A Second Chance (Fated Mate) (2 page)

Katie
was deep in fantasy when she heard his voice.

“
Do you want me to escort you to your room? The party’s almost over, and you appear exhausted.” Maybe he shouldn’t have said that. She was probably one of those women who thought he was putting her down, when really, he only wanted to see her comfortable.

“
Fabulous. I’ll just go say congrats to the bride and groom once more, and then you can take me through this maze of a house. If I don’t have a guide, I’m sure to get lost.” Finally, someone could get her where she wanted to be, in bed. Uh, alone.

“
Really, okay, I’ll just wait here.” He was shocked, and more than a little pleased that she had accepted his offer. Maybe they could spend some time together.

“
Where the hell is this room I’m supposed to stay, in Texas?” They must have walked down five different hallways. She’d removed her FM shoes after the third hallway. “Sorry, I don’t mean to complain but it’s been a really long day, and I’m beat.”

He scooped her into his arms before she could protest.
“We’re almost there, but I don’t want you to get blisters on your poor tootsies. Where are you from anyways?”

“
Uhhhhh, I’m from Petaluma. I work and live there. That’s where Shana and I met.” She sounded hesitant as he placed her gently on her sore feet. “Thanks for the ride. Normally I’d protest, but you seem…sturdy.”
Shit, did I actually say that out loud?

“
Thanks. Sturdy is a very nice thing to be.” Conner opened the door and scooped her back up. He couldn’t resist holding her again, she felt warm and soft.

Katie
was being carried into a large room with light gray walls, and what appeared to be a large, comfy bed. Her overnight bag was at the foot of the bed. This must be her room for the night.

Conner sat her gently on the bed and unzipped the back of her dress.
He retrieved her bag and got out her jammies. He held up her purple tinkerbell pajama pants with a purple tank top. He smiled at the clothes and tossed them on the bed next to her.

Katie
had to hold the front of her dress to her chest, or risk giving Conner a free show. She melted at his tender gestures. At least she thought she was melting, because her woohoo was on fire. She had the most wonderful heavy feeling in her breasts and a tingling low in her abdomen.

Connor knew
Katie was horny, she smelled amazing. He was trying to be a gentleman by putting her to bed, since she was obviously tipsy. But when the smell of her arousal coated the room, he lost it.

Conner pulled her dress over her head, and unclasped her strapless bra, releasing her firm C cup breasts.
Her nipples were pebbled, and she looked as if she ached for his touch. He reached out and ran the tip of his finger over the swell of her breasts. She tipped her head back as he cupped her breasts with both hands. At her moan of approval he bent down, and slowly with his eyes on her face, ran his tongue over her left nipple and then her right. When she gasped he took a nipple in his mouth and sucked, nibbling lightly. She grabbed his hair and held him to her chest.

Conner was able to disengage himself from
Katie’s grasp, needing to taste her lips like he’d been dreaming about all night. He tried to be gentle but she wouldn’t let him. He felt her tongue run over the seam of his lips in silent invitation for him to take, and give, more. His tongue slid into her mouth and she sucked it lightly. He was solid as a steel pipe behind his trousers. He tried to hide it from her, and slow down; but while he was distracted kissing her and rubbing her breasts she reached down and undid his trousers. His erection sprang free screaming, ‘touch me’.

Oh, she touched him, and more.
She took his erection in hand and stroked him from base to tip. His cock twitched and released pre come, which she promptly licked off his weeping slit. He couldn’t take it anymore.

Conner flipped her on her back, ripped her pretty black panties off, and slid down her body.
He was positioned with his mouth in front of her dripping sex. His tongue shot out and licked from her entrance up her slit, focusing pressure on her clit. She tasted sweet with a hint of her musky arousal, perfect. He inserted a fingertip into her sex and could feel it quivering. She was so wet, tight, and close.

She moaned again as he inserted another finger into her channel, while tonguing her clit.

Katie
was wiggling and unable to hold still. This was the best sexual interaction she had ever had. She’d made herself orgasm before, but it was an altogether erotic experience to have a man between her legs. She wanted more, but she wasn’t sure what it was she needed. She was so close to orgasm. She had never been this intimate with a man, and felt a sudden twinge of self-consciousness.

Conner was lying on the bed while tonguing
Katie, his erection so sensitive he feared he’d release into the sheets. He popped up from in-between her legs and positioned his cock at the entrance of her pussy. He used firm pressure and began to rock into her. He felt a barrier.
No, she couldn’t be, was she a virgin? It wasn’t possible.

When
Katie winced, he attempted to back out of her. She turned her gaze to his grabbing his hair in her hands, put her heels on his butt and raised herself onto him. He could feel her small cry of pain down to his soul. They stayed in that position, unmoving, for what felt like minutes until she began to rock against him. He didn’t move, he couldn’t he was in shock.

“
Maybe you could give me a hand big boy, or roll over so I can do all the work.”

Holy shit, she
’d just challenged him, in bed!
Without a word he thrust into her, and with her moan of pleasure, he withdrew. He set a steady pace and soon they were both panting. He wasn’t going to be able to hold on much longer, he reached down and rubbed her swollen clit.

Katie
’s scream of pleasure spurned his jaw to elongate, and his fangs protruded from his gums. Conner leaned over her, licked her neck, nibbled and bit down between her neck and shoulder. He could taste her blood in his mouth as he experienced a mind blowing orgasm; he could feel her second orgasm, more powerful than the first.

Katie
could feel his release inside of her-
shit, no condom?

They lay there panting for minutes afterward before
Katie said, “Did you bite me? No, I know you bit me. Why?”

Uh, oh.
He was in trouble. Conner was hoping she’d missed that part while lost in pleasure. No such luck. “Only a very small love bite. It didn’t hurt, did it?” Hell no. He knew she enjoyed it.

“
Not really a small bite if there’s blood on the sheets, and your mouth. I ask again, why?”

“
Just go to sleep, we’ll talk in the morning. Okay?” he was nervous. He had just claimed his mate and she had no idea what he was.
Bad wolf.

Chapter 1

1 month later

“I still don’t understand why she’d leave without
saying goodbye. And I don’t know why you won’t let me go after her.” Conner was pacing the floor of the Twilight Lookout PI business the pack ran. “I need her. I’m going crazy without her scent. I need to know she’s safe and happy. Please.”

“
If Katie wanted you to know anything about her she’d have left her number, or address. She obviously wants some space.” Shana was getting frustrated. Something had happened to make her friend leave, without a word to anyone. Shana tried to call her but no answer. If she didn’t pick up the phone, Shana was going down there with her favorite ice cream and beat it out of her.

“
I don’t think you understand. She is my mate.” Conner was getting irritated.

“
I understand, but she is obviously not ready to see you. She’ll come around, don’t fret. She’ll be back to see me in a month or so.”
What is his problem? He can’t wait a stinkin’ month to say hello again? Men???

“
No Shana. She
is
my mate. We, uh, ya know...mated. I’m dying without her.” Not literally but, “I need her.”

He was looking a bit peaky, now that she thought of it.
Wait, he completed the bond?
Motherfucker!

“
Jake!!!” Shana yelled. “Get up here!” They were in the front of the store, and she knew he’d heard the whole conversation. She really needed to see her friend now.

Jake came strolling in, appearing as if he hadn
’t a care in the world, which she knew wasn’t true. His scent suggested he was nervous.

“
Yes love, how can I help you?”

“
Oh my gosh, you knew about this. You knew, and you didn’t tell me. Katie’s probably hurting, and confused, and you didn’t tell me so I could help her.” Shana was outraged.
Freaking idiotic men!
“Well, guess what? I’m going to take a trip. I’ll be seeing you.” She got as far as the front door of the shop before a hand came around her upper arm.

“
Come on Shana. It’s not our business. They’ll work it out.” Jake had a pleading look on his face.

“
Katie is my business! She’s going to need a friend and that’s me. If you don’t let me go support my best friend, the one who helped me through a traumatic time in my life, then you’re not the wolf I thought you were.” She had a most distressing look on her face.

Great,
Jake was in an impossible position. He was going to kick Conner’s ass! “I’m sorry honey, of course you’re right. I’ll call for a driver to take you.”

“
Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll drive myself, but I need you to pick Trevor up. I’ll see you...whenever.” She was pained for her friend, and worried because she hadn’t been able to get a hold of her.

“
Don’t be like that Shana. I love you and it’s not like I mated to your friend without consent.” At her small gasp Jake knew he’d said the wrong thing. He shot Connor the most callous look.

“
My cell phone will be on if you need me, but don’t.” She kissed Jake’s cheek and walked out of the room with her head held high.

* * * * *

Katie knew something was off when she walked into her home. Someone was cooking. Had to be Shana, she was the only one with a key and let’s be real; if it was a burglar they wouldn’t make her a meal before they took her TV.” What’s up? Problems in wedded bliss already?” Katie paused in the doorway when she saw the hurt on her Friends face.

Shana
smelled her friend to gauge her feelings; her scent was off but she couldn’t pinpoint what it was. Being mated to a shifter meant you took on some of the shifters magic so Shana’s senses were heightened.

“
What’s wrong with you Katie? I’m supposed to be your best friend but you don’t answer my calls, hell, you won’t even text me back. What did I do? You left after the wedding and suddenly we’re not friends anymore?” Shana looked confused and upset. Well, Katie felt the same way.

“
I’m really sorry Shana but I had to get back to work. My job is very important, you know that.” She was lying but Shana wouldn’t know that. She didn’t want to put her friend in the middle of her actions with Conner. She was confused and even now longed for his touch.

Shana
inhaled, “Oh my God, you just lied to me? How often have you done that before? Is our friendship based on lies? You only want to be my friend when I’m a needy victim? I can’t believe you!” She sounded outraged.

“
I’m not lying. I’ve been busy. You should know better than to think I was only friends with you because you were a victim. I am your friend, your best friend.”

“
You did lie but I’m willing to let it slide if you tell me what’s going on with you. Honestly, because I’ll know if you try and shovel me the smallest bit of shit.” She was willing to let it all out and explain her new world, obviously Conner hadn’t, but only if her friend sucked it up, and told the truth.

Well, how was she gonna get around this.
Katie thought she could avoid Shana for a while and things would die down. She felt like a whore. Who losses their virginity to someone they’ve known for a couple hours.
Yep, whore.
“Listen Shana, I’m tired and don’t want to open up a can of worms right now. Let’s eat, and just enjoy each other’s company.”

Okay,
Shana would move to plan B.” Sure, I made your favorite. Chicken Marsala with wild rice pilaf. I also brought some White Zinfandel, yum.” She knew she should be ashamed, but she wasn’t. She was going to get her best friend drunk and learn all her secrets.
Muahahahaha.

“
I love you. Thank you so much for coming to see me. I do need your friendship, we’re like family, and I’ve missed you so much.”

“
I’m always here, and I always will be. Tell me about work.” She filled Katie’s wine glass and set out two plates of food.

Katie
sighed and took a sip of the wine.
Yum fruity.
“I work with all men, well, boys. All day long they make fun of me because they think I’m weaker, even though I can beat most of ‘em sparring. I’m really getting tired of it. Around their friends they’re mean to me, but once I get alone with them, they try and jump my bones. Lately, when a man even touches me I get nauseated. It’s embarrassing. Last week a cop from another department took me on a date and at the end when he kissed me goodnight, I threw up on his shoes.” Sip, sip, sip.

Uh oh, here
’s why Conner should have explained things to Katie before mating her.
Dumb ass!
Shana was definitely going to have a talk with him when she got home. A long bloody talk.

Katie
took another long sip of wine, more like a chug. “The cop never called me after that, but who can blame him. I just want what you have Shana. I want a man that’ll be there for me. As much as I hate to think about it, I’m getting older and I want kids. I can’t really have kids if I don’t have a man, and who wants a tough ass cop as a mother. I don’t think I’d be good at it, so I need a man who is.” If she didn’t have time to date and find a husband then she wouldn’t have time for kids, so maybe it was best this way-Childless, and alone with only her gun to keep her warm at night.

“
You didn’t meet anyone at the wedding you’d be interested in? Conner seemed to be smitten with you. He’s a nice guy Katie.” Shana saw how wide Katie’s eyes were, gotcha. “I brought my wedding album so you could see some of our pictures. In quite a bit of them you can see the interest in Conner’s eyes, toward you.”

Oh no!
Had Conner said something to Shana about their one night?”Why would you say that? Of all the guys there, why him?” Lord, now she sounded defensive.
Try again.
“You’re right.” Sip. “Are Jake and Conner close?” Sip, sip.

“
Yeah, they’re business partners and have been best friends for a long time. He seemed stuck to you at the wedding, how did that make you feel.” Okay, it was creepy to smell arousal on her friend, but as long as it wasn’t directed at her it was a good thing, right? But it was also extremely creepy.

Katie
knew she should feel ashamed that just the thought of Conner made her aroused, but surprisingly she wasn’t. “I think Conner is a handsome man.”
Simple.

“
He’s been asking about you every day. It’s getting on my nerves; I’d like to give him your phone number, if it’s okay?” Shana didn’t want to go against her friend, but she was curious as to why she didn’t want to see him. There was no way Shana could stay away from her mate for long.

“
Sure, why not.” It’s not like she had to pick up the phone when he called. She’d just ignore him, and eventually he’d give up; or she could vomit on his shoes.
Perfect
. Refill wine glass and sip, sip, sip.

Why did
Katie’s smile turn sinister? “Other than your date the other day, how’s work? Any new cases?”

Hiccough,
“crime is not cool and I help people. I want to do something else though. I’ve been thinking of a move lately, what you think?” Shana could tell Katie was getting tipsy, but she didn’t care, as long as she got answers. She missed her friend, and she could smell Katie’s sadness.

Shana
’s smile brightened, “Maybe you could come to American Canyon. It’s such a small population. It’s safe, the crime rate is low, and you’d be closer to me and Trevor. He misses his Auntie Katie. We’d love to see you more. Plus, I don’t know what I’m going to do when the babies come. I’ll need beaucoup help.”

Katie
was feeling a little lightheaded. She took a sip of her wine and stared into the glass. “So, Trevor was right again. You’re pregnant?” At Shana’s nod Katie thought;
bitch.
Wait, did I just say that out loud? Crap!

“
Why exactly am I a bitch, Katie? What did I do that pissed you off? I love you. You’re my best friend, and I’d never want to upset you.”

“
You have a husband, and someone who accepts you, and loves you. You’re building a life and a family. I literally have you and Decker as friends, you’re the only ones that have seen the real me. I don’t feel like I can open up to anyone else, I don’t trust anyone. I’m freakin’ jealous. I have my job, and the memory of a hot steamy one night stand to keep me warm at night. I’m lonely and...Tired.”
Shit, why am I telling her my secrets? I need to shut up.
“I had sex with Conner.”
Hello, opposite of shut up was blabber. Why am I blabbering?

“
Oh my God. How was it? Was it everything you’ve ever dreamed? Do you love him?”

“
It was amazing, but I don’t have anything to compare. I was a virgin. He was so gentle but…wild. I’ll never forget it, and no man will compare. I think I love him, but I don’t know him, so I can’t love him.” Wait, she was trying to convince herself that she didn’t like him, and wasn’t obsessed with his hard body. “No, I don’t love him. I don’t even know his last name. I’m so fucked up and you’re talking like it was a fairy tale. I’m a whore!” Katie started to tear up.

“
Some romances don’t take long. Look at me and Jake. I loved him within a day. I didn’t realize it, but I fell pretty hard for him. Maybe Conner is your Jake.” Shana knew it was true. Katie was head over heels for Conner, which was lucky, because Shana didn’t want to have to break Conner’s legs-she would if it was needed.

Katie
tried to think about what Shana was saying, but she was having a hard time focusing.
Too much wine.
“I hear you but I don’t have time to deal with it right now. I’m finishing another case and it’s pretty intense.”

“
I get it babe but...” Should she tell her Conner was a shifter, and part of her Pack? She probably wouldn’t remember it in the morning. “Katie, Conner is a shifter and he belongs to a pack. Jake is the Alpha, and Conner is his second in command.” Katie giggled but Shana just kept talking. “They both shift into wolves. Big, beautiful, furry wolves.”
Okay, done. That was easy.

“
Shut up. You’re such a spaz Shana. I love you but your talkin’ crazy.” She was feeling sleepy now. Bedtime.

“
Are you staying the night or driving back to prince charming?” She stood and wobbled slightly. “I need to work tomorrow, so I’m off to bed.”

“
I’ll help you to bed and I’ll stay in the spare room.” As they walked past the open window, Shana caught a few different disturbing scents: First, Conner had followed her, and was out there watching and waiting. Second, things were not going to be so simple tonight. She smelled smoke and accelerant. If she smelled it, than so would Conner.
Shit!

“
Katie, we have to get out of the house, okay. Let’s go.” Shana was trying to pull a fitful Katie to the door when a flaming bottle came through the window with a crash. Katie pulled free of Shana’s grasp and headed to her bedroom, probably for a weapon. “Come on Katie, gotta go.” Shana ran out the front door.