Chapter 4
“I’LL be honest. This situation is unusual.”
Dr. Josh Douglas’ words haunted Connor as he sat in the examination room with Elaine and the kids. Josh was a fellow shape shifter and also a doctor on the mainland. Whenever anyone at the Ursa needed special medical attention, they called him. For the most part, shifters healed more quickly than humans and tended to evade many of the diseases that plagued their human counterparts. However, anomalies existed. Josh had studied them all. Not only did he have a thriving human practice, he was well known in the shifter community for tackling curious shifter ailments.
To know he hadn’t seen this situation before was troubling.
“You’ve never heard of children shifting?”
He listened to Andy’s heart with his stethoscope while the little guy occupied himself with a toy truck. “Not at this age. The youngest I’ve seen is eight. A case of precocious puberty. The girl’s body developed too soon, and her wolf followed.”
“What happened to her?” asked Elaine.
“She’s okay, but her parents had to isolate her for a while until she was better able to control the shift. She’s a teenager now and is well adjusted.”
“See?” said Connor. “It’s good you came back to Gemini Island. At least at the Ursa, if the kids shift unexpectedly, they’ll have lots of people looking out for them.”
Elaine nodded.
“Connor’s right.” Josh finished examining Andy and turned to Layla, looking in her ears. “You’re in the best place possible. You’re planning on staying, I hope?”
Her second nod was less definite, more a wobble of the head.
She wasn’t convinced. Connor would just have to make sure she stayed. He’d have to make sure she understood the island was the best damn place for them on earth, and he didn’t care what it took.
“Could their premature shift have hurt them?” she asked, her voice lowered.
The doctor completed his exam of Layla. “From what I can see, they don’t seem to have suffered any ill effects. Sight’s good, hearing’s good, heart’s good.” He narrowed his eyes at Layla. “But I have a serious question for Miss Layla. Do you like tickles?”
Layla tensed in anticipation, grinning and nodding.
Josh aimed a finger at her belly, pretending to tickle her as he examined her belly. He glanced over his shoulder. “She’s fine.”
Andy poked his stomach, his little face twisted in indignation. “Hey, Doc. I like tickles too.”
“You don’t say.” Josh paused, finger poised in the air, ready to attack. When he did check out Andy’s stomach, the boy collapsed on the exam table, his laughter echoing in the small room. “Okay, sport. You and your sister are good to go. If you head to reception and ask Sharon nicely, she might just give you a lollipop.”
He helped them off the table, and they raced out of the room, lured by the promise of sugar.
Josh smiled. “Elaine, your kids are healthy. I think what happened in Alaska was brought on by stress and grief. It’s not unusual for our people to react in those kinds of situations, just like humans. I would suggest you and the kids enjoy some down time at the Ursa. Relax and spend time with friends. Now that Andy and Layla are back home, I think you’ll find their urge to shift will disappear. In the meantime, I’m going to do some more research and call a few of my contacts in the shifter world to see if anyone else has seen similar cases.”
“Thanks, Josh.” She sighed in relief.
“What about you?”
“Me?”
“It’s been a long time since your last checkup. Typical of moms, you know. They make sure the kids are up to date with everything and neglect themselves.” He checked his chart, flipping through a couple of pages. “Yup. Four years since your last physical. I’d like to examine you too.”
“I can make another appointment. I don’t want to take up your time.”
“Elaine.” Josh leveled her with a look. “Get up on the table. Connor, do you mind waiting outside please?”
Outside? But he was here…with Elaine. He stood but couldn’t seem to move.
“We won’t be long,” said Josh.
“Uh, yeah, sure.” Connor remained in his place, feeling stupid.
It didn’t feel right leaving her on her own.
His mountain lion certainly didn’t want to leave her. It hunkered in its corner, its beady gaze pinned on Josh’s grizzly bear. Connor knew for a fact the doc wasn’t the sort of man to put the moves on a patient, but for some reason, his mountain lion hadn’t gotten that memo. Josh was a good-looking man, and Elaine was vulnerable. They were both bears shifters. What if…?
“Connor?” The doctor nodded at the door.
“Right.” Connor attempted to collect his thoughts.
Elaine stretched out on the exam table, and her shirt rode up her belly, exposing a creamy swath of skin.
The mountain lion growled. Connor’s lips went dry.
Damn. He didn’t know she was hiding such pretty skin under her shirt.
What else was she hiding?
None of your goddamn business, asshole. Leave!
“Sorry,” he said, backing away. He gripped the door. “I was miles away. I’ll give you some privacy.”
He exited the exam room, shut the door, and leaned back against it. Josh’s and Elaine’s murmured voices inside the room did nothing to calm his erratic heartbeat. What were they talking about? Was he touching her soft belly or offering her a “tickle”?
What if he found something wrong? He should be in there, just in case she got some bad news. She would need him.
He tried to swallow some air but couldn’t seem to fill his lungs.
“Uncle Connor.” Layla tugged on his jeans. She held up two lollipops. “I can’t decide. Should I take red or purple? Sharon said I could have two, but I don’t want to be greedy.”
He rubbed her head. Most kids her age would have taken the two suckers and run for the hills. “You’re a good kid, you know that?”
Her smile helped him forget his momentary insanity.
She looked at the purple one and wrinkled her nose.
“Personally,” he said, “I always go for red.”
Layla considered the two candies. She ripped the wrapper off the purple one and stuck it in her mouth.
“What about the red one?”
She put it in his hand. “You keep it.”
“Why are you giving it to me, honey?”
“Because you’re a good kid, too. You make my mommy smile.” She blinked, her long lashes sweeping over big, brown eyes, and then tripped away to join her brother at the small puzzle table in reception.
His heart pounding, Connor stared at the lollipop. He had the sudden urge to collect Elaine, run over to Layla and Andy, pick them all up and hug them until they complained, and tell the rest of the world to fuck off.
Lloyd’s family was his family. He needed to sort out his life so he did right by them.
His cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and answered. “Connor Church.”
“Hello, Connor. It’s Lydia from the Applicant Testing Services with Toronto Police, returning your call.”
“Oh, hello, Lydia.”
“You had left a couple of messages regarding rescheduling your testing date. I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to respond before today. Our website has been experiencing some glitches. Were you still interested in rescheduling?”
“Right. Rescheduling.”
“Because we’ve had an opening for the twentieth of March, if that works for you.”
He had no idea what worked for him right now. “The twentieth, huh? That’s coming up soon.”
“I know you had mentioned before you were interested in the next possible date.”
The red lollipop seemed to glow in the palm of his hand. He stared at it, transfixed.
“Connor, did our line cut out? Can you hear me?”
“Yes, sorry. I was just checking my schedule.” Damn. His mountain lion growled. “Lydia, I know I wanted to do the test as soon as possible, but I’ve had a family situation come up and I don’t think I can get to Toronto any time soon. Feel free to give that spot to someone else.”
“Of course. I can book you for a future date.”
“I appreciate that, but everything is up in the air right now.”
“You are planning on continuing with the application process, right?”
His head was spinning. “That’s the hope. Do you mind if I get in touch with you as soon as things have settled?”
“Okay. I wouldn’t suggest you wait too long. I look forward to hearing from you. Take care.”
“Thanks, Lydia. You too.” He ended the call and tucked his phone back in his pocket.
Connor should have been kicking himself for giving up the opportunity to take the test, but he didn’t. He couldn’t. There was too much at stake, and he wouldn’t leave Elaine on her own right now. Maybe down the road, once she was feeling better, he could set up another test date.
And maybe he just needed to figure what the hell he wanted from his life.
Andy sidled up to the receptionist and batted his eyelashes at her. “I like the color of your hair. It looks like carrots.”
The woman handed him another sucker, unable to withstand his charm.
Little lady-killer. He’d have to have a talk with the boy before long.
He chuckled. Lloyd would be proud.
Connor was proud too.
I promised you I’d take care of them, Lloyd. I’ll find a way to keep doing it, I swear.
Connor tucked his red lollipop in his pocket and sat down next to the kids and waited for Elaine.
* * * *
As Elaine chopped up cucumbers for their salad that evening, her slices grew more and more irregular with every slice. She’d been quiet all day, ever since returning home from the doctor’s office. Connor knew she was worried.
Had Josh given her bad news? Something rattled in his chest as he contemplated the idea.
Finished grilling their steaks on her indoor grill, he turned off the stovetop and arranged the meat on a platter. He moved next to her at the counter and laid a hand on her lower back. “No offense, but those are the ugliest cucumber slices I’ve ever seen.”
She glanced at the misshapen chunks and shook her head. “My head’s in the clouds.”
“I know.” He took the knife from her. “Here, let me finish. I only eat pretty cucumber slices.”
Grinning, she stood back and let him finish her work. “Okay, Chef.”
He chopped a few more slices and slid them off the cutting board into the salad bowl. Grabbing a couple of tomatoes from the counter, he started cutting those as well. “So how did it go with your physical?”
“Nosy Parker.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry for being nosy. Of course, I am chopping your tomatoes. I figure that makes me special.”
“You are.” Her gaze fell, and she gripped the counter’s edge.
He stopped chopping. His chest rattle picked up again, big time. “Elaine? What did Josh say?”
“He told me not to worry. It’s probably nothing.”
Which sounded like everything. He put a finger to her chin and made her look at him. “Tell me.”
“It was just that he said my heart rate is a little…erratic.”
Connor knew he should stay calm, but for some reason, he felt like taking the knife and stabbing the hell out of the tomatoes. “Okay.”
“He called it an arrhythmia. It means my heartbeat is irregular. Humans can get them, but shape shifters don’t. Our hearts aren’t susceptible to them.”
He tried to swallow, but his throat had never been so dry. “So what does that mean? What’s he going to do about it?”
“There’s not much he can do. He said it’s not unusual for shifters in my position to suffer heart problems. For those who’ve died as a result of their mates dying, heart problems seem to be what finishes them off.”
Jesus. Fuck. Goddamn. He whipped out every curse word he knew but didn’t dare utter them aloud. This can’t be happening. “What did he suggest?”
“Relaxation. Trying not to get stressed. Keeping to a regular sleep pattern. Eating well, drinking well. You know the drill. He said many cases of arrhythmia are harmless, but some can be dangerous. He taught me how to check my pulse to monitor the rate, and he’s booked a follow-up for me.”
“Okay, that’s good. He’s keeping an eye on you.” So would Connor. He was so glad he hadn’t made arrangements to take the test in Toronto. There was no way in hell he’d leave her now.
A fucking arrhythmia. Even the word sounded ominous.
She laid a soft hand on his arm. “I don’t want you to worry.”
Too late. “I won’t.”
She pointed at his face. “So you say but your face is red and your eyebrows are bunching up in the middle.”
“Let’s not bring my eyebrows into this. Look, the last thing you need right now is to concern yourself with me. Okay?” He gripped her by the arms but then loosened his hold in case he was hurting her. All of a sudden, she seemed ten times more delicate. “It’s time to give you what you need.”
A soft pink danced across her cheeks. “I don’t think that’s possible.”
“Then let’s just concentrate on helping you stay relaxed for now. I want you to lean on me, Elaine, okay? I have strong shoulders. I can take it.”
Her gaze drifted toward his shoulders and back up to his face. “Don’t tempt me. I don’t want to overstay my welcome with you, Connor.”
“That’s not possible.” He put his hands on her arms and turned her around, marching her toward the chair. “Sit down and let me take care of you.”
She sat. “But…”
He made a zipping motion across his lips. “Don’t argue with me on this one. You won’t win.”
“I seem to recall something else Lloyd told me about you. He said you were stubborn.”
“Yeah, well, Lloyd was no different, and if he was here, he’d be doing the same thing.” He parked himself behind her and began to rub her shoulders.
“Oh. What are you doing?”
“Giving you a back rub. We have a few minutes before the kids descend for dinner. Besides, your shoulders feel like chunks of marble.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but when he dug his thumbs into a knot next to her spine, she closed her eyes and sighed.
Her body felt nice under his hands. The more he massaged her, the more pliable it became. When some of the boulder-sized knots began to release under his fingers, he almost cheered.
“You know what?” She squeaked in pleasure when he moved his hand to her neck muscles. “You’re going to make some woman very happy one day.”
“Who me? Nah, I wouldn’t know the first thing about it.”
He was glad she was responding to the back rub. As Connor worked his fingers into Elaine’s scalp, she moaned. Only the more relaxed she grew, the tenser he became. He couldn’t stop thinking of ways to make Elaine’s life easier, but none of them seemed good enough.
None of them came close to fixing a broken heart.
* * * *
“You do know I’m going to whoop your ass, right?” The phosphorescent lights hit Connor’s features at odd angles, making him look like a devil.
Elaine wielded her putter. “Says who? Didn’t anyone ever tell you I play a mean game of mini putt?”
In an attempt to entertain Elaine and the kids, Connor had taken them to the local glow-in-the-dark mini putt facility on the mainland the day after the doctor appointment. He seemed determined to keep them amused. She had to admit as soon as they stepped off the dock, she’d breathed a bit more easily. She was happy to be home, but distractions were always welcome, especially ones that took her away from the cabin and her thoughts.
She wasn’t so much worried about her heart condition as she was about her kids. However, she’d seen the concern in Connor’s eyes when she told him, and it made her wish she hadn’t. Even still, she couldn’t keep it from him. He would have fished it out of her anyway. He was good at digging his heels in when he wanted to do so.
Having spent much of her evening rehashing what Josh had said in the appointment, she needed a change of scenery. She didn’t even have to say anything. Connor had just known. He’d turned to her after breakfast that morning and said, “That’s it. We need to play mini putt.”
Of course the kids had hooted in agreement. She couldn’t argue even if she’d wanted to.
Connor’s demeanor had lightened, no doubt to keep the rest of them happy and stress-free. He’d been joking and teasing all morning, keeping the conversation going with the kids whenever Elaine had a quiet moment. She couldn’t help making comparisons. When they’d gone to visit Toni and Fred in Alaska, the children had retreated into themselves, confused with the changes in their young lives. Now that they were back and under Connor’s wing again, they were coming out of their shells, especially Andy. The little guy stared openly at Connor all the time, in awe of his hero. As for Layla, she remained shy, but she’d been smiling a lot more. Every time Connor told a joke, she paused, mulling over his words and her mouth would turn up in a slow grin. Elaine could tell Layla thought Connor was especially clever.
He made Elaine want to recapture her playful side as well. It had been so long since she’d allowed herself to be silly and carefree.
When they arrived at the mini putt place, he helped the kids choose their neon balls and putters. He then picked a bright blue ball for himself. “My lucky color.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Elaine whispered in his ear, catching the mischievous bug. “I’m going to beat you.”
Connor arched an eyebrow and tweaked her biceps. “I don’t know about that. Not a lot of muscle definition here.”
“Hey!”
He held up his hands in front of his face. “I’m kidding. I think highly of your…definition.”
Smartass. “Just because I’m not studded with muscles doesn’t mean I can’t take you at minigolf.”
He turned to Layla. “Your mom thinks I’m studded with muscles.”
“What’s studded?” demanded Andy.
“It means ‘covered’,” Connor explained. “Your mom thinks I’m covered in muscles.”
“That’s because you are,” said Layla.
“This is a game of skill, not muscle.” Elaine tossed her head. “And I’m still going to beat you.”
“We’ll see about that, lady.” He put their names down on the small card. “Okay, youngest to oldest. That means Andy goes first, followed by Layla. I’ll go third, and seeing as you’re the oldest, Elaine, you will go last.”
“You’re older than I am,” Elaine argued, laughing. “I’m only thirty-three. You’re thirty-five.”
“You can’t prove it. You have no documentation to support your bizarre claim.”
“I’ve been at your last five birthdays, so yeah, I can prove it. Face it, Connor. You’re old and tired.”
“Old and tired?” He whooped in pretend outrage and stomped in his place like an ornery old man. “Dagnabbit! I’ve never been so insulted! Young whippersnappers.”
The kids fell over themselves at his antics. Elaine bit her lip and tried not to smile.
“I’ll show you how tired I am.” Without warning, he picked her up, threw her over his shoulder, and paraded her around the first hole.
“Put me down, you nut. People are waiting for us to start.”
“Andy, take your shot. I’m going to keep your mother here a bit longer to teach her a lesson.” Sure enough, he leaned against a wall, as if no one would question why he had a writhing woman on his shoulder. He turned to Layla, a blasé tone in his voice. “Excuse me, miss. Do you come here often?”
“Uncle Connor.” She giggled. “You’re silly.”
“Put me down,” Elaine said again, quieter this time. In an attempt to brace herself on his shoulder, she clutched his strong arm. Its bulk made her catch her breath. His hand was firm on her thigh, nowhere near being disrespectful and yet so close to the danger zone.
It would be so easy for him to touch her there. Not that he would.
But if he ever tried, would she even put up a fuss? She had a feeling she shouldn’t try to answer that question. It opened up doors that needed to stay closed.
Her bear drooled, its eyes glazed.
That couldn’t be good.
“Connor, please. The blood’s rushing to my head.”
Rushing somewhere else, more like it.
He set her down slowly, his hands skimming over her hips, waist, and arms. When her feet hit the floor, her gaze met his. He wasn’t smiling anymore. His dark eyes took her in, took all of her in, and she didn’t turn away from him.
She liked it too much to turn from him.
Did he like what he saw? She’d let herself go since Lloyd’s death. She hadn’t been overeating, but she’d eaten a lot of crap. Her body probably wasn’t in its finest condition.
So why was he staring at her the way a pilgrim might stare at a precious relic?
“It’s my turn, Mommy.” Layla bumped her leg and interrupted her reverie. “Andy got a six. He missed the hole.”
Andy crossed his arms and pouted.
Connor snapped out of his funk as well and rushed over to Andy. “Don’t worry, little dude. You’ve got the next hole in the bag. Let’s practice your swing while your sister has her turn.”
And just like that, the heat was over, or so it seemed.
Since returning to the island, Elaine had been under siege emotionally. It was hard enough wanting her dead husband on a constant basis. Her desire for Lloyd, so animal and unrelenting, hadn’t gone away. These feelings for Connor, or for his muscles anyway, did nothing to ease her frazzled mind.
He was a friend, not a piece of meat. She shouldn’t be objectifying him in this way.
It’s nothing, she argued with herself. He’s a handsome guy, and you’re not dead. Just because you have eyes, it doesn’t mean you’re going to act on any inappropriate feelings.
Would it really be so inappropriate? Her bear moaned.
Oh. My. God. Yes. Now be quiet and let me play the game.
As Layla finished up, Connor gave her a high-five for her score of four and then lined up his putt. He leaned over, just a little, but enough for Elaine to take note of the pleasing curve to his ass.
The putter fell out of her hand.
Connor quickly straightened and caught her ogling him. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. It’s just hot in here.”
His lips twitched under his facial hair. “Really? Seems nice and cool to me.” He turned from her, knocked the little neon blue ball, and it rolled right into the cup. “Hole in one!”
“Show off.” Elaine smiled and noted his score on the card.
He sauntered up to her. “Did you put the right number? Your eye didn’t seem to be on the ball.”
“Oh, it was. I have to watch carefully, otherwise you might cheat.”
“Who me? I’m beyond reproach.” He nodded at the scorecard. In a lowered voice, he said, “Make sure you also write ‘Connor knows his way around a hole’.”
“You’re vulgar.”
“You love it.” Grinning like a fool, he ushered the children to the next green so she could putt. “Take your best shot, Elaine. Just try not to be intimidated by my performance.”
He really was a smartass.
She was so going to whoop his butt.
* * * *
Late that night, Connor settled into place on Elaine’s couch. He’d been there so much the piece of furniture was starting to assume his contours now. The knowledge made him happy and sad at the same time, but he was trying his best not to let the sadness overtake him.
They’d had such a great day. Breakfast, followed by that rousing game of mini putt. As much as he’d acted the big man on campus at first, Elaine had eventually clobbered him. She’d sunk perfect holes-in-one on the fifth, seventh, and sixteenth holes, making the kids cheer. It seemed the bear woman had a couple of mini putt tricks up her sleeve.
“Didn’t I tell you about my summer job when I was sixteen?” she’d teased. “I worked at a golf club.”
As well as they knew each other, it seemed there were still things to learn about her, including the fact she was possessed of a highly competitive nature. She’d make a mean poker player with her calm expression and ruthlessness.
Afterward, they’d hit the stores in town to buy party outfits for the kids so they’d be ready for the grand re-opening celebration. Even something mundane like that had been fun. Little Layla’s eyes had widened when she saw all the poufy dresses, and Andy had been happy as long as he was fed.
Connor hadn’t said anything to Elaine, but at one point, the saleslady had confused them for his family. Elaine had been in the dressing room with the kids at the time.
“Such a lovely family,” the clerk had said. “The kids sure do take after their dad.”
It had taken him off guard. “They do. Thank you.”
When they’d emerged from the dressing room, Layla in her pink dress and Andy in slacks that were too long for him, warmth had spread all over Connor’s chest. He was proud of them, and mostly he was proud of their mother.
Elaine had knelt at Andy’s feet, adjusting the slacks. “You both look so grown up.”
When she’d tucked her hair behind her ears, fiddling with the hem, Connor had spotted the light of moisture in her eyes.
If only Lloyd could have seen them.
Once they’d settled the bill, with Connor insisting on paying for the bulk of it, they’d made plans for dinner and a movie at home.
Well, at Elaine’s cabin anyway. Funny how it felt like home. It might have been only a couple of days since she’d returned, but he couldn’t even remember what his own cabin looked like. Frankly, he didn’t care. He didn’t even miss it. He’d always spent more time at Cabin 14 anyway.
After plowing through two kiddie movies, one about a talking truck and the other about princesses, they’d put the kids to bed. Andy and Layla had dropped right off. He and Elaine had settled in together in the living room, both of them quiet and contemplative.
He knew they were both thinking about the same thing.
They’d both felt the heat flare at that mini putt green when he’d picked her up. Now a new awareness crackled around them.
When he’d set her down, his hands grazing over her curves, his cock had twitched and his mountain lion had smacked its lips. Elaine felt good in his arms. His touch had been innocent at first, and he’d merely intended to put her gently on the ground. However, after skimming his hands over those round hips, he’d grown curious. Against his better judgment, he’d allowed himself to enjoy the dip at her waist and one of his arms had grazed the side of her full breast.
He’d always known she was gorgeous, but she’d always been Lloyd’s, so he’d never paid her undue attention.
All his senses had focused on her in that one moment. Sharp pangs of hunger had seized his gut, making him feel like a man who’d snacked here and there but who had never had a proper meal.
Had he been flirting with her today?
Probably.
Was it wrong? Hell, yeah.
Did he care?
He wasn’t so sure about that one anymore.
After the evening news, Elaine had gone to bed but not before dropping a kiss onto his cheek. His face burned where she touched him.
“Thank you for today, Connor. It was the best day I’ve had in a long time.”
“I had a great day, too.”
“I wish you hadn’t spent so much money on the kids.”
“Elaine, how many times do I need to tell you I was happy to do it? You want me to be happy, don’t you?”
“Of course. I want you to be very happy. Anyway, thanks again. Have a good night.” She turned and walked down the hallway to her bedroom.
Despite her words, her face had been drawn. The guilt was weighing on her too. He could see it in her hesitant movements and stuttered words.
For the first time ever, she seemed awkward around him.
He felt it too. Here in Lloyd’s home with Lloyd’s wife and Lloyd’s kids sleeping in the next room, Connor had never felt so at home and yet so out of place. Talk about being a fifth wheel.
A part of him, the part ruled by his great cat, stalked and prowled, wanting to mark the walls of the house as a warning to other beasts. The animal sniffed her as much as possible. It was curious.
The other part, the man who loved Lloyd like a brother, was trying hard to convince himself he was just being nice or good or something close to honorable.
He hadn’t been very honorable when he was feeling her up at the mini putt.
He’d pushed Elaine out of his head for so long. When she returned from Alaska, it was as if she’d ridden in on a storm, whipping up clouds of confusion and longing. It had taken hold of him quickly, shaking him and changing him.
He liked her; he had to admit it. He liked her a lot and always had.
He wasn’t sure how much longer he could ignore it.
His dick throbbed, sitting uncomfortably in his jeans. He adjusted himself, but it didn’t help. What he really needed was an attitude adjustment.
He stared at the TV, but his thoughts kept drifting to Elaine and her hips.
“Fuck,” he mumbled. “Go to bed.” Maybe he’d think clearly in the morning.
Tired of trying to concentrate on late-night infomercials, he clicked off the television and shut off the light.
Since that first night, he’d been bedding down on the couch. As comfy as it was, it now felt as if there were rocks sewn into the plush fabric. He tossed and turned and tossed some more.
Although Connor fought sleep, it eventually claimed him.
Unfortunately, his sleep brought strange dreams and no respite from the sexual torture of the day.
Elaine was there in his dream. So were the kids. They all danced among gray clouds that obscured Connor’s vision.
Lloyd was there, too.
His old friend, looking very much healthy and alive, poked his head out from behind the clouds, as if playing a game of peek-a-boo.
Connor waved his hands, trying to dispel the mist. “Lloyd, is that you? I can’t see you.”
“It doesn’t mean I’m not here.”
“Why are you here?”
“To make you see sense. You need to take care of Elaine.”
“I am. I mean I’m trying.”
The clouds whooshed in front of him, spinning and whirling, forming Lloyd’s shape. The shadow figure moved and sounded like Lloyd, but its appearance remained hazy. “Do more.”
“What do you want me to do?”
Another cloud spun by, whipping Elaine toward him. She fell into his arms, her eyes shining with coyness. As Connor held her, her fingers worked the top buttons on her blouse, revealing her spectacular cleavage.
“Be her mate.”
Lloyd’s voice was clearer now, echoing in Connor’s head. His last words sounded over and over, even as the clouds swarmed around him.
Be her mate.
Each syllable seemed to drag Connor down into a darkness that had no bottom. As much as he clawed at Lloyd’s specter, he tumbled into the abyss. As he reached out one last time, his fingers snagged in Elaine’s clothing and he dragged her down with him.
No! He didn’t want to be responsible for her downfall.
She screamed. Lloyd laughed. Lightning flashed.
Be her mate. Be her mate.
Connor awoke to a pounding headache. He opened his eyes and looked around, straining his eyes in the darkness for a glimpse of the awful clouds.
They were gone, and he was alone on the couch.
The cabin was dark and still. No one had heard his struggles. Thank Christ for that. All he needed was to have to explain to Elaine that he’d had some weird sort of sexy dream about her.
“What the hell was that?” He spoke the question aloud, expecting Lloyd to answer.
He didn’t.
With a sigh, he lay back down. It was just a dream, a stupid dream.
Even still, Lloyd’s words haunted him until morning.