I want to begin by saying that it was not with the direct intention of getting laid when I planned tonight. I also want to say that I am taking Suzie somewhere I have never taken someone before. So no repeats.
Now that I’ve said that, my thoughts have fallen in the gutter seeing her dressed up like this. I’m glad dad convinced me to dress up, pointing out I made the reservation at a nice place.
‘We should skip the meal and just eat her.’ Jax suggested.
‘Tempting, so very tempting. But we’ll see where things go. We’ve waited a week. We can and will wait longer if that’s what Suzie needs.’ I sighed.
‘Fair. We don’t want to be on the receiving end of our mate’s fits. We saw how far she made Dillon fly.’ Jax agreed.
“Everything alright over there?” I arched my eyebrow, noticing the nervous way she held her purse.
“Yeah. I’m fine. Don’t worry.” Suzie nodded, smiling as she tried to reassure me.
I’m not buying it. Suzie still seems a little off, but I won’t push. She’ll tell me what’s wrong in her own time.
“So, where are we going?” She asked, shifting the conversation.
“Got a table at Brooklyn Trattoria over in Portland.” I explained.
“Oh, that place is supposed to be good. Mom and dad have gone there on a few date nights.” She nodded.
“Yeah, I’ve heard a few good things about it. My boss Grant had good things to say about it. His wife loves their chicken parm.” I shrugged.
“So, any word about your ex?” Suzie arched an eyebrow.
“Nope. I have my restraining order, and she seems to be following it as I haven’t caught her scent around.” I shrugged.
“That dumb fuck Stan and his merry band of pack morons still hassling you about us?” I countered.
Oh yes, I knew all about those dumb fuckers. It came up the day after the dinner at my house. I dropped her off at school, and Stan glared at me with a few others. When I asked what his problem was, she told me what had happened.
“None. I think me punching Stan so hard he dented the lockers behind him taught him a lesson. And if that wasn’t enough, I am sure my mom verbally ripping them all a new one for trying to interfere in the will of the Goddess was.” Suzie snickered.
“Good. Fuckers need to learn their place.” I snorted.
“Speaking of learning their place. Any news about your grandparents? I know you said you’d talk to Alpha Logan when his schedule allowed.” Suzie probed.
“We had a meeting earlier today. Last minute opening in Alpha Logan’s schedule.” I sighed.
“Well, how did it go?” She questioned.
I know she’s eager to know if my grandfather will be punished. She does not like that old prick, and I don’t blame her. He’s a bastard.
“Well, sat down with Alpha Logan and Luna Aurelia. I told them every detail of what happened at the dinner. I left nothing out.” I began.
“And well, the best I can say is it’s a good thing their younger kid decided to interrupt the meeting. If the little one wasn’t on Luna Aurelia’s lap, they’d both have broken some furniture.” I sighed.
“They were that pissed?” Suzie’s eyebrows raised in surprise.
“Yeah, the Alpha auras were oppressive. Jax was practically whimpering at the intensity, and I was trying to become part of the chair I was in with my neck bare.” I admitted.
It’s not a weakness to submit to an Alpha’s intense aura, let alone to two. The Bloodmoon Alpha and Luna are an intense couple any given day but pissed off, and they are downright terrifying.
“Oh wow. I’ve never really seen Alpha Logan or Luna Aurelia angry. But I can imagine the amount of power they were putting into the air.” Suzie nodded.
“Yeah. Alpha Logan’s eyes turned red, and Luna Aurelia’s were glowing as their wolves tried to come forward. Again lucky the younger heir was there to keep them in control.” I sighed.
“Well, what did they say? What’s going to happen?” Suzie questioned.
“My grandfather was being hauled into the packhouse as I was leaving. My grandmother was not far behind him, confused and upset. I don’t think I’ve seen David and Mikali take more joy in their duties as they force my grandfather to the Alpha office.” I explained.
“Do you know what happened after that?” Suzie prodded.
“Well, I saw the young heir sent out of the office and heard some crashing and growling. I stayed to know the outcome. Grandma looked so sad as she walked out, leaning on David’s arm for support. Alpha Logan was dragging grandfather out by his scruff in the direction of the dungeons.” I sighed.
“Oh, poor Michele. Did she reject him?” She frowned.
“No, she didn’t. I shook my head.
“She couldn’t bring herself to do it. From what Mikali said when he passed her to me to drive home, he warned she may not survive it after so many years as mates.” I sighed.
Suzie’s frown deepened. She doesn’t know my grandmother, but she still is empathetic to her and worries about her health and safety. I appreciate that.
“My grandfather is to spend two weeks in the dungeons. Grandma didn’t speak the whole drive to her house. Just sniffled. Dad is staying with her while grandfather is serving his punishment for mate abuse.” I explained.
“Well, I’m glad Dillon will be held accountable and punished. I’m also glad Hale will get some time with his mother. They will keep each other company.” Suzie nodded.
“Yeah, I honestly think it’s best for them both. Neither should probably be left alone too long, especially grandma. I don’t want her to do anything crazy while temporarily separated from her mate.” I sighed.
“She’ll be okay. Maybe time away from Dillon will open her eyes and give her and her wolf the strength to stand against him.” Suzie smiled, squeezing my thigh.
“Yeah. I can only hope. Thanks for worrying about my grandma.” I smiled.
“Of course, I would worry about her. She’s your grandmother. That makes her my family too.” Suzie smiled, removing her hand as I found a parking spot.
“Well, I still appreciate it. My family has been on our own a lot since mom died. I mean, I think people were kind, though more out of pity at first because dad lost his mate and wolf in one go.” I frowned.
“Then we just sort of got written off. Dad for being wolfless and me for being a dickhead.” I sighed, moving around the jeep to help her out.
“I’m pretty sure your family was the only one that consistently helped and supported us. Like your dad always making sure to get me to school. Or your mom making lunches for me as she’d make for Stephen.” I frowned.
“That is because they care.” Suzie smiled.
“It’s because they were friends with my parents. I can only imagine how they felt about me in those years before I lost my leg.” I shook my head.
“Maybe, but you aren’t that person anymore. And now you’re family.” Suzie sighed, linking her arm with mine as we entered the restaurant.
It was a nice place with soft lighting and warm tone decor. I can certainly see why Maxton and Grant would bring their wives here for dates. It is hitting the mark for being romantic.
“Welcome to Brooklyn Trattoria. Do you have a reservation? If not, the wait for a table for two will be about thirty minutes.” The hostess greeted us with a smile.
“We have a reservation under the name Austin Shelton.” I answered.
“Ah, here we are. Right, this way.” She nodded, taking out two menus before leading us to a booth near the back.
“Oh…” Suzie blinked as we reached the booth.
I’m guessing that the long stem rose in an empty wine bottle and some rose petals on the table surprised her. I smiled, helping her take her jacket off, hanging it up on the hook next to our booth.
“Enjoy your meal.” The hostess smiled, leaving the menus.
“This is nice. No wonder my mom likes it when dad brings her here.” Suzie whispered as she slid into the black leather booth.
“It is a nice place. The rose and petals are a nice touch, if not a bit over the top.” I shrugged, sliding into the booth across from her.
Our waiter arrived rather quickly to get our drink order while looking over the menu.
“I’ll have a northwest mule and a glass of water.” I nodded, leaning to take my ID out to show proof of age.
“Oh, I’ll take a glass of Stroller Pinot Noir Rosé.” Suzie smiled.
“Please don’t listen to her. She’s not twenty-one yet. She spends too much time in Sicily where they let her have wine.” I quickly spoke up, giving her an ‘are you s hitting me’ look.
I do not want her to show this guy her ID. I would rather not have him and the rest of the staff thinking I’m some criminal going on a date with a sixteen-year-old.
“I was only teasing, babe.” Suzie chuckled.
“I’ll have iced tea, please.” She smiled at the waiter.
“Of course. Would you like to order an appetizer?” He questioned, jotting down her drink order.
“Oh, my mom said the bruschetta is delicious here.” Suzie perked up.
“Alright, we’ll start with the bruschetta.” I nodded.
“Excellent. I’ll get that put in and be right back with your drinks.” The waiter nodded, leaving us.
“Did you seriously try to order wine? Are you trying to get me in trouble? The last thing I want to explain to a restaurant staff of humans is to explain why I’m on a date with someone so much younger than me.” I groaned, running a hand over my face.
“I wanted to see what I could get away with. And your expression and reaction were priceless.” Suzie softly giggled.
“You’re twisted. I love that about you, but still pretty fucked up.” I sighed.
“Oh, and what else do you love about me?” Suzie was fishing for compliments or something.
“You’ll have to find out. Can’t simply give it all away.” I smirked as the waiter arrived with our drinks.
“Your appetizer will be out shortly. Have you decided on an entree?” The waiter asked.
“Hmm. I’ll have the saffron seafood linguine.” Suzie smiled, handing over her menu.
“I’ll go with the lasagna. Thank you.” I nodded, giving him my menu.
Our conversation flowed easily while we ate. Suzie updated me on the status of Stephen and Amelia’s pregnancy and how they were just waiting for the pup to decide to make his appearance.
We discussed her plans and hopes for after school. Like most people her age, hell even some my age, she doesn’t know what she wants to do long term. She was adamant she wanted to go to college and get at least an associate's degree before picking her major to go for a bachelor's.
By the time we were eating our desserts of a chocolate mousse and cannolis, the conversation had turned to what plans for our future would hold.
“So the tentative plan is that we will live with your dad?” Suzie asked before licking the spoon clean of chocolate.
Fucking hell, she needs to stop trying to drive me crazy over here.
“Yeah, at the moment. If things change for grandma, he may go live with her to be there for her. Are you okay with that?” I asked, trying to focus on the conversation and not what I’d like her tongue to be doing.
“I think it will be fine. I wouldn’t want dad to live alone in that house full of memories.” Suzie nodded.
“Glad we’re on the same page.” I nodded.
“Speaking of the same pages and being alone at the house. Didn’t you say you’ve got the house to yourself tonight?” Suzie arched her brow, licking chocolate from the corner of her lips.
Okay, she’s doing that on purpose now.
“Yeah. Dad’s staying with grandma, so I’ve got the house to myself.” I nodded, looking to see where this was going.
“That’s good. So there wouldn’t be a problem with us going back there after dinner to see where things go?” She questioned.
‘Oh shit! Is she saying what I think?’ I questioned.
‘I believe she is. Get the damn check. I would rather be home mating and marking our mate than sitting in this restaurant hiding a hardon.’ Jax encouraged.
“I think that sounds like a damn good plan. Let me just pay the check, and we can get out of here.” I agreed, looking for our waiter.
Old me would have flagged the guy down. But I’m not some rude asshole, so I waited for him to check on us to get the check and pay for our meal.
It took a lot of control not to rush out of the restaurant. I didn’t want to come off as too eager, but I couldn’t wait for what was coming next.
At least we know what happened with his grandfather. And ooo sounds like the next chapter is gonna get rated R, lol.
I am about ninety-nine percent sure I am making an utter fool of myself. I bet anyone looking at our table is thinking, ‘that girl looks like a deranged idiot licking that spoon.’. I doubt this is even a fraction of as sexy as I wanted it to be. ‘I don’t care about what others think, but given how our mate is looking at you, it certainly enticed him.’ Kayla snickered as Austin seemed to be in a hurry as he escorted me to the jeep. I laughed softly as we started driving, and I saw he was going a bit faster than the drive to the restaurant. Oh yes, someone is eager to get home. I am eager too. I’m also nervous and terrified. By all accounts, I know that the pain of having sex for the first time is more fleeting, but as a werewolf, I also have to pain of marking to contend with. “What’s funny over there?” Austin arched an eyebrow. “Just that you seem rather eager to get to your house.” I shrugged, smirking. “Well, you did imply we might be having sex. If sex isn’t on the table or is
I wasn’t sure what I expected after we completed our bond. Okay, I had a vague idea based on other people talking about the completion of the mate bond. It wasn’t something Dad and I discussed. Partially because I spent more time with my dirtbag grandfather and because I thought asking him might bring up sad memories of mom. I didn’t want him to be sad and lost in memories of what he had lost. Last night when she marked me and the bond clicked into place, it was euphoric. But even that word seems to pale to how I felt. The only thing that felt even better was hearing her say she loved me. And when the bond clicked fully in place, I knew her words weren’t just said in the heat of the moment. Until Suzie, no one outside my parents and grandma loved me unconditionally. After a night of her in my bed, I don’t think I’m ever sleeping away from her. And to think, just last week, she was telling me how she wouldn’t be in my bed, let alone naked in it. Well, I got both right. I smiled, p
I swear to the Goddess, if he wasn’t holding my niece and we weren’t in a very public place filled with humans, I’d have knocked my brother to the exit with one punch. First, he not only swears in front of Grace, but he also degrades my mating with Austin by calling it ‘fucking’. And don’t get me started on him calling Austin by that name he hates. I take offense with anyone that calls him that. I don’t care who they are; I will knock them out. Again my brother is lucky he held Grace, and there were too many humans around. At least we managed to get him to see reason. And I’ll temporarily excuse his behavior on stress. He did, after all, just have a son and his mate is in the hospital from complications. “So… when the heck did this happen? And why didn’t anyone say something?” Stephen glanced at the review as he drove the SUV back to Madonie. “It is a recent development. And you were a tad occupied with the pending birth of Asher.” Dad shrugged in the front passenger seat. “And th
I can’t believe it’s been over two years since Austin and I mated. It has certainly been an eventful couple of years. Things between Austin and I are fine. I won’t say perfect because we still push each other’s buttons with our attitudes. But I can’t even complain about that since it often ends with us having sex either right there or if we aren’t alone back in our room. My brother and Amelia are doing great as a family of four. Asher is just the cutest pup since Grace. They have come around about Austin being in the family. It probably helps that they don’t see him in person. He does sometimes join me on my video chats with them. And his LIS has seriously improved. He’s been busy between work and returning to college to further his education, working towards his Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science. He was about to get a scholarship from Kinsley Industrial, which took a lot of weight about affording the program. So he’s enrolled at the University of Portland, where I’ll be starting in
“Suzanne, I didn’t need someone to complete me. I needed someone to accept me completely, and you are that someone.” Austin had a sincere expression on his face as he spoke his vows. I sniffled back tears because I’d be damned if I ruined my make-up. I took a calming breath, passing my bouquet to Diann as his father handed him the dark cherry wood rings with rose and coffee gold-tone edges and a thin strip through the middle. “With this ring, I Clement Austin Shelton, take you, Suzanne Bernice Walterson, to be my wife. I vow to value our differences just as much as our common ground. I’ll love you forever on good or bad days, rain or shine. I’m so lucky you’re mine.” He smiled as he slid the ring onto my finger. Now it was my turn. I worked hard on my vows, hoping they come out right. “Austin, I choose you to be no other than yourself, loving what I know of you and trusting what I do not yet know. You make me feel happier than I could ever imagine and more loved than I ever though
Reflecting on my life, it’s crazy to think how much it’s changed. I was an insufferable asshole. Not saying I’m fully reformed. Ask my mate, and she’ll tell you I’m still an asshole at times. But I guess I’m not an insufferable one makes all the difference. One misstep, one wrong choice in battle, and my whole world changed. My life goals were gone, just like my left leg below my knee. Wolfsbane laced bite from a magic roided-up werewolf is no fucking joke. That moment changed everything. My dream of joining the military was gone. And at my lowest moment, as the realization that everything I’d been working towards would never happen, the least likely person gave me advice. Alpha André visited me in the hospital, a man I’ve insulted more times than I wanted to count. He didn’t have to see me, let alone talk to me. But he left me with the advice that the Goddess guides us on our paths. But we all have to put in the work to find our destinies. He told me to look within and find who I
Living closer to the hospital meant we got there before our parents. Mikali already had a room ready, so Suzanne was already in active labor when our parents arrived. She was actively trying to break my hand as I did my best to help her through this. So they didn’t get to come into the delivery room. But I think that’s okay. I’m glad I didn’t have to share this moment with any of them. No offense to my dad or her parents, but this is our pup. This is the start of our family. And it was all worth it. Five hours from the time we left the house to when our daughter entered this world. Now I’m standing in the recovery room with a pink bundle in my arms. Her blue eyes squinted at me, blonde hair poking out of the pink and white striped cap the hospital put on her. I can’t begin to describe this feeling. I thought I felt complete when Suzanne and I marked each other, but this feeling in my heart is different. I smiled down at this new life we had created. She’s perfect. “Hi, Jennifer. Y
The chapters will be for the short story Love After 40 from this point forward. Hale Shelton: I gave up on love eighteen years ago when my mate and wolf died. I only lived for my son, and I limped through that. Now that he’s grown and found his mate, they think I need to find love again. I highly doubt I’ll find it on a dating app, but here goes nothing. Erin Carlisle: I just moved across the country for my new job at Kinsley Industrial. It’s a fresh start for my kids and me. Now my kids seem to think this fresh start should include daddy shopping. I have always attracted the wrong kind of men. I doubt this dating app they signed me up for will yield results.