Craving Tori: White Timber Pack(15)

Darren looks over at me. He fidgets some in his spot, which is a sight to see. The big bad alpha is nervous. “Tori, I’m sorry. I forgot,” he says sheepishly.

I wave him off like it’s nothing. “It’s fine. Are you two hungry? Ryan made breakfast,” I ask with a grin on my face, proud that my mate didn’t burn the house down.

Darren looks at Ryan with wide eyes. “You cooked?”

Ryan nods his head. “I did. Mom taught me how to cook for my mate,” he whispers. My eyes wander over to Mary and she nods her head proudly. Here I was worried about taking care of him when he’s the one taking care of me. My insides flutter.

“So it’s not that no one but you,” Darren glares at Mary, “can use the stove, it’s just that I can’t,” Darren fusses.

Mary waves Darren off. “Oh, stop being a baby about it. You know damn well why I don’t let you touch the stove.”

Darren shakes his head and nods down at his son before placing his hand on his shoulder, lightly squeezing it. I can see how proud Darren is of Ryan.

Mary claps her hands together, snapping Darren out of it.

“Well, I’m starving,” she mentions with on grin on her face. Probably knowing what Ryan made is edible.

“Go sit and I’ll get the plates ready,” Ryan says, softly touching my arm.

Mary smiles at both of us. “Your father can help you with the plates,” she mentions, looking at Ryan before taking my arm in hers and walking over to the table.



We’re just finishing up with breakfast when I look over at Mary and bite my lip. I know she’s said before that I could use her car, but I want to make sure again before I do. I clear my throat. “Mary,” I say her name softly.

She turns her head my way. “Yes, dear?” she asks, her tone soft.

“Umm... I was wondering if it’s okay if I borrowed the car this morning?” Mary places her mug on the table and looks up.

“Of course, I’ve told you before whenever you need it, it’s yours. You don’t have to ask. We should really consider a car for you soon,” she rambles.

My eyes widen. Wait, what? They want to get me a car? My eyes swing over to Ryan, who is looking at anyone but me. He knows?

“You don’t have to get me a car. I can work and get one on my own,” I mention quickly, but Mary shakes her head.

“Consider it a wedding gift of sorts,” she replies.

I’m just about to protest, but Ryan puts his hand on my arm. I look up at him and I can see by the look on his face that it’s a lost cause to argue about it with his mom. My shoulders slump forward. I didn’t want them spending money like that on me, but it seems they’ll do it with, or without, my say.

I ended up leaving my car back at my parents’ house. I didn’t think I would need it just for a visit. I didn’t expect to find my mate while visiting Elizabeth. If I would’ve known, I would have taken my car down instead of flying.

I miss my parents very much. I haven’t been away from them for this long. It’s crazy to think that my mother knows about shifters. I had no idea that she knew, but when Elizabeth’s mom told me my mom used to date a shifter before my father came along, I was shocked beyond belief.

Mary leaves the kitchen for a minute, then comes walking back in with her car keys in hand. “Here you go, dear,” she says, handing them over to me.

I bite my lip and give her a smile. “Thank you,” I mumble.

Darren gets up from the table and stretches. “Come on mate, how about watching a movie to relax a bit this morning?” he whispers to Mary.

“That sounds amazing. A chick flick is just what I need,” she squeals happily while clapping her hands.

Darren shifts his hold on his mate and groans. “Seriously? A chick flick?” he mutters.

Mary gives Darren a look that causes him to stop whining. “Yes, a chick flick. I don’t feel like watching something about blowing shit up,” she growls.

“Whatever you want, mate,” Darren replies.

I bite my lip to hide the snicker that wants to escape. Darren and Mary leave the kitchen. But they both shout ‘drive safe’ as they round the corner.

I look over at my mate with a smile on my face and he comes closer, pulling me flush against him.

“I love you,” he whispers against my forehead. I close my eyes and savour his words. I can feel the love coming off him easily with our bond.

“I love you, too,” I whisper back.

He kisses my lips before releasing me. “You better hurry up. I’m sure Elizabeth is waiting for you to open the first can of paint,” he mentions with a lazy grin on his face.

I nod my head. “You're probably right. I’ll go grab my purse and head out,” I mention quickly as I make my way out of the kitchen and upstairs, grabbing my things. Making my way back downstairs, I head to the front door where Ryan is standing.

He brings me in for a hug, then kisses my lips. God, I can kiss him all day and not get tired of it. He releases my lips and leans his forehead flush against mine. “Drive safe,” he murmurs.

“I will, don’t worry. I’ll be back later, when the room is finished. Have fun helping Caleb,” I reply with a smirk on my face.

I push up on my tippy toes and place one last kiss to his lips before turning around, opening the front door, and making my way down the steps towards Mary’s car. I open the car door and hop in, turning the key, the car starts. Looking up, I see Ryan standing on the porch waving. I wave and blow a kiss his way. I slowly make my way out of the driveway and pull out onto the road.