Unexpected Arrangements

Kat...

The next morning, I awoke with a sense of determination, deciding to tackle the stall mucking before breaking the news to Earl. Stepping out into the clearing where I had glimpsed the wolf the night before, I paused, allowing the gentle breeze to envelop me. There was a familiar scent in the air—a blend of cedar with hints of salt and musk—that inexplicably felt like home, despite my unfamiliarity with it.

Sighing contentedly, I set to work, completing my chores with a sense of calmness. However, when I went in search of Earl afterward, he was nowhere to be found. "Strange, where could he have gone?" I pondered, briefly scanning the barn, the house, and his office to no avail.

Opting to ride Pera while I continued my search, I lazily mounted her bareback, relying on her well-honed training to guide us. As we cantered around the arena, basking in the rush of wind with my eyes closed and my arms spread like an eagle, a deep, resonant voice interrupted my reverie. "You're going to end up getting yourself hurt like that," it warned.

Startled, I snapped my eyes open, inadvertently jerking backward and urging Pera forward. I was sent tumbling off the rear of her back. Expecting to collide with the unforgiving ground, I braced for impact, only to find myself ensconced in the firm embrace of sturdy arms, against a chest as unyielding as stone. Peering up, I was met with a smirk and those captivating emerald eyes I had encountered the previous night in the dimly lit ambiance of the diner. "Elijah," I breathed, recognizing him instantly.

"Who told you my name?" Elijah's voice cut through the air, his eyes searching mine for answers. I found myself lost in their depths until a throat cleared in the distance, signaling Earl's arrival.

I shifted uncomfortably, silently urging Elijah to release me from his embrace, but he held me tighter. "Um, you can put me down now," I managed, feeling a flush creep up my neck as he reluctantly complied.

Turning to Earl, I explained the situation, casting a glare at Elijah, who seemed amused by the whole affair. Was he just going to stand there and not help me out? Did he not care what Earl just saw? It was innocent enough, but I don't often show affection in front of people.

Earl, with his dry humor, remarked, "And right into the big bad wolf's arms." Elijah shot him a sharp look, but Earl waved it off nonchalantly.

"Did you finish mucking, Kat?" Earl inquired, his gaze shifting to me. "Yes, but I actually wanted to talk to you about that, I am going to be leaving today" I began, noticing Elijah clenching and unclenching his fists with a scowl on his face. Something was clearly bothering him, but I paid it no mind.

Earl approached me cautiously, his tone sympathetic. "Nick filled me in on what happened last night. I'm truly sorry, Kat. Please don't let that scumbag scare you away. You're safe here."

I appreciated Earl's concern, but I shook my head solemnly. "I feel it's just not safe anymore," I confessed, my eyes darting between Earl and Elijah.

"What if someone always stayed with you, keeping watch, or you can stay in the spare bedroom in the house?" Earl suggested, his voice hopeful. "I can't impose on people I barely know like that," I replied, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment at his offer. intention was merely to pass through, not to linger for more than a day or two, anyway.

"Nonsense!" Earl exclaimed, his eyes alight with determination. "Alp-uh, Elijah will volunteer to stay with you for the first week."

Both Elijah and I looked at him incredulously, but before I could protest, Elijah spoke up. "I'll do it," he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument. I couldn't dicipher the expression on his face. It seemed as though he was reluctantly being coerced into this situation. I mean, Earl did put him on the spot. 

My heart raced as I shook my head fervently. "No! I'm sorry, but I can't accept that. We barely know each other," I protested, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. 

Earl hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "Can we just try? I really do need the help, Kat. It would honestly be nothing more than a favor to me until Jackie gets back." he proposed tentatively, glancing between Elijah and me.

Elijah nodded solemnly. "I'll sleep on a cot outside of the stalls downstairs if it makes you feel comfortable," he offered, surprising both Earl and me. As if I would actually remain in a room with a stranger sleeping downstairs next to the horses?

Earl's shock was evident; his Alpha was willing to sleep among the livestock? It was becoming increasingly clear to him that Kat must be Elijah's mate. However, he knew better than to broach the subject with the Alpha. After all, Elijah was his alpha, and questioning him directly was not something Earl dared to do.

Kat looked reluctantly between both men, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Why?" she asked, searching their faces for answers.

"Why are you two so adamant about having me stay?" Kat questioned, her tone a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. Earl responded with a playful wink, "I lost one worker and just found you. I don't want the trouble of finding another." Elijah, on the other hand, was more direct and indifferent in his response. "Take it or leave it, I don't care either way. I won't beg," he stated bluntly. Kat winced inwardly at his words.

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Elijah...

"Geeze Elijah! You're going to make our mate run away!" Enzo exclaimed, his voice tinged with frustration. "I have to admit, that was a little harsh."

I sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of Enzo's reproach. Earl, with his impeccable timing, had to interject right after I scared Kat off her horse. "I told her she was going to hurt herself," I muttered to myself. Despite my gruff demeanor, I couldn't deny the effect she had on me. Watching her cantering with her arms wide open, embracing the wind, I couldn't help but notice her curves. Her chest rising and falling with movement of the horse, her slender waist, and those hips... they were alluringly voluptuous. 

"You're going to end up getting yourself hurt like that," I warned. 

Startling her off her horse, I rushed to catch her. I couldn't let my mate hit the ground. As I caught her in my arms, she melted into putty, her eyes squeezed closed in shock. Slowly, she opened them one by one, her gaze meeting mine in bewilderment. I could see the blush creeping up her neck as she realized she wasn't feeling the hardness of the ground beneath her. It felt like time stood still while I basked in her beauty. I had never encountered someone so stunning. Her captivating brown eyes held a mesmerizing allure, and I found myself entranced by them. Her flawless, sun-kissed olive skin seemed to glow, inviting my touch. I longed to reach out and caress her cheek.

It was then that she noticed I was cradling her in my arms, and her cheeks flushed even deeper. The sensations coursing through me when her skin met mine were beyond words. It was as if I were elevated to another realm. It felt like fireworks erupting beneath my skin, a sensation I could never tire of. Cradling her in my arms, it felt as though she belonged there, perfectly molded to me.

Yet, why did the moon Goddess give me a human mate who couldn't sense the same magnetic connection? The agony of unreciprocated affection was torturous. 

"Elijah," she called, her voice like music to my ears, sending shivers down my spine. Oh, the way she said my name had me feeling more alive than ever; my pants tightened. I was harder than the ground I just saved her from hitting. "Who told you my name?" I asked, trying to hide the intensity of my reaction. But before she could respond, Earl walked in and ruined everything. With a reluctant sigh, I set her down gently, turning our attention to Earl, though my mind couldn't help but linger on the sweetness of her voice saying my name.