Chapter Fifteen

Conor was there when they needed a shoulder or a napkin. He stayed in the background the rest of the time. Sarah was so broken-hearted he wished he could wipe that pain away. Her strength showed up when she saw her father fall apart. They cried together. They laughed as well. At one point Sarah looked over at her father and said, “Your mascara is running.”

It was the perfect thing to say at that moment because it made him laugh as he bumped her shoulder. “It’s that cheap crap you buy.”

She laughed. It made tears roll down her cheeks, but she was smiling for the first time since they came back to the states. He realized he was seeing a side of her very few ever saw. Sarah trusted him enough to let him see her vulnerability. This showed how much she trusted him. She might have demanded he woo her, but she did it because she wanted him to show she wouldn’t be forgotten now that they were mated. It just reinforced what her father told him.

While the doctor was talking to Jon and Sarah, Conor slipped out of the room and went down to the little shop in the hospital. He found Liz’s favorite rose and he bought every one of them. The person working the shop allowed him to use the cart they had. It took three large vases for him to carry the roses. Good thing it was only one color, or he’d need some help. He also took a moment to call his father to give him an update, then he called Max and gave him the same information. Nana would know what was going on from his dad.

One of the nurses saw him with the flowers and she helped by opening the door for him. She also placed one of the vases on the small end table next to a chair. He placed the other two on the windowsill, then headed back out to return the cart to the store.

When he came back, they had moved the vases closer to the bed, using her hospital table to hold two of the vases and the small medical area that held supplies as well as a sink to place the third one. The nurse and doctor were waiting. He was a little surprised they waited for him.

Sarah quietly reached a hand out to him, which he clasped as he went to her side. Tears filled her eyes. They hadn’t fallen yet so it made her eyes glassy. The desire to hug her was strong, but he knew this was the moment when he needed to be there for her, not take over.

The hospital chaplain came into the room and said a prayer for Liz and her family. “I can stay as long as you’d like.”

“Thank you, Reverend but I think we need time alone,” said Jon.

“Of course. I understand. Have one of the nurses page me if you need me.”

He nodded. One of the nurses turned the lights down in the room as the doctor faced the family.

“I know this is traumatic for the two of you, but Liz will be in a better place.” The doctor gestured toward the machine. “Turning these off doesn’t mean she won’t live, but they are keeping her stable as well as giving her the nutrients she wouldn’t get any other way.”

“Will she suffer?” asked Sarah.

“Your mom is past the point of feeling pain. Her body is tired, and it wants to sleep. The stroke froze part of her body so it can’t move anymore. Keeping her on the machines will just postpone the inevitable.”

Sarah nodded. The first tear fell.

“Would you like to say your goodbyes?”

She nodded. Sarah squeezed his hand then let go so she could move closer to her mom’s bed. The sadness of the moment made her voice wobbly.

“I love you so much, Mommy. I wish this hadn’t happened to you.” Her voice soft. “I don’t want to say goodbye, but I know you’re not living right now.”

Sarah brushed her fingers through her hair. “Be happy, Mom. Know you’re going to a better place. Oh, and Mom? I give you permission to haunt me because every time something drops or I hear a strange noise I’m going to think it’s you anyway.” She pressed a kiss against her forehead and moved back to his side.

Her father went next.

Conor switched hands with her so he could slip his arm around her shoulders. “You okay?”

She looked at him with glassy eyes and nodded. “Thank you for being here. I don’t think I could be as strong without you.”

Her father stepped back.

The doctor and the nurse checked Liz’s vitals once more then started turning off machines and removing tubes. Once they were done, they checked her vitals again. He walked over to them when they were done. “Liz is breathing on her own right now. I’m keeping the heart monitor on her so we can see any changes in her rhythm. Someone will be in to check her vitals once or twice an hour, but they won’t disturb your vigil.”

Conor watched the doctor as he took his leave. He didn’t know what to do. This was a time for family, and he was feeling like a third wheel. “I’m going to get some coffee. Anyone need anything?”

“Coffee would be great,” said Sarah. “Although I would love something stronger.”

Now that he could do.

***

Liz lasted about a day. Max came by and paid his respects as well as Catherine and Patrick. They didn’t stay long but he knew Sarah appreciated them being there. She cried on his shoulder when they called it. The next few hours were dealing with setting up her cremation and having her body picked up.

Three days later they had her memorial. Max allowed them to use his private jet to take Liz home so she could be interned with her family. Sarah didn’t know what to say when Max and his entourage joined them.

That evening Max took everyone out to dinner.

“Thank you for everything, Max. My daughter has some very good friends.” Jon lifted the glass in front of him in a toast.

“Sarah is family to us.” It was all Max said, but it was all he had to say.

“Forgive me. I had hoped I was all cried out.” She wiped an errant tear away.

You have the right,” said Conor.

“When do you have to go back to Ireland?” asked her father.

“I’m here for you, Dad, and will stay as long as you need me,” Sarah said.

“I was kind of hoping I could go with you when you go back to Ireland. I don’t think I can stay in our house right now.”

“Really?” Sarah turned to her dad. “I’ll need to make sure it’s okay with Nana.”

“Sweetheart, I don’t want to interfere with your budding relationship. I’ll do some sightseeing and stay in a hotel or two as I take in the beauty of Ireland. I need to be busy to be able to handle your mom’s death.” Her father placed his hand on hers. “Your mom made me promise to do some traveling and I’m going to honor that promise. I know she always wanted to go to Ireland, and learn what she could about her ancestors. I have relatives there as well, so why not start there? You’ll be close by if I need you and I’ll be in the Emerald Isle. What more can I ask for?”

“Dad.”

“Sarah, you have a life to live. You have wonderful friends. Then there’s Conor who loves you. And I need to learn to live again, without your mom. By myself. Find out what’s out there for me.”

Tears filled her eyes, but they did not spill. She nodded as she kept her gaze down. “I want you happy.”

“And I will be, but I need my time to grieve too. My way.”

Conor touched her arm. “I’m going to go outside and get us a hotel suite. One big enough for the three of us.”

Sarah nodded. She knew her father didn’t want to stay at their house either. Conor took control so they wouldn’t have to ask. He had been a rock the whole time. Being there for her and her father showed how much he loved her. How could she pretend he wasn’t her mate?

“What about Conor?” asked her father.

“What about him?”

“The cat, Sarah, not your boyfriend.”

“Oh, God. I don’t know. I guess I’ll have to bring him with me. Wonder how Max will feel about that?”

***

They arrived at the hotel and Conor took control once again. This was when she appreciated his need to dominate. She didn’t want to think about how many rooms they needed or who would sleep where.

The bellboy who had grabbed their bags led them to their suite. He opened the door and then handed Conor the key cards for them to use. Once he placed their bags in the room, he made them aware of the amenities. He closed the door behind himself as he left.

Jon looked at the two of them. “This day has been exhausting. I’m going to go on to bed.”

“You sure?” asked Sarah.

“Yeah.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m drained, don’t feel like talking too much, and I need to have some time to myself. You don’t need me around.”

“Dad.”

“Sweetheart, I’m fine.” He stepped up to her and kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Once her father closed his door, she wasn’t sure what to do with herself. Conor had dropped everything to come with her. He had made sure she didn’t have to think about anything but her mother. If that wasn’t love what was?

Conor moved her bag into the other room but left his in the main room.

“Where do you plan on sleeping?”

“The couch pulls out into a bed.”

“Why?”

“You asked me to woo you. You want me to prove that I love you. I wouldn’t dare think you've forgotten anything you said to me.”

“What if I want you tonight? Would you tell me no?”

“And how would you explain that to the other two jerks whom I have to beat to win your hand?”

“Do you think James would have dropped everything to support me in my time of need?”

“No,” said Conor. “I think he would have told you good luck and try something while you were gone.”

“My thought too. And Michael wouldn’t want to intrude on such a private time.”

“Damn, I can hear him saying that.” He paused for a moment. “I can’t be with you now then step back when we get back to Ireland. That wouldn’t be fair to anyone.”

“The fact that you are standing here and not them speaks volumes. You cared enough to make sure I didn’t have to worry about anything but my mom. You took all our worries away. You bought my mom’s favorite flowers. That told me my dad told you how he wooed my mom. If you have my father on your side, I know he feels you and I belong together.” She took his hands. “My mom’s death was horrible, but I wouldn’t have been able to get through this without you. You didn’t hover and ask us what we needed a thousand times. You just did what you thought was needed. That was what we needed.”

“I saw your heart breaking and knew I had to help somehow. I might be an ass and say some stupid things at times, but I hate seeing you hurting like that. I wanted to take that pain away. Your smile brightens my world and I live to see it.”

She smiled as she walked backward toward the bedroom. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Before you made it sound like the wrinkle was a problem for you, not for us. I felt like a piece of property, not something important to you.”

“You are my world. You know that, right?

“Conor, will you mate with me? This time though, we do it on purpose.”

“Is that what you really want?”

She nodded as she kept moving backward. “You didn’t need to come. You could have used your restaurant or your shows to keep you in Ireland. I know you’ve been ignoring them since we arrived, and your mother believes it’s because of me. That humbles me. You barely know my mom and dad.”

“They are the people who raised you. They are your family so they’re my family. If the roles were reversed you would have been there for me and you would have helped take the stress off my family’s shoulders in our time of need.”

***

Conor allowed her to pull him into the bedroom. Tonight, he would do whatever she wanted him to do. He watched as she slipped her dress off.

“Your turn.” She watched as he removed his clothes.

“Do you know what to do next?”

“No.” She shook her head as she smiled. “I was sort of hoping you did. I know what to say but what I read didn’t go into a lot of detail past that.”

“Come with me.” He offered her his hand then led them to the bed. He climbed onto the bed, urging her to do the same. “How we do the ritual is up to us.”

“What do you suggest?”

“How about we repeat the way I think it happened the last time?” He wrapped her in his embrace as they settled on the bed. “You looked so beautiful that night. The jewels in your hair sparkled as much as the dress you wore, but neither held a candle to the glow in your eyes when you looked at me. It made my heart skip a beat.”

“I was so scared that night. I normally get very klutzy when I get that way. I feared I’d fall down the stairs, or knock something over. Then I saw you in that tuxedo. I didn’t know you could look so good. Seeing you smile at me gave me the confidence to make it through the night.”

He brushed his knuckles against her cheek. “My heart cried out and yours answered.”

Her eyes got a little glassy as she repeated the words, then she said the next line. “Our hearts found each other and now beat as one.”

“I give my heart to you to protect and cherish.” Conor placed soft kisses down her throat as he said the words.

Sarah repeated the same words softly. He was working his magic once again making it hard for her to focus.

Conor moved so he could look her in the eyes as he said the next line. “I will guard your heart and your love with all my being.” He wanted her to know he meant every word. “I know you felt a little underwhelmed with me when I put my foot in my mouth, but you are everything to me.”

She repeated the words. Sarah brushed a few hairs off his forehead. “And I do forgive you for not thinking things through when you wanted things to go back the way they were.”

“Mum said I showed my ass, didn’t she?”

“How did you know?”

“Because she knows me best. She also probably explained what I was thinking when I said it.”

“She did.”

“I told you she liked you best. You know I didn’t mean to insult you. I was only thinking with everything you had been through already wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have that little wrinkle to deal with.”

At that she laughed. “How politically correct.”

“I love you.” He hoped he sounded as sincere as he felt. This would be the wrong time to piss her off again.

“I bond with you now, forever,” Sarah said the words nice and clear. “And when you show me your ass I get to spank it.”

“I bond with you now, forever. Remember, one good spank deserves another.”

***

“I’m going to get spoiled traveling this way.” Sarah sat across from Alicia and Catherine. The men were huddled in another section of the plane. “Why are they whispering in the corner?”

“Who knows,” said Catherine. “Knowing them they’re probably getting an itinerary together for your dad. Max did a little research and found your mom’s and dad’s ancestors and will approach your father with the information once we land. Knowing Max he will have everything set up for him so he doesn’t have to worry about anything.”

“How does Conor feel about being separated from you again once you go back to the castle?” said Alicia. “Your time together will make it harder for him to step away.”

“What makes you say that?” Sarah wanted to tell everyone the truth, but she knew she needed to speak to Max before she did anything.

“Oh, please. He’s happy and relaxed.” Catherine pointed to the small group of men. “If you two had abstained he’d be grouchy and mean.”

Sarah grinned. They were right. She had gotten a little crabby herself when she didn’t see Conor every day. “I want to tell them the truth, but I’d like Max’s input. Michael will be disappointed, but I think part of him would be relieved too. I think he’s doing this as some sort of desire to honor what his parents wanted. James will have a fit. He sees me as a stepping stone to run the pack. The sad thing is he’d never be able to do that anyway. He wants control but the family charter is clear. No male can inherit. It will always be a female.”

“What if you don’t have a girl?” asked Catherine.

“Then it would go to my granddaughter or great-granddaughter. Nana said as long as we live it wouldn’t be a problem. I also wouldn’t be stupid enough to mate with someone who didn’t understand the charter or thought they could change it once we mated.”

“You’re talking about James.” Catherine picked up her drink.

“He thinks he’s being clever but anyone with half a brain can see right through him. He is not like any of our alphas. To me he comes across as an idiot. He thinks I’m not smart enough to see through his fake niceness.”

“Is that why you get in his face all the time?” asked Alicia.

“I hate anyone who dismisses me just because I’m female. I have a brain in my head, and I know how to use it.”

“Welcome to our world,” quipped Catherine. “Alphas can be so much fun at times.”

“James isn’t an alpha. He pretends, but he wouldn’t know how to run anything if it was given to him.”

“What makes you say that?” asked Max.

“Oh, I didn’t know you were listening. Um.” Sarah slipped a piece of hair behind her ear. “If he was an alpha, he would have done something like Conor did. He would have created his own pack. Instead, he lived in the castle without contributing. He never learned how to run the factory. Just complained that he should be the one in charge.”

“You’re very astute. That’s what I thought as well. James was always complacent in his position with Nana. He didn’t start questioning things until you came into the picture. If he is an alpha, why isn’t he running the factory for Nana? She would welcome his help and would probably let him maintain control when you take over.”

“Take over? I have my position at the college and thought I’d travel with Conor during class breaks when he’s recording his shows. I mean I’ll want to come and visit as much as I can, but not permanently. Besides, Nana doesn’t look like she’s ready to retire yet.”

“Nana isn’t ready to retire, but you two do need to talk about this.” Max sat next to Alicia. “She will probably try to give you the reins, thinking it's what you want. If she knows you want to be with your mate, she will understand.”

“I feel for Michael,” Sarah commented. “He’s like a cute little puppy begging for attention.”

Max laughed at that. “I think if you’re honest with him he will be happy.”

“Happy? He’s trying to fulfill something his parents put in motion.”

“Exactly.” Max smiled at her.” It’s not what he might want but he loves his parents and wants to keep them happy. You could be giving him the out he secretly wants.”

“You know something, don’t you?” Alicia glared at her mate. “And you say women gossip too much.”

Max just smiled his megawatt smile. “Dinner will be served in a few minutes. I came over to set the tables up so our chef doesn’t have to.”

“Who’s cooking?” asked Sarah.

“Conor.”

She smiled at the thought. Conor had been moving around a lot more than the others and now she knew why.

***

They touched down too late that evening, so Conor decided to get them a hotel room for the night. Sarah was pretty sure he did it because he wanted one more night with his mate all to himself. Tomorrow they would figure out how to handle Michael and James.

Sarah didn’t mind. Conor had commandeered the hotel kitchen and cooked one of her favorites. She smiled when she realized that he had figured out how to woo her in his own way. He was going to show her how much she meant to him. That touched her heart. He could be pigheaded. It seemed to be part of the alpha persona, but she knew she could stand up to him without fear. He might get mad, but he wouldn’t harm her. She was his mate.

Just the thought thrilled her.

Conor closed the door and smiled at her. “I thought Max taking your dad with him was nice.”

“I was surprised that Dad wanted to go with him. Max has a way with people and Dad wasn’t immune.”

“Very few are.” He carried their bags into the bedroom. “Did you want to relax a little? Maybe watch some TV?”

“I would like to relax. I’ve felt this cloud over my head for the last week, but I don’t want to watch TV.”

“What would you like to do?”

“Feel you inside of me. Help me relax the way only you can do.”

The promising smile he gave her thrilled her. She pulled her dress off as she walked into the bedroom. Her dress fluttered to the floor behind her. Sarah felt the heat of his hands on her before she reached the bed. She turned at his urging to find him devoid of clothing too. Her dress as well as his clothes lay on the chair near the door.

Conor eased her to the bed before he showed her how much he wanted her. His mouth kissed all the places he knew aroused her. His fingers brushed some other parts of her body while he focused his mouth on some of his favorite parts.

The scent her skin gave off told him Sarah felt every brush. Every kiss. Conor had started a flame of need inside her and was quickly building it up to white-hot desire.

“Now, please,” she begged.

He moved back up her body and captured her lips as he drove into her. She sucked in air through her nose when he filled her. A soft growl showed her pleasure. Each time he filled her he felt her muscles tighten against him, giving him a wonderful vise to slide through. Desire hot and swift filled him. “I-I can’t hold back.”

“I don’t want you to. I need you to rock my world.”

He started moving faster and she kept up with him. Her breathing became labored as they raced each other. She shook as her release took control. Sarah looked up at him in awe as her orgasm surrounded her and sent her flying.

***

They walked into Conor’s parents' house early the next morning. Nana spotted them first.

“Sarah! It’s so good to see you. We heard. I’m so sorry you lost your mother.”

She bobbed her head and fought the tears that wanted to fall.

“Oh, Sweetheart. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” Nana stood up from the kitchen table and hugged her.

“I’m fine.” She sniffed and thanked Nana when she handed her a napkin. “It’s still very raw for me so the tears will show up at the oddest times.”

“What’s next? Are you up to going back to pretending to date your three beaus?” She took Sarah’s hand as she sat back down.

“After all I’ve been through I don’t want to anymore. It’s time to tell them the truth. Conor came with me in my time of need. They didn’t.”

Nana tugged her hand and had her sit at the table with her. “And your father? Is he okay?”

“Overall? Yes. I know he’s still in shock and I know the relief he feels will make him feel guilty. I feel guilty because I wasn’t home more, and I only called him one time while I was here. I should have called more.”

“You’re not at fault, Sarah.” Conor sat next to her and took her other hand. He placed a pet carrier on the table. “You’re a good daughter. We went to see your mom and dad before the stroke and you jumped right in there. I know your dad appreciated everything you did.”

“I could have done more.” She sniffed. “I know you’re right, but right now it’s so raw I’m still thinking about all the things I could have done.”

“I’d worry if you didn’t.” Nana patted her hand. “It shows how much you care.”

“Well, now I have to lock everything deep inside so I can do what needs to be done.”

Conor set a box of tissues in front of her.

“Thanks.”

A loud meow filled the air.

“What the hell is that?” asked Nana as she pointed at the carrier.

“My cat.”

“Cat? Really? You’re a werewolf.”

“Which I didn’t know when we became friends. He was there when I needed a friend and has stayed with me despite the wolf in me or Conor. I couldn’t leave him behind.”

“We need to celebrate,” said Siobhan, changing the subject.

“Ooh, let’s do it tonight. Conor’s restaurant can cater all the food.” Nana looked at him. “Your chefs have been calling every day to see if you were okay. They’re not used to you not haunting them. This will explain why, and I know they would love to cook for their alpha chef.”

“I’ll stop by on our way to the castle,” said Conor.

“Nana, I want to kick James out so you can move back to your home.” Sarah squeezed her hand.

“He would fight it. He’s been in the castle since he was a teenager.”

That’s what I wondered.” She bit her lip as she thought a little. “Can we count on his father?”

“No.” Nana shook her head. “He was the same way when we were children. He didn’t understand why he wasn’t in charge of the pack. My father took him aside one time and I didn’t have any more trouble from him.”

“But he’s just as bad. Can’t show any weakness there.” She thought a little more. “Wasn’t there something you made James sign when he moved in?”

“I saw no reason to do that. I thought my family line died with my daughter. James was the only hope to keep the pack alive.”

“Something he still believes.” Sarah opened the carrier and let her cat out. He purred and rubbed up against her face since he was on the table. She picked him up and placed him on her lap.

“Does that thing have a name?” asked Nana.

“Yes.” She looked at her mate. “His name is Conor.”

“You named him after me?”

“Hey, I had the biggest crush. I never expected to meet you. Let alone mate with you.” She petted her cat. “You should be honored.”

“Uh-huh. He’s going to have to prove himself now.”

“And how does he do that?” She looked at the feline Conor and smiled. “Beat James for us? Make him see the error of his ways and make him back down?”

Siobhan picked up the cat and placed him on the floor. “Let this Conor mingle with the ones on our farm. He’ll be fine.”

***

Sarah was amazed at how fast they had everything set up for their celebration. Unlike the one Nana did, this one was going to be small with just friends and family. Once their guests started showing up, she realized that werewolves never did anything small. This wasn’t as formal but there were so many people. The party was set up outside. Someone created a large bonfire. Several friends of the family cleared an area out for dancing and the band that belonged to one of the packs set up on one side of the area.

“This is small?” she asked Conor, keeping her voice low.

“You know everyone probably heard you, right?”

“I know, everyone’s hearing is uber great.” She slipped her hands into her jacket pockets. “Do you know what a small gathering is for my family? Maybe ten people. This is like a massive family reunion.”

“There are packs with over a hundred people in them. This is two plus a few extra guests.”

“Max and friends?” She pointed to Max ushering Alicia into the wide area where they stood.

“They’ve been there for you and me when we needed them. Your father is here as well.”

“Where?” She looked around but didn’t see him. She sure hoped no one would frighten him by shifting in front of him.

Conor pointed.

Sarah ran over and hugged her dad.

“This is some engagement party.” He looked around at all the tables laden with food as well as the people eating, drinking, or dancing.

“They call this a small gathering,” said Sarah as she linked arms with her father. “Would you like to meet Conor’s parents?”

“Yes.”

“Come on. I might not know half of these people, but knowing you, Dad, you will within a half hour.”

***

Sarah was talking to Siobhan when Alicia came over to talk to her.

“Alicia.” Sarah hugged her. “You okay? You smell different.”

“I’m a little tired, but it’s been a long day.” She smiled at Sarah.

“Nope, that’s not it.” Sarah tilted her head as she studied Alicia. She had noticed something on the plane, but her mind was in such turmoil she didn’t say anything. “Are you pregnant?”

“Um, I don’t know for sure, but I think so.” She looked for Max. “Please don’t say anything around Max until I’m sure.”

“You don’t think he’s figured it out by now?”

“He hasn’t said anything to me so I’m going to say no.”

Siobhan brought Alicia a chair. A few minutes later another woman came by and checked on her. Once the woman was done checking her out, she patted Alicia’s shoulder and said congratulations.

“Wait, was that your seer?” asked Alicia.

“Yes,” said Siobhan. “I thought you needed to know right away just in case Max gets suspicious.”

Conor came over. “I hate to interrupt you, Sarah, but Michael is here.”

“Damn. I didn’t think about either of them hearing about our little party.”

“Do you want me to send him away?”

“No.” She shook her head. “Better to do it now than to postpone it. He’s not the one I worry about. Michael is a little too beta to do anything but pout. I think that’s why my parents picked him. They knew his parents and felt he wouldn’t try to take over something that was designed for a woman.”

She went through the backdoor and waited in the kitchen while Conor intercepted him and brought Michael to the kitchen so they could talk.

Michael stepped in and stopped when he saw her. “Sarah.”

“Come have a seat,” she said. “We need to talk.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” he said as he sat in a chair next to hers.

“Thank you.” She clasped her hands together while she pulled her thoughts together. “I want to let you know that I have already made my decision. I know I promised to date all three of you but that was before my mom passed.”

“I wasn’t sure what to do.” He looked up at Conor who stood behind the chair Sarah occupied. “I didn’t want to overstep my boundaries.”

“Before my Nana’s party, Conor and I were already talking about mating. After I heard the story and knew you wanted to please your parents I knew I had to give you a chance. That also meant I had to give James one as well.”

“What changed your mind?”

“When Max told me my mom wasn’t doing well Conor stepped in and made sure anything I needed was done so I could focus on my mom. He was there when I needed a shoulder to cry on. He was there for my father as well.” She reached out and placed a hand on his. “I love him, Michael. He would have been my choice no matter what.”

“I appreciate your honesty.” He patted her hand. “When my parents found out you were still alive, they started to push. They wanted to honor your parents by having us mate.”

“You didn’t want that, did you?”

He smiled and shook his head.

“What’s her name?” asked Sarah.

“That noticeable, huh?” He smiled. “Emily. She’s from our pack. Her father works at the factory. We’ve been secretly seeing each other for over a year.”

“Why secretly? No one knew I was still alive until recently.”

“I’m not an alpha. I’m a beta. I know this, but as a doctor, I need to be able to be comforting and kind. I can’t demand people to take their medication or tell them they need surgery and expect them to do as I say. They need someone to hold their hand. Tell them that everything will be all right even when I’m not sure it will be.” He had a wistful look on his face. “She's studying to be a doctor as well. We migrated to each other when we realized that we would be studying together at a human college.”

“And you developed a relationship away from the pack.” Sarah smiled. “Can I assume you didn’t tell your pack about your relationship?”

“No. Emily is the daughter of our alpha. He wanted her to find an alpha from another pack to mate with. Help strengthen the pack. My mating with you would have done the same thing.”

“I get it. If the two of you mate, then you will remove both chances of strengthening your packs. My father came from your pack, so you are still family to me.”

“That will ease a few minds.” He fidgeted with his cuffs.

Sarah knew he was ready to go but didn’t want to insult her by leaving before she gave him permission to leave. “I wish you two the best and will do what I can to help you two become mates if that is what you both want.”

“Thank you, Sarah.” He stood. “I also want to tell you that James knows about you and Conor. He was the one to tell me about the party.”

She nodded. Sarah stood and gave him a quick hug, then Conor escorted him out of the house.

He came back and took her hand. “I’m going to discretely look for James to see if he’s lurking around anywhere.”

“You don’t think he would try anything tonight, do you? Max is here.” She stood and walked out of the house with Conor. “He knows not to mess with him, doesn’t he?”

“I don’t trust James and I don’t want him anywhere near you.” He pressed a kiss against her forehead. Conor noticed everyone looking in one direction. “Why is everyone staring at Max and Alicia?”

“Are they?” She looked as well and saw Max sweep Alicia up in his arms. “I think she just told him she was pregnant.”

“She’s pregnant? That explains the gawking. Did everyone here know? I know news flies in our world, but how did everyone pick up on it all at the same time.”

“The seer checked her out and said congratulations. It was all it took since she didn’t pitch her voice so only Alicia knew. She had to tell Max before someone else did.”

“I’m going to check for James. Please go stand by my parents or at least with someone I know will be able to protect you.”

“Conor, I’m surrounded by friends and family. I am safe.”

He didn’t say anything. Conor just looked at her.

“Okay fine. I’ll go over by Catherine and Jacques.”

“Thank you.” He took her into his arms and captured her lips for a quick kiss. “I promise to be quick.”

Sarah headed over to where Catherine and Jacques stood.

“You should be a little happier since this party is for you.”

“Sorry.” A sigh escaped her. “Conor is being a bit overprotective. He’s checking to see if James has been anywhere near here since Michael told us that James knew about the party.”

“You’re his mate, Sarah. Protecting his mate is something ingrained in Conor. It’s instinct for him.” Catherine smiled at her. “You’ll get used to it.”

“Will I?” Sarah watched as Jacques headed off. “I was raised human, remember? I wasn’t taught to bow and scrape in front of alphas. In the human world they’re Neanderthals that don’t know how to treat a lady.”

“Not in our world. Our men love us fiercely and they protect us just as fiercely.” Catherine put a hand on her arm. “It’s not easy to get used to. Jacques and I have had our moments because I felt like I was being treated like a poor helpless female instead of Max’s third in command. We worked our way through it. I understand what drives him now. You’ll get that way with Conor. You just need to give it time.”

Sarah wasn’t sure about that.

“And the best part,” Catherine pitched her voice so only Sarah could hear her, “the makeup sex is phenomenal.”

That made her smile.

***

“It’s my damn house!”

“I’m not denying that, Nana, but James tried to poison you once,” said Sarah. “We can’t give him another chance to try.”

“What happened to you kicking him out?”

“That’s what we plan on doing. But we want you safe.”

“And who's going to keep you safe? I don’t want you going to that castle alone.”

“I won’t be there alone, Nana. Conor will be with me.” She looked at her mate. He placed his hand on her shoulder to show his support. “If James were to try anything Conor will be there to protect me.”

“He’s not going to listen to you.” Nana stood. “He will only listen to me.”

“Nana.” Sarah understood how her grandmother felt but she knew she needed to be kept safe as well. “We’ve told him that you’ve turned everything over to me. As far as I know, he sees me as the leader of our pack now. All I need to do is kick him out. Once he’s out of the castle we will bring you home where you belong.”

“And what if something goes wrong?” She looked at Sarah and then at Conor. “Nothing can happen to you.”

“Nothing will happen to my mate, Nana. I promise.”

She didn’t say anything, but Sarah could feel her grandmother’s disbelief as she kissed her. She felt guilty as Conor escorted her to the car. “I hate lying to her.”

“I’m with her on this. I don’t want anything to happen to you. Why must you go into harm’s way?” He opened the car door for her.

“Because he’s already suspicious. James will expect us to try to pull something over on him. You know how to sneak into the castle. Nana showed us the passages. If he does what we think he’ll lock me in my room or the dungeon.” She looked at the pet carrier she had in the backseat. “My cat should throw him for a little bit. He’s done it to everyone else.”

“Werewolves don’t normally have pets, especially cats.”

“I would have thought you would be above the cat and dog thing.”

He had to laugh at that. Conor pulled up to the front doors. “I’m going to park the car in the garage then we can stage this fake fight. Please be careful.”

“I will.” She leaned over to give him a quick kiss then she exited the car. Her cat growled at being jostled. “I hear you, Conor. I’m not happy about this either.”

The front doors opened, and she took in a deep breath then smiled, hoping her fear didn’t show.

***

Conor pulled the car into the modern garage where Nana’s other cars were stored. He turned the engine off and focused on his surroundings. Once he climbed out of the car, he locked it and slipped his keys into a pocket. Taking a deep inhale, he didn’t pick up any fear, but something was going on.

He took three steps toward the castle before he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head. Conor knew he had been hit. Turning to see who his assailant was he realized his vision swam before it darkened as his mind shut down.