Dark Fates (A Paranormal Anthology)(9)

Logan snorted then took a seat in the armchair across from them. “Yes, tell us about your love life. I’m sure we can help. Since, you know, we’re connected to our feelings and all that shit.”

Noah grinned then took a sip of the beer they’d put on the table for him. The bitter, hearty brew was just what he needed to soothe his throat and calm his nerves enough to even ask for help in the first place.

“You’re happily mated, and I know for a fact that you get romantic with Cailin, so don’t start on that feeling shit.” Noah grinned as Logan frowned. Goddess, he loved making fun of Logan. He couldn’t help it. The other wolf was more dominant, alpha as hell, and a good man.

“How much does Cailin tell you? I’m going to have to spank that ass of hers if she doesn’t keep things private.”

Noah choked on his beer, and North slammed his hand on his back a couple times.

“For the love of god, Logan. Don’t talk about spanking my sister’s ass. Ever. Jesus.”

Logan grinned, unrepentant, then winced as if he’d just remembered North couldn’t see that grin. Shit, they needed to help North.

“Stop frowning,” North snapped. “I knew you were acting like an ass. Just because I can’t see doesn’t mean I don’t know. Anyway, Noah, what have you done to court our dear Emeline? We want her happy, you know. And since she’s an honorary Jamenson, we’ll kick your ass if you hurt her.”

Noah relaxed immediately. Yes, these two would help as much as they could. “First, tell her that. Not the ass-kicking part. But the Jamenson part. I think she needs to feel like she’s truly part of a family and not just on the fringes.”

North nodded. “We’re trying. She’s surrounded by a hard shell that’s tough to crack. But we’re Jamensons. We don’t back down from a challenge.”

“Good. As for hurting her? That’s not on my radar, man. She’s my mate. I just don’t think she knows it yet.”

Logan shook his head. “The thing is, I agree with you. As much as it pains me. But the way she’s let you help her this past year? That means something. She’s one strong wolf, and the fact that she leans on you tells me her wolf is ready for you. I just don’t think the human is connecting the way she should.”

Noah’s mouth ran dry despite the beer. “You mean like with Lexi being latent or the fact that she doesn’t want me at all?”

Logan held up a hand. “This is nothing like what happened with my sister.”

North patted Noah’s knee. “My mate felt me as her own even though she couldn’t feel her own wolf. So, yeah, this is different than with Lexi. I think what Logan is trying to say is that Emeline has spent so long on a different level than the rest of us she might not be aware that what she’s feeling is mating urge.”

“And I can’t come out and tell her what she’s feeling,” Noah said drily.

Both men snorted. “Uh no. Do that and you’ll have your balls sent to you in a little bag,” Logan said.

“Yeah, never tell a woman what she feels. You’re asking for a beat down.”

“There’s no easy answer to this,” Logan said, his voice serious. “All you can do is do what you’re doing. Show her she’s the one for you. Court her. Flowers, chocolate, sweet things she might like that only you would know about. Help her with her research, make yourself such a part of her daily life that you’re needed.”

“So keep doing what I’m already doing then,” Noah said. “There’s no magic answer to this, is there?”

North sighed. “Magic can’t fix everything. Also, I would wait to tell her about your mating. Knowing Emeline, she’ll run because she doesn’t feel it. I know that’s keeping a secret, and if Lexi heard me saying this, she’d kick my ass, but I think it’s for the best.”

Noah nodded. “That’s why I haven’t told her. Plus, to be honest, I’m scared to death that I’m setting myself up for a fall and she knows we aren’t mates. How f*cked up would that be?”

“I mated a woman who was already mated to a sick son of a bitch, Noah,” North whispered. “I know how f*cked-up fate can be. But we made it work. You can too. Now go court your lady and make her happy. And remember what we said. Hurt her, we hurt you.”

“Understood.” Noah stood, said goodbye then headed to Willow’s Bakery.

The Beta’s mate had opened her bakery soon after she’d mated Jasper, and it was one of his favorite places to go. He figured he’d get Emeline something sweet to eat while she was studying. And if he had his way, he’d be right by her side helping. He’d already had a full day at the clinic, and thankfully, since they weren’t at war, he hadn’t been too slammed. Plus the Pack had a Healer, Hannah, who worked with her powers to Heal those in need. Together, he and Hannah had the Pack covered. Hopefully soon, North would be back, and they would become Noah’s dream team.

One day at a time though.

“I see you made it out in one piece.”

Noah rolled his eyes at Cailin’s words then held out his arms. Cailin raised a brow and handed her son, Edward, over. The little guy’s eyes brightened, and he waved his arms. Noah stuck his nose along the boy’s neck, inhaling that sweet baby scent. He’d helped deliver every single one of the Jamenson children who had been born that year, but Edward held a special place in his heart.