Beauty and the Bear (Redwater Shifters Book 2) Page 5

  “That feels nice.” Her voice cracked on the last words, and her throat felt like it was on fire.

  “Damn, woman. Has it been like this the whole time?” She could hear the worry in his voice.

  “No, but I noticed it's worse when I'm upset or anxious.” He helped her up off the floor. The bathroom was red and dark brown, with stone counter tops and a fancy sink. How the hell does that thing even turn on? There was a shower, but no tub. She could've gone for a bubble bath right about then. Gene had her wrapped in his arms, and Lani wasn't trying to get free. She was soaking up all the heat he was giving off.

  “How does tea sound?” He asked giving her a kiss on the head. It was light, but she felt it. The gesture filled her with more warmth.

  “Amazing. Do you think I could brush my teeth?” Puke breath is not attractive.

  "There's extra toothbrushes underneath the sink. I'll get everything set up in the family room." Gene ran his hands over her hair, smoothing down the little flyaway pieces. It seemed like he wanted to say something, but he kept his mouth shut, leaving her to do her thing. Gene had five spare toothbrushes. What the hell could he need five extra toothbrushes for? Was he bringing other women there?

  The thought made Lani want to dry heave. She wasn't going to go down that road. Gene had been nothing but loyal, sweet, and possessive since he'd laid eyes on her. There was no way he was bringing women to his house, and if he had? Lani would've known about it and hunted those women down. No one was laying a hand on her mate. Males weren't the only shifters who were possessive and territorial.

  Females were notoriously just as possessive as the men. Take the women of Redwater for example. All of them were just as possessive as their mates. Annie had once tried to fight an alpha's daughter from a different sleuth, and she was a submissive bear.

  Lani was willing to chase away any female who was too friendly for her liking. Ella was an alpha in her own right and had a jealous streak a mile wide. By far the worst was Grace, and she didn't even have a mate yet. She was possessive over her belongings, family, and friends. Lani couldn't wait to see what she'd look like with a mate. Even human mates, whether male or female, felt the effects becoming a jealous person all of a sudden.

  Whistling brought Lani back to brushing her teeth. The sink ended up being motion activated, making her feel stupid for wondering how to use it. Everything back in Lost Moonlight had been old-fashioned. From the way they thought, and acted, to the furnishings in their homes. There hadn't been anything motion activated in her house. New technology was a temptation according to the alpha. Thank Goddess that bastard is gone.

  Making her way back to the family room, Lani peeked into the other rooms. She didn't know if she'd every get another chance to see them. Behind the swinging doors was a large kitchen complete with top of the line appliances and a giant island in the middle. An archway led into a sunroom lined with floor to ceiling windows. Between the snow falling and the woods, it was a beautiful picture.

  Sliding glass doors led outside to a deck that Lani suspected held a grill and deck furniture during the summer and spring months. Tiptoeing back into the hall, Lani cringed when the next door creaked when opening. The room was an office slash library, with a big wooden desk in the center and bookcases lining the walls. How the hell did he afford this?

  "Woman." The growl came from behind her. Shit, think of something good to explain this.

  “Uh...” Really? That's all I got? Her wolf was shaking her head at Lani. The damn thing hadn't been against snooping five minutes ago. Gene stood in the doorway stoically, waiting for some kind of an explanation.

  “I thought I heard something.” She stopped herself from shrugging her shoulders at the last second. Gene raised one eyebrow and smirked at her.

  “Try again.”

  “You said you'd be in the kitchen?” She didn't even convince herself with that one. Gene was visibly holding back his smile. He was just messing with her.

  “Damn, woman. That's the best you got?” He was leaning casually against the door, but still blocking her way out.

  “Listen here, big guy. I wanted to see this huge ass home you've got yourself.” She leaned back against the desk. If she wasn't getting out of the office, then she'd at least be comfortable.

  "Ah, now we're heading somewhere." Lani couldn't stop the growl in her chest. He was working her up on purpose. "Now, now. Don't go and get testy." He chuckled. Chuckled?! Her growl only got deeper while her cheeks were heating up.

  “You wanna know why I'm sneaking around?”

  “No.”

  “No?”

  “I wanna know why you thought you had to snoop? When I would've happily showed you if you had asked.”

  "Because I'm not sure if you're going to let me back in again after I leave. What if this was the only time I had to see your space?" Lani flailed her arms around. "You haven't told me whether you want to be a family or if you still want me in general. I wanted to see you in a way that nobody else gets too. Even if it was only, a sneak peek."

  ****

  Gene knew he shouldn't have given her a hard time, but he couldn't help himself. She looked so beautiful flustered. With her cheeks flushing and her chest heaving. Okay, so he was definitely turned on, and that had only spurred him on. Seeing her up close and personal again was a powerful thing. Her response to him had doused cold water on him, though.

  He hadn't let her off the hook yet, too busy watching her struggle, but enough was enough. She was wringing her hands together while stepping from foot to foot. Lani was absolutely adorable. True to his word, all it had taken was for her to show up and apologize for him to take her back. He'd need to call Mason back and let him know that the lawyer was going to be a no go. A good doctor on the other hand...

  She was too sick for his liking. He didn't know much about pregnancy but was sure being sick that much wasn't a good thing. Hell, Lani looked as white as a sheet of paper again. He'd dragged his teasing out for too long. Gene stepped away from the door.

  “Shh, woman.” He whispered wrapping her up in his arms and dropping a kiss on top of her blonde hair. Gene heard a sniffle. Fuck. Hurt mate. "Of course I want to be a family, and damn Lani, if you don't know that I want you then you must be blind. Or I'm not showing you good enough." He tilted her face up with a hand on her jaw. Her skin was so soft against his rough hands.

  Gene used his thumbs to wipe away the tears from her cheeks. Didn't she know that she had his heart? His eyes dipped down to her lips. Just a quick taste. He wanted to reassure her that he did want her. Badly. The moment his lips touched her, all hope was lost. There was no going slow, no quick taste. He devoured her. It was as if they hadn't been apart for months.

  Lani was just as ravenous as him. She gave as good as she got, kissing him like her life depended on it. How had he lived without her? He sure as hell wouldn't make it without her again. Gene understood how shifters went feral after their mates died. His dad may have been alive on the outside, but Jackson was dead on the inside.

  He hoisted her up onto the top of his desk, sweeping building plans to the side. His hands gently squeezed her hips. Carrying his child was doing wonders for Lani's body. Gene was going to enjoy the next six months learning every new curve on her. The scent of her need filled his office, and any other time he would've taken care of his woman. Except they needed to have a serious conversation about their future.

  Slowly, because Gene wanted to drag it out, he eased away from her. Just like the first time, Lani followed him, staring at his lips hungrily. Oh, his girl had it bad for him. At least the feelings mutual. Her eyes fluttered open, showing that stunning violet color and dilated pupils.

  “You know I'd take care of you but...”

  "We'll be quick." She looked so hopeful, he had to grit his teeth against the urge to say yes.

  "Woman, don't try my patience. We need to talk. About everything." He stressed his point by picking her up entirely and walking out of the room. She squeale
d before snuggling into his arms. Gene understood why Mason got all sappy when Ella was in his arms. Fuck, it was a nice feeling.

  Scooping up the blanket he sat down with Lani in his lap. Gene draped the blanket over both of them, tucking the ends in around her. Get mate warm. She let out a contented sigh. Snuggling closer until no space separated them. His cock was hardening the more Lani wiggled around, basically grinding on him. A small groan slipped past his lips.

  "If I'm going to be frustrated, then so are you." Gene could hear the smile in her voice. The small kiss she placed on his chest made his heart burst. Lani didn't show her soft side very often. Yet she was wrapped around him, planting sweet little kisses on his chest. He ran his hands through her silky soft hair, while a purring sound filled the room.

  “Didn't know I had a cat?”

  “Shut up.” She murmured sleepily, thumping him on the shoulder.

  “Hey, don't fall asleep on me.” He gently pulled her hair, making her look up at him. She looks beat. It looked like she hadn't slept in ages. After this, she can nap.

  “Then stop being a big, soft, cuddly teddy bear.” She pouted. Pouted. Gene couldn't believe his mate was pouting. He ran his thumb across her cheek, turning her pout to a soft smile.

  "Let's get this over with, so I can put you to bed." Lani rolled her eyes but kept that smile on her face, the one Gene couldn't get enough of. "First, you need to see a doctor."

  “Agreed.” Damn, that was easier than he'd expected it to be.

  “If we're going to be a family, we need to spend time together. Go on some dates. Tell everyone we're mates and having a baby.”

  "Isaiah overheard, so I'm sure most of Redwater knows already. But, you're right. Again." She grumbled, apparently annoyed she'd admitted he was right. "Don't look so cocky. I'm not always going to be this pliable.” She paused. “Well, maybe after you make me come multiple times, but still. Don't get used to it.” Gene barked out a laugh before getting himself under control. He'd remember that bit of information. Just gotta make sure she comes? Not a problem.

  “As for the spending time together part, I think we can make that happen.” She purred, batting her eyes at him. Goddess, help me. Gene had a little temptress on his hands, and Lani knew just how to play him. "Some dates where clothing is optional sounds very intriguing." She nipped his jaw before soothing the sting with her wicked tongue. His hips involuntarily bucked against her heat.

  “Sexy mate.” He growled, tightening his hands in her hair. Gene probably could've gotten her off like that, acting like two horny teenagers with their clothes on. What he really wanted to do was fuck her until she couldn't take a step without knowing who she belonged to.

  “Unless you want me to tear your clothes off big guy, I suggest you get to the point.”

  "Mates live together." He hadn't come straight out and asked her to move in, but the statement got his point across. Her eyes popped open, and she stopped her gentle rocking on his painfully hard cock.

  “We don't even know each other.”

  “You're my mate, and having my child. We'll figure the rest out together.”

  "That's crazy, and you know it." Gene ran his hands down Lani's back, using them to initiate her gentle rocking again. "Quit trying to distract me." She growled but pushed harder against him.

  “Damn it. I don't wanna miss a minute of your pregnancy, or your bangable body.”

  “Can't we take things slow?” She whimpered, clutching at his shoulders.

  “Slow? Woman, you're having my baby. We're way past the going slow phase.” That damn mewling sound was coming from the back of her throat. Fuck, she was going to make him come in his pants like a rutting cub. Her eyes were pleading with him. “What do you need mate?”

  "More." Gene's hand crept down to her cup her ass while gathering her hair in the other. He wouldn't fuck her, not when they were trying to figure things out, but he also couldn't leave her panting and needy. Using the hand on her ass, Gene urged her to grind harder. He felt the heat of her seeping through her yoga pants and his jeans.

  Pulling her hair, he ran his lips over her neck, nibbling, and sucking. Now that they were going to tell others, or more likely that others already knew. Gene had no qualms about leaving his mark all over her. A shiver raced through her body, as her panting turned into a low, husky moan. Knowing that he'd made her come without even actually touching her sent him over the edge. She collapsed against his chest, nuzzling him in the process.

  “Can you give me some time to think about it?”

  “Just a little. I want you with me, always.” Her hair was sweaty when he brushed it from her face. His she-wolf was already asleep, all she needed was some loving. He'd give her time, one week. If that.

  Chapter Seven

  Lani was nervous to see her girlfriends. It was the first time seeing them since the news of her pregnancy had circulated around town. Just as she'd expected, Isaiah had gone right out and told every single person he saw. Okay, she didn't know for sure who he'd talked to, but it had started with him. Then she'd had to sit through a lecture from her parents, which was oh so pleasant. Not.

  Her parents had gone on and on about safe sex, not once mentioning if they were happy for her or not. Apparently, it didn't matter that her child had been conceived out of passion with her mate. A mate Lani could already feel herself falling in love with. The big guy had put her to bed after their impromptu orgasms, and after she'd woken up, he'd made her tea. He hadn't even put up a fight when she told him she had to leave.

  Of course, he made her call him, so he knew she'd made it home safe. In the past two days, they'd kept in regular contact. Calls and texts every thirty minutes to an hour if Gene was busy with his enforcer duties or work. Ella's front door opened, and Mason's head popped out for a second before Ella elbowed him out of the way. Even from inside the car Lani could see her alpha grumbling about his mate. Lani had planned the girl's night with Ella, so she mustered up her confidence and finally exited her car.

  "What's he doing here?" She pulled her coat closer. The temperature had continued to drop, reaching into the single digits overnight.

  “Won't leave.” Ella growled, giving Mason a glare. “Even though both Annie and Grace can still shift if anything were to happen.”

  “Little wolf. I'm not leaving you unprotected, not to mention the others harped on me to make sure someone stayed home.”

  "The guys?" Lani butted in. Gene hadn't said anything to her about a man staying at the house. How was she supposed to vent to her friends if Gene's best friend was in the other room listening? She pulled out her phone hitting the speed dial.

  “You make it safe?” Her mate's voice rumbled over the line.

  “Yes, although I'm surprised the babysitter for tonight didn't let you know first.” He cursed under his breath. When would he learn that she could hear everything he mumbled?

  "My pregnant mate and little sister are out without protection. Not to mention my alpha's pregnant mate and Nathan's mate. There's no way there wasn't going to be at least one guy there to watch over you." Why does he have to be so reasonable?

  "Can't someone patrol the house? Outside, so we can have girl talk?" Lani knew she was whining. Gene had that effect on her. Both Ella and Mason looked amused, making her roll her eyes.

  "Fine. I'll send Isaiah since he spread our news like a gossiping little school girl. Put Mason on the phone." She gave Ella a triumphant smile. "He wants to talk to you." Mason looked confused, but Lani just winked at Ella. After a few moments of pacing and growling, he reluctantly agreed.

  “Call me at the first sign of trouble. I love you.”

  "I will, love you to the moon and back." Lani headed into the house to give the couple their privacy. The usual pang of jealousy she felt didn't come. For the first time, she was genuinely happy for her best friend. It was a relief that she wouldn't have to hide her feelings anymore.

  "Hey, hoes." Lani called, looking around the empty living room. Where the h
ell was everybody? Sure there were only four of them, but still, two of the four were missing. A flash of red had caught her attention before she was hugged to death by Grace and Annie.

  “I'm gonna be an aunt!” Grace squealed, looking genuinely happy for the first time in at least a month. They'd be diving into that issue later.

  “Congratulation's mama.” Annie said wiping a tear from her cheek.

  “Don't cry, Annie.” Lani had gotten to know Annie a lot since coming to Redwater, and knew she wanted to start a family.

  "I'm happy for you, but I can't believe it hasn't happened for Nathan and me yet." She blew out a big breath, moving her brown bangs in the process.

  “Everything happens for a reason. It'll happen for you.” Ella wrapped Annie in a tight hug. She was the perfect mate for an alpha. Hell, she was an alpha herself, but she had the ability to calm people down and make them smile. Ella was the soft, where Mason was hard.

  “Alright, that's enough sadness for me. Annie and I are going to have some wine, while you sluts relax on the couch.”

  "You're not old enough to drink, and you drove." Annie pointed out, even as she and Grace strolled out of sight and into the kitchen. "You guys want something?"

  “Iced tea for me.” Ella called out for herself.

  “You wouldn't happen to have any lemonade would you?”

  “And a lemonade for Lani.”

  "Goddess, if I hadn't known ya'll were pregnant before, your drink choices would've given it away in a heartbeat." Grace chuckled as she sat on the floor. Annie took the black leather recliner, sipping her wine.

  “So, Lani. How far along are you?” Annie asked with a raised eyebrow.