The Wolf’s Forbidden Mate by Layla Silver

Chapter 11 — Waverly

I had spent the day photographing the plushies I had completed for the cat shelter. Each plush had been set inside a basket with silk ribbons tied around their necks in cute bows and cat toys decorating the space around them. I got creative with the miniature photo shoot, allowing my ideas to flow freely as I snapped several dozen pictures to be uploaded to my website. After reviewing the hundreds of photographs I had taken, I picked a few for each one and started uploading them to my shop.

All proceeds will go to the shelter, I wrote in the description section. If you see a darling cat who calls to you, consider adopting them from the Boston shelter. Help make sure they get their own fur-ever homes!

I leaned back in my chair, feeling proud of my work. As I maneuvered through a few more screens, I listened to the silence echoing around me, the dreampop playlist having ended several minutes ago. I hadn’t exactly noticed. I was too hyper-focused on making sure the listings were top notch. My clients expected the best from me. I wanted to exceed their expectations.

Do I exceed expectations with Travis?

The sudden thought threw me through a loop. I froze with my fingers perched over the keys of the keyboard, staring at the colorful letters that glared right back at me. A blurry curtain crossed my vision and I sniffled, turning away from the bright monitor of my laptop to look somewhere else.

If I don’t exceed his expectations, I dared to continue. Then, he’ll leave. Once I stop being useful to him, he’ll turn his gaze elsewhere. That’s how it goes, isn’t it?

A jaded feeling squeezed my heart and caused me to clutch my chest. This was ridiculous. Travis and I were in a business partnership. I was making plushies for his shelter to be sold for the shelter’s benefit. I was helping those darling cats from having to be released back into the wild where it was cold and unforgiving. It wasn’t fair to let them down just because I was feeling an inkling of doubt over a panther shifter.

I pursed my lips thoughtfully as I reviewed the evidence in my head. Travis seemed to like me. In fact, he seemed to be rather attached to me in ways neither of us could have anticipated. But it was just sex. It was just business. He was just a client. Why was I getting worked up over a guy who was really good at sex?

And lots of other things, too.

I sniffled again, wiping my eyes to keep the tears that had formed from daring to fall. There was no reason for me to get worked up over Travis. He was a panther. He was bound to lose interest in me at some point in favor of finding his true mate. It happened with my previous boyfriend. Why wouldn’t it happen with Travis, too?

Though it was hard to realize, I had to accept that I was just one of those women who helped people find their mates. I was the in-between love interest, the one that drew the affection of the right person to the guy I was courting. As soon as the panther women in Travis’s pride noticed he was getting attention—even if they didn’t know it was from me specifically—they would flock to him and his quest for a mate would soon come to an end.

I shrugged my shoulders. I knew it was logical, that it made sense in my head.

So, why the hell did it hurt so much?

***

Packing peanuts spilled from the box and scattered over the floor, causing me to stand upright and place my hands on my hips. The cat plushie I had been packing tipped from the box and bounced on the carpet. I shook my head.

“You have to go,” I told the plushie while bending to lift it from the ground. “You have a new home waiting for you. It’s too late. They already paid for shipping.”

I smiled as I collected the plushie—an orange tabby who matched one of the kittens at Paw Pride Shelter—and nestled him gently into the packing peanuts still left in the box. I added my signature business card along with a photograph of the kitten who this plushie was made after, smiling as I shut the box and taped it with the appropriate packing tape.

A stack of shipping slips were seated nearby, four in total, printed on sticker paper that would survive the elements of being shipped across the country. This little guy was going all the way to Texas. I was happy to send him so far even though I was mildly upset to be sending one of the cutest plushies I had ever created.

I could always create more, I told myself. I still had dozens of plushies to make from here. After making sure the box was ready to go, I set it on the bookshelf near the door. I returned to my desk to pack the next three plushies.

Since being posted in my shop, the plushies were a hit. Most of the items I made were popular because of my dedicated following, but the furry community had hopped on top of this cause like chocolate fudge on an ice cream sundae. Laurene’s originally unwarranted comments about what furries do in their fursuits returned to my mind.

I rolled my eyes. She hardly had room in her heart for understanding. This was no different. I knew our father leaving had a hand in hardening her exterior as well as her interior, but it was no excuse to be willfully ignorant. I pushed those thoughts out of my head in favor of enjoying my task.

The repetitive nature of packing helped put me into a zen-like state. I was so lost in my work that I missed my phone buzzing incessantly on the desk. When I did notice the vibration, I shook myself from my hyper-focus and focused on my phone. A few texts had rolled in from Travis.

Meet me at my place tomorrow?

I bit my lower lip, lifting my phone tentatively to study the other messages.

I have good news. But I want to tell you in person, he wrote.

I took a shaky breath and replied that I would meet him at his home. The draw of him was too strong. Even the idea of being around Travis was enough to make me accept the invitation despite how much my brain opposed the idea.

He found his mate, I thought. That’s what he wants to tell me. That’s it.

Before I could nosedive into an awful thinking session, someone knocked at the door. By the sound of the heart beating on the other side of the wood, I knew it was one of my family members. Maybe Aunt Evangeline was stopping by to check on me. Or Mother. I hadn’t exactly left my room much lately.

Standing on the other side of the door in all her snotty glory was my delightful sister, Laurene. I arched my right eyebrow and studied her carefully, waiting for her to speak. We stood staring each other down for a few minutes, seconds feeling more like hours as they stretched on.

“Well?” she asked expectantly. “Aren’t you going to invite me inside?”

“No.”

She huffed. “Fine. I can do this in the hallway. But if someone overhears us, then it’s entirely your fault.”

Yep, this was classic Laurene. She was baiting me. I knew better than to bite the hook, so I said, “Make it quick. I have orders to fill.”

“I know what you’re doing.”

I blinked. “Okay?”

She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, smirking as she said, “I know you’re helping the enemy pride.”

Though I stiffened at her words, I didn’t let any shock register on my face. I kept my features flat and bored, something that Hailey had taught me to do ages ago. She was the queen of resting bitch faces and I was channeling her skills now with a fierceness that I knew would serve me well later.

Laurene continued, “I’ll rat you out to the alpha if you don’t stop.”

“Is that supposed to be a threat?”

“Yeah, it is a threat. You shouldn’t be mingling with the enemy.”

I rolled my eyes. “You can do whatever you want, Laurene, but I’m not stopping just because you want to blackmail me. Seriously, grow a pair of ovaries.”

Indignation flooded her features. “You conniving little b—!”

I slammed the door in her face and locked it, turning back to my treasured plushies who were still waiting to be packed up and sent off to their respective owners. I sighed as I plucked one of them up, a chubby gray Minx with a sour expression who only made me feel joy even though her face was scrunched up with disapproval.

I should have known that word would get back to my family eventually. And I was fine with that. But I wasn’t fine with Laurene weaponizing the very thing that made me feel like I had a proper place in this world. Losing my father had harmed my ability to cope. Losing Mark destroyed my ability to trust. And losing Hailey had made me feel like I was utterly alone.

If I got even a tiny inkling of serotonin from helping a cat shelter, even if it was for an enemy pride, I was going to keep doing it. It was the right thing to do. I didn’t care about Allegra or her pride of arrogant panthers who sought to practically make slaves of their own men. Travis wasn’t like that. Travis was different.

My phone buzzed again. I was grateful for the interruption, my fingers flying to my phone and accepting the call before I could check who was calling.

“Yeah?”

A gentle but firm voice returned, “Hi, Waverly. It’s Kaia. Do you have time to talk tomorrow evening?”

“Oh, Alpha...I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so rude. I didn’t realize you were calling.”

“Don’t worry about it. Would you mind coming by before dinner if you’re available?”

I played with the collar of my sweater, anxiety creeping under the fabric. “I don’t mind at all. I’m available. I would love to speak with you.”

“Great. I’ll see you then.”

“Thank you, Alpha.”

I disconnected the call, furious flames of embarrassment burning in my cheeks. God, I had to get a hold of myself before I made a massive mistake.

That is, if I haven’t made a massive mistake already.

***

I squirmed nervously on the couch as Kaia, my alpha and leader, sat across from me, her face etched with a hint of authority as well as understanding. She smiled warmly, chasing away any hint that she was angry at me.

That was a temporary relief.

“It’s good to see you settling in so well, Waverly,” she praised as she rested her hands on her knees. “I’m glad to see your family is settling in as well.”

“We feel welcome here.”

She nodded as if that were her primary intention. And, of course, it had been. She was an excellent alpha who kept everyone’s best interests in mind. “That’s precisely why I invited you here, to feel welcome. I also want to remind you that I’m here to protect you.”

“I appreciate that, Alpha.”

Her smile turned slightly concerned. “Your sister brought something to my attention that has me worried about your well-being, so I’ll get right to it. I will not stop you from what you’re doing—helping the panther pride shelter—but I feel obligated to tell you that I fear for your safety.”

I started to speak, but stopped. The ire I felt was for my sister, not my alpha. So, she had done as she had threatened to do: she had ratted me out. But Kaia didn’t seem disappointed or displeased. That put me at ease once more as I collected myself and offered an apologetic smile.

I played with the frayed fabric of my jeans. “I appreciate your concern, Alpha, but I’ll be okay.”

“What are you doing to protect yourself?”

“What do you mean?”

Emotions rattled her serene features for a split second. I wasn’t used to having someone be concerned about me like this. It was Kaia’s job and it would always be her job, but I wasn’t sure if I would ever get used to it. This was something Hailey would have likely done with me. Our alpha back in Florida had been alright, but not as attentive or nearly as concerned as the sweet wolf woman sitting in front of me.

She smiled weakly. “I mean, if you’re helping someone from the enemy pride, what measures are you taking to make sure you’re safe while you do this?”

“Well, I have a bottle of mace in my purse.”

She laughed, some relief slipping into her features. “That’s good.”

“Travis wouldn’t hurt me.”

I covered my mouth, suddenly aware of exactly how those words sounded not only to my alpha, but to myself. What had compelled me to say that?

“Travis,” she repeated. Her eyes flitted to the doorway. I was sure Renly was nearby, but she had shooed him out of the room and warned him not to eavesdrop on our private conversation, though I was sure she would inform Renly later about what I told her. “I feel an overwhelming urge to keep you close, but I don’t want to restrict you, Waverly. That’s not the type of person I am. I want you to make your own decisions.”

I nodded. “I promise I won’t hurt myself.”

But I might hurt my own feelings.

“I’m more concerned about the panthers hurting you.”

I paused as I chewed on my lower lip. I hadn’t exactly considered that, had I? In my blind desire to follow my heart, my ambition had overrode my security. But I didn’t think Travis had told Allegra. And as long as Allegra didn’t find out, then I was perfectly safe. I just couldn’t be seen with Travis.

“I won’t be seen with him,” I stated my thoughts as I stood up. “I promise I’m doing this as discreetly as possible.”

Kaia stood up and rounded the coffee table, wrapping me in a tight hug that I didn’t realize I had been needing until it happened. A rather divine moment unfolded with my heartbeat synchronizing to the precise beat of my alpha’s heart. That was what we needed, wasn’t it? Our packs were our security, our shelter, and our homes. Our alpha knew what we needed without any words needing to be exchanged. That was what made her our alpha. That was what made her so fit to lead.

I embraced her and allowed the warmth to echo throughout my body. It wasn’t exactly like hugging Travis, but it certainly came close, that feeling of home nesting into my heart and reminding me that I had to stay close to my pack, to my alpha. I had to at least listen to her warning me. She cared about me. She wanted me to stay safe.

When she released me, I nearly tripped over my feet to leave. I was heading over to Travis’s home right after leaving Kaia’s place. I didn’t want to be late. I had to talk to Travis, too. His texts swam through my head like a marquee on a screen.

I turned around at the door and thanked my alpha. I waved to Renly who waved back as I swept out the door. I darted to my car, locked myself inside, and shivered. I tugged my jean jacket tighter around my sweater and shuddered as I burrowed into my hands. The tips of my fingers were frozen. Though it wasn’t quite snowing up here yet, it was still rather brisk compared to downtown Boston.

Remembering I had a place to be, I lifted my head and started the car. I carefully maneuvered my vehicle down the mountain toward a road I knew would cut toward the outskirts of Boston. In that direction, I would find Travis’s home. And I would have to face the music.

I was anxious to talk to him. I didn’t regret helping the shelter—that wasn’t something I would ever regret—but I did regret letting him in. I should have focused on the cats, on the plushies, on the things that were important instead of his soft lips, his eager hands, and his dedicated tongue.

I shuddered, but not from the cold. It was pure memory prompting the response. Making love in the staff room had been utterly irresistible, something I couldn’t quite make myself deny. I didn’t regret that either. It was a glorious moment of our bodies joining together, one that had cemented the idea that maybe Travis and I were meant to be.

“Don’t do that to yourself,” I said out loud. “Don’t hurt yourself when you know he’s going to tell you he can’t see you romantically anymore.”

My mind was made up. Regardless of how my heart begged for me to believe that Travis was my mate, I couldn’t do it. I had watched it happen to my mother and I had experienced it for myself, though I was able to get out of the situation before my feelings had really gotten hurt.

Us Morran women, we were quite the little family. And as much as I wanted to believe that love was in store for me as it had been for two of my sisters, I just didn’t think it would stretch that far. Fate could only do so much. Why would I beg her fingers to weave my thread when she was busy working for everyone else?

I hit the corner of the road, skidding slightly as I righted the wheel. The headlights illuminated the road ahead that was clouding up quickly with fog. I turned the heat on low and adjusted the vents for the windshield. I had to make sure I kept my vision clear. I couldn’t get distracted again.

By the look of the area, I was getting close to Travis’s home. The trees lining the side of the road thickened, branches curling menacingly overhead with underbrush lining the spaces between tree trunks. It looked ominous out here, almost downright frightening. As I took a sharp corner, I slowed my vehicle, being sure to hug my side of the curb to avoid any oncoming traffic.

The headlights that swarmed my vision overwhelmed the windshield and blinded me. I squealed as I turned the wheel sharply to the left, careening toward the line of trees on the opposite side of the road. I bounced between two trunks, slapped through a series of bushes, and went airborne as the tires skittered up and over a fallen set of branches. When the nose of the car landed, it was directly into a tree.

And I promptly blacked out.