Mate Magic (5 page)

She wanted to argue but he was right.
She’d been trying to staple her flank but was having a hard time reaching. Every time she placed a staple it pulled her skin and wasn’t aligned properly. She could care less about scars; she had the one on her neck that was big and deep. Emotionally and physically. She handed the small white staple gun to Paul. “Thanks.”

“You’ve done well so far but do you mind if I take out the last three staples?
Otherwise it’ll scar.”

She laughed bitterly, “Does it look like I care about scars.
Leave ‘em.”

He didn’t listen; instead he got the staple remover and removed the staples, and began re-placing them to close the wound.

At the first contact of his warm calloused hands on her side she felt tingles reign throughout her body. Did he have to touch her skin? It was disturbing and slightly erotic. Who was she kidding she knew nothing about erotic thoughts or sensations, but every time this wolf was in the room she wanted to lick him, and bite him. She was never going to be with a man anyways so it didn’t matter. “Why did you ask if you were going to remove them anyway? It’s annoying.”

Paul
smiled cheekily and then took in a deep breath and his movements stopped. He closed his eyes and she noticed that his hands shook when he re-placed them on her side. “I’m sorry; I know I’m not being very nice. I…it’s just…well, I’m sorry.”

Paul
’s voice had taken on a husky tone when he replied, “No worries.”

Bailey
tried to look up at him and gauge what was wrong but he wouldn’t meet her eyes. “I understand if you want to leave too. I haven’t been very nice to you…” Her words stopped and she began to giggle when his hand caressed a particularly ticklish spot along her upper wound on the outer section of her breast, by her armpit.

Paul
had an unusual look in his eyes, almost a sparkle of amusement. “I’m sorry, I’m done,” but he didn’t remove his hand from the spot. His fingertips were brushing the wound so instead he laid his palm over the upper portion of the area and took in another deep breath. “You’re so soft.”

When
Bailey chanced looking up at him he looked like a hungry wolf, and instead of being afraid, she was very aware of how her breasts suddenly became heavy, and she felt swollen and wet in her girly area. Crap, did she pee herself?

Bailey
shot up off the gurney and scrambled around looking for her clothes. Damn, she’d shifted by the house- no clothes.

Chapter 6

Paul was stunned when he saw Bailey launch herself off the gurney. He thought things were going okay. “What’s wrong? Where’s the fire?”

Bailey
just stood there and looked around as if searching for something. Her head flying from side to side attempting to cover the scar on her neck.

Paul
ripped the sheet from off the gurney and covered Bailey. He noticed the smell of her arousal, stronger than he scented her blood, and wondered if that’s what had spooked her. He’d finished stapling her and was touching her skin. He could feel the attraction but she was fighting it. His wolf was pushing him to dominate her and show her that he would protect her. He was able to reign in his wolf and take a step back.

Bailey
felt like an idiot. Ever since she’d met him she’d been abused and scarred and it had changed her. She wanted to be the woman she’d been before the betrayal and attack. She trusted no one and that left her alone and lonely, but at least she wouldn’t have to be let down by the people she trusted. Bailey lowered her head in shame, “I’m sorry…again.”

Paul
stayed across the room knowing she was in fight or flight mode. “What happened?”

Bailey
could feel the flush start in her chest and run all the way to the top of her head. “I have to use the bathroom. I…um…could you…turn around?”

Paul
turned, automatically, at her request not questioning for a moment. “Bailey, I like you and I think you like me too. I’m sorry if I touched you inappropriately.” Did she think the sweet cream that she had released was abnormal?

“Uh, it’s okay.
I just don’t like being touched, or looked at, or talked to…” She knew it sounded pretty bad but she was truly unsure of herself.

Paul
turned. “I think you liked my touch and I like talking to you. You’re going to have to open up to the pack sometime. I know you had a really bad experience with your old Alpha, but we’re all very supportive and close knit.”

Bailey
sighed. “I know. Jake is a great leader and everyone I’ve met has been understanding and patient. I think I just need time and distance from my old pack. It’s going to hurt leaving Dante but I just…have to.”

Paul
’s look softened, “He’ll understand. He wants you to be happy and whole again. It’s what we all want.” Paul moved closer and put his arms around Bailey. He hugged her gently to his chest and felt a few hot tears on his chest. “You’re breakin’ my heart. Let’s get your ribs bound and I’ll take you out for coffee.”

Bailey
sniffed and took in Paul’s comforting scent and nodded. “I’d like that. Thank you, Paul.”

Paul
held her a moment more loving the sound of his name on her tongue. He wanted to keep her with him forever. Share his life, love, and start a family. Holy shit, where did that come from? He’d never really thought about having kids before.

“You okay?
You smell, anxious.”

“Sorry, let’s get started.”
Paul needed to keep it together.

*****

Jake did not want to make this call, but he didn’t have a chance of getting out of it. He was the Alpha so he was responsible for making difficult calls. He better call before checking on Bailey again. Here it goes, “Hey Dante, its Jake. How are you doing?”

“What do you want
Jake?” Dante’s reply was terse.

Jake
growled low in his throat, “Show respect pup. If you’ll recall, I’m the one who helped you take control of the pack you currently control. I also helped save your pups, and kept their mother safe, from your old Alpha.”

Dante groaned.
“You’re right, I apologize. How can I help you?”

“I am giving you a courtesy call to let you know your sister was attacked by a bear while she was frolicking in the woods.
Apparently, she does that often. We’ve never had a bear shifter in our woods, so I was hoping you could tell me if you’ve had one in your area that might have followed.”

Dante swore loudly.
“Is she okay? We’ve had several upsets recently. Some of the older Pack members have been rebelling against the updated rules, but I don’t think they would harm anyone.”

“They are not harming just anyone.
Someone is going after your sister, have you received any threats?”

“You’ve no need to concern yourself with my Pack any longer.”

Jake was baffled. “That is what friends do, Dante. Help whether you think you need it or not. If you want to keep your head up your ass, I’m okay with that, but I’m keeping your sister. Have a nice night.” Jake disconnected while Dante was trying to scream into the phone. He smiled to himself, stupid Dante didn’t know who he was messing with.

Jake
walked into Bailey’s room to find Paul wrapping her ribs in the same manner the doctor had done his. “How are you feeling, Bailey?”

She looked alarmed to see
Jake enter the room. “Uh, fine. Thank you for asking.”

“What’s going on
Jake?” Paul was getting nervous, Jake smelled pissed.

Jake
looked to Bailey, “Maybe we should ask her. What’s goin' on Bailey?”

She looked puzzled.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t done anything. Well, that’s not true. I was mean to your female Alpha and I apologize. I was also mean to Paul and have asked forgiveness.” She looked to Paul, “Do you accept?”

Paul
nodded.

“Well, I spoke to Dante who refuses to tell me the threat to you, but I believe you know something we don’t.
Do you need protection, Bailey?”

“I’ve always received threats from my old pack, but I’ve never taken them serious.
I wasn’t respected or wanted. I understand if you no longer want me as a part of this pack. I’ll go back and take the troubles with me.”

Paul
blanched while Jake spoke. “You misunderstand. I informed Dante that we would keep you, for as long as you are willing to stay. We will accept you as pack and you will be protected. I’ll call the pack members to meet you so that they can be aware of the situation. Will you stay at Alpha house?”

Bailey
felt the beginning of tears sting her eyes. “Will it be okay with your Alpha female?”

Jake
smiled. “I’ve spoken to Shana, who specifically requested we show you how a healthy pack runs so you’ll stop being…uh, uncomfortable.”

Bailey
snickered, “Thank you Alpha. I’d be honored to stay with you, until I get on my feet.”

Jake
narrowed his eyes at Bailey, “I am your Alpha from now on and you are welcome to speak with Dante and your other pack, however, I must demand you tell me of any threat to you or my pack that you are aware of. Clear?”

Bailey
turned her eyes down and bowed her head. “Yes Alpha.”

“Welcome
Bailey O’Shea. I think you’ll find it fulfilling to live amongst us.”

As
Jake turned to walk out of the room he heard a whispered, “Alpha?”

He turned and looked into
Bailey’s eyes. “Bailey, you may call me Jake or if you feel more comfortable Alpha Jake but I’m more than a simple title. Just like Paul is more than just the sheriff.”

Bailey
nodded her ascent. “I was attacked by a bear. A Shifter bear. I did nothing to provoke it. I think, maybe someone wants to hurt me, but I don’t know who.”

Jake
smiled. “Now, that wasn’t too hard was it? I believe that this was intentional, but I have no idea why. Please let me know if you have any concerns or need to report anything, after all, you’ll be living with me shortly.”

Paul
had to tap down the sudden urge to punch Jake but he couldn’t help the snarl that came out. He wanted to protect his mate, after claiming her, soon and often.
Patience.
His wolf howled his displeasure. “I can drive you, if that’s okay.”
Crap.
He sounded like a sissy wolf. No one wanted to mate with a sissy.

Bailey
looked at Jake and then turned to Paul. “I’d like that. Please.”

Jake
winked at Paul, “Sure, I’ll tell Shana to expect two more for dinner. She loves company.”

Bailey
looked down once again and made a pained sound in her throat. “What’s wrong?” Paul was beginning to think she didn’t want to stay at Alpha house. “You can stay with me if you want. I mean…I have…I’m just saying that if you want, I have an extra room if Alpha house is too much for you.” Great, now he was a rambling, wussy wolf.

Bailey
smiled at him. “Thanks but I’m just not sure I made a great impression on the Alpha mate. I’ll apologize but I’m pretty sure I blew any chance at friendship.”

Jake
made a huffing noise, “Shana does what’s right for this pack. She’ll condemn you until she believes you’re deserving of our pack. You must drop the attitude. I’ve told you several times, we’re very different from your old pack. You’ll grow on us, Shana included. And we’ll grow on you too.”

Chapter 7

As Bailey rode in the car with Paul there was a silence that wasn’t necessarily uncomfortable but surprisingly relaxing. He drove his private vehicle, which turned out to be a well maintained Ford F150 truck, with ease. He had his left arm resting lazily on the trucks window ledge and the other was gripped lightly on the steering wheel. Bailey was curious to know how he was feeling so she leaned in to discreetly sniff him when she heard his chuckle.

“You want to sit next to me your welcome to move closer, we can smell each other.”
More chuckling.

Bailey
could feel herself blush but wasn’t going to be deterred. “I was just wondering how you were feeling. You don’t have to be mean.”

Paul
stopped his amusement immediately. “Bailey, I’m not being mean to you. I was playing with you. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable so I’ll stop.”

Bailey
’s eyes got wide, “Don’t you dare. You mean, you say things you don’t mean, to be funny?”

Paul
couldn’t help his grin. “Yeah, kinda like that. Even though I’d love you to come closer, but only if you’re not on edge. I’m pack, just like you, and closeness is comfort to me. If you want we can try it.”

Bailey
placed her hands in her lap and sat forward stiff.

Paul
thought he was making progress by teasing her; treating her with laughter and happiness but he’d made her so uncomfortable she’d closed herself off. Eventually, he’d find a way to deal with her distance or he would suffer. He was already beginning to have difficulty suppressing his arousal. He was constantly semi aroused but controlled the scent by masking it with others. He’d sense his passion stir and think of Bailey’s history; his scent would be mixed and more difficult to read. He’d mastered the technique while living at home with his parents to cover up his misdeeds. Granted he hadn’t had a need to use it for years.

Lost in thought
Paul hadn’t noticed the sudden heat at his side or the nervous twitch Bailey had. She’d scooted so close to Paul in the truck that her thigh was touching his and her shoulder was against his arm. She smelled nervous, so instead of wrapping her in his arms like he wanted, he continued to drive. “Are you excited to be trying out a new pack?” Oh God, please don’t let her see the boner he was sporting.
Please, please, please.

Bailey
took in and let out a long breath. “I’ll miss Dante. We’ve never been apart and I don’t know what I’ll do without him. I’m excited because I’ll get to spend more time with Abby and Brady. I’m just…nervous.”

Bailey
was snuggling next to his side and he was really trying not to be distracted. “Uh…Why do you smell frightened when you talk about Dante’s pups?”

Bailey
, who was feeling warm and content, stiffened.

“It’s okay.
Forget I said anything.”
Stupid Paul, real stupid.
Why did he keep upsetting her?

Bailey
’s shoulders dropped but she touched his forearm. “Stop doin’ that.”

He was so restless with her touching him he could only look into her eyes.
When he heard the honking, he slammed on his breaks and veered onto the shoulder of the highway. His heart was racing when he heard tinkling laughter coming from Bailey. “You think that’s funny?”

She kept laughing; she could feel tears gather in her eyes from laughing so hard.
“I’m sorry. I can hear your heart beating so fast and you must be frightened, but it was quite thrilling.”

Paul
’s lust roared to the surface and he couldn’t cover it in time. Bailey’s laughter died, she sat there silent as he stared out the window feeling gloomy and trying to simmer down. He knew she could smell his arousal and he didn’t even bother to mask the scent because he knew she had caught it.

Once again he felt
Bailey’s small hand grasp his arm. “It’s okay, she’s quite lovely.”

That got his attention.
Sputtering he said. “What…I don’t…What are you…” He looked up to find a woman walking over to his car. She was tall, blonde, thin and frankly very hot. Paul rolled down his window, “Can I help you?”

She walked up to the driver window and put her head right up to the window pursing her lips.
“I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You almost went off the road.”

“We’re fine.
Thanks for checking.” Paul noticed she smelled like a bakery, weird.

“Alright sugar.
Drive safe now and keep yourself buckled.” The vixen reached in the car and patted his lap over his seatbelt. “Wouldn’t want a wonderful male specimen like you to get hurt.” As she licked her lips he heard a startled gasp and then a small growl from behind him.

Paul
began to roll up his window saying. “Nice to meet you. Have a nice day ma’am.”

Paul
was afraid to turn around, fearing what Bailey would say. Sooner or later he would have to man up. Not sure really what just happened he twisted in the seat, “Bailey, I…” Something had to be wrong because she was smiling at him. “You okay?” He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, her eyes closed at the contact.

Bailey
’s eyes opened, made contact with his and she licked her lips. Paul was lost. He leaned over and sealed his lips onto hers. It was a light contact but he needed more. Paul opened his lips slightly and went back for more, running his tongue over her full bottom lip and pulling it into his mouth. He kept his hands together in his lap so they didn’t roam. He could smell her heightened arousal and the sweet musky smell of her cream being released into her panties.

Bailey
was overcome with odd feelings. Paul was kissing her and she could feel a tension in him. She wanted more but she didn’t know what. There was a funny noise that she had never heard before. Good Lord, it was her, she was purring. She smelled Paul’s arousal and it was surprisingly very alluring.

Crap
, Bailey thought, Paul was attracted to the tall leggy blond and she had practically jumped him because he smelled so yummy. She pulled back suddenly, “Uh, sorry. I don’t know what happened. I just…sorry.”

Paul
was still in the haze of lust that Bailey always caused in him, before he realized she had even spoken. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

Bailey
scooted to the passenger seat. “Nothing, can we just pretend that didn’t happen? Please don’t tell anyone.”

Paul
was taken aback. “I’d never say anything to anyone.”

“Good.”
They just sat there. Bailey looking out the side window feeling defeated, while Paul sat silent in the driver seat.

Paul
didn’t know what caused the change in Bailey and he would do as she requested by not discussing it further, but he was not going back to the way things were. He pulled her flush next to him and when she tried to protest he said, “Hey, we can forget it happened if that’s what you want but we’re still friends. Always. I’m here Bailey, for the long haul.”

Bailey
didn’t feel discomfort at Paul’s touch. In fact she couldn’t help but feel comforted, damn that sexy wolf. “Thanks, we better be on our way.” She settled in for the ride next to him.

*****

As they pulled up to Alpha house Bailey’s mouth dropped open and she stared at the huge home. “How many people live here?”

“
Jake, Shana and her son Trevor. Random pack members come and live whenever there is a need. This is where Tara stayed before she moved in with Decker. The home is very large though, so you’ll have your privacy.”

Bailey
smiled. “This is a beautiful home and I’m honored to stay within.”

Paul
smiled. “We often get together and have dinner. Shana likes to entertain. She had a traumatic event that led her to isolate herself from everyone when she was younger, and since arriving in the pack and becoming Alpha mate she brings us together often.”

“I like the sound of that.”

Paul came around to her side of the truck and opened her door. “It’s quite a drop for someone of your height, let me help.”

Bailey
shoved him back with a good amount of force. When he looked up at her she had a grin on her face. “I’m pretty sturdy,” and she launched herself from the cab of the truck landing on her feet in the driveway.
Ouch, remember the ribs.

Paul
laughed, “I know you’re not fragile but every once in a while you could allow a man to be a gentleman and help a lady. It might hurt my pride if you refuse my charms.” Paul put a pouty face on.

Bailey
became serious and ran her index finger across his pouting lips “You have many a women to share your gentlemen charms on.” She was shocked to find the idea of Paul helping other women out of his car made her grumpy.

Paul
gave her a cream-your-panties smile. “But only one woman I’d like to practice on.”

Smiling she turned toward the house and rang the doorbell thinking how nice it was to finally have a friend.
A small child answered, “’Bout time, Bailey. Where’s Uncle Paulie?”

Surprised,
Bailey simply turned toward Paul who was right behind her. Paul said. “Hey there, Trevor, what’s shakin’ bacon?”

Trevor
gave and innocent smile and grabbed both of their hands and led them into a sitting room. “Hurry before mom an dad finds us. Welcome home, Bailey.”

“Temporary.
This is only my temporary home, to see if I fit in and until I get on my feet,” Bailey’s automatic response. She’d never fit in always knowing she was in a temporary situation.

She became confused when the little guy began singing, Carrie Underwoods, Temporary Home.
She had listened to that song every night before bed for months.

Bailey
laughed. “Too much country music channel kid. You’ve been listening to Carrie Underwood. How do you know that song?”

Trevor
looked as serious as his pudgy little face would allow. “You sing it to yourself all the time, you feel the lyrics. You think you don’t belong.” There was a moment of stunned silence before he continued, “You did found your place in this world, here, with Paulie and our pack. Everything is temporary, before it becomes forever.”

Bailey
had tears in her eyes and could feel she was breathing hard. She was desperately trying to hold onto the fact that this little boy couldn’t have just broken through years of pent-up feelings of worthlessness, knowing she didn’t belong. No, he didn’t know her. She was breathing too hard but she couldn’t stop herself. Oh God, not again.

“Maybe that was too much,
Trevor. Your mama says you shouldn’t do that to people who you just met.” Paul turned to Bailey, “Breathe, Bailey, you’re going to be okay, you’re safe.”

Trevor
whined. “Mama said it was okay. Said she understands magic. Why is she actin’ funny?”

Paul
picked Bailey up and ran down the hall toward the room he occupies when he stays over at Alpha house. “Come on babe. Slow down. It’s Paul, and you’re safe. Please, you’re killin’ me, precious.”

It was too late because the panic attack had claimed her consciousness.