Chapter Nine
They fell into a good routine. Sarah worked with Catherine during the day. She spent whatever was left of her afternoons and early evenings with her mom and spent each evening with Conor, eating, watching television, and making love. They grew closer and Conor became part of their small family.
He helped with the care of her mother and that made her appreciate him even more. His easy smile and quick wit allowed her mom to relax with him. She never called him by name, but she treated him like a son. As time went on, she preferred him to care for her more than her own family.
Sarah believed it was his cooking that made him her favorite.
“So, what did you ply my mother with today?” she asked as she pulled a grape out of a strainer.
“Her favorite.” He grinned at her. “Your mac and cheese.”
“Traitor. You know that’s my dish.”
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “How about I teach you something else she likes just as much.”
“Hmm, maybe.” She pressed a kiss against his lips. “Nana sent another message asking me to come visit.”
“And what did you tell her?”
“I don’t know what to tell her. Mom is doing so much better. Classes are going smoothly. I just don’t want to go by myself.”
“I know. I promise we can set up our flights this weekend.”
“I’ve explained that to her, but she comes back with time is of the essence and that James would be away for a few weeks as well.”
“I can’t do anything until the first tests are given. It’s my job to grade everything.”
“I know, and I told her you wouldn’t be able to come right away, and she promised that your training will not be ignored.” She sighed. “I’m running out of excuses and need help.”
“She assumed I was your future mate. Use that. Tell her I can’t leave so you can’t leave.”
“And she’ll agree?”
“No one goes against their alpha. That is our way. She might not like it, but she will understand.”
Conor was right. The moment she said he told her she couldn’t go without him her grandmother sighed and backed off. After promising to let her know the moment they had booked their flight her grandmother was happy and hung up.
***
“If it hadn’t been for Max, I wouldn’t have my passport this quickly.” Sarah shifted her overnight bag to her other shoulder.
“We are also lucky to have access to Max’s plane as well. I don’t like flying commercial. The smells are hard to deal with.” He pointed to the private plane they would be taking.
“Smell?”
“Have you ever flown?”
She shook her head no.
“Have you ever ridden on a bus?”
“Oh, God.” She made a face. “That was awful.”
“Why?” He looked at her.
She looked at him. “I get it. The smell. That was why I hated the buses. The smell people give off is fine in a well-ventilated place but not a tiny little bus or airplane.”
“You felt it. You just didn’t know why.” He entered the plane after her. “Here, we don’t have to face any of that. Knowing Max has its perks.” He took her bag and set it on a vacant chair. “Get settled. Our flight will take off in a few minutes.”
“I’m nervous.”
“Everything is going to be fine.” He gave her a quick kiss. “I’m going to see the steward and find out what we’re having for dinner.”
“Do we sleep in these chairs?”
“Max has a few sleeping areas on this plane. Would you like to rest first? I can tell the steward to hold everything until you’re ready.”
“I don’t think I can sleep.”
“Who said I’d let you sleep?” He gave her a sexy smile that she felt to her toes. “You said you were nervous, and I know how to relax you.”
***
The plane touched down and Sarah stepped onto Irish soil for the first time. She paused as she felt like she was home for the first time. A joy filled her.
“You feel it too, don’t you?” His voice was soft next to her ear. “Coming home does that to me every time.”
“It’s amazing.”
“Come. I want you to meet me mum.” He slipped his arm around her waist. “I promise she doesn’t bite. Much.”
“Now is that any way to speak about your mother? I bet she’s sweet.”
“I fear the two of you will join against me. Maybe I shouldn’t let you two meet.” He pointed to the car waiting for them.
Sarah followed him, wondering what would happen next.
***
Conor’s mother, Siobhan, was a whirlwind of energy. She hugged her son so tight Sarah thought his eyes might pop out of his head. He laughed and hugged her back just as hard. When she was introduced, Sarah feared she would be caught up in that bear hug, but Siobhan was gentle with her.
“You’re the first girl he’s brought home.” His mother smiled at her son.
“Mum, don’t start,” Conor warned.
“Start what?” She winked at Sarah as she turned so he wouldn't see it.
“Sarah is here to meet her family for the first time. She doesn’t need to worry about anything you might put in her head.”
“Bah. You worry too much.” She waved her hands in the air. “I’ll help her keep her thoughts off of what she is here to do. But you’re right. It’s none of my business anyway. I can find something else to help her relax, like stories of you in your youth.”
“Mum…”
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell too many that might embarrass you.” She waltzed over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Only the really juicy ones.”
***
Conor wanted to check on his restaurants before word got out that he was back in Ireland. He wanted Sarah to go with him, but she begged off.
“Come, Sarah. I’ll make us some tea.” Siobhan led her into her kitchen. She put a pot on the stove and waited for the whistle. “Would you like something to nibble on? I have fresh bread and jam.”
“That sounds good.” Sarah sat at the table Siobhan pointed to. “Have you lived in Ireland all your life?”
“I have.” She continued to putter. “I never thought of leaving, but I mated young and started having me pups right away.”
Sarah heard the door slam.
“We’re in the kitchen.”
Two men entered. One at a time they went to Siobhan and hugged her the older one gave her a kiss as well.
“So where is me boy?” asked the older one.
“You know him, Liam. Conor went to check on his restaurants.”
“And the lass?”
“Right behind you.”
He turned to see Sarah standing up.
“Now, now, you don’t have to be formal in our house.” He waved her back into her seat. “This is Conor’s older brother, Liam Jr. We have several nicknames for him.”
“But most call me Junior.” He cut his father off. “Conor didn’t mention how pretty you are.”
“Probably because he knows you,” his mother quipped. “Now don’t crowd the poor thing. She just got here and isn’t used to people crowding her.”
Junior sat in a chair near her. “Mum said you didn’t know you were a werewolf until a few months ago. Is that true?”
“Junior.”
“What?” He turned to his mother to see an angry Conor standing in the doorway.
“Conor.” Sarah’s voice was soft. She hoped if she caught his attention, she wouldn’t see two brothers fighting over her. When his face softened as he smiled at her, she felt relief wash over her.
“Has my brother been behaving himself?” Conor walked to her side, bent, and gave her cheek a quick kiss.
“Yes.” She smiled at him. “Your father and brother came in just before you did, and your mom has been the center of their attention.”
The conversation moved on to other things, but Sarah didn’t miss the looks his parents exchanged.
When it was time to retire Conor ushered her to his room.
“Your mom is okay with this?”
“I get to bunk with me brother.” He opened the door for her. “Normally, we’d have you stay with a pack family or one of our pack’s single women, but Mum thought you’d be more comfortable in our house.”
“Are you going to be okay in your brother’s room?”
“Doubt it.”
She stepped in and looked around. Bookcases were filled with cookbooks. Those cookbooks had papers sticking out of the pages. There were records and a stereo, and a few trophies. She turned toward him and grinned. “No posters of pretty girls?”
“Not my brother,” said Junior as he walked by. “He had pictures of pastries and cakes.”
“That makes sense.” Sarah smiled as she sat on his bed.
Conor pitched his voice so only she would hear him. “I’m going to have trouble sleeping tonight.”
She tilted her head at his words.
“Seeing you on my childhood bed makes me hard. I’d rather be here with you than with my brother.”
“I’d be happier if you were here with me as well, but I don’t want to upset your mother.” She smoothed the comforter under her hands. “But you know I won’t kick you out if you do decide to join me.”
He pulled her off the bed and gave her a heated kiss. “I’m going to leave now before I get us both in trouble.”
***
Conor walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water and found his parents sitting there waiting for him.
“You’re up late.” He opened a cabinet and pulled out a glass. “You making sure nothing is happening in your house?”
“No. We were waiting to see if you actually sleep in your brother’s room,” said his mother. “Do you realize she defused you when you walked in and saw your brother next to her?”
“So?” He didn’t like the way the conversation was going.
“Well, she is the first girl you’ve ever been protective of,” commented his father. “You two are also starting to carry the same scent.”
“And?” He knew what they were hinting at but didn’t want to think about it. He was here for Sarah.
“And that normally happens when you’ve found your mate,” his mother reminded him.
“Please don’t say anything to her. She has enough to deal with. Tomorrow we’ll meet her grandmother and she’ll realize just what her family lineage is. I know that will overwhelm her. I don’t want her to think I’m some sort of a money-grubbing jerk. She already has one of those in her family.”
“You really care for her, don’t you?” His father watched him. “This young woman has affected you in a way no other woman has and that includes Catherine.”
“Come on, Da. We know my restaurants are my life. I enjoy traveling and creating those shows. Those up-and-coming chefs are my pack. I’m their alpha. I can’t ask anyone to give everything up to travel the way I do.”
“So, you are willing to walk away from happiness because you don’t think she’d want to travel?” asked his mother. “Isn’t that a bit selfish? Denying her and you happiness because you think she might not like it?”
“We haven’t talked about a long-term relationship.” Sometimes his parents drove him crazy. They never seemed to let things go. “I want to take this one day at a time. She’s here to meet her grandmother, not be browbeaten by you two because you think we need it.”
“All right. We’ll let it go for now, but we’re not done with this conversation,” said his father.
“Yes, sir.”
***
Sarah turned over on the bed for the third time. Sleep was evading her, and she knew why. She had gotten used to sharing a bed with Conor and she missed him. This was going to be a long night.
The door to her room opened and she sat up. "Conor?”
He closed the door behind him.
“I’m glad to see you.” She relaxed at the sight of him. “Your brother won’t cause trouble?”
He might,” he said. “But he won’t get far. My parents met me in the kitchen and they’re the ones who told me to come to you.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I don’t either, but if I asked them to explain it, I’d be in the kitchen until the sun comes up and I’d rather be with you.” He pulled his shirt off.
Sarah pulled the sheet back so he could climb in once he shed his clothes. She sighed when she felt his arms draw her close. It just felt right.
“I’m glad to see you kept to my request of no clothing in bed.” He slid his hand across her ribcage.
“I’ve gotten used to sleeping this way now and I hoped you would join me so knew you’d be disappointed if I did.”
He eased her onto her back and smiled down at her.
She felt her heart do a little flip. Sarah had promised him and her heart that this was just a fling so that little flip wasn’t a good thing. She was losing her heart and she knew it. The moment his lips touched hers she forgot about everything but Conor and what he would do to her. That filled her body with excitement.
He knew how to make her soar. His hands moved over her body as he kissed her. Conor touched all the right places to enhance her desire. He used soft kisses that made her sigh. She tried to keep still but she found she couldn’t. Her fingers glided across his back as her legs slid against his.
Wrapping his arms around her he flipped them over.
“Oh.”
“You said you wanted to be on top more.”
That made her blush. She had only said it to make James shut up. Conor’s hands cupped her breasts, gently brushing his thumbs against her nipples. That made her moan. Sarah leaned forward. “Just how good are your family’s ears?”
“Never tested it before.” He pulled her down for a kiss. “But don’t let that hold you back.”
She smiled down at him as she slid down his shaft. “I promise I won’t hold back.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.” He placed his hands on her hips. “Now, rock my world.”
Sarah started to move. She was hesitant at the beginning but as she got lost in the sensations, she forgot about being quiet and where they were. Each time he filled her she got closer to her release. She started to move faster, racing to reach the pinnacle she craved. Conor moved with her, racing just as fast as she was. They moved together, reaching, grasping, wanting their release.
Sarah felt it flow through her, filling her with joy. As it took control of her, she felt her body tighten against Conor. The tight vise she created sent her flying and brought out a soft howl.
Conor hit his release right after hers and he howled as well.
Conor howled. That’s what Catherine and Alicia told her to listen for. So what did it mean if she howled first?
***
The next morning, she found everyone smiling too much. She knew they heard and didn’t know where to look.
Conor came in and grabbed himself a cup of coffee. When he noticed Sarah didn’t have one, he made her a cup as well. He sat next to her just as his mom set a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast in front of them.
Sarah looked at the pound of food in front of her and knew she could never eat it all. Conor didn’t seem to have too much trouble putting it away. She picked up her cup of coffee instead. The sweet cream in her coffee was wonderful. “Oh my gosh.”
“Best cream in the area.” Siobhan smiled.
“How did you know?”
“Because I have seen that reaction just about every time someone has it. Even my friends are jealous because they can’t figure out how my cream is sweeter than anyone else's.”
“The Irish creamers we have in the states don’t hold a candle to this.” Sarah took another big sip. She set down her cup and picked up her fork. “Um, this is a lot of food for me.”
“Sarah, me mum won’t be hurt if you don’t eat it all.” Conor pitched his voice so only she would hear him.
“Eat what you can. Me boys burn a lot of energy, so I automatically make big meals,” said Siobhan. “What is on the menu for today?”
“We’re to meet with my grandmother,” said Sarah between bites. “I’m supposed to see her holdings today.”
“Have fun.”
Sarah didn’t know what sort of holdings Nana could have, but since the family had lived here for a long time, she assumed they probably had a farm or something. Once she finished eating, she went into their room to grab a light jacket. It was cooler here than in the states.
Conor waited outside near his family’s car. He smiled when he saw her. He opened the passenger door for her. “Ready?”
She wasn’t sure but she put on a brave face and nodded. Her mind wandered while Conor drove the distance to the address her Nana gave her. When he slowed the car and pulled into a gate she focused on where they were.
“Good God that’s a castle.” She climbed out of the car when he stopped it and just stared. Then the front door opened, and Nana came out. This castle was in perfect condition as well. Sarah was swept up in her grandmother’s enthusiasm.
“So happy to see the two of you.” She hugged Sarah first, then Conor. “There is so much to show you.”
“Morning, Nana.”
“Come, come.” She gestured for them to follow her into the castle. “Are you hungry? Thirsty?”
“Um, we’re good, Nana.”
“Of course, you are. I’m sure Siobhan fed you before you left the house. As I told you, James is out of town so we won’t be hindered by him trying to keep you from seeing everything.”
Someone took their coats and they continued to follow Nana. She explained the age of the castle, and how many generations had lived in it. She explained as she showed them the ancient stairwells built to allow the women and children to escape safely while the men fought.
“Every room in the castle has an escape route,” She took them through one of the hidden doorways. “They all interconnect to the main exit that empties into the woods several miles from here.”
They followed the underground pathway to the woods she spoke about, then she led them back into the castle. They wove their way back. climbing several sets of stairs in the process.
“This isn’t the way we came in,” commented Sarah.
“You’re right.” She pressed on a lever and a door opened. They entered a bed chamber. “Now I know you said that you would stay with Conor’s family and I’m happy with that, but I set this room aside for the two of you anyway. If you ever need to rest, or just want a few minutes to yourselves consider this your haven.”
“Thank you, Nana,” said Sarah.
“Now let me show you the factory.” Nana headed out the door and led them back to the main hall.
“Factory?” asked Sarah.
“This is how we can afford to keep this castle and all the land.” She led them outside on the other side of the castle to a large building. Nana handed them a set of earphones with a mike. “Everyone who works here wears these. I love technology. Before we had to have our workers work longer hours so they could take more breaks. You know how sensitive werewolf ears are.”
Sarah looked around in awe. She couldn’t tell what was made there yet but everyone was focused on their job. When they realized Nana was among them excitement flowed throughout the room. As she passed different people they stopped and greeted her. They loved Nana.
Sarah watched everyone with curiosity.
Someone brought her grandmother a cloth bag. Once Nana had it in her hands she turned to Sarah and handed it to her. “Do you like whiskey?”
“Not much of a drinker. My parents didn’t drink that much so I only had wine until I went to college and hard liquor was a little steep for a college grad pocketbook.” She pulled the cloth off the bottle and recognized the label immediately. “And this is way out of my price range. Is this what you make here?”
Nana nodded.
“This goes for about three hundred a bottle in the states.”
“Have you ever tried it?”
Sarah shook her head.
Conor took the bottle from her and opened it. Someone handed him a glass which he filled about two fingers worth then handed it to her. “Take small sips. Some have been known to choke if they’re not used to it.”
She did as he asked. With her first sip she let the liquid coat her mouth. She found it very smooth with a slightly sweet aftertaste. “That is nice.”
“It’s been perfected over the years,” said Nana. “That bottle is for you.”
“Is everything done here?”
“Yes.” Nana pointed to different stations telling Sarah what part of the process they handled. “Would you like to try one?”
“Really?” She looked at Conor. “I’d be afraid I’d screw something up. But I’d love to see some of the stations up close.”
Nana smiled as she led them to one of the bottling stations. Sarah was fascinated. She asked a lot of questions that the employee did his best to answer. What he couldn’t answer Nana could.
“You are quite inquisitive, aren’t you?”
“I’m sorry.” She gave her Nana a sheepish smile.
“Don’t be sorry. I think it’s wonderful.” Nana put an arm around her shoulders. “James never cared to learn anything about the business. He was always the first one in line for his check though.”
“He didn’t want to learn how everything worked?” Sarah looked confused. “How did he plan on running this if he didn’t know how it worked?”
“My thoughts exactly.”
***
“How did you learn all of this?” asked Sarah as they headed back to the castle. “I find it all a bit overwhelming.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that to you. I started learning as a young child.”
“You realize I have a life in the U.S.? I have people who depend on me?” She looked at Nana. “I don’t mean to be ungrateful but the best way for me to learn the business is to do each job to know what it entails. My obligations in the states would make that very difficult.”
“That is why you are my heir. You want to know how things work. James doesn’t.”
“You could make him.”
“He wouldn’t learn.” She sighed. “He doesn’t care about anything but the power and prestige he would get as the alpha of our pack. He also doesn’t understand why the inheritance goes through the women.”
“I wondered the same thing. This werewolf world is run by alphas. How did our pack survive for so long?”
“Because when one alpha beats another it is to the death. That pack no longer has the same lineage. Sometimes the conquered pack disappears and gets absorbed by the conquering one. Not with ours. Our alpha’s mate into our pack. They are family, but they are separate at the same time.” They walked into the cool interior of the castle. “Our ancestors learned long ago that everything we have and have built could be gone in a heartbeat if our alpha is beaten, but if the women retained control, then the pack would maintain that control no matter what alpha mated with our female leader. If, let’s say Conor becomes the alpha of this pack and another alpha challenges him because he wants to take over our family. That other alpha still wouldn’t gain control of our lands and businesses. Even with Conor, he would be our head alpha, but instead of our pack getting absorbed by Conor’s pack you are still in control. Your daughters would inherit just like you are. Where most packs want boys, we want girls.”
“And if only a male is born to the parents?”
“Then the inheritance would pass to the female grandchild. As long as most of us live we could have several generations go by before a female is born without an issue.” Nana smiled. “We have a covenant that anyone who mates into the family must sign. It is spelled out.”
***
Sarah stared out the window as Conor drove them back to his family’s home. So much to learn. Her head hurt a little from everything she absorbed.
Nana asked them to stay with her for the next few days. As much as Conor didn’t like the idea, he was the one who agreed to stay. They would pack a bag to share.
Conor’s mother was surprised they had agreed to stay. She knew her son worried about Sarah and keeping her safe. She had a big meal ready for the family. This time Sarah ate as much as the men. They had walked all over the property, learning about the family history as well as the mechanics of the business.
“You should have seen her working,” said Conor. “Sarah worked on the bottling line and at first, she was a little hesitant but before long she was working as hard as the others. Her fellow bottlers teased her and even challenged her into doing so many bottles in a certain amount of time. She went up against two others.”
“And how did you do?” asked his mother.
“I finished with one minute to go.” She didn’t look up from her plate. Being the center of attention was still a little embarrassing to her.
“She also beat the other two who had been working their station for over five years.” He pressed a kiss against her cheek. “Nana was very proud.”
“It’s good that you got in the trenches with your future employees. They will remember you weren’t afraid to get dirty,” said his father.
“Nana is having a gathering in two days.” Conor spoke for Sarah once again. “We didn’t pack for anything like that, so we need to get Sarah a formal dress. I’m hoping I can borrow something from Dad?”
“I’ll see what I have.” His father gestured for Conor to follow him.
“Sarah, what is your favorite color?” Conor’s mom asked.
“I have quite a few, but I look good in burgundy and emerald green.”
“Let me see what I can do.” She wiped her hands. “Follow me.”
“Do? Are you a seamstress?” Sarah followed her.
“One of the best.” She entered a small room near the kitchen. Bolts of cloth were stacked in one corner as well as filling a small closet. There was a dress form standing in one corner.
Sarah felt the room was a little small for her to work in until Conor’s mom opened a set of French doors that she thought was another closet. It was a massive showroom. Dresses of every design were on display. She walked around in awe, pausing in front of the ones that she liked.
“You like that?”
“They’re all beautiful.” Sarah stepped away from the dress she was looking at. “How formal are these gatherings?”
“It’s not so formal you have to wear a gown, but I’d recommend it. This is your coming out party. You will be the center of attention.”
“Great.” Not something she wanted.
“Is there a particular style or design that you like?”
“I’m not sure. I wore nothing but jeans and t-shirts before I met Conor and learned I was a werewolf.”
“Okay, so something comfortable.” She walked around Sarah. “I need to take your measurements.”
Sarah stood there as she did that, wondering what style she did like. The big poofy dresses didn’t appeal to her. She liked simple, but elegant, nothing really flashy.
“If you will let me, I think I know what will be perfect for you and will complement your grandmother’s gown.”
“You know what she is wearing?”
“I’m making it.”