Cougar's Victory (7 page)

“So, let’s start small,” Dax said, breaking her out of her pity party. “Explain your name. It’s pretty unique and just plain pretty,” he offered, encouragingly.

Effie resisted the urge to snort. “My nickname, I dig. My full name, not so much. I want you to know, there is only one other person I’ve ever trusted with this information and she’s a pinky sworn blood sister. Can I trust you with the top secret info?”

Dax made a crossing gesture over his heart and held up the Boy Scout finger salute. She should have known he was a freaking boy scout.

“My mother named me after the town I was conceived in and the fact it was Valentine’s Day,” she explained. She saw Dax hadn’t even blinked so she forged on. “My name is Ephrata Valentina Parks.”

Staring at Dax she waited for him to burst out laughing. He didn’t. He brought his hand up to his chin and rubbed it for a minute. Then dropped it, reached for his wine and took a sip.

“Tell me about you,” he said. No other words on her name. Like it wasn’t the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard.

Grateful to not have someone snort their way through her explanation, she took the window he’d opened and jumped through.

“Not much really, only child, no dad, mom out of the picture. Graduated high school, went to art school and moved in with my best friend. I have a penchant for tattoos, clearly. I like junk food and reality TV.”

Again, Dax really didn’t offer any feedback. Just watched her, sipped his wine, and looked interested. Damn him, he was being all normal. Like what she said wasn’t pathetic or trashy. Why didn’t he say anything?

“I happen to like your tattoos. I’d love to meet your friend. If she’s pinky promises then she is clearly your family. And I can’t say I watch that much reality TV, but I’d be happy for you to educate me on what I should be watching,” Dax said, leaning on the table, his face level with hers and much closer. Damn he was handsome, she thought.

Effie was really confused now. She’d tried to keep her mini life story light and fluffy. Sanitized if you will. But usually people dug when they realized she was holding back. Dax Hayes was smart enough to know she wasn’t telling the whole truth. She could see it in his eyes, but he didn’t call her on it. Nope, he took what she offered and moved on. Who was this guy? Superman? Did he have some kind of alien power to mind his own damn business? Effie had never met anyone with that kind of self-control. It was kind of freaking her out.

“That’s it?” she scoffed.

“That’s it. I like you Effie, a lot. I want you, period. Nothing you can tell me or not tell me is going to change that. In time you’ll tell me more, but I understand you have to trust me first. I’ll wait. And whenever you want to share more about yourself I’m here to listen. I will tell you that I have a lot of things I need to tell you. And I hope you will be as open to the truth as I promise to be with you. No matter how deep and dark you think your secrets are, I assure you, I can top them.”

“Doubtful,” she said quietly, looking down to her lap. She didn’t know how to deal with someone that was this open with their feelings. It was making her uncomfortable and unsteady.

Reaching across the table, Dax offered his hand to her. Effie reached for his and was instantly calmer the minute they touched.

“I would never lie to you Effie. And I don’t think you are lying to me about yourself. I think you are being cautious, I respect that.”

“You’re serious aren’t you?” she asked in awe.

“Of course, I told you I wouldn’t lie to you and I meant it. I see a long future for us, Effie. It may take time, but I’m not going to back away because of a few first date jitters,” Dax said with a smile.

This woman was worth the effort. There wasn’t a good way for him to explain that because she was his mate, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to make her happy, comfortable and safe. He was going to have to show her how he felt before he could tell her.

Their dinner showed up and Effie was grateful for the distraction. They both laughed when their meals of lasagna and stuffed manicotti showed up looking identical. Bubbling cheese covering marinara and a mystery pasta underneath.

The rest of their dinner was lighter conversation. Effie told him what she could about the town, and he told her of his bigger plans for the vineyard. They talked about his sister again and the family she had married into. Sound liked a crazy bunch of loggers living out in the woods to Effie.

After dinner, Dax asked her to go for a walk.

“Hmm, not exactly walking shoes, Mr. Hayes,” she quipped, looking down at her feet.

“I could carry you,” he offered.

“Not happening, superman,” she laughed.

“Okay, then what would you like to do?” he asked, offering her an arm to walk to his car.

Chewing her lip for a moment Effie decided to test the waters a bit. “Well, I was thinking of getting a new tattoo. Since my latest client seems happy with my work, and I’m assuming he’s going to pay me for it, we can go to my tattoo parlor.”

Dax was opening her door when he stopped, “You want a tattoo? Tonight?” He seemed a little shocked.

“Yes, tonight. I’ve already picked it out, and I know the guys at the shop. I’m sure they could fit me in. It will probably only take about an hour, it’s only one color,” she said, giving her eyes an exaggerated bat.

“Wow, that’s going to get you whatever you want, sweetness,” Dax laughed at her comical flitting eyelashes.

“Good to know,” Effie said with a smirk while sliding into the car.

They drove to the shop, Effie pointing out the small town’s fascinating points of interest. Edna’s yarn shop, the four different second hand stores, and the one grocery store in town. Dax listened and commented as they drove. He hadn’t really even ventured into town, he’d been so busy. Pulling into the parking lot Effie was glad Cass was working that evening. No better time than the present to introduce both of them.

Walking in, Effie called out a greeting to everyone.

“Hmm, fresh meat,” Cass offered as her hello. She was eyeing Dax up and down.

“Down tramp,” Effie snickered, “This is my client, Dax Hayes. You remember I had a meeting today?” Effie gave her the high eyebrows.

“What? Can’t a girl ogle? I’m Cassidy Balmer, nice to meet ya. And if I recall that meeting was earlier today. What on earth could you two crazy kids have been up to all this time? Hmmm, it’s a mystery,” Cass taunted.

“Yes it is a mystery, so keep your Scooby nose out of it. Spike, have any room open?” she asked, looking over the counter to the appointment book.

Cassie snatched it up and held it to her chest. “That depends, for you or Mr. Fancy Pants there?”

Dax looked down at his pants, “Fancy?” he asked Effie.

“She’s being catty, don’t listen to her. And you know good and well it’s for me.” Effie said, giving her the hairy eyeball.

“Fine, yes your majesty. Spike is free after this appointment.” Cass gave a dramatic sigh and made a big show of penciling in Effie’s name.

Turning to Dax, Effie asked wickedly, “Wanna watch?”

Hearing the buzz of needles and seeing the blood on the shoulder of a guy in the distance had Dax’s cat antsy. “I’ll think I’ll sit out here and keep your BFF company,” he offered graciously.

“Ohh goody, show and tell!” Cass yelled, coming from behind the counter to grab Dax and pull him to the sofa.

Oh, God, Cass was going to ruin the best relationship Effie had ever had. It didn’t matter she’d only been in it about six hours, it was still the healthiest one by far.

“Cassie, be nice. Don’t ask inappropriate questions. Don’t ask about money, piercings or former relationships,” Effie warned.

“Then what else is there!” Cass whined.

“You’ll think of something,” Effie gave her another hard glare.

She could hear Cass mumbling under her breath. Something about not fair and no fun.

“We’ll be fine, Effie. I’m a big boy and think I can handle your pint size best friend,” Dax encouraged.

“Pint sized! I’ll have you know I’m five-foot-five in these shoes!”

That was the last Effie heard as she made her way to the back as Spike gestured that she was up next.

Getting comfortable in the chair and taking a few deep breaths, Effie found her zen place. It was the one that she was always seeking when she was stressed or scared, but could never find. Here sitting in the tattoo shop with a needle poking into her skin was like a sedative. Her endorphins were rolling through her and she was happily floating on the wave.

Her brain wanted to decipher every detail of her day with Dax. But for some reason her heart was telling her brain to let it go. It had been nice, easy, frighteningly easy actually. Normally Effie was so worried about what people thought of her that she tried too hard and put up her brick wall, don’t give a crap attitude. With Dax, she didn’t feel the need. It was clear that he saw her for who she was, not who she was trying to be. Plus he didn’t push, didn’t dig. It was like his acceptance of her was forming quiet cracks in her armor. She felt good, calm, settled.

An hour passed and before she knew it, Spike was nudging her out of her stupor saying he was done. Effie sat up and took the mirror Spike handed her. Turning away from the mirror she looked over her shoulder. The paw print was all black, the skin surrounding it red and inflamed. It was only one color but Spike was a master at shadowing. The paw print appeared three dimensional. The claws looked like they were digging into her skin without tearing through it. It was awesome.

Cassie poked her head around the corner, “Is it done?”

She came skipping over and started immediately ooohing and ahhing over it. Giving Spike a high-five, Cass seemed to approve.

Dax was following behind her but stopped when his eyes zeroed in on her back. His brows furrowed and he looked shocked at first, then a little angry maybe? Or confused? Effie was having a hard time reading the different emotions skipping across his features.

When he didn’t say anything Effie broke his stare by explaining, “I thought a commemorative tattoo of Tiger Mountain Winery would be appropriate. Get it?” She felt silly all of a sudden. What if he thought she was a crazy lady that was clinging to a client. Effie hadn’t considered that angle. Just that she’d be able to look at it and remember her first big account.

“You don’t like it?” she asked quietly.

Hearing the tremor in her voice, Dax’s eyes shot to hers and immediately softened. He was floored when he saw the paw on her shoulder. His cougar and him were both trying to come to terms with her sporting a brand of a big cat on her back. Clearly Effie had no idea, but to his cat and him, it was a sign. He didn’t want her to think he didn’t like it. He was just overwhelmed by the significance of it.

“I like it a lot Effie,” he said honestly. Walking up to her, he cupped her cheek and kissed her softly. Not caring who was watching them.

“Damn…”

Effie heard Cass whisper behind them.

“All right love birds, let me get this cleaned up and covered then you’re free to go,” Spike declared.

After she was bandaged and taped up, Dax said goodnight to Cass and shook Spike’s hand. He led Effie to his car and before opening her door, he pushed her against it and kissed her hard and deep.

Pulling back, he held her eyes when he said, “I really like that tattoo.”

“I’m glad,” Effie whispered back.

Dropping his head to hers, Dax sighed. “I really wanted to ask you to come home with me tonight, but I don’t want to rush you. Can I see you tomorrow?”

Effie wasn’t sure if she should say she would be totally on board with the idea of spending the night with him. She was one hundred percent sure it would be a night to never forget. But a chance to replay and download her day with Cass might be a good idea too.

“Tomorrow is good, but I get to take you somewhere,” she said, rubbing her forehead against his.

“Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise, casual dress and you might want to bring earplugs,” she said smiling up at him.

“Earplugs huh? Sounds like fun, and just so you know, I’ll follow you anywhere.” He gave her another quick kiss then opened her door.

Dax drove her home and walked her to her door, never commenting on her shabby home or suspect neighborhood. He did plant a panty melting kiss on her before taking the keys and opening the door. Giving her one last peck he waited for her to close and lock the door, he had to force himself to turn and walk away from her, at least until tomorrow.

As he walked down to the street Dax was regretting leaving her alone. Reaching his car he spotted a man across the street, leaning against a building, smoking a cigarette and looking generally shady. Taking a sniff, Dax marked his scent and made a note to ask Effie about the man tomorrow. Something about him made Dax’s cougar growl and hiss. He always listened to his cat.

The next day, Dax made sure to get all of his business done early. Owning your own winery meant you worked pretty much seven days a week, but it was a labor of love. Before it was about making something for himself, now it was about making something for him and Effie.

Calling home, Dax got Everett in the office.

“Baby brother, how are things there?”

“The usual, mom is on a tear about Kenzi’s baby coming. She’s sure it’s going to be a bear and doesn’t want people to buy it teddy bears as a gift because she said it would be tacky. I don’t get it, but whatever. Stryker is missing again, big shocker. He said something about driving to Oregon, but that may be his way of throwing us off his scent. Dad has been golfing every day so I’m sure he’s pretty happy,” Everett offered.

“So basically, business as usual,” Dax laughed.

“The Hayes’ family motto, never stray from the norm.”

“Well, I got another email from the Kleins, they really would like your help out there. They’ve hired a top of the line security company to manage the casino and they just want you to go over it with a more shifter appropriate eye. More importantly they want their bases covered but their family privacy protected. They are a large pack and would appreciate your input.”

Dax heard Everett moan and whimper.

“Suck it up buttercup, it’s your fault you have such a big brain,” Dax said.

“But mom’s just going to try and hook me up with someone. Now that you’re effectively out of her clutches, and Kenzi is married, she’s all over my business. Stryker is smart taking off,” Everett pouted.

“Yes, but you can’t fault mom for wanting an alliance with one of the largest, and might I add wealthiest cougar packs in the country. The Kleins will be gracious hosts I’m sure and you’ll spend most of your time knee-deep in server rooms.”

“Well that’s at least something. Fine! I’ll go, but it’s under duress,” Everett conceded.

“Duly noted. Tell Dad I said hi and don’t tell mom I called at all,” Dax ordered.

“Gotcha bro, later,” Everett said before hanging up.

Good thing Dax loved his family, he thought.

Checking the time he had just enough to rush home and change out of his work clothes into something casual before meeting Effie. Dax had no plans on telling her he had Margo go out and buy him ‘casual’ clothes. If it wasn’t slacks and dress shirts, Dax didn’t have it. His only other clothes were workout clothes he wore to the gym. Hopefully Margo wasn’t going to dress him like a retirement home reject.

Walking out of his office, he saw Margo waiting with a bag in hand. He thanked her and headed to his car. Once he was home and showered, he found a pair of faded blue jeans, a black T-shirt and a pair of black casual loafers in the shopping bag. Dax breathed a sigh of relief. This he could handle.

Tossing on the clothes, making sure to remove all the tags, he sped over to Effie’s. The creeper guy wasn’t on the street, but Dax could still smell him as he arrived. He’d obviously been there earlier. He wondered if he lived or worked around the area. There was still something about him, even just his scent got the hair up on his cat.

Knocking on her door, Dax waited for Effie. When the door swung open, he took in his mate with a greedy eye. She was wearing black capri length, incredibly tight pants. They were black with red cherries all over them. The pants were topped off with a red wide stretchy belt that just made her curves look more exaggerated. She had a white button up shirt tied at her waist and a red bandana tied behind her head and knotted in the front. A curly mound of black hair was piled behind it. She looked freaking adorable.

“You look adorable, how do you do that?” Dax growled, pulling her in for a kiss.

Effie laughed as their mouths met. Kissing Dax like she hadn’t seen him in a month, she finally pulled back and said, “Years of practice, Mr. Hayes.”

“Well you have perfected the art, sweetness,” he said giving her a squeeze.

“Let me put on some lip-stain and then we can scoot,” she said, turning back into the apartment.

As she turned to walk away, he spied a tiny cherry tattoo on the back of her neck. Interesting.

Dax took a look around the room as he waited. It was sparse, but clean. Everything looked worn and dated. Dax didn’t like her living like this. He wanted her in a mansion, lying by a pool being waited on. He had a plan for her that did not include hand-me-downs and musty apartments. He knew this would happen because he usually got what he wanted.

Effie came back out of the bathroom, her lips were stained a dark cherry color. She walked straight up to him and kissed him on the cheek, making a big smacking sound.

Observing her work she smiled at him, “No mark, perfect.”

“Well if you feel the need to mark me, you go right ahead. I’ll wear it proudly,” Dax offered and he was totally serious. He already felt like she was wearing his mark on her back with that tattoo. He hid a shiver, thinking about how his bite mark would look on her shoulder. Marking her for the world to see.

“So cherries huh?”

“It’s my signature,” she said, giving him a wink.

Dax knew he had a lot to explain to her, he was formulating a plan on how to do that. First, he had to tell her they were mates, the two souls fated to be together. Second, that he was a shifter that mated for life. Third, that he wanted to bond with her which meant he’d have to bite her to introduce his DNA into her system so she could effectively change into a hybrid that could carry their children. And fourth and the most difficult, that she’d have to meet his mother and pass through her gauntlet of worthiness. Not that it mattered to Dax, he’d pick his mate over his family even if it killed him to do so.

He thought about calling Chase Rochon and asking him how the heck he managed to convince his human mate that he wasn’t nuts. But he chickened out last night. He wasn’t ready to tell anyone that he’d found his mate. If he told one of the Rochons, his sister would know about two seconds after that, then his whole family. Best to keep it on the down low until he secured his mate.

Seeing Effie standing with her purse reminded him they had a date. Gesturing towards the door, he let Effie walk in front, his hand at her low back guiding her. He really just needed to touch her. It kept him and his cat content. He wanted her laid out naked on his bed, but this was baby steps. Plus he loved that she shivered the moment he touched her, even through her clothes.