Clover
Dreams of hot sex filled Clover’s mind but when she woke up, reality set in. Patrick still clung to her side and the smell of bacon filled her nose. Patrick’s head bounced up and he looked right at Clover.
“Bacon.” A smile brightened his face for the first time which totally warmed Clover’s heart.
“Should we go check it out?” Before Clover finished her question, Patrick jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. Clover pushed some of her hair out of her face and winced. Her curls were a mess and she didn’t have anything to hold them back. She tried to tame the puff ball on her head before inching toward the noise.
“Dang it, Patrick. You need to wait,” Ash growled low.
“But I’m hungry now,” he whimpered back.
“I know. I could hear your tummy rumbling from the other room, but it’s not done. Go sit at the table and wait.” Ash’s voice carried through the hall and Clover turned the corner to find Patrick with his arms folded and head down.
“What about some cartoons while we wait?” Clover jumped in trying to help him out. Taking care of kids wasn’t an easy task but she had enough experience to help Ash adjust with Patrick.
“I only have Netflix and basic cable.” Ash shook his head.
“Wonderful, Netflix has kid shows.” Clover smiled and grabbed Patrick, she was completely aware of her body and where Ash stood. She had no idea why her body craved him but she needed to stay firm. Even if all her naughty dreams told her to leap, her brain had the control now. Better get to know him before I even cross the bridge.
Patrick bounced on the couch while Clover turned on the TV.
“I want…” Patrick scanned the screen and pointed toward some bear and little girl show. “That one.”
“Sounds good.” She clicked on the show and in seconds the little pup giggled at the girl on the screen.
“Clover, where’s Mommy?” Patrick rocked from side to side on the couch, but his eyes stayed glued to the show.
“Umm…” Clover licked her lips. “Well…” She had no freaking clue how to answer the little guy’s question. To just say she’s dead seemed too harsh for such little ears.
“She’s with Grandpa Flick and Grandma Joanne,” Ash answered as he rounded the counter to put plates on the table.
“And Daddy?” Patrick turned toward Ash with sad eyes.
“With Mommy and Grandpa Flick and Grandma Joanne.” Ash nodded. He repeated the names and he stopped bouncing.
“But I want them here.” He stomped his foot on the couch.
“I know, buddy. We all wish they were back and you could be at your house.” Ash shrugged and walked into the kitchen then brought food back to the table. Well, I guess it’s a start. Clover bit her tongue trying not to add to what Ash said.
“Do I live here now?” Patrick rubbed the leather couch. Clover grabbed his hand and he met her gaze for a few moments before looking up at Ash.
“Yep. I’ll protect you now.” Ash gave him a tight smile and Clover wanted to know what he was thinking. He set some food on the table and Patrick let go of her hand. “Now get over here and eat.”
Patrick jumped off the couch and ran for the table while Clover followed close behind.
“Thank you for the save.” She might have said the wrong words and made it worse, which was the one thing she didn’t want.
“Don’t worry about it.” Ash nodded but didn’t meet her gaze. Clover took her seat next to Patrick and they ate in silence. Only the sounds from the TV show filled the house while Clover kept glancing at Ash.
She chewed on a piece of egg and forced it down. “When do you think I’ll be in the clear to go home?” she asked.
“Alpha said a week, then we can talk about it. If the hunters don’t think you have Patrick, then they should leave you alone.” Ash took his plate to the sink and sighed.
“What about my job?”
“Call in sick. I don’t have time to follow your ass everywhere. I need to find these fucking hunters.” Ash sat back down and turned toward Patrick. “I’m getting Patrick’s stuff today. If you leave me your key, I’ll grab some of your stuff for the week.”
“I can do it myself.” Clover really didn’t want him going through her stuff. She didn’t have secrets but the whole place was a big freaking mess.
“No, I need you to stay here with Patrick. They will try to get him again.” He pointed at the pup who tried to make himself look smaller.
“They’re gonna get me?” Patrick’s eyes widened with fear.
“No, honey. Remember, Ash is strong and protective. He’ll keep you safe.” Clover rubbed his chubby hand but it did nothing to calm him down. His legs bounced against the table.
“But he said…” Patrick looked toward Ash then back at Clover.
“He didn’t mean it. Finish your bacon.” Clover smiled trying to calm the little guy. He shoved half of the slice of bacon in his mouth. She felt Ash’s eyes on her, but she didn’t look up. What is it about this guy that has me all messed up? She peeked at his face to find him still staring. Heat crept up her face.
Instead of thinking about what he wanted from her, she returned her thoughts to the pup and how she could help keep him safe. With a sigh, she reached for her purse and snatched out the keys.
“Thank you for breakfast. Here are my keys.” Clover pulled up the key to her home and flashed it to Ash then set the key on the table. He gave a short nod before she stood to put her plate in the sink. Patrick jumped down and shifted into his wolf form, leaving a pile of shredded clothes on the ground. She’d seen Tara shift dozens of times but seeing a younger pup shift had a hint of magic to it.
“Patrick, those weren’t your clothes.” Ash shook his head. Patrick bowed his head and whimpered. Hints of anger flared through her body as she moved the chair to get closer to the little wolf.
“It’s okay. I can get some new ones.” She grabbed the fabric and rubbed Patrick’s head. “Go watch your show.” Clover winked, and Patrick ran for the couch.
“Don’t scratch up my couch,” Ash warned, and Patrick slowed his pace.
“You could calm down just a little bit. He’s only three.” She pointed at him but he glared back without flinching.
“Three and a half.”
“Wow, half a year. Do you expect him to tie his shoes and start school now? I mean, hey, if he’s almost four then that’s close enough to five so might as well round up.” Clover shook her head and walked away from Ash.
“Look, I don’t know how…” Ash scratched the back of his head.
“What? To talk to women?” Clover turned to face him while she raised an eyebrow. He froze and a smirk lifted his lips.
“Very funny. I know how to talk to women.” Ash shook his head and heat filled his gaze for a moment.
“Look, I’m a big girl and I can get over whatever you say. However, he’ll probably remember everything. Just think about it, especially when it comes to curse words.” Clover didn’t want to reprimand a grown man, but he seemed to be completely lost on how to interact with Patrick. He only partially managed to say the right thing about his parents’ death but ended it terribly by verbally saying he wished the kid gone.
“I’m new to having children in my home.” He paused. “I don’t usually ask for help.” Pleading replaced the heat in his gaze.
“Is this your way of asking without actually asking?” Clover giggled while Ash stiffened. “This seems like an alpha mentality problem. Never admitting defeat or that you could be wrong.”
“I’m a strong wolf, admitting defeat shows my enemies weakness.” He puffed out his chest like he was about to win a medal for his words. She set the plates in the sink and adjusted her grip on the shredded fabric.
“Am I your enemy?” Clover folded her arms under her chest and his eyes bounced toward her tits. Maybe he likes what he sees. She wanted to smile but didn’t say anything. Wait, no I’m supposed to keep my distance from him, she reminded herself.
“No.” He snatched up Clover’s keys and walked out. The door clicked closed and the locks slid into place.
Clover sighed and covered her face with the fabric. “I think the universe took my request for excitement too literally. Oh goodness, what am I going to do with an alpha-type werewolf?”