Riding Red (Fairytale Shifter #1)(11)

Losing parents is hard on shifters because they usually follow each other to the grave. When one goes, the other will soon go next. I used to think it was terrible that fate would do that to people, but having only known Ruby a short time, I don’t think I would want to live without her either. She’s already ingrained in me. But it looks like all I’ve done is hurt her, and here I was, not even hours ago, scolding Xavier on being a good mate.

Stone doesn’t respond to me, but there really isn’t much to say. He’s about to get a whole new reality check when Xavier comes knocking on his door. No, scratch that, I have a feeling Xavier isn’t gonna knock on a door to get to his mate. He’ll most likely tear it off the f*cking hinges.

“She’s going to find a mate soon. You’ll have to let her go,” I say lightly, trying to ease into this conversation.

His face actually looks somewhat happy and makes me feel a little more comfortable. Until he opens his mouth. “I made some really good alliances while I went from pack to pack checking in with other alphas. I got to meet a lot of good shifters too. Some were looking for a change of scenery, and a few of them I’m planning to invite here would be a good fit for Gwen. I’m really hoping one will be her fated mate. I think I’d be at ease with her being with one of them.”

That’s great. All we need is Stone to bring in shifters he hopes will mate with Gwen.

“Speaking of mates, I really need to get back to mine,” I say, standing up. “Like I said, not much happened while you were gone, and there was no stopping Gwen from working at the bakery. Trust me, I’ve been in the place. Nothing is going to happen to her.” I try to reassure him because he needs to get some rest. Maybe he needs to let his wolf out for a good run before we get into the whole Xavier and Gwen thing.

“Was what Gwen said true? You keeping the pack from meeting your mate?” Stone asks, raising an eyebrow at my odd behavior.

“I haven’t scented her or marked her. She doesn’t know what we are.”

“Why the f*ck not? If I found my mate—”

“I know. You’d storm off with her. I’ve been hearing it from everybody.” The defeat is clear in my voice. I’m f*cking up here. “I’m just worried. My wolf went a little nuts like he’d never done before when I saw her. She’s human, and I was barely holding my skin. I feel like if I touch her I’ll f*ck her, and you know what will happen then. She’ll go into heat, and I hear that can be painful. When I first met her it was still almost three weeks until the next full moon, and I couldn’t do that to her; I’d put her through three weeks of pain. So I thought it was best I suffer on my own.” My cock can’t find release, not until it enters her for the first time. No matter how many times I try, the orgasm never comes.

If I would’ve taken her that first day, she would’ve been in heat for three f*cking weeks. I tried to stay clear of her and allow the full moon to get closer, but I can’t stay away. My wolf doesn’t want anyone else near her if I can’t have her, so we’ve been parking our asses outside her bakery day and night. Now I’m seeing she has interpreted my behavior as being assholish. This is all so f*cked.

I run my hand over my face, trying to lessen the tension I feel building.

“Looks like we’ve both had a rough few weeks.”

I nod my head in agreement. “The toughest and best three weeks of my life.” I might be miserable at the moment, but it will be worth it. Soon I’ll have my mate, and she’ll be all mine, for the rest of our lives. As for tonight, it looks like I’ll be sleeping on the stairs. Again.





5





Ruby





I flip the lock on the door and turn the sign to ‘Closed’. It’s Friday night, and we’ve had a great day. There were a lot of people stopping by the bakery on the way out of town. Something must be in the air, because it feels like everyone is clearing out. Halloween is tomorrow night so maybe people have plans. There aren’t many places to stay that are close to the national park, so anyone visiting for the day would have to leave in the early evening in order to make it to the next town at a decent hour.

Gwen and I made lots of goodies all morning, and almost everything sold. I wanted to take Gwen up on her offer to go get a drink tonight, and I’m even more excited because it’s been a day to celebrate. There still weren’t any locals, but I’m trying not to dwell on it or let it get me down. Gwen keeps telling me to be patient.

I take one last look out the window before reaching up to pull the shade. I see Dominic talking to someone across the street. Almost as if he senses my stare, he turns, meeting my eyes. From this distance I can barely make him out, but suddenly I see his eyes brighten. It’s almost like they’re glowing. They’re doing that weird thing they did last night. I swear, the sunsets in this place cause people’s eyes to go funny.

The more I stare at him, the stronger the pull is to him. I don’t understand what is wrong with my body. All day it has felt as if my skin has been charged with electricity. I’m so sensitive and tingly all over. I kept rubbing my arms, feeling the hairs on them rise up like I was chilly, but I didn’t feel cold. I’m having the same feeling now. Something inside me wants to open the door and bolt into Dominic’s arms.