Mate Magic (12 page)

Bailey
had customers all day long with only a brief pause at noonish when Paul brought her lunch. He asked about her day and what she wanted for dinner. Bailey had a sudden burst of anxiety talking with Paul, she knew she wasn’t good enough for him and he would eventually realize that and leave.

Paul
could scent Bailey’s anxiety; he knew it would pass but it still broke his heart that she couldn’t accept his unconditional love. He put his hand on her arm, looking into her eyes. “I love you. I’ll always love you.” He ran his hand up her arm to her shoulder and down to cover her heart. “Stop thinking and feel.”

Bailey
and Paul’s lunch was interrupted by the store bell. He got up to see who it was and immediately paled.

“What’s wrong
Paul?” It was Bailey’s turn to worry, until she turned to see Evalyn and Kenneth walking toward them.

Bailey
showed her professional side while Paul’s mouth fell open. “Can I help you find something?”

Paul
was traumatized. “Mom. Dad, what are you guys doing here?”

Kenneth
shrugged, “Duh, stupid wolf. We raised you smarter. Why do you think we would walk into a sex shop? Not for tea and coffee.”

Paul
was taken aback. “Surely you don’t…I mean you aren’t…yuck you guys.”

Evalyn took
Bailey’s arm as Kenneth quickly rubbed his cheek on her hair. “I’ll keep smarty busy while you pick out something for later.”

Evalyn pulled
Bailey into a corner. “What is the best toy you have for couples or something he can watch me use to rev him up?”

Bailey
giggled. “This is freaky but okay. The insatiable butterfly is supposed to be the best. It’s what the store was named after.”

Evalyn took it off the wall and looked at the back.
“I like it, have you tried it or is your information from the internet?”

Paul
yelled, “Ma! No more.”

Bailey
whispered in her ear. “I read it on the internet but have had several customers come in and sing its praise. I bought one earlier for…never mind.”

“I’ll take it with a bottle of the massage oil.
It’s so nice to see you again. That son of mine has kept you hidden away and all to himself. We’d love for you to come for dinner tomorrow.”

“
Paul doesn’t think I should go out, just in case there is a rogue bear or wolf or…it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t want me in any more trouble.” Bailey bowed her head and got the feeling Paul was embarrassed to go out with her, or at least to meet his family.

Evalyn stroked
Bailey’s hair. “He has a lot of brothers and a sister. He grew up having to share with them, which he did. He wants to have all of your attention for a while. He did wait months to claim you; it was so very hard on him, seeing his close friends mate knowing you weren’t ready. We’ll give him another week before we break down your door.”

“I’m not good enough for him.”
Bailey didn’t know why she said it but it just slipped out.

Evalyn hugged her tight.
“You are perfect for him. You deserve him and the happiness and stability he’ll provide. My Paulie is a keeper just like his daddy. Let me tell you, you’ll never find someone to…satisfy you like him. Body, mind and soul.”

Bailey
cringed at Evalyn’s implications. “We’ll see you tomorrow at dinner. I’ll ring you up if you’re ready.”

Epilogue

Baily went out for her weekly run in the forest. The bears had been relocated and had signed a peace treaty with the American Canyon pack. All was right with the world. Paul had asked her to marry him and she had accepted. But, there was a problem. Paul’s family was very close knit and wanted a big wedding. She, on the other hand wasn’t going to be standing in front of a whole bunch of people while they gawked at her. She didn’t want a white dress or a flower girl or a bouquet. She just wanted to be Paul’s. They were mated and enjoying each other. She wasn’t human and didn’t need the hoopla of a wedding. Maybe someday, but not anytime soon. She was fortunate to have Paul.

Paul
expressed a wish to be mated and married so that when they decided to have pups it would be more official. She mentioned she wasn’t in any hurry and he didn’t push. One day she would marry him…in a quiet ceremony.

Baily ran into the clearing that she loved.
She rolled around in the long grass and nosed the dirt. She found a bunny to chase and was running after thumper when she heard Paul’s voice. She turned to find him standing next to an older man in robes. She stilled.

Paul
smiled, “It’s time Baily. Let’s get this over with.”

She ran to him in wolf form noting the sheet he held in his hand.
He held it up and she changed wrapping herself in the white silk sheet. It felt good on her skin. “What time is it? Who’s your friend?”

“This is the gentleman who is going to marry us.
We’re in your favorite spot. Just you and me. No big fluffy dress, or smelly flowers, or annoying people. Marry me?”

Baily was ecstatic, “Let’s do it.”
She looked at Paul with a pleased expression. “Thank you. I love you. I’ve never felt like I fit. You make me feel like I have a place in this pack and your life. I’m so glad you were there to save me all those months ago. You can lick my neck anytime.” She winked at him.

“I love you more.
After I kiss my bride you’re welcome to continue your run. I’ll see you at home.” He whispered, “There will definitely be licking.”

“I’d love for you to run with me.
Chase bunnies and each other. Stay with me.”

“I’d be delighted.
Go ahead and start.”

The Officiate began and the ceremony only lasted five minutes.
Paul placed a beautifully simple gold band on her finger and she placed a matching one on his hand. They kissed and the Officiate blessed them.

There was a delicate sniff from the forest followed by
Trevor’s voice, “Don’t cry mama.” Several shh’s came next.

Bailey
laughed and beamed at Paul. “You’re so clever. Who’s out there?”

Paul
gazed at the sky, his neck red as he rocked back on his heels. “I’m sorry. I donno what you’re talking about.”

She laughed harder causing
Paul to cock his head to the side. “I didn’t tell anyone I planned on marrying you today. I don’t know how it got out.”

Bailey
could smell his honesty.

The Officiate frowned, “But, you left me a note to pass on to your Alpha.
You deceived her?”

Paul
inhaled sharply, “
No
.”

Bailey
noticed their discomfort. “It’s okay. Paul is the smartest man I’ve ever met. He solved the dreaded
wedding
issue. I have all the respect for him in the world.” She turned around and gave a little wave. “Thanks for coming. You can go now. We’re done.”

From the forest came Evalyn’s voice.
“Can you come for dinner? We have cake, but you don’t have to cut it together or anything.”

Paul
called back, “Ma-“

“We’d love to come for dinner.
See ya. We’re gonna go for a run now.” Bailey grabbed Paul’s hand feeling the spark of magic between them before they changed together. Bailey took off with Paul nipping at her tail.

*****

Dante watched his sister get married in a sheet and sulked. He’d messed up his life so badly and, unintentionally, he almost messed hers up too. Bailey was a strong woman and he was proud of her. He’d let her down so badly. He wasn’t going to mope though. He needed to get back to the pack he’d just taken over. The pack was broken and he had a lot of work ahead of him. If only he could fine his mate to share his worries with. He needed a strong female but all the women in his pack we’re weak, made that way by the old Alpha, Allen. He’d just have to work hard to repair the damage. He’d already gotten rid of the moon runs and outlawed attacks on women. Some of the pack weren’t trustworthy, so it was his job to cut away the dead wood.

It wouldn’t be easy and it would take a long time but he was committed to making sure the women of his pack were safe and never got abused again. A delicate cough came from beside him. He whipped his head around to see the woman who was haunting his dreams.
Katarina.

“Can I speak to you?”

He looked into her almond shaped brown eyes wondering if she was truly evil or if she was poorly influenced by her bear friends. He could never engage in a relationship with someone who would be evil, poisoning his pack even further. She was amazing though; tall and slender with shapely legs and hips made for a man’s hands.
No, stop. Bad wolf.

“I want to apologize for what
Bernard and I did. I never wanted to hurt your family or pack. I will make a formal apology if that’s what you need.”

“That’s fine.
It’s Allen and Travis’s fault as well. They share in the responsibility. I will ask that if you hear from Travis you contact me immediately.”

Katarina nodded her head, “Of course.
Some of our people have chosen to stay here in American Canyon,” she hesitated. “I do not feel comfortable here. Even though I personally destroyed Bernard, I feel dreadful for what I have put these people through. Especially, your sister. She is a wonderful person.”

Dante knew what she was leading up to and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it.
He could tell she was uncomfortable even asking. “I’m sure we could find land for your people but your people would have to contribute as well. My pack is going through some changes so it’s not exactly, safe, for some women. I’m actively changing laws daily that have been in place for years. If you can attempt to be nontoxic, I will allow it.”

Katarina’s eyes flared with temper.
“My only wish is to protect my people as well, and am willing to assist you in securing your pack, and see that they remain undamaged. My people are loners and have never caused trouble,” Dante’s eyes widened but she continued, “With the exception of the last few months when we were led astray. I will be the first to admit it, but you
Alpha
must also admit you were led astray in the past as well. We must start by being honest.”

“Agreed, and I will allow your people to come into my territory with the knowledge that we are a pack in process.
Have patience and keep to yourselves.” Dante bowed to her and spun in place to walk away. Promptly ending their conversation.

He heard her voice trailing, “We will be there in a weeks’ time, Dante.”
He paused and rotated around looking at her expectantly. She stood stony faced not giving away her emotions.

“In my pack we acknowledge the Alpha’s with respect.”

Katarina knew what he wanted. For her to address him as Alpha Dante; not happening. “I am bear. A wolf has an Alpha but a bear does not, the strongest survive.”

“I am still the leader in the Sacramento territory.
If you cannot find a way to give me the proper respect you will not be welcome.”

She smiled showing a row of perfect white teeth and her amusement.
“Would you like me to bow,
sir
?”

Oh shit.
I’m in trouble.
“You have a week to figure it out, beautiful.”

About the Author

Shannon Duane lives in sunny California near Napa Valley with her husband and three beautiful children, all who seem to keep her on her toes. She wouldn’t forget to mention the two dogs, two cats and Mr. Turtle. She’s an avid reader, as well as a full time nurse in a busy emergency room. She has won no awards, but doesn’t feel bad because she’s never entered, or participated, in any competitions. She hopes that you enjoyed reading her book as much as she enjoyed writing it. Cheers.