Chapter One

Carnoch, Scotland

Present day

 

This day in early June was one she would remember forever. Sunshine blanketed the earth, providing an unusually warm day. The near cloudless sky was cerulean blue. A soft breeze swept down from the craigs to the loch where the man she loved frolicked in the silver blue water. She no longer knew what to think about all the changes in her life. For years, her father had been telling her stories of the McKenna clan. His words were meant to frighten her. They didn’t. He always implied they were shifters. It was as if he wanted to turn her against this man, the love of her life. That wasn’t possible. She would love him forever and beyond.

Shifters didn’t exist. She told herself this every time her father brought up the topic. Shifters were based in Scottish lore, fairy tales. There were all sorts of other mystical creatures that were spoken about around a campfire years ago. The strange stories remained. None of them lived.

Her father said the McKennas turned into big, black, man-eating panthers who would eat little girls then lick their chops at the sweet taste. He said Cole McKenna was one and the same. Believing his tall tales was impossible. She laughed at him. He said over then over again they roamed the highlands preying on innocent women and children. When they caught an unsuspecting soul, they would play with them then devour them whole. Wrapping her arms around herself she suppressed a shudder starting to wrack her body. Asking him if what her father said was true, was impossible. Trust in this man was too important. That’s what Cole wanted.

Trust. The word was so intangible. Of course, she trusted the man she loved. Would he tell her the truth if asked?

Looking back at the water, she watched him swim with sure strokes, pure and strong. He couldn’t be a shifter. Cats didn’t enjoy water. Soon she should join him in the cold water. He would like her company. Would tease her, touch her in certain ways that would have her quivering with excitement, melting from the generated heat. A tiny shiver wrapped around her when she thought of jumping into the chilled lake. Maybe in late August she would have the nerve to jump in then play with him. Today…? With her head back and eyes closed, she soaked in the radiant sun. The heat warmed her. Her heart beat with a frenzied staccato as she felt his presence. He was near.

A shadow covered the heat from the sun. The man stood with his feet braced apart, his hands resting on his narrow hips. His eyes alight with humor, he asked, “Do you have sunscreen on?”

The question startled her. With wide open eyes, questioning, Phoebe MacAuliffe looked into the smiling eyes of Cole McKenna. “What? Sunscreen? Yes…” He surprised her. She babbled. She thought he was still playing in the water. Moments ago, he was far from the shore, gliding across the silver liquid. When did he turn to swim to the shore? Cole always had this uncanny way of sneaking up on her.

In the next moment he startled her anew. Cole picked her up as if she was no heavier than a feather. She shrieked. Pounded his chest. Clung to his broad shoulders as he juggled her in his arms. He strode with long strides toward the shimmering frigid water of the loch. “No! Don’t you dare! I won’t ever forgive you! Ever!” she squealed. To keep from falling, she held on to his shoulders, nestling her cheek against the broad expanse of his chest. The raspy feel of his hair tickled her cheek. His heat simmered, hot, flaming. Caught a drop of man-warmed liquid left over from his swim. His clean male scent filled her senses.

“Yes…” Cole replied, the cadence soft. “It’s time you went swimming. I’m tired of frolicking in the loch alone. Need your company.”

“Where are you going, Cole McKenna? You’re not going to…” Phoebe had the horrible premonition she wasn’t going to be given a choice in the matter. If he wanted her in the water with him for playtime, he would never allow her to hold back. He was like that. Wanted his way in all matters. Would never be denied.

“Where do you think? Found I was lonely all by myself. Needed your company.” He was wading. The water would reach his knees soon, then his hips. It would close over their heads.

A distraction would be nice. Any interruption. She was right to be suspicious of his motives. “No…no! Don’t want to swim. The water is too cold!” She shrieked. There was no other way to describe the noise she made. Phoebe understood her protests would never move him to change his mind.

Looking down on her, his smirk could only be described as wicked. “You will get used to the temperature. The chill will feel good against your sun-heated skin. In the end you will thank me.” For a few beats of her heart, he stayed in the same place. “With a bit of exercise, you will warm right up.”

“Never!”

“Yes.”

Maybe she didn’t want to remember today. “Cole!”

Cole stopped when he was thigh deep in the water. “Hold your breath!” He tossed her. She found her arms flailing as if she could fly. She couldn’t. Water closed over her head just after she gulped in a huge dose of oxygen. She sputtered. Her feet found the bottom. She surged upward. Letting out a screech that would do any banshee proud, she cupped her hand to send a spray of water flying toward her abuser.

He laughed, dove into the water and surfaced beside her, capturing her arms with his hands then pulling them behind her back, her breasts pushing against his chest. She sent him a withering smile.

“Your mascara is running. Should we dip under again to wash more of it away?”

He pulled her tight against him. She felt his entire hard as stone body pressed against hers. Felt the evidence of his need. Wasn’t ready to go there with him. “You don’t play fair.” He touched her in so many different ways.

“Fair or not, we haven’t begun to play.” Cole touched with a soft brush of his mouth on hers. Nibbled across her lips. Sipped on the soft plump flesh of her bottom lip. She opened for him. He became part of her. Tongue on tongue. Hot. Wet. Slick. Velvet rubbed against velvet. Fenced for dominance.

Hands down he won. The melting began, scorching followed. All he did filled her with quicksilver hunger. She both did as well as didn’t wish to be strong when it came to a more intimate physical relationship with him. He held back because she understood he could sense her hesitancy. He wasn’t rushing her.

When he lifted his head, the grin on his face was still broad. “Let’s swim to those rocks. We can sun ourselves in private. Explore more about each other.”

Phoebe wasn’t certain if she understood what his words meant or what he had in mind. They would have privacy to explore anything they desired. Over the last few weeks, he’d been so patient with her. At first, she never said no. As he grew bolder in his sightseeing, she grew more restrained. She was afraid of her feelings. Afraid to give herself to him even though she loved him. His control might be running thin. Was she ready for the next step? She didn’t know.

By the time she reached the rocks, she was panting for air. Couldn’t figure out how to pull herself up to sit on the rock. When she tried, she sank back into the water. Her arms weren’t strong enough. “Cole, I can’t. Is there somewhere else to get out? I can’t make it.” She hated him seeing this weakness in her. Always wished she could be strong. The long-distance swim wore her out. Exhausted her. Every muscle strained.

“No. There isn’t. Didn’t think about you not being able to get out of the water.” He turned his back to her. “Climb on.” He looked over his shoulder. “You can. I’ll get us both out. Sometimes you will need to rely on me. It’s the way of things…of life. Not so much now but in the past.”

With great skepticism she stared at him. She was certain her mouth gaped open. Slowly shaking her head, believing him a bit daft, she spoke her thoughts, “You’re crazy. I’ll just hang on here until I catch my breath then I’ll swim back.” That plan was a horrible one.

“Phoebe.” He turned back to touch her chin with the tip of his finger. “You have no faith in me. I’ll piggyback you right out of the loch. No problem. Trust in me. You will rest…take in the sun…maybe a few other fun activities before we return to the mainland.”

She thought there was some other deep emotion when he told her to trust him. She wanted to…truly wanted to, but “I’m too heavy,” she countered with a soft sigh. “You won’t be able to carry both of us up then over the ledge.”

“Hardly.” He turned his back to her again. “Wrap your pretty little arms around my shoulders. Your long legs around my waist. We will be out of the water in no time at all. Have a little faith.”

She lifted her shoulder in a shrug. If he were looking, he would see her silent language. Perhaps it was a good thing he didn’t sense her doubt. “Have it your way.”

As soon as she followed his directions, he braced his hands on the ledge, then, in one easy, fluid move, lifted them both from the water. Once on solid ground, she slid to the earth, her body rubbing against his. She heard his low groan. She’d been with Cole enough times to understand he wanted more from her. He was tolerant…patient. Told her more than once when she told him to stop, he would.

The rocks were warm on the soles of her feet. She shaded her eyes to look back to the beach. Seemed so distant. She was a strong swimmer. Yet…she didn’t believe she’d ever gone this far.

“How far? It must be at least a mile.” Phoebe wasn’t positive she could make the return trip. She sucked in a deep breath of heather scented spring air. Caught the scent of Cole. Felt a bit of a wobble inside when she thought about later this afternoon when she’d immerse herself in the coldness again. Didn’t wish to think about another round of cold water. She might not ever warm up.

Sleeping well was no longer something she was able to do. There were too many things on her mind. Factors about her life to consider. Without thinking, Cole seemed to be taking over every moment. She both wanted him to make decisions for her and she didn’t. Her father always dictated his wishes. Cole could never be a father figure. He meant too much to her. Last night left her sleepless, tossing the blankets as well as the pillows around on her bed. When she woke in the middle of the night, the sheet was wrapped around both her arms as well as her legs. Pulling and tugging, she had trouble extricating herself from the quagmire of her bedding.

The two of them could not keep going like this. Their lives were too unsettled. While Cole was older, he understood what he wished for in his life. She did not. Never had ambitions. He expected her to make decisions. She had no idea how to go about planning her life.

“A quarter mile…maybe less…maybe more.” His smile kept that melting sensation going. “You can make it back if we decide to swim. We will be rested. You’re stronger than you think.”

“You read my mind. However, I’ve a differing opinion. I’m tired.” Phoebe felt exhausted all the way to her bones. She poked him in the chest. “If…we decide to swim. What does that mean? Is there a choice?”

“My mind is an open book. Come…there is a grassy place where we can sit, stretch out. Take a nap if you like. Are you warm enough? You’ve got goosebumps on your arms.” He trailed the tip of his finger along one arm causing more shivers to blossom. “Now I’ve made more. Didn’t mean to.”

Cole ignored her question. She gave up on getting an answer. In time, she would learn what he meant. She nodded, her body tingling from the contact.       She wished she had a towel or something to put on the ground to sit. He placed her hand in his. She followed him when he walked. For several minutes she traipsed along beside him. As they walked inland, there were fewer rocks replaced by more grass.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see in a minute. Hope you are pleased. It’s a little surprise for you. Seems you’ve been working hard at the restaurant. You haven’t had many minutes to relax. Needed to do something just for you.” He pointed, leaning close to her. He touched her ear with the tip of his tongue. “Over there. Beneath the tree my father planted years ago. This is a spot he used to take Mother. Believe this is where she conceived me. Just speculation on my part. Might not be true.”

“Don’t get any ideas, Cole McKenna.” Getting pregnant at eighteen was not part of her almost nonexistent plans. Cole was older. Might be ready for a family. She wasn’t a wife yet. Had not been asked. There had been no proposal, just silent expectations.

Phoebe was surprised anew when she saw a large blanket spread on the ground complimented with a basket of what looked to be filled with food. She saw a bottle of wine poking out between a red plaid cloth and the basket. There was a plot here. She wondered what the twist was. She decided getting to the bottom of his scheme might serve her purpose. Obvious to anyone with eyes, these items did not arrive at the island the same way they did. Possibly the fact could be part of the answer to her question.

“A picnic in the middle of the loch?” Phoebe knew her voice must sound skeptical, then sarcasm coated her words. “How strange? I suppose all this,” she moved her hands to encompass the little scene in front of her, “swam here all by themselves and were able to remain dry.” She was looking for a way back which didn’t involve putting her body in the frigid water. Perhaps she was making headway in her endeavor.

“Don’t get testy.” Cole cracked a laugh then continued his march to the picnic spot. “Mother put the basket together for us. Earlier today, I brought it over in a small boat.” He had the look of a pleased man on his face. “Believed you would enjoy a few moments together…alone…private…intimate. I know I would. We’ve both been too busy to spend much time with each other. You have your work. I need to get father caught up in all he missed over the years he was trying to reach home, lost in the Kinnel Stones. Today is for us, for fun. We…our wishes…are all that matter. Nothing else should concern us.”

The compliment to his mother was beginning to form when the knowledge she didn’t need to swim took its place. “A boat! You beast! I didn’t want to get cold. I didn’t need to swim!”

He lifted his all-male shoulders. Sent her his cat-grin. “I like to swim. Wished to swim with you.” He ran his hands through his damp hair, pushing long wet locks from his face. “You don’t like to swim? Thought you to be the athletic type.”

She looked at the romantic gesture sitting on the ground in front of them. Grinned at him. “I like to swim. Today wasn’t planning on freezing my bu…on freezing. Never swam this far before. Haven’t been sleeping well. Too much on my mind.”

Walking around her, he made a face as he studied her. Took her face between his large hands. “Your sweet little butt looks just fine to me. Should I put my hand on your rump to see how cold the tender flesh is? And…if you’re not sleeping well, I also have a solution for that little problem. One we would both enjoy.” He slid his hands across her shoulders then down her back. They came to rest on her bottom.

His audacity made her laugh. He always looked for an opening to touch her. “Cole…bite your tongue…” realized what she said. She’d made the same mistake several times before. “No, don’t say the words. I know what you’re thinking.” She paused to inhale a swift deep breath of air. “No, you will not bite mine.” The idea of his mouth on hers, warmed her again. The feel of her stomach pressed against his need fired up the dragons inside until they roared with sizzling fire. Just thinking along those lines heated her.

The last weeks since graduation, she’d been trying to keep some distance between them while he attempted to get closer. For her peace of mind, he moved too fast. She wasn’t used to a man sweettalking her, touching her, kissing her whenever they were alone. All she had to compare were a few stolen kisses from immature boys. No one had touched her as he did. In the beginning, she succumbed with no hesitation, no thoughts to the contrary, no reasons to tell him to stop. Now, she still wanted those caresses, all his kisses. Realized from the start he wanted all of her. She wasn’t ready to give all of herself to any man or boy, even Cole McKenna.

His long, drawn-out sigh was one, she believed, to be of frustration. His mouth was so close to hers; she thought he would kiss her. Needed a kiss before they moved on to other topics. Realized a kiss might lead to more caresses, touches in intimate places. They were alone, totally alone. He brought his hands back to her shoulders.

“Let’s have something to eat besides each other,” Cole said as he stepped away from her, giving her the distance she craved, but didn’t crave. He always seemed to understand her needs, her thoughts. Intuitive? Maybe. She wished she understood what she wanted.

A moment of gratitude and rainbows hit her with the fact he was allowing her to make decisions. Sexually he was miles ahead of her. Cole told her he would give her time. This little maneuver told her he was growing impatient. Alone on a private island. How quaint. What were his plans? If he set his mind to seduction, he would win the game.

Sitting down on the blanket, she curled her knees so some of her legs were beneath her. She wished she had a coverup to put on. In the tiny swimsuit, she felt almost as if she was naked. A tweak here and a push there, she would be bare as the day she was born. He wouldn’t disrobe her unless she told him a resounding yes. When he caressed her back, he did slip one hand beneath the bikini bottoms she wore. She knew he reveled in her soft warm curves. Wished he dared pursue more sweet territory. Then…wished he didn’t.

Making a different face at her, he spoke with a soft cadence to his voice. “We need to talk. Get a few things out of the way. A few ideas have bothered me. I know you’ve been seeing your father. Is seeing the man a good idea? He hasn’t abused you again, has he? I would have you tell me if he has. You do understand, I don’t think it is good for you to even talk to your father. He puts thoughts I don’t appreciate into your head.”

Cole reached into the basket, bringing out one of her oversized shirts. “Mother thought of the coverup. Can’t say I appreciate her consideration. Enjoy looking at you with hardly anything on. Even now when your bent over, I catch a glimpse of a rose-colored crest.” His gaze roamed over her as if this was the last look he was going to be able to eat up. His silver-grey eyes were devouring her.

Hissing in a drink of air, she stiffened in an attempt to cover herself. “I’ll thank her next time I see her. And…I thank you not to look at me.”

“Need to look at you as much as I need to draw breath. If you reveal intimate parts of yourself, unwitting or not, I won’t hesitate to see my fill.”

Cole did have a point. She needed to take more care with her lack of apparel. “You asked me a mouthful of questions.” Phoebe slipped the covering on, buttoning the front. Some of her tension vanished. The nerves that were always ready to snap seemed to relax somewhat. “I do agree with you about Father. Wasn’t my choice. I don’t want to see him or talk to him.”

“Tell me about what happened. If I’m going to protect you, I need to understand everything? Why did he want to see you?”

Cole was right. They did need to have a conversation. He wanted her. At least she was fairly certain that was true. She didn’t know what she wished. Well, she did want him but with strings attached. For her peace of mind, he needed to stop rushing her. Now that she wasn’t going to school, her life seemed to drift nowhere. She felt no direction, no draw to something that might be significant. If she were to be honest with herself, she would love to go to college. Didn’t know why because she had no career in mind. In high school, she disliked the class work. Never saw a purpose in most of her studies. Why did she want to subject herself to more of the same?

“Where to start?” She didn’t know the beginning from the end. “Yes. I’ve seen him. Not by choice. He comes to me. Am I supposed to tell him I won’t speak with him?” For the moment she would tell him nothing more. The thoughts her father brought up were not to her taste. Just as everyone else in the community, she’d heard the rumors about shifters. Discounted all of them as untrue.

While she was looking across the lake, wishing she wasn’t going to swim back when the time came, Cole poured them both a glass of wine. She reminded herself the picnic arrived via boat. He sat down next to her. She sipped on the wine, allowing the liquid to do a slow glide down her throat. He didn’t say anything. She didn’t know what to add to the conversation. There was a firm chill in the air. The sun seemed to have ducked behind a cloud.

“I feel awkward,” she finally told him after she set her glass down on a flat piece of ground. “Here we are, alone, with nothing to say to each other even though I’ve a million thoughts swirling in my head. My tongue feels tied with apprehension. Don’t want to be afraid to talk to you. Yet I am.” She puffed in a small sip of air. “My father has made accusations about your family. Seems he is trying to rip me away from you.” Phoebe was afraid to bring up the topics of her concern. While she could answer questions from Cole, she could not ask the ones foremost in her head. She didn’t believe he would ever lie to her. Was a lie of omission a lie? Was silence a lie?

“I’ve plenty to say. As I said earlier, a conversation is what we need. Just waiting for you to relax. Tension vibrates from your slim shoulders. Would you like some food? Don’t know what mother had the cook pack. I would wager there is a little bit of everything in the basket. Sweets for your sweet tooth. Vegetables for you to throw at me if you get angry.”

“We aren’t going to be here long enough to eat much. And…” she punched his chest, “I do not have a sweet tooth. It’s you who can’t seem to eat enough sugar. I would never throw food at you.”

“Ah…but when we kiss, your teeth are very sweet as is your tongue as well as all the rest of you. Where does all the sweetness come if not from sugary confections? This afternoon we are going to get sidetracked with kissing. Need all that sugar to fortify ourselves.” He chuckled when she punched him again. Brought her fisted hands to his lips to kiss.

She tugged on her hands. He let her go. “You are going off on a different tangent. I want to see what else is in the basket.” She leaned over, giving him a view of her rear. When she realized what she was doing, she sat. “Stop looking as if you want to devour me not the food.”

“So, you say. Yes, I want to savor all your sweet flesh as well as eat my fill of the food mother packed.” He brought out a sandwich. “Ham and cheese among your favorites. Eat. You’ll need the energy for the return trip.”

“Would rather return by boat. Don’t want to get in that cold water again.” She sounded peevish. “Someone will come to retrieve all this. Before we leave, I’d like to sleep.” She bit into the sandwich. It was made just the way she liked it. Lots of mustard and mayonnaise coupled with pickles.

“We can do whatever you like. If you are in a rush to leave, swimming is the way to go. Told mother if we weren’t back by seven to send the boat our way. Father will be driving. What do you think? Can we find enough to talk about to keep us busy until seven?”

Phoebe felt certain he had other thoughts besides talking. In any case, she would do whatever talking was necessary so they would get that coveted boat ride. There was no way she was going in that water again.

“Seven?” Phoebe looked at her watch even though she knew what time it was. “Five hours away?” She thought of falling asleep next to Cole. Was certain his mind was bouncing in the same direction. She loved his arms around her. Enjoyed nestling into his chest, feeling the warmth along with the security. Didn’t want the next phase. Not yet. Loved a kiss or two. Liked to play with him. He wanted more. Was trying to be tolerant. She understood he was frustrated. Didn’t know how to rectify his problem and keep her principles.

“A few weeks ago, you weren’t hesitant to be with me in any way. You were always eager to experience new things. Now…” His voice sounded accusatory then tentative as he stalled for a few seconds. “Why, Phoebe? Did I do something to frighten you? I won’t understand what has come between us unless you speak to me. Part of the reason I felt the need to come here was to better understand your reluctance concerning us.”

“No…yes…You’re moving too fast for me. While I’ve enjoyed everything we’ve done, once I started thinking about the places you’ve touched…where your fingers have been.” Feeling the rapid rise of heat to her face, she looked to her hands. Didn’t want to look into his eyes. “I’m a good girl,” she blurted then regretted her words.

“Don’t hide from me, Phoebs. Your face is a lovely shade of rose. Beautiful.” He reached toward her. Set his fingers beneath her chin. Lifted.

“I can’t help the blush. When I think about…” Her heart thundered out of control. She thought the organ might beat out of her chest. Seemed to be doing triple time.

“You’re not ready for more than a few kisses. I understand.” His long drawn in breath seemed to calm him. “You’ve no experience with men. Wait…” He held up his hands to stop the words she was ready to toss his way. “I’m glad you’ve no experience. You’ve just turned eighteen. I’ve been waiting for you to graduate from high school for what seems an eternity. Yes, I’ve touched you places…your breasts…your cold wet butt… I want to give you more pleasure than you’ve ever imagined. I, reluctantly, realize you’re not ready.”

Tilting her head a bit to the side then out of nowhere, she asked, “How old are you?” Since he brought up age, she felt as if she could ask. She’d been curious since the moonlight ride which seemed to be years ago. Since he touched her breasts with both his hands as well as his mouth. The night in question, she felt things she never imagined a person could experience. Would have given herself to him if he pursued. He didn’t. Cole seemed to realize, even though she’d been an eager as well as willing pupil, he was moving faster than she could keep up.

“Does my age make a difference?” Now, he sounded frustrated. He stared at her with a strange expression on his face. Scuffed a palm against his chin. “Thought you knew my age. Yes, I’m older.”

“No, I don’t know. Just curious is all. No, it doesn’t matter to me.” She didn’t understand what he saw in her. Couldn’t comprehend why he would choose her instead of a woman closer to his age. A woman who could match him with her physical responses as well as her intellect. She was too young, too shy, as well as too inexperienced. She wasn’t very bright. Her grades were proof.

“I will be twenty-seven in two months.” His words sounded stiff this time. “I am older than you, yes. The fact makes no difference to me.”

Phoebe wanted to know what his thoughts were behind his words. Just as she wasn’t telling him everything, he wasn’t straightforward with her. If anything was meant to change between them, they both needed honest replies.

“You’re nine years older than I am.” The numbers sounded impossible to bridge the gap between them. Cole graduated from college years ago. Probably when he was twenty-two. Phoebe didn’t know what his degree was in. He was so much smarter. His mother told her he also completed his masters in something.

“I can do the math,” Cole shot back as if she said something wrong. Crease lines in his brow came together, more wrinkles bracketed his mouth. He wasn’t happy. She needed to see happy lines around the corners of his eyes.

All she did was make a comment as to fact. This was reality. She felt as if she was swimming backward. Treading water would be an improvement over this fiasco. Never wished to make him exasperated with her.

“I understand.” Decided she wasn’t about to apologize for something she couldn’t get a grasp about.

Closing her eyes, she found herself counting to ten, then she counted the same numbers in reverse order. She made him angry. Never wished for that to happen. With a deep breath, coupled with the need to have the conversation go in a different direction, she finished her wine. Kept her silence. Sampled more of the ham and cheese. The food rolled in her stomach. Twisted. Soured. She searched for something to say that would diffuse his seething emotions.

Cole walked away. His strides filled with purpose. She watched his back stiffen. With his feet braced apart, he stared out over the loch. What that purpose was, she didn’t have any thoughts. After a few solitary moments, he returned.

She said words she told herself she wouldn’t. “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to irritate you. I…” Phoebe inhaled several long deep breaths of air. Smoothed her sweaty palms down her shirt. “My difficulty stems from the reality I don’t know what I want. Besides you…that is. I do want you. But…” Seemed with her problems there was always a but involved. “I don’t know how to make you happy. Give you what you need.”

“Those words feel good in my ears. I want you too. Will be more easygoing…try…can’t make a lot of promises. All along, I’ve understood you are young. Realized before we started to talk, because of age we would have some complications sorting out our lives. There are things you should know. Those things are also truths that are not mine to tell you until you’ve committed to me. I would need to become more certain…” As if thinking, he pinched the bridge of his nose. Changed the subject. “Do you want to go to school, Phoebe? If you do…”

Pouring herself more wine, she caught her bottom lip between her teeth. The question was a moot point. There was no reason to discuss the possibilities when there were none. “Yes. You know my grades are not good enough to get into any university. If I tried, I would fail. I’m tired of failing. Need to find something I can succeed doing.”

“I could help.” He sounded eager, enthusiastic. “Tutor you if you need to take a test. Help you understand if a course is difficult. I would be there for you every step of the way.”

“Buy my way into the university? Bride someone? Talk to a dean? No, won’t have anyone cheat on my behalf. Would never live with myself if I took some deserving persons place because of your money. I’m not college material. Never have been. You can’t rewrite my resume.” With a heavy sigh, she went on to say. “What’s the point? I don’t have any idea what I would like to study. For me, attending would be a waste of money.” She lifted her hands in a fitful gesture. This topic was not of her liking. She failed at school. Needed extra help just to graduate from high school. Understood the reality of college was not for her.

“Believe it’s possible to take some online courses for credit without actually being admitted to the school of your choice,” Cole told her, appearing not to worry the question overmuch. “I could help you look into the possibilities. Freshman classes are pretty general. If you did well, good grades and all, whichever school you apply to might consider you.” He put up his hands. “If you would like to further your education, I would do whatever I could to help you achieve any goals you might set. I would never bribe a college to accept you.”

He gave her food for thought. His idea had merit. She thought of Dallas along with Rafe. One didn’t have to be good at history or science or literature to be an artist. They were both very artistic. She felt a small sliver of hope. “I like photography. You know, like Dallas does. Travel places. Take pictures. Maybe I could be her apprentice. She could teach me what she knows.” She thought about the few times they’d been together. “Dallas likes me. Doesn’t she?” In most relationships, she did have confidence. Felt a kinship with Dallas. Helped her pick out the dress for her wedding.

“Believe so. You were part of her wedding. A girl doesn’t ask another one to stand by her side when she gets married unless she likes the female in question.” His handsome grin returned. “I will talk to her.”

“No, let me take the initiative. I need to pursue this, not you. Dallas stops by the restaurant from time to time just to say hi. She usually gets a cup of tea along with a pastry when she comes in. Always sits at one of my tables.”

“If that is what you would like, I’ll stand by your side. All you need to do is tell me what you want.”

She tossed her hands up then let them fall into her lap. “This entire conversation is ridiculous. I don’t have money to pay for classes.” She shook her head, making a face at him before pointing to him. “Don’t go where I think you are about to go, mister. I’m not taking your money. You best understand me.”

His shoulders lifted in the all-male shrug of indifference she adored watching. Sometimes he quirked an eyebrow to the sky. “Didn’t offer. The thought was on my mind. I have more than enough. You could pay me back after you get your first job.”

“Maybe Dallas will give me an apprenticeship. If she is willing, I would only need to pay my expenses.” She returned full circle. “I could learn from the best of the best.” Phoebe thought her idea was a fine notion. “I’ll go see her first thing on Monday morning.”

“Alright. We’ve put one issue to bed. Now on to the next.” Seemed he wasn’t going to let up until the discussion returned to her father. Talking about her father would be too difficult.

She tapped her finger to her chin. “Dallas put herself through college by modeling for art classes. I could do that.”

“No!”

Turning on him, she was baffled by his sudden and very negative answer. “What is wrong with modeling?” Phoebe felt confused again. His decisive no gave her no room for discussion of any type. “I could model. I would be good,” she decided to persist with this line. Hoped to learn what it was that had him so adamant.

“Naked?” he queried a gentle lift to his dark brow. “Dallas was buck ass naked when she modeled in art classes. Yes, she was paid well. Women who will sit in front of a room full of students are far and few between. They deserve the money.”

“Oh…!” She could never be naked in front of a classroom of people. How did Dallas manage the situation? Supposed Dallas wanted to go to college more than she did. She made a face as if she could forget what she learned. “I…?”

He appeared relieved the issue was settled. Seemed he intended to move on to the next topic he wished to tackle. “What do you say we talk about the other problem bothering you.”

“How do you know there’s another issue in my head?” Shock might come close to describing how he made her feel. There were too many questions. She could never tell him the things her father told her.

“Watching you withdraw from me, for one. Every time you hesitated to come with me or looked at me with a faraway expression, I felt distance between us grow. Don’t need distance. Want my Phoebe back. Need to move on with our lives in a forward direction. You know, the girl who adores an adventure. Likes to learn new things with me by her side. Was surprised today you consented to come here with me. Was positive you would tell me you were too tired.” Now, he sounded more resigned than bitter or angry.

She didn’t know how to bring up what her father told her about shifters. “You are right. Besides our age difference, coupled with the fact I’m nowhere near your equal in any endeavor, there is something else on my mind.”

“I don’t like to hear you put yourself down.”

“Nothing I said was false. If the words are true…”

 

~ * ~

 

“No, they are partial truths. There is no doubt in my mind if you’d had support from your father, you would have achieved in school. My God, the man let you run wild! You are a free spirit. However, young girls should not be allowed to go anywhere whenever they pleased. He never took care of you. Now…” Cole raked his hands along the back of his neck. “You needed a parent when you were growing up. You didn’t have one. He abused you then. I believe the man is still abusing you. Is he?”

She made a little face at him. “He hasn’t hit me if that’s what you’re implying. When I was little, he did use corporal punishment to keep me in line. I sported a black eye from time to time. Couldn’t sit after a spanking.”

“Verbal abuse now since he cannot get you alone to hit. He has you frightened of me. Terrified in some way. Before the day ends, I hope you will explain.” He wasn’t about to tell her they weren’t leaving this huge rock until she spoke to him of this fear that was tearing them apart. If his father came with the boat before she voiced her truth, he’d send him away.

This day was not going how he planned. When Phoebe mentioned modeling for the art classes, he almost exploded. His fury rose to the surface so fast he couldn’t control his reaction. Did everything in his power to keep his boiling rage behind his teeth.

Bottom line, he needed to discover what was bothering her. She didn’t appear to wish to speak her mind. It wasn’t his reaction to her statement about a way to earn enough money to pay tuition causing her reticence. She was right. Money for tuition wasn’t something she needed to consider at this beat. What had him concerned was her renewal of her relationship with the man she called father. Believed when he moved her into the McKenna keep, she would no longer find herself at his mercy. Somehow, the difficult man found a way to nestle a burr into her head. The man was playing her, using her lack of knowledge about shifters to hold over her head. He knew the issue was about people who were able to change form. He caught glimpses inside her head despite the fact he tried not to meddle. Perhaps that time had passed. He needed information.

He sifted in a long breath of Phoebe scented air. Damn, she smelled so fine. Her scent sent his body into overdrive. Wished he could take her into his arms then teach her more about the pleasures of the flesh. Reminded himself she was only eighteen. He’d been seeing Phoebe for fewer than three weeks. He paused for a moment to center his thoughts.

He placed her hands in his. Rubbed the backs of her wrists. Marveled about how tiny she was compared to him. “We need to be honest, Phoebe. You must tell me what bothers you so much that has you retreating from me…from us. You hesitate now when you used to rush forward, all guns blazing. When I ask if you want to go with me…anywhere…you hesitate. I need to understand why.”

She inhaled a huge deep breath. Beneath the coverup, her beautiful jewels moved with the breath of air she stole from the sky. He wished his mother had not thought to put the shirt in the basket. Phoebe would not be comfortable in this situation wearing only her skimpy bikini. He did however appreciate the sight when there was no one else around to look at her. On a different day, they could sunbathe. He could rub sunscreen on her, touch places on her body that would entice other things.

Patience man… your time will come.

With each day he grew more possessive. Would like to propose. Offering for marriage was too soon. With a growl he tried to hold back, “Talk to me about your father.” Now, concerning her single parent, all he wanted to do was get to the truth. If he needed to dig all the way to China to find those truths, he would do whatever was necessary. “I didn’t realize you were seeing him. When? You should have told me. I could put up a buffer. I will make the time to be there when he is accosting you.”

“Not by choice,” Phoebe was quick to point out. She ran her hands along her legs, appearing to think about what she should say. “He comes into the restaurant every morning for breakfast. Whenever I have a break, he expects me to sit with him, enjoy a cup of coffee while conversing. Most of the time he asks questions about me. What I’m doing. Who I’m seeing. He is there for a few hours each day.” She lifted her beautiful female shoulders as if to give emphasis to her frustration. “I don’t know how to tell him I don’t want to talk to him. If I did get the courage, he would blame the words on you. Tell me I’ve no thoughts of my own. He would say I parrot your opinions. Which is in part true. I do agree with you in most things.”

“Good. Your opinions as well as ideas are important to me. Don’t want my woman to say what she believes I want her to say.” He turned her wrists over, bringing them to his lips. Kissed the palms. “What falsehood is he telling you? Don’t allow him to put you down. Don’t believe everything he says. You work hard at the restaurant. If you get time with Dallas, you might make enough to try a few online classes.” Cole didn’t mean to rant. Wished she would have more confidence in her abilities.

Eighteen years.

For eighteen years plus, her father beat her into the ground with verbal abuse. There were times he hit her so hard his fist would cause bruises. He managed to get her away from her father just before her graduation. Now, the man was finding new ways to torment the woman he loved. Cole didn’t know what else he could do to combat this treatment of Phoebe.

To see into her beautiful head at the moment would be preferable. He could listen to her thoughts. Didn’t want to abuse this ability of shifters. At least not until her trust in him was complete as well as absolute. All shifters could see into the head of their mates. Not until she understood his ability would he allow himself to listen. Granted, he couldn’t ignore the fact he’d been there a few times. When she was troubled, she reached out to him. Those instances were the ones that brought her thoughts to the forefront of his head. The instinct to protect was strong in male shifters.

Phoebe poured herself another small glass of wine. She swirled the ruby red liquid in the glass, staring at the liquid as if mesmerized. He stilled his breathing, waiting until she was prepared to speak her words. He would push if necessary. The time wasn’t quite there yet. He sipped. Watched the fingers of her free hand fiddle with the hem of her coverup. The words were hard for her.

“Trust in me,” his soft voice was meant to reduce the tension he saw in the set of her jaw as well as the stiffness of her shoulders.

When she looked at him, he saw moisture in her eyes. Drops on her dark lashes shimmered as bright as diamonds. Her sweet, pink tongue slid across her bottom lip catching a drop. He wished they could abandon the conversation for more intimate pursuits. He missed holding her close, tasting her essence, catching her sweet perfume. The plump fulness of her lips beckoned every male part he possessed. Her aquamarine eyes questioned with sincerity. She could ask him anything. He would answer with all the honesty he possessed.

She tilted her head to gaze into his eyes. Touched the tip of his chin with a fingertip. “This is not easy for me to say or ask,” she told him, playing with one of the buttons on her shirt. His all-male gaze focused there.

A nervous habit of hers he adored. Brought to light sweet spots. “Don’t ever be afraid to speak your mind. Whatever is in your head will never change how I feel about you.”

“Yes, so you say. With this statement, you will think I’m touched in the head. People around these parts talk. Not one person I know believes the gossip is true. They call the rumors old wives’ tales.”

Whatever it was hovering in her mind would not be easy to speak. He stiffened a bit, having a good idea about what was to come. Needed to encourage her to tell him everything on her mind. “Go on,” Cole prompted. “I won’t bite.” He almost hooted a laugh when she looked at him with an impish face telling him she would bite him. Dirty fantasies. Perhaps today they made some headway with their relationship. Phoebe had not teased since their first two outings, not since she began to distance herself from him. Not since her father began to meet her at the restaurant where she worked.

“You said that on purpose. Didn’t you?” she queried with a little giggle. “I imagine my mind wandered in the same direction as yours. Before, I enjoyed the kisses as well as the tiny bites of pleasure.” The single button separated from the hole. She began to fiddle with the next one in line for attention.

He caught a glimpse of the valley between her breast along with the sweet curves of both. “My words were not by chance. Now. Tell me why your father is visiting you every morning while you are working as well as why his words are disturbing you? Talking always makes a person feel better. Speaking will shed new light on the difficult problems.”

His sweet Phoebe sipped in another big draught of air, after that another gulp of wine. She was trying for courage, “His words are about your family. He means to make me think bad things about all of you.”

Why didn’t that surprise him? Her father was both a jealous as well as a petty man. “What bad things has he said? You realize my parents are not bad people. Neither am I.” His heart seemed to stall out when she first spoke. This might become the beginning of his worst nightmare. Understood he would have to see this through at some time.

“Your family is the nicest ever, your mother especially. She has done nothing but treat me as if I’m a daughter, part of the family. Your father is still trying to put to rights the muddle that was his life for so many years. Still, he is always the sweetest of men.” Phoebe made a soft sound in the back of her throat. Wasn’t quite a sigh. The noise intrigued him.

Deciding to fish for a few compliments, Cole went on to ask, “What about me? Am I the nicest?” He didn’t need to search for commendations. Meant to do so anyway. Found he was stalling. Perhaps it was Phoebe doing the wasting of time. He comprehended the major fact. Pheobe was hesitant to tell him what her father spoke. What bothered her?

Phoebe played with her thick blond braid, looking at the ends as if they held all the knowledge in the world. Her hands trembled. All her actions pointed to a person who was afraid. “You know I think you are also the nicest. Father can’t change my mind about you or your parents’ characteristics. I understand who they are. Realize what the two mean to you. I was with you when your father was found after being missing for too many years.”

“Well then, what has he said? What has that father of yours been saying that has you withdrawing from me? It isn’t just the fact I might have pushed you too hard with my attentions. Was afraid I moved too fast. Now, you tell me I have. But that isn’t what has you holding yourself back. Speak to me.”

“This is not easy.” Phoebe looked at him with wide bluish eyes. They still shimmered with moisture. “He told me all the Stuarts, the Frasiers as well as the McKennas are shape shifters. Said they all turn into giant black panthers. That they eat women and children.” She let her hands fall in her lap before lifting them with an imploring gesture. “I’m not superstitious. Don’t believe such creatures exist. It would be crazy to think they are real… Wouldn’t it? To believe that you are one of them?”

Cole searched his thoughts for the best reply. He didn’t feel as if Phoebe was ready to know the truth about his family. Wasn’t about to blurt out that her father was in part right about what he told her. To his knowledge no women or children were ever eaten. “You do have a valid point. There are creatures such as the Loch Ness Monster…” Deep inside, Cole was sweating hard. He wondered what she would say or do if she discovered shifters truly did exist. That he was one. “We know Nessie isn’t in the loch even though people continue to claim they’ve seen her.”

“Kelpies,” she started a list. “Bean Nighe…are creatures in our heritage. No one believes they are real. Do they? I don’t. Nonetheless…”

“Selkies as well as Baobhan Sith. Don’t forget the helpful brùnaidh, also known as a brownie. I do enjoy the helpful household spirits,” he told her with a smile as he added to the list of mythical creatures in Scottish lore.

Her hand over her mouth, she giggled. He meant to have a serious expression on his face. Needed to help her understand he took the statements about shifters in a serious manner. Phoebe spoke up again. “You don’t believe in any of these mythical Scottish creatures? What if I tell you I do believe? What would you say to my words of faith?” Before she drew her hand back to her lap, she reached out to him.

He was keeping something important from her. His heart thundered beneath his chest while his stomach flipped over. “I would tell you about most mythical creatures. To the best of my knowledge, they do not exist.”

“Just as I told my father the same. Why would shape shifters exist if none of the others do? He insisted the families he listed could change their shape,” Phoebe said as she began to put her trust in him. “Still, I have doubts. When one person is so adamant about a fact, makes another think more than once what they say might be true.”

Cole was curious. More of this discussion needed to be delved into. “What did your father tell you about shifters? Did he know anything except the tiny fact they are able to change to a different form?” Her father would manufacture lies. Most people in the little town of Carnoch excepted the truth of the existence of shifters. All who could change shape were careful not to do so in public. They played in the privacy of their homes, or they traveled to uninhabited parts of the highlands. To his knowledge, no one reported a sighting in a very long time.

“Father told me…” She was plucking at buttons. Another popped free. If she continued, he might not be responsible for his actions. With the unveiling of her perfect little body, Pheobe was playing with fire. “I know he cannot be correct.”

“What did he say?” Cole questioned, while he dreaded what might come out of her beautiful lips. Unable to stop himself as well as needing to close some of the distance between them, he scooted toward her. Ran the back of his hand along her cheek then down the graceful slope of her neck. Watched her blood pump hard at the pulse point at the base. She was not immune to his touch. “Tell me how he described these so-called mythical creatures. Did he call them monsters?”

He watched her breasts heave as she sought air. Saw her fingers fumbled with more buttons. “Told me…” She sipped another piece of air. “Said shifters were huge. They would devour anyone who got in their way or took something they thought belonged to them. They were all mean spirited. If they didn’t like their children, they…they…” He watched her swallow what appeared to be a lump in her throat. “They ate their children.”

Fury at her father curled in the pit of his stomach. Pushed the antagonism aside to further his cause with Phoebe. Needed to show her shifters were the opposite of mean spirited. They were gentle. Nothing he said was true.

“You don’t say?” The tip of his finger slipped between her breasts then rose to her collarbone. “What else?” Distraction was always a fine tactic. With the puffy little breath of air trembling from her mouth, he understood his ploy worked.

Appearing to shoot straight to the point. “Are you a shifter? Father told me you are one. Would you show me what you look like in your other form?”

What to do now?

There was no bloody way he could answer her question with a yes or no. One answer would send her running in the opposite direction he wished her to go. The other one would be a lie. He wasn’t going to lie to her. Neither could he speak the truth until she was loyal unto him alone.

Pleasure at her question bubbled up from the deepest part of him. Phoebe, the girl of his dreams, his mate, wished to see his cat. Doing so was for another time. Cole answered in the only way he could think. “How could you see something you don’t believe in? If something doesn’t exist, goes to reason it cannot be seen.”

“I know you are possessive. Being a possessive person does not make you a shifter.”

She already entered dangerous territory. Where would she go next?

“From some of what I heard, shifters have mates. A partner who travels through the centuries with them. Ever since I first saw you, I’ve felt an uncanny sensation of knowing you…we…came from another time. On first sight my body somersaulted in too many directions. Was afraid at first. Terrified of not knowing. You were so much older. I didn’t understand the inside out sensations.”

“Yes, I’m possessive of you. I’m certain you’ve heard people say shifters are freaks of nature. If you believe I’m a shifter, could you also believe I’m a freak?” He asked too much. Said too much. Needed to backpedal before he revealed more than he should. Her honest confession pleased him so much he lost track of his thoughts.

At her nod, he continued, not waiting for an answer to any of his other questions. “What do you believe?”

All the fasteners on her coverup were free. If he didn’t miss a guess, she was inviting him to play. Her invitation might not stem from conscious thought. Comprehended she was nervous. Fiddling with buttons was a habit of hers when nerves took over.

Instead of answering, Phoebe started with a story. “I saw a black panther once. I was young. Maybe ten or eleven. I don’t recall.”

She must have seen the change in his demeanor because she stopped speaking then showed him a questioning tilt to her head. “I didn’t mean to stop you,” Cole told her. “Just surprised. That’s all. Go on…”

“I expected some kind of scolding about how I was somewhere I shouldn’t be. It’s true. I was alone in the woods. Needed some private time. A lecture…you know. You tend to do that. Even though what happened was years ago.”

“Perhaps later. Would enjoy hearing what you have to say. You said you were ten? Don’t want to be so autocratic,” he mumbled as if he meant to clarify his position.

“The cat was beautiful, all black and soft looking. I wished…never mind. Don’t know if the animal was a shifter. He didn’t tell me if there was a person just waiting to find its way out of the cat body. I wasn’t frightened. Wished I could reach out then pet the cat.”

“You’re by far too curious. Your curiosity is one of the characteristics I enjoy. Nonetheless, you do need to temper your inquisitiveness with a good dose of common sense. You must have been a distance from our village.”

She let out a throaty snort as she shook her head. “The scolding comes sooner than expected. Yes, the cat was huge. Looked at me as if I might be his next meal. It’s eyes gleaming a deep silver blue. For a few seconds my heart leaped to my throat. For some reason, I felt connected in a bizarre way. Hoped the cat was friendly.”

“You weren’t afraid?” Cole knew she might be frightened. If the cat was his, she would not have feared him. The shifter wasn’t him. He would have remembered the incident. Understood even when she was a small girl, she was his mate. He always looked after her. Knew there were times she wandered from the village. Tried to be close by when she did. Wasn’t successful each time.

“Terrified. Afraid if I ran, the cat would pounce on me. Horrified if I stood where I was, he would pounce on me. My feet were frozen to the ground. I could not have moved to save my life. You’re angry with me. I realized I should not have been where I was. Learned my lesson. Never returned though there were a few times I watched the hills with longing. Wondered if I walked along the same path, I would see another black panther. Don’t know why, but I sensed he would never harm me.”

Cole sucked in as much air as his lungs could hold. He tamped down the frustrated fury he felt for a man who was never there for his daughter. Controlling the rage, he spoke with a low calm voice. One he hoped would not frighten Phoebe. “Where was your father?” Cole had the horrible suspicion she wandered into the hills, not only by herself, but without explaining to anyone where she went. As he told her earlier, her father allowed her to run wild. He was unable to keep tabs on her day in and day out.

“I was lonely most of my life. Yes, I explored the hills. Found solace as well as companionship there. Father was at home drinking. That’s what he almost always did, starting at five in the afternoon until he passed out on the floor. If I got in his way, he would swat at me then mumble foul words beneath his breath about women and girls who were worthless creatures.” She lifted her shoulders a bit, sending her body in a pleasing display. “I didn’t enjoy his company. Didn’t like spending every evening in my room. If I ventured into the main room, I would always regret doing so. As you said, I ran wild. For the sake my sanity I had to have freedom.” Then with some defiance in her voice. “What of it?”

Unable to resist the beautiful temptation in front of him, the tip of his finger traveled to her navel then back. Saw the quiver of her stomach muscles as he passed across the softness of her belly. Heard the tiny noise of pleasure ruffle from the back of her throat. At this instant, Phoebe wasn’t withdrawing from him. She was running toward him. If he continued, she might gift him with her female body in a delightful way.

“What do you think? Are there shifters…?” he paused to send his finger back to her navel then lower to the top of her suit. Traveled just above the elastic, wishing to dip lower into more intimate as well as sensitive flesh. “If they exist, are they freaks of nature as some say? You never answered. Seems you distracted me with your statements about seeing a panther. What do you say? Give me an answer now.” He was so tempted to slip into her head. Read her feelings about the shifters along with his blatant exploration. If he wished it to be, he could discover the truth without her saying the words. For some unfathomable reason he needed to hear the words come directly from her to him. He hoped she would reveal her honest truths.

“Wh…what do you mean by freak?” She was having trouble talking. Her voice dropped an octave with each new pass of his fingers. Her body quivered.

Cole continued his foray across her stomach then higher to circle each breast. Passed the palm of his hand across the hard crests of each one brushing the cloth aside for an instant with each pass. She was panting hard, breathing erratic. Her heart pounded as blood rushed through her. Touched on the out-of-control pulse point. He asked again. “Are they freaks?”

“You…you should stop. I’m sorry…” She caught her lip beneath her top teeth. He wished to do the same.

He wasn’t at all sorry about this venture. It had been too damn long since he treated himself to the delights she possessed. Indeed, he was quite pleased with the passing moments. Enjoyed the few minutes she was not stepping backward from him. At this beat of her heart, she was still rushing forward. “Hmm…let me think. Freak? An accident…maybe a surprise. Freak doesn’t have to mean ugly or weird. What do you think? Tell me.” He began to unravel her braid. Dropped the tie onto the blanket where they sat. Spent time running her loosened hair between the insides of his fingers. The strands were still damp from their swim across the loch.

Her sweet pink tongue passed across her bottom lip. A trace of kissable moisture remained behind. Setting his hand beneath her chin, he followed the path with his thumb. Tugged on her lip so he could forage inside the warmth he found within.

“Cole,” his name on her lips was a thin wail. “Please…” Phoebe brought in a long deep breath of air as he continued in the same vein.

“If shifters exist, true the first ones might have been an accident. A possible surprise to the parents. Who knows? You still need to answer me. What is your opinion?” His knuckles grazed down the long column of her neck then lower to seek more sensitive territory in the valley between her breasts.

“No…no freak…just…”

The cat was beautiful. The panther wasn’t him. He couldn’t keep this up. Would not seduce her until she was ready. Today they made progress toward their goals. He didn’t wish to ruin the steps forward. With a sigh of regret, Cole began to fasten her shirt. “You need to keep this on unless you want me to ravish you. Right here. Right now. You must understand I’m on the verge. Holding myself back isn’t what I wish for.”

Phoebe was shaking her head, her eyes huge. “Thought the panther I saw was beautiful. Had a surprising urge to pet the animal. Was too terrified to get close enough to the beast in order to pet.”

When I show you my cat, I will let you pet me as much as you like, anywhere you like. We can play together. Perhaps not. I might hurt you. If you were also a shifter, we would change into our cats right now. Play in the loch before Father comes to retrieve us. Oh, he did wish to play with her. He would soon. Today’s playtime was too short. With longing, he gazed at her. With each caress he swelled more, sweet anticipation, causing him to jump to life.

He sat back, leaning on his elbows. Crossed his ankles. Thought the view was nicer with the coverup unfastened. “Should we have some of the sweet treats mother packed? I’m hungry. Are you?” Cole felt satisfied with her answers. Realized this afternoon they made more headway than he hoped. By her actions, he understood she still wanted him. She’d backed off because of her father’s whisperings in her ear.

Today he was pleased.

Exhilarated.

Phoebe closed her eyes on a soft sigh. He moved closer to her. Wrapped an arm around her. Held her close. She snuggled her cheek against his chest. Played with the dark black hair she found there. Her mind was spinning in so many directions. Against his will, her thoughts were playing peek a boo with his. Time and again, he tuned her out only to find himself listening again. He told himself he wasn’t going to accept her thoughts into his mind. He wasn’t intending to take advantage.

Didn’t seem to be able to resist a glance or two.

He knew when she fell asleep. Her body as well as her mind relaxed. Tension vanished. Her breathing, along with the rate of her heart, slowed. He absorbed her heat into his, gave back as well. Discovering she was open minded about shifters thrilled his heart. The need to tread with caution was ever prevalent in his head. However, now, he could walk more easily along the narrow precipice dividing normal folk from his world, no longer afraid of falling when she learned his truth. He felt confident that, given time, she would understand there was nothing to fear from a shifter. Her father would try to reinforce the opposite scenario. Now that he understood more, he could combat the hurtful innuendos the man would toss his way. With this newfound knowledge, her father became his enemy.

Phoebe, you are my mate. Given the necessary alone time together, we will sort all this out. You will understand all you mean to me. You are my heart and soul, as well as my very life-angel.

In this same spot almost twenty-seven years ago, he knew his mother lost her innocence as well as conceived him. Perhaps he could orchestrate similar events with his Phoebe much the same way. By August she might be ready to share more than kisses along with innocent caresses. Most shifters are intimate with their mates before the wedding.

They would explore a career for her in photography. He knew without asking Dallas would be pleased to be her mentor. He prayed she had talent in the field. If not, Dallas might be able to employ her in other ways. Perhaps teach her how to find the perfect shot. He understood sometimes innate talent was involved as it was with Dallas.

Cole slowed his breathing to match Phoebe’s. As he listened to her heart, his along with hers melded together to beat as one. He heard this was true of mates. They were so in tune with each other, as if sharing one heart between them their hearts beat at the same pace. He closed his eyes, enjoying the beautiful solitude.

At peace with himself, he listened to the soft roll of waves lapping against the rocks. Watched a few billowy clouds ghost the sun. An eagle flew across the water searching for prey. He felt the gentle breeze slipping down from the craigs to caress his face. Smelled the heather coupled with the sweetest scent of all, his Phoebe. Sipped his wine. Sampled the chocolate confection his mother asked their cook to pack. Phoebe didn’t wish to swim back. Neither did he. What he wanted was to spend as many minutes as possible with her before they needed to return to the real world. His father would be here at seven. If she woke before the allotted time, they might enjoy a kiss or two.

He needed to put her to bed early tonight. She pulled the morning shift this week. Phoebe would need to rise early to get to the restaurant by five in the morning. When they married, she wouldn’t need to work. He hoped the wedding would only be months away. Not the years, he feared.

Red wine.

Chocolate.

Phoebe…pure Phoebe.

His life was made of his dreams. Rainbows. Sunshine. Fairytales. Fairytales always fought with monsters, misunderstood creatures. Phoebe’s monster was her father. Short of forbidding her to leave the keep without him or his mother was the only way he could keep her father from accosting her. At work she would always be vulnerable. He couldn’t be with her all the time.

Ah, the lapping of the water soothed his soul. Her soft body pressed against his was heaven. He wished they could bypass all the difficulties then move on with the rest of their lives together.

He must have dozed. When he woke, Phoebe was still sleeping, nestled against him. The sun was slipping toward the horizon. A few colors were splashed across the sky; golds, pinks, apricots. The scene breath stealing. Perhaps they could sleep here some night in the future. During the summer they wouldn’t have need of a tent. Together, they would be able to watch the stars travel across the sky in a never-ending parade of brilliance. Might be treated to the Northern Lights.

Waking her soon might be pleasant with several well-placed kisses. A few here. Some more there. He knew where he wished to try the flavor of Phoebe. Before his father picked them up at seven, he needed to taste her again. More than a week passed since he kissed her. Relish her essence for more than a few minutes. She was addictive. More than a few minutes might lead to other delightful encounters. He would need to hold himself back. She was untried. Her only suitor was him.

He thought to ease Phoebe into wakefulness in the most delicious means he could think of. Cole slid his hand along the inside of her thigh passing close to dark secret places he’d yet to explore. Soon he would learn all of her. Set his hand on her little butt. Slipped his fingers beneath her bottoms to encounter soft flesh. Squeezed with a gentle caress. She stirred. Rubbed her cheek against his chest. He squeezed again, wishing he dared enter more intimate territory.

Restraint was the operative word.

“Cole…?” His name was uttered with a soft purr from her lips. “Cole…your hand is on my…”

“Yes, it’s on your delightful butt. You fell asleep. Needed to wake you before father comes to retrieve us. Unless you’ve changed your mind about swimming.” He grinned at her. Removed his hand from the hot spot he found. Let his fingers dance one by one along her ribs until he reached the soft, heavenly mounds he adored.

“Don’t want you to stop. Touch me, please…,” she begged. “It’s been so long. I understand I withdrew from you but…”

“Yes, you do want me to stop. Father will be arriving soon. If he’s early, he could come upon a compromising situation. This time I refuse to listen to your plea. If we keep going, I might frighten you. Don’t want you to push away from me again. Lovemaking needs to be eased into. Not experienced all at once.” He heard her thoughts about sex with him. She’d told him earlier she would wait until marriage. Understood the idea was antiquated. While he doubted she would still be chaste on her wedding day, this evening was not the time to teach her about becoming a woman. “If we do much more petting, I’ll be deep inside your hot, sweet core. I will know you inside as well as out. You won’t get what you want.”

“You’re so smart. Tell me what I want.” Her tongue flicked across one hard little nub. She bit then nibbled across his chest. With few lessons, she learned how to entice every male part of him.

Under attack by her honeyed rosy tongue, Cole gritted out in desperation. “To be a virgin bride.”

“Oh…”

Seemed she was reminded about her wishes.

“Maybe I no longer want to go to my wedding an innocent. Seems those words were spoken ages ago. Believe I’ve changed my mind.”

 

~ * ~

 

“Do you see the way our son looks at Phoebe? He’s holding back. Tense. Jittery when he’s around her. I thought the time they spent together a week ago on the rock would have washed the tension right out of him. Doesn’t seem that the private time did anything to assuage the stress. If anything, he is more reserved than before. Those two need some more alone time to hash out what’s bothering them,” Ruby said as she bent over to set a dish into the dishwasher. She straightened. Picked up a plate to rinse. “I don’t know what to make of those two.”

“He gets up every morning to drive her to work. Cole stays there until noon then he returns home to finish going over the accounts he is dealing with now. The girl works too hard at the restaurant. They don’t have time just for themselves. What the devil does she do with the money she earns?” Aaron asked while he continued to clear the table. “She doesn’t buy things for herself. I swear she has only a couple of dresses to her name along with a few other articles of clothing.”

“Cole always takes his laptop with him when he accompanies her in the mornings. Believe he’s protecting the girl from Angus, the worthless bum. If I made a guess, the money she earns goes to that horrible man.” Ruby turned to point a fork in his direction. “You wouldn’t know this because you were gone but Angus use to smack her around. She would wander off to the hills to get away from him. Ran wild in the streets of Carnoch too. Her life was free of restraint. Moving in here with us has been the first time her life has held any substance or control. At least she no longer fears the beatings.”

“Don’t suppose our son is too happy to hear about her father. He would have known about her exploits around town.” Untying his apron, he poured himself a cup of coffee then sat to watch his wife finish with the dishes. “Would you like another cup?”

“No, I’m thinking another glass of wine would do me just fine. Worrying about our son is stressful. Happy I no longer worry about you.” She closed the front of the dishwasher then leaned against the counter. With her arms crossed in front of her, Ruby went on to say. “Need to speak with Phoebe sometime when Cole’s not around. Need to hear what she thinks about our son as well as her father. Cole would say I’m meddling. Nonetheless, someone needs to give these two stubborn children—”

“Young adults.”

“Young adults who need some counseling. Given our circumstances, no one should let grass grow under their feet. Take life for all it’s worth when you can. That’s my motto. We lost so much time we will never retrieve.”

With a soft chuckle he pointed a finger at her. “Don’t you go meddling in their affairs. We don’t have any business—”

“I feel close to the girl. She’s important to me as well as my son. A month ago, she dreamed about weddings as well as wedding gowns. We all went to Inverness to help Dallas select a gown for her marriage to Rafe. She was starry eyed as well as over the moon in love with our son. What has happened between them?” What has happened between the two of you, was the important question she meant to confront Phoebe with as soon as Phoebe could find time to visit.

She was always at work. Most days she worked double shifts. Ruby felt positive she gave her tips and quite possibly most if not all her earnings to her father. There needed to be a way to keep her from doing so. A girl needed her independence. Money gave that to her. She never asked her for anything. Doubted if she asked her son.

“I can see the wheels spinning in your head, Ruby McKenna. You are thinking she needs to be stronger. Who are we to tell her how to spend her money?”

Fists clenched tight, “Phoebe doesn’t owe that son of a bitch anything. Angus owes her. I’ve a mind to go visit him then give him my thoughts.”

“Wouldn’t do any good.” Aaron tossed his coffee down the sink before he filled a glass of wine for both of them. “Why don’t we take this,” he held up the glasses he poured, along with the bottle, “to the living room. We can relax. Play a little. Need my mind occupied with you.” He sent a wicked glance down her body then back to remain on her mouth.

Ruby snorted. “You want to have your wicked way with me, no doubt. Seems since you came home over a month ago, making up for lost time is all that’s been on your mind.”

“You have the right of it. Since I was celibate all those years, waiting to return to my wife, yes, I’d like to make up for the lost time.”

“I’m pregnant. Haven’t you guessed?”

“I know. How do you feel about another little shifter. By the way, the child’s a boy.”