Chapter 5: Always There

Shaw's POV

"Kat take the kids out to your car." When I spoke it sounded like a growl. My wolf was barely contained. She hopped up and rushed the kids out immediately. She knew what was coming even without really knowing. I could smell her anger and embarrassment mingling in the air. Whatever happened wasn't good and I intend on finding out exactly what transpired.

"What the fuck did you say to her?" I walked up to Noah bristling and damn near ready to go for his jugular.

"I was just kidding around Shaw-" I had my hand around his throat before he finished spewing the bullshit from his mouth.

"Jax. What happened?" I gritted out bearing my teeth in a show of dominance.

"He got drunk and made some comments about her and talked to her bad in front of the kids." He shook his head.

"Is this true?" I glanced at Sean and he nodded.

"She smacked him in the face too. His wolf got riled up, we had to hold him back and that's when you walked in." Sean added.

"What the fuck do you mean riled up?" my eyes had turned to ice. The fact that he would ever think of harming any woman was bad enough, but Katherine had been claimed by me. I was seconds away from shifting when the doorbell dinged signifying someone had entered. I smelled her immediately and her scent calmed me enough to get myself under control.

"Take him home before I kill him." I finally let go of Noah's neck and he dropped to the ground gasping for air. I took two more deep breaths before I turned around to face her. The chatter in the restaurant continued as if the little scene never happened.

"Don't worry Kat it's handled."

She nodded and she rushed back to her Cherokee not wanting to leave the kids alone for longer than she needed to. Jovanni gave me a questioning look as she took in the interaction between us.

"You sure you want to do that?" Jo She didn't hesitate speaking her mind in most situations. However in this scenario I didn't appreciate her tone.

"I'm sure Jo." I say as I walk out shaking my head.

I pulled up to the little house and knock on the front door.

"Hey" She says breathlessly as she opens the door.

"Is this a bad time?" I realize I shouldn't just show up uninvited.

"No, come in." her black hair was pulled into a messy bun on top of her head.

"Mama! Can I get in the bath now?" called a small voice.

"Hold on Ame. Make yourself comfortable I'm going to get her in the bath."

"I won't be long." She said from the top of the stairs.

Half an hour later she brought Amelia down all dressed in pajamas

"She wanted to say goodnight." She carried her daughter into the living room where I sat.

"Thank you for saving my mom from that mean guy."

"Your welcome. I'll make sure your mom stays out of trouble from now on."

"Really?" She looked hopeful at the thought.

"I promise." I said assuredly.

"Okay it's bedtime. Say goodnight to Shaw."

"Goodnight Shaw." she waved.

"Goodnight."

Shortly after Kat came down the stairs and sat down next to me.

"Would you like a drink? I have wine." She offered.

"Do I look like the type to drink wine?" I chuckled.

"No, but I want a glass." She went into the kitchen and I followed behind her.

"I'm sorry about that commotion at the diner. I know you saw me chocking him."

She looked at me as she poured herself a tall glass.

"Don't apologize. I appreciate you stepping in the way you did." She took a swig of the red wine.

"It seems like whenever I need saving you're there." she continued.

"Noah is a good kid, but he's an asshole on his best day. What he did was inexcusable and it will never happen again. I came here to tell you that."

"You speak with so much authority over him, I take it you're close?"

"He's my cousin."

"Oh.."

"I also came here to ask if you and Amelia had plans tomorrow afternoon?"

"No we don't , why do you ask?"

"I wanted to take you to my favorite beach. It's a bit of a hike, but its worth it."

"Okay, sure that sounds fine. We can have dinner here afterwards."

"Okay." There was a ripple in the air and I found myself wanting to lift her up on the counter right then and there. She felt it too and her carmel skin blushed red. I knew she could feel the attraction, but what I felt for her was so much more.

The day she moved to town I felt an itch to go to the diner even though I rarely spend time in town. My wolf knew his instincts took over and took me where I needed to go. When I saw her sitting there even just looking at the back of her head sent him into overdrive. I almost shifted he was so eager to mark her he almost missed Amelia sitting there with her. When she turned to leave and we finally locked eyes I was finally able to imprint. Since then I had been itching to claim her as my own, and to my pack I already had. I made it clear to them which is why Noah's behavior tonight is so surprising to me. Everyone in town was either directly descended from or married to a shifter which is why we live in isolation.

"I should go. I still have to deal with my cousin." She nodded and walked me to the door.

"Goodnight Shaw."