After leaving Amelie’s house last night, I ran home and then went right back as my wolf. Amelie stayed on the couch and read for hours until she fell asleep with the book on her chest. The snow lasted for most of the night, but the sun came out this morning. I left Amelie’s before she even woke and ran home to get a few hours of sleep. Most of the time, I rest in the woods, but I always keep on alert. With our pack being full of royals, it’s brings a lot of unwanted attention to us. Amelie might not be a royal, but she’s still part of the pack, which means she could be a target. She’d already been attacked once when an alpha from another pack came with his witch to abduct Faith. Micah was the one protecting them that night, and even he fell victim to the witch’s magic. No one is safe anymore, not even with a royal protecting them. That fact alone is what terrifies the fuck out of me with Amelie. What if I can’t keep her safe if our pack is attacked? I know one thing … I’d give up my life if it meant saving her.
Once out of the shower, I get dressed and check my phone to see a text from Laila.
Laila: Hey! Are you stopping by today?
It just so happens I was about to see her. I text her back.
Me: I am. Do you need anything?
Laila: No, thanks. I’m just looking forward to talking to you.
Something tells me she already knows about my time with Amelie. After slipping my cell phone and green stone into my pocket, I walk outside through the eight inches of snow to my car. When I get to Laila’s house, her car is there, but Cedric’s truck is gone. The front door opens, and Laila steps out onto the porch with Sera wrapped in a thick blanket in her arms.
I get out of the car and join her on the porch. She lifts on her toes and kisses my cheek. “It’s good to see you. Thanks for coming.”
“No thanks necessary. I want to see you and my granddaughter as much as I can.”
Sera’s eyes open, and they’re even bluer today. Laila smiles down at her and then up at me. “I think Sera wants to see you too.” Laila nods toward the door. “Let’s go inside.”
I walk in first and hold the door open for her. “Where’s your mate?”
Laila chuckles. “The store. Sera needed more diapers.” There’s a baby swing in the living room, and she gently sets Sera into it so it can rock her. “She loves this thing.” Sera stretches and yawns, and slowly falls to sleep.
Laila motions over to the couch. “Have a seat. Do you want anything to eat or drink?”
Shaking my head, I sit down. “I’m good.”
With a sly grin on her face, Laila takes the seat across from me. “I heard you had dinner with Amelie last night.”
I was right. She does know. “What did she say?” I ask, curious to see if she’s starting to feel the mating signs yet.
Laila shrugs, and her smile grows more prominent. “Oh, she just wanted to make sure I was okay with my best friend spending time with my father.”
“And your reply?”
She giggles. “I said it was great. She already knows I want you to be more social.”
Disappointment settles in my gut. I was hoping there would be more than that. “That’s it? She didn’t say anything else?”
Laila shakes her head. “Not really.”
Her smile wanes, and she sighs. “Don’t get discouraged. I can see it on your face. You wanted something to happen last night, and it didn’t.”
“I’m trying,” I say, leaning back against the couch. “It’s strange having all of these feelings for Amelie. I’ve been so used to only loving your mother. And now ….”
For so long, Alina was the only woman I had room for in my heart. I don’t feel like that anymore, and it makes me feel guilty. Laila comes over and rests a hand over mine as she sits down. “And now, the only person you care about is Amelie. I understand. She’s your mate, and my mother wasn’t. So I’m not upset with you or think bad of you because of that.” She squeezes my hand. “Besides, I’m sure you loved other women before my mother. After living as long as you, it’s bound to happen. The same thing goes for Amelie; she’s over fifty. I know she’s been in love with others before.” Her eyes bore into mine. “But now that’s over. Yours and Amelie’s time is now. There will never be anyone else for you. I have no doubt she’ll feel it soon.”
Her words bring a smile to my face. “Who would’ve thought my daughter would be wiser than me?”
Laila beams. “Glad you can admit it.” She pats my hand. “I get it though. Finding your mate is both exciting and scary. I’m proud of you for taking that first step. I know it wasn’t easy breaking through those walls of yours.”
There are still many walls I have to break down, but I’m getting there. “Do you think Amelie will be happy with me?”
Laila’s eyes water. “How could she not? You’re the best man I know.”
“You better not let your mate hear that.”
Her tears fall, and she smiles. “Cedric knows how much I love you. He’ll even say you’re a better man than he is.” She wipes off her cheeks and blows out a breath. “I know you didn’t come here to watch me cry. Tell me about the Channons. Is Kami still tracking them?”
I nod. “They’re still far away.”
Laila purses her lips. “Do you think it was all just a threat and nothing more?”
As much as I’d like to believe that, I can’t. “No. They’ll come here.”
Laila’s expression shifts to concern. “If they do, I’m worried about Kara. You two used to be lovers. Is there any chance she still harbors feelings for you?”
Honestly, I have no clue. I could sense Kara’s lust for me that day at the meeting, but it was mixed in with her loathing for me as well. It’s a fine line between love and hate.
“I don’t know,” I answer in all honesty.
Laila releases a heavy sigh. “If Kara comes here wanting you, it could cause problems with you and Amelie.” Kara is relentless when it comes to seducing men. I know how she works. She did everything and anything I wanted her to.
I run a hand over my face. “I know that.”
Kara doesn’t like rejection, and she’ll retaliate if I turn her down. It’s been a while since I’ve been with a woman, but I’m not about to screw things up with Amelie. Even if I were plagued with rage and needed the release to quell my hunger, I still wouldn’t give in to Kara or any other woman.
“The question is,” Laila continues, “are you going to be able to turn Kara down if she comes onto you?” A spike of anger ignites in my chest. I’m surprised she could even ask such a question. Her eyes widen, and she squeezes my hand. “It was just a question. Don’t be mad at me.”
Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. “I would never do anything like that to Amelie, even if she doesn’t know I’m her mate. But, surely, you know me better than that.”
She nods. “I do. You’re honorable and loyal. I just want you to be prepared for what could happen if Kara tries to seduce you.”
“I’m prepared,” I assure her.
“Good. Now that we’ve discussed that, there’s something else we need to talk about.”
“And that is?”
She beams. “Christmas. Cedric and I are having a Christmas Eve party here. I want you to come. It’ll be a good chance for you to spend time with Amelie and socialize with the rest of the pack.”
Groaning, I can’t hide my reluctance. Spending time with Amelie is one thing. I can handle being around just her; I prefer it because we’re alone. But adding in the entire pack is something else altogether.
“I’ve been to one other pack party and swore to myself I’d never do it again.”
Laila giggles. “That’s because you were swarmed with women. They all want the chance to see if one of the infamous Lyalls is their mate. You’re a hot commodity around here. If you don’t want them all over you, you should ask Amelie to be your date. That way, they’ll see you with her and leave you alone. Besides, you might want to ask Amelie before someone else does. There are other wolves in the pack interested in her.”
The thought of another unmated wolf trying to get close to her pisses me off. I don’t want any of them around her, much less touching her. But, on the other hand, I know she has needs of her own and has been alone for a long time. So far, I haven’t seen anyone at her house, but that won’t last forever.
“I’ll ask her to be my date,” I say. “Because there’s no way in hell I’m letting her go with anyone else.”
Laila grins. “That’s what I thought you’d say.”
The second I walk through the door to my house, my phone rings. Colin’s name flashes across the screen.
“Hey,” I answer.
“What’s up? What are you doing?”
I toss my car keys onto the kitchen counter. “Just got back from visiting Laila and Sera.”
“Nice. What are you doing tonight before you keep watch over at Amelie’s?”
“I don’t know. Why?”
“Well,” he says in his usual smart-ass way, “Kami and I are taking Whitney out on the town here in about thirty minutes. She’s the new FBI recruit Kami’s been training. Want to go? Amelie will be with us.”
I was prepared to say no until I heard Amelie’s name. “Then, I’ll come,” I say.
“Great. We’ll see you then. We’re going to the Snake River Bar.” He hangs up, and I go into my bedroom to change into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. When the time comes for me to leave, I get in my car and head into downtown Jackson Hole. It’s a Saturday evening, so it’s going to be packed.
The parking lot isn’t full yet, but it will be soon. I find a spot and head inside. Colin and the women are sitting at a table in the corner, and he waves at me. Amelie is with them, laughing and talking to Kami, and the other woman, who I assume is Whitney. Amelie gets along with everyone, and they all seem to love her. It doesn’t matter if it's humans or shifters; it’s hard not to be drawn to her. I don’t even feel worthy of her, even though I’ve spent my entire life protecting others and trying to do the right thing. Amelie notices me drawing closer and rakes her gaze down my body, smiling when she lifts her eyes to mine.
“You look great,” she says, grinning wide. “I think this makes two nights I’ve seen you without your fancy suits.” She’s attracted to me; I can see it in her silvery-gray eyes. It makes it hard to resist her. One day soon, I’ll be able to show her how much I crave her.
Colin chuckles. “It’s a world record.”
Kami stands and places a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Just ignore my mate,” she says to me. “I know I do.” They all laugh, and I have to smile. His comment didn’t bother me. “Zayne, this is Whitney Grainger. She’s the new female FBI recruit I’m training for the next few weeks.”
Whitney lifts her hand I shake it. “It’s nice to meet you, Whitney.”
“Likewise.” Her gaze passes back and forth between Colin and me. “Are you two brothers? You look alike.”
Shaking my head, I let her hand go. “Not brothers, but we’re family.” I look over at Colin. “Even if he is a pain in my ass at times.”
There’s a seat next to Amelie, so I walk over and take it. She turns to me and smiles. “I’m glad you could come out tonight. I have to say, I’m a little shocked.”
I shrug. “I’m trying to be more sociable. Last night was the first step.”
She glances down at her empty glass and then behind us to the bar. “Do you want to go to the bar with me to see what they have on tap?”
“Sure. Let’s go.” I stand, and she walks right beside me through the crowd of people. Men stare at her; their lust is potent in the air. When they catch me glaring at them, they turn away, their desire replaced with fear.
There isn’t a seat available at the bar, so we squeeze into a spot beside two drunk women who talk about all the men they want to have sex with. Amelie turns to me, trying her best not to laugh, and leans in close, her hair brushing across the side of my face.
“These women are insane. Do you hear this?”
I breathe her in, and it takes all I have not to touch her. “I do. It looks like they plan on having fun tonight.”
Amelie snickers. “That’s for sure.”
The bartender notices Amelie and his eyes light up. He looks no older than twenty-five with shaggy brown hair that looks as if he hadn’t washed it in weeks. Then again, that’s what people like these days. He walks over and casually rests his elbows on the bar so he can lean in closer to her. “Hey, Amelie. How are you?”
Amelie’s smile brightens. “Good. You?”
I don’t like his familiarity with her—the bartender shrugs. “Can’t complain. I’m getting some pretty awesome tips tonight.”
Amelie glances over at all the people sitting at the bar. “I would hope so. It’s jam-packed.”
He grabs a clean glass from the tray. “We just got your favorite apple beer put on tap today. You want it?”
Amelie gasps and turns to me, her eyes full of excitement. “You have to try this beer. It’s my favorite.”
The bartender’s eyes cut to me, and his smile falters. He straightens up and clears his throat as he reaches for another glass. “Would you like one, sir?”
“Sure,” I say, loving the way he makes a mess as the beer flows over the edge of one of the glasses. He wipes it clean and fills the other glass before handing them to us.
Amelie takes a sip of hers. “Thanks, Declan. I know I’ll be back for more, so keep my tab open, please.”
Declan runs a hand nervously through his hair and shifts his eyes to me before focusing back on her. “Will do. I, um … I was wondering if you’d like to play cards with the group later tonight. Since you beat everyone last time, I was hoping you’d team up with me.”
I got to hand it to him; he has the balls to ask her out with me standing right beside her. Especially not knowing who I am to her. The one good thing is I can sense his hesitance and fear.
Amelie sighs. “Oh, I’m sorry, but I can’t. Good luck though. I had fun last time.”
Declan steps back and does his best to avoid me but his eyes cut to mine, his nervousness bringing a smile to my face. “It’s okay,” he says to her, slowly backing away. “Maybe another time.”
He hurries off and busies himself with other guests. Grabbing my beer, I look over at her, and she shakes her head, her grin growing wider by the second. “You’re evil. I saw you smile.”
I shrug, knowing she can see the glint in my eyes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
She smacks my arm playfully, and it’s the first time she’s deliberately touched me. I wait to see if she senses anything, but nothing seems to change. Usually, I’m a patient man, but I feel like I’m being tested. Amelie and I have been through so much in our lives you’d think the Great Luna wouldn’t make us wait to find our happiness. We walk back through the crowd of people toward our table.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Declan was terrified of you. I’m shocked he even asked me to the card game.”
“Have you dated him?” I ask, hoping I can hide my anger if she says yes.
Amelie laughs. “Oh, goodness, no. He’s a sweet guy, and I’ve had fun playing cards with him and his friends, but he’s a little too young for me and has a lot of growing up to do. I may look twenty-five, but I have close to thirty years on him.” Grinning slyly, she looks up at me and lowers her voice. “I guess I can’t say much. You have well over a hundred and fifty years on me. You probably think I have a lot of growing up to do.”
There’s a group of people standing in our way, so we wait for them to move. In all seriousness, I stare right into her eyes. “Not in the least. You’re perfect the way you are.”
Her breath hitches. “Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.”
The people move out of our way, but I can’t seem to look away from her. “Are you always this nice to everyone? It seems to come naturally to you.”
She shrugs, and her lips pull up into a seductive smile. “You can’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You only live once. Might as well make the best of it. All you have to do is allow yourself to let go.”
Every moment I’m with her, I find myself slowly getting to that point. However, the closer I get to her, the more likely I’m putting her in danger. The problem is that I don’t think I can stay away.