New Age Werewolf Series Book 2: Hunter's Daughter, Alpha's Mate

Part 50: Pit Stop

"Great, we got here first."

I looked up at Kyros. He peeked through the window to see if anyone was there. "Not for long."

"Oh yeah, you worked here."

"You got me this job, didn't you?" I felt angry. He left me alone but he wasn't far. "You thought--" I was cut off by his kiss, and then he rubbed his nose against mine.

"I referred you," He whispered. "you got the job. Many creatures out there-in the book your father gave you-would love to get their hands or claws on an alpha's mate. Darling, it would have brought me to my knees--" He kissed  my forehead. "I wanted to give you time to breathe--"

"Till you got jealous." I watched his eyes darken and I wished I hadn't said it.

"You are my mate," his whisper was now part growl. "Be glad I was understanding. I could have killed him."

I gasped. "For just--"

"Touching you?" He caressed my cheek and smiled at me, his eyes rooting me to the spot. In that moment, I saw the wolf in him so easily. "You bet your ass."

Suddenly I didn't want these two to meet. 

"He is safe from me, love. I have claimed you--" He chuckled at my gasp of outrage. "and that is that." When I crossed my arms, he opened them. "Have a little pity on me, worrying about you, chasing you across the country driven by the scent of your pillow and sheets--"

I couldn't believe it. He sounded lovesick.

"I was," he smiled down at me, hearing my thoughts. "I still am, will always be--"

Suddenly the sound of footsteps interrupted us. I could see Mama Cass coming to the door. Recognizing us, she smiled and opened the door. "Kyros!"

"Cass!" 

She stretched out her arms, and Kyros ran into them. "Are you losing weight?"

"I did, a little," Kyros admitted.

"What happened?"

He smiled at me. "She drove me crazy. I admit there are days I didn't eat."

"Ah, you two!  Well, glad you're together now," She pulled me into her embrace, then looked at me. "Now you will thrive. Come to the kitchen!"

He gave me a look that was almost boyish.  See why I love her?

Cass was one of the most beautiful people I'd ever met, so I couldn't help but agree.

The kitchen was warm with the smells of fresh baked bread and butter, and a bit of meat.

"I have roasted turkey, fresh bread and cheese in one, and fruit and nuts in the other." She gave us thermal lunch sacks. "This should keep them fresh and insulated."

"You're a true child of the Goddess, Cass." Kyros kissed her forehead. "How's Ben doing in college?"

"Very well, though he kept wondering where the money is coming from till--"

As if he heard his name, Ben appeared. "Grandma, what are you doing up--" He froze. He saw Kyros, and his eyes widened. He did a half bow. 

"Ben, is it?" Kyros stepped to him, effectively standing between us at the same time. "I'm Kyros Kincaid--"

"I know," Ben managed to lock eyes with me for a second, and then looked up at Kyros. "My grandmother told me about you...she said it was time."

Kyros took my hand pulled me to his side. "Good things I hope?"

"Yes," Ben nodded, respectfully lowering his gaze. "Thank you for all your help over the years."

"We'd better open the store, Ben," Cassie said gently. 

Ben nodded. "Nice meeting you." He and I locked eyes again, and he went out.

"He is next in line for the store, I had to tell him," Cass said apologetically to Kyros. "and when he was ready to search for you, Leilani--I felt I had no choice." She smiled sadly. "He really had feelings for you, even before he worked up the courage to ask you out."

"I'd say he still does," Kyros frowned. 

"Can we go now?" I asked. "I don't want to cause him any pain. He's a really good person, and he deserves..."

"Someone special," Kyros's look softened, looking at me and giving my hand a squeeze. "I thank the Goddess for you every moonrise, you have to know that." His gaze turned to Cass. "Thank you, and we were never here."

Cass nodded solemnly, and we headed out.