Fat Mate (The Alpha Shifter Collection Book 8) Read online

  “What the hell are you doing?” Bethany asked, trying to keep her voice low.

  He noticed that Zadie turned a little toward them. Could she hear them? Wolves had great hearing in wolf form, but not many carried that in human form. Pressing a finger to his lips, he wasn’t about to play his hand when he didn’t exactly know anything about them. Entering the nursery, he saw over twenty kids each turn and call Zadie’s name.

  She moved toward them, bending down, and showing them each attention.

  “Zadie has always been good with children,” Sloane said.

  “She’s the best. We expect she will have many children of her own soon,” Alice said.

  Dante turned toward Sloane, seeing the doubt on the man’s face.

  “She’s not mated?” Dante asked.

  “No. She’s not,” Sloane said.

  He turned toward Zadie. Her attention was on the children, and he watched as she played with the kids.

  Watching her with the kids, seeing the love on her face, Dante wanted her, and knew he was going to own and possess every single inch of her.

  Chapter Two

  Zadie bent down, and removed the latest batch of cookies she’d been baking. Lemon shortbread was a big hit with the kids at the nursery, and she’d promised them some treats if they all took the time to read a book. She was not above bribery to get what she wanted. Besides, the kids loved it when she baked for them, as did the staff.

  “That went well this morning,” Alice, her mother, said.

  “Yes. I think so as well. Sloane seemed happy.”

  “Ugh, did you see that Bianca?”

  “Mom, you know she’s perfect so you don’t have to pretend otherwise. We all know why Dante Locker is here, and it’s not for any other reason than to form a union between the packs.” Zadie placed the lemon cookies onto a cooling rack.

  It was time to start making her favorite chocolate chip cookie.

  “I don’t like her.”

  “Who don’t you like?” Luke asked.

  “Bianca. Mom doesn’t like her.”

  “No one likes Bianca,” Luke said. “She’s a spiteful bitch, and if our Alpha thinks for a second that Dante is going to want her, you’re having a laugh. Did you see him today? The guy couldn’t even stand to be near her.”

  “Where’s your father?” Alice asked.

  “Talking with Sloane and Dante. Guess who was asking questions about you?” Luke said, bumping into her so that she spilled more chocolate chips into the batter.

  “Hey, I’m working here,” Zadie said.

  “And we all know that cookies are better where every bite has a thousand chocolate chips inside.” Luke grabbed a handful, and she glared once again.

  “You better have washed your hands.”

  “I can promise you, sis, my hands are perfectly clean.”

  “When are you going to find a mate, Luke?”

  “Mom, please, I’ll find a mate soon, I promise. We all know that Bianca isn’t it.”

  Zadie felt sorry for her brother. He’d fallen hard for Bianca when they had been growing up, constantly following the blonde around, and finally, he thought they were going to be together, he was pitted against another male. It was what Bianca liked to do.

  “That girl is a menace.”

  “She’s the Alpha’s daughter, so she can do whatever the hell she likes,” Tristan said, coming in the front door.

  Her parents embraced as they always did when they had been parted. Once again Zadie felt that spark in her chest. Envy and sadness gripped her. She would never have what her parents had. Looking away, she focused on the cookies, and she loved some pecans in hers so she began to chop them.

  “Spill the details, Dad. What is Dante like?” Luke asked, stealing more chocolate chips.

  Zadie let him do it, knowing there was no point in hiding them. She’d make him order her some more. She loved to bake, and often Luke was around when she did, and he was always stealing her stuff.

  “He’s a fair man. Doesn’t care much for material things. Sloane spent a fortune preparing the cottage, and yet Dante nodded his head, and stepped outside. Bethany, the man’s sister, did all of the talking.” There was silence, and Tristan cleared his throat. “He asked about you, Zadie.”

  She paused in scooping out her cookies. “Me?”

  “Yeah, he wanted to know more about you.”

  Zadie frowned. “I wonder if he wasn’t happy with the way I dealt with the children.”

  “I don’t think that was it. He was curious about if you were going on the run tonight.”

  “I never go on the second night.”

  “I think you should go,” Tristan said. “I think it would be good for you.”

  She looked at her father, mother, and brother. They were all smiling at her, scaring her a little. “What’s with the weird looks? It’s kind of creepy.”

  “It’s just that … he paid attention to you, Zadie. Don’t you think that’s a good thing?” Because no one else ever has, and we want you to have the best.

  Placing the cookies in the oven, she turned toward her family, and released a breath. “I know you want what’s best for me, I get that. I’m not going to throw myself at some man or anyone who shows the smallest bit of interest.” She held her arms wide and then dropped them to her sides. “I know I’m a disappointment, and I’m sorry. I’ve tried to change who I am, but I happen to like myself.”

  “Zadie, that’s not it at all.”

  “It’s fine, Mom. Honestly. I need to go and get some air.” She brushed past them, knowing her mother would finish taking care of the cookies while she went and sat outside.

  Sitting down on the porch steps, she rested her elbows on her knees, and ran fingers through her hair. She closed her eyes, and tried to calm herself down.

  “That was a bit harsh,” Luke said, coming to sit next to her.

  She had always been close with her brother, even before the move.

  “I know. I feel guilty about it now. I shouldn’t have said anything or acted like that.”

  “You don’t need to feel guilty. Not really. They know how hard this is for you at times, and constantly bringing up what might happen … I imagine sucks.”

  She laughed. “You mean with them constantly talking about a future where I have a mate, and I’m happy, and we’re happy?”

  “It could happen, Zadie. You’re too much of a negative person.”

  “Nah. I’m not. I’ve heard what people call me, and what they’ve said. I’m known as the fat girl, and even more I’d be the fat mate.” She laughed, even though she didn’t really feel like laughing. When she’d first heard the whispered words, they had hurt. No one would say it to herself. The pack was actually a wonderful, supportive bunch of people. She loved them all more than anything. They were merely speaking the truth, and after some time, the words stopped hurting.

  “They don’t know what they’re talking about,” Luke said. “Everyone knows how amazing you are with the kids, and let’s face it, you’re the best damn cook in the entire pack. Mom prefers your cooking as well.”

  She began to laugh. “We’re going to have to move out soon.”

  “I don’t see why we have to,” Luke said. “The house is big enough for the four of us, and you know that it’s not normal for unmated people to leave their home.”

  Zadie chuckled. “You left out that part where that was unmated females, Luke.”

  “I think that is entirely sexist. There is nothing wrong with a guy living with his parents.”

  He always knew what to do and say to make her feel better. Resting her head on his shoulder, she stared out at the garden. “What do you think I should do?”

  “I think you should do whatever your heart desires. If you want to go for a run tonight, go for a run. If not, stay in. If you want to dance around naked in the back garden, warn me so I can lock all my windows and curtains.” He took her hand. “I just want to see you happy, little sister.”

&
nbsp; “I am happy. I don’t need anything else in my life.”

  She didn’t stay there for long. Entering the kitchen, she found the cookies had been left to cool, and she packaged them up ready for tomorrow at the nursery.

  Once that was all done, she made her way outside, and watched as several couples were walking toward the forest. This was why they didn’t allow humans to stay for very long. They loved their freedom to do and be whatever they wanted.

  It was not unusual around the full moon to see naked men and women just running around, loving the freedom to be themselves. This was about being part of the pack, and enjoying it.

  The scent of the fresh air was just too good to ignore. She didn’t feel like going for a run tonight, but she loved the chance to walk. Leaving her home, she made sure the door was closed, and began to walk toward the edge of the forest. She never followed in the same direction as anyone else, and instead, preferred her own way.

  Ignoring the conversations around her, she went off the beaten path, going in the direction she had gone so many times before. She didn’t remove her clothes, and she didn’t change into a wolf. There was no reason to do either.

  When she went down a steep incline, she held onto the twigs that she had spent months training so that she could use them as rails, and made her way down toward the river. She loved the water as well, but most importantly, she loved the wild life.

  She had never chased after any deer or bunnies even though some of the males had bragged about doing just that.

  If it wasn’t for her hunger, she would be a vegetarian. However, meat helped her to stay in control and to stay strong. Also, she couldn’t eat anything that had a head on it. When she went to the supermarket, she got the fishmonger to prepare all of her fresh stuff.

  It was pitiful. A wolf who didn’t like to hunt.

  ****

  “You were really rude today, Dante,” Bethany said. “They were all trying so hard to impress you.”

  “And I got bored of it. Don’t you remember when packs actually gave a shit about what you thought of them?” he asked.

  “Or maybe you’ve got too high of a standard. I didn’t see a problem with them to be honest. You’re right though. Sloane wants you to mate with his daughter. Detestable girl actually. She was more than happy to leave, and that sneer on her face was so telling. You won’t be getting any cubs out of her any time soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t fuck half of the unmated males in our pack as well as her own.”

  Dante sat down in the rocking chair that had been placed in the sitting room. “I want her.”

  “I take it we’re talking about Zadie, the nursery woman.”

  Ever since he had left the nursery on his tour, he’d not been able to get her out of his mind. She was so earthy, so pure, so beautiful.

  “I want her,” he said.

  “Wow, that’s a huge leap,” Bethany said. “You know she’s nice, and well respected by a lot of the pack. She also wasn’t trying to gain your attention either. I found that … strange. Most women want you, and yet, she didn’t even seem to care about who you were.”

  “She was respectful and polite,” Dante said. “It wasn’t just that. The way she was with those kids. That wasn’t a show. They loved and adored her. She was affectionate, and … everything I’ve been looking for in a mate.”

  He ran a finger over his lip. Just the thought of being near her filled him with excitement.

  “She has exceptional hearing as well,” he said.

  “Yeah, I was curious as to why you made me be careful about my words. How did you know she could hear? I know we all have heightened senses, but most of the time we have our strength in human form.”

  “She inclined her head,” he said, chuckling.

  “Are you serious right now? She could just be curious or something,” Bethany said.

  “I’m telling you, that girl has enhanced hearing, and I bet she’s strong as well. I want to know her.” He stood up, and moved toward the window.

  Her lemony scent was intoxicating to him. Even his wolf had stirred, and that was something new when it came to a woman. He hadn’t lived like a monk, but it had been some time since he was last with a woman.

  “We’re going on the run tonight,” Dante said. “I want you to find her, and talk to her. Find everything out you can about her.”

  “Wow, really? You want me to play your little go-between?” Bethany asked.

  “Come on. You know you’re going to like her. I saw the way you joined in today, and she talked you through what they did at the nursery.”

  His sister sighed. “Fine. Fine. I’ll play your little messenger, but you owe me.”

  “I won’t expect anything less.”

  “I can’t believe I am doing this for you.” Bethany clapped her hands, clicked her fingers, and released another sigh. “We better leave then. Sloane said we could just join in, and be part of the pack. You don’t even know if this girl is going to be there.”

  “I can pick up her scent. I can join up with Sloane. Come on, I don’t want to be followed.” He urged her out of the back door, where they had access to the forest. The cottage was nice and quaint, but it was the forest he wanted to be close to.

  He and his sister took cover from one another as they stripped down, and then turned into their wolf forms. His was a large black wolf while his sister was a light brown.

  “Do you have any bright ideas now that I got all furry?” Bethany asked.

  They were pack wolves, and so they could communicate. If he got closer to his other pack, they would be able to hear his conversation, and talk as well. For now, he wanted to hunt and find the beautiful soul that he wanted to claim. He didn’t know if she would go on the run with the pack or not. Sloane had dodged most of his questions about Zadie, instead preferring to talk about his own daughter, which Dante found rather annoying. Still, it was the first day, and he didn’t want to start a fight or risk causing any problems.

  “We hunt, and find her.”

  “Do you even know what to look for?” Bethany asked.

  “Lemon.”

  “How do you know it’s that?”

  “I just know.”

  They walked around the unknown forest. He picked up traces of Sloane’s pack that he recognized today. For well over thirty minutes, they got acquainted with the forest, and when he was about to call it quits, he smelt that citrus tang.

  “She’s here.”

  The had come to a steep incline, and as they followed the path down, Dante paused. There, in the river water, Zadie stood. Her hair cascaded all around her, looking a deep red, and making him want to have the waves running through his fingers. The moon was shining down on her making her pale skin seem even more so.

  “Go, talk to her.”

  Bethany growled at him, and Zadie jerked toward them.

  Leaving neither of them any time, Bethany moved out of the forest, and changed into human form.

  “I’m so sorry for bothering you,” Bethany said. “I guess I got lost.”

  Dante didn’t look toward his sister. His gaze was on Zadie.

  “It’s fine, Bethany. I can help you get back if that’s what you want,” Zadie said, moving out from the river. She had turned her jeans up.

  “No, it is fine. Erm, how are you?”

  Zadie chuckled. “Are you sure you don’t want me to help you find your way back? You look a little out of sorts. Nothing has happened, has it?” Zadie looked past her shoulder toward him. Dante wondered if she could see him.

  “No. It’s fine. I guess I’m just not comfortable being naked,” Bethany said.

  “Oh, here you go.” Zadie removed her cardigan. It was long, going to her knees. “You can wear this.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’m warm. I don’t even know why I bothered wearing it. I was just about to take it off.”

  Dante couldn’t believe his eyes. She had been wearing the cardigan buttoned up when he
saw her that morning. The only saving grace he saw was that the damn cardigan had kept her away from other men, and their prying eyes.

  The strapless top clung to her chest. Her tits were pressed together showing an ample cleavage. The shirt fanned out around her hips, and he wished it clung to them. He would have loved to see more of her.

  “Why are you alone?” Bethany asked, following her back into the water.

  “I didn’t want to run with the pack, and I just wanted some peace. You don’t have to leave though. It’s fine that you’re here.”

  Bethany chuckled. “You handled those kids well today.”

  “I love children, and they’re amazing. So bright, and so full of life and hope. Do you like it here?”

  “It’s different from where I live with my brother, Dante. He’s the Alpha. You met him today.”

  “I remember,” she said.

  There was no blush, no secret smile. Didn’t she know that he was near or that he wanted her? This did not bode well for him.

  “Erm, are you mated?”

  “No. I’m not mated.” Zadie pushed some hair behind her ear. “What about you?”

  “Nope. Never mated. Men have a tendency to do that caveman thing, and I don’t like being controlled.”

  The sound of Zadie’s laughter was sweet music to his ears. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure.”

  “The reason your pack is here, is it to bring our packs together through a mate?” Zadie asked. She had locked her fingers together as she asked it.

  “I don’t know,” Bethany said. “I don’t know what my brother has planned really. It could be business. Between us girls, I think Sloane wants my brother to marry Bianca.”

  “I figured as much. It’s what the rumor is anyway.”

  Not happening, baby.

  Bianca didn’t appeal to him at all. This redhead, however, she more than appealed. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted anything else, and he was going to have her. Dante Locker never failed at anything, and he wouldn’t start now.