A sudden knock sounded at the door.
“Paisley, your dad’s home and he wants to speak with you. Both of you.”
Our gaze returned to each other briefly before I took the initiative to widen the distance between us and open the door. My 'mother' still stood there in the doorway and briefly peered in before releasing the tension in her shoulders seeing Beta Carter standing in the middle of the room and nowhere else- for example- the bed. I discreetly rolled my eyes and made my way downstairs, Beta Carter following behind me- teasingly stroking down the back of my upper arm. Pleasurable tingles raced down my skin like a line of charged electricity everywhere he visited.
I had to cough to clear my own intimate thoughts which I’m sure were showcased on my face. I could feel the burning shame coursing through me. I quickly pinched myself as punishment for not keeping my distance from the man so soon after I decided not to.
My 'father' paced the living room and stopped when he saw us. “Paisley, come sit here please.” He gestured to the arm chair by him, his commanding voice leaving no room for argument. “You-” he gestured to Beta Carter, “sit over there.” He motioned to the couch on the other side of the room. Normally I would have rolled my eyes at the protective behavior but at this moment, I couldn’t be more grateful. If Paisley’s father didn’t like or approve of the mate bond, then I could use that as an excuse to stay away. ‘Oh I can’t. I love my father too much to go behind his back like this and he’d never approve of us. Boo-hoo, sob’. Perfect. My one college theater class I took while obtaining my degree will finally pay off.
I tried to hide my evil smirk.
"Is what you said this afternoon about Paisley true, Beta Carter? Is she really your mate?" My father asked, never taking his discerning gaze off of him.
Beta Carter met my gaze for a moment and smiled inwardly, a tender expression shocking everyone else in the room. He met my father's gaze again and nodded. "Yes, sir."
"How can you tell?" He interrogated. Yes father! Grill him to pieces! My mother came around the couch to my side and placed her hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. I looked up at her and was shocked to find a cautious, almost suspicious expression residing there.
What is she on about?
"From the moment I caught her scent in the crowd, I knew she was mine." He smirked at me once more- a mischievous smirk resting there. "And when I caught her taking pictures of me-"
I coughed aggressively into my sleeve and subtly glared at him. His innocent expression showed no recognition of what I blatantly tried to stop him from saying, however, his cheshire cat grin said it was just a cover for the impish man who thrived on stirring up chaos- the bastard.
My father folded his arms and looked back and forth at both of us. "Do you intend on being sexually-active with my daughter?"
"Phil!" My mother gasped.
"I think I'll let Paisley decide that one." For the first time ever, Beta Carter looked uncomfortable. His cheeks slightly reddened, and I groaned, putting my head in my hands. What a disaster.
"Alright, then how many sexual partners have you had in the past?"
"Phil, you can't just ask someone that!" My mother covered her own face now and slapped my father's arm in protest.
"What? We need to know. I don't want to find out in two months that I have to get my daughter tested for STDs? Do you?" He shrugged like it wasn't the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to me in front of the hottest man to walk this earth.
"Okay!" I jumped up- embarrassed beyond belief. "I think we've had enough of the questions now. Beta Carter's probably got to go home now. Beta duties and what not." I shoved Beta Carter to his feet before attempting to push him to the door, one that didn't succeed because the man was made of granite. Impossibly immovable.
"Alright, alright. Hold on love birds. I've got one more question." My father asked solemnly.
Dear Moon Goddess Selene, please strike me down and put me out of my misery. Or better yet, dear author- please write me out of this story so Paisley can come back and I can end this madness.
"Will you treat my daughter how she deserves?" My father had a serious look on his face. “Protect her from harm? Especially from other werewolves?”
Envy bubbled within me. Paisley was so lucky to have a father like Phil Gable. I could only dream of having someone in my life who loved me so much they teasingly embarrassed me on purpose, or asked a man his intent with me.
“With my life, sir.” Beta Carter’s eyes met mine and for a brief moment it seemed like he was staring straight into my soul. “She is my equal in every way.”
No one spoke for a moment. It seemed I wasn’t the only one who was shocked by the intensity of his response. The silence was only broken by the soft thoughtful chuckle of my father.
"Alright, you passed. Welcome to the family, Beta Carter!" My father pulled a shocked Beta Carter in for a hug, his confident mask dropping for a moment. Available only from my view was the gaze of a shocked and nervous man anxious to be accepted.
“Phil-” my mother started but was quickly interrupted.
“You might as well stay for dinner too! You are practically my son-in-law after all!” My father grinned cheekily and patted his back
My mother and I's jaws collectively dropped.
"B-but I'm sure Beta Carter is too busy to stay for dinner. Isn't that right?" I sneakily glared at the man in question, elbowing him ever so subtly. He looked back at me with confusion, but it soon was overtaken by something that made a cold sweat drip down my back.
An exciting challenge.
“Actually, I'd be honored to join sir, and please- just Carter.” He grinned, a cheeky dimple escaping from its hiding place under his russet haired stubble for a moment before he faced me with that burning passion of a challenge flaming his excitement. "And it’s just like you said. I am your son-in-law, after all."
The bastard.
“That’s the spirit, son!” He smirked and they both laughed. Leave it to the only two men in the room to bond over a sports team.
I sighed and rolled my eyes, my mother mirroring my movements, but she shifted uneasily, glancing at me cautiously again before making her way to the kitchen.
What was that?
Unfortunately, Carter ended up staying for dinner, and now I am stuck sitting next to a man who can melt an ice cube with his looks alone. And what makes matters even worse is his subtle teasing and sensual touches he enacts upon me every chance he gets. He reaches for the salt? He'd accidentally brush hands with me. He wants to adjust himself to focus more on what my father is saying? His knees would ‘accidentally’ knock into mine for a moment as he did so. At first he would apologize like it was some sort of accident but after the third time, he stopped apologizing and just let it happen. Every time he did, I refused to acknowledge it. He just wants a reaction because it eggs him on so I refuse to give him one.Now do you see my dilemma?In fact, at this very second, Carter’s latest attempt of riling me up by leaning over me to grab the tray of green beans had me gasping involuntarily. I couldn’t help it! His scent practically invaded my nose and his rippling bicep muscles were on d
"That might cause some panic if you do." A muffled voice just outside the door said to me. I gasped and flung the door open, glaring at the wolf who couldn’t seem to stay even a floor away from me.“What are you doing up here?!” I whisper yelled, cheeks burning in fury. Beta Carter merely stared at me for a moment, a light smirk resting on his plump lips but a strange emotion shining in his crystal blue gaze.“I thought I would bring you dessert, mate. You left before we got to the best part.” he gestured to the two bowls of apple pie and vanilla ice cream in his hands. I had a feeling he was talking about more than just the food but I wouldn’t dare comment on that. Not if I wanted to get through this night with my dignity... and the same pair of panties.“Are you going to let me in or are you going to just continue staring at me?” His smirk widened. Does this man ever not smirk?I sighed in defeat. “Fine, come in.” I pulled the door open wider for him and sat at the desk chair. “But
It all started with a contest. My favorite author was hosting it to market the release of her latest book. Naturally I took part but never in a million years did I think I would win. And it wasn’t just some small prize either. It was a signed hardcover version of her latest book as well as a personal note from the author- at least, that’s what it was supposed to be. I did not expect to wake up in the world of my favorite novel series.“Paisley, wake up and get dressed! The alpha’s family is coming for lunch in an hour!” I groaned in response and wet my stinky dry mouth.Did I mention that it happens to be a werewolf novel? A feel-good romance series where the main female lead is super submissive, the male lead is the alpha of his pack and there’s lots and lots of unnecessary drama?I know, I know what you’re thinking- but hey, it’s a guilty pleasure of mine. I can’t help myself. Don’t judge me. We don’t pleasure shame here.Alright, alright, moving on before I say anything else that s
Twenty-four hours could not go slow enough. It didn’t help that every time I tried to fall asleep in my bed I worried I would wake back up in my rundown apartment before I would get to see my favorite character, but I suppose the moon goddess and the author smiled down on me because thankfully- I am still here to witness the return of Beta Carter to the Lockwood Pack.And I bought a camera.Is it considered stalking if I take a picture of his face if he’s not a celebrity or public figure?We’re not going to think about it.I previously asked my ‘father’ if they had any plans to throw a welcome back ceremony for Beta Carter but he just shook his head however he did tell me that the Beta would be at the pack house around noon. Apparently several high ranking wolves and their families were going to greet him at the pack house when he arrived."I'm surprised you're interested in the welcome party! You usually don't participate in these kinds of things." He remarked with a smile. I was abo
"I hope I get a commission for those photos." A smooth, velvety voice spoke behind me, whispering something sinful down my spine. The hair on the back of my neck and arms stood up in attention and my knees shook with anticipation but for a moment, I held still, staring at the photos, my back to the pack house. To anyone, it would have seemed as if I didn’t hear a voice behind me- but I knew, and he knew that I was at full attention.“Did you get my good side, at least?” Footsteps crunched on the gravel growing louder by the second but I still couldn’t move from my frozen position. Suddenly, two large rough hands slid sensually over my arms and tenderly enclosed my hands holding my camera. An overwhelming warmth pressed softly against my back, tingles racing down my spine as a warm breath blew against the back of my neck and shoulder. I couldn’t help but let out a subtle gasp.The voice hummed in approval, gazing at the picture I took- the one of Beta Carter’s desire made plain and cle
I barely recall how I made it home. I only kept myself from sobbing until I reached Paisley’s bedroom. Not once in my life did I envy a person as much as I envied Paisley. And it wasn’t just for Carter but her family as well. And they were close- thick as thieves. Paisley spent her evenings hanging out with her parents rather than any friends because she was just that close to her family. And I?... Well, that’s another matter.“Paisley? Are you alright?” My mother, or rather- Paisley’s mother knocked on the door. I tried to clear my throat before speaking but a tremble came out as I shouted I was fine. “You don’t sound fine. Can I come in?”I ignored her and flipped through my journal I had been keeping since I entered this world. “Paisley?” She asked again.“Ugh, I said I was fine, didn’t I?!” I shouted back. There was silence for a moment before Paisley’s mother murmured an ‘all right’ and left.Groaning, I slammed my head into Paisley’s desk and mentally kicked myself for how I spo