Sworn to the Wolf (2 page)

“How do I know you aren’t an ax murderer or something?” she asked, her mouth curved slightly.

“I give you my word that I am not an ax murderer.” Laurent made an “X” across his heart. “Anyway, I bet ax murderers don’t eat strawberry waffles.”

Rain hesitated as she thought it over. He willed her to agree. “Well. I don’t usually do this but since you did try the strawberry waffles on my recommendation you do show some taste.” She wrote her phone number down on a sheet in her order pad and tore it off, handing it to him. “I’m Rain Foster.”

Laurent stood, towering over her, and took her hand, kissing her knuckles softly. Her scent sang through his senses, tightening his gut, making him dizzy with need for her. “Rain? That’s a very pretty name. I’m Laurent, Laurent Cole. I’m pleased to meet you.”

She raised an eyebrow at that and he sat back down. Andreas cleared this throat. Without looking at his friend, Laurent just waved a hand in his direction. “Oh and this is Andreas Phinney. He’s married.” Andreas threw back his head and laughed at that.

“Nice to meet you both. I’ve got to get back to work. Enjoy your breakfast. I’ll be by in a bit to see if you need anything else.” With a small wave she headed back inside, the long rope of her dark hair swinging from side to side down her back.

Laurent grumbled but his bad mood was softened when he tasted the waffles. She’d been right, they were indeed quite delicious and the bacon with the sweetness of the waffles and fruit was perfect, as she’d promised.

“You’ll have to woo her now. You can’t have a situation like mine. It was hell to have Kari so angry at me when Michael bit her. Don’t rush her. Human women need time. It’s not like they meet werewolves every day,” Andreas told him.

He snorted. “I’ll use all your failings as lessons.”

Andreas punched his arm with a teasing growl. “At least you won’t be fawning over Kari anymore.”

Laurent snorted but his eyes never left Rain. “Your little mate is such a pleasure to look at. I can’t say I plan to stop. But while I will continue to enjoy her putting you through your paces, I’ve got my own bundle of feminine trouble now.”

Andreas grunted as he ate his breakfast. “I can’t wait to see her knock you down a few pegs.”

She came back out a few times to check in. When they were done Laurent left a twenty for a tip. “What kind of change back do you need for that?” she said, digging into the apron she wore tied at her waist.

“None, it was a wonderful meal and your service was exceptional.”

“Your bill was barely even twenty bucks.”

He shrugged. “Consider it a compliment on the service. I’ll be calling you soon, Rain.”

* * *

When Rain’s shift ended at noon she rode her bike back home and eagerly began to examine the photographs of her paintings. She needed to decide which ones she wanted to put in her portfolio to show to The Holt people. She knew how important the choices were and it made her nervous and excited at the same time. If this worked out she’d have her big break.

“Hey, Rain, what’s happening?”

Rain looked over at her roommate and pseudo big brother as he entered the room.

“Shane came in today and told me The Holt is looking for submissions for shows. I’m as nervous as a cat because I’m trying to decide which paintings to show them,” she said, looking back through the pictures.

Harrison moved to stand behind her, looking over her shoulder at the pictures arrayed on the table in front of her. “Hmm. Well, you’d be a fool not to submit
Meteor Shower
and
Whirlpool
. I think those two are exactly what the folks who buy from The Holt like to see.” He tapped his chin thoughtfully as he looked at the photographs on the table and then walked over to the wall where the canvases leaned. He looked through them for a while before turning back to her. “Add in
Picasso’s Dream
and
Crazy Diamond
and, for the last,
King’s Men
will add a nice variety of style. I’d say those five are your strongest pieces by far. Add in some of your other stuff, don’t overfill the portfolio though. Not more than ten photographs. Don’t overwhelm, let your work suck them in.”

Rain sighed with relief. “That’s what Shane said. I called him twenty minutes ago in a panic. He’s going to look over the portfolio before I submit it.”

Rain’s work was awash with color and texture. It was abstract but at the same time it gave a feel, an impression of what she was trying to convey. She liked big natural events and historical figures. She’d just finished
Crazy Diamond
two days prior. It was big, much bigger than her usual stuff, the colors were bold, reds and silvers and blues and blacks. She had a good feeling about it.

“Shane’s a good guy. He can be a lot of help to you, in the Northwest especially,” he said. “And if I’m not mistaken he’s got a bit of a crush on you.”

Harrison Watts was a photographer and a damned good one. He’d spent fifteen years freelancing for the AP wire doing work in war zones. His girlfriend of eight years had been shot and killed while on assignment in Bosnia and it had gutted him. It had taken him two years to pick up the camera again and now he chose to stick stateside. His work, though, was still compelling. He’d just finished a photo essay for the
Seattle Times
featuring the residents of a homeless encampment that ran along and underneath the 5 Freeway. He owned the space she and their other roommate Elton shared with him. Harrison didn’t need renters, he had money. He just liked sharing his space with other artists.

“Shane has a girlfriend. He’s a flirt, not a cad. Anyway, I met a guy today.”

“Yeah? What’s he like and how could he possibly be good enough for you?” he asked, kissing the top of her head and yanking on her braid.

“He’s dark and mysterious and has a voice like honey. Big, at least six-four, and muscled. Not my usual type at all. He’s got hair nearly as long as mine. He chatted me up at The Cat this morning. Asked for my number.” She shrugged, fighting a blush and feigning nonchalance. Laurent was way more man than she could possibly handle. And yet, she couldn’t quite bring herself to blow him off.

Harrison made a sound of disapproval. “You don’t know this guy from Adam and you gave him your number? Honey.”

She knew he was being protective, but she wasn’t that dumb. “I don’t usually. Really. But yeah I did. I don’t know, there’s just something about him. He probably won’t even call but if he does I’ll be careful. I’ll meet him in a public place with people around.”

“Be sure you do. There are loads of freaks in the world who prey on pretty, sweet women like you. I should meet him just to be sure.”

“I have a father and he’s an asshole, I don’t need another one. And I’m not naïve you know. I can handle myself.”

He laughed, putting his hands up in defense. “Okay, just please be careful.”

* * *

Back at the lodge, Laurent had told everyone about meeting his Mate. He and Andreas had discussed different strategies to bring Rain into the Pack carefully and in ways that wouldn’t scare her. He hoped
she wanted
to be part of his family. It would be hard enough on her life to have to move and make the conversion, the thought of it being scary for her made him want to take it at her pace, even when his natural instincts were to grab her and run.

“So tell me about her,” Kari demanded as they sat around the dinner table after a late lunch.

The entire family crammed around the table. Andreas’s brothers Sean and Devon were there with their wives Emma and Perri. Pack Fifth in command Skye smirked as Ryan, another member of the Inner Circle, smiled, looking pleased for his friend. The children had finished eating and Kari’s bodyguard Phillip busily chased them around the yard with their uncle Jack.

Laurent smiled as he thought about Rain. “Beautiful in a lush, delicious way.” Curves for miles. “Tall for a human woman, about five-nine or so. Long black hair, like mine, she wore it in a braid this morning. Great legs, heart-shaped ass.” He paused and thought about that braid swinging like a living thing, her bottom swaying as she walked.

Kari winked after snapping her fingers in front of his face a few times. “Earth to Laurent?”

“She’s very strong. We saw her kick a man out of the place.”

“What, you didn’t run over and try to save her?” Kari knew full well what male werewolves were like when their Mates were threatened.

“I wanted to. Andreas made me stand down. She’d taken care of it herself by that point.” He took a sip of his wine and continued. “Her eyes are more brown than green, with a gold ring around the iris. She has thick black lashes. Lovely mouth, carnal almost.” Her bottom lip had tempted him to lean in and take a taste. “Dimples. Gorgeous smile.”

“What about the rest of her?” Skye asked, wagging his brows suggestively.

“Ugh.” Kari rolled her eyes.

“Do tell though,” Ryan added.

“She’s curvy. One of those classic long-line backs. That slope right above her ass was exquisite. Nice hips, she’s got flesh there, her thighs were rounded. Plenty for a man to hold onto in bed. And her skin was soft as velvet when I took her hand to kiss it.”

“Keep going.” Skye made a motion with his hand.

“Enough about that. Her hands were beautiful. Long fingers. I noticed she had paint under her nails and I smelled turpentine, maybe she’s an artist.” Laurent leaned back and closed his eyes, thinking of her again.

“Oh my, you’re as bad as Andreas was when he came home that day after he’d seen Kari the first time,” Anna said.

“She’d better be good enough for you,” Kari told him. “I have to admit it’ll be nice to have another woman around here who was born human. Perhaps I can help ease her way as well.”

“Thank you,
reine
.” Packs were like big families, complex with the history that came along with it. Anyone coming into that from the outside could be totally overwhelmed so he appreciated knowing his friends would welcome Rain.

“I have to change gears now, so to speak. Approach her like a human. I’ll call her, ask her to dinner. Get to know her. Hopefully she’ll be amenable to coming up to visit the lodge soon. For the immediate future, Andreas, Skye said he’d trade with me so that he can be on duty whatever night I go out with her.”

Laurent was the Pack’s Lieutenant and Andreas’s personal bodyguard. He’d been so for sixteen years. He was the chief law enforcement for the Pack. It meant though that he had to be at Andreas’s side or at least in the same place at all times.

Andreas said, “We’ll need to talk about this more in-depth. Once you’re Mated you’ll still be Lieutenant but my bodyguard needs to be an unmated wolf. You are irreplaceable, but that’s what I need to do. What do you think of Alek as your replacement? He’s strong, loyal and young enough but not too young.”

Laurent shrugged. “Who’d have thought that Alex and his brother would turn out to be such strong Pack members?” For a time they’d been suspicious that Alek’s brother Alex was responsible for the attempts on Kari’s life, sadly it turned out to be their own cousin Michael. “I hate to leave you hanging.”

“It’s the way of things. Time for you to move on from a job you did so well your shoes will be impossible to fill, but I’m happy for you. Seeing you in love makes my heart glad.” Andreas reached over and clapped his shoulder.

Kari reached out and took Andreas’s hand and he kissed her fingers. “This makes me think about our first months together. Except for being charged in a murder attempt and all the other drama.” She laughed and he touched her face. Laurent used to ache when he saw their connection, wanting it for himself. And now he had it. His whole life opened before his eyes, so much waiting to be experienced.

“Go and call the woman! Don’t leave her waiting. What if another man is interested?” Skye grinned.

“There
are
no other men for her. She’ll know that now that she’s met me,” Laurent said, smug.

Andreas apparently found that hilarious enough to laugh heartily. “My little wolf taught me a great many things about human women. Don’t expect Rain to fall into your lap so easily.”

Laurent sniffed indignantly, waving it away. “Please. There is no other for her. I’m hers, she is mine. Of this there is no doubt.” He stood up. “I need to call the records office tomorrow to follow up. Her DNA was on the paper she wrote her number on, I saw her lick her finger to separate the page from the others. I couriered it over before we left Seattle. They’re running it to see who she is and what lines she has.”

Werewolves had a very sophisticated records registry. Because not all werewolf females could reproduce and even then, most of the children born were male, it became necessary over time to find human women who were compatible for mating. Usually this meant that the woman had another relative who had crossed over and mated with a shifter in the past. Kari, for instance, had three relatives in her past who were changed, one was even an Alpha so she’d had a natural wolf in her family too.

The records office used to search by name but now they had a DNA registry that made everything even easier. The humans had no idea such things were possible—werewolves or that there was data that tracked their genetic histories through human records. Technology had saved their species many times.

“If you’ll all excuse me, I’m off to call my woman.” With a low bow Laurent left to head to his room.

Chapter Two

The sound of the ringing phone roused her from a late afternoon nap.

“Hello?”

“Rain?”

“Mmm,” she said, stretching. “You got her.”

“It’s Laurent Cole. I’m sorry, did I wake you?”

She smiled then, warming that he’d called. “Don’t apologize, I was just napping. I needed to be up soon anyway. Hang on a sec.” Sitting up, she arranged her pillows behind her back and smoothed the comforter over her legs. “Now then, that’s better. I have to be at work at five a.m. so I usually try to sneak in a nap around four in the afternoon to refresh my day. How are you, Laurent Cole?”

“Better now, hearing your voice does wonders for me.” The rumble of his voice, even over the phone, made her want to crawl through the receiver and into his arms.

“Oh aren’t you the flatterer!” She laughed, glad he couldn’t see her blush.

“You bring it out in me. What are you doing tomorrow night?”

“I have plans. I’m sorry. One of my roommates has an audition for the Seattle Symphony and we’re going out for drinks afterward.”

“Okay. And what about Sunday night?”

“I’d planned to attend a gallery show for one of my friends.” She hesitated. “Would you like to join me? It’d only be an hour or so out of the evening, after that we’d be free.”

“I’d like that. I haven’t been to a gallery show in years. Can I take you to dinner afterward?”

“Sure.”
Sure
, hell, she wanted to jump up and down and wondered why in the heck she was so excited. He was nice-looking and all, well, gorgeous actually, but it wasn’t like her to get all giddy over a man. Gorgeous, sexy, testosterone-laden, yummy and warm. Like a slice of pie with ice cream melting over it.

He must have heard her whimper. “Are you all right?”

Good lord, she was such a dork. “Uh yeah, fine.”

“Okay, what time shall I pick you up?”

“Why don’t you meet me at the gallery at eight? We can hang out for a while and then leave for dinner. “

“I’ll meet you there then.”

She gave him the name and address before he told her good night, wished her sweet dreams and disconnected. She was sure they’d be of him anyway. At least now she wouldn’t be so nervous about taking her portfolio to The Holt and with dropping the portfolio off she wouldn’t be as nervous about the date either. Instead she’d just be a general bundle of stress.

Laughing to herself, she got out of bed and headed off to the shower.

* * *

The next night, just as she was on her way out the door to meet her friends he called again.

“Did I catch you at a bad time? I know you’re busy tonight but I just wanted to hear your voice today and I didn’t want to wake you up.”

A grin split her face as she melted inside. “Hi. You didn’t wake me up. I do have to leave shortly but I have enough time to chat a bit.” She sank to the floor next to the hall table.

“Good. Did you get your portfolio in?”

She smiled, touched that he remembered. “I did, thank you for asking. How was your day?”

“Busy. Andreas’s family runs several businesses and it’s getting toward the end of the year so it’s crazy just now.”

“Do you travel a lot with your job?”

“A bit. I’m Andreas’s bodyguard as well as working with his businesses so where he goes, I go. I can’t complain, I’ve seen just about every country in the world. Do you like to travel?”

He made her smile. This sophisticated man who seemed to want to hear about her life. It was almost enough to make her let down her guard but she had to be careful.

“I traveled a lot when I was younger. I haven’t in recent years.”

“We’ll have to change that. I can see you on a beach somewhere, a fruity drink in your hand. A red bikini. Yes, red would look lovely with your complexion.”

Her face heated as she blushed. “Oh thanks, I think. I hate to do this but I have to go. I don’t want to miss my bus.”

“Ah. All right. I’m glad we got to chat, even if just for a few minutes. I’ll see you tomorrow night then. Be safe.”

“Good night, Laurent.”

She hung up, wearing a smile and feeling lighter than she had in a very long time.

* * *

“What are you going to wear?” Harrison asked her the next day as she came home from work.

“What a chore deciding has been! It’s not like I go out to dinner with handsome men very often.”

“Or any men at all. Try once in the time I’ve known you and that was to Dick’s so I don’t count it as a real date anyway. If it has a drive-through, it’s not a real date unless you’re in high school. I’ve never seen you like this over a man before. Elton and I may have to pout and feel jealous.”

She laughed, tiptoeing up to kiss his nose. “I can’t remember that I ever have been. This guy is different. Men are lovely, don’t get me wrong. It’s just, I had a lemon and I’m very choosy now. It’s rare for me to have the time and interest and for a guy who I like to like me at the same time.”

Like two years’ worth of time and even then it hadn’t been very good. After her disastrous experience with Anthony, her rebound fling with the university professor when she’d first arrived in Seattle had been dry as toast.

Laurent was different. He made her feel very sexy. Brought out a side of her she didn’t even know existed until she’d met him. Suddenly she felt sort of sex kittenish. And she liked it.

“I even went to that little lingerie store near the Market and bought a few lacy things.” She shrugged. “Oh and I hit the vintage shop on Broadway and found the perfect dress.” Reaching into the bag, she pulled out a bundle of black and white and shook it. It was very Fifties. It was black with a white cowl that came low over her breasts, the bodice was tight and flared into a knee-length skirt that had four different crinoline petticoats underneath, alternating black and white. It was sexy but in a fun way.

Harrison’s eyebrows rose. “This is perfect. A little old-fashioned, a lot sexy.”

“Do you think? It seems so pretty and feminine. I also have these great slingback pumps, black but the strap is white. I think that will go well.”

“What are you going to do with all of that glorious hair? Oh I know, put it in a ponytail high up on your head. It will still come to your middle back. Leave out a bit and we can braid it to wrap it at the base of the ponytail. Rain, you’re going to look very beautiful.”

“All of this fashion knowledge is totally wasted on a straight man,” Elton said with a wistful sigh as he walked into the room. “Duckie, we’re going to make you up so lovely that this Laurent won’t know what hit him.” He smiled and looked at the dress admiringly. “Good choice. Now let’s get working, Cinderella.”

* * *

“Laurent, are you leaving already?” Kari asked as Hellie came over and jumped into his arms. It was early in the day but he wanted to head out to Seattle to be sure he got there in time for his date with Rain that night.

He couldn’t believe how nervous he was. Not seeing her for a few days, knowing she existed, was driving him crazy. He ached to touch her, to hold her. Talking with her on the phone had been nice but thinking of her out there with no car, taking the bus at night, had made it difficult to sleep.

“Handsome! Am I still your best girl?” the four-year-old who thought he was the center of her world—that is, after her papa—asked as she looked up at him.

“Helene, my love, you’ll always have my heart.” Laurent dropped a kiss onto the top of her head and sat her down.

“Nana says that maybe you’ll make some boys with your new Mate and maybe they’ll be our Mates someday. Is that true?”

Laurent held back his laughter and looked over at Kari, whose eyes twinkled with amusement. “Your grandmother sure has a lot to say.” Kari rolled her eyes behind Hellie’s back. “He needs to actually go out on a date with Rain first. And then they’ll get married and say the Mate bond and it’ll be a while before there’ll be any children.”

Laurent chuckled. “I’ll keep all that in mind.” He leaned down to kiss Hellie again. “Good night,
reine
, Hellie. Skye, take care of Andreas. I’ll see you all tomorrow.” He turned to go. Since he was going to be out late he planned to stay in the apartment that Andreas and Kari owned downtown. He hoped he’d get a chance to wake up next to Rain.

He needed her. He wanted her to need him as well.

Once he got to town he made sure the apartment was well stocked with food for breakfast, champagne and chocolate and plenty of candles in his room. He wanted to spoil her. He got the feeling she didn’t get much of that in her day-to-day life.

He dropped by Drew’s small shop while he was in the neighborhood. Drew was a clothing designer as well as a member of the Pack and a good friend.

Drew’s face lit up when he saw Laurent come in. “Hey! It’s nice to see you. I hear you’ve met your Mate. When can Janine and I meet her?” Janine was Drew’s Mate and another designer.

“News travels fast,” Laurent said. “I’m here in town to see her actually. I’m going to a gallery show and dinner with her in a few hours. I’m just out doing a bit of shopping and wanted to stop in and say hello. She doesn’t know yet. About me. About Cherchez. I’ll save it for when we know each other better. You’ll like her.”

“Of course I will. She’s your Mate. Tell me about her. I’d be honored to design her conversion robe.”

Laurent paused a moment, thinking of what the night when she made her first change into a wolf would be like, what she’d look like, feel like running at his side. Smiling, he described her to Drew.

“Wait a moment.” Drew bustled around the shop, pulling things from hangers and off shelves, and brought them back to where Laurent waited. “Do you think she’d be offended if I sent over a few things?”

He knew Drew loved to give people things he made and designed and it warmed him that he’d want to include Rain. “She’s shy but I think if I explained it she’d be touched. As I am. Thank you, Drew.”

“I think the jeans should fit given your description of her size and shape. Be sure to bring her by when you’re ready. I’m happy for you. Finding your Mate is a truly wonderful thing.”

Laurent embraced his friend and took the bag of clothing with him when he headed back to the apartment to get ready.

It was funny, the need he had to take care of her, nurture her. He wanted to be her family as well as create one with her. She gave off a sort of vulnerability and it called to his heart.

* * *

Nervously, Rain looked at herself in the mirror. “Wow,” she murmured. She had to admit she looked classy and sexy and a bit sassy. Her hair cascaded down her back from a high ponytail. The way it was pulled back tightly from her face only accentuated her large eyes and lips that shimmered candy apple red. The slingbacks she’d told Harrison about worked perfectly and she was sure she’d hate them in a few hours but for the time being they were gorgeous. Thank goodness Laurent was so tall because in the heels she stood at six feet. Elton brought her a powder that had a gold shimmer in it and it gave off a subtle glimmer as she moved.

“Holy cow, cupcake, you need to know if I was straight I’d snap you up in a minute. Your boobies look marvelous.” Elton winked.

“Uh, thanks. My boobies appreciate the compliment. Jeez they feel so high, like I’m serving them or something.” Nervousness ate at her stomach. She hadn’t felt so pretty in a very long time. Certainly she’d never worn anything revealing before. She twirled in front of the mirror, loving the way the skirt flared and the pretty crinolines showed. Still, she did have a slight jiggle when she walked. “Are you sure I don’t look obscene?”

“Rain, you look heavenly. Seriously,” Harrison said.

She took a deep breath and grabbed her wrap and her bag. “Okay. I’m off then. Thanks for your help. I don’t know what I would have done without you tonight.” She hugged Harrison before she and Elton headed for the door. He’d offered to drop her at the gallery.

“It’s going to be fine. Really. You have my cell and Harrison’s just in case there’s an emergency. You know how to dial 9-1-1. Don’t let him pressure you into anything you don’t want to do. Do you want me to stick around?” Elton asked as he pulled up in front of the gallery.

Rain squeezed his hand. “You’re so sweet to me. No, I’m all right. I’ll be okay. And I won’t let him get past second base.” She winked and he laughed.

“Who knows? But just in case, do you have condoms?”

“Yes, Dad, I have some in my bag. Harrison checked earlier too. I’ll see you later. Thanks for the ride.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

* * *

Laurent looked in the mirror one last time before leaving. At the last minute he’d left his hair down. He wanted to show off a bit for her. Yes he had a human side but he was a werewolf. Dominance displays and showing off the beauty of one’s pelt and other features were part of the male mating process. He wanted her to desire him and find him attractive. Heaven knew he thought she was the most breathtaking woman to ever walk the planet.

When he parked and walked over to the gallery, Laurent was drawn immediately to her. He swallowed hard as he took her in through the windows. She towered over most everyone else like an Amazon goddess. Her black hair shimmered nearly blue under the lights, the dress encased her torso, the skirt and a pair of ridiculously sexy high heels made her legs look miles long.

His cock ached and he had to wrestle back the urge to stalk in, grab her and stalk out to fuck her against the nearest surface. Oh how he wanted to mark her as his own and he hadn’t even seen her face yet. He quickened his step and entered the gallery.

Laurent took a deep breath as she turned around. It was as if she knew he was there and turned to greet him. Her skin glowed, looking sun-kissed, but he knew it was her natural tone. Her breasts heaved enticingly from the top of the cowl neck of the dress. He wanted to walk over there and put his face to her cleavage and breathe in her scent, to feel the soft skin of her breasts, to follow the curves with his lips. Her hair was pulled back from her face and it made her artfully made-up eyes look gigantic. And the lips—if he’d thought they were carnal before, wearing that sheen of red glossy lipstick they looked downright X-rated. A wisp of her scent reached him and his system went into overload as he felt his wolf react.