All Kitten Aside: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Paranormal Dating Agency Book 11) (11 page)

TWENTY-FIVE

Kasen paced his bedroom, waiting for the doctor to give his diagnosis. In the living room, several of the pack had gathered to lend support and see what the alpha needed done. Even though whispers were low, he heard conversations discussing his mate.

Some were fine with having a lioness as an alpha mate. As long as Kasen was happy. Others, mostly mothers with single daughters, weren’t so welcoming. At the moment, he didn’t care what they thought. If they didn’t like his choice, they could leave the pack to live elsewhere.

The doctor pulled his stethoscope from his ears and sighed. “All her vitals are normal. Her heart sounds good and lungs are clear. No bumps on the head. I don’t know why she’s still unconscious, Kasen. There’s more going on here than I can see without tests.”

He nodded. “Thanks for coming so quickly, Doc. I appreciate it.”

“Not a problem. If she doesn’t wake before morning, I’d like to setup an IV to keep her from dehydrating.” Kasen paled. “No worries, son. Just precautionary. Want to keep her healthy for her body to heal itself.” Doc patted a hand on Kasen’s shoulder then walked out.

Kasen stepped out and called Spike into the room.

“Hey, what did the doctor say?” Spike asked.

Kasen shrugged. “She’s physically fine, but no reason for her to be out.”

“Have you tried talking to her cat yet?”

“No, that’s what I wanted to talk with you about. Can you keep everything under control while I shift? I’m mainly meaning my mother. I’m surprised she hasn’t shown yet. She must be in town shopping or something.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll release everyone who’s here. I heard some of the ladies wanted to bring some food over to help out.”

“That’d be great. I’ll never turn down food.”

Spike grunted. “I know, right. I got it covered, alpha. Do what you need.”

“Thanks, man.” Kasen waited for Spike to close the door behind him before taking off his damp pants. He hadn’t taken the time to change from the river yet. He really wanted to crawl onto the bed and snuggle with his love. He needed to see if he could talk with her animal first.

Quickly morphing onto four legs, he padded up to the bed and laid his head on her arm. His tongue snaked out for a fast kiss on her hand. He took a deep breath and relaxed, opening himself to her. Her cat was there but sluggish. Images of Andi’s last seconds flashed in his head: her slapping at a bug on her back, that wasn’t a bug. He saw fingers from her point of view pull out the cause of the sting. He glimpsed a little red feather before she blacked out. The little red feather of a tranq dart.

Anger and hatred coursed through him. Someone purposely endangered her. They intentionally wanted his mate to drown. He was going to explode if he didn’t get out of there. He let out another howl and Spike came running. When the door opened, Kasen ran out. One of the members on their way out the front door stepped back and held it open. He slashed past, almost a blur.

Run, run, more. He needed to wear himself down before the animal got it in his mind to kill everyone in the pack to make sure the person who attacked his mate was killed. He headed toward their picnic spot. Maybe he could sniff out the soon-to-be dead man.

Panting heavily, Kasen’s wolf slowed to a trot along the river’s side. He looked for the tree roots past the beach where they stood before Andi floated away. He sniffed the area for clues. Her scent with a touch of fear was all that remained. Either the culprit used block or had no smell, which wasn’t possible. Carefully searching the ground, he found a place where the leaves were particularly disturbed, like someone had stood and moved around the tree. It had a clear view to the roots.

Fuck. No smell. No way to ID the guy. Frustration mounted again. He wanted to tear something apart. Rip it from limb to limb until the anger in him faded. The wolf took off at high speed again. Run, run, more.

Finally wore down, the wolf dragged home through the backyard, around the pool and gardens to the front. The sun was almost down, bringing in cool night air. Spike jumped up from the porch swing and opened the unlocked front door. Kasen chuffed, remembering the fiasco only a few hours ago.

Inside, Kasen shifted to two feet, walked into his bedroom, closed the door behind him, and crawled behind Andi and snuggled her closely. He would never let her go, no matter how stubborn she was against him. She was his.

He must’ve fallen asleep because he suddenly woke. He looked around to get his bearings. Voices came from the other room. One voice in particular was his mother’s. Fuck. He slipped on a pair of sweatpants and an old T-shirt. Ready to get this confrontation over with, he schlepped out the door.

“Hello, Mom. What do you want?” His mother and Spike quieted their argument.

She gasped, lifting a brow and pursing her lips. “Well, that’s not a polite way to greet your mother.”

He wanted to disagree, but kept his mouth closed and lumbered to the fridge for food. When he didn’t reply, she huffed.

“Kasen, I heard you were on a date with that cat woman again.”

He straightened with a container of orange juice in his hand. He twisted the lid off and tipped back the plastic gallon jug. After a few chugs, giving him time to think, he put the lid back on and stuck the juice in the refrigerator. His mother grimaced.

“Mother, look at me.” He gestured to his shabby clothes. “Does it look like I’m on a date?”

Her reply bumbled. “Why didn’t you answer your phone?” He looked around the counters.

“Spike, you see my phone anywhere?”

“Not me. I do good to keep up with my own.”

Kasen shrugged. “Must’ve left it somewhere, Mom. Sorry.” His indignation at his mother’s constant intrusion into his life was starting to get to him. “You know, Mom, who I date and socialize with are not your concern. I’m more than capable of picking out who I want to be with.”

Her eyes narrowed. This was the first time she’d shown out right hostility. “I am aware you are capable of finding a mate. I’m concerned about it being the best choice for this pack. Docile, domestic, baby driven.”

“Well, concern yourself no more, Mother. I have it under control. I’ve made a decision.”

Surprise covered her face. “You have? Who is it?”

“Yeah,” he’d forgotten Spike was there, “who is it?”

His frown turned to his beta. “I will announce it tomorrow night at the dinner.” He turned to his mother. “That is still on, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. Tell me who, so I can make sure she’s there,” his mother demanded. He wasn’t about to be cowed into submission.

“Don’t worry about her.” He patted his mother on the back and aimed her toward the door. “She knows who she is, and she will be there. I may even pick her up myself and bring her with me. Yes, I think I’ll do that.”

Kasen opened the door and nicely pushed her out before she could say anything. “I’ll see you tomorrow night at your and Dad’s house. Okay? Goodnight, Mother.” He closed the door and blew out a breath. Now he just needed to convince Andi to go with him tomorrow night.

TWENTY-SIX

Andi opened her eyes. She was in bed, though the dark room wasn’t hers. With her first breath, Kasen filled her senses. What a wonderful way to wake. She must be in his room, but why and when? They were on a picnic.

A warm hand softly landed on her cheek and turned her head to the side. Hot, wet lips took hers in a demanding kiss. Full of desire and passion, the smacker lit up her insides. She moaned and rolled on top of her sensual attacker. That was until her bare bottom was exposed to the cold air. She squealed and retucked the blanket around her. She was completely naked.

“Kasen, what happened? Why are we here? I don’t remember coming back from the picnic.”

“Love, listen to me.” He pushed up to lean on an elbow and gazed down on her. His eyes ran the gamut of emotions. What was he thinking? His fingers slid down her cheek. He pecked the end of her nose. “Are you hungry?”

Her stomach rumbled at that moment. “I am a little hungry.” She wanted to know what was going through his head a moment ago, but Kasen rolled off the bed and set clothes next to her.

“Change into these and come out to the kitchen. I’ll have food waiting.” He kissed her again, then left her wanting more. She huffed at him. He did that on purpose. He laughed as the door closed behind him.

She changed into drawstring shorts that went to her knees and a T-shirt that swallowed her. Good thing she wasn’t going for looks. She was still having a hard time with the fact her cat was completely obsessed with him. Her human emotions were all over the map. She wanted the wolf so badly but was unsure things could work out.

In the kitchen, she scooted onto a stool at the granite bar overlooking the sink. Kasen slid a plate loaded with hot filet mignon in front of her. She could definitely get used to eating like this. She forked a bite into her mouth. “So, why was I naked in your bed with no memory of getting there?”

He scowled, not looking at her. “Andi, someone shot a tranq dart at you.”

She stopped chewing, her brow furrowed. “Why would they do that?”

“I don’t know,” he said. “Maybe it was an accident. The tranq missing another animal and the shooter not knowing it hit you.”

“How many animals do you have in your woods that you need to knock out?” He had no answer for that, or if he did, he wasn’t saying. She kept eating, even though her appetite had gone away. It’d be a shame to waste such good steak.

“So I was hit by a dart. What happened after that?”

“Basically,” he began, “I fished you out of the water and brought you here to sleep it off.”

Hmm. Something didn’t seem right. “Fished me out of the water, that’s it?”

“Well, your clothes got wet, so I changed you out of them.” Her cheeks instantly heated. “Nothing happened, I swear. I was a bit preoccupied at the time.”

“Preoccupied with what?” she asked.

He shook his head. “Don’t worry about anything. I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable and safe.” She thought that was especially charming. When finished eating, she put her fork on her plate and Kasen put both in the sink. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into a hug. He held her tightly like there was no tomorrow.

“Kasen, are you sure you’re all right? You seem strange.”

He smiled. “Of course I’m all right. I’ve got you here and we’re sitting on the couch for the rest of the night, just talking.”

She rolled her eyes. “So I’m still off the menu? That can be really annoying.”

“What?” He pulled away and laughed. “I’m being a gentleman and not just some wild animal.”

“Maybe I want the wild animal.”

He chuckled, but she saw the heat in his eyes. “C’mon. Let’s sit down for a while.” He led her into the living room where he had candles scattered, the fireplace roaring, and soft music.

“Oh my gosh, Kasen. This is so romantic.” He kissed her forehead and those emotions in her heart expanded.

“I’m glad you like it. You deserve so much more than filet for dinner and Skittles for dessert.” He gestured toward the candy dish on the coffee table.

She did a little happy dance. “I love Skittles. They’re my favorite.”

He sat sideways on the sofa so his one leg stretched out while the other remained on the floor. When he pulled her down in front of him, she snagged the single bag of tangy candy before plopping back. He kissed her neck as she tore open the bag.

Andi poured the little balls onto her palm, then set the bag down. From her hand she picked out a green one, popped it into her mouth, then dug around to pull out another green piece. Those were her favorites.

“Hey,” he said, then plucked his own green candy. “Why are you eating all the green ones? Those are my favorite. Get your own color.”

“No way. I ate the first one. You get a different color.”

“It’s my candy. I bought it,” he said, teasing.

“You bought it for guests, and I’m the guest,” she replied.

He grunted. “How do you know I didn’t buy it for myself?”

“Because, silly,” she grinned, “everyone knows if you want something for yourself, you don’t put it on the table in the middle of the living room for everyone to eat.” She bent forward over the bag, peeking for more green.

“Hey. No fair.” He reached around, trying to grab the bag. She laughed and shoved it against her chest, hiding it from his hands.

“Mine,” she mumbled.

He wrapped his arms around her and playfully bit at her neck. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.” He brushed her hair to the other shoulder and whispered into her ear, “So, besides green Skittles and noodling, my lady, what do you like?”

“Hmm.” She laid her head back on his solid chest. He felt so good against her. “I like things all girls do. I’m not a girly girl, but I can take spa pampering once every month or two. Being alpha is hard work.”

“Really,” he said. “I wouldn’t know anything about that.”

She laughed. “You said it, not me. What do you like to do, Mr. Macho Alpha?”

He puffed his chest up. “I do the manly man things. Eat nails for breakfast, wrestle a herd of alligators every day, then come home and make love to my beautiful mate all night.” He swirled his tongue over the tender spot behind her ear. She couldn’t help but moan.

His fingers slid up her side to her breast, finding the loose nipple under the cotton shirt. Fuck. The taunting sent chills down her back. She felt wetness slide in her panty-less pussy. Her back vibrated from Kasen’s growl. His control was being tested, and he was failing. She loved it.

His voice was deep and rough. “I like when my mate creams for me, responds from my slightest touch.” His hand slid down her stomach, under the waistband of the shorts. “I like when my baby’s clit is swollen and ready to be sucked until she comes on my face.” Now she was losing control. She pushed her lower back against him, feeling his large, hard cock, ready for her.

She sucked in a deep breath. “I love the way you touch me. You know exactly where I need you, how I want you. You know me better than I know myself.”

“Because we were born to be together, my love. Our animals know. They never choose wrong. Tell me you feel it. I know you do.”

Oh, yes, she felt it. Even if she didn’t want to. “Kasen, I—” She didn’t know what she wanted to say. She wanted him, but he wasn’t right. She would be the one to lead and protect her pride. Kasen was too much of an alpha to concede control to her. He had to be, he was so strong in his convictions. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe they could work it—

Her phone rang, making her jump. Kasen’s hands came off her as she hunted for her purse. On the floor next to the recliner, she grabbed up her bag and pulled out the phone. “Hello.”

“Is this Miranda Colilla?”

“Yes.”

“Miss Colilla, this is the Medical Examiner’s office. We have two of your men in our morgue.”