Chapter Fourteen
Connie was ecstatically happy, beyond anything she could’ve imagined and her life was all set to change for the better. Her mom and dad had already been into town and briefly met Rocky, approving of him immediately, and that had been a load off her mind. And she’d also spoken to her Alpha, Chad, who had wished her well and approved of her mating. That had been a huge relief to both her and Rocky.
Things were perfect! She’d been spending the days working in the shop . . . and the nights with Rocky in his cottage. They’d spent the time getting to know each other as well as having the best sex in her damn life, and that was before they were fully mated. She couldn’t wait until they’d bonded fully. It would be amazing. Rocky had already contacted Jilly and told her to be at work first thing in the morning and that she’d be on her own for a week. A full week. Damn. Connie couldn’t wait to have him all to herself, locked away and able to do whatever they wanted with no interruptions.
She’d spent a full hour on the phone to Cyndi the day before, telling her all about Rocky and catching up with her friend. They’d laughed and giggled and Connie felt stupid for not calling sooner, especially when Cyndi said she’d been feeling sad about not hearing from her, and that she’d not called because she thought Connie was too busy for her. Shoot. They agreed to call every week and to visit more often. It would be easier now that they both had mates, especially for Connie. She wouldn’t feel awkward anymore, and she couldn’t wait to invite Cyndi and Mitch over and what was great was the fact that Rocky didn’t seem fazed at all by the idea.
He’d said he didn’t mind one bit and he was looking forward to meeting her friends. So long as he didn’t have to live within a Pack permanently, then he was okay with a short visit. That made Connie jump into his arms and squeal happily as she kissed him all over.
He’d been stocking up with provisions for them for the past few days. The kitchen cupboards, fridge and freezer were jam-packed full with a hoard of items. So many that she’d asked him how long he’d expected them to be holed up inside and he’d just quirked an eyebrow at her and smirked. The look he’d given her had her thighs clenching, her stomach quivering, and her heart thudding in her chest with anticipation.
Rocky had also slipped out of the shop the previous day for a couple of hours, tapping his nose mysteriously when she’d asked where he was going. She still had no idea what he’d been up to and he didn’t enlighten her either. So here she was, watching the clock and waiting for Theron as Rocky boxed up the order. After that she was heading to her place to get some more of her stuff. Although over the week she’d already moved quite a bit, there was some special underwear she wanted for this evening and several pieces of silky nightwear.
She was hoping to make tonight memorable for Rocky. That was the plan anyway. If only Theron would hurry up! It was almost closing time and there was still no sign of him. She could hear Rocky grumbling in the back and knew he was getting annoyed too. He’d planned on cooking them a meal while she went to her apartment and Theron being late was holding them both up.
“Is he here yet?” Rocky’s disgruntled shout came through loud and clear, followed by a thud.
She stifled a laugh as she pictured him kicking something. “Hmm, nope, sorry,” she replied, stepping out from behind the counter and going to the front of the store to look out for the hundredth time. “Oh, wait . . . yes! He’s just pulled up.”
“At last!” Rocky opened the door to the back, before disappearing again.
Connie opened the door, holding it wide for Theron who strode up as if he didn’t have a care in the world . . . and of course, he didn’t. She plastered a smile on her face as he arrived. “Hi, come on in. Rocky’s got everything ready for you.”
“Hey, Connie, how’s . . .” he stopped, inhaling sharply before grinning down at her. “Well, well, what’s that? Am I mistaken? Or is that Rocky’s mark I scent on you?”
Flustered she let the door slip out of her hand, Theron grabbing it before it slammed into him, but she didn’t apologize, instead she stepped back, her eyes flying to Rocky who now stood with his arms full of boxes but his eyes were glaring at Theron and his lips were pulled back in a snarl. “You should step away, Theron.”
Connie didn’t know what to do? Well, of course she did. She should move, but her feet were glued to the floor as she watched Theron’s head swivel to Rocky, his eyebrow raised but he didn’t look angry. Instead he looked amused, as if he were in on some kind of inside joke. Theron raised one hand before taking a side-step. “I’m not a threat to your mate, Rocky. Don’t be a fool . . . you know I’ve got Talia and I have eyes only for her.”
“Your eyes were well and truly on Connie when I walked in here, Theron.” Rocky stomped over, glowering angrily. “She’s mine and you should fucking know better.”
“Hey! I’m right here!” Connie stomped her foot.
They turned to look down at her then back at each other. Theron nodded. “I scented your mark on her . . . I was surprised, sort of.”
“What?” Connie stepped forward. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Theron smirked. “Nothing. I’m here for my order then I’ve got to go. I’m late.”
“Yes, you are,” Rocky growled. “Here.”
Theron held out his arms, taking the boxes from Rocky. “Thanks, I’m sure Talia will be very happy, and when she’s happy, I’m happy. I appreciate it, Rocky, and I wish you two all the very best. This is wonderful news.”
“Thanks, now if you don’t mind, we have plans.” Rocky stepped between Theron and Connie, holding the door.
Theron chuckled, nodding. “I bet you do. Have fun.”
“Bye.” Connie waved from around Rocky’s huge body but he moved again, blocking Theron’s view before closing the door, turning around and pulling her into his arms and holding her tight.
“Damn, we need to get our mating over with, baby, before I do something stupid . . . like challenge a damn Alpha for looking at you.”
She didn’t know whether to be angry or laugh at him. His face was a mask of worry and his body was taut as he held her close. She could feel the tension running through him and knew that this week had been hard on him, very hard, so she allowed him to hold her and said nothing. After tonight they’d be mated and this wouldn’t happen again.
“Okay, let’s lock up and I’ll go get my stuff and you go home and start cooking. I won’t be long,” she mumbled against him.
“Yeah, sounds good.” He kissed the top of her head. “Don’t be long or I’ll come looking for you.”
“I won’t be, promise.”