Maya found herself in Chance’s arms almost before she had time to register he was there. He held her up as she cried against his chest, her whole body weak with grief.

Steph had her arms around Maya’s mom, Barbara, and they were both crying as well. Steph had waitressed at the diner for years and was close to the whole family.

When Maya had gotten back to the diner and discovered the ambulance and paramedics there, they’d only just managed to revive her father. They thought he’d suffered both a stroke and a heart attack, but had managed to get his heart going again. It hadn’t been enough, however. He’d crashed twice in the ambulance, and though they’d managed to resuscitate him both times, when they’d tried to transfer him from the ambulance, he’d crashed again and this time they hadn’t been able to get his heart beating again. She’d been caught in a whirlwind of panic and fear, but now he was gone and there was nothing more she could do. It occurred to her that she would have been in the house with her father when he’d first had the stroke if she’d not been at the compound. If she hadn’t been in the forest that night and hadn’t met Chance, she would have been there when he’d first suffered symptoms. She might have seen it coming.

Maya pushed at Chance’s chest, tears streaming down her face. “No, leave me alone. I would have been here if I hadn’t met you. I could have done something to help. I could have saved him!”

He refused to let go, no matter how much she struggled. “No, you couldn’t. You can’t blame yourself for this, Maya. You said yourself how sick your father was.”

“Not with this, though,” she sobbed. “He wasn’t sick with this.”

He held her, letting her grief wrack through her body.

“I should have been there,” she said in little hitching breaths. “I could have done something, and I wasn’t there.”

“Hush,” he said, holding her tighter. “I’m sure there was nothing you could have done. It was a stroke, wasn’t it? You couldn’t have seen that coming.”

“You don’t know that. No one knows that.”

Her mother didn’t even question the arrival of the strange man holding her daughter in the hospital corridor. They were all too stunned—numb and disbelieving.

In silence, they went back to the house, all four of them. Steph set about making them all tea, while they sat across the table from one another, Maya holding her mother’s hand with one hand, and Chance’s with the other. She knew she was red-faced, and puffy-eyed, with tear streaked skin, but she didn’t care.

“It feels so strange knowing he’s not in the house,” she said, finally. “It’s like there’s a big hole in the universe and it’s right in the middle of our house.” They fell into silence once more, and then Maya started to cry again. “I just don’t know how this could have happened. I mean, he was okay, wasn’t he? The medication was helping him.”

Her mom released her hand to rub her back. “Oh, sweetheart,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears. “Your father hasn’t been okay for a very long time. You know that.”

“It’s just such a shock. I’m struggling to believe it.”

“We all are, darling.”

They fell quiet again, each sipping at the hot tea Steph had made.

“I’m sorry,” Barbara said, focusing on Chance. “You’re clearly a friend of my daughter’s, but I didn’t catch your name.”

“Chance,” he told her. “I’m sorry we had to meet this way. And of course I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Maya looked at him gratefully. Some people might have looked out of place in this setting, but Chance looked like there was nowhere else he should be.

What had been revealed back at the shifter compound suddenly hit her. The alpha had told her that one of her parents wasn’t who she’d been told they were. Maya squeezed her eyes shut, pushing away the thought. No, she couldn’t deal with this now. Couldn’t handle it. She’d just lost her dad, and now she was supposed to entertain the possibility that he hadn’t been her real father after all.

“I have to get back to the kids,” said Steph eventually. “Is there anything else I can do to help?”

Maya shook her head. “No, you go, Steph. We’ll be okay.”

“I need to go and lie down,” said her mother. “Are you going to be all right?” She directed the question at Maya.

Maya nodded. “I have Chance with me. I’ll be all right. But after you get some rest, we need to talk, Mom.”

“Yes, there’ll be a lot to sort out over the next few days.”

Maya nodded, leaving it at that. This wasn’t the time to push the subject; she could barely comprehend it herself. She heard her mother disappear into the back bedroom—the room that had been her father’s since he’d been no longer able to use the stairs. She waited until she heard the door shut, and everything went silent, and then took Chance’s hand and pulled him to his feet. “I need to lie down, too. Come with me.”

He nodded, and allowed himself to be taken upstairs to her bedroom. So much had happened since she’d left it the previous morning. She felt like a different Maya entered it now—one who had changed irrevocably inside. She had gained a mate and lost a father. She’d also been delivered news that she’d never even suspected—that she might be half-shifter.

Exhausted, both from being up all night, and from emotional exhaustion, she dropped onto her bed. Like she was a child, Chance kneeled at her feet and worked off her sneakers and socks. Then he moved to her dress, pulling it over her head, and dropped it to the floor. In just her underwear, she curled up on her side.

He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “I’ll leave you to get some sleep.”

She reached out and caught his wrist. “No, don’t. Stay with me.”

She’d walked away from Chance at the compound, but the moment she’d seen the ambulance outside the diner, she’d known leaving him had been a mistake. She’d needed him with her, needed his strength. She didn’t regret leaving the shifter compound because if she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have known about her father. She’d have left her mother frantically trying to find her, and worrying about her, while also having to deal with the devastation of their loss, but she wished when she’d left, she’d taken Chance with her.

Despite her sorrow, having his body curled around hers still woke that need inside her. Was it an affirmation of life, this ability to still feel such carnal desire? Or was she using sex as a way to block out the grief clutching at her soul?

She twisted in his arms to bury her face against him. She realized something strange and lifted her face to look at him, frowning slightly.

“You’re wearing my father’s clothes.”

“I know, I’m sorry. It was all I could find. Is it weird?”

“Yeah, it is, a bit. But also kind of comforting. How did you know to come?”

“I’m not sure. I just sensed something wasn’t right. I knew it had to do with you, and that I needed to be with you.”

“Is that because we’re mated now?”

“I think so. Joined—physically and mentally.”

She let out a sad sigh and pressed herself closer. “Thank you for being here for me, Chance. I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t.”

“I couldn’t be anywhere else.”

She lifted her chin to kiss him. He was sweet and gentle, even though she knew she must have looked like a wreck. The kiss quickly grew heated, but she broke it.

Maya hooked her fingers under the t-shirt he wore. “You need to take this off.”

He nodded, sitting up quickly to pull it over his head, then he unbuckled the jeans, and threw them both to the floor.

“Are you sure?” he asked, his eyes searching hers.

Her hand slipped around the back of his neck, pulling his mouth to hers. “Make me forget,” she said against his lips.

His hands caressed down the length of her back, and together they dipped down into the bed again, lying face to face. Maya hooked her leg over the top of Chance’s thigh, pushing herself against him. His erection was a hard length and she ground herself against him, concentrating on the pleasure the contact gave her. She didn’t want to think.

Chance’s hand pushed between them and his fingers slipped into her panties. Maya let out a moan as he paused to rub circles over her clit. She bucked her hips into his hand, wanting more. Reading her body language, he moved lower, dividing the lips of her pussy and then pushing up inside her.

“Oh, God, Chance.”

She clung to him tightly, eyes squeezed shut, fighting off the invading thoughts that threatened to overtake her. She needed oblivion, then sleep. She needed him. Reaching for his cock, she positioned him then arched her hips forward. He penetrated her, and she took hold of his hands and pushed him back on the bed, straddling him. Not sure what came over her, she held him down, the back of his hands pinned to the bed. Her breasts swung in his face, bouncing with every lift of her hips as she slid her pussy up and down his dick. He caught her nipple in his mouth and nipped hard enough to make her cry out. She knew he could easily push her away, but he was letting her drive this. She angled her body so her clit dragged over the length of his cock with every movement. A wildness had taken over her, and she fucked him harder, slamming up and down, feeling the flesh of her ass shake with each move.

He shoved his hands up, but she pushed back down with sudden ferocity. She edged her body back down his slightly, moving her nipples out of reach of his mouth, and then kissed him again, nipping at his lower lip, biting hard enough to hurt.

Chance gave a gasp, somewhere between pleasure and pain.

He wrenched his hands free and grabbed her hips, helping her movements grow faster. His fingers dug into her flesh and she pushed herself faster. Their cries and gasps for breath tangled together as she came. She fell forward, holding herself down hard on his cock as her orgasm spilled over.

She felt him swell inside her, and then his hips bucked, lifting her higher, and he let out a groan, his face contorted in pleasure. He thrust once, and then again, and she clamped her pussy around him, wanting to give him more.

They fell together in the bed, tangled limbs, and hot, sweaty, sated bodies.

And Maya found the oblivion she’d been seeking.

 

***

 

The next few days passed in a numb blur.

Maya helped her mother make funeral arrangements. Her father’s funeral would be held at the small church located on the north side of town, and they’d have the wake back at the diner. Though the place had remained closed since his death, it seemed like the most sensible location. Her father had loved the place, and he would have wanted to see all his favorite people gathered there. The kitchen staff were happy to come in and cater, so at least that was one less thing to organize. Maya had put an obituary in the local newspaper, mainly to let people know the date and time. She expected most people had already heard of his death.

The house felt strangely quiet without him there. Having Chance around helped. He was dividing his time between being with her at the house, and going back to the shifter compound to complete his duties there as well. It felt crazy that she’d only known him for less than a week now. Yes, their relationship had started based on sex and primal desire, but he’d proven to her he would be there for her emotionally as well. When she’d cried into the night, he’d held her until she’d fallen asleep, and when she was freaking out about everything that needed to be done, he was the calming force she needed.

The day of the funeral arrived—a day she’d been dreading. Chance was by her side every step of the way, his arm around her shoulder, shaking hands with mourners as though he’d been there her whole life. Everyone just seemed to accept his presence. Perhaps they were able to see how badly she needed him right now.

The wake back at the diner went smoothly, too. Both Maya and Steph had been too upset to do any of the waitressing duties, so Maya hired in a couple of temporary staff to serve drinks and refresh the buffet when needed. Her mom was holding up well, her eyes red-rimmed, but mostly dry—she’d done a lot of her crying over the past few days. Maya was so proud of how well her mother had handled everything. She’d always known Barbara was strong, having to deal with her husband’s illness and manage the business for so long, but the last few days had really brought home how incredible she was.

As the last of the mourners left the diner, her mother touched her on the arm. Her mom looked exhausted. Dark shadows created hollows beneath her eyes and the lines in her skin appeared deeper.

“Are you okay to clear up, Maya? I need to go and lie down.”

Maya forced a smile. “Of course, Mom.”

“I feel bad leaving you with all the mess.”

“Don’t be silly. Chance can help me, and the staff can handle most of the clean-up. That’s what we’re paying them for. I’ll just make sure the place is locked up when they’re done.”

Her mother leaned in and gave her a hug. “Thank you, Maya. You’ve been incredible through all of this. I’m so proud of you.” Her eyes shone with tears.

Maya squeezed her hard in return. “I’m proud of you, too, Mom. Dad would have been proud of us both.”

She gave a sad smile. “Yes, he would. I love you, sweetheart. Your dad did, too, more than anything.”

“I love you, too, Mom.”

Barbara turned around and left them to it.

Chance put out his arms for Maya and she stepped into his embrace, allowing him to fold her against his body. She placed her head on his chest, her arms around his waist, as he held her.

She looked up at him. “Thank you for being here. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

He smiled. “Good thing you got your leg caught in that snare when you did.”

“Yes, who would have thought it?”

Movement came from outside and she frowned as an expensive looking car pulled up. She thought all the mourners had left already. Had she forgotten someone?

Chance must have noticed her change in body language and glanced over his shoulder to follow her line of sight. “Who’s this?”

She shook her head. “I’m not sure.”

The car door opened, and a man in a suit stepped out, readjusting his jacket before slamming the door behind him.

Maya straightened, her shoulders squaring. “Son-of-a-bitch.”

“What? Who is it?”

“He’s a vulture who’s been sniffing around. He works for that big burger chain, Big Buns Burgers, and he came here offering to buy this place. I told him to get lost.”

Chance’s face had taken on a hard slant, his jaw fixed, his hazel eyes narrowed. “You think he’s heard of your father’s death?”

“I don’t know, but if he has and he’s hoping to catch us when we’re vulnerable, that makes him worse than pond scum.”

Chance pushed up the sleeves of the black shirt he wore. “Leave this to me.”

“I can handle—” Maya started, but he’d already gone, storming out of the front door of the diner, causing the little bell above the door to ring. Maya hurried after him.

Chance blocked the other man’s path. “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

“I’m here to speak to Miss Brookes, or even better, her parents.”

“She doesn’t want to speak to you right now.”

The man looked over Chance’s shoulder toward her. “Have you even given the letter to your parents yet, Miss Brookes? I need to know what your father had to say about our generous offer.”

His words felt like a punch in her gut. “My father’s dead.”

Daryl Jacobs was thrown by the news, but only for a fraction of a second. “I’m sorry to hear that, but the offer still stands.”

Chance stepped forward, using his body to press Mr. Jacobs back down the path again. “Leave them alone. They’re a grieving family.”

“Who the hell are you, anyway? I’m allowed to present my offer to the owner of this place, which I assume must now be your mother.”

“My mother is sleeping. She doesn’t need this shit right now.”

Chance moved forward again. “Get off their property, or I’ll have to remove you myself.”

Chance’s eyes flashed yellow, he let out a growl which rumbled low in his chest. Shocked, the other man took two swift steps backward, his feet tangling together, sending him stumbling.

“What the fuck?” he exclaimed.

“I told you to leave them alone,” Chance snarled.

“And you’re going to make me?” He sounded incredulous, as though he couldn’t believe someone had the nerve to stand up to him.

Chance let out another low growl. “Just try me, and we’ll see what happens.”

Daryl Jacobs faltered, half turning back toward his flashy car, before twisting back to Maya. He pointed a finger. “This isn’t over, Miss Brookes. I always get what I want.”

“Not this time, you won’t,” she called back, secretly delighted by the way Chance had seen him off. Chance looked fierce and sexy, all dressed in black, with that mean look on his face. She felt a throb of lust for him and bit her lower lip, holding herself back from jumping him then and there.

They stood and watched the car tear off down the street, the wheels screeching on asphalt.

Maya wound her arms around Chance’s neck. “Thank you.”

He smoldered. “I’m sure you could have handled it yourself, but I couldn’t stand seeing that guy’s smug face.”

She stood on tiptoes and kissed him, pressing her body up against his. “I want to thank you.”

“Maya, are you sure? Now?”

“Let me remember the good stuff about life.”

She took his hand and pulled him down the alley beside the diner. She could have taken him inside, but the waiting staff were all there cleaning up, and she didn’t want to disturb her mother in the house.

She pushed him up against the wall and kissed him. She could feel the length of his erection, already hard. He always seemed to be ready for her. As she kissed him, she pushed her hand down the front of his pants, grasping for his erection. Her fingers met his silky soft skin and his mouth opened in a gasp as she gripped him firmly.

“Ah, fuck, Maya.”

“Shut up. Let me do this for you.”

She didn’t know what had come over her. With her other hand, she popped open the button on his pants, giving them both more space. She dropped to her knees on the hard ground, the short black dress she wore offering no layer of material to cushion her skin, but she didn’t care. She wanted to fill her every thought and sense with him, forget her father’s death and the vulture sniffing around them now. She took his erection in her mouth and swirled her tongue around his head then pushed her lips down his length, sucking him deep. The salty, musky taste of him slicked over her tongue, and she fought against her gag reflex as he hit the back of her throat. His fingers knotted in her hair and he bucked his hips forward, letting out a moan above her. She wanted to do more for him, wanted to drive him wild, a way of saying thank you for him being there for her so much. Cupping his balls in her hand, she sucked him, swirling her tongue and creating friction with her lips. She slipped her fingers farther back, past his balls, and across the smooth skin of his perineum, until she reached his ass.

“Oh, God, Maya.”

She pulled her mouth from his cock, but only for long enough to slip her index finger between her lips, looking up at him the whole time as she did so. Then, when her finger was slicked in her saliva, she took his cock in her mouth again, and repositioned her finger, so the ball of her palm still cupped his balls and her finger pressed against his tight hole. He stepped his feet apart slightly, giving her more room, but not doing or saying anything to make her think he wouldn’t want this.

She pushed her finger higher, penetrating him. He let out a little ‘ah’ or what could have been pleasure, or pain, or most likely a little of both. She felt his cock grow even harder between her lips, and she increased both the pressure and movement. Her digit sought the fleshy pad of his g-spot. She knew the moment she’d hit it, not only from the feel, but from the reaction Chance had as she gently stroked with feather light touches.

He came hard, letting out a cry as he did so, hot cum pulsing into her mouth and across her tongue.