Eva Gibson’s pov
Glancing over the blooming foliage a grin tugged at my mouth. It was a really beautiful park. “It's okay to smile Eva,” Austin snickered as he took my hand and led me to a cobblestone path that I hadn't seen before. “Let's go on the new pathway. I haven't seen it since it was completed,” he said in excitement causing me to eye him curiously. As we walked, my curiosity grew about him and my sister, so I threw caution to the wind and simply asked. “Is Olivia your mate?” Stopping abruptly he glanced over at me with a frown and said, “I care a great deal about your sister because she knows things about me that the rest of the pack doesn't.” Furrowing my brow I asked him if he would share that with me. Hesitantly, he said, “I am cursed; I will never find my fated mate. No mate means I will never be able to take over my father's pack and Olivia doesn't see me as a defective wolf and just sees me as I really am. I value our friendship, and I don't want to ruin our bond. Plus Olivia deserves to have a fated mate, not a cursed one.” Staring at him with wide eyes I was flabbergasted and saddened. Tearing through the high walls I always had around my emotions; I felt a pain inside my heart. “That's so heartbreaking, Austin. I feel terrible for the both of you,” I said sincerely and meant every word, surprising myself. He shrugged it off and said, “Yeah, well, there's nothing that I can do about it but just continue on with life like I have been. Let's move on, the swans should be up ahead.” My opinions about him changed that instant, and I felt empathy for him and my sister. His demeanor had changed and his maturity shone more so than before. Matching his mood I nodded as I continued to walk beside him at a steady pace. Only our footsteps on the cobblestone could be heard as we continued around the path. Our silence was broken when he chuckled and glanced at me. “You shoved me pretty hard at the truck and I think you could probably train to become a formable pack guard.” Side-eyeing I grinned slightly and said, “I think I could be too.” “Well, I train with them, so you should stop over some time and check it out,” he offered, and I nodded. “I can but unfortunately, I won't be able to try out for the guard training until my first shift…maybe I am defective too,” I mumbled, and he eyed me aghast. “You're not defective, Eva, you're just a late bloomer. You could shift on the next full moon or be a moonless shifter,” he said with a grin. “My dad was a moonless shifter, but my mom wasn't, so I suppose that there's a chance,” I responded, and he nodded as he pointed toward the pond. The pair of swans were flapping their wings and I stopped to admire them. “They mate for life as our kind does,” Austin stated as he rested his elbows on the railing of the fence that separated the swans from the public. Side-eyeing him I smiled. “I learned that in grade school, Austin,” I responded and he grinned at me. “I heard from your sister that you once had a boyfriend, Curtis, I believe?” My brow furrowed at him, mentioning the boy I had given my innocence to rather unwillingly, and I shivered. “Yeah, it wasn't a good match, he wasn't very kind,” I muttered sourly, causing him to study me closely. “What happened?” Shaking my head I exhaled sharply and said, “Nothing that I wish to reminisce over.” Starting to continue on the path I heard him call out for me to wait up and slowed my steps. “Hey Eva, I am sorry for bringing up bad memories for you; it wasn't my intention,” he said, holding my upper arm. “It's fine, but I don't want to discuss it, okay,” I asserted and he nodded then waved his hand forward. The aftermath of my rape had created how I viewed men today and why I built up walls. I didn't trust the opposite sex easily, but I would never tell him that, nor had I told my sister the complete ordeal. “Olivia knows that it ended badly and was worried about you, just so you know,” he said compassionately and I glanced at him. “Yeah, I know,” I sighed. “Sometimes trauma is what keeps us from shifting,” he explained softly and I stopped in my tracks. “What are you implying, Austin?” I asked him angrily. Waving his hands before himself he stammered. “I wasn't implying anything, Eva. Just giving you a reason why you might not have had your shift yet!” Rolling my eyes I snorted rudely and lowered my eyes. “Curtis took advantage of my stupidity and did horrible things to me, okay! Olivia doesn't even know that, so keep it between us,” I huffed, and he nodded slowly and looked at me with sympathy. “I'm sorry for him doing that. It's not right at all,” he said sternly, and I shrugged before turning back to the path to continue on. We walked the rest of the path in silence, but a new understanding had grown between us, and I viewed Austin in a very different way than before as I'm certain he did in me as well. When we reached the starting point of the path, Austin's cell phone rang, and he took it from his pocket and announced that it was Olivia. He took the call and glanced at me as he listened to her. “We will come pick you up. I can take us out for dinner, and we can discuss it during our meal. Will that work?” He said into his phone and I raised my brow. After he ended the call, I asked him what happened, and he said, “They want her to go to the neighboring Gray River pack and go to the factory there to pick up orders. She believes that it's going to be an overnight issue,” he asserted, and I pinched my mouth. “What am I going to do? I need to have an older person with me until I shift,” I groaned. “We can figure it out over some juicy steaks,” he said in reassurance then added, “Let’s go pick up your sister.” Once we reached his SUV I went to the back seat with Austin watching me perplexed. “You could have sat in the front,” he laughed at me shaking my head.Eva Gibson’s pov Olivia smiled at us, waiting for her, but looked frazzled. “Crazy,” she muttered as she took her seat in the front. “They put me straight to work and some warehouse dude named Landon McDermott will be coming to pick me up tomorrow at the store. I was told to pack a suitcase and expect to be gone for a few days,” she added in disbelief. Nodding as he pulled his vehicle onto the road Austin said, “Mister McDermott is a good guy and hard worker and near his thirties.” Furrowing my brow at him, I looked at Olivia and asked her about what I was supposed to do. She expelled a breath through her teeth and glanced at Austin, then back at me. “How did your day go?” She asked me with a look of hopefulness. Smiling, I told her that we went to the park and walked around the pond after stopping at the ice cream shop. “Were you nice to him?” She asked me quietly and I told her yeah. “How's steak sound, ladies?” Austin asked loudly and we both laughed at him. “I'm starving
Eva Gibson’s pov A devious grin came to my face as I squeezed the handle and cold water sprayed Austin. Olivia put her hand over her eyes as I laughed at myself for soaking our future Alpha. Sputtering, Austin’s eyes flew open at me, spraying him with a shit-eating grin on my face. “STOP, EVA, I AM AWAKE!” He roared, but I still squirted his face and giggled at the disbelief that showed on his wet face. He scampered quickly out the back of his SUV and I lowered the hose. “You should learn how to handle your alcohol better,” I told him and saw that he was shivering and bit my lower lip. “It's ice-cold water; you could have raised the dead by spraying them with that,” he sputtered before Olivia told him to head inside and take a hot shower. “What's he going to change into?” I asked her. “Dad’s clothes are still here, he can use some. Why don't you go find some sweatpants and a shirt for him,” she suggested, and I dropped the sprayer and followed Austin, who was standin
Eva Gibson’s pov Olivia came into my room as I put on my socks, giving me a foul glare. “Why did you say that!” She hissed and I gave her an exasperated glance. “Stop playing coy with me, Sis; I know that Austin is in love with you, and you both are mates,” I replied, and her brow creased. “I love Austin as a friend, Eva. We have been friends since preschool, but I don't have romantic feelings for him,” she said in her defense. Side-eyeing her, I exhaled deeply and said, “Well, his pupils dilated when he looks at you.” Confused by that, she scoffed, “ What does that even mean?” After explaining that he looked at her like Dad had our Mom, she shook her head, “You're imagining things, Sis. I don't love him like that.” “Duh, I said HE Looked at YOU that way!” I asserted. Shaking her head at me and saying, “You're so wrong and you're behaving oddly!” Olivia then turned and stormed out of my bedroom making me start to second guess what I had witnessed the past days. Deb
Eva Gibson’s pov Shaking Landon’s offered hand I noticed that he continued to stare at my sister as if under a spell. I wasn't alone in my observation because Austin was keenly watching their interactions as well and looked upset which bothered me. “We should head to the warehouse, Miss Gibson,” Landon announced, and my sister told him to just call her Olivia, with a pleasant grin on her face. I pretended to gag myself with my index finger but took it from my mouth when the man turned toward Austin and me. “I will take great care of your sister, Miss,” the golden adonis told me, and I nodded mockingly as I eyed my sister over his shoulder. Olivia was giving two thumbs up and mouthing, “He is so freaking hot!” I rolled my eyes then turned to Austin chatting with the man. “See you in a few days,” Austin said, and Landon nodded, then grinned, “I will take good care of her.” We watched them drive off in a raised truck, and I side-eyed Austin, seeing his eyes narrow at the truck driv
Eva Gibson’s pov Pulling up to his house I glanced at the guards training in the field next to his home and frowned at seeing Curtis’ redhead and pale skin reflecting the sun. “Guess I won't be watching the guards,” I huffed and he noticed that Curtis was there and nodded as he parked. “I can remove my shirt, and you can watch me exercise,” he said teasingly, and I snorted as I got out before he could open the door for me. “That's all right. I would rather get my first shift,” I responded honestly, and he grinned at me while opening his front door. Following him inside, I ran into the back of him, stopping suddenly and hearing him make a huff told him that I was sorry. “Are you okay?” He asked me over his shoulder and I eyed him strangely. “Yes, your ass cushioned my stop,” I giggled, causing him to chuckle. “How many unsuspecting women have you brought into your trap, Austin?” I questioned him and he turned around to face me. “Honestly? None, but the backseat of my SUV has s
Eva Gibson’s pov Petting my head Austin looked relieved to see me gazing up at him. “Cool Eva, you're a moonless shifter and now can officially sign up for the guard training,” he said with a grin. I tried to respond, but only low growls came out of my muzzle, making me frustrated. “We can talk when you shift back; um, let me grab you a robe because you will revert shortly,” he said tensely. Whimpering, I felt my body once again start to reform back to itself, and it was just as painful as the shift to my wolf. Seeing the fur getting bare in patches, I listened for Austin to return as my body contorted on the floor once again, and I felt exhausted. Breathing heavily, I remained in the fetal position, feeling wiped out; I couldn't even lift my head when Austin’s footsteps came toward me. Crouching before me I felt the cloth covering me and side-eyed him. “Gnarly scar, Eva. How did you get that?” Meeting his concerned eyes, I exhaled deeply and said, “Curtis held me at knifepo
Eva Gibson’s pov Entering the main lobby, the smell of sweaty men assaulted my senses. I narrowed my eyes as I glanced around at all the shirtless, muscular men of all ages who sat in small groups within the large room. “What is this,” I asked Austin softly, and they all bowed their heads at him. Then a rowdy group growled, “Hey, Austin got another female recruit for us to pass around?” Another man punched him and said quietly that I was Gibson's youngest and the first man who spoke stopped smiling. Glaring at him I turned to Austin. Raising my brow I eyed him in disgust. “These are the graduates and part of the pack elite guards. They work in shifts and these men have just returned from their night patrols,” he explained. “What did that group mean about me being passed around? Have you brought women here for them to use?” I questioned him in anger. Narrowing his eyes at me, he shook his head and then pulled me up the flight of stairs, telling me that I had a lot to lear
Eva Gibson’s pov Continuing through the forest I thought about Austin and sighed. “You find him attractive but think that he's a fuck boy,” my wolf echoed in my mind and I narrowed my eyes and exhaled sharply. “I'm guilty on all counts,” I muttered then saw the man up ahead waiting at the clearing where the sketchy watering hole had been built. “Are you coming, slowpoke?!” He shouted out. “Why does he get on my last nerve,” I growled as I picked up my pace. “Probably because he is your mate, and you're jealous of your sister,” Lana whined, and I stopped in my tracks. “Bite your tongue, wolf! There's no way in hell that he is my fated mate; he is a pig,” I scoffed, and Lana tsked at me in return. “Austin is in love with my sister and he's cursed to not have a mate,” I spat as I continued up the trail. “He must learn what real love is and not just the act of it, plus receive real love in return,” Lana sighed and I rolled my eyes. “I'm not sure if I'm the one capable
Eva Gibson's pov Looking at me, Austin's corner of his lip curled up as he told me to finish eating. Smiling at him I nodded and lifted my fork. Sneaking peeks at him, I studied his chiseled features and the smooth lines of his sparse facial hair, curious if it would give me whisker burns on my inner thighs if he ate my kitty. I crossed my legs as my thoughts were getting my panties slightly damp and cringed when Austin sniffed the air and his narrow eyes glanced over the table at me. “Why is his nose so in tune with my lust,” I thought and Lana snickered. “He is your mate and he can detect the slightest change in your pheromones. It's a good indication that he's indeed yours,” she explained and I swallowed uncomfortably at the fluttering in my abdomen. Finished with my breakfast I excused myself and brought it to the kitchen sink and began filling it with hot sudsy water. “Bring me your dishes and I will wash them,” I called out over my shoulder. Jace slid his dirty dish int
Eva Gibson's pov I awoke in a panic and looked at my alarm clock, seeing it was eight-thirty. Scrambling out of bed I quickly got dressed and brushed my hair. Grabbing my house keys I locked the door and ran toward the training center. Once I got there I went inside of the building and the classroom that was partially filled with other trainees. The middle-aged instructor gestured for me to come to his desk and asked me for my name. Still breathing heavily from running I said, “Eva Gibson.” “And your sponsor?” “Aus…no, it's Jace McDermott,” I replied, and he nodded as he wrote down the information. “Go take a seat, there's coffee and donuts on the side table if you want anything,” he said kindly, and I thanked him. “You are?” I asked. “I'm Master at Arms, Stephen Jacob, and everyone just calls me Steve,” he answered, and I nodded as I headed to the coffee pot. After getting a cup, I glanced at the trainees who were sitting at the desks and saw an old female classma
Eva Gibson's pov Mortified at having to explain to the head guardsman that I was requesting to switch sponsors because Austin was my mate. I covered my face in embarrassment. My cheeks burned when the man said that it was wise of me to do so, so there weren't any accusations of favoritism. “It's better to be honest, Eva. Hell, Sirius might help you get back with Austin,” Jace asserted and I eyed him in disbelief. “I didn't want to air my personal business, especially when we both refused to be mates,” I huffed as I got into the passenger seat. “Well, let's get you back to your house, and I will give you a practice test later that the other guards get before the test tomorrow so you know what to expect,” he said chipperly, and I muttered an unexciting, okay. Pulling up to my home I asked him if he wanted to come inside now to give me the test. He eyed me oddly and shrugged. “I can,” he replied and I explained that I just wanted to get it done. “Maybe you can tell me abou
Eva Gibson's pov Frustrated beyond belief, I rose up with my empty bottle, went to the trash, dropped it inside, and then stopped before Austin. “I don't even like you and have always thought you were nothing but a womanizing asshat. The only reason I agreed to this was because I had no other choice. Just recently I have begun to tolerate you. You see, Austin, I don't trust men because of what Curtis did to me so this was a new experience for me…thanks for proving that men are jerks. I don't want you to be my mate, so I refuse it!” I asserted and turned away to collect my things. Gobsmacked Austin stood there with his mouth gaping as I walked away. I fought the emotions building up in my throat. “Well, that sucks,” Lana whined, and I huffed bitterly. “I'm not going to beat a dead horse wolf; he is too damn stubborn,” I murmured as I shoved my belongings into my duffle bag. Grabbing my dad's blade I grasped it in determination. “I will pass guard training and continue livi
Eva Gibson's pov Going to Jace's truck I glanced at Austin and exhaled deeply. Jace went to the driver's side and unlocked his door to get inside. Austin was about to jump in, and I placed my hand on his arm, stopping him. He huffed and turned to face me in annoyance. “I will marry you if it helps the pack. I don't want your uncle to take it over,” I said softly and his eyes narrowed down at me. “I will never love you, Eva. I won't suffer like that again,” he said coldly and I gritted my molars and glared at him. “We ARE mates, Austin and I never mentioned anything about love. I'm offering a partnership so that you can become Alpha,” I asserted and he shook his head and got into the truck. Before he shut the door he said, “I don't know you well enough.” I stood there gobsmacked, not believing the pack male whore was telling me that he didn't know me well enough. “Bet he would fuck me without knowing what my likes were,” I muttered as I got in the backseat. “He prob
Eva Gibson's pov Seeing the confused pain in Austin's features, I eyed my sister, returning with no remorse whatsoever. “You could have been kinder, Sis. He really loved you,” I muttered and she shook her head. “He needed a reality check. His fantasy was getting ridiculous, and I love my true mate, Landon,” Olivia stressed, punching her palm with each syllable. Backing off her I glanced back at Austin and groaned as I headed to him. “Let's go eat, Austin. A full stomach helps with the heartache; well, I assume it does,” I said softly as I grabbed his hand. “Can we wait a bit? I am falling apart internally,” he muttered, and I noticed that he was getting teary-eyed. Opening my arms to him I wasn't surprised by him burying his face into the groove of my neck and beginning to weep as he hugged me. Rubbing his back in a circular motion I told him to let it out. “Go ahead and get it all out,” I murmured and saw Jace raising his hands wondering what was happening. Waving my
Austin Belmont’s pov I watched Eva scurry quickly into my room like a frightened mouse and chuckled at the sight. Believing that if I pressed her enough she'd get the notion of her being my mate wiped out of her lovely head. There was no fucking way that she was the cure to my mate's curse. Eva Gibson wasn't the soft-spoken and timid female that I was interested in. Hell no, she was crass and a little bit perverted and behaved more like a guard man than a dainty, sophisticated woman. “She did go into heat and smelled very enticing. Plus her wolf is playful,” Nero growled in my head. I rubbed the side of my shaft as the thought of her scent brought the memory back. Frowning at my thoughts I huffed, “She was spending time with Jace. He must have brought her heat on.” Rubbing my eyes I thought briefly about the dinner with Olivia and Landon. I should have known that he would be the one to foil my perfect solution and planned to dress to impress my once-contracted fiancé.
Eva Gibson’s pov Slicing tomatoes while standing at the kitchen counter, Austin stepped up behind me to grab the slices and purposely pressed against my ass, causing me confusion. When he did it after I sliced the onion as well I turned to face him with my brow raised. Seeing his eyes dancing in merriment I grinned. “Did you want half of my sub?” He asked, looking at my mouth. Sticking my tongue out, I giggled at seeing his eyes rise to mine. “I'd love half of your sandwich,” I responded, and he nodded, turned, grabbed the knife I was using, and cut the huge sandwich he had created in half. Hearing a ringing, Austin went quickly to his room for his cell phone, so I grabbed both halves, put them on plates, and brought them to the table for us to eat. When he came out he was finishing up with the call with his brow furrowed. “You want a beer?” Nodding, I told him sure. Standing with his fridge door open, he hummed and then glanced at me. “I only have one bottle
Eva Gibson’s pov “BRAKE!!” Austin shouted as he reached for the wheel and turned it suddenly. The vehicle started to slide off the gravel road into the ditch. I glanced at him in disbelief. “I was going along just fine. The house is just right there,” I retorted with my finger pointing up the road. Soon, though, I was hanging sideways with him, groaning in regret since we flipped on our side into the ditch. Unbuckling myself, I fell against him, and he gasped a painful ouch. “Sorry,” I mumbled softly looking up at his face near mine. Narrowing his eyes at me I saw mischief dancing within his irises. My eyes widened in disbelief as he pecked my cheek and my abdomen fluttered a little. Scrambling to the other side I simply slide back against his chest with him grinning like a madman. “You owed me for crashing my vehicle,” he chuckled and I grimaced. “You crashed us by turning the wheel,” I argued and gave him a glare. His arms threaded around my waist as he rested