Finley’s Feisty Mate (Dixon Pack Book 3) Page 11

  “On the floor,” Alex said. She figured he would say that he would decline and then pick Lucky up tomorrow but Finn shrugged and said okay. She was so stunned that she didn’t know how to reply to his comment.

  “Um, Finn, I was just joking.”

  “Shouldn’t joke about things like that because you already agreed. I’ve slept on many floors before, but on this one, I can gaze up and see your beautiful face,” Finn said then walked over to Haine and picked him up and started for the stairs. “I’ll get Haine in bed and then I’ll bring Lucky up. I’ve got some clothes in the truck, and while you are getting ready for bed, I can get them situated.”

  Alex knew she looked like a fish out of water because no sound was coming out but her mouth was sure opening and closing. Finn was going to sleep on her floor. Her ratty T-shirt and shorts were her only pajamas and she hated that he was going to see her in them. When she quickly packed her clothes from home, she never even thought about bringing something nice with her. She would be running from place to place with her little brother and it was appropriate to wear something like that.

  Alex followed Finn up the stairs and opened the door for him. She grabbed her PJs off the bed and held them to her so he couldn’t see what it was. Why was she so nervous? She’d slept with men before, some even stayed over at her apartment. But for some reason this was different. This felt real. Something she couldn’t describe but knew this felt good and comfortable.

  “I’ll be back with Lucky and then go down to get my clothes,” Finn said.

  She walked over to her little brother and at first just looked down on his beautiful face. She loved him more than anything as she reached down and took his pants off and put his PJs on. Then she slipped him under the covers.

  Finn walked in again with Lucky in his arms. “I don’t have anything for him to wear.”

  “I have something.” From Haine’s bag, shepulled out a pair of shorts and handed them to him. She watched as Finn dressed him in the clothes then pulled the covers back and covered him up. They both stayed on their own side. “I think they are dead tired because neither one is moving.”

  “Simone said earlier that she worked them hard today,” Finn said. “Hey, go ahead and get ready and I will be back in a few.”

  Alex nodded and walked into the bathroom and changed. She only hoped she didn’t do something stupid like get on the floor with him.

  Chapter 16

  Finn walked down to his truck and called Arden to let him know he was staying here. Little did Alex know that he planned onstaying the night in the woods, watching the B&B. This was even better; he could watch her sleep from the floor. Didn’t matter to him where he slept as long as he was close to her.

  Finn twirled his fingers and he could see the eyes from the woods as he gave the signal. His pack would know he was not leaving and staying inside. It was something that was instinct among wolves.

  He placed his call then looked in his truck for his to-go bag. He couldn’t wait to wake up with her. Even if he was doing it from the floor. Alex gave him peace every time he was around her. She had no idea she was the calm of the raging storm inside him.

  The war was always with him. The voices and faces of his friends who yelled out for him always haunted him. He dreamed of them, but since Alex came to town, the nightmares had gone away. Now he dreamed of her running beside him in one of the fields behind his home.

  She was a white wolf with black spots on each foot and she looked happy. That’s what he wanted for his mate, to be happy again. She had so much tragedy in her life and now she needed her soul to be healed. He believed with all his heart that his love and his pack could heal her and Haine.

  “Alpha, I’m staying on the floor in Alex’s room. Lucky fell asleep and I’m not leaving the boy here when they are in danger,” Finn stated.

  “Hmm.” That was all his Alpha said but he could already picture the smile on his face.

  “Stop. Are you guys going to continue to give me shit?” Finn asked.

  “Oh, yeah. I had to endure it when I met my mate, so yes, so will you, but Finn…”

  “Yes, Alpha.”

  “I’m very happy for you, my friend, and I know that Alex and Haine will make a great addition to the pack. I will talk to you tomorrow. I hope to have some news from my contacts.”

  “Thank you. See you tomorrow.” Finn hung up and looked at the sky and thanked God. He was spiraling when he returned from the war and if he hadn’t been bitten who knows what would have happened to him. He loved his pack and their support and friendship. Humans were always searching for love immaterial objects, but Finn had found it here in his hometown.

  Finn jogged back to the door eager to see Alex. Charlotte opened the entrance for him. “Finn, can I speak to you for a minute?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He walked into the kitchen with her and sat at the table.

  “I only have one question and comment and I hope after I’m finished you understand, but I care for that girl and her brother. Even this short amount of time, I have gotten to know them and I know she is running from something and I know she is your mate, but from what I can tell, Alex is hurting and so is Haine. They just lost their parents and I’m worried for them. Tell me you and the pack are going to protect them and take care of them.” Charlotte’s face was full of worry as she waited for his answer.

  “Charlotte, you have known me my whole life and you know me well enough that I won’t let anyone hurt them. I love her already. You know how fast it is with shifters. When we find our mates, it’s something instant inside us. I love that boy, too, and I will treat him and raise him like he was my own flesh and blood. And I know they care about you, Charlotte, so I know they are good people.” Finn winked.

  “I already knew the answer but I had to ask. Now go on to bed and I will have a big breakfast fixed for all of you in the morning. I love you, Finn, and I’m happy you have found your mate.”

  Finn got up and walked up the stairs. He knocked before he opened the door just in case she was still dressing, but Alex opened the door. He stood there and stared at her. She had washed her face of all the makeup and put on a T-shirt and shorts. The woman was even more beautiful if that was even possible.

  “My heart beats a thousand times faster every time I see you. You are so beautiful and I have to tell you that you’re already in my heart.” Finn wanted to kiss her but he was worried for the first time in his life. He was scared she wouldn’t love him back.

  “You say the sweetest things and my heart beats a thousand times faster every time I see you, too, but I’m afraid, Finn. I’m terrified that something terrible is going to happen and this feeling will be taken from me. Just like my mom and dad were.”

  Finn pulled her against him. “Nobody will take me away from you. I know this sounds weird. To be honest, it sounds crazy to me. It’s unbelievable but we’re real and you are my mate and I’m in—”

  “Just say you care about me. Please, don’t tell me you love me. Love is such a powerful word, but I do care, Finn. Okay?” Alex pleaded. He knew he already loved her but she had these feelings and it was something he was going to try and change. Kissing her on the cheek, Finn backed her up until he could close the door.

  “It’s late and you need to sleep. You have to be tired,” Finn insisted. He watched as Alex crawled into bed and turned on her side and yawned. He had to look away from her to change into his shorts but he waited until her eyes closed before he closed the door to the bathroom.

  Touching her always brought his wolf close to the surface. As he stared into the mirror, his wolf stared back. Not tonight, buddy. Tonight, we watch over them.

  Finishing his business, Finn walked into the bedroom to find a pallet already made for him on the floor. She had two pillows and enough blankets that would make a softer bed for him. Not that it mattered, because from this angle, he could stare up and watch his mate sleep.

  Getting down on the floor, Finn lay on his back and stared up at her.
She was so beautiful. Reaching up, he touched her hand. Her skin was so soft and smooth. She moved and reached out and took his hand into hers. She was holding his hand in her sleep. He knew she felt something for him. There was no other explanation for it. At least not one that he was going to think about.

  Finn closed his eyes, and like every night since he met her, he fell into a peaceful sleep.

  Waking up, Alex slowly opened her eyes and found she was holding Finn’s hand. When she leaned over, she had to smile. The man’s hand was so hot and to make it stranger, he was sleeping on top of the blankets.

  She took a moment to just watch him. He was the sexiest man she had ever met. He was so handsome and kind hearted. Even though he had a shirt on it was raised showing off not a six-pack but an eight-pack.

  She had to turn away when her body started reacting. Was this man in love with her? Was she falling in love with him? She had heard of love at first sight but she had never experienced it or knew anyone that had. Well, she needed to take that back. People say they were in love after only a couple of dates. Some of the relationships quickly dissolved and some were still going strong. What was the feeling inside her when she saw this man?

  Lying here wasn’t helping with this fire burning inside her. She wanted Finn and he seemed to want her, but glancing at Haine she knew her feelings weren’t important right now. Her little brother was.

  Alex got up and quietly went into the bathroom to take a shower. She needed the cold water to cool off. Thinking about Finn was becoming an obsession. Finley Eagan was quickly becoming everything to her and that was dangerous. She needed to have her head in the game. Keeping them safe until they found out what a member of the mob wanted from her was what she needed to concentrate on.

  Even the cool water wasn’t helping. She had this urge to seek him out, to touch him, and love him. What was going on with these wicked thoughts? Why was she being so reckless? Drying off, Alex decided to tell Finn she couldn’t go out with him. She needed to make sure Haine was safe and she needed to figure out what was going on. Yes, that was her plan until she opened the door and found Finn staring at her.

  She could see the man had a hard on, and forgive her, she was already changing her mind again. Damn him. Maybe one date wouldn’t hurt and Finn’s dad and Alpha did say they were working on it.

  “Hey, beautiful.” Finn’s voice was deep and sexy from just waking.

  “Hey.” She couldn’t say much more for fear she would say something she shouldn’t with two kids present. Both were still asleep as Finn stood. Her eyes traveled downward, and holy moly, the man was huge. Not just huge but how on earth would she—”

  As he walked past her, he whispered in her ear. “It will fit. Stop worrying about that. I will take care of you.” Then he walked in the bathroom and shut the door with the biggest smirk on his face. She stood still in shock. She figured Finn would be big but that was something else.

  “Sissy?” Alex heard her nickname that Haine had called her since he could first talk. He never called her by her first name and she loved to hear him say it. Alex walked over and kneeled beside his bed.

  “Hey, you. How do you feel today?” Alex asked kissing him on the cheek.

  “Good. Are we going to the bakery today?” Haine asked.

  “I’m sorry, buddy, but yes. I have to work and need to find someone we both can agree on to watch you. Do you not want to go to the bakery?”

  “Yes. I was just asking. I love the bakery and I love making all the cakes and cupcakes. Is Lucky going to be there, too?”

  “Yeah, buddy, he will be there, too,” Finn said, opening the door. “He will be helping out today, too, but next week school break is over and Lucky will be back in school.”

  Alex flinched, now worried about Haine not being in school. Plus, she could already smell his cologne when he stepped closer to her. She didn’t know if it was the soap he used but whatever it was made him smell yummy. This was another problem. She wanted him every time she inhaled his scent. That damn mating thing was screwing with her head.

  “Yes. I was just asking. We had a lot of fun yesterday.” Haine looked at her and asked, “Will I get to go to school, too?”

  Before she could answer, Finn blurted out, “Of course. We will work it out.”

  That pissed her off. How dare he think that he could just enroll her brother into a school she knew nothing about. She couldn’t even get past records for the school. She was so screwed when she saw the look on her brother’s face. He was happy, ecstatic, that he was going back to school again. Haine loved anything to do with learning. He absorbed it like it was air.

  “Haine, go take a shower.” Alex waited until Haine closed the door before she pounced.

  “Who do you think you are?” Alex pushed her finger into his chest. “Do you think that since you told me that you’re my mate that you can just tell me what to do? What my brother is going to do? Well, you listen up; I’m in charge of my brother. Me and not you. I will decide where Haine goes to school.” When Alex finished her rant, she didn’t know how to take Finn with his face showing no expression. He didn’t even respond to her hysterics about being in charge. He just stood staring at her like, well, hell, she had no clue what he was thinking. “Are you just going to stare at me? Say something.”

  “You are beautiful when you get mad,” Finn said then covered her mouth and kissed her hard. It was quick because of the giggling behind her, but it was hot and she couldn’t be mad at the big lug for trying to help. Because Haine needed to be in school and learning. Her little brother was a genius and would do great things one day.

  “Lucky, your next. Here are some of my clothes you can wear.” Haine reached in his bag and gave the clothes to his new best friend.

  “I won’t be long,” Lucky shouted, running into the bathroom.

  “Poor guy, there probably isn’t any hot water left,” Alex muttered, reeling from the kiss. Her fingers touched her lips as they continued to tingle.

  “Don’t worry, shifters are hotter than humans and don’t need the hot water to bathe in. Most of us would rather shower in lukewarm or cold water,” Finn stated. Alex couldn’t look at him right now. Her cheeks felt flushed to the touch. That’s what he did to her and he knew it. The cocky wolf.

  No matter how much she tried, she couldn’t say no to him. She would agree to the date and she was falling in love with him. She tried not to, but nothing was working. He had wiggled his way into her heart.

  “I have to check in and will meet you downstairs,” Finn said. “Alex, is that okay?”

  She turned and started picking up his blankets from the floor. “Sure. We will be down as soon as Lucky is done,” Alex said, trying not to look at him.

  “You okay, Alex?” The corners of Finn’s lips curved up.

  “Of course.” When she glanced up, Finn was smiling back.

  Alex snorted. “Get out of here and make your calls. Cocky bastard.” She muttered the last part.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Finn kissed her on the cheek and winked at Haine who was watching the whole interaction.

  When the door closed, Haine shouted, “See, sissy. I told you he loved you.”

  Chapter 17

  Closing time approached, and like the day before, hours went by quickly. She loved her job and everyone she worked with. Quinn and Jade kept asking if she was excited about tonight. What did they want her to say? Yes, I’m excited. To answer that question, she was thrilled and scared at the same time. This would be considered their first date but she had already kissed him. Several times. Jeez, girl, just get a grip on this. It was only a date.

  “Closing time. I’m letting you go home early because of your date and Haine is going with us back to pack lands,” Quinn said then put her hand on her shoulder. “If that’s okay with you. I’m sorry. It’s hard sometimes to cut off being in charge.”

  “Yes, that’s fine. I checked on Haine at lunch and that’s all he can talk about. I know nobody would ever get him there,
” Alex said. But what if they did? No…no that was ridiculous. Nobody even knew they were there.

  “Good, because we plan to have a cookout and catch fireflies and put them in a jar so the jars will glow, but we have to put little holes in them so they can breathe. Because they can’t if you don’t,” Quinn explained.

  “Seems like you know this from experience?”

  “Unfortunately, I’m called the fly killer for a reason. I didn’t know and I had the most in my jar. Poor little suckers all died. I suffocated those beautiful bugs.” Quinn had a frown on her face. “But I have learned and now I order these jars just for this. Who knew that they had jars just for firefly catching?”

  Alex laughed. “Who knew?”

  “Exactly. But any hoo, Haine will be well taken care of and he will have a blast. We always have a good time.”

  “I know you will take good care of him,” Alex said, trying to make herself believe it. Deep down, she knew her little brother would be fine, but there was always this nagging feeling in the back of her head that gave her the worst thoughts.

  “And Finn will take care of you, Alex. He really is a great man. I’m not just saying that because he’s my friend…well, yeah, I am. But I can’t help it because he’s a good man and I think you do like him more than you thought. Unless I’m reading this all wrong.” Quinn shrugged.

  “I do like him. I really do, but I’m terrified of what could happen to him if—” Alex exhaled loudly. “What if they find me here and Finn gets hurt? I would never forgive myself if any of you get hurt. I couldn’t live with that. These people are ruthless. They killed my parents, Quinn.”

  Quinn placed her hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Alex, listen, we are shifters with incredible strength and healing abilities. I think we can handle someone like him. I know it doesn’t look like it, but you would be shocked at what I can do. Plus, we will know when he gets to town, too.