Chapter 3 - John

I am going to maim, I can’t kill him, but I can maim my brother when I get home. Of all the places in the world to send me. He had to send me to the one place that apparently has been hiding my mate. And fuck, this is not good. ‘Shut up! We have wanted our mate for years. You and I both know you are tired of being a mateless virgin.’ Irving scoffs as he eyes her ass while we follow her to her office.

‘Stop looking at her ass. The hell, Irving? She’s going to catch us, and I’m not dealing with that.’ I scolded him. And, of course, as we were arguing about the ramifications of checking out our mate’s ass, she looked back and caught us. Damn it, Irving. 

And crap, now we are in an even small space with her. At least out in the show, the scents of all the flowers and her employee Becky helped counter her delicious scent. But now, there was no escape. Her scent was driving me crazy. I had to clench my jaw more than a few times and subtly adjust how I was sitting so she’d not realize I was getting turned on.

Fuck my life. I’m getting turned on by this human simply by her smell. Add that to watching her work, my eyes constantly drawn to the length of her neck and to where my mark would be if I bit her. The problem is every time I looked at that spot, Irving would surge forward, wanting to look at her, be near her. 

And I think she’s noticed. Fuck she’s definitely noticed. But I don’t know if she understands why my eyes keep changing like this. Another thing that’s been messing with Irving and me is the scent of arousal mixing with that dark chocolate and strawberries I’ll forever associate with her. At least, I’m not the only one being tormented by this desire. 

I at least know the pull is because of the mate bond. She’s human and probably just chalks it up to being attracted to me. She wouldn’t understand the pull and what the bond means. Despite it all, she remained professional for the meeting. And I’m rather proud of my control. Because her scent, her body, everything about her being in this small room with her was driving me crazy.

“Here we are.” she nodded, standing and going to a small side table where a printer sat. I can justify watching her movements because she was getting paperwork for me. ‘Sure. Whatever excuse you need to explain checking our mate’s ass out… again.’ Irving teased. “Here is the physical copy. But I have also emailed the electronic copy to Aurelia. Have her and your brother review it and get back to me quickly. I know the wedding is still months away, but my availability is limited.” she explained, offering the paper.

“Of course, I understand. I’ll be sure they look it over, and they’ll be in touch very soon. As I said, she's very keen on your services.” I shrugged, taking the paper, careful not to let our fingers touch. “I appreciate that Mister John.” she smiled. If I thought being in this small room was too close, standing less than a foot apart was the worst. So close, but so far. I can’t touch her. “Well, I should be going. Thank you for your time.” I nodded, forcing my feet to head for the door.

“Pleasure was all mine, Mister John.” she calls out, her voice having a sultry quality that has my dick wanting to leap to attention. Irving is already at attention panting in my head. My grip tightens on the handle as I take calming breaths, so I don’t break the handle off. I opt for saying nothing. I don’t trust myself to say anything. So I nod and quickly leave her office.

I want to go home. I should go home. But the idea of being far from her pains me. Fuck how the hell did Logan manage to stay away from Aurelia at that camp? Or when she was at her family’s ranch briefly during the summer and then during the school year. ‘Logan and Jericho only managed to pull through the school year because they mated and marked her. We could mate and mark our mate. Then our problem is solved.’ Irving interjected as I slowly perused the shop.

‘That would create all new problems, Irving. She’s human. You don’t just mark a human. And even if she weren’t human, I wouldn’t just mark her. You know very well that to mark someone, we need their verbal consent.’ I scolded him. ‘Okay, fine, that’s true. And I wouldn’t want to force mark her. We aren’t that type. But we should at least get her number or give her yours. Ask her on a date. ANYTHING!’ Irving conceded my point yet still pestered me about her.

I froze in front of a display of wildflowers. They were brightly colored bouquets ranging from a half dozen to two dozen in a bundle. I felt her. I smelled her before she arrived at my side. “Did you need something else, Mister John?” she asked, stopping a matter of inches from me. Turning my head enough to look over at her, I noticed her gasp. 

Did she just now realize how close she was standing? I turned my gaze back to the flowers and selected one of the dozen that looked the most cheerful and in bloom. “Yes, I’ll take these. She’ll like them.” I nodded. “Wildflowers? You know if you are looking to give a woman flowers as a romantic gesture, we have our bouquets that may be more suitable.” she commented. For a fraction of a second, I thought I saw a pout on those full lips. She quickly recovered and schooled her expression. 

“I prefer being alive. So I’ll leave all romantic gestures to my brother.” I stated as I headed for the counter to pay. “Oh. These are for your soon-to-be sister.” she nodded as a faint blush stained her bronze skin. “Yes. As I said, she was only unable to make it as she’s not feeling well.” I nodded as she rang me up. 

These would either serve as a nice ‘get well’ or a ‘congratulations on the pup’ gift, depending on what Phil tells them. I’m still inclined to believe it’s the latter. “That’s rather thoughtful of you.” she smiled softly. “You know they say you can tell how a man treats his woman based on how he treats the women in his family.” Becky interjected with a smile that clearly said she’d like to know how I treat one in bed.

“I suppose that would be true. My mother raised me to be a gentleman.” I shrugged, pulling my wallet out. Crap, I don’t have cash, so I will need to use my card. “Oh, so does that make you a momma’s boy? I never cared for that sort. Should you be getting a second bouquet for her?” Sarael casually comments. I clenched my jaw, taking a calming breath.

“Actually, now that you mention it. Could you prepare a dozen white calla lilies? Mother always loved calla lilies.” I asked, thinking of going by the pack cemetery. Sarael blinked and looked up at me when I said ‘loved’. “Oh… of course. Becky, can you go make the arrangement?” she nodded. “Um… sure.” Becky sighed, reluctantly heading into the back, giving me a longing look over her shoulder.

“I’m sorry.” Sarael whispered. “For?” I asked. “Assuming.” she sighed. “It’s fine. Strangers tend to assume as they wish.” I shrugged. “Here… you can ring me up. I’m sure you have other business to attend to.” I said, extending my card as the door chimed behind me. 

A few new customers had trickled in. I was hoping they would serve as a distraction. This bond pulls us together, and if she looks at the name on my card and possibly freaks out. “Welcome to Flowers of the Nile! I'll be right with you ladies.” she cheerfully greeted the newcomers. Thankfully that meant she wasn’t looking closely at my card as she swiped it. “Becky will bring out the other arrangement shortly.” she excused herself to go assist the new customers. 

I breathed a sigh of relief as I tucked my card back into my wallet. I only had to wait a minute or two for Becky to come strolling out. “Here you are, John.” she smiled as she passed the flowers to me. She made sure to let our fingers touch in the exchange. Of course, I felt nothing. No woman’s touch will ever spark any interest from me. I have a mate, even if I’ll never probably tell her. 

“Thank you.” I nodded, turning quickly, wanting out of this place. I need fresh air. I need to be somewhere that isn’t filled with Sarael’s delectable scent. I took a deep breath of the fresh air as I stepped out of the door. That was utterly maddening. But it’s over, and I won’t have to see her again. 

‘Except for the wedding when she has to bring the arrangements. Or in between if you get sent to handle things with her again. Or when I make you come out here so that we can be near her.’ Irving unhelpfully reminded me. I grumbled as I got back into my car, placing the two bouquets on the passenger seat. I frowned as I noticed a little card stuck in the calla lilies.

Reaching over, I picked it up and rolled my eyes. It was Becky’s number with a message of ‘call me’. I crumpled the paper and thought better of throwing it out the window. I don’t litter. So instead, I got back out and walked to the trash can on the sidewalk, throwing the number away. I’ve no use for it. Even if I hadn’t found my mate, I’d never call the girl.

Before I returned to my car, I hazarded to look into the big window of the shop. Sarael was occupied talking to her customers. A warm smile on her face as she discussed flowers. She’s obviously very passionate about her profession. As she should be given, she owns her own shop. She’s fucking gorgeous, and the way she lights up when she talks about flowers just adds to that beauty.

“I need to get out of here.” I shook my head and climbed back into my car. I hadn’t heard from Logan, and though I wanted to call him, I thought better of it. I can wait and talk to him in person. I want to know what Phil said in person anyways. I made the side stop at the cemetery on the way to the packhouse. 

Clutching the calla lilies in my hand, I headed to the family plot at the center of the cemetery. I supposed I shouldn’t be surprised when I see Logan sitting in front of the large wolf statue. “Hey, John.” he greeted, not even looking in my direction. Even standing downwind, my brother knew I was here. Of course, he did. He’s the alpha. “Is something wrong? Was everything okay at the appointment?” I asked, now concerned why he’s here.

He sighed and leaned back, bracing himself on his hands. My little brother has always been the more easy-going or casual of us. And even in a cemetery, he’s no exception. I certainly wouldn’t have plopped down in the grass as he has. I wouldn’t want to stain my slacks where he could care less about possible stains on his jeans. “Nothing is wrong, brother. Actually… I’m here because I need to talk to mom and dad.” he smiled, finally looking at me.

“You look like shit. Why is Irving all antsy? What happened while you were running that errand for me?” he asked suddenly on his feet and inches from me. I raised an eyebrow as my scruffy and shorter mirror image eyeballed me. “Well, thank you kindly for that assessment on my appearance. I’ll be sure to try and get more sleep if someone would handle his own wedding planning.” I rolled my eyes. “And Irving is Irving.” I shrugged.

“No, that’s not it. This isn’t. This is different. And Irving is not the antsy sort of wolf.” his eyes narrowed up at me. “What happened?” his voice was a command. God damn it. I hate that he can do that. “I met her.” I answered in a barely audible whisper. “Her? Her her? Like your mate her!?” he exclaimed. “But that’s good news. First, I bring them good news, and now you do as well. The pack is going to be thrilled.” he smiled.

He fucking smiled! God, where did my broody little brother go? Oh, right, he got a mate and has been happier ever since. “Wait, you have good news? So I was right? I’m an uncle?” I asked, wanting the focus on him, not me. He grinned from ear to ear. And in his eyes, I could see Jericho looked damn happy and proud. “Yes. Phil confirmed it. We are expecting a pup in about seven months.” he nodded. “That’s fantastic! Congratulations, Logan.” I pulled him into a hug, careful not to damage the flowers. 

“Thank you. Aurelia is scared shitless and is worried about telling her parents. But I’m thrilled. We didn’t plan to start a family so soon, but.” he shrugged. “I bet Hana is thrilled. A baby brother or sister. Just hope she doesn’t get jealous.” I frowned. “It’ll be fine. And Hana is over the moon. However, she’s hoping for a baby brother. I don’t care either way.” he sighed. “I’m truly happy for you. The pack is going to be in a frenzy at the news of an heir.” I patted his shoulder.

“And they’ll be thrilled to hear about a new female Beta.” Logan commented as I stepped around him. Fuck. I had thought talking about his pup would have distracted him. “I don’t know about that. Not really at the point of wanting to tell the pack or, well, anyone.” I shrugged, laying the flowers on our mother’s headstone. “I’m sure you are happy, mother. I just wish you were still with us. I know how you dreamed of grandpups. Please watch over our future alpha as they grow.” I spoke softly with my eyes closed. 

“John? What happened? Why would you not want to discuss your mate?” he questioned. I sighed, raising my head to the sky. “She is a human.” Those four little words were enough to make my brother suck in a sharp breath and rendered him speechless. “Oh… oh shit.” he finally said after minutes ticked by in silence. “Oh shit indeed.” I agreed.