The Perfect Mate (3 page)

I opened my eyes and groaned. Reaching over I turned off my alarm then lay back staring at the water stained ceiling. "I’ve got to paint that," I told myself, for maybe the hundredth time. And what was I going to do about these dreams? I woke almost every morning frustrated and grumpy because my dream man never finished the job. He always disappeared at the sound of my alarm clock. I tried setting the timer for later but it didn’t matter; if it wasn’t the alarm interrupting it was the sun streaming through the windows or the phone ringing.

I know it was just a dream but I was still angry at him. I snorted out a small laugh. The big guy didn’t even know he starred in my nightly rendezvous. We hadn’t seen each other since my meeting with Nathaniel over three months ago. I’ve kept my distance but it hasn’t help. No, I hadn’t seen or talked to Paul, but I was still angry at him. It was his fault I was having these dream. If he hadn’t looked at me like I was a juicy steak and he was a starved wolf, HA! I wouldn’t be so frustrated right now. Oh, who was I kidding? I wanted him just as much and wasn’t that crazy? I’d never felt lust so strong.

I had to laugh though. If I didn’t know better I’d think he was doing it on purpose after what happened after my meeting with the Pack Master. Paul had walked me back to my car without speaking. It drove me crazy that he wouldn’t even acknowledge my hello. So when I got in my car I looked up and said, “See ya, Paul," and blew him a kiss. I thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head. I laughed the whole way home.

Thinking of Paul made me realized I still hadn’t heard anything more about Vancouver. Nathaniel call the day after our meeting to tell me about the job he recommended and also to inform me that he had notified the packs surrounding the Vancouver area of what had been going on. He said they were getting ready to take action and get Gray out of there. I hadn’t heard from him since, but he said he would call with any news and I trusted him. So, I would wait.

I got out of bed with another groan and headed for the coffee pot. Coffee came first then I’d get ready for work. After pouring a little half-n-half I added the coffee in my favorite wolf mug. Taking a sip I sighed. Nothing beat a good cup of coffee. I started to relax, but not completely. I was feeling quite restless lately and I knew why. It was more than just my frustrating dreams of Paul. It had been too long since my last run.

We didn't have to let our wolves out during the full moon like most believed, but it was necessary to make the change regularly. If I didn't go for runs occasionally, my wolf and I went a little stir crazy. My wolf was ready to stretch her legs and I’d been too stubborn to go back to the mansion to let her out. I would definitely have to go in next couple of weeks. Nathaniel told me during his phone call that it was the only safe place to run around here, so there was no getting around it.

After putting my mug in the sink to wash later, I went to take a shower. The shower was so small my elbows touched the walls when I washed my hair. It didn’t bother me that bad to have such a small apartment. It was all I could afford but I liked being able to say it was mine. I earned it all by myself.

When my elbow hit the wall for third time, I thought how Paul wouldn’t be able to fit his big toe in here. If my five foot seven inch frame had trouble, I knew Paul's would. I bet his head would touch the ceiling, I thought, looking up. I shook that thought away. I shouldn’t be thinking about the big guy in my shower. That was dangerous, especially after last night’s dream.

I finished quickly before my libido could come back into overdrive and dried off. I dressed in tan trousers with an emerald green silk cami. They wanted me to dresses conservatively, but conservative isn't really me, so I grabbed a bright scarf to throw around my shoulders after I put on my jacket. I tried styling my shoulder length hair but wound up putting it in its usual messy bun at the nape of my neck. I powdered my nose a little and added blush. I didn’t like wearing too much makeup. It was always a mess by the end of the day anyway. The same went for jewelry. It usually got snagged on something. I couldn’t afford to keep buying new clothes just because I got a snag. But I did put on some funky earrings.

Before I left the apartment, I slipped on my matching tan jacket, scarf and my green high heels. The heels are kind of flashy but the customers couldn't see my feet at work. I grabbed my purse on the way out closing and locking the door behind me.

The cold January day started just as any other. My job was simple. I deposited or cashed checks. It felt mundane at times, but I was thankful for the work and I got to meet a lot of people. I loved to chat and for the most part, people didn’t mind. Most of the werewolves used this bank as well as the staff of the Master. I haven’t met him yet but everyone say he’s the nicest vampire you could meet. I told myself I’d believe it when I saw it. I never met a nice vamp before.

Jessica MacDonald came in that day. She was one of my favorite customers and was so sweet. She was a feeder for the Master. I heard feeders made good money and if he was as nice as they say, then I guess she got herself a pretty good job. I gave her my brightest smile. “Hi there, Jessica. How are you today?”

“Good Susan, how about you?”

“I’m doing okay. So, are you going shopping today?” I asked as I counted out the money she wanted. She only came in when she was going shopping and I only saw her every couple of weeks. I gave a mental shrug. Some people just hate to shop.

“Yes, I need new tennis shoes today. Wore a hole in these,” she said pointing to her feet.

“You should try the discount shoe store down the street. They're having a huge sale on all their boots. I think I’m going to go check it out when I get off.”

“Thanks, I think I will. Talk to you later,” She said and hurried out. I really liked Jessica. Maybe I could convince her to go out shopping with me sometime.

When I got off work that afternoon, I headed to the shoe store two blocks down that I was telling Jessica about. It had warmed up outside so I decided to walk. It was a beautiful day. The sky clear and the temperature set just right for a light jacket. That was the south for you.

I felt the hair stand up on the back of my neck and stopped walking. I looked around, but didn’t see anything unusual. It was mid-afternoon and the sidewalks had quite a few people strolling about. The traffic was also heavy from the after work rush. Everything looked normal, but nothing felt right. Off and on for the past three months I’ve had the feeling of being watched. I assumed it was Nathaniel’s guards, but this didn’t feel the same.

I decided to stop in the next shop I came to and started walking again. I would call the Pack Master. He would send someone to pick me up, but as I past an alley between buildings a hand snatched me around the corner. I started to scream, but a large hand covered my mouth. I struggled, kicking, scratching and even biting, but the guy just held tighter.

“Shh, Susan, it’s me Paul.”

Paul? I relaxed minutely. I didn’t know what he wanted, but Nathaniel trusted him to be head security. I guessed I could give him the benefit of the doubt. As I started to relax I noticed how close our bodies pressed against each other. His chest was tight against my back; his arm wrapped snug around my waist keeping me close. I could smell and taste the skin of his hand. He tasted wild and I almost moaned as my senses became overloaded.

I shifted slightly as my body's needs became painful, but instead of easing some of the tension it only made it worse. My ass was pressed at just the right spot and when I move, his hard cock fit snug against me. I guessed he was in need just as much as I was.

I turned my head to look at him. My breath caught at how close he was. So close our noses almost touched. He fixed me in his stare immediately. I couldn’t look away. A tingle went down my spine making me shiver. My nipples pebbled and warm liquid soaked my panties. My temperature must have shot up because I felt on fire. I wondered how he could make me feel this way, with only eye contact. I couldn’t imagine what would happen if he touched me where I wanted him most.

He slowly slid his hand away from my mouth, but continued to trail his fingers down my neck. I licked my dry lips hoping he would keep touching me. He did. His fingers caressed down my collar bone and kept going until finally reaching my breast. His finger brushed my stiffened nipple, but kept going to the button on my jacket. Once he had my jacket unbuttoned, he slid his hand inside and moved back up to my breast. I whimpered and started to close my eyes, but he held me. I couldn’t look away. My knees felt weak and my pussy throbbed.

His lips moved toward mine almost in slow motion. I parted my lips in invitation, but he stopped. Even his hand stilled on my breast and I felt him tense. My mind was still in a lust filled fog, but I knew something was wrong. I tried to listen. All I could hear was the pounding of my heart and my erratic breathing. I held my breath, but still couldn’t hear anything.

Paul’s eyes weren’t focused on me anymore. He was darting quick glances around the alley. I turned my head to look around too, but Paul kept me still, squeezing me tighter. He sniffed the air trying to track a scent. I followed suit. The smell of our mixed arousal was heavy in the air. It was an enticing scent that threatened to weaken my knees again, but I pushed the feeling down.

“Let’s get out of here,” Paul suddenly said. He pulled away from me, grabbing my hand. He headed for the other side of the alley dragging me along with him. When we reached the end there was another street lined with empty cars. Looking in every direction, Paul led me to one of the parked cars. The Corvette was a thing of beauty; sleek and black, but I didn’t get a chance to properly drool over the finest car I’d ever seen. Paul opened the passenger side door and gently nudged me into the seat, closing the door once I was seated.

“Buckle up,” He said as soon as he got in. We sped off, turning back on the main road. He handled the car smoothly, weaving through rush hour traffic without a hitch. We were headed in opposite way from my apartment and it made me a little uncomfortable. I lusted for the big guy, but I didn’t really know him. “Where are we going?” I finally asked.

He kept his eyes on the rear view mirror as he answered, “the pack’s house.”

That made me feel a little better, but it didn’t tell me what was going on. “So what happened back there?" I asked, then blushed remembering what happened between us. I saw him cut his eyes to me and the corner of his mouth turned up, so I added, “were you looking for someone?”

His expression became serious. “Yes, you were being followed. I had to get you off the street quickly. Sorry if I scared you back there.”

I swallowed around the lump that was clogging up my throat. I was being followed. I had assumed it was the guard Nathaniel had sent and now I wondered how long it had been going on. Was it Gray’s men? If they had found me I needed to leave. The sooner the better.

“Why were you there?” I asked.

His gaze met mine for just a moment before turning back to the road. “I was told to guard you. Pack Master Dane has had guards watching you since you arrived in town. He said you knew.” He glanced at me and I nodded. Turning his attention back to the road he said, “Dane got a call from one of the west coast Pack Masters. They raided Gray’s house, but he got away. One of the guards they captured admitted that Gray had been looking for you, so Dane had me added to your security.”

That explained all those feelings of being watched, but what about today? I wondered. A feeling of dread overcame me. I had to get away from here. No amount of guards was going to keep Gray from getting me. I had to leave.

“Take me home.” I demanded. My pulse was pounding in my ears and my fingers twitched to take action. I had to pack. I wouldn’t be able to take much, but I’d get the essentials. I still had to gas up my car. Oh no! “My car!” I practically shouted. “Take me to my car.”

“No, Dane told me to bring you to the mansion and that’s what I’m going to do.”

“What? No, no, no. I’ve got to get out of town, like yesterday. Take me to my car and I’ll be out of your pack’s hair in no time.” I was on the verge of begging and I hated to beg.

“Calm down, Susan. You’ll be safe with the pack. We can protect you.”

“Like hell you can!” I screamed. “No one can protect me, but me. Guards didn’t help my parents or my friends and they won’t help me.” My eyes stung, but I refused to cry. I hated crying; it showed too much weakness and now was the time to be strong. I had to fight to survive and I wasn’t giving up.

Paul didn’t say anything, he just kept driving. He was angry though. I could tell. His grip on the steering wheel was so tight, his knuckles were turning white and I could see his jaw ticking as he ground his teeth together. I didn't care.

“Did you hear me? Take me to my car. Now!”

“Susan, I’m not going to argue with you,” Paul growled. “I have to follow my Pack Master’s orders. That’s not going to change. Now, calm down. You will be safe, Susan.” Before I could protest he cut me off taking my hand in his. He looked at me with an emotion I didn’t understand and said, “I will protect you Susan; with my life. Don’t ever doubt that.”

Paul looked away, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. What he said didn’t make since to me. He shouldn’t have to protect me with his life. I was nobody important to him and I said as much. He ignored me.

“Yes, some,” I said. I wanted to question him further, but I knew that would be disrespectful. I had manners drilled into me from the time I was born. I knew how I was supposed to behave in front of a Pack Master. but that didn’t make the wait any easier.