Chapter One

BAILEY POV

Today I left him.

I’m driving away from the home that I have known for three years.

I don’t feel sad, scared or heartbroken.

I only feel relief that I’m getting away, disappointment that I didn’t do this sooner and I’m full of so much excitement that this is happening.

I’m driving towards my new life and there’s a feeling of satisfaction within my stomach. I know that I’m doing the right thing.

Two weeks ago, I came home to find my boyfriend of three years in bed with my best friend. Well, I say best friend, but it’s loosely applied. I’ve known her a little longer than my ex and because I’m such an introvert, I don’t really know anyone else to call a friend.

So there we go, I caught my then boyfriend in bed with a girl who I think of as a friend. I opened my front door to find them naked, fucking on my brand-new sofa.

I didn’t even yell, we all paused for a second as I gathered what was happening in front of me but then the two of them quickly jumped apart from one another and gathered their clothing. As they were getting dress, they were promising me that this was the first time. James was begging for my forgiveness and to not leave him and Lizzy was crying as she apologised.

I wasn’t interested in anything that they had to say and proceeded to climb the stairs to my bedroom and pack anything that belonged to me, or that I wanted to take with me. I wasn’t surprised that it all fit into one suitcase and was mainly clothing.

I don’t have a lot, if any sentimental belongings. I think it’s because I was orphaned at the age of six and was then put into numerous foster homes until I turned eighteen. The only thing I had of my childhood was my mother’s necklace. I used to keep it close in a little brown box but since I turned fifteen, I wore it around my neck. It is a little weird and I’ve always wondered what it means. It’s two wolves, both wooden but very delicate. One is larger than the other which makes me think their male and female, representing my parents and they both have a sparkling clear stone placed in the middle.

I’ve never seen anything else like it, so I’ve never been able to work out what they mean. It’s one of the many things I wish I could talk to them about, but it’s the harsh reality of being an orphan at such a young age.

The only woman I have been close to was my social worker, but she passed away four years ago. She was able to tell me that my mother was a Vet and for some reason that had a huge hold on me and as soon as I turned seventeen, I began my journey on completing my veterinary degree program. It took my five years and working my ass off also holding down a part time job to support myself but here I am, a twenty-six-year-old woman driving towards my new life.

I often thought did I become a vet because my mother was and is it my way to try to understand the parent I will never know, but I’ve never regretted my decision. I loved every minute of vet school and even more so now that I am fully qualified.

Since discovering that Lizzy and James were a lot closer than I thought, I stayed in a hotel and ignored every single one of their calls. Sure, they turned up to my job and made an awkward work environment, but I focussed on my work and trying to find a new veterinarian position. I applied anywhere in the country, deciding to let the job settle the location of my new home. That place happened to be Northumberland as I was interviewed and hired within a week!

My new boss sounds amazingly friendly and she’s helped me with everything. Even helping me secure a new house and furniture. She has made this move so easy and seems as excited to have me join her small local clinic as I am.

She emailed over the photos of my new home, and I fell in love as soon as I saw them. It’s a small, cosy two-bedroom house and is surrounded by beautiful woodland. It’s picture perfect and it seems I have struck gold for my new start in Northumberland.

I smile the whole drive there.

I’m meeting my new boss, Rosa at the clinic. She will quickly show me around before taking me to my new home. Every time I think about it I get so excited. My skin gets all goosebumpy and butterflies settle in my stomach.

I stop off at a little café to visit the little girls room and have a much needed hot coffee. I take a seat at a little table and look out the window. All I can see is green stretching out to the distance. It’s so beautiful here. I’m glad that I have at least one pair of good boots because walking anywhere around here, I will need them.

As the rain hits the windows and I’m heated inside the coffee shop, I feel as though I’m in a movie, or one of books as the female character is about to have this whole new life. This is where the story starts and I feel as though my life is about to be the same.

I have no choice now.

Before I jump back into my car and make the twenty minute drive to Rosa’s clinic, I decide to call her. It only rings three times before she picks up, her cheery voice making me smile.

“Hello darling!” She greets down the phone. “Are you nearby?”

“I am.” I can’t help but laugh. “Just having a coffee break and then I’ll be with you.”

“Ah that’s great! I went by the house this morning to make sure you have everything you need and to make sure it’s all clean and ready.”

As Rosa talks, two men pass, and they look right at me. I don’t feel on edge which is a surprise considering the size of them. They’re big, muscled guys and very good looking. It must be obvious that I’m new because they wouldn’t be looking twice at someone like me.

“You didn’t need to do that.” I assure her and ignore this odd feeling in my stomach. I can’t describe it but when those men looked at me something clicked and I can’t quite put my finger on it.

“Oh yes I did! We look out for each other here honey, so you better get used to it.”

“Okay.” I laugh some more, taking my eyes of the men but they’re still close by I can feel it. Strange but I can. “I’ll see you in twenty?”

“Yes I’m ready! The girls can’t wait to meet you.”

Two other women also work at the clinic, both a little older than me and I’m hoping they’re as nice as Rosa has made out to be because I want to love it here.

We say our goodbyes for now and leaving the muscle men behind, I drive the last twenty minutes towards my fresh new life. The nerves return to my stomach and my legs start to shake.

I follow the directions shown on my phone as it sits in its holder and soon enough, the clinic comes into view. It’s so cute and rustic with it’s big wooden beams decorating the entrance and the flowers scattered in hanging baskets. Rosa described this as a small local business, but the building is not small at all. In fact, it’s bigger than where I worked before and that was in a city. Perhaps the clinic is more in demand here because it’s more rural living here?

I park out front and take in my surroundings. There’s a large gate to the side which looks to have its own entrance and a high fence at the back, protecting the view of the grounds. I can’t wait to get inside!

As I get out my car another car enters the car park and comes to a quick stop close by. I take a step back in surprise and out come three buff men, looking a lot like the two I saw by the coffee shop. They all look right at me and that clicking feels registers again. What is that?

I quickly gather myself and smile. “Hi.”

None of them reply, but one of them does offer me some small head nod which I guess is better than nothing.

The three of them walk into the clinic but they enter through the back gate, where I guessed was the private entrance. As soon as they do, a woman who I’m guessing is Rosa opens the front door and waves me over.

She looks quite small, and her curly black hair is cut to her shoulders.

“Rosa?” I ask as I make my way over to her.

“Hi dear!” She shouts and wraps her arms around me as soon as she is able. “Look at you!” She grins and takes a step back, checking me over. She pinches my cheek. “Beautiful girl.”

This is what I imagine having a grandparent is like.

My cheeks burn but I don’t know if it’s because I’m blushing or if it’s from Rosa’s pinching.

“Oh darling, I’m so happy you’re here.” Her smile is contagious. “Come on in and meet the girls.” I follow her inside and take it all in. There’s photos on one wall of animals, which I’m guessing are the animals they have helped here. On one corner there’s a desk where a young girl sits. Rosa walks over to her. “This here is Tilly,” she gestures to the girl and she smiles up at me. “She works on the reception and is Carols daughter. Tilly, this is Bailey.”

Hearing my name, Tilly smiles even wider. “So this is the famous Bailey.”

I’m definitely embarrassed now. “I’m famous?”

Tilly nods just as two women enter the reception through one of the doors. “Rosa has don’t nothing else but brag about you. Everyone knows about you.”

I look to Rosa and she’s laughing. “Guilty.”

So, is that why those men were oddly staring? They’re just curious as to know who I am because Rosa has been talking about me.

“I feel like I already know you.” One of the women who have just walked over smiles. She’s a little taller than me, very pretty and slim. I feel a little intimidated by her but she’s being really nice.

“All good I hope.” I try to not be so embarrassed by al of this.

“Rosa only hires the best.” The other woman smiles.

“Bailey,” Rosa interrupts kindly. “This is Clara.” She gestures to the blonde lady. She only looks a couple of years older than me. She’s pretty and short, not so intimidating. “And this is Steph.” Rosa gestures to the tall, intimidatingly beautiful woman. “She’s Tilly’s mum.”

“Hi.” I wave to both of them, even though they’re stood right in front of me. This is why I hate meeting new people. I get so awkward.

“Lovely to meet you.” Steph smiles and it seems genuine. I don’t know why but I always feel like really pretty women are usually mean to me but Steph is proving me wrong so far.

“We can’t wait to show you your house.” Clara claps in joy. “We helped Rosa to get it right for you.”

“Honestly, you all didn’t need to.” I feel so bad that they are doing so much. I’m not used to it.

“It was nothing,” Steph shakes her head. “You’re part of our team now.”

The three of them then show me around the building, leaving Tilly on the reception sulking because she thinks she’s missing out on something.

They give me a tour of the operating rooms, the treatment rooms and the staff room. It’s so clean and bright, I immediately feel comfortable here. I will have my own treatment room, to the right of the reception when I start here officially. From my window I can see out to the fields that are at the back of the building. There are outdoor areas for all the animals to enjoy fresh air and a huge area of grass land stretching out towards the forest. This place is breath takingly beautiful.

“Everything okay?” Rosa asks me as I walk about my new treatment room.

I give her a smile. “Perfect.” Rosa looks pleased as she flashes a smile to Clara and Steph. She walks over to the steel table in the middle of the room and picks up the plastic bag. “This is your uniform, all ready for you.”

I take the bag and thank her. The three of them are wearing black trousers with baby pink tunic tops. The logo is a wolf silhouette with Rosa’s Veterinary scrolled underneath. It’s cute and fits the business.

A door then opens from the back, one that I wasn’t shown to and steps into the room. He glances at us all then his eyes then fix on Steph. “We need you.”

Steph’s back straightens, almost to attention and nods. She then looks to me, flashing me her kind smile and back to the man. “Bailey, this is my husband, Emerson.” She introduces. “Emerson, this is Bailey. She’s just moved into town and will be working with us.”

I offer a shy and awkward wave. “Hi.”

Emerson looks to me and nods, then looks back to Steph with a slight urgent look. “Steph.”

She walks over to her husband and looks back with an apologetic smile before following him through the door.

“Okay!” Rosa claps her hand, regaining my attention. “Let’s take you home.” Butterflies swirl in my stomach as I become very excited once again. We say our goodbyes to Clara as she has a busy afternoon ahead of her at the clinic. “It’s a short drive from here.” Rosa informs before we separate and get into our own cars.

I drive behind her, following Rosa towards my brand-new home. My new workplace looks great, now I just need for my house to be as good as it looks and then this move would have just been amazing so far. How can something so big and spur of the moment turn out to be so easy and perfectly fitting?

The forest is alongside us during the drive, enveloping us in green and wildlife. I’m eager to start my new life here. I just hope one day I don’t have to run away again. I think it’s best to not get involved with a man anytime soon.

Rosa turns a corner and I see it. I see the house. Right at the end of the road, under the cover of trees and surrounded by pretty little wooden fences. We both stop in front of the property, but I don’t get out of my car right away. Rosa does, she stands and watches me take it all in. She eventually opens my door for me and helps me stand as I gape at the cuteness that is my new home.

“Honey are you ok?” She asks with a slight giggle. I can only imagine what I look like right now.

I turn to her with tears in my eyes. “This is gorgeous Rosa, thank you.”

She pats my hand. “You have nothing to thank me for.”

I look back at my home and can’t help but think that I do. Without her help I don’t know how this move would have gone. “I can’t wait to look inside.”

Just then, I am stunned to see a man come from around the side of the property. My heart literally stops at the sight of him. He’s gorgeous, the type of man you read about in the romance books. You can tell that he’s buff, just by the way his shirt fits him. His shoulders stretch the fabric and leave nothing to the imagination. His fists are clenched as he walks towards us.

“Nero?” Rosa asks, sounding as confused and surprised as I am to see him here.

I didn’t think I liked the whole muscle man look but here I am about to melt into a puddle right in front of him.

Nero looks at me as he replies to Rosa and my breath becomes shaky. “Thought I would do one last check before our new member moves in.”

Member? What does he mean?

A gust of wind then comes from behind me, and almost instantly Nero closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath. I’m sure I hear a low growl from somewhere and for some weird uncontrollable reason my nipples harden against my top and my whole body covers in goosebumps.

“That’s very nice of you.” Rosa sounds very pleased right now. “What did I tell you Bailey, we look out for each other around here and Nero here is my nephew.”

Rosa has no idea that something odd is going on with my body right now as she innocently introduces us. The longer I look at him the worse my insides are knotting. My thighs are even starting to clench together. Why is he having so much of an effect on me?

“Bailey is now working for me, at the clinic.” Rosa continues.

I take in a deep breath so he can’t hear the strain in my voice. “Hi.”

Nero smiles and oh my god. I never thought men like this exist but there’s no way that he’s as taken by me as I am with him. Men like Nero don’t look at women like me. My thighs are round, my hips are wide, my bottom wiggles when I walk, and my belly is soft and loves to poke out from my jeans. I don’t hate how I look; this is me, but facts are facts.

“Nice to meet you, Bailey.” He nods. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Nero waves goodbye to Rosa and walks pass me, slightly brushing me with his arm and I swear I hear him sniff. As if he’s trying to smell me. I could be mistaken because why would he do that?

What’s even more odd is that Nero walks towards the forest and disappears into the trees. Rosa must see my puzzled expression.

“He lives a short walk away.” She grins. “Come on then! Let’s get you inside.”

Rosa unlocks the door and then steps aside, letting me walk into the house first. She flashes me a wide and excited grin as I pass her, and I can’t resist but match it. She’s so cute.

As I step inside, I enter the small hallway. The staircase is right in front of me, the door to the kitchen to my left which leads to the back garden and the living area to the right. Rosa has thoughtfully put in a few pieces of furniture to help me settle in. All from the charity shop she told me, to keep my costs down but you honestly can’t tell.

“Do you like it?” She nervously asks as I take a seat on the small two-seater.

“I love it.” I beam, she’s even thought of the small things. Like a bench by the front door to sit and remove or put on my shorts with a few hooks about for coats. She’s even had a little table and chair set out in the garden.

“I was worried I made it look too old fashioned.” She confesses, looking slightly worried.

“Not old fashioned at all.” I look around the living area, the chunky beams on the ceiling and the tiny fireplace that will be perfect for the cold winter nights. The sofa I’m sat on is a navy blue with cream plump cushions that goes lovely with the wooden coffee table in the middle of the room. “It adds more character, I wouldn’t want anything modern, it wouldn’t look right.”

Rosa looks pleased enough and helps me with my bags before returning to the clinic. All alone in my new home I explore a little more. The kitchen continues the cottage look with the décor and simple dining room table and chairs. There’s only me here but maybe one day I will make some friends to invite over.

I decide to have a look upstairs, which is bright and open. The staircase is in a U shape and as my feet land a creak is heard. It makes me smile because it adds to the charm. When I get to the top I’m greeted with a large window and a fabulous view of the forest which almost envelopes my house. I stand as watch the breeze hit the trees for a while, just taking a moment to appreciate what has happened to my life.

My heartbeat pauses as I catch sight of a very large dog in the forest. It’s looking at my house but the longer I stare the more I begin to think it’s a wolf! I’m a little scared at the sight of it, but more fascinated. I watch the animal curiously and begin to think if it’s watching me as interestingly as I am it. Chills run through my body, I just wish I could see more as I can only make out the head but even so, I have the impression that the animal is huge. It’s black in colour or a deep brown and has glowing eyes.

I grab my mobile from my jean back pocket, excited to catch a photo of the beast but when I go to take a picture, it’s gone. I focus on the spot where the animal just was, but I can’t see any sign. I’m so disappointed.

After another couple of minutes I give up any chance of seeing the wolf again and go to explore the three rooms upstairs. There are two doors on my left, a simple bathroom and a single bedroom. The door to my right is a generous sized bedroom with a gorgeous wooden four poster bed. I’ve never had a bed like this before, I’m going to feel like a princess when I go to bed tonight.

Sitting on the bed, I decide to send Rosa a message to say thank you for everything she’s done for me. This house looks amazing and I’m so thankful. If I hadn’t had her help, I would have had to move into an empty house. She’s even made sure to put clean sheets on. Rosa doesn’t know me, she didn’t have to do this. It just shows me that I made the right choice in moving to Northumberland.

I put my phone away and head back downstairs to where I left a few bags with some small belongings. It’s just some small kitchen accessories like my favourite mugs and then some candles and cushions that I didn’t want my ex, James having.

It only takes me ten minutes, so I head out to my car to grab my suitcase which has all my clothing and shoes. It’s cold outside, so I cling to my jumper as the cool breeze hits me.

I open the boot and grab my suitcase, pulling hard and struggling to move it. It’s a large and has a lot stuffed inside, you can tell by the bulging sides. I’m beginning to think how the hell I got it in my car in the first place. I know I’m not the strongest person in the world, but this is embarrassing! I give myself a mental countdown as I prepare to give it one hard yank when a big, strong arm appears. A little shriek escapes me, and I jump back to see it’s Nero!

“Nero?” I breathe heavily from the scare but all he does is flash me a cocky grin and picks up my luggage like it weighs absolutely nothing. Nero places in on the ground in between us and my panic quickly disappears. It’s odd how comfortable I feel around him. I met him today and barely strung a sentence together, never mind a full conversation. “Thank you for that.”

Nero shrugs. “I couldn’t just stand by and watch you struggle.” I didn’t even hear him approach me. “So, how do you like the house?”

I’m shocked with his question but I’m glad of a conversation with him. “The house is beautiful. I can’t thank Rosa enough.”

Nero nods. “Yeah, she’s glad to have you here. As we all are.”

“All?” I ask, a little confused.

He looks as though he’s thinking carefully as what to say next. “The clinic is like a family business.”

Yes, Rosa did say that they all look after each other here. “Clara and Steph told me Rosa has basically told everyone about me, I’ve had a few curious looks today. It’s a little embarrassing.” I laugh.

His humorous face turns hard. “Curious looks?”

Oh shit, have I offended him in some way? “Erm,” I stutter. “I was at the coffee shop and a few men were staring, that’s all.” I don’t want to mention the men with Steph’s husband, Emmerson.

“They shouldn’t be staring at you.” Nero glares and then quickly stares off into he forest. I hear a very low growl and I’m sure I hear the word, mine. I could be mistaken.

I notice that his fists are clenched so hard, causing his veins to pop. “Hey.” I reach out to touch his arm. A strong overwhelming feeling to calm him comes over me. “It’s fine, honestly.”

I offer him a reassuring smile and with a deep breath, Nero returns it. “It will be.” I’m not sure what he means by that but the hard demeaner drops and his charm returns. “You need any more help?” He asks and I don’t miss the way Nero’s dark eyes travel up and down my body.

“I’m ok, thank you though.”

“What about food?” He asks. “You have anything to eat?”

“Rosa made sure that I wouldn’t go hungry.” She’s made sure I wouldn’t need to think about a food shop for my first couple of days.

Nero chuckles. “She thinks of everything.”

The wind blow from behind me and Nero closes his eyes as it hits him in the face. That faint growl can be heard again causing all sorts of reactions in me once more. Goosebumps, hard nipples and the need the clench my thighs. Nero snaps his eyes open and my breath catches, I’m sure I saw a glow in his dark eyes. Surely not!

I shiver from the cool breeze and wrap my arms around myself. “Come on.” Nero effortlessly picks up my suitcase and holds out his arm, gesturing for me to walk with him. “It’s cold.”

Smiling, I walk back to the house with Nero walking beside of me. He carries my belongings, both of us staying silent but it’s not awkward at all. It’s comfortable but there’s something there. I can’t put a name to it though, it’s under the surface simmering away, waiting to reveal itself.

Nero places my bag in the entrance, and I step inside. “Thank you for helping me.” I hope my smile comes off as genuine. I can’t believe how much help I’m getting in this new town. “And nice meeting you.”

Nero grins and he looks so unbelievably handsome. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again.” He winks and then leaves me standing stunned, watching him walk away.

What the hell just happened?

Was Nero flirting with me?

No! He couldn’t be. 

I close and lock the door, but I don’t move from my spot. I stare at the door, as if I can look straight through it because I genuinely have no clue what to think of that exchange. I feel as though he was flirting a little, or Nero could just be extremely charming.

I hope I didn’t sound ungrateful mentioning that people were staring at me because Rosa had told people about me. Nero seemed slightly on edge when I spoke about it.

Wait! I think. How am I supposed to take this case up the stairs?!

NERO POV

I’ve thought about the moment I would meet my mate for almost my whole life. I knew she was out there and have done since I was ten. I know that because on my tenth birthday I woke up after a vivid dream of a red-haired girl crying alone in bed. She was only nine at the time and was missing her parents. A part of the true mate bond is you can feel one another’s emotions and a filter of their thoughts. To start of with, it can be a little intense, but you learn to live with it.

I grew up thinking that I would bump into her at some point, but the universe has been cruel, and I’ve had to wait until my early thirties. I’ve been with other women, of course I have. I’m a werewolf, it’s in my DNA. Until I mate with Bailey, I won’t be attached in that way. It’s more on a level of, I know who she is but until I meet her, I won’t be affected by the bond. It’s still torture. I dream of her and fantasize about her through other women.

True mates, like the one I share with my she-wolf are a little rare, but they still happen and it’s usually with the Alpha and Betas. To make sure that the succession line is strong and true.

I’ve wanted to hunt her down and find her, and throughout my teens and early twenties I tried but whenever I caught up, I was too late. I decided to listen to the elders in the pack and let fate take the lead.

I felt the moment Bailey was coming here. The closer she got the more my possessiveness kicked in. The male members of my pack were warned and notified of her arrival because they have rules to obey. They can’t get close to her or even talk to her. She is mine and it can be dangerous for other wolves to get too close because I could rip a pack members head off for doing so. My wolf can feel her, he needs her and won’t let anyone else get in our way. So, when Bailey told me she had curious eyes on her today, myself and my wolf was not happy.

When she told me I tried to keep my wolf in check. I let a growl slip, knowing that some of my pack members are close by. I’ve learnt through our bond that Bailey doesn’t know her true self. She has no clue she’s a wolf. In all the years that I’ve dreamt of her and felt her emotions, her wolf has never been at the front of them. It could be because she was orphaned at such a young age and never had her own kind surrounding her.

Everyone here is ready to welcome Bailey, but I’ve made it clear that I will oversee how it goes. My Aunt Rosa has clear instructions to not push her and so has Clara and my sister, Steph. Bailey needs a gentle education into this world because my whole future relies in her hands. She’s my true mate for a reason. We were born to be together; Bailey is to be the one to continue my line and stand with me as Alpha female.

Bailey is mine but she just has no idea yet.