Mate Magic (6 page)

Chapter 8

Bailey
woke up in bed, warm and content. She snuggled deeper into her pillow and felt it move. Where was she? She bolted up in bed hitting her head on something hard. “Ouch.”

Paul
was resting, almost asleep when he felt Bailey stir. It was the most rested and at ease he had ever seen her. She moved closer to him unconsciously and not too soon after she abruptly pulled her head up, and into his chin.

Bailey
was rubbing her head, “sorry, are you okay?”

Paul
smiled. “I think a better question is, are you okay?”

Bailey
nodded her head. “I’m really sorry that keeps happening. Maybe I should go back to Sacramento pack. I keep accidentally hurting people, I’m a mess.”

Paul
tried to hold back his sudden burst of fear but knew she had picked up on it. “You have a chance to reinvent yourself. Be whoever you want to be. Just stick around and give us a try before you go running off.”

Bailey
sighed, “You’re right. Thanks again. You always seem to know what I need to hear. Is it the shared magic thing?”

Paul
thought,
no, more like the mate thing
. But he said, “Who knows, I’m just glad I can help.” His smile was anything but comforting, because at that moment, he could scent her comfort and he wanted to lay back down with her and…mate.
Whoa, down wolf.
She was innocent and totally ignorant of mating. He’d be patient.

Bailey
stretched and her shirt rode up and exposed the creamy flesh on her back and side. Yum he wanted to lick her and bite her. Goddammit, he needed to get out of this room before he pounced on her. Standing, turning so she wouldn’t see his aching erection, Paul said. “Well, we better get down to dinner.”

Bailey
stood and took his hand. “Thanks again Paul. You’re an awesome friend and I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

They walked down the isolated hall holding hands, talking about Alpha house.
When they walked into the dining area everyone was seated and looking up at them. Jake broke the ice, “Welcome to our home. We’d love to give you a tour but if we don’t eat soon my mate said she was going to knaw off my arm.” He looked to Shana’s pregnant belly and said, “I believe her. Sit and we’ll get started.”

Bailey
was walking to an empty seat at the end of the long table away from everyone when she heard a little voice, “Sit with me Miss Bailey. We could eat and then you could read me a bedtime story. Do you like ‘The Elf On The Shelf book’? I likes it.” Trevor was patting the seat next to him, “Paulie yous can sit by Bailey and eats with us, then tuck me in too.”

Both
Bailey and Paul looked at each other and burst out laughing. This kid was super cute and really didn’t give up. Paul was still holding Bailey’s hand for support and used it to steer her to the seat by Trevor. “She’s all yours little man.” Paul pulled out the chair for Bailey; she squeezed his hand, signaling him she wanted him to sit next to her.

Bailey
was surprised to find she was a bit clingy with Paul. She needed to get over that or their friendship would seem one sided. She needed to get back her independence. Addressing Jake she said, “Are there any available jobs in town? I want to be useful while I’m here.”

Jake
looked at his wife. “In fact, Shana and I were just discussing that while Trevor greeted you. There’s only one job at the moment and that’s because there was a death in the family of the shop owner. He had to leave town for the funeral so we’ve closed the store until he returns.”

Paul
’s eyes became wide. “Surely you don’t mean what I think you do. She can’t work there.”

Bailey
bristled, “Why can’t I have a job? Am I simply to be a breeder here as well? I was informed that this pack allowed a woman to hold down a job and her independence. Is that wrong?”

Paul
found out he really didn’t like to be on this end of Bailey’s temper. She kicked him under the table and shot him the stink eye. “It’s not that Bailey. I just-“ It was too late, she’d already turned her back on him.

Bailey
seemed enthusiastic, “When can I start?”

Jake
and Shana shared another look. “Bailey, I believe Paul’s upset because of the job, not because you’ve been given an opportunity. He firmly believes a woman should be allowed to be independent. In fact, he’s helped many women after abuse or neglect, get back on their feet.”

Paul
looked like a fool. He knew he should be the one defending himself, but he was still peeved that Shana and Jake would put her in this position. Paul couldn’t resist saying, “Coming from the pack that she had, do you really think, Insatiable, is the place for her to grow and become her own woman?”

Shana
, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, spoke up. “Paul, it’s not your decision. We will give her the specifics on the job and she can take it or wait until something else opens up.” Turning to Bailey she continued, “You’re welcome to any job that is available. You should also know we do not require you to work at all, especially unless it’s your choice to accept, or reject, this job with no pressure.”

Shana
stood. “Come Trevor, its bath time.”

Trevor
whined, “But mom, I want Bailey and Paul to read to me tonight. They never did it ‘afore.”

Shana
looked at Paul who nodded his head. “We’ll be there when you’re all clean. Go mind your mama now while we keep your dad company.”

Trevor
smiled at Jake before running up to him and giving him a big hug. “I love you daddy.” Jake wasn’t Trevor’s biological father but had adopted him right after he and Shana married. Trevor was so happy to finally have a family.

Jake
hugged him back whispering in his ear and then pulled back to rub his hand through Trevor’s hair. Shana had tears in her eyes when she led a smiling and skipping Trevor from the room.

Jake
turned back to his guests, blushing. “He is a great kid and I’m sure by now you know he’s special.”

Bailey
nodded, “I figured it out.”

Jake
sobered and got back to the subject. “The job that’s open is a sex shop named, Insatiable. It pretty much runs itself but you’ll need to be taught how to use the cash register and re-stock supplies. If you’re uncomfortable you do not need to accept. We can survive a couple weeks with it closed.”

Bailey
smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I may be innocent but I was taught about the pleasures of the flesh. That’s pretty much all my previous pack thought I was good for, so it seems appropriate.”

Paul
was seething mad. “I don’t want you to do it. Bailey, you came from a sick pack and we’re trying to show you how a healthy pack runs. I don’t want you to think that’s all you’re good for. We can find you another job.”

Jake
had a big grin on his face while Bailey turned to him. “Thank you for sharing your opinion. I’m glad you don’t think of me as a breeder, but I want to help this pack, and running a sex shop for a couple weeks isn’t going to alter my view on this pack. It’s probably because you think of me as a sister, and you don’t want me to be exposed to sins of the flesh, but I assure you I’ll be fine.”

Paul
was horrified, “I do not look at you like a sister. Yuck, we’re friends right now. You’re right though. I’ll keep my thoughts to myself. You’re more than capable of making decisions on your own. Speaking of brothers, I wonder what yours will say when he hears.”

Bailey
winced, low blow. “We’re going to have to agree not to tell him. Please, it’ll make my life easier.”

Jake
nodded. “No problem. I have the keys to the shop and the store hours and location. I’ll leave them on the dresser in your room. Have you chosen a room?”

“I’d like to stay in the room
Paul showed me earlier. It smells nice and feels comforting.”

Paul
couldn’t help but smile as Jake looked at him and said, “Let me guess. The room down the second hall with brown walls and teal bedding?”

Bailey
looked startled. “Yes, how did you know?”

Jake
smirked at Paul’s bemused expression and said. “Lucky guess, we also need to talk about mates at some point. I’m pretty sure you weren’t taught the basics, am I right?”

Bailey
looked and smelled ashamed. “Correct. I have no idea how one would go about finding their mate. I could have already met him and let him get away because I didn’t know what I was looking for.”

Jake
frowned but said, “I understand. It sounds like it’s Trevor’s story time, so I’ll let you get to it, but we need to discuss mating soon. It’s what our pack is based on love, comfort, trust. Welcome.”

Bailey
stood on shaky legs. “Thank you for this opportunity.”

As
Paul and Bailey were walking out of the room to meet Trevor Jake called out. “You staying tonight Paul?”

“Yeah, if you don’t mind.
I’m on call at work for the next couple days; I planned to help Bailey get settled.”

Jake
dipped his head to acknowledge Paul’s statement.

*****

Trevor was bouncing on the bed when Paul and Bailey walked in. Bailey couldn’t help but tease him. “Uh oh, didn’t anyone ever tell you the story of the monkeys jumping on the bed? One fell off and bumped his head.”

Trevor
giggled, “I heard you sing it to your pups.”

Shana
froze while Bailey gasped.

“I don’t have kids,
Trevor. I’m not mated.” Bailey was staring at him as if in a trance.

Trevor
let out an impatient sigh. “I knows that but I seen you singing it to your pups. You will have ‘em and be mated to-“

Paul
coughed loud, “Time for that story little man.”

Bailey
snapped out of it and sat on the side of the bed to pick up the book. As she read to him Paul noticed how animated she was and found himself thinking how wonderful a mother she’d be. At the end of the story she rubbed his hair and said goodnight. Paul reached down and did the same.

As they were walking out of the room
Bailey turned, “Trevor, you can see the future?”

“Yes, Miss
Bailey.”

“I’m going to find my mate?”

Trevor waggled his brows at Paul quickly before looking Bailey in the eyes and saying, “Yep and you’ll be real happy. Like your mama use to be ‘afore your daddy gots dead.”

Bailey
became confused. “I don’t remember my father and my mother doesn’t discuss him.”

“You could say somethin’ to ‘er.
She loved him just like yous gonna love your guy. He’s amazing.”

If it was possible,
Bailey looked even more shocked. “You know who it is? I mean…you’ve met him?”

Trevor
said, “Yep, night night.”

Chapter 9

Bailey walked to her new room as if she was a zombie. She was holding Paul’s hand again and was so pleased to have that small comfort. “I think I like it here,” was said on a yawn.

“I’m glad.
You gonna make it to your room? It’s been a long day, I could carry you.”

Bailey
looked up at him and he saw her nostrils flair. She was scenting him to see if it was safe. Paul smiled down at her. “You sure have a safety first thing. Haven’t I proven I’m a good guy? For crying out loud, I’m the sheriff. Surely you trust the law.” He was wearing a crooked grin.

Bailey
chuckled, “Alright, I think I want you to carry me, if you’re not too tired. I just want to be able to trust and relax with someone, and you’ve proven to be a great friend.”

Paul
grimaced. Why did she always have to call him a friend? He wanted more. He scooped her up and she laid her head on his shoulder and he felt as ease. He went straight into her room and by the time they got there she was asleep. He put her in the bed and wondered if he should undress her? His body was saying oh yes, please…

Paul
removed her shoes and placed her under the covers. She was out like a light and probably wouldn’t remember how he’d kept her covered, but he would know. His hands reached under the covers and unbuttoned her jeans and slid them down her legs. She was so small and soft. Her jeans off, he reached up and rolled her slightly to the side and unhooked her bra. He couldn’t take it off because he was leaving her shirt on, she hated her scar showing.

Paul
looked down at his mate and smiled. One day she would come around and they would be a family. She’d meet his family and be welcome among them. He leaned down and kissed her forehead before he walked out to sleep next door, “Sleep well Bailey.”

Bailey
was awake while Paul undressed her. She was amazed at the fact he, not only didn’t take advantage, but he kept her covered. He really was trustworthy and she would enjoy having a friend. If only she didn’t lust after him all day. She wondered briefly if he could smell her arousal. Oh well, he was a gentleman and she needed to remember that she would meet her mate one day.

Thoughts of
Paul and his hard toned body flipped through her mind as she drifted to sleep. He was one hot wolf.

*****

Bailey woke early the next morning and went down into the kitchen to fix breakfast. She was excited about her job and felt it appropriate to work in a sex shop after having hot sheriff fantasies all night. She wasn’t sure she could face Paul this morning without blushing.

Bailey
walked into the kitchen and found Trevor eating what looked like pop tarts at the table. He looked up and saw her and said, “Don’t tell mom I’m eating this. She says it’s too much sugar so daddy gets them for me and we hids ‘em.” He smiled at her and the world seemed right.

She loved how innocent he was.
“Deal, only if you share a package with me.”

Trevor
went into the cupboard and brought out another foil package handing it to Bailey. He sat next to her and ate the center out of his pastry. “Bailey?”

“What’s on your mind kiddo?”

“Do you know how to bring babies?”

She scrunched up her face in confusion.
“Bring babies? I don’t understand.”

He rolled his little eyes, “You know…bring ‘em out.”

Understanding dawned. “I’ve taken classes with my old pack on delivering babies and first aid. Why do you ask?”

He cringed, “Just wanna know.
I like you being here. You seemed unhappy before and you were all sickly brown but now you’re turning yellowish. You’re healing.”

“
Trevor, you’re a special boy, but sometimes I don’t understand you. Can you explain what you mean?”

He giggled again.
“Your color. I’m no wolfie so I don’t smell you, but I can see your color and it tells me how you feel inside. Mommy used to be so dark brown I never thinks she could be happy, but then she met my daddy. I loves my daddy because he loves me and mama.”

So he could see the future and auras.
He really was an amazing kid. “I understand now. Thank you for explaining. I’m glad I’m not icky colored anymore.”

He smiled up at her and went back to his pop tart.
“You better hurry and eat ‘cuz mama wakes early too and she gonna catch you.”

*****

Jake was driving Bailey to Insatiable so he could show her around the shop. She looked lost in thought, “You change your mind Bailey?”

She jumped.
“Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about Trevor. He’s a great kid. I really like being around someone so innocent.”

Jake
chuckled, “He has a way of growing on you. He is a great kid and I’m so proud of him and the family we’ve made. Shana sometimes worries he won’t fit in, but he’s liked by everyone.”

Bailey
smiled at Jake, “Thanks for the pop tarts this morning.”

“Oh God, don’t say anything to
Shana. She’ll kill me.”

They pulled into the parking lot.
“Your secret is safe with me. As long as you keep bringing in the contraband.”

Jake
unlocked the door and gestured Bailey to enter ahead of him. “Ladies first.”

She walked in to the store that was, surprisingly, not trashy.
There were lubes on a stand to the right and lingerie displayed on racks on the wall. As she traveled deeper into the store she saw vibrators and dildos hanging from the wall hooks as well. She worried all morning that she was going to feel uncomfortable or trashy but she didn’t.

Jake’s voice sounded from behind her.
“The register is here,” he showed her how to operate it. “Easy, isn’t it? And there is a panic button if you get someone who’s acting inappropriate. I can tell you that my pack is aware of this store and they often come in, but others know it’s here as well. If you’re uncomfortable at all, you should push the button and someone will come immediately.” Jake looked in her eyes, “Do you understand? Do not hesitate to press this button.”

Bailey
recoiled at his Alpha voice but responded quickly dropping her head. “Yes, Alpha.”

“Aww, sorry
Bailey. I didn’t mean to do the Alpha power thing. I’m just worried about you. I want you to understand that we’re here for you.” At her continued silence he said, “Do you want me to stay or are you okay on your own?”

Bailey
spoke quietly with her eyes still downcast. “I’ll be fine on my own. Thank you for bringing be here and showing me around. I appreciate the opportunity.”

Jake
sighed. “Here are the phone numbers for myself, Shana and Paul. Paul wanted to come with you this morning but he was still in his room when we left. Chances are he’ll stop by later to see how things are going.”

Bailey
felt herself blush and averted her face but then she was looking at a display of butt plugs and she felt herself blush even more.
Crap.

Jake
laughed. “Interesting. Call if you need me.” He walked out the door and she was alone in a sex shop. What the hell was she doing?

She sat behind the counter for a few minutes and became restless.
She began to wander the store. They were stocked with everything from bachelorette party favors to dirty movies. Bailey had been taught to breed but this store implied there would be pleasure in the act. There were pictures of women who appeared to be enjoying themselves, who knew?

Bailey
was wandering around the dildo aisle when she heard the bell above the door tinkle. She turned and was surprised to find a gorgeous woman standing in the doorway. She looked familiar, “Can I help you?”

The woman strolled in with confidence, and it was only then that
Bailey noticed she was the same woman that pulled over after Paul had almost wrecked his truck. She smelled like a bakery, more specifically honey buns. “Do you work here? Alone?”

Bailey
became slightly worried and angled herself closer to the panic button. “Yep, just filling in for a while.”

The woman’s face took on a slightly sinister smile and she inhaled deeply at
Bailey’s neck. “They let virgins run a sex shop? Odd that you’re Alpha would allow an unmated virgin to be on her own in a place like this. Why hasn’t he claimed you?”

Was this lady psycho?
Bailey had no clue what the hell was going on. “Is there something I can help you find?”

She tittered.
“I’m quite sure you wouldn’t be able to help me with anything in this store. In fact, I came here to see you.”

“I’m flattered but I’m going to have to decline.
I’m more of a solo player, and if I were to pick a partner they would be decidedly male. You’ve got great legs though.”

“You bitch.
I came to-“she was cut off by the sound of the bell tinkling indicating there was another player in this party. “I’ll come back later. We’re not done.”

As the woman sauntered away
Bailey couldn’t help but say. “No, really, I’m not interested, we’re way done.”

The beautiful woman stopped and twisted around with grace, popping her hip to the side and pacing her well-manicured hand on her hip running it down the length of her leg, exposed by the slip of silk she wore as a dress.
“Like I said, that’s not what I meant. I wouldn’t want a scarred virgin in my bed.” She blew Bailey a kiss and turned, “Tootles.”

Bailey
cringed at the blatant insult to everything that made her hate herself. She bowed her head and tried to keep the tears at bay. It was a losing battle.

Bailey
heard someone approach and by their scent she knew it was Paul. Great, how many times did he have to witness her embarrassment? She knew he’d heard everything the beautiful spiteful woman had said. She remembered the way he smelled aroused as he saw this woman and now all she could smell was pity.

“Are you okay
Bailey?”

She wiped a tear from her face and said, “Sure, why wouldn’t I be? First customer didn’t buy anything though.
Maybe the next one won’t be as cheap.” The word cheap was spat out in distain.

Paul
knew she was hurting but wasn’t sure what to do or say. “I’m sorry. I’ll buy something if it’ll make you smile.”

Bailey
looked up and gave him a fake smile. “You should go so I can get back to work.”

“There’s the
Bailey I know, a fighter. Who was that?”

“How am I supposed to know?
She talked about Jake and why I hadn’t been claimed. Asked if I worked alone and said she came to see me. Weird, I have no idea who she was, but she clearly doesn’t like me.”

Paul
looked startled. “If she comes back give me a call. She may be dangerous."

Bailey
looked him in the eyes and said, “I’m not your pimp and I don’t appreciate you asking me to call you when your hot date gets here.”

Paul
scowled. “I don’t want to date her, Bailey, and I don’t appreciate you talking to me like that when all I want to do is see to your protection. You think I’d date someone like her who would speak to you that way?” Paul was pissed, “Never mind; don’t answer. It’s clear what you think. Call me if you need something, otherwise, I’ll pick you up later.”

Bailey
stood there in shock. She was out of line, but dammit, she was jealous. She wanted to be beautiful but because of the scars she knew she was a Frankenstein. She’d begun to get over those feelings of insecurity, but when she was around Paul, for some reason, she wanted him to see her as feminine and pretty. Now he probably thought she was crazy.

Bailey
went behind the register and ran her finger over Paul’s phone number that Jake had given her, thought briefly about calling him but thought that might be cowardly. She’d apologize to him when he picked her up tonight.

In the meantime she was going to take care of one of her problems.
That lady was right; she couldn’t work in a sex shop and be a virgin. She was going to take her own maidenhood. She walked over to the threatening dildos and picked one she thought would do the job. It was a realistic weenie and pretty basic but since she only intended to use it once she really didn’t care. She rang up her own purchase and stashed it in her purse for later.