My brain tried to bring up the fact that jerking off to Pregnancy Book Guy hadn’t been just a fantasy, and it had been hot as fuck. I put that in a box to think about later.
He walked ahead of me, glancing back a couple of times as if to make sure I was still following. The clinic was set up so you could either exit through the waiting area or you could go through a door directly out to the street, a boon to those of us who didn't want to walk through a room full of strangers who absolutely knew you'd just been jerking it. Pregnancy Book Guy chose that door. He held it open for me, but I made sure we didn’t touch as I went through. Our magics had resonated strongly with eachother, and the last thing I needed was to accidentally create a permanent mate connection.
“It's this way.” He gestured to the right and fell in beside me as I turned. Fortunately he left enough room between us that I wasn't worried he’d try to hold my hand or anything. The sidewalk was empty, it being midafternoon on a weekday. The outside temperature was only a little chilly, but the wind blowing between the office buildings was biting. I pulled the collar of my light jacket closer around my neck. He frowned at me in concern. “Are you cold? Do you want my jacket?”
He started to remove his leather jacket, but I held up a hand. “No, thanks. I'll be fine.” It was a nice gesture, but I could see the coffee shop up ahead.
“My name’s Rafferty. What's yours?”
“Elton.”
“Nice to meet you, Elton.” He smiled that devastating grin I’d seen at the bookstore. I was disturbed at how warm and fuzzy it made me feel inside.
The coffee shop was fairly crowded, but there were a few empty tables. We stood in line silently, but when we got up to the register, Rafferty said, “Let me get this.”
“No. I'll get my own.” I stepped as far away from him as I could while still being able to speak to the barista. I was startled to feel a wave of sadness, even through the block I had on my magic, and I could’ve sworn I heard a wolf howl. I darted a glance at Rafferty, but he was looking down at the payment machine. I ordered a revolting green tea and left a nice tip for the employees.
Rafferty snagged two armchairs by the window. I brought my tea over and sat down, careful not to knock my legs into his.
He cleared his throat. “Will you tell me why you were crying in the clinic?”
My mouth dropped open. “You could hear that?” I could feel my face turning bright red.
“Wolf shifter.” He patted his chest. “We have very good hearing.
I set my tea down on the low table next to the window as I mentally ran through all the sounds I’d made that Rafferty had been able to hear.
My eyes must have been getting bigger and bigger, because he leaned forward and rushed to assure me, “You don't have anything to be embarrassed about. Our entire interaction was scorching hot.”
I was feeling vulnerable and defensive, and although deflecting wasn't a method approved for use in my future job as a licensed therapist, I wasn't acting as a therapist right then. “Who were you donating sperm for?”
I wasn’t expecting him to smile. “You don't have any cause for jealousy. I'm gay, and I’m alpha of my pack. If my pack members are ready for children but need a sperm donation, I’m happy to help, with the stipulation that I won’t act in any sort of parent role to the child. I make sure we have several conversations in front of witnesses to that effect before we move forward with the donation.” He glanced down at his coffee, then gazed earnestly into my eyes. “But if it bothers you, I don't have to do it going forward.”
Once again, my mouth hung open. “Why would my opinion be of any consideration going forward?”
Rafferty's face scrunched up. “I know you're not a shifter, but you have to have noticed how much our magics resonate. That's never happened to me before.” He gestured at me. “You’re not bonded to anyone else. Do you—do you not want to be my mate?”
INSTAGRAM REEL FROM EJVIBES – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11
“The thing is, all of us deserve to be loved. It's part of being human. But for some people,”—he raises his eyebrows and points to himself—“we can fall into a trap of deciding that things beyond our control make us unworthy of love, or unworthy of the love of a person we hold in high esteem. This is today’s reminder. Don't settle. You are worthy.”
CHAPTER 4
RAFFERTY
I triedto tamp down on my worry, but the shocked expression on Elton’s face had my wolf emitting a howl of despair.
Elton blinked and shook his head. “You don’t even know me.”
“My magic does. My wolf does. That's all I need. We were meant to be together. We were meant to be mates.” I set my coffee down on the table where Elton had placed his. I didn't want to crush the cup due to my tension. Showering Elton in hot liquid wouldn’t help my case.
He closed his eyes for a moment, then stared at me again. “You're telling the truth. You want us to be mates.”
“I do.” I was ready to go all in, but Elton wasn’t there yet. I could handle this. “But we can spend some time getting to know each other. You don't have to decide right this second.” My wolf whined, and I sent him reassuring thoughts.Don't worry. He'll choose us. He'll want us.
Elton clasped his hands together in his lap and stared down at them. I cocked my head to get a better look at his face. Were his lips trembling? “What's the matter?” My alpha brain wanted to jump in and fix any problems he might have.
He lifted his head, and his eyes were red as he blinked back tears. He sniffled. “You don't want me for a mate. You’re a pack alpha. You need someone... whole.”
