Aleck: Mating Fever (6 page)

W
hen we get
to the studio, I suggest Ginny and Nessa come to my office so we can talk freely. And boy, do they. I hear about the pain of changing and the mind-blowing orgasm that goes with it, how amazing it is to have super senses, and what it’s like to be in bear form. I also find out that it can be difficult to learn to control your shift. Although so far, Ginny is the only human female they know of that struggled. When they’re done, the girls leave me to get some work finished, but it’s not happening. I’m in information overload as I process what I’ve heard and try to determine if being a werebear is a life I want to have.

When I’m tired of that train of thought, I move on to worrying about Link taking Second Sound away from me as a client. I twirl my empty coffee mug in my hands and set it down with a thump. That would mean they travel without me for their first concerts. I try to imagine Link being the one that makes sure everything goes smoothly for their first tour, and I can’t see it. He barely knows them, and while he’d do just fine with the tasks, the level of trust and comfort isn’t there. There’s also the small problem of Aleck wanting to rip his head off. It’s a bad move in many ways, but since Link sometimes makes rash decisions when he’s under stress and usually corrects them when he’s calmed down, I have hope.

My other concern is the way Link pushed himself on me this morning. While I know I could have made him stop with a drastic move, I shouldn’t have to. I wonder what happened to the Link I used to know. If I keep my job here, we’re going to have to set some distinct boundaries now that I’m not his girlfriend any longer.

The keys on my computer click as I peruse the gossip blogs to see what the press made of this morning’s incident. I find a picture of Link and me kissing, and as I read on I realize we dodged the bullet. Now they’re saying we should pay more attention to our clients than our love life, because our new band seems to be having some issues that we were too busy kissing to notice. I sigh, because they can find drama in anything, but we managed to throw them off the scent of the real disaster.

I click off the site to get up and move, and the thick carpet is soft on my bare feet as I pace. Now that I know Aleck and I are true mates, I can’t imagine how we’d fare apart while the band tours. My phone rings, and I see it’s Link when I grab it.

“Noel. I owe you a huge apology. What I did this morning was unacceptable, and I’m ashamed of myself. I have all sorts of reasons why I pushed that kiss too far, with the biggest one being I’m still in love with you, but none of them make what I did right. Please forgive me.”

Thank god.
Maybe the good guy is still in there. “Thank you. I’m glad you realized what you did.”

“I’ve also given some thought to the things I said. I’m not taking Second Sound away from you. You deserve to keep them and will do a much better job than I can.”

“Good. I won’t let you down.”

“You never have, Noel.” He sighs and says, “I’m the one that lets you down.”

I sigh too because I’m no angel. “Yes, I have. I got involved with Aleck even though you told me to stay away, and I have no intention of breaking it off.”

“I’m hardly one to lecture you about getting involved with a client. Most of what I said to you was about my jealousy. But I care about you and want you to be happy, and if Aleck is the one that can do that, then you have my blessing.”

The edge of my desk digs into my butt as I lean against it. “Wow. Did you sit next to a shrink on the plane?”

He chuckles. “No. But I did talk to mine. It had been a while, and it seems I have some work to do. But enough about that, what’ve you got for me?”

We move on to business, and when I hang up I slip on my Jimmy Choos to go tell the band I’m still their agent. Once I do, I need to get home, because we leave tomorrow for New York, and I’ve got some packing to do. Pain shoots through my arches as I walk, and I wonder why my feet hurt so much today.

W
hen the rest
of the band went back to the hotel, Aleck came to my house with me. He travels light and assures me he can pack later tonight. I don’t mind, because the moment we get into my apartment I explore the things the scent of my desire does to my true mate. Once our physical needs are met, Aleck leans against the headboard of my bed with a sheet barely covering his naked body as I sort through my outfits for the next two weeks. Clothes thump on my bed while I make piles. Aleck says, “This would be easier if you didn’t have so many things.”

“Believe me, some days I wish all I had to worry about was what color T-shirt to wear with my jeans. Being a girl can be tough.”

He frowns as he stares at the growing mound of shoes. “How many pairs of black heels do you need?”

I place my hand on my chest to gasp dramatically. “I cannot believe you just asked me that question.”

“Okay. But I still want to know the answer.”

I sigh. “I’m not sure I could begin to explain it to you. Just trust me on this. I know what I’m doing.”

Aleck leans forward and grabs my hand to pull me down onto his lap and nuzzle my neck as he says, “So do I.”

I tilt my head back as he tickles me with light kisses. But I’m in a bit of a panic, because I realize I need to go shopping. I don’t have the right outfit for Second Sound’s debut, and I’ve only got a few hours to get it. I slip out of his embrace. “We’ve got to get dressed. I need to run an errand.”

“What on earth could be more important than what I was about to do to you?” Aleck lets out a low growl that sends shock waves of desire through me.

I say, “You’re about to be introduced to the world.” I remember a red dress that I saw when shopping with Ginny and Nessa, and now I’m sure that’s the perfect debut outfit. “This is a big deal. I need the right look for the photographs.”

“Please tell me I’m not going shopping.” He groans.

“It won’t take long. I know just what I want.”

The bed creaks as Aleck stands up, and I take a moment to gaze at the man I love before he retrieves his jeans from the floor to put them on. A brush rips through my hair as I pull it back into a ponytail and say, “I promise to buy you an ice cream when we’re done.”

“Bribery works for me,” says Aleck. “Lead the way.”

A half hour later we make it to the boutique, and I grab Aleck’s hand with excitement as our feet thump down the sidewalk. I point to the red dress on the mannequin in the window and ask, “Isn’t that perfect?”

“I guess.”

I chuckle as I tug him behind me and through the door to the shop. A redheaded sales girl with impeccable makeup smiles at me, and I say, “Larissa, the red dress in the window. I need to try it on.”

She says, “I knew you’d be back. That outfit was made for you.”

“I know. I can’t wait to wear it.” The silk is smooth in my hands as I take the garment and go in the dressing room to try it on. I slide into the luxurious fabric, and the zipper grinds softly as I reach behind my back to pull it up. I step out and twirl around in a circle to show Aleck how it looks. “So what do you think? Could I be any more fabulous?”

Alec waggles his eyebrows at me. “You would be if that were on the floor.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

When I’ve changed, I make my way to the counter to check out. Tissue paper rustles as Larissa wraps the dress, and my credit card is slippery in my fingers when I remove it from my wallet. While I wait for her to process it I wander over to the jewelry and say to Aleck, “I think I might be more excited about this than you are.”

“Not true. This is pretty great for me too. I never expected my songs to make it this far.”

I walk over to him and place my hand on his chest. The ridges of his pecs are firm under my fingers as I say, “It won’t be long before everyone else knows just how amazing you are. I wonder how I got so lucky.”

“Ah, Noel?” I turn to Larissa, and she says, “Your credit card was declined.”

“Oh.” All my others are past their limit, and I don’t have them in my wallet anyway. I pull out my debit card even though I doubt there’s enough in my bank account to cover the cost. “Here, try this one.”

I bite my lip as I think about the dress. I have to have it, and I work up the nerve to ask Aleck for loan. When Larissa tells me my other card is declined too, I look at Aleck. “I don’t suppose you’d lend me the money, would you?”

He frowns. “I don’t have it.”

Panic sucks air out of my lungs as Larissa removes the dress from the bag, and I say, “But you were just given a huge advance last week.”

“And I sent it where it can do the most good.” My brow knits as I try to sort out what he did with his money. He says, “C’mon, you don’t need that dress. You’ve got a closetful. I’ve got enough money for us to get ice cream.”

Ice cream?
I clench my jaw. Like that can make up for the dress. As we leave I look over my shoulder to gaze longingly at the dress I can’t have. When we get outside Aleck asks, “How in debt are you, Noel?”

I keep myself from snapping back and answer with a smile. “Not that much. I was just late with my payment.”

Thankfully Aleck doesn’t press for more. When we get to my car he stops to lean against it, and I step in front of him. He places his warm hands on my hips and says, “My brothers and I moved here from the Arctic. We’re polar bear, and the reason we went to Maine was because our glacier was melting. Our clan lost everything.”

I imagine what it would be like to have your home melt away. “Oh Aleck, I had no idea.”

“Every one of us arrived with nothing more than the clothes on our backs, and the clan that took us in has been more than generous. I thought my meager contribution would help ease the burden.”

I reach up and place my hand on his face to feel the strong bones in his cheek. I’m in love with an honorable man. One that is kind and generous, and I know I don’t deserve him. I have more dresses than my closet can hold, and many of them have only been worn once, while Aleck has nothing. I say, “I don’t think I want ice cream. Let’s just go home.”

As I drive, my stomach twists into knots. I can fix almost anything for my clients, and I’m sure I can fix this for myself. I need to sit down and figure out a budget to get myself out of debt. But I don’t have time to do that now, so I promise myself I will after the tour.

After I drop off Aleck at his hotel, I can’t stop thinking about the dress. As I drive by the shop on my way home I slow down to gaze at it in the window. It looked great on me, and I imagine the pictures of Second Sound’s debut. They’ll be all over magazines for weeks once they become famous. I really need that dress. Besides, what’s one more thing before I curb my spending? I call Link. “Hey. I need a favor.”

“Shoot.”

“I found the perfect outfit for Second Sound’s opening, but I’m a little short on cash. Can you float me a loan?”

“You don’t need to pay me back, Noel. I’ll buy it. Where is it?”

“Thank you, Link.” I give him the name of the boutique, and he tells me he’ll call the payment in. I have just enough time to get there before they close. I grin when I take the garment from Larissa, because I figured out a way to get the red dress. But after I get home and I lay it on top of the rest of my clothes, my victory feels bittersweet. The sliding wood door of my closet scrapes when I open it, and I drag my hand across all the items hanging inside. A number of them would have worked just fine for the band’s debut. I think I have a problem. I sit on my overstuffed suitcase to keep it shut as I zip it up, and I vow my spending spree is over starting now.

T
he concert crowd
hums like a swarm of bees I’ve shut out when I enter the dressing room where the band waits. I glance around at the faces of a group of people I’ve become close to. And because of my true mate attraction to Aleck, they’ll eventually become my family. This is their big night, and I’m almost as nervous as they are. I say, “Ten minutes. Is there anything anyone needs?”

Aaron is drumming in the air as he walks around with a pair of headphones on. The sound is low because of werebear super-sensitive hearing, and I can’t tell what’s playing. Nessa shakes her head as Ginny says, “I think I’m going to throw up.”

Adrian rubs her back and says, “We just need to imagine the pub.”

I walk over to Aleck to stand next to him as I say, “He’s right. Just focus on the music, and you’ll be fine. They’re going to love you.”

Aleck scans my body with his gaze. “Nice dress. How’d you get it?”

I smile up at him to disguise the guilt that makes me queasy. “I have my ways.”

The door to the dressing room opens, and Link’s voice surprises me when he says, “Wow!” He glances back at the door and then to us with a grin. “They’re calling for you already.”

I walk toward him as I ask, “What are you doing here?”

He steps close to me and takes in my appearance. “I couldn’t miss Second Sound’s first concert.” He rubs his hands together as he glances around the room. “You’re making history, people. History.”

Link gazes at me. “I’m glad I bought you that dress. You look fabulous.”

Oh god.
Nobody needed werebear senses to hear that. I glance at Aleck, and his hands are clenched at his sides. I take a step away from Link as he says to everyone, “Before you go out there I want you to know that there’s no screwing up. You have an album coming out in two weeks that will erase any mistake you might make tonight. It’s brilliant, and these people are going to brag about how they saw you first, so enjoy yourselves.”

I walk over to Aleck as he takes long deep breaths, and I wonder if he’s controlling his urge to change. I say in a low voice, “I can explain. It’s nothing, and certainly not what you should be thinking about right now.”

Something flashes in his eyes as he stares at me, and it sends a chill down my spine. He nods his head once and glances away. I notice Link watching us, and I glare at him. He walks over and says, “Aleck, a word please.”

“Link,” I say. “Now’s not the time.”

Aleck crosses his arms, and Link sighs before he says, “Look, I know you and Noel are together. But part of her job is her appearance, and just like we bought all of you clothes for performing, sometimes I buy Noel outfits for work. That’s all it was.”

Link’s gesture is kind, but he has no idea what happened last night. I think Aleck’s anger isn’t about Link buying me the dress, but that I asked him to.

A quick knock is followed by the stage manager yelling it’s time. Adrian opens the door, and I watch six people walk out to realize a dream, while I wonder if I just lost mine.

I
t’s
tough to be an opening act for a famous band people came to see, but it doesn’t take long for Second Sound to win the crowd over, and by the end of their set girls are screaming and clamoring for the stage when Aaron tosses his sweat-soaked shirt to the crowd. I make a mental note to keep him well stocked in tees. When the band returns to the dressing room their faces glisten with moisture and excitement. Link and I open up celebratory champagne, and our corks pop loudly. Link knows money when he sees it, and he’s quivering with glee as he hands out glasses of bubbly liquid. “Guys, I’ve never seen anything like it.” He gives a half-naked Aaron the once-over with his gaze before he hands him a drink. “And you, my man. Breaking hearts already.” He slaps him on the arm. “Good work.”

I bring champagne to Aleck, and he gives me a cool look when he takes it. I lift my glass and say, “To all of you. If tonight is an indication of your career, then I expect to watch you get a Grammy next year.”

Cheers and whoops erupt as everyone toasts, and the band members begin to chatter about the performance. I glance at Aleck. “Hey. Want to talk?”

He takes my drink and sets it down with his as he says, “Not here.”

We leave the dressing room to walk down a long concrete hallway, and my clacking heels echo off the walls above the noise from the concert. When we find a utility room, we step inside and close the door. The music is muffled now, and Aleck asks, “The life of nice clothes, cars, fame, money--that’s what you want, isn’t it?”

My gut clenches, because it’s what I’ve wanted for so long. “Until I met you, this life was all I thought about. I grew up in a tiny town and couldn’t wait to get out. I wanted the life you see on TV and read about in magazines. And it’s so close I can taste it, Aleck.” I gaze into his eyes, and love fills my heart.
But you came along.
“It’s not what you’d like, though, is it?”

“No. My needs are simple, Noel. I found my true mate--that’s kind of the ultimate for a werebear.” He shrugs. “I’d like to live in a modest house, make music, and be with you. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not very social.”

I smile as I reach out and take his hand to step closer to him. “I want to spend my life with you too, Aleck.”

“But the dress, Noel.” He shakes his head. “You had to have the dress, didn’t you?”

I gaze at the floor as hot shame engulfs me. I latch onto his shirt as I whisper, “Yes.”

“Whoa.” Aleck lifts my chin so he can look at me. “I’m not trying to make you feel bad. You should have what makes you happy. I never meant to stand in the way.”

I shake my head as tears fill my eyes. “You didn’t.”

He takes me by the arms and whispers, “I did.”

No!

“I’m sorry.” He leans down and kisses me quickly.

“No! Aleck, please. I can change.”

Searing heat from his fingers burns through me as he removes my hands and says, “You’ve given me my dream, Noel. And now it’s time for me and the band to give you yours.”

The metal doorframe of the utility room is icy in my grasp as I cling to it for support while I watch the love of my life walk away. I glance down at the red silk covering me. Tears stain it as I cry, and I realize I’ll never wear this dress again.