Keeley stepped from the glass enclosed shower in Kal’s bathroom, wincing at the soreness between her legs. The hot water had gone a long way in helping to ease the sensitivity from last night’s activities. A bath would’ve been a better choice, but she nixed it, knowing full well she wanted the constant reminder of what had occurred between Kal and her after their run and several times during the night. It was tangible evidence of their mutual need for each other.

Mates, Kal had told her. And thanks to having a sister who was a vet and who often spoke ad nauseam about the fascination of animals who mated for life, she knew exactly what it meant for her, for them. It was her reality. One she’d gladly embrace. It gave her a sense of peace and acceptance, something she had rarely experienced, knowing from this day to her last, Kal would be beside her.

Always.

The knowledge made her feel safe. Something both her and Dani had been missing from their lives for a long time. It would be a good thing to have someone share the load with her. Yeah, she had her sister, but Dani wasn’t Kal. She didn’t possess his strength or will.

Snagging the lone towel from the drying rack, she wrapped it around her, noticing the purple bruises on her hips, the love bites on her breasts and thighs. She wore them with pride, tucking the slightly damp towel’s corner into the top, between her breasts.

She inhaled. Kal’s distinctive, manly scent filled her senses making her moan and her pussy got achy and wet. Proving, if she had any lingering doubts, she already had it bad for the big, bad, wolf-shifter sheriff, whom she had begged several times last night to fuck her. She needed to stop thinking about him and last night, otherwise she’d have to hunt him down and beg him for some more. Not that he’d deny her. Every single time she turned to him last night, he was ready, willing and more than able.

A wave of need washed through her and she clenched her thighs together hoping to ease it. It didn’t help, it just increased the ache. Warmth bloomed up her chest and cheeks as she thought of last night. She had it bad. One night of hot, raunchy sex and she was acting like a bitch in heat!

Shaking her head, she tried to clear her thoughts and bring her focus off Kal and back to the ever-growing list of things she needed to get done today. She needed to finish her morning routine, get breakfast, then head over the bridge and check on her house and do a couple of things for work. Things like food, electricity and a roof over her head weren't free. Thinking of Kal, their night together, did nothing but distract her. Not like she wouldn't get the real deal again tonight.

Searching through bathroom cabinets, she located an unused toothbrush and a comb. With the length of her hair, a brush would have been a better option, but beggars can’t be choosers. Waiting until she got home to take care of her hair wasn’t an option. Even with all the conditioner in the world, her hair would dry into a rat’s nest. Not a very becoming look at all.

Going home to take care of her morning activities had been an option, one she had been reluctant to make for two reasons. It smacked of being a walk of shame and she hadn’t wanted to leave the sanctuary of Kal’s bedroom and return to the real world.

She finally got her lazy ass in gear when she smelled freshly brewed coffee and the distinct smell of bacon being cooked. Her stomach agreed, rumbling again, only louder this time.

She brushed her teeth and hair in record time and pulled on yesterday’s jeans, sans her dirty panties, going commando. She headed into Kal’s closet, determined to locate a shirt she could wear for the day. It wouldn't be easy. Kal happened to be a big guy, and most of his shirts would look like a dress on her. If she could find a buttoned dress shirt or something similar, she could make it work. In the back of the closet, she located a blue denim shirt that would work. Slipping it on, she buttoned it down, leaving the last three buttons undone. Using the corners, she tied a knot, cropping it so it didn’t swallow her up.

Dressed and ready to face whoever was downstairs, she scurried down the stairs to the kitchen, skidding to a stop when she saw him.

Royce, the youngest Raferty, stood in front of the stove, shirtless. A pair of faded blue jeans hung low on his hips. Dangerous, considering he was in the middle of flipping bacon in the frying pan. When the grease pop, she winched knowing the pain of bacon grease on unprotected skin.

“You know, a shirt would help with that,” she declared.

He turned, looked her up and down, then flashed her a warm, welcoming smile.

Whoa…each one of the Raferty’s were handsome as sin. How the hell did any of the woman of the town even function?

“You might be right about the shirt. I couldn't resist poking at Kal,” he said.

“Poking at Kal?” she asked, confused. What the hell did him not having a shirt on have to do with his uncle, who wasn’t even here?

“My uncle is possessive as hell. When he finds out I made you breakfast, shirtless, he’ll know you saw me half naked. It’ll drive him bat shit crazy,” he proclaimed gleefully.

“Who’s going to tell him? Not me. I could care less,” she informed him.

“You don’t have to tell him. I will,” he announced.

So, handsome and apparently with a death wish.

All righty then. Moving on, she didn’t have the brain function yet to deal with this. Maybe after two or three cups of coffee.

“Coffee pot is over on the counter,” he said as if reading her mind. “It’s fresh and mugs are in the cabinet above. Help yourself.” He turned back to the stove, flipping the bacon.

“Thank you,” she said, all but running to the stainless-steel machine sitting on the countertop.

“Cream is in the fridge. Sugar is in the covered glass bowl beside the pot.”

“Just sugar,” she replied, pulling opening the cabinet door and retrieving the largest coffee mug she could find.

“Kal's at the station,” he informed her while she poured the heady brew into her cup, adding three heaping spoonsful of sugar into the dark liquid. “I'm making breakfast if you're interested.”

It was a little odd, she thought, bringing the mug to her lips, to have her lover's nephew make her breakfast and not her lover. Royce, on the other hand, seemed unfazed with finding her here or making her something to eat. It made her wonder: did Kal often bring his partners back and then just leave them for his brothers to entertain? She was dying to ask Royce but thought it might be best to ask Kal the question and not his nephew. “He told me when he woke me up to say goodbye this morning,” she replied, inhaling the scent of the brew before she took a tentative sip. “And yes, I'll take you up on your offer of breakfast. I'm starving.”

He chuckled. “I imagine you would be after all of last night’s activities.”

She felt the warm heat of a blush forming on her cheeks at his blatant insinuation of why she’d be hungry. Was he assuming or had he heard them? “That’s rude to say. Are you trying to embarrass me?”

“Nope,” he said as he started to remove the bacon onto a waiting paper towel. “Testing you, actually.”

“Testing me?” she asked, putting her cup down on the counter. “Why would you do that? Or maybe the better question is, why should I have to pass any of your damn tests? According to your uncle, I’m his mate.”

He grinned at her. Grinned, like he hadn’t just insulted her.

“You are his mate,” he affirmed. “I can smell his mark, his scent all over you. Did Kal explain who he is?”

“Is this about him being a wolf-shifter?” He nodded. “He took me on the run last night. I saw his wolf form. I’m not afraid of him or his wolf,” she tartly informed him.

He sighed. “Not what I meant. Did Kal explain his role within the pack?”

“He's the sheriff and all of his brothers, including nephew—you, are his deputies. What else do I need to know?”

“Plenty. Kal’s more than a sheriff, Keeley. He’s our Alpha. You are now mated to him. Our pack looks to him for leadership, guidance in disputes and strength when dealing with rogue shifters and skirmishes between other packs. Being his mate, this means you will need to stand beside my uncle and the females will look to you for guidance and assistance. The Alpha female is technically a step below my uncle,” he announced, watching her intently.

Not wanting him to see her shaking hands, she tucked them into her back pockets and worked at seeming unaffected by his announcement. “Are you trying to frighten me?” she asked, amazed her voice didn’t wobble when she spoke. It was a lot to take in. Accepting Kal was a wolf-shifter had been easy. Finding out they were mated, for life, had taken her a little longer to wrap her head around. But she had done it. When she woke up this morning, she accepted it with a sense of peace and happiness.

Now she was finding out he was the alpha and the responsibility it entitled. From his freaking family, and not from Kal, had her flipping the hell out. Not that she was going to let her new nephew-in-law know that. She blinked, took a deep breath and removed, what she hoped, was every expression from her face. It was a struggle. Dani told her on more than one occasion she could say one thing, but her face always gave her away.

“No. It would also bring Kal’s ire down on me. Not something I’m willing to deal with it. He’s got a mean right hook,” he admitted as he filled two plates with eggs he scooped from the other frying pan and the bacon.

“It’s okay to test me, though?” she asked.

“Yeah. Kal would expect that.” He shrugged, placing the plates on the table.

“I didn’t know about him being Alpha. I suspect you were aware of that, though.” He nodded as he pulled out a chair and sat. “And so you told me something, which I believe, and I’m sure Kal will agree with me, was his right to tell me.” She picked up the fork and dug into the eggs. Let him digest that nugget. “I’m thinking you might get more than just his right hook when he finds out.”

Royce followed her, picking up his fork and scooping up his eggs. His blue eyes, like Kal’s but so different, gave no hint of what he was feeling or thinking. “Maybe. If you tell him.”

Laying her fork down, she looked at Royce in amazement. “Are you out of your mind?! Of course, I’m going to tell him. Why would I not?”

“I smelled your fear, your uncertainty of your ability at my announcement. Even if I was human, I would have known. Your hands shook and your face shows every single expression you’re feeling.” He shoveled his fork into his mouth, chewing on his eggs.

“Your point?”

“My point is I'm not your mate, and yet I detected all this from you and more. Kal, as your mate, is more attuned with you. Your attempts to hide what you're feeling and thinking would put my uncle's hackles up, kick in his protective instincts. Which are strong on a normal day.” He picked up a strip of bacon, biting off a hearty chunk. “It would cause him to do everything in his power to shield you, protect you from your fear of the unknown because this is what a mate does. I don't think this would be beneficial for you, Kal or the pack. An Alpha female is strong.”

“You know nothing about me, or my strengths,” she hissed.

“You’re right, I don’t know about you. I do know about your past, as do the rest of my uncles.” Her breath hitched at his announcement. “Kal is an ass, but he is a meticulous ass. He knew who and what you were to him from the first meeting. It is our way. He would do anything and everything to protect you, Keeley. Make no mistake, even protect you from his own pack if your new-found responsibilities overwhelmed you.”

“So let me get this straight. You’re telling me this for my own good. So I’m prepared when Kal tells me?” she asked.

“Yes. Kal is a strong, fair leader. Our pack needs him and on the opposite side of the coin, Kal needs our pack. I wouldn’t want you to inadvertently drive a wedge between Kal and those he leads.”

“And you think I could do this?” she asked, wondering where exactly he got his set of balls to assume anything about her, considering this had to be the longest conversation she ever had with him.

“Intentionally, no, I don’t think you would. I think your reaction to Kal’s news about who and what he is could.”

“You’re an asshole,” she announced, no longer beating around the bush.

He chuckled. “You’ll learn, it runs in the family. I’m mild next to Kal.”

She wanted to snort in agreement but didn't. She and Kal hadn't spent a lot of time together, but she already knew he had asshole tendencies. Now she understood why. He was an Alpha who was never questioned. When he gave an order, he expected it to be done and done right. She hadn't exactly done this with him, and she doubted she ever would. She would need to learn to temper those urges to question, argue or voice her opinions with him. At least in front of the pack. His rule was law. If she knew anything, she already knew that.

In private, though…it was game on. She would have no issues telling Kal exactly what she thought or felt.

Royce smiled, then nodded his head, almost as if he could follow her train of thinking and it pleased him. She watched him intently, trying to sense any form of deception from him. She didn’t have his or Kal’s sense of smell, or insight of an animal to rely on. All she had were her powers, which she could use on Royce, but she suspected this would displease Kalkin. So, she didn’t.

“Took you ten minutes,” he said, smirking at her as he reached across the table, picked a piece of bacon off her plate and popped it into his mouth.

“Ten minutes for what?” she asked, cocking her head to the side to stare at him. He confused the hell out of her.

“To get it,” he said as he stood up, taking his plate to the sink. Before she could even ask him what, he explained. “Now when my uncle tells you he’s the pack’s Alpha, you’ll already have accepted it and he’ll smell it from you.”

She shook her head.

Whatever.

She was more than ready to be done with this conversation.

She sighed, then admitted, “I have a feeling this family is going to drive me nuts.”

“Yeah, but you’ll love us for it. It’s time we had a female influence. It can’t be all male, all the time. Plus, I’m truly sick and tired of eating my uncles’ cooking. They suck.”

She laughed. “You’re assuming I can cook.”

He walked back to the table, reaching for her half-eaten plate, which she had pushed away from her.

“You can cook.” He winked at her. “We’ve all smelled the delicious scents coming from your house.”

“Maybe it’s Dani,” she interjected.

“I’m sure your sister can cook, too, but you’re the better of the two of you. Bonus, you make desserts.”

“How the hell can you tell that?”

“You often smell of sugar and chocolate. It’s a heady combination,” he teased as he walked back to the sink. “Kal rarely takes a lunch break, instead he chooses to stay in the station to allow the rest of the staff their lunch break.”

Reaching up, she pulled her long ponytail around and over her shoulder, playing with the ends. “Why are you telling me this?”

“I’d hope to put the thought in your head about taking him a nice, romantic lunch.” He loaded the dishwasher, dropping the frying pans into the sink. “You might just get lucky again,” he announced as he dried his hands and walked out of the kitchen.

---

Dumbass that she was, she took Royce’s advice, heading home after breakfast to prepare a hearty lunch to take to Kal. In lieu of work, which needed to get done, she instead made a batch of her famous chocolate chip cookies, a double batch of blueberry muffins and a pineapple dump cake. The plan was to leave half the cake and muffins with Royce and the other half, she’d drop off to Mrs. Martin. It gave her a legitimate excuse to check on the older woman, who had quickly become a surrogate mother to both her and Dani.

After loading her SUV up with the surprise picnic lunch, she walked over the bridge and knocked on Kal’s front door. When Royce opened the door, she placed the containers in his hands, turned and walked back to her vehicle, and got in.

He laughed the entire time.

Asshole.

The drive into town was quick. Main Street was busy. The little shops and restaurants peppered along the town's main strip bustled with activity. Apparently, a full moon and massive amounts of sex out in the woods was good for the town’s revenue stream. Last night's celebration was the major deal, although nightly activities would run the moon's cycle. She couldn't wait to see what would happen tonight.

Maybe another run?

At least now she knew what to expect from the run and more importantly, Kal. Her nipples pebbled and her clit throbbed as a wave of need washed over her, just from thinking of him. She needed to ask him if this constant need was normal. If so, she’d have to invest in more underwear. It didn’t help with almost every shift of her body, the seam of her jeans brushed gently against her clit. It wasn’t helping her cause.

Unable to locate a single parking spot on the street, she drove to the additional parking provided by the town for overflow. It would mean she’d have to do her trip in two parts. First, she’d take Mrs. Martin her treats, come back to her car and gather everything for their lunch and then walk to the opposite end of town, where the station was located. Thankfully, she had packed the food into an ice chest, so it would remain cool.

Gathering the basket she’d put together for Mrs. Martin, she headed out of the lot and onto the main street. Luck was with her, because the crosswalk sign flashed, signaling she was good to walk across the two-lane road.

Looking to the right, the left, then back to the right, she stumbled when she saw a familiar figure down the block.

Simon.

Ohmigod. He had found them, even with all the back tracking and erasing the computer trail they’d left on their travels to Window Rock.

Hurrying up, she moved into a small crowd on the sidewalk. With a quick glance over her shoulder, she spotted him. Down and to the left, and so far, clueless she was less than fifty feet from him.

Knowing she’d have to keep her calm, she took a quick breath, working to center herself and focus on the task at hand. Her priority was to get off the damn streets, then call Dani and tell her to go pack and meet at the predetermined location they had agreed on when they moved into the house. They were getting the hell out of Window Rock. Tonight!

She quietly wished the herd of people she was hiding in would hurry the hell up so she could slip through Mrs. Martin’s shop door. It was so close she could see it, see the light shining through the glass, letting her know at least someone was working today. She hoped it was Mrs. Martin, even though she knew the older lady should be resting.

With another glance over her shoulder, she noticed Simon had crossed the street, heading her way. Reaching out, her fingers wrapped around the cold metal of the handle and she pushed the storefront door open.

Cool air and the scent of cinnamon and apple washed over her. “Mrs. Martin,” she hollered. “Are you here?”

“Keeley?” The older lady’s head popped out from the storage area in the back. “Is everything okay?” she asked, perhaps scenting the fear Keeley could only assume emanated from her body.

“No.” Her voice wobbled, her hands shook in terror.

She placed the basket of goodies on the countertop near the register before she dropped it. “I…I.” she glanced over her shoulder, watching Simon approach through the glass. He was on the phone and going by the look on his face and the hand he waved around, it wasn't a good conversation.

“Come back here, dear. Now,” Mrs. Martin urged her and she took off down the aisle like a bat out of hell.

“He’s here,” she whispered, ducking into the back.

“Who's here, dear? Kal?” Mrs. Martin inquired.

Not trusting her voice not to break, she shook her head, keeping her gaze riveted to the front door. Simon had stopped to the right of the front door, still on his cell phone, still having an animated conversation.

“Keeley, honey, I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me. Take a deep breath for me,” the older lady demanded. Keeley felt Mrs. Martin’s hands on her cheeks, forcing her gaze from the door and onto her. “Is someone after you?”

“Yes,” she croaked. “He’s here!”

“The man by the door?”

“Yes! He’s looking for Dani and me. He isn’t a good man, at all, Mrs. Martin. He hurt Dani,” she admitted.

“I suspect he also hurt you, too, my dear.”

“Yes. But he wants Dani. I can’t let him have her.” Her gaze darted to the door when the bell above it tinkled. “He’s coming in!” she hissed.

“I want you to stay here, Keeley. Do you hear me? Stay here and I will handle this,” Mrs. Martin assured her.

“No,” she begged. Reaching out, she wrapped her fingers around the older woman’s wrist. “He’s extremely dangerous. He could hurt you!”

“He’s human,” Mrs. Martin announced.

“How do you know he’s not supernatural?” she asked, watching a wicked grin form on the other woman’s lips.

“Easy. My shop is wired with an alarm system for shifters. If one comes into my store, it lets me know. That man,” Mrs. Martin gestured to the front of the store, “is just a man. Between the two of us, I'm more dangerous than he ever could be. I can shift into a wolf and rip his damn throat out. Don’t you worry about me, dearie.” Mrs. Martin patted her hand before she strolled back into the shop.

She could hear Mrs. Martin greet Simon in her normal, cheery way. When Simon replied, his voice was dark and condescending, and had her erratically beating heart ready to jump from her chest.

Revealing herself would place her and her sister in the line of fire again, and she couldn’t do it. She’d risk herself, not Dani. Unfortunately, not revealing herself meant leaving the grandmother-like woman alone, even if she could tear him apart, hanging out to dry with that snake.

Listening to Royce's advice had been a colossal mistake. She should have kept her ass home, contacted Kal and had him over to her house for lunch.

Moving closer to the door, she peeked around, catching sight of Simon, who Mrs. Martin had steered so he was almost sideways, with his back to her. She released the breath she had been holding as she focused in on their conversation.

“Do you have a picture?” The normal welcoming tone of Mrs. Martin was gone. In its place was a remote, even cold tone she’d never have associated with her.

“Yeah. I do.” Simon slid his hand into his back pocket and removed a photograph, handing it to Mrs. Martin.

“I’m sorry. I haven’t seen her or anyone who remotely resembles her.” Mrs. Martin handed the picture back. “I’d suggest contacting our local sheriff, Kalkin Raferty. If she’s in the county, he’ll find her.”

Son of a bitch…Kal.

Why hadn't she thought of contacting him?

Maybe because I’m freaking the hell out, seeing my past come back and slap me in the face?

As silently as she could, she moved back from view, leaning against the wall and clearing her mind. Not something she normally had to do with Dani, but the link with Kal was new. It had only been used a couple of times. The pathways were still fragile. Every time she reached for him, the connection would grow stronger. In time, she could carry on a conversation with him and none would be wiser.

Ignoring the continuing conversation between Simon and Mrs. Martin, she focused, locating the pathway to Kal. Even with it being weak, she saw it, felt it, reached for it and gave a sigh of relief when she heard him in her head.

Kal? Can you hear me?

His sexy chuckle filled her head.

Yeah, sweet cheeks, I sure can. Missed me so much, you reached out to me? It’s only been a couple of hours and I planned on being home soon, he said.

She couldn’t stop the eye roll at his cockiness.

Listen to me, Kal. I’m in town. At Mrs. Martin’s. She cringed at the slight wobble in her voice. A deep dark growl filled her head and she sensed him going on alert. Guess she’d never be able to hide or keep anything from him.

What is wrong, mate? he demanded.

Simon is here. In Mrs. Martin’s store, she stressed.

And where the fuck are you? he growled.

Hiding, in the back. Mrs. Martin is talking to him. He’s dangerous, Kal. He could hurt her.

She’s fine. She can take care of yourself. I’m on my way. Stay where you are. Don’t move. Do you get me, mate?

What if…

What if, nothing. I’ll be there in under five minutes. If I find you in any other spot but the back storage room, I’ll redden your ass. Got me, sweet cheeks?

She didn't respond to him; instead, she bit her lip to stop the sobs she could feel building in her chest. To let it out might alert Simon. She couldn't risk Mrs. Martin.

Hurry, she pleaded.

I’ve got eyes on the front door. Jace is coming around the back. You’ll see him before you see me. Keep quiet, he ordered.

One of them better get here, like now, otherwise she’d pass out and it wouldn’t be pretty.

Calm down. I’m here and you’re not going to pass out, he assured her. His confidence helped ease her fear.

The bell tinkled, announcing a new arrival.

Is that you? she cried.

Yeah, baby. Let me get rid of this piece of shit, then I’ll take care of you.

“Keeley.” A toneless whisper had her looking to her right.

Jace Raferty stood, his eyes narrowed, with an intense look on his face as he pulled her back, placing his body between hers and any danger.

Jace is here, she informed Kalkin.

When he didn’t respond, she started to get nervous. Had Simon gotten to him? To Mrs. Martin?

Jace turned, catching her gaze. He gave a terse shake of his head.

Kal! she screamed through the link.

Busy.

“Easy, Keeley,” Jace whispered again. “He’s fine. Simon is leaving now.”

She let out the breath she hadn’t even realized she had been holding and slid down the wall, laying her head on her knees.

“Where is she?” Kal demanded as she felt him, rather than saw him, enter the back storage area. His presence was that large, that intense that she could simply feel him.

“On the floor, behind me,” Jace informed him. Kal growled. “Relax, bro. I didn’t touch her.”

“Is he gone?” she asked, not bothering to stop the hitch in her voice.

“For now,” Kal said, reaching out a massive hand to her. She took it, allowing him to pull her to her feet. “We need to get you back to the station. He won’t show up there again. Not after I just told him to stop doing my fucking job.”

The distinctive growl she heard in his voice had her frowning. “He’s looking for Dani, isn’t he?”

“Yeah. He is. Claims she is his wife,” he informed her.

Something flashed in his eyes, something she couldn’t recognize and before she could question him on it, he blinked and it was gone. There was more, she knew it, could feel it.

Before she could speak, Kalkin led her out the back door and into the small lot behind the store. She yanked her hand out of his grasp. “What else?” she demanded.

He cocked a brow at her, his gaze narrowing. “Jace has eyes on him. The moment he is in his hotel room, we’re moving,” he informed her.

She frowned. “He isn’t married.”

He ignored her. His gaze swung to the area behind them, scanning it, watching it for danger.

“He isn’t married,” she said again, this time more forceful. “Kal, listen to me. He isn’t—”

He turned on her and it was then she saw anger flash in his eyes. It had her shutting up and taking an involuntary step back from him.

He growled, low and long at her.

“He’s also claiming she’s pregnant.”

“That’s not true!” she cried. “Dani isn’t pregnant.”

“I know.” He sighed, then reached up and touched his right ear with his hand. “Got it, Jace.” Clearly, the sheriff and his deputies communicated with more advanced equipment than a walkie talkie. “It's clear to move you to the station.”

“Kal.” She reached out, laying her hand on his forearm.

“Not now, Keeley. I need to get you back to the station and safe.” He wrapped his hand around her unhurt arm and took off for the station.

Maybe once they both calmed down, she could have him send one of his guys to her vehicle and get the cooler. She doubted he’d even allow her to take one step away from his immediate area.