SKIN (Demon Chaser 4) (9 page)

“Really you two. Surely you can keep
your hands off each other for five minutes.”

Gray circled his arms around the tiny
Chaser and buried his head in her neck, his eyes were still on Phoenix. “We’ll
see you in...an hour at the main clearing? We’re going to excuse ourselves, my
mate needs me.”

“Yeah. It’s good to see you too buddy.”
Phoenix laughed.

“More like
you
need
me
don’t you think?” Ashlyn narrowed her eyes at her mate.

Gray lifted his head. “Let’s see who
begs who shall we…”

Phoenix made a sound of disgust. “Too
much information guys.” He pulled Gaby closer. “My folks are waiting. My mom
can’t wait to meet you.”

Those really pissed toxic butterflies
came back to life. Full force.

****

They made their way down a path that cut
into a particularly wooded area in Wilderness. A quaint, cottage style home
came into view. It was surrounded by bushes of wild flowers. Perfect for an
elderly retired couple.

Phoenix squeezed her hand. “My folks
will love you.”

Gaby smiled back. The skin on her face
felt tight. The babies must’ve picked up on the anxiety and kicked. This time
when she smiled it felt natural. She put a hand to her belly and rubbed feeling
the hard thumps against her hand.

Phoenix stopped next to her, his eyes
bright with excitement. “Are they kicking?”

She nodded taking his hand and placing
it in the area of the activity. Within seconds there was a hard jab.

He made a low growl of approval and sank
onto his knees in front of her. “Hello babies”—he rubbed her tummy—“I’m your
Daddy and I can’t wait to meet you.”

Another thump. Phoenix chuckled. “They
love me already.

“I’m sure they do.” It was easy to love
a man like Phoenix. Her babies were lucky to have him as their father. This
wolf would protect them with his life and would cherish them like they were the
most precious things in the world. For the hundredth time she prayed that his
pack would accept them.

Phoenix rose to his feet. He gave Gaby a
wicked half smile and slid his arms around her slanting his lips across hers in
a brief scorching kiss that had her cheeks heating.

“Your parents might see.”

“Probably. They’re so excited to meet
you. My mom is thrilled at becoming a Granny.”

He took her hand and led her down the
walk towards the front door which burst open before they reached it.

“Honey.” A very pretty dark haired lady
stepped forward to meet them. The only thing that showed her age were slight
lines around her eyes which sparkled. A broad smile graced her face. Phoenix’s
mother embraced him turning quickly to her. “You must be Gaby. I’ve heard so
much about you. I’m so thrilled you’re joining our family. I’m Estelle.”

Gaby smiled and extended her hand.

“Nonsense.” The older woman hugged her
for a few beats. “Let’s go inside. I’m sure you need to sit. I have some
freshly made lemonade and some cookies.”

Gaby glanced at Phoenix who smiled and
winked at her.

An older man was just placing a tray on
the coffee table as they entered. It was easy to see the resemblance and except
for a few laughter lines and some salt and pepper in his hair, he could be
Phoenix’s older brother.

He smiled and extended his hand to Gaby.
“I’m Surge, very pleased to meet you.” They shook hands. He and Phoenix
embraced. “Please take a seat. Can I get you some lemonade?”

“That would be great.” She sat down.
Surge handed them each a glass.

“So we don’t know the sex of the pups?”

“No, mom. We’ve decided to wait and
see.”

The older woman clasped her hands in
front of her. “I’m going to be a Grandma. I’m so very excited.”

Surge took a sip of his lemonade. “So
when are you two planning on making this official?”

“Once the pups are here dad.”

His mouth thinned. “Why not while the
two of you are here anyway?”

“Gaby is doing what woman do best, she’s
making it difficult for me. I’d mate with her right now if she’d let me.”

Gaby choked on the biscuit she was
nibbling on.

“What color is the nursery?” Estelle was
trying to defuse the situation. Gaby’s hearts sank, she was the world’s worst
mom; she still hadn’t bought anything for the babies. Something she planned on
rectifying as soon as they were back in town.

“Mint green and white together with
Oregon pine,” Phoenix turned to her and winked. Gaby felt her mouth gape and
quickly pulled it closed.

“I’ll let Gaby add the final touches
once we know for sure whether the pups are male or female.”

Gaby smiled at Phoenix. He’d obviously
meant it as a surprise, trust Phoenix to think of everything.

Estelle’s eyes burned with excitement.
“I’ve started knitting blankets, I’ll keep them white. You need to let us know
what else you need.”

“Easy honey. Don’t overwhelm our guest.”
Surge winked at Gaby while sliding a hand around his wife’s waist.

As long as Phoenix’s family accepted
her, she could handle anything. The thought of meeting the pack had her hands
turning clammy though.

 The clearing turned out to be just
that, a large clearing in the middle of a dense forest. Fairy lights twinkled
in the trees and a huge bonfire blazed at the center. There were tables and
chairs adorned with checkered table clothes to the one side.

A whole crowd of demon wolves of all
ages and sexes had gathered. Phoenix squeezed her hand. “Stay close,” he
whispered.

The low level buzz turned to icy silence
as they entered the clearing. Phoenix stepped in next to Gray. He slid an arm
around her and pulled her in. It wasn’t lost on her that he had positioned
himself slightly ahead of her.

Many of the wolves looked at her with
open interest while some looked with clear hostility. The tension was thick.
Although Phoenix exuded calm, she could feel the apprehension in his rigid
body.

“We’re here today to officially
introduce Gaby to the pack.”

“She’s a skin.” A large wolf stepped
forward at the front of the crowd.

Phoenix growled menacingly.

Gray glanced their way before turning
back to the crowd. “She is Phoenix’s chosen female. She carries his pups.” He
turned to face them, “I welcome you to the pack Gaby.”

She inclined her head.

“Skins and wolves do not mix,” the same
older wolf in the front continued.

“Jared,” Gray addressed the older wolf.
“You accepted Ashlyn. I know that change can be difficult, but I am asking that
you accept this female. You’ve known Phoenix since he was a whelp. We need to
honor his choice.”

“Ashlyn is a human. Please don’t ask us
to accept a skin.”

Phoenix’s grip on her tightened and a
low growl resonated from deep inside his chest. It vibrated through her. So
menacing it had goose bumps forming on her skin even though she knew it wasn’t
directed at her.

A much younger wolf stepped forward. Big
and mean looking. His hands were fisted at his sides, his muscles bulging. The
wolf’s face was contorted in anger. “How can you ask this of us? She is a
filthy skin.”

One second Phoenix was next to her and
the next he was on the wolf. One meaty thud and the wolf was knocked back. The
younger wolf snarled and took a swipe at Phoenix who was too quick. He took a
graceful step back to avoid the blow and head butted the younger wolf. In a
flurry of partially erupted claws and paws, the other wolf fell back and
would’ve landed on his back if Phoenix didn’t grab him by the throat in a move
too quick for her to take in since her demon was dormant.

The younger wolf’s eyes widened, his
features pulled back to human. The only sign of Phoenix’s wolf were the claws
at the end of his hands and a healthy set of dangerous looking canines. “Defy
our Alpha again and you may
not
live to regret it next time.”

Gray stepped forward. “Any wolf who defies
me will feel my claws. Gaby is with pup. She has been chosen by one of our own
and will be accepted by this pack.”

The same older wolf took a timid step
back, he averted his eyes as he spoke. “It is not easy for some of us to accept,
but we will do our best.”

Phoenix finally released the younger
wolf who dropped to his knees. “You will accept my future mate. Any who disrespects
her will bleed.” He looked down at the wolf at his feet. The other male averted
his eyes.

Gray snarled asserting his dominance, he
let his eyes scan the thick crowd. There were no more that contested. Gaby
dropped her hands to her sides, she hadn’t realized that her arms had been
wrapped firmly around her belly. It was so important to her that her babies
were accepted, that Phoenix got to keep his pack.

His body remained rigid and his eyes
hard, at least until they landed on her. Only then did they soften. In two
quick strides he was at her side, his arm surrounded her. “Doing okay?”

She nodded. The tension in him eased
somewhat.

“Now that things are clear, dinner is
served,” Gray addressed the crowd. He took his mate’s hand and they walked
over.

“Nothing like good food to calm a
crowd.” Ash smiled.

“Come mate, they will wait for us to go
first.”

“Thank you, Gray,” Gaby said.

He turned his hard eyes on her. “All I
ask is that you make him happy.”

Phoenix growled and Gaby thumped him on
the arm. “I will.”

Gray smiled. Gaby got the feeling the
big wolf didn’t smile very often, at least not at anyone other than Ashlyn. “Well,
what are you two waiting for, go and make this official.”

Phoenix smiled back, but his arm
tightened around her and his jaw locked. Maybe he wasn’t as ready to mate with
her as he’d always claimed. The Alpha and his mate moved to the lamb roasting on
the spit.

“Sit,” Phoenix gestured to the closest
table. “I’ll fetch you some food.”

She did as he said and watched his
retreating back as he strode to the serving line. Was Phoenix having second
thoughts about being with her? Maybe after coming here and being with his
people he had changed his mind about mating her.

Gaby rubbed her belly praying she’d
misread the situation.

“Hi, I’m Carol.” A pretty dark haired
female wolf with big doe eyes stepped up to the table. Gaby introduced herself
and they shook hands.

“Would you mind if I sat down?”

“Not at all.”

The other woman wore a pretty sun dress.
There were copper streaks in her hair which were highlighted by the flames of
the fire.

“I can’t believe that Phoenix is going
to be a father. He’s such a good man. Oh silly me”—she clasped a hand over her
mouth—“Phoenix and I dated for a while.” Her smile broadened. “You also seem
like a really nice person and I’m sure you’ll be great together.” Her eyes
sparkled.

Gaby searched the other woman’s face
looking for a hint at a lie or humor. People were not this nice. Especially
since Carol and Phoenix had a history.

“I hear its twins,” she gestured at
Gaby’s belly.

Gaby nodded.

“So exciting. Can I fetch you something
to drink. Phoenix won’t have the hands.” She pointed to the food area where
Phoenix negotiated two plates. “I’ve heard that pregnancy can make you feel
thirsty.”

“That would be great.”

More than anything, chatting with the
pretty female made her feel even more skin-like. Gaby watched as Carol made for
the drinks table. She was so different from the female, from all the female
wolves she’d met.

They were all stunning with long dark
hair and athletic bodies. Moreover, they were all so nice. If this was what
Phoenix was used to in a female, then they were in serious shit. The more she
thought on it the more she felt he deserved a mate that would be agreeable.
Someone who would take care of his every need with a glowing smile.

Once Gaby’s demon was no longer dormant,
Phoenix was in for the fright of his life. Gaby watched Carol pour the drinks
and suddenly she didn’t feel like being here. Phoenix had tensed at the thought
of their mating. All around her were glaring reminders of why they weren’t
suited. These wolves were being coerced into accepting her. It wasn’t right.

She felt headachy and nauseous. Gaby
quickly walked from the clearing in the direction of Phoenix’s cabin. She found
the winding path. Maybe if she lay down for a bit she’d snap out of this. The
thought of losing Phoenix scared her, she’d ended up falling for him. Yet, he’d
never really known the true her. Carol had been right, he was a good man. He
came from a really good family. He would ultimately do what was right possibly
to the detriment of himself. He’d sacrifice to do the right thing.

Gaby wouldn’t let him.

After ten minutes of walking, she felt
much better physically but her mind was still in turmoil. She needed to snap
out of it before she faced Phoenix again. The only thing to do would be to wait
until her demon came back from this semi hibernation and then she’d have her
answers.

The path narrowed as it turned towards his
cabin.

“Why did you leave?” Phoenix’s deep
voice startled her.

She turned. “I met Carol, she’s really
very nice.”

His eyes narrowed. “What did she say to
you?”

Gaby shook her head. “She was lovely.
Really very sweet.”

“Did someone else say something to you?”
Every muscle on his hard body was rigid. It was like he was made out of rock.

“No.”

“Why did you leave? I can tell that
something is wrong.” He shoved his hands into his jeans, looking anything but
casual.

“You should be with someone like Carol.
She’s great. She’s so sweet. So nice. I ‘m a killer. I know it doesn’t seem
like it right now but I’m hard core, a bitch of note. I’m so the opposite of
nice it’s scary.”

Phoenix pulled his hands out of his
pockets. His eyes hardened. “Are you telling me this because you genuinely
think I would be happier with a wolf or because you don’t want me?”

“I want you Phoenix. I just don’t think
I’m right for you. A female wolf would take excellent care…”

“Stop.”

“I kill things. Often with my bare
hands. I enjoy it. Sure, I’m a Chaser so lucky for me the things I kill are
always bad guys but still…”

“Nothing that you’ve just told me makes
me feel any differently about you.” He cupped her cheek, his eyes softened as
they moved across her face. “You need to understand something about female
demon wolves.”

“You don’t have to tell me, I’ve noticed
how beautiful and how sweet they are. Not only that—”

“Be quiet for a second. You’ve had your
say now it’s my turn.”

There was a whole lot more on the tip of
her tongue, but she shut her mouth.

“You know what, you’re right on the
money but sweet and submissive is
not
what I want in a woman. I dated a
number of female wolves. Carol and I were quite serious. We were together for
over a year.” He let his hand drop. “I met someone else. A human.”

Her hearts clenched. She was so not
human it was scary.

“The relationship didn’t last but it
made me realize that I wanted to be with a woman who had a bit of spunk.
Someone who would be very much my equal. I needed to be with someone who would
keep me on my toes. I get bored easily.” He shrugged his massive shoulders.

“And this is supposed to make me feel
better...how?”

“Hear me out. At the time I thought that
the perfect woman for me would be a human, but I was very wrong.” He slipped
his hands around her waist. “It’s you. My perfect fit. The one who completes
me. I’m crazy about you, Gaby. Do you get what I’m saying?”

She felt like crying some more and this
time out of happiness but also out of dread that all of this would go away. “I
do and I think that you truly believe everything you’ve just said, but we won’t
know for sure until the babies come and my demon is back.”

“I’m sure right now.”

“I saw how you tensed up at any talk of
mating. You may not realize it but your body language speaks volumes. I don’t
think you’re ready.”

 “I disagree. I want these babies to be
born to a family who loves them with parents committed to each other.”

She smiled. “Are you from the dark ages
or something? Plenty of children are born to loving parents who aren’t married
or mated. Sometimes the parents aren’t even together...” She saw the look of
horror appear on his face. “Relax Phoenix. All I’m saying is let’s wait a
little bit longer. If you still want to mate me once the babies are born I’ll
be more than happy to agree.”

His eyes blazed. “Oh that’s where you’re
very wrong. I’m ready. The thought of being inside you again, of sinking my
teeth into you does crazy things to me. I’ve told you before how afraid I am of
hurting you and of putting our pups in danger. Do not misinterpret my fear as
not wanting to mate you.” His grip on her tightened. Phoenix smiled and picked
her up. “The time for talk is over. I need to show you how much you mean to me.
How much I want you as a mate.”

Her blood rushed at the thought. Her
teeth sharpened slightly. Her demon wanted it to happen. The beast might be
sleepy and barely there, but it wanted Phoenix. Logic told her this was a bad
idea. Gaby dug her fingers into his shoulder. “We should wait.”

“You are mine. There is no need to
wait.”

She struggled against him but he didn’t
seem to notice. His chest was a solid wall of muscle. His arms roped and
bulging. She didn’t stand a chance. It both infuriated and excited her.

“Think about this, a few weeks won’t
make any difference either way. I want you to be sure once you meet the real
me.”

“I know the real you. I still need to be
properly introduced to your demon, but I know we’ll get along just fine.” He
strode towards the cabin.

“Phoenix,” Gaby clung on.

He tore open the door slamming it behind
them. Not bothering with the lights, he made his way through to the bedroom
even though Gaby couldn’t see an inch in front of her nose.