Clover
Why does he have to be so fucking hot! Clover tried to keep her eyes on Patrick’s sleeping form or the road ahead instead of staring at Ash. Heat licked through her system as a need to have him pulsed after the warmth. Tara had told her stories about the older brother of the second in command. She completely neglected to mention him being sexier than sin. Clover swallowed hard and tried to think of anything un-sexy. She knew from experience when turned on they could freaking scent it. That’s all I need right now.
Ash didn’t seem to be fazed as he turned onto a long driveway leading to a large house. Light spilled out of the windows onto the grass and driveway. “Don’t fuck with the alpha,” Ash warned before parking then climbed out of the truck.
Clover blinked a few times before jumping out. “I’ll grab Patrick, I should be able to keep him asleep.”
“Fine.” Ash nodded and watched her closely as Clover maneuvered the pup into her arms. “Nice.” Ash opened the front door and Clover walked in to find a large man leaning over a woman with long chocolate brown hair.
“Ah, great timing, Ash.” The man looked Clover up and down making her stomach quiver. “I’m Raymand, the alpha of Denver. And you are?”
“Clover Kane. I’m good friends with Tara.” She gave him a short grin and adjusted Patrick as he turned in her arms.
“Ah, Tara is a handful.” Raymand shook his head. “Have a seat and tell me what went down tonight.”
“You’re a natural with keeping him asleep. Cora’s a nightmare to move.” The woman’s gaze became unfocused for a moment. “I’m Maple, by the way.” She smiled and glanced at Patrick.
“Boys seem to be easier to keep asleep. My little sister always fought sleep when we were younger.” Clover sat down, careful to keep Patrick from moving too much. “So tonight, I decided to go on a run when I heard a scream. I didn’t think really. I just ran in to help since the front door was wide open.” Clover swallowed hard as the silver knife flashed through her mind while she spoke. She tried not to think of it but seconds later the dark eyes haunted her thoughts.
“What did you do?” Maple rubbed her arm bringing her some comfort.
“When the mother died I grabbed Patrick and freaking ran. The way the man looked with such disdain toward the kid I knew it wouldn’t be good.”
“What if he was his father?” Raymand raised his eyebrow and Clover made sure not to meet his gaze.
“I saw Dad on the floor near the mother.” Clover glanced at Patrick to make sure he continued to sleep. “Am I in trouble for saving him? I mean they could have taken this little guy or worse, killed him right with his parents. There are sick people out there,” Clover challenged the alpha, not the smartest move on her part but she never had a good filter.
“Why would you be?” Raymand pulled out his phone, not giving Clover a chance to answer as he turned toward Ash. “Did they follow her?”
“I’m not sure. They may have her address, but she lives in an apartment. Too hard to tell for sure.”
“Zac and Regi said they caught your scent with Patrick’s and a floral female scent.” Raymand shoved the phone back in his pocket.
“What does that mean for me?” Clover resisted the urge to bite her lip. Even though she was scared, deep down, the sleeping pup took priority.
“It means you’re not fucking safe,” Raymand growled low, Patrick wiggled in her arms but stayed asleep. “Ash, you’ll need to take custody of Patrick. Clover will stay with you.”
“What?” Clover asked at the same time as Ash. She tried to push down the sadness filling her chest at his outburst. She did the same thing but it still hurt to see a sexy guy not wanting to spend time with her. Such a fucking fool, Clover. I wanted excitement in my life and here I am under guard from a wolf who doesn’t want me. She resisted the urge to grind her teeth.
“You know damn well Patrick will be your responsibility. You’re the only one old enough who’s family related to care for the pup.” The alpha glared at Ash and neither backed down.
“Yes, now I’m a freaking single parent for Patrick but I don’t need to add babysitting duties for a human to my to-do list.” Ash clenched his fists together and Clover held back a wince. “Plus, I’m fucking close to finding these hunters’ pattern.” His thumb and index finger were lifted and only had half an inch between them. Those brown eyes glanced toward Clover and her body instantly warmed in all the wrong places.
“I don’t care. You didn’t get there soon enough and if you take her back, Clover will be dead by morning.” Raymand shook his head. “Like it or not, she’s safer with you.”
“Do I get a say in this?” Clover asked but neither of the guys looked at her. She wanted to scream at Ash about his human comment but kept her focus on the problem at hand. “I mean, I grabbed enough clothes for a day, not a week.”
“It will fly by fast, honey.” Maple rubbed her hand on Clover’s shoulder.
“Then it’s done. Get out of here and get some sleep. I get to visit the fucking morgue tomorrow.” Raymand stormed up the stairs and Maple pinched her lips together.
“I’m sorry, guys. Try to find these bastards soon, Ash, so he can chill out and be happier.” Maple gave Ash a half smile. Clover stood with Patrick still fast asleep. She made sure to steer clear of Ash, she didn’t feel like imprinting with him or even seeing if they were mates. Doesn’t have time for a human, her inner bitch came out reminding her she should just stay clear no matter what.
With a bit of finesse, she managed to keep Patrick asleep when she put him in the car seat again. The drive to Ash’s home was quiet and when they arrived, Clover carried Patrick in while Ash led the way to the spare bedroom.
“I have another spare room, but the bed isn’t made.” Ash scratched the back of his head.
“If you can give me the sheets, I can make it myself. Not a big deal.” Clover set Patrick down and his chubby hand grabbed onto Clover’s shirt.
“Mommy?” His eyes fluttered open to look right at Clover, her heart shattered as he stared with sad eyes.
“Just Clover. Get some sleep, honey.” She kissed his head, but Patrick didn’t let go.
“No…” He kept his grip tight on her shirt and she knew resisting him was futile. Plus, he’d been through enough tonight, to really push the issue.
“I’ll just sleep with him tonight.” Clover glanced at Ash. His eyes stayed on the pup and his shoulders were rigid. For a moment she felt bad for him, not only did Patrick lose his family but he gained a new guardian. A man who didn’t seem to know a damn thing about kids. Babysitting duties for a human. The comment rolled through her mind and she figured giving him space would be for the best.
“Night.” Ash turned and walked away. Clover slipped into the bed with Patrick gripping her top. His white knuckles slowly gained back color as he loosened his grip.
“You’re safe, honey. Ash will keep us safe.” She rubbed his back while he pressed his head into her shoulder.
“Ash is a good fighter.” Patrick nodded which made Clover smile.
“Yes. He’ll protect us. He’s like the alpha, strong and protective.” Clover had a feeling if Ash really wanted his own pack he would be able to lead just a well as Raymand but their friendship seemed to keep him in place.
“Loyal and brave,” Patrick added.
“Go to sleep, honey. We can talk more about strong Ash tomorrow.” Clover kissed his head. The pup’s eyes slid closed and Clover fought to stay awake. With the warm little body next to her, she lost the battle and crashed. When she opened her eyes a few hours later, the light in the room had been turned off. Patrick had twisted around so his back pressed against Clover’s side and a light blanket covered both of them. Sweet Ash should be added to the list. The idea made her smirk. This time she didn’t fight the sleep which came easily with Ash filling her naughty dreams.