing?

  “Well, she’s basically the owner and I’m a silent investor.”

  “So you go into business with other people rather than by yourself?”

  Nick nodded.

  “Sounds interesting.”

  “And what’s the business part of your visit to Kalispell about?” he asked.

  She took a sip of her hot chocolate causing a tiny speck of whipped cream to cling to the tip of her nose. He smiled. “Here let me,” said Nick, reaching across the table and wiping it away with this index finger.

  She laughed. “I do that every time. Maybe my nose is too long.”

  “Oh, I think it’s just fine.”

  She smiled at him. Pretty smile. Lovely lips.

  “I’m writing a couple of profiles about local businesses.”

  “Downward Facing Dog?” asked Nick.

  “Actually, no, sorry.”

  They were doing great, but free publicity didn’t hurt. So maybe if he asked nicely she’d give them some sort of mention.

  “Any businesses I would know?” asked Nick.

  “One’s a motel out of town.”

  “And is that where you’re staying?”

  She nodded. “I hate living out of a suitcase and looking at just four walls every night.”

  “Me too, so how about I come by tomorrow and take you out for a meal and maybe persuade you to write about Downward Facing Wolf.”

  “That sounds great…I mean the taking me out to dinner bit, although with a little arm-twisting I might be convinced to write about the yoga studio.”

  “I’m very good at arm-twisting,” said Nick. Holy shit, he was flirting with a human and it was such damn fun.

  “Part of the secret of your success?” She leaned across the table. He detected the smell of cocoa on her breath. He couldn’t take his gaze off her lips. Pink and very full. What would it be like to kiss a human? He was tempted to lean across the table and answer his own question.

  This was all going in the wrong direction. He’d mocked Aiden, Trent, Christopher, and Dane for choosing human mates. Been horrified the first time Aiden had informed the group that he was marrying one. Been scared that this could mean the end of them and the perfect world they’d made for themselves on this new planet.

  However, it was working, wasn’t it? Nothing bad had happened so why was he being so cautious. If the other guys could pull it off, surely he could too.

  He looked at Ava. Couldn’t get a more innocent face than hers. Very doubtful she’d cause trouble for anyone, human or shifter alike.

  “Will I have to dress up or will it be a casual place you’re taking me?”

  Her voice made him realize that nothing that been said for a few minutes and he’d rudely left their conversation hanging.

  “Causal but nevertheless it’s a very nice place.”

  “That should be a challenge for my wardrobe.”

  “I’m sure you’ll look great whatever you wear.”

  Now he really was flirting.

  She reached across the table and ran her index finger down the back of his hand. A gentle touch but it made his nerve endings tingle, and his cock harden.

  He turned over his hand and let her rest hers inside his palm. Even as a kid and teenager he’d had bigger than average hands. As a wolf, bigger than average paws as all alpha males did. Ava’s hands fitted so nicely inside them. This human could very well be his mate and all things were pointing to it.

  “How come no lady has captured you?” she asked. Eyelashes fluttering again. Now she was flirting with him and that was even more fun.

  “There’s no one that’s been able to catch me. And I could ask the same of you. No man caught up with you?”

  “I’m a career girl, hoping for that next big promotion.”

  “Nothing wrong with that.”

  He liked a woman who did her own thing. That’s why he’d been so eager to help Maisey find her way in the oftentimes competitive business world.

  Ava glanced at her watch.

  “I have to be running along so I can check in with my boss.” She downed the rest of the hot chocolate and set the mug back on the table.

  “Tell me where you’re staying and I’ll come by and pick you up,” said Nick.

  “The Evergreen Motel. It’s one block from Highway 90, and it’s room 145.”

  He didn’t know it, but he could easily find it. “Shall we say around seven?”

  “Perfect for me.”

  She stood. He stood too. He’d let her leave and he’d finish his tea before he headed out.

  “See you tomorrow and thanks for the chocolate.”

  He tried not watching her walk out of the door and across the parking lot, but the temptation was too much for him. He swung around on the chair not taking his gaze off her as she sashayed. That’s what you called a butt wobble like that, wasn’t it?

  Nice ass.

  He turned back and looked down into the remaining tea. A few days ago he would have said you were crazy if you’d told him he’d made a date with a human.

  However, that was before he’d laid eyes on the gorgeous Ava.

  Chapter Four

  Nick sent her blood swooshing around her body. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. All that swooshing was happening mostly in her pussy. She was pretty sure her ovaries had twirled too as she’d sat talking to him. Who would have thought the best-looking guy she’d ever seen would be here in the middle of what she considered nowhere. How long had she avoided cute guys because of Cole? It was foolish because all handsome guys weren’t like that bastard. Maybe it was time she put her prejudices aside and finally took a chance in her life.

  She looked around at the lack of big brand name stores and fancy restaurants. She already missed the big city. Her son, her condo, and yes, her cat too. Damn this assignment. However, if it wasn’t for Nick and the prospect of getting to know him a little better during her stay here, she’d beg her boss to bring her home and give her another assignment. A saner one.

  The light turned red, allowing her to stop and look at her hand. The same one she rested against his. Biggest hands she’d ever seen. Strong and muscular. She could imagine them touching her, squeezing her breasts, and then those fingers plucking her nipples.

  The blast of a car horn made her jump.

  The light had turned green and she’d been daydreaming. She put her foot on the gas, propelling the car forward only to realize the light had turned back to red and she barely missed getting t-boned.

  Her heart beat so fast the noise bounced around in her head like a bass drum. She hadn’t daydreamed like that since she’d been in high school and thought about Cole. She could hear her father’s voice.

  Look where that got you then and look what could have happened now. Smashed rental car, your insurance paying for the damage, rates going up and for what? A mere fantasy about a man. Keep your eye on the prize, Ava, keep your eye on the prize.

  And what exactly was the prize? Promotion and a good pension like he’d had? But unlike him, she’d have loneliness in her old age.

  No, Daddy, I’m allowed to dream once in a while. I’m older and wiser now.

  Ava turned into the parking lot of her motel and grabbed her laptop and bag from the back seat before getting out. She locked the door, rummaged around in her bag for her key card and headed to her room.

  Her crotch was sore
from the waxing. It was the first time she’d had it done and she’d been hesitant at first. However, she’d glanced at Maisey in the locker room and seen her smooth as a baby’s ass pubic area and asked where she got waxed.

  The young woman had been hesitant at first, almost as if she’d caught her off guard and that Ava had embarrassed her for bringing up the topic. Finally she’d told her she had it down at the spa at Downward Facing Wolf. Maybe a guy would be the first to see the great job the assistant had done on Ava’s crotch. And yes,Nick’s name did spring to mind

  Ava opened the door and put her things on the bed before walking into the bathroom where she flipped on the light. She took off her jacket and then slipped off her pants and panties, staring at her crotch in the mirror.

  The area was still a little tender with a few raised red bumps. Was Nick truly interested in her or was he just being polite in asking her out for a meal so she wouldn’t be so lonely night after night? Shit, she was second-guessing things again. Her work cell phone rang out so she walked back to the bed and retrieved it from her bag.

  “Hello, Agent Spencer speaking.”

  “Agent Spencer, it’s Tim Reedon.”

  She sat down on the bed and fired up her laptop.

  “Just wondering how things are going out there in Montana.”

  She bit her lip. She’d actually been having more fun doing yoga than she had working at her assignment. If you could call it that.

  She brought up the photo of the bear walking away from the camp. She was pretty sure they were pulling a fast one on her. Sort of a baptism by fire in order to progress into the higher ranks and echelon of the Investigative Bureau. She’d interviewed the man who’d taken the shot. A man who’d been on a retreat and had woken up to see their guide Dane Reynolds morph into a grizzly bear and run away from the camp where they’d been staying. He’d sworn on every member of his family’s lives that he hadn’t been drinking that night.

  “It’s the truth. He damn well changed right in front of my eyes.”

  She still didn’t believe him but then the Bureau had started checking up on Dane and some of his buddies and that’s why she’d been sent to see what she could find out. Dane’s wife, Melanie, currently attended Maisey’s prenatal yoga class. She’d been slowly questioning her about Melanie but hadn’t garnered anything worthwhile or odd, and Ava didn’t think she would.