A Second Chance (Fated Mate) (8 page)

Chapter 10

Katie was walking to the parking lot, before she realized that Conner’s vehicle had been in the accident too. “Whose car are we taking, since yours is out of service now too?” Katie inquired.

“
Tinker towed the Camaro to the shop. It’s got a lot of damage, and I’m still waiting to see if it’s a total loss. He was kind enough to bring me one of my other cars so I’d be able to get us home.” He walked up to the passenger side of a new white Dodge Challenger and opened the door for her. The vehicle was beautiful, pure white, not a speck of dust, with black rims and black leather interior; decadent.

Conner watched as
Katie ran her fingertips along the exterior of the cars body, mouth open, clearly liking what she saw. “Is this your car?”

He smirked,
“Well I didn’t go out and steal a car while my pregnant mate was in the hospital if that’s what you’re asking.” He saw her look of irritation and followed with, “I have a key, see.” Holding up the key he said, “It’s mine. I bought it a few months ago as a present to myself. Isn’t she pretty?”

Katie
loved this car so she said, “Maybe I should drive this time. Last time I sat next to you in a car, I ended up here strapped to a board.” She was smiling extra wide.

Conner knew she was joking but the truth hurt.
“I’ll make you a deal. I drive this time, and when you’re feeling better, and you’re safe,

I
’ll give you this car.” He held out what appeared to be a spare set of keys.

Katie
’s eyes went wide and she looked thoughtful for a moment, before shaking her head and saying, “I don’t want your car Conner.”

“
What do you want from me Katie?”

She slipped into the car and replied,
“I guess that’s the question of the month. I’ll let you know when I figure it out,” As she closed the door in his face.

He was stunned; they were getting along just fine, and then…wham.
He did something wrong but, for the life of him, he couldn’t figure out what it was. She sure didn’t accept gifts with grace. A thank you would have been nice.

How dare he try to bribe me with a car!
She didn’t want his damn pity. Granted she didn’t know what she wanted but, she was damn sure she didn’t want a sugar daddy. Plus, in eight months she was going to have to get a mini-van for her litter. She snickered to herself.

Thinking along those lines was depressing.
She was in need of a job, a house, a nanny, and car in the next eight months. She was pretty sure Conner wasn’t filthy rich. She looked out the window at the road they were on; did all werewolves live in the forest?

“
Can we talk about why you’re upset? What did I do wrong?”

“
I don’t need your pity Mr. Matthews. I can provide for myself, like I always have.”

“
Is that all? It’s not pity I’m giving you. I know that you can provide for yourself. And I’m damn proud you’re so independent, but I’d like to feel a part of this relationship too.”

“
Relationship? Yeah right. Do you mean we can be fuck buddies and you’ll pay me in cars?” She knew she was being unreasonable, but she felt bad and she wanted him to feel bad too. After all, it was his ‘skills’ and lies that got her pregnant in the first place. She hated liars.

Conner was trying really hard not to get his hackles up, but
Katie was pushing him. On purpose, and he wasn’t sure how much more he could stand. “I understand you’ve had a tough week, but I’m not the bad guy. I’ve tried, time and again, to support you and give you what you need. I don’t deserve your attitude. Just tell me what you want.”

“
I don’t want anything Conner. Just leave me alone.” She knew she was being bitchy, but too much had happened in the last week and she was exhausted.

What could he say to that?
They drove in silence for another fifteen minutes, before pulling into the driveway. He pushed the button to open the garage door, drove in, and closed the doors. Turning off the car he took the keys, opened his door, slammed it closed and went into his house.

Katie
couldn’t believe it. She took her phone from her pocket and dialed Shana, “Why didn’t you tell me his house was huge? What the hell is going on? Is everyone rich in this damn town?”

“
Calm down Katie. Trevor told me to mention it to you but I forgot. In all fairness, I was thinking about your safety at the time. Conner’s father is the Alpha of the Australia pack, and is extremely wealthy, but what you are looking at is all Conner. He’s made his own fortune.”

“
Why does he need such a big house? He’s only one guy.” Why was this upsetting her so much? She had her own money, and had no intention of mooching off of him.

Snickering
Shana answered, “When I first saw his house, I asked the same question. And he told me he had built the perfect home for his future family. He said everything he had done would be to ensure that if he ever found his mate, that they would have a safe and happy place to raise their cubs. It sounded so sweet but at the time he looked so, lonely.” Shana sighed, “Is he there? Where are you?”

“
Ugh, I kinda freaked out on him again when I saw his house, and he locked me in the garage.”

“
Do you want me to pick you up? What do you mean lock?” Shana sounded worried for her.

“
It’s not what you think. I pissed him off so he closed the garage door for safety, but the only place to go is in the house and I’m…scared. He’s a great guy, but for some reason he makes me feel inadequate. I don’t want his pity. I’ve always been independent, and I don’t want him to think I need him.”

“
It’s not bad to need people, Katie. But I’m sure Conner wants to be wanted, not just needed. Understand?”

Shit, I
’m such a bitch.
Conner had offered everything, and she had rejected him again. It’s not that she didn’t want to be in a relationship, she just wasn’t good at it. “I better go face the music. Talk to you later.”

“
Call me if you need to talk, or want to come back. I’ll always be here for you, and for Conner.” Katie heard the phone disconnect. Shana loved them both and Katie felt awful putting her in the middle, again.

Katie
sat in the car a moment to collect her thoughts when the door to the house opened, in the doorway stood a tall pudgy blond woman in her fifties. She looked motherly as she strode confidently out to the car. She pulled open the door with a bit of force and leaned into the car, “Will you be coming along then dearie? I’ve been waiting to meet you for some time now. Conner has talked of nothing else for the past month. I have been preparing the house for you since I got Conner’s call last month.” Turning a frown on Katie, “It took you long enough to get here, Dear? Are you well, because you’re looking a bit peaky, do you require some tea? Look at me blabbering on. I’m sorry but I’m so excited to finally be meeting you, Ms. Ward.”

What the hell?
Now Katie knew she was thrust into the twilight zone. Who was this woman? Oh God, she hoped it wasn’t Conner’s mother. What should she say, ‘Hi ma’am I’m Katie, Conner’s friend and baby mama. Your son is so nice, but I’ve pushed him away and put him down at every possible moment. Nice to meet you.’

Katie
was dragged through the door, and into the most gorgeous kitchen she had ever seen; stainless steel appliances, a lovely tan granite countertop with cherry wood cabinets. There was a large island in the middle of the kitchen. But when she searched she couldn’t find Conner.

“
Hello ma’am I’m Katie Ward, nice to meet you.” She held out her hand to shake but the older woman pulled her into a hug.

“
Oh, you smell like apricots. Did you know that? And something more…” She came at Katie again to sniff but Katie held up her hand and halted her forward progress.

“
Have you, by chance seen Conner?”

“
Yes, Ms. Ward, he came in and let me know you had arrived. He requested I greet you, and give you a tour. I’m Mrs. Gracie Quinn, by the way, but you can simply call me Quinn. That’s what Conner calls me, and I’d be delighted if you would too.”

“
Thank you, and please call me Katie. Would you please show me to Conner?” She’d really like to apologize for her behavior. He was so calm, and unfortunately, she was not; which made her push to make him un-calm.

“
I’m sorry missus but he requested to be left alone in his gym. He asked not to be disturbed.” She really did look remorseful.

“
That’s okay, I’m sure I can find him on my own. Thank you for your help thus far.” She began to walk away when Quinn reached out to touch her shoulder.

“
He really doesn’t want to be disturbed. He is a very calm and relaxed man, but this last month he’s been stressed. And I hate to say it, but when you arrived he smelled of…pain.”

“
We were in a car accident and I don’t think I even asked him if he was okay. I’m such a dolt. Please take me to him.” She felt miserable. Here was a great guy that wanted a life with her and she was being selfish and childish.

“
No, no, Dearie. You misunderstand. He was not physically harmed, his sorrow was emotional. He needs to be alone to collect himself.”

Great now she had guilt.
She knew she was being unreasonable and wanted to fix it right away, but it wasn’t fair. They both needed time.

“
You’re right. This is obviously the kitchen and must be where the tour begins. What’s next? This looks to be a fairly large home.” She was mildly irritated. Conner should be the one to give her a tour but she had apparently pushed him too far.

“
Correct, this home is very large. Conner chose this bit of land that borders Alpha house, to be the location of his home. He had it built and oversaw the construction himself. He was so hoping to find you.” She beamed at Katie like she was their salvation.

“
Uh, so…will you please show me your home?”

“
Oh, yes. I’m so sorry I keep jabbering on.” As Mrs. Quinn turned to leave she picked up a piece of luggage. “Shana and Jake had your things brought, not a lot of stuff if you ask me.”

“
I know. My home burned down a few days ago. I’m sorry, that’s all I have.” She took the luggage from the older woman. She was left feeling inadequate again. Not good enough for this man.

Quinn
suddenly looked thoughtful, “Well, we’re just going to have to remedy that. Conner mentioned that you shouldn’t leave because it was dangerous, but we can do the online shopping. I’ve heard it’s quite popular, and have even done it myself a few times.”

“
That won’t be necessary. I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying, or where I’ll end up.”

Katie
and Quinn stared at each other, not saying a word. Quinn suddenly leaned forward and inhaled what Katie knew to be her scent.

“
So, you’d take away his children then? Not the kind of mate we were expecting for him but…”

“
Ya know what? I’m sick of you people making me feel like I’m a bitch, and not good enough for him. You don’t even know me. You don’t know what happened, and the circumstances regarding our ‘so called mating.’ Maybe I’ll just leave. I no longer want, or need your help.” She turned on her heels and went to the front door. She attempted to pull it open but it wouldn’t budge. She tugged and pulled and twisted but the door wouldn’t open.

Defeated she turned a nasty look to
Mrs. Quinn who was giggling, “I’ll just find my own room.” Shoulders slumped she began a retreat down the hall.

“
You do that, Dearie.”

“
I’m not your Dearie anything. I’m quite positive I’m not very fond of you.”

“
I’ll grow on you. Especially, since I’ll be helping to raise your pups.”

Katie
turned and gave the older woman a slight tilt of the lips that could never have been mistaken as a smile, and continued down the hall. She had no idea where she was going, but she had to get away from this lady.

She went all the way to the end of the hall passing many open inviting doors.
She was looking for the master bedroom, so that she could place her belongings in a different room. At the end of the hall was the biggest room, with a sitting room and a fireplace. She backed out of the room deciding that was the master suite, and went two doors down. To the room she had named the blue room. It had walls the color of Conner’s eyes, and the most comfortable looking queen bed, with an attached bathroom. She was so tired and the room smelled so good, comforting. She put her bag on a chair in the corner of the room, and fully clothed, she climbed into bed.

Chapter 11

Conner beat the punching bag in his gym until his knuckles were bloody. He’d already run on the treadmill and done his usual work out. He was feeling much calmer, but he wasn’t sure how Katie was going to react to him leaving her with Quinn to show around. Mrs. Quinn was a wonderful lady, but she could be direct and inadvertently hurtful. It was that thought that had him grab a towel and head up to his room.

He passed
Quinn who was in the kitchen preparing the evening meal, “Did Katie get settled in?”

“
Uh hum.” She didn’t even turn to look at him, just kept mashing potatoes.

“
What are we having tonight?” He could sense that something was off about Quinn, but he didn’t want to know, one problem at a time.

“
Tri tip with mashed potatoes and a salad. Be down with your lady friend in ten minutes. The table will be set then.” She turned and saw him, “Go on, you better shower fast.”

Uh oh.
Maybe things didn’t go well with Katie. Quinn was not calling Katie ‘mate’ like usual, but lady friend. He turned and walked to his room, he’d ask Katie about it.

When he turned the corner into his room, he immediately smelled apricots.
Katie was in his bed, snoring. He had a sudden vision of them naked in the bed, entwined in each other’s arms, and the sheets, sweat glistening on her body while she rode him like a cowgirl.

He looked down at his cock, which was straining in the workout shorts.
Maybe a cold shower would be better. He’d let her sleep until dinner.

Katie
heard the shower turn on. Of all the bathrooms in this house someone had to invade hers. She woke up and stretched, pushing the covers to the side, and walking briskly to the bathroom. Now that she was up, she had to go-bad. The bathroom door was open so she yelled in, “Hello, someone there?”

A moment of silence, then Conner
’s voice, “It’s me. I’ll be out in a moment.”

Yum,
Katie loved the sound of his voice. She began to picture him naked in the shower, water gliding down his chest and into the small patch of hair at the juncture of his thighs.
Wait, no. No more thoughts of naked wet Conner. Bad libido.

“
Um, I really need to pee. Do you think you could close your eyes? I would go to another bathroom, but I don’t know where another one is and the ice tea from lunch is calling.”

“
Sure you can come in, but didn’t you look around the house? Quinn was supposed to show you around.” He sounded troubled.

She went into the bathroom and tried not to look, but couldn
’t help it. She took a peek and saw his distorted form in the shower, and even with the frosted glass she could make out his erection. “Some workout I guess.”

“
Hey, if I can’t look, you can’t either. And what do you expect when I find the woman of my dreams sleeping in my bed.”

She had just started to pee when his words stopped her and halted the flow of urine for a moment.
“What do you mean your room? The master bedroom is down the hall.” She resumed peeing.

He chuckled,
“Yes, I know. I
did
design this house. I didn’t want to stay in the master bedroom until I found my mate, and then I figured we could move in together.” He sounded embarrassed.

There
Katie was, sitting in the bathroom, on the toilet when she fell in love. This man was amazing. He was so giving and gentle, passionate and supportive. Quinn was right, she didn’t deserve him.

Still sitting on the toilet pondering her situation, when the shower stall was suddenly flung open.
Conner looked at her and sniffed the air. She tried to cover herself but his powerful arms surrounded her. She was lifted up as he pressed an enthusiastic kiss to her open lips. His wet naked body squeezed her tight while backing her up, and brought her into the open shower, fully clothed.

Katie
gasped at the cold water and pulled away from Conner, “What the hell, that’s freezing.”

He turned and fumbled with the showers controls.
She was shivering from the cold, when Conner put her under the warm spray and started to remove her clothes.

“
Conner, what are you doing? And why in God’s name did you pull me into the shower?” She was trying to sound stern, but with every kiss and lick and touch from him she was becoming aroused.

“
You love me. Don’t deny it. If you don’t believe it, fine, but let me have this for a little while.” He bent down and pulled her leg up onto the ledge. He was eye level with her sex, it made her briefly uncomfortable. Until he ran his finger over her slit, and inserted a finger into her tight channel. She gasped as he said, “you’re wet for me?”

She looked at him with impatient eyes,
“We’re in the shower, duh, water is wet.”

Conner inserted another finger into her, causing a mewling sound to escape her.
He pumped his fingers into her and ran the pad of his thumb over her swollen clit; then he withdrew his affections altogether.

She looked down as he said,
“if it’s just the water I’ll leave you be then.” He stood to open the door.

“
Don’t you dare leave me like this!” He looked back at her challenging.

“
Alright, I’m sorry for being facetious. I am extremely turned on, and I would appreciate it if we could make this an erotic shower.” She chuckled, “Ya know, create our own steam.”

“
I live to serve,” the words were barely out before his fingers were plunging into her again. He had such large fingers and they made her feel so full. His lips met hers while his other hand found her nipple. Alternating, rubbing a calloused finger over her nipple, and kneading her breast.

Conner dropped to the shower floor again, took the hand that was playing with her breast, and lifted her leg back to the ledge.
He quickly put his hand back to her breast to pluck her nipple as he licked her slit. Katie looked down and saw the water dripping into his hair and down his face. For some reason, his face being in her crotch as water was sliding down his body was so flipping hot.

Conner suddenly pulled his hand away from her breast, and slid it down her flat stomach.
He pumped his two fingers into her hitting her G-spot as he opened her pussy lips and looked at her exposed flesh. His gaze turned to her half lidded expression and his tongue came out of his mouth to lick his lips before settling on her clit.

She came so suddenly, and with such force, that Conner had to hold her up.
She howled her release as he picked her up, and as her vaginal walls were still clinching, he wrapped her legs around him and surged into her. He was so close after seeing her come, and feeling her tighten, he knew he wouldn’t last long. He pushed in and out, in and out, trying to create a steady rhythm. After about a minute she shouted his name in another release, and milked the orgasm out of him.

They both stayed connected for long moments in the shower, until the water began to run cold.
He gently set her down, and placed a light kiss on her lips, before washing their combined fluids from her body.

“
And, I’m tired again. Boy, you know how to make a girl feel welcome.”

“
Not just any girl. Would you like to have dinner in bed tonight?”

“
Nope, best to face the music now.”

She was toweling off when he questioned,
“What music?”

Well, crap.
How was she supposed to explain her interaction with Quinn? And what was Quinn to him? She didn’t have to say anything, he knew.

“
Mrs. Quinn was going to show you around, but I’m going to assume that didn’t happen, correct?” At her nod he continued, “She use to live with my family in Australia, and when I decided to move, she wanted to come along. I love Quinn like family, but sometimes she is difficult to get along with; especially if someone is being stubborn.”

Katie
looked at him in the eyes, “Touché.”

“
This thing with us will work itself out. I don’t want you to fret over it, and I’m going to try and take it easy too. Can we just admit that we’re in a relationship, please?”

“
Yes, and I’m supremely sorry about earlier. You’re right I am stubborn, sometimes, and I’ll try harder to make this easier on you.”

“
Let’s get dressed and eat. Quinn has made us a lovely meal.”

* * * * *

They got dressed in relative silence, and as they were moving out of the room Conner took her hand. They walked side by side to the kitchen. There was a sudden faint sound of glass breaking; so low that if Conner wasn’t a shifter he wouldn’t have heard it at all. He increased his pace and as he got to the kitchen door Quinn was already coming through it.

“
Did you hear that?”

“
Hear what?” Was Katie’s immediate reply.

Conner sent
Quinn a look, and continued on to the kitchen. He sat her down at the table and said, “Oops, I forgot my watch, I’ll be right back.”

He turned and walked out of the kitchen, and to the front door to look out the peep hole.
Nothing, so he turned to the window and looked out. On the front stoop was, what appeared to be, a broken bottle but there was something wrapped inside.

“
Really Conner? That was lame. If you want to be a team, it’s your turn to start acting like it. Sometimes, this won’t be perfect, but there should always be honesty.” Katie was surprised her voice didn’t shake while giving her little speech. She followed with, “You should know I hate lies and liars.”

Quinn
scoffed, “Then you should hate yourself, because you’re sure lying to yourself about your feelings for Conner.”

Conner shot
Quinn a reproachful look, and then turned to Katie, “You’re right, I apologize. Would you please just wait here for a moment?” He turned to the wall panel, and entered a code that opened the door.

“
Cool, I want that code…Later.”

Conner bent down and retrieved something off the porch.
He lifted the bundle, closed and locked the door before he unwrapped it.

His face fell, there were pictures of
Katie. Katie in the police department where she worked, smiling at a man standing over her. Another photo of her with her hand on the shoulder of, what appeared to be, the same man; sitting at his desk. The next photo had the man hugging her while laughing. And the last photo was Katie in her pink silk bra and pantie set, talking on the phone in her bedroom at her old house.

Conner was hit with a rage so fierce he crumpled the photos and dropped them to the ground.
He turned his yellowish eyes to Katie before walking to the kitchen, picking up the phone and dialing, without a word. Katie had no idea what had set him off this time. She reached down and picked up the papers.

She looked at the pictures and realized what Conner must be thinking.
He thought she was dating Decker, the man in the photos. Resigned, she dropped the pictures where Conner had left them, and went to collect her things.

While she was walking away
Quinn called to her, “He’s better than you think, Missy.”

Katie
couldn’t even find the gusto to fight. She simply continued to walk to her room, no his room. She’d never fit in with these people.

As she was rolling her luggage down the hall Conner stopped her,
“What do you think you’re doing.”

She turned to him and noticed the rage in his eyes.
She started to explain what the pictures were but instead said, “I called Shana. She’s going to come pick me up. Will you please unlock the door?”

“
I swear I will never understand you as long as I live.” Conner looked even more tense.

“
The photos, you’re upset. I don’t want to fight with you anymore. I don’t have another fight left in me.” She turned to Quinn, “You’re right, he’s too good for me.”

Quinn
replied, “That he is, my Dearie, but not because of why you think.” Quinn walked from the room shaking her head, and muttering to herself.

The doorbell rang, and Conner opened it to a frantic
Shana and a livid Jake. “We brought Paul and Grant. That should be enough to rotate through patrols at night. We’re more than happy to stay during the day, but at one we have to leave and pick up Trevor. Shana was so worried she wouldn’t stay at home.” He cut Shana the evil eye and she winked back.

“
Can I see the pictures?” Shana asked tentatively.

Katie
went over and picked them up, where she had previously dropped them, on the floor. She whispered, “I don’t know what the big deal is, it’s just me and Decker.”

Shana
flipped through the pictures until she looked at the last one and her eyes got wide, “What’s this Katie?”