Clover
Clover tried her best to focus on making dinner, but her mind kept moving back to Ash and his freaking half naked body. She stirred the pasta and took in a shaky breath. Her other hand adjusted her cotton shirt, trying to give herself something to do.
“Do you need help?” Ash asked from behind Clover. She gripped the spoon tighter than normal. The sudden urge to shove her hands through his brown hair pulsed through her body. He moved to the left side and she caught his eyes watching her small movements.
“Oh um, no, I think I’m okay.” She swallowed hard as images of what he might look like completely naked filled her mind. A smirk covered Ash’s lips. Crap, he can smell my arousal. Clover turned back to the stove but when Ash wrapped his hands around her waist, the food stopped mattering.
“You smell good.” His lips were close to her ear. Her core clenched with need while heat flooded her body.
“There might be a problem in a few days.” She licked her lower lip.
“And that problem would be?” He rumbled into her, his hot breath made it hard to focus on her words.
“According to Tara, I’m about to experience my first heat, but I don’t know if she’s right.” She placed the spoon onto the counter and grabbed the spatula to stir the hamburger.
“Do you want more kids?” He sniffed her neck making her hyperaware of the warmth pulsing from his body.
“More?” Clover turned in his arms and Patrick caught her attention in the living room. “Oh, right.” Clover hadn’t put a lot of thought into Patrick being hers. She had already connected with him, it didn’t really register that something could change their bond.
“You didn’t answer my question.” He raised his brow while his eyes seemed to study her.
“I don’t know. It seems pretty fast. Would you even be ready for another kid running around this house? It seems like you’re struggling with Patrick.” She motioned toward his pants and noticed his hard-on through the jeans. Hot damn, he’s freaking big.
“Well, I’ve spent a day with Patrick so I’m still adjusting, but with a new pup I would have nine months to get ready.” He pushed a few curls behind her ear.
“Yes, but they’re way more work.” Clover stirred the pasta again trying not to let them get all sticky. She also hated wasting food because of her mistakes. When she turned back to Ash, he leaned in closer.
“I’ve dealt with babies, Clover.” Ash kissed her. Oh, my heavens he tastes good. She grabbed his hair keeping him close to her.
“Ash, I’m hungry.” Patrick’s voice grew closer and Ash pulled away before the pup entered the kitchen.
“Clover’s making dinner. It should be ready soon.” Ash smiled at Clover before walking away with Patrick. She fanned herself then returned her focus on the sauce and strained the noodles. When she moved the pasta to the pot and mixed the sauce in, she caught a sideways glance of Ash strolling in.
“So, you didn’t answer my question.” Ash opened the fridge while he met Clover’s gaze. Am I ready for more kids? She reminded herself of his question.
“I do want more kids, but I don’t know if now is a good time.” She wiggled the pan in her hand to get the last of the sauce mixture into the pot.
“From what I remember my sister-in-law says, you’ll never be fully ready to have a kid. But we can talk about this more after dinner.” Ash winked and walked away with a cup for Patrick. Clover stared at his ass as he left then forced herself to look back at the dinner she was cooking.
She wanted Ash to be hers, he may not be the alpha of Denver but he had enough alpha tendencies to protect her. Patrick had grown on her so fast in the last day she couldn’t really imagine her life without his cute chubby fingers clinging to her when he was scared.
“Clover.” Patrick’s little voice brought her back from her thoughts.
“Yes, sweetheart.” She bent down and switched off the heat to the stove.
“Is my mommy and daddy coming back?” Patrick’s brown eyes held so much sadness it broke her heart. Clover pushed back some of his hair from his face and rubbed his cheek.
“Remember how Ash said they were with Grandpa and Grandma?” She swallowed hard hating how the little guy was going through hell all because of the freaking evil hunters.
“Yes.” He nodded, and tears fell down his face. “I want them to come back.” His sniffed and she pulled him into her lap. She pressed her back into the stove and he wiggled in her arms.
“I have a feeling they’re watching over you right now and they will always be with you.” Clover pressed her finger gently into his chest. “Right there. They will always be in your heart.”
“Mommy always gave the best hugs. And I miss Daddy’s voices at bedtime.” Patrick bowed his chin to his chest.
“Well…” Clover pulled him tight against her chest and he sniffled. “I may not be as good as your mom, but I’ll do my best on the hugs.”
Patrick kept crying into her shoulder as she wiggled up to her feet. She hated the sadness rolling off the young boy and loathed the hunters for killing his parents. Even if it brought Patrick into her life, she would rather have his mother and father alive.
“What’s going on?” Ash strolled into the kitchen and Patrick tried to bury himself more into her chest. She rubbed his back to bring him comfort.
“He’s sad. Can you grab the pot of food and bring it to the table?” She adjusted Patrick in her arms before walking away. Ash followed seconds later, he mouthed, ‘Is it me?’ and Clover shook her head.
“Come on, sweetheart. It’s time to eat.” Clover kissed his head and tried to put him in the chair. His chubby hand held on tight, refusing to let go. “If I hold you, you have to eat.” She looked down and he nodded quickly. With very little grace, she wiggled into her seat and adjusted Patrick on her lap. Clover pulled Patrick’s bowl closer.
“What’s going on?” Ash barked out his question making Patrick jump on her lap.
“He misses his mother,” Clover snapped back. All of Ash’s anger drained from his face. “If you would be so kind as to dish up his and mine.”
“I’m sorry, Patrick. I didn’t mean to scare you. I thought…” Ash shook his head and worked on putting food in the bowls. He sat down once everyone had their food.
“Come on. Take a bite.” Clover offered him the fork. Very slowly he ate while Clover picked at her own meal. She lifted her gaze to find Ash staring at her.
“I’m sorry.” His pleading eyes broke her down. She didn’t want to be mad at him, but he needed to work on his angry outbursts.
“You still have your parents. You need to be aware of his pain before you jump to anger.” She took a small bite of the pasta.
“I know. I thought I did something to make him cry.” He shoved his hand through his hair.
“I would’ve told you once he started eating. I’m not trying to keep secrets, Ash.” She tipped her head to the side and studied him for a moment. Should I rush into being his mate? The thought rolled around her mind. She really didn’t know the strong wolf sitting across from her.
“Secrets create unnecessary problems. Plus, my siblings liked to remind me I have a short temper some days.” He adjusted in his seat and took a large bite from his bowl. “This is good by the way.”
“Thank you. And you should start working on trying to be calmer.” Clover raised her brow and they continued to eat in silence. Patrick finished his last bite and placed his fork down.
“Are you reading my bedtime story?” Patrick lifted his gaze to Clover who chuckled at the memory of the last bedtime story she told her nephew.
“I don’t know. My different voices are terrible. I think Ash might be better at it.” Clover lifted her gaze to Ash. When Patrick fell asleep they would be alone for the first time giving them the best chance to complete the bond.
Her body said mate, but her mind wanted to wait.