What This Wolf Wants (4 page)

“Too much testosterone wearing you down?”

And then some.
Had Kaylie heard what happened in the other room? The woman might not have super sensitive hearing but the walls in this house were far from soundproof.

“I love men, I really do. But sometimes I want to bash their heads together,” Jackie rolled on her side, flipping her pillow longways so she could hug it to her chest, mirroring Kaylie’s position, and getting ready for some female commiserating. “Especially dominate male shifters. When they want something, everyone else has to fall in line and accept it, whether we want to or not. They’re stubborn and arrogant enough to think they can solve any problem, handle any situation. Even if it could kill them.” She let out a frustrated growl, knowing her irritation stemmed from more than just the last few hours. She’d been raised by dominant male shifters after all. And while she loved her father and grandfather with her whole heart, she couldn’t understand how her mom remained sane. And out of jail.

“They do test your patience. I’ve been practically begging Dean to lighten his work load for weeks. His priority lies as pack alpha and I understand and support that fully. But I did tell him he couldn’t run for a second term as town mayor this fall. His plate is already full with the lumber-yard and bar. We barely have any alone time together and as a newly mated couple, it’s really frustrating.” Jackie bit her lip at what Kaylie was hinting at. Newly mated pairs had a hard time keeping their hands off each other and any excessive separation made for one highly charged and sexually frustrated couple.

“He’s so concerned about the pack, the town, and well, everything, Jackie. He thinks it’s his responsibility to keep everyone happy, healthy, and employed and he feels like he’s failing.” Jackie shook her head. “Whatever for? It’s not his fault the economy tanked.”

“I know and you know, but Dean just can’t accept it. Phil Davis put in his resignation,” Kaylie surprised Jackie with that bit of news, referring to one of Woodcliff’s deputies and one of the juvenile tutors of the pack. “He wants to roam, and he has every right to do so, but it’s going to leave a hole in the police department and an even bigger one in the pack.

Dean’s also being petitioned by shifters who want to join the pack, but he doesn’t know where the jobs will come from to keep the newcomers here.

In the last five months, four human families and six single shifters have moved away in hopes of obtaining jobs in larger cities.” While the six singles weren’t that much of a concern since looking for a job was often an euphemism for looking for a mate, the loss of whole families was disturbing. “I thought things were going better at the lumber-yard once Dean branched out into specialized furniture.” Kaylie shrugged. “It has, yes, but it’s not enough to keep everyone in town employed. So now he’s trying to figure out a way to increase tourism, hoping that might cover any economical gaps.” Which was smart since tourism was as vital to the town’s survival as was the lumber company.

Jackie smoothed a hand over the cotton pillowcase. “You know we see a lot of tourists in the clinic.” At Kaylie’s nod, Jackie continued.

“Well. We also hear a lot of compliments and complaints. One of the most repeated complaints I’ve heard is the desire for some fairly large cottages for rent. Right now we just have the hotel, and as rustic and nice as it is, it can’t accommodate a family or group of people who want to vacation together in relative privacy.”

It was Kaylie’s turn to frown. “There are several homes available for rent around town whenever the owners aren’t using them.”

“True, but I know I’m not comfortable doing that sort of thing.

Our family did it once when we took a trip to Mexico. My parents kept telling us kids not to touch anything, not to put our feet on the furniture and so on because it was someone’s
home
. I felt like I was trespassing and had just about zero fun. I couldn’t wait to get home.” Kaylie was silent so long that Jackie began to wish she hadn’t said a word. Finally Kaylie said, “That’s actually a great idea. Maybe we could do two things. Set up a few rental cabins totally secluded from one another, but yet in the same general area, and then put up three or four in closer capacity. That way multiple families that want to vacation together yet still keep their privacy can do so.”

“Oh. That’s perfect!”

Kaylie flashed a wide grin. “Of course it is. We women thought it up! I’ll talk with Dean about it. See what he thinks. And if he’s not keen on the idea, I’ll just push until he is.” Her eyes sparkled with delight. “I can be as dominating as he can, though it’s more fun to be sneaky.” The women high-fived each other, though it was more on the low down as they were laying on their sides in the bed. Just as Kaylie pulled her hand away, Jackie caught that elusive scent again. Without thinking, Jackie snatched Kaylie’s hand and stuck her nose in Kaylie’s right wrist, sniffing for confirmation.

“Ah, Jackie?” Kaylie asked sounding confused.

Oh. Wow. Kaylie was pregnant!

“Oh. My. God.”

Kaylie quickly hushed her, looking frantically over her shoulder.

“Dean doesn’t know yet.”

Jackie gaped. “How could he not know?”

Kaylie shrugged her shoulders. “Remember, he’s been super busy.

He’s got a lot on his mind and when we do get together. Well.” Jackie grinned, so happy she wanted to burst. Her Alpha was going to be a dad. “When you do get together, you have wild monkey sex.” Behind the blush, Jackie saw the dreamy look in Kaylie’s face and sighed. But still. “You need to tell him soon. If I can scent it on you, and my nose isn’t nearly as sensitive as the males, half the town will know before he does.”

“I know. It’s just.” Kaylie looked disgruntled. “He’ll tell me I have to cut back my hours at work and stop playing softball and then I’ll get fat.”

Jackie smirked. “Honey. You’re pregnant. You’re supposed to get fat.”

Kaylie flopped on her back and put her hands on her tummy.

“Maybe some fat, but my metabolism isn’t the same as his. I’m afraid I’ll gain too much and everyone will wonder what a hot guy like Dean is doing with a slob like me.”

Now that was a shocker. “I may not be an expert on relationships, but maybe he’d stay because he adores the ground you walk on. The man loves you so much that it’s near nauseating to see, and yet so sweet at the same time. You’re his mate and now you’re carrying his child. He’ll stay with you because you know all his flaws and love him anyway. Because you’re smart and funny and beautiful. Because he couldn’t live without you. Because—”

Chuckling, Kaylie raised her hand. “All right, I get it.” Jackie rolled on her back and closed her eyes. “Here’s something else to think about, Doctor Dolittle. That baby in your belly carries Dean’s DNA. You might very well be able to eat like a pig and gain little more than baby weight.”

“Really?” The gasp of wonderment brought a sense of joy to Jackie. Not only was she thrilled at the baby news, this brief time spent alone with Kaylie was what she needed. Female companionship.

Jackie wasn’t sure how long they lay silent, their thoughts their own, when Kaylie asked a question. “You want to tell me just how often you treat shifters in your home?”

Jackie’s eyes popped open. “Not really.”

“Oh come on, Jackie. I may be human, but I’m not blind. Nobody goes to that much trouble and expense to furnish an exam room unless it’s going to be used, and often.”

While Jackie might evade most people, and had, she couldn’t ignore a direct question from her Lupa. Besides, she didn’t want to alienate a friend. “A couple.”

Blatant disbelief spilled over Kaylie’s face. “A couple?” Jackie cleared her throat. “Or more. It’s just that many of the shifters, especially the older ones, are uncomfortable going to the clinic. If they didn’t come to my home they wouldn’t see a doctor at all. And while shifters are resilient creatures, they still get colds, rashes, bug bites and now evidently, bullet wounds. Besides, the clinic knows what I’m doing.

Services I do at home are appropriately recorded and monies are paid to the clinic.”

Kaylie’s lip curled. “I’m not passing judgment on your ethics, Jackie. I’m making a complaint about the size of your exam room.” Not at all what Jackie expected. “Huh?”

Kaylie sighed. “Since shifters have a pack mentality, they tend to go places in groups. After you stuff everything you need in that bedroom, you might be able to squeeze in four people, and that’s if you don’t want anyone to move. Ergo…”

“Ergo?” Jackie’s lips twitched.

“Ergo, you probably have more shifters milling about your home.

What you need is a bigger room, and maybe even a designated waiting area.”

Jackie sighed out her agreement. “That’s actually my goal. I figure a few more years and I might be able to rent something bigger.” Kaylie’s hand slapped on the mattress. “I already know the perfect place. The Kolter House.”

The former Alpha’s two-story mansion that had been up for sale for over six months and probably cost five times more a month than what Jackie was currently paying? Kaylie was insane. “You’re insane.”

“And you’re a pessimist. Listen. Not only is it secluded, it’s custom made so each room is oversized. We could easily revamp the front two rooms on the first floor into an examination and waiting room. The den even has a monster sized wet bar so we wouldn’t have to worry about installing plumbing. We could block off the hallway at midpoint, since the stairs are towards the rear of the house, and keep your living quarters separate from your working quarters.”

Jackie rolled back on her side and propped her head on her hand.

“You’re saying I should live there?”

Kaylie slanted her a confused look. “Of course. That’s the whole reason for having an at-home office. It’s at-home.” She punctuated her words with air quotes. “Geez, Jackie. I thought you were smarter than this.”

Jackie wrinkled her nose at Kaylie’s obvious teasing. “Apart from your disparagement of my intelligence, what you depicted would be optimal for diagnoses of medical ailments.” Jackie ignored Kaylie’s grin.

“However, I’m still paying off student loans. Ergo,” Kaylie slapped her hands over her mouth when she snorted with amusement. “I don’t have the kind of money available for that type of investment.” Before Kaylie could respond, the bedroom door opened. “Is this a private slumber party or can anyone join?”

Dean strode forward to take Kaylie’s outstretched hand and lift it to his lips. “Hmmm. Are you wearing perfume?” When the women shot each other startled glances and broke out into giggles, Dean bounced his gaze from one to the other. “Something I said?”

“No. We were just spending some quality girl time together.” Dean looked uncertain. “That’s good. I think.” He turned his gaze full on Kaylie, the desire obvious in his eyes. Jackie heard Kaylie’s soft gasp just before the energy in the room started to thicken.

“I’m going to get Zan’s belongings from his rental car.” Dean said.

“You want me to take you home?”

“No, but, ah,” Kaylie sat up after a brief glance at Jackie. “I’ll go with you. I need to talk to you.”

Dean quirked one dark brow, “That’s never good.”

“Idiot,” Kaylie laughingly shoved Dean back to put on her shoes.

“You should never assume. Besides. We’ve come up with some fantastic ideas to boost tourism.”

“Uh-huh. You’re female bonding time was spent talking about business?”

Jackie sat up and shrugged. “Maybe a little male bashing.”

“Speaking of which,” Dean took the comment in stride. “Try not to kill my brother before I return.”

“Hey. I’m a doctor. I don’t kill people.”

“Right. Honey, the look you had in your eyes before you left the room made me glad females don’t have claws.”

“What?” Kaylie asked. “Wait. What happened? What didn’t you tell me, Jackie?”

In that instance Jackie could have easily throttled her Alpha. “I’m sure Dean will tell you. Just remember, it’ll be from his dominant male point of view.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”

“Geez.” Jackie flopped back on the bed. “Would you leave already? Not only am I exhausted but your mate needs quality time.” As a distraction, it worked. Dean pulled a half-hardheartedly protesting Kaylie out of the bedroom, leaving Jackie to stare at the ceiling.

While most mated couples shared the same wonderful love and affection Dean and Kaylie bestowed on each other, Jackie knew there were mated couples that never really worked out. The sexual chemistry might exist, but there was no respect, no love. They stayed together only to attempt to produce offspring and once the mating heat ended—which usually only occurred twice a year—they lived separate lives. While Jackie was more than ready for the former, she was terrified that binding herself to a man whose lifestyle opposed her personal and professional beliefs would bring only the latter. She’d seen it happen before.

Chapter Four

Scents drifted into his conscience first: blood, antiseptic, shifter males, and females.

Mate.

His eyes flew open and he peered about the small yet bright and tidy room. Memories flooded into his brain even as pain lanced his body.

He glanced down at the gauze wrapped around his torso and grimaced.

Getting shot was not at all what he’d expected when he’d gone out on a little reconnoitering trip last night, seeking some background information on his brother, and he certainly hadn’t envisioned laying eyes on his last living blood relative from a hospital bed.

With effort, and a low groan, he sat up and dropped his legs over the narrow bed. Though bearable, he felt as if a truck had dragged him over a rocky dirt road. As he’d lived that delightful experience years ago, he could make the comparison. And from experience, he knew muscle movement was key to easing the pain.

Spying the black duffel bag on the tiled floor, Zan smiled with a mixture of relief and curiosity. Pleased his brother had returned with his belongings as he’d promised, Zan wondered if Dean had gone through his stuff, and if he had, what he thought about the weapons Zan never left home without.

Slowly, Zan slithered off the bed and straightened. That’s when he spotted his clothing from last night, the ones he’d shed just prior to shifting to wolf form. He had left them on the front passenger seat of his rental car, along with his boots and cell phone. Everything was now folded on the cushioned chair next to the bed.