Finley’s Feisty Mate (Dixon Pack Book 3) Page 5

  “Yes, ma’am, but—”

  “No, buts, my friend. If for any reason you feel I’m not on the up and up with you, then leave. But I’m a good person and Simone is a good person. I’m asking you to trust us and find out for yourself. So, here’s the box, but are you sure you want to do this? That’s a lot of receipts.”

  Her gut said go with it and trust Quinn. Closing her eyes, she was going for it. “Actually, I prefer it. I love numbers and this is right up my alley.”

  “Well, I will leave it to you.” Before Quinn could go out the door, Alex had to let her know how much she appreciates this.

  “Quinn.”

  “Yeah,” Quinn said, stopping at the door.

  “Thank you for helping us.”

  Smiling, Quinn said, “Actually, you are helping me, but that’s what friends do around here. We help each other. Once you get to know us, you will see that.”

  Chapter 7

  Finn listened as Alex and Quinn talked. She went to college and she liked working with numbers. She had to have an accounting or math major. This had to be enough information for Scavenger to find out Alex’s identity. Once he heard Quinn getting up, he went and sat in front of the big windows. He liked it in Quinn’s store, especially at night when all the customers had gone home. It was peaceful, staring out at the town.

  Flowers filled all the pots hanging from the posts. It was magical at night with all the twinkling lights in the trees. They made the town look like it did in the old days. The kids loved it. They were building a park across the street where the kids had a place to play. Benches and rocking chairs would be set up under a pavilion. Flowers would be everywhere. He loved it here, and now he had found his mate. He wanted Alex to fall in love with the town, too. Make sure that it would be impossible to leave.

  Finn punched in the numbers and waited until Scavenger answered the phone. “Talk to me, buddy.”

  “Alex and Haine, but I still don’t have a last name. They might be from the Chicago area. Alex is around twenty-two years old and little boy around nine years of age. I think Alex went to college and majored in accounting. But that’s a guess. Get back with me I’ve got to go.”

  “You got it,” Scavenger said, hanging up. This had to work; he had to know what he was working with or against. He decided not to bust into Quinn’s office but allow her to get comfortable then check on her later. At the moment, he would go next door and get to know Haine.

  Walking through the entrance, he took in the bustling bakery as Monica, the mate of the Crenshaw clan alpha, and Josh filled orders. Finn glanced at the corner table to see its usual customer. Ben Crenshaw had become a permanent fixture at the bakery since the day he met his mate, Monica. They were unmated as she wasn’t ready yet to be his queen of the Crenshaw bear clan. She had only started speaking again, and that was saying a lot, because Monica didn’t say much even now. But she was a sweetheart.

  Finn heard giggling as he walked toward the kitchen. Smiling, Finn shook his head when he peeked around the corner. Simone and Haine had flour all over them. Apparently, they were making cookies, but it looked like they had more on themselves than in the cookie dough.

  This was something Alex needed to see. Pulling his phone out, Finn took a picture of the two covered in white powder having a great time. Hopefully, this would be a moment that would put her at ease. Instead of making himself known, Finn wanted to show his mate that her brother was safe here.

  Quietly Finn walked back into Southern Treasures. They were getting ready to open the store so nobody paid attention to him as he sauntered to Quinn’s office. He had to smile when he peeked in and saw Alex with a pencil in her mouth typing away on the computer. She had no clue he was spying on her, and of course, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. His mate wasn’t just beautiful, she was smart, too. She was loyal to her brother and he loved that about her. When it looked like she was slowing down, Finn lightly knocked on the door.

  When Alex glanced up, the pencil dropped from her mouth. Unfortunately, his mate tensed the moment she saw him and that disturbed him more than anything. “Do you need Quinn? Because she told me to do this. You can ask her if you want, too.”

  “I didn’t think you were doing something wrong, Alex. I’m sorry I make you feel that way. It wasn’t my intention. I just wanted to show you a picture of your little brother and Simone.” Finn moved slowly trying not to spook her as he leaned forward and handed her his phone. He understood that his size alone would make her nervous. “They were having a great time. I didn’t want to break up their fun, but I thought you would want to know he was okay and safe. That’s my job around here.”

  Alex smiled as she stared at the phone. She stayed silent for a few minutes staring at the picture. “He looks happy, like he did with our mom.” This was a moment he couldn’t screw up because she was sharing private information with him and if he asked more questions she would stop talking. He had to make her feel comfortable around him.

  Alex straightened up and gave his phone back to him. “You did this for me?”

  “I didn’t want you to worry yourself while you were in here away from him working. Plus, it was a magical moment with flour,” Finn said, but when she didn’t say anything he lowered his eyes to the floor. He cringed at the bad joke.

  Then he heard giggling. When he looked up, Alex was laughing. “That was a good one. Haine always loved to help our mom cook. He can actually cook pretty well. I guess I can expect to be eating all kinds of sweets now. I will be big as a house if we stay here.”

  “You would still be beautiful,” Finn muttered.

  He couldn’t stop staring at her. She was gorgeous and he didn’t care if she got fat.

  “Thank you.” Now he was getting hard as the blush rushed up her face. Everything this woman did made him want her even more. Hell, she could probably pick her nose and he would think it was cute.

  They both continued to look at each other until the lights came on in the store. Alex glanced toward the door with a worried expression on her face. “They are getting the store ready to open. People are standing outside and in the bakery waiting for the door to open.”

  “Oh, maybe I need to help them. I’m finished in here,” Alex said, but he could tell she was waiting for him to leave.

  “I can send you this picture if you want me, too.”

  “Uhm, yeah, let me look at this phone and I can give you the number.” Finn wanted to ask questions. The urge to ask why she didn’t know her own phone number told him a lot. She dumped her old phone and now on the run. She also spoke of her mother in the past tense. “What’s your number and I’ll add you and then send you a text and you can send it back to me.”

  Finn moved a little closer and recited his cell number. When his phone pinged, Finn sent her the picture. “Hey, Alex, if for any reason you need help, you can always call me. I don’t live far from the B&B and would be there in no time.”

  He realized the mistake he made when Alex quickly moved to the other side of the desk. “How did you know where I was living?” When his mate went to scanning the room for a way out because he was standing in her way of freedom, Finn started talking fast.

  “Alex, the whole town knows where you are living right now. This is a small town and when someone is staying here longer than a day, well, it’s known because Charlotte would have ordered Haine something special to eat because he’s a kid. When you get back to the B&B, there will be something special for your little brother sitting on his bed. That’s just how Charlotte works. I’ve known her all my life, practically, and she loves kids and she loves running the B&B. She wants you to come back and she ensures that you have a great time at her home by doing things like this. If you walked over to the restaurant you will have people calling you by name.”

  The color in her face turned from a beautiful rosy cheek to a pale color. “Oh my god, they will know us by name?” Alex swayed slightly backwards but before she could fall, Finn slipped his arms around her waist and p
ulled her tightly against him.

  “It’s okay, Alex. Nobody knows anything about you. They don’t know your last name and I won’t let anyone hurt you or Haine.” Her muscles were tight as he held on to her. “I promise you, the pack will protect you.”

  Alex finally inhaled deeply taking his scent in then she wrapped her arms around Finn’s waist. He rocked her until he felt her body relax. She fit perfectly against him. “They can’t find us.”

  “I’ll make sure of it. They won’t. I promise.”

  “You don’t have any clue what your promising, Finn. I’ve said too much already. Dammit.” Alex pulled away and Finn allowed it, for now. This was progress even though she said it out of duress. He had something to work with now. Nobody would touch one hair on his mate’s head.

  “I’m hoping, eventually, you will trust me enough to tell me, but I understand you’re scared and you don’t know me. Alex, I won’t betray your trust and I have skills that will ensure your safety. But I have to know what I’m dealing with. I want to make sure you and Haine are safe. But I can wait until you’re ready to tell me.”

  “This town is unbelievable. You don’t just take two complete strangers in and tell them you will protect them. How can you say all that and make promises you can’t keep? And you’re right, I don’t trust you. I don’t trust anyone.” Alex’s voice was higher as she felt for the chair behind her and slowly lowered herself to the seat. “My brother is my main concern. I don’t care what happens to me as long as he’s safe.”

  “I will keep you both safe,” Finn said, pulling a chair up and sitting across from her.

  Alex laughed, shaking her head. “Finn, you don’t have a clue. I could be a serial killer, and you my next victim, for all you know. You’re too trusting of me, a complete stranger.”

  “Well, if you are, you’re the prettiest damn serial killer I’ve ever seen.” His heart ached listening to her. She was telling him she was in trouble and to not get too close. She had to care about him some. “But I’ve got great instincts, Alex, and I believe that whatever it is, I can help you. I will keep you and the little boy safe.”

  Alex laughed. “You people are so strange, but you’re great for my ego.”

  “Hey, you.” They both looked up at the door to find Quinn and another lady. Whoever she was, she had a long scar from the top of her head that went across her cheek. But it didn’t take away from how pretty she was.

  “Hey, Jade,” Finn said, going to his friend and hugging her. When he turned back, he could tell Alex was very uncomfortable by the red in her cheeks. He liked that. Did he scent jealousy on her? God, he hoped so. It would be something she would have to get used to. Wolves loved to be affectionate toward each other. “Alex, this is the famous Jade Cross.”

  Jade snorted then swatted Finn’s arm. “You my friend are a big fat liar. I’m not famous.”

  Alex gasped. “Oh, but you are. I’ve got five of your bracelets. You even have Facebook groups where they talk about your jewelry and pocketbooks. They do countdowns until your next line comes out. That’s where I found out about you. I love your jewelry. But…you are kinda famous.” Alex said, then she realized Quinn and Finn were staring at her.

  Jade stepped forward and stuck her hand out. “Hey, Alex. It’s nice to meet you. I didn’t know about the Facebook groups, but I’m sure glad you’re here.”

  Alex narrowed her eyes and asked, “Why?”

  “Because I need your help today, goofy. It’s going to be a mad house here, but in a good way, and I need someone who knows about my line and can talk to the customers about the products. Can you help me with that?”

  “Oh sure, yeah, I can do that. I don’t know how to ring them up but if you show me I’m a quick learner,” Alex said, embarrassed. Finn heard her voice quiver with uncertainty. He would eventually have to tell her about being a shifter and how the pack protects even the weakest member and helps each other when they were down on their luck.

  Alex was scared that this was a trick. Once she learned about them, he prayed she would understand. Haine and her needed help and Jade, Simone, and Quinn were doing whatever it took to convince Alex they only wanted to help. She, too, was a born protector. Always looking out for her brother. This was one of the skills Finn tried to get the little pups to understand, but with Alex, it came naturally.

  “Don’t need you to do that today. I need someone on the floor with me, behind the counter getting the pieces out for the customers and answering questions if they have them about the jewelry and their names. So, if you are ready we need to open the store,” Jade clasped her hands and bounced on her toes.

  “You did it all already?” Quinn said, sitting in front of her computer. “Oh my, you even printed everything out. Look at all that information; I never even knew it could do that.” Quinn raised one eyebrow, looking straight at Alex. “It even shows Southern Treasures’ busy times. Alex, thank you, thank you, this has made my life so much easier, especially during tax time. I would have never learned how to do this. You so have a permanent job doing my taxes if you want it.”

  Alex smiled. “I don’t know how long we will be here, but thank you, Quinn.”

  Quinn’s smile faded as she glanced at Finn then quickly looked away. They would all do whatever they needed to do to make sure his mate would never leave.

  Chapter 8

  Alex excused herself to the bathroom. She needed a few minutes to regroup before the store opened. Finn made her insides go up in flames every time she was around him but his lips turned her on most of all and then those dimples. All she wanted was to stick her tongue inside each.

  The only rule she made for herself was, if she found that special someone who made her insides tingle, then that was the one. However, this wasn’t just any man, this was the sexiest man she had ever seen. But he couldn’t be the one because he also scared the shit out of her. Now he was being all caring, trying to help her, and she was confused about him and a complete mess inside.

  The man had her wanting to tell him everything.

  “Are you okay?” Alex glanced up into the mirror to find Jade Cross standing at the door.

  “Yes, yes, I’m coming.” Alex quickly washed her hands.

  “No, we don’t have to open yet. I want to make sure you’re okay. If you need some time, I can handle the front with Quinn. We’ve been doing it for a while, so just take your time.

  “I’m ready,” Alex said, tossing the napkin in the trashcan. “I’m excited to see your new line. I love all your jewelry. That’s what brought us here. I read that you lived here in New Hope, Georgia, and this was the only shop you could actually buy your products. I just wanted to see it all.”

  “Then I need to show you my workshop at the pac…my home.”

  “Really? Oh, Jade that would be perfect. I would love to.” Alex walked outside and all the lights were on and people rushed to their stations. At least, that’s what it looked like to her. “I didn’t realize this many people worked here.”

  “Not all the time. We have some people who only work when we launch a new product. Quinn has a lot of products she launches on her website and it brings them in from the city. The store is doing pretty good. But don’t you worry about that. Come stand with me at my station. I want to show you what you will be selling.”

  Alex loved every piece Jade showed her. The woman had the ability to pick perfect beads and metal when added together were gorgeous. She paid special attention to each piece she included in her beautiful designs.

  “You’re truly and artist, Jade. These are extraordinary and eye catching.”

  “Why, thank you, Alex. I never showed anyone my work for the longest time until I met Quinn. She was the one who talked me into selling my handbags and jewelry. It was her friendship that gave me the confidence to do this. Well…then add in that she pestered me until I had to agree.” They both busted out laughing. “Quinn really likes you. She’s very particular about who she hires, and add on that she let you look at
her books. That speaks volumes to me, about you. We are a tight knit group and we value each other’s friendships. I hope we can all become good friends. I already think of you as one.”

  She liked Jade Cross, a lot. She liked all these women. Talk like this made her want to stay in New Hope. “Thank you, Jade. That means a lot to me, but I don’t know how long we are staying. I’ve got some things that need to be worked out and I just can’t promise—”

  Jade reached over and touched her arm. “Just think about it. No promises but think about it. I think once you get to know us, you’ll want to stay.”

  Alex lowered her head and smiled. “Maybe.”

  “I’ll take that answer,” Jade said, patting Alex on the hand. This woman…these women were unbelievably kind and she craved their friendship and their common decency on how they helped Haine and her out. She wanted to laugh because it was a jewelry maker who brought her here.

  If she hadn’t seen that magazine, god only knows where they would have ended up. And judging by the picture Finn showed her, her little brother was having a good time. Alex reached in her pocket and looked at the picture of Haine and Simone again. This place was magical in it’s on way.

  Finn, even his name brought on thoughts that she couldn’t afford to have right now. She looked up, searching for the man, and found him standing by the window. He was watching her and it shocked her that she actually liked it. But this was crazy because the man scared her in the beginning and now she was having dirty thoughts about him. He was nice to her, but it could be a game.

  Men played games and she had experience with that. Most of the men she had been with were still young boys in how they treated women. Looking back on it, she realized how adolescent they acted. But here, Finn was a different kind of man that wasn’t afraid to show his emotions.