RICHIE: New Orleans Wolf Shifters with plus sized BBW for mates (Le Beau Series Book 6) (10 page)

She continued to study him for a few seconds before she turned her attention to her window to admire the landscape.

*****

By the time Richie drove to the pier he used to store his boat and then piloted them to his cabin, the silence had become unbearable. Piper hadn’t spoken another word once she’d turned her attention to things other than a private plane and airstrip. She also had her walls up so he couldn’t hear her thoughts.

The instant he pulled up to his pier, she was on the dock pulling her bags behind her. There was only one cabin in sight so he didn’t need to tell her where to go.

“Let yourself in, it’s open,” Richie called after her as he tied off the boat.

She turned to look at him in surprise. “You don’t lock your doors?”

“No need. Everyone knows me and would never steal from me, or the people I know. Plus, in the bayou we look out for our neighbors. If someone was on the water and got caught in a storm, they know to go to the nearest shelter. Lightning strikes are dangerous when you’re caught unexpectedly. The people of the bayou leave their doors open for those who may need shelter.”

“In Portland I never leave my doors unlocked even if I’m home. Your way of thinking makes sense, but I can’t help my worry over how unsafe it is. There are dangerous people everywhere in the world, even the swamp.” She turned again and continued toward the cabin.

Richie entered lugging his own luggage and closed the door with his foot before setting his bags beside the door. With hands on hips, he glanced at the suitcases still sitting at Piper’s feet. “The guest room is down the hall on the left.”

He watched her leave the room, still not speaking to him. He had to think of a way to get her talking again. Until then, he had luggage to take care of.

It didn’t take either of them long to finish and return to the cozy, main room that made up the kitchen, dining area, and living room. This was a cabin, not a fancy house, and the open floor plan suited him.

Piper didn’t waste any time before she began to question him. “You said you would explain the plane and private airstrip once we were here.”

He scrubbed his fingers through his thick dark hair. “Where to start? If I explain this poorly I might confuse you more than you already are. I’ve never explained myself before.”

He paced the room a few times and then looked her directly in the eye. Maybe he should start with the subjects of telepathy and her gift? With his course set he raised his head.

“I’ll start with our ability to speak through telepathy.”

With his last comment, Piper sat a little straighter. He could tell he’d caught her attention.

“I’m a little different from any of the other men you’ve met and there are reasons for that. To explain the telepathy let me ask you a few questions and in the process I will explain that as well.”

“Okay,” she agreed calmly.

“When you’re near me, do you smell anything unusual? It would be a scent you enjoy.”

“Yes, why?”

“Please, Piper just play along. What do you smell?”

“Gun cleaner and patchouli.”

Richie’s brows rose and he chuckled. “You never cease to amaze me with your uniqueness. To me, you smell like the best crawfish boil ever made.”

She frowned. “How is that possible? I’ve never been anywhere near a crawfish boil.”

“Give me a minute and I’ll explain. But first, when you first saw me, were you unusually attracted to me? So much so that the attraction may have been confusing or even a bit scary?”

One brow rose and she crossed her arms. “Where are you going with this?”

Richie raised his hands in surrender. “Don’t get upset. Personally, I was bowled over by you. I couldn’t stay away from you and had to be near you. I’m betting you felt somewhat the same.”

His admission seemed to ease the discomfort of his question.

“Yes, okay. I admit there was a strangely powerful attraction. It’s not like I jump into bed with every man I meet the day I meet him. As a matter of fact, I’ve never done that before. Normally, I take my time getting to know the man before I take it to the next level.”

Rubbing the back of his neck, he admitted, “There’s a reason why you’re attracted to me and smell what you do around me and can speak telepathically to me. I’m not like other guys, Piper. I’m human - but more. And you’re my mate.”

“Okay, that is another thing I don’t understand from your thoughts. What the heck is a mate and why does your smelling really good and being my sexual kryptonite have anything to do with it?”

“For my kind, there is only one true mate. There are three specific signs that you’ve found her. A strong, undeniable attraction, the ability to speak telepathically, and a scent made specifically to attract you. That’s why you smell like a crawfish boil to me, it’s my favorite thing to eat.”

“And I have all of those,” she whispered to herself.

“So do I.” He let her absorb what he’d explained for a couple minutes.

Finally, she looked at him again. “What do you mean, your kind?”

He gave her an uncertain smile. “Let me try something.”

Instantly, Piper felt overwhelming, unconditional love swamp her. Her eyes widened.

“What you just experienced was me sending you emotions,” Richie explained, his voice soft and calming.

She searched his face for the truth of what he’d said. His unwavering gaze was filled with the very emotion she’d just felt. “You did that?”

“Yes, I can send you emotions and physical touch.” Then he lowered his eyes and more softly said, “It’s because of what I am. And what you are to me.”

She was even more confused than she’d been before. “Maybe you should draw me a picture because I’m not getting it.”

There was no way around this. He was going to have to show her and hope for the best. Explaining his gifts and hers would have to wait a few more minutes.

Richie closed his eyes and prayed the Goddess would help him through explaining what he was without losing Piper for good.

“You’ve heard of vampires, fairies, and such right?”

She scowled at him. “Yes, everyone has.”

“Where do you think those stories came from? There are tales of mythical creatures in every country of the world.”

Piper glanced at the floor and then back to him. “I’ve never really thought about it. I guess I assumed it was people from the past trying to explain things science hadn’t yet.”

“Don’t you think the stories had some merit? There had to have been something people saw or experienced that caused the legends to appear in every civilization. A grain of truth to the tales, so to speak.”

She pursed her lips, tilted her head. “I hadn’t really thought about it, but I guess so.”

“Hold onto that shred of belief for a little longer.” Taking a deep breath, he sent her an image of his wolf.

She threw her hands in the air in frustration. “You still think you’re a dog? What the hell does that have to do with legends?” she asked incredulously.

Richie knelt at her feet and took her hands in his. “I’m not a dog, I’m a wolf. A shifter.”

Piper pulled her hands free and scooted away from him. “Are you telling me you’re a werewolf like in the horror movies?”

“No. No, not at all. Shifters aren’t werewolves, we’re men born with a human soul and a wolf soul. I can shift into my wolf anytime I want. It’s not like the myth of a cursed man forced into a wolf at the full moon. When I’m my wolf, I’m still me, just in another form and I don’t need the moon to do it.”

“Ah huh.” She drew out the words and eyed him skeptically.

“I’m still a man, a human man, just one that can shift into a wolf.”

“I think you should take me back to the airport.”

“Mon amour, I know I sound crazy, but I can prove it to you if you think you can handle it.”

“And how do you propose to do that?”

“I’ll shift for you,” Richie said hesitantly.

Piper snorted. “Whatever dude. I’m going to pack.”

Richie sighed resignedly. He looked miserable as he got to his feet.

Piper thought he’d given up his crazy talk and was going to do as she wished and take her back to the airport. She couldn’t have been more wrong.

One second Richie stood a few feet away and the next a huge black wolf with amber eyes appeared. Even though she knew Richie hadn’t had the chance to hide, she still looked around the room as if he was hiding somewhere.

Finally, she gulped hard and looked back at the wolf.

The beast wagged its tail and whined. Still watching her intently, it laid down near her feet and put its nose close to her toes.

Sucking in air like a fish out of water, Piper thought she was going to hyperventilate. Very carefully, she eased her gun from the holster she wore under her clothes.

The wolf gazed up at her with an expression of profound sadness as an overwhelming wave of defeat and sorrow hit her full force.

Piper clutched her chest and tears streamed down her face. She’d never felt such intense grief before. She wrapped her arms around her middle and stared at the floor as she rocked herself.

Startled, she jerked when arms enfolded her and warm, soft lips kissed away her tears.

“I’m sorry, mon amour. I didn’t mean to cause you pain.”

Piper wiggled from his hold and paced across the room, she had to think. There was an explanation for this. She just needed to find it.

When Richie reached for her again, she panicked and bolted from the cabin.

“Piper, please don’t go.”

She didn’t look back. She was already out the door and disappearing into the trees.

*****

Richie hung his head. Now what should he do? Suddenly, an image of Anna flitted through his thoughts. His immense grief lightened slightly. That might work.

He snatched his phone and dialed his friend.

“Hello? Richie, are you back already?”

“Hi, Anna. Yeah, I’m back and I brought my mate with me.”

“That’s wonderful.”

“Well, maybe not so much. I was trying to explain shifters to her and she freaked out. Now she’s running through the bayou, terrified of me.”

“Oh, hun. What can I do to help?”

“Could you come to my cabin and talk to her. Once we find her, of course.”

“Absolutely. I’ll be right there.”

“Bring Cade or one of the men with you for protection. She has a serial killer after her and he could show up at any time.”

“O...kay,” she said slowly. “Are you in danger, Richie?”

He snorted. “Not from that idiot.”

Anna sighed in relief. “I’ll get Cade and we’ll be there as fast as we can.”

*****

Thirty excruciating minutes passed before Richie heard Cades outboard motor. Finally!

He rushed to the dock and helped Anna from the boat while Cade tied off.

“Richie, I haven’t seen you since Abbi was born.” Anna hugged him tightly.

“I know. I’m sorry I haven’t been to see her, but I’ve been pretty busy.”

Cade shook Richie’s hand “Congratulations. I hear you’ve joined the mated club.”

“Yeah, well not quite yet. I still need to convince her I’m not a monster.”

“Leave that to Anna. She’ll explain everything to your mate. My mate has an uncanny way of knowing just what to say.”

Richie’s shoulders slumped in defeat. “We need to locate her first. She hasn’t come back.”

“No worries, I’ll track her down and then stand guard while Anna does the talking.”

Richie sighed, looking from the trees to Cade and back again. “What should I do?”

“Wait here,” Anna said, hugging him again. “We’ll bring her back and then the two of you can discuss your future.”

“Thank you both for coming. I don’t know what I’d have done.”

“We’ll let you know when we head back your direction. And once you have things settled with your mate, I want to hear all about this killer,” Cade said as they headed for the dense underbrush.

Anna ducked under the fronds Cade held aside for her and stepped onto a faint game trail. Piper’s scent was strong, indicating she’d gone this way recently and was probably not far.

Not more than thirty feet away, sat an agitated woman on a fallen tree trunk.

“Hello,” Anna called out. She didn’t want to startle the woman and make matters worse than they already were.

Piper leapt from her perch and crouch low, making herself as small a target as possible. Anna could tell she had some kind of training.

“My name is Anna, My husband, Cade and I came to talk to you.” She stood just out of view and waited for Piper to answer. Richie’s mate had a gun and knew how to use it. No sense and making herself an easy target.

She watched as Piper quartered the area with her eyes. This woman had skills.

Piper couldn’t see anyone. Whoever they were, they were good. She sent her gift out and located them ten feet to her left behind two large trees.

Pointing her gun directly at them, she demanded, “Show yourselves.”

“Lay the gun on the ground in front of you and we’ll come out,” Cade instructed.

“I don’t think so.”

Anna rolled her eyes at Cade and without warning, stepped into view.

Cade snarled and leapt in front of her, putting himself between the gun and his mate. “Don’t ever do that again.”

Anna shook her head and patted his chest. “Sure, hun, whatever you say. Now get out of my way, you big oaf.”

She pushed past him and smiled as he made angry noises.

“I’m Anna, a friend of Richie’s.”

“Piper.” Was all she offered in response.

“Do you think you could put the gun away? I’m not going to hurt you. I only want to talk.”

Anna saw Piper eyeing her and Cade as he continued to snarl angrily behind her.

Piper lifted her chin toward Cade. “Yeah, I don’t think that would be a smart idea.”

Anna whirled on her mate. “Go cool off somewhere. You’re not helping here.”

Cade put his hands on his hips and drew a deep calming breath. “Sorry, mon amour. My wolf gets cranky when a gun is pointed at you. I smell her reluctance to hurt anyone so I’ll leave. I’ll just be a few feet away at the edge of the forest. Call me when you’re finished here.”

Anna stood on tip toes and kissed him. “Thank you, babe.”

She waited for him to leave before she spoke again. “Sorry about that. The males can be a bit over protective.”

She hopped up on the tree trunk Piper had been sitting on and waited for her to sit as well.

Piper sat again. “Males?”

“Male shifters.”

She looked around quickly then back at Anna. “He’s one too?”

Anna leaned in and conspiratorially whispered back, “Yeah, and so am I.”

Piper fell off the fallen log and scrambled back until she hit a tree trunk.

“Don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you. I understand your fear and confusion. I was a human woman without knowledge of shifters not too long ago.”

That got Piper’s attention. “You were? Wait. What do you mean you WERE?”

“Once you agree to accept Richie, there’s a ritual that binds you together. After that, you will be a shifter, too. But I’ll let him explain the ritual.”

“Are you all from the same nut house?”

“No,” Anna laughed, “but sometimes it appears that way. What would you like to know?”

Piper shook her head. “I’m not sure about anything anymore. He turned into a wolf in front of me, but I still can’t believe it. I’m pretty sure I imagined it or was maybe seeing things.”

“How about I shift for you, like he did. That way you will know it wasn’t just Richie and you weren’t imagining things.”

“Okay...”

Anna hopped to the ground and scented her for fear, finding none she shifted.

Piper staggered back a few paces and eyed the beautiful red wolf. There was no way she was imagining the same thing twice. But how could this be real? Crazy explanations raced through her mind, each more ridiculous than the last. Finally, she took a deep breath and thought of the old saying, after every possibility has been discarded what is left is the truth. Holy Mother! Shifters are real. Once her heart slowed, she took a closer look at Anna’s wolf.

“You’re gorgeous,” she breathed in awe.

Slowly, Anna stepped closer to Piper and sat within touching distance.

“I feel really stupid asking this, but can I pet you?”

Anna nodded her head and let her tongue loll to the side.

Tentatively, Piper touched the top of the wolf’s head with her fingertips. “Holy crow, you’re soft.”

Little by little, Piper’s confidence increased and her fear dissipated. After a few minutes, Anna stepped back and shifted to human.

“I can’t believe shifters are real,” Piper whispered to herself.

“Seeing is believing. Feeling a little better?”

“Yes, thank you. At least now I know I’m not crazy.” She paused for a moment and then quietly asked, “Can I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure, ask away.”

“Are you happy as a shifter? I mean you could have stayed human, right?”

“I’m blissfully happy. My life before Cade and our relationship was dismal compared to what I have now.”

“That ritual thing you mentioned, does it hurt?”

“No. You’ll find the ritual quite…” she paused and tilted her head, searching for a word, “exhilarating.”

“Are shifters, especially the males, dangerous?”

“Only to someone threatening their mate or family. They’re really just like you, regular people, only more.”

Piper nodded and was silent for a bit. “Do you ever wish you hadn’t accepted Cade?”

“No, not for a second. I’m sure you’re confused about just about everything. I know I was. Perhaps it will help if I tell you about the little talk I had with myself before I accepted Cade. Would you like to hear it?”

“Yes, I would if you don’t mind.”

“I asked myself if I loved him, and I had to admit I did. At first I was concerned how people would react to my jumping into a relationship in a matter of days. You know, concerned about what they would think and say. But let me explain something about the mate relationship. It isn’t like normal human dating and getting to know the other person over time. Richie is human, but more, and the more changes everything. Mates aren’t just a choice, they’re destined. He has one half of the soul and you have the other. The phenomenon of mating creates an instant attraction between two people that would never occur if he were just human. I’m sure you’ve felt the draw. Where mates are concerned, the individuals involved instantly want and need to be together.”