Sassy Ever After_Classy Yet Sassy Read online

One stops and I swear he smiles in my direction. His fur is a million different shades of gray. He faces me and his eyes grab me. I’ve seen them before and my heart flutters. He howls and takes off with the pack. I watch as they run wondering if I should follow. Who am I kidding? I’d never catch him.

  The wolf is a beautiful creature. Masculine and dominate in all its glory, yet caring and loving at the same time. From what I understand, my father was friends with many of the packs. It’s why we lived in his family home and then visited in the summers once he married Julia.

  Julia rarely spoke of him. In fact, the one time she mentioned him my evil stepfather smacked her across the face. In the same moment, Joshua became furious and placed his hand over his scar by his eye. He then forced me to my room before he shouted and told me I should never speak of my father again.

  This is why I spent time here with Luci. I’ve come to terms with the fact my father died, but I need more details about his life and friends. Perhaps, then I’ll have the closure I so desperately need, and it’ll fill the emptiness I’ve been carrying around for all these years.

  Chapter Three

  THE ASPHALT ROAD becomes gravel. It’s a telltale sign I will enter Blue Creek in about a mile. Relief washes over me, but unexpectedly, a loud thud comes from the back of the car.

  What the fuck? I put my hazards on and pull to the side. A glance at the dashboard panel reveals the illuminated light for my right rear tire. God, you have to be kidding me. A flat tire? Fuck me. I bang my wrist on the steering wheel and pain radiates up my arm causing me to wince.

  I take a deep breath and push the door open. As I near the back of the car, I see, sure as shit, my tire is going down faster than an erection emerged into ice water. I turn and rub my manicured hands over my face before I glance right and left down the road. There isn’t a single person or place in sight.

  I take a deep breath and return to the driver side door and lean in, grabbing my cell from the cup holder. After I dial for roadside assistance, I call Luci.

  “Hey, cuz. You here?” her groggy voice answers. She worked the late shift again at the hospital, and I feel bad for waking her. But what choice did I have?

  “No. I’m about fifteen minutes out. I’m where the gravel road starts, and lucky me has a flat tire.” I run my hand through my hair as the humidity kisses my skin.

  “Okay, I’ll send someone out. I wouldn’t want you to break a nail or anything,” she says with a lazy giggle.

  “No, but Luci? I can still kick your ass.”

  She laughs harder. “Nah, it might mess up your hair. Stay put, and I’ll have someone there soon,” she says with a yawn.

  “No need. I called for assistance, but I wanted to tell you I’m in the area.” At the sound of rustling blankets, I realize I’ve fully woken her.

  “Damn. Sorry for waking you, Luci. I shouldn’t have called. Go back to bed.”

  She clears her throat. “Don’t be silly. I’ll put coffee on. Besides, I work later and needed to get up anyway. I’ll see you soon.” Luci yawns, and the line goes dead.

  With my cell phone in hand I pace back and forth along the side of my car. After about five minutes, I give up and climb inside. There’s no sense in wearing down my heels. Once I’m in the driver seat, I push the button to recline the convertible roof. The black material rises then falls into the back of the car.

  The Mercedes Benz S-Class Cabriolet was a great graduation gift. As much as I loved my old Porsche, I wasn’t sure it would have made the trip. This car, however, is a dream to drive. It doesn’t hurt I look hot as hell behind the wheel with Cartier sunglasses covering my eyes. I glance in the rearview mirror. The two-tone gold and palladium finish metal of the glasses set off by the square shape and gold tinted brown lenses blend well with the highlights I’ve added to my otherwise boring brown hair. I return my attention to the road and cross my legs up and over the door. While I wait, I tap to the rhythm of the music.

  I’m so lost in the music I’m startle when I hear, “Nevaeh?”

  I pull my legs down off the door and push myself from the car. As I face the rear of the car, I lower my sunglasses. Hot damn!

  The male specimen before me is sex on a stick! His muscles ripple through his grease stained shirt. Dark blue jeans caress his thighs. Black combat boots and a backward baseball cap top off his attire. Damn! A grease monkey, he’s rough around the edges. I bet he has callouses on his hands and can rotate those hips the way I like it. My insides tighten and I try to gain control.

  “And you are?” I place my hand on my hip and tighten my thighs.

  “The name’s Kato. I received a call at the station. Someone was out here with a flat. I say you’re that someone.” His eyes capture my attention, a deep shade of sapphire. They flare and the rims take a gold tint along the edges. Great…a shifter.

  I glance around. If he goes animalistic on me, I need to find an escape route. Although, after the way my libido sparked, maybe a little animal is what I need.

  “Relax sugar. I won’t hurt you.” His eyes roam my body, appreciating my curves.

  I feel desire building as his focus lands on my crotch and his nostrils flare. What the hell? I cross my legs and turn to walk away. “If you wouldn’t mind fixing the flat, I’ll pay you and then be on my way,” I say tossing my hair over my shoulder.

  ***

  KATO

  I nod and open the trunk before removing the luggage and lifting the tire from its casing. It’s as if she doesn’t know who I am. My cock hardens against the zipper of my jeans. The wolf presses against my skin begging for release. I take a deep breath to control him.

  Stay down. I’m aware it’s her. I’ve waited months to see her again…to make her mine. As I loosen the lug nuts, I recall the short moments we had together.

  Every year my friend Nate and the Wolfe family throw an end of summer party at the Sassy Wolfe, owned by Nate and Karla. The party’s always a good time, but last summer, an unexpected guest made an appearance.

  We were all drinking and having fun when my attention focused on the dance floor. Lucienne and Nevaeh Clarke were dancing up a storm. I watched them for a few minutes before Lucienne left the dance floor and stood near the bar to order her water. She was the responsible one…and cute in her own way. But it was the brunette on the dance floor shaking her ass who owned my attention. She’s the spitfire. She comes to visit her cousin, Luci, every year. Rumor has it her visits are so she can let loose and forget about her stepfamily. I watched as she grabbed a shot off the waitress’s tray.

  I glanced around the room and see a few men have focused on her grind to the music. Jealousy raged through me as she shook her hips and lost herself to the music. The mesmerizing woman has no idea I’ve watched her over the years, waiting for the right time.

  When I turned and noticed two men from a few towns over walking in her direction, I had no choice but to make my intentions clear. In six quick strides, I was behind her grinding my cock into her backside. Her arm flew around my neck and I licked and kissed her bare shoulder. I was ready to mark her when an uninvited guest arrived. My instincts told me a fight was about to break loose.

  I wrapped my arm around her waist and pushed her toward Lucienne. When we were within reach, I grabbed Luci’s hand and led them both to the door. Lucienne, as a local, knew and understood. Nevaeh, in her drunken state, was oblivious. She didn’t know who she was or where she came from. Regardless of her lack of knowledge, the urge to protect her was strong. She and most of these other people are family, and my instincts were to protect my family.

  Once they were safely outside, I retreated inside and ensured the door closed. As it latched, I heard her scream out. My heart tore, but I reminded myself I’d do anything to protect my mate, even piss her off. With one last glance, I turned and shifted to join my pack in the fight. When I came out the next morning, I learned her stubborn ass had left to go home.

  The months passed too slow while I awaited her winter return. How
ever, when the time came, there was an uproar in the north, and I missed most of her stay. Luckily, I made it back on her last day. I searched for her, hoping to see her before she left. When I found her exploring the mountain side, I watched from a distance. When the snow fell harder, the path became invisible, and her distress was obvious. That’s when I made my appearance. I told myself it was to only keep her safe and warm, but truth be told, my wolf and I needed the closeness to sustain us until her next visit.

  We wanted to make her ours that day, and it would have been so easy. But I reminded us she must come to us on her own. If she only knew I’ve loved her from a distance for as long as I could remember.

  When I wasn’t outright stalking her, I settled outside her bedroom window behind a curtain of trees and watched her sleep. Occasionally, she stirred and awoke. She’d peer out as if she knew I was there. Afterward, she drifted into a deep slumber.

  Shaking my head, I glance in her direction. She’s fucking beautiful. My wolf growls, he wants her now and because of his desire he is harder to control. It’s been year after year of listening to my father’s advice. I need to allow her to find herself. When she does, she’ll find me. Is this moment, the two of us being here together, a sign? I shrug my shoulders and take a few deep breaths to help push the furry beast down. When he’s controlled, I finish tightening the lugs nuts on the wheel.

  I try to ignore the way she’s leaning against the side of the car. Her long legs sheathed in black denim match her stilettos. Her white blouse flows in the light breeze, and her lips are a shade of pink I’d love to kiss until they’re plump and bruised.

  “Take a picture. It’ll last longer,” she says resting her elbows on the door frame behind her.

  “Classy yet sassy. I like that.” I throw the crowbar to the ground and walk over, caging her against the car. Her breath quickens as she leans back. She squeezes her thighs against mine and her scent fills me.

  My wolf pushes. He’s excited to be close to his mate, and a growl rips from me. Her head drops back exposing her neck. I can’t stop myself. I need to taste her and drop my head forward. My tongue finds its way against her collarbone. I trace from her neck to her ear, and she moans. Control! I must take back control. She needs to come to me. I push the wolf down and step back.

  “Where are you headed?” I ask and retreat, grabbing her luggage to put into the trunk. When I turn, her eyes spring open with disbelief, and my cock grows thicker with need. I try to adjust it as I place everything back inside. She doesn’t remember me, and it would be rude of me to lay her down and claim her here.

  She walks around to the driver side and opens the door. With her feet resting on the gravel she leans in and reaches for her pocketbook on the passenger seat. God, I could take her like that.

  My wolf pushes me forward and I walk around the side of the car and kneel between her legs. With a shove, her legs spread more and I drive my nose into the seam of her jeans. She yelps and swats at my head.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she yells.

  My wolf is ready, and I inhale deep again and wiggle my eyebrows. “You smell sweet like candy.”

  I’m losing control. The wolf is winning. I nudge my nose and she gasps. I shouldn’t. I can’t. Not like this. I stand and repeat in my mind she must come to you as I try to calm down.

  “I’ll see you around.” After a few quick strides, I climb into my truck and yank the door shut. With a few deep breaths, I gain control. Give her time, Kato. She’ll come to you.

  Chapter Four

  NEVAEH

  HOLY HELL! HE’S SEXY. And the animal in him makes me so wet. I’ve probably ruined my panties. When he leaned in and emitted the deep growl, my pussy went slick in an instant. His eyes were the topping on the cake. They’re the same ones I’ve dreamed of these last years.

  As I watch him climb into his truck, my folds erupt into flame and my desire kicks into overdrive. If I don’t get laid soon, I’ll be in trouble. I climb into my car and tuck my legs in before I fix my hair in the mirror. Once I simmer down, I put the car in gear and pull back onto the road.

  The man has skills. He blew my mind with a simple touch. His truck is still sitting on the side of the road. As I pull away, I stick my arm out the window and give him the finger. Fuck him! If he can walk away, so can I. Besides, I got out of paying for the tire change.

  Minutes later, when I pull up and park in front of the beautiful yellow colonial house, I check my makeup in the mirror and push the button for the convertible to close. When I round the back of the car, the screen door slams and Luci squeals with excitement. I drop everything and run into her welcoming arms.

  “It’s so good to see you.” She squeezes me tighter. She’s thinner than I recall. I hope she’s not overworking herself.

  “Luci, I can’t thank you enough for helping me get away from the house of horror.”

  She waves her hand dismissing my comment. She knows what happened but tries not to discuss it. “You’re welcome here anytime,” she says.

  I pull on her ponytail and kiss her cheek. She adjusts her pajama top and helps with the luggage. Once we enter the home, she offers to show me around. She’s changed things since the last time I was here. There’s excitement in her eyes as I nod.

  It’s cute, and the style is all Luci. Big fluffy furniture, a beautiful antique dining room table and the kitchen is stained wood with stainless steel appliances. I’m proud my cousin has grown into a beautiful woman. She’s responsible, caring and will always be my best friend.

  As we finish the tour, we stop by the side door which leads to a walkway for the garage.

  ”It’s up to you. You can either stay in the main house with me or in the remodeled loft above the garage.” She shrugs her shoulders. I glance from the garage to the kitchen. “Wait. Maybe this will help. If you plan on screaming and moaning a lot, I prefer you to stay in the loft. It has its own entrance, and your midnight rendezvous won’t bother me.” She giggles, twisting her arms in front of her.

  “Loft it is. God forbid I hear any screaming or moaning from your room.” I giggle with her and feel like we are back in grammar school.

  We walk across the driveway and climb the stairs to the loft. When I reach the top, I look out at the back yard. It’s beautiful. I’ve missed being here. I reach down and turn the knob.

  “You don’t lock it?” I question her and she laughs from the sidewalk below.

  “Never have before,” she yells. “I’m working tonight, so you’re on your own. But I’m off this weekend. See ya in a few days!” With Luci being a nurse, she has odd shifts. Sometimes she works three days straight and then has four off and then sometimes she’s called in. I don’t know how she keeps up with it all.

  “Okay, I’ll be fine and I have your cell. I’ll let you know what I’m up to,” I yell down. She nods and goes inside the main house. I push the door open and step inside.

  A king size bed sits in the corner with a huge bay window overlooking the backyard. A dresser and flat screen T.V. completes the area. Along the other side is a work in kitchen and small living area. I drop the luggage on the coffee table and jump back onto the bed, bouncing up and down.

  Freedom! I’ve broken free. I think of the look on Julia’s face when I left. She won’t miss me. She’s happy I’m gone. I can’t, for the life of me, figure out what she meant though.

  I turn to the side and stare out the bay window. The grass is a bright shade of green and the tall trees border as far as I can see. It reminds me of the walks I would take as a child with my father. He loved it here. The woods. The river. He loved everything about country life. It’s one reason I don’t understand how he died. I’ve never understood.

  I have questions which need answers…answers I’m not sure I’m ready for. But before I can decide on what I want to do with the house, I need those answers. I yawn. The long drive is taking its tolls on me. As I lay on the bed, it isn’t long before I’m fast asleep.

 
; Chapter Five

  KATO

  I PUSH THE WOODEN door open to the Sassy Wolfe. Levi and the boys are all here. After I finished fixing the cars at the shop, I took a long cold shower, ridding myself of the hard-on from hell. I have a chance with my mate and I can’t afford to let it get fucked up. Not this time.

  “Hey, Kato. How’s the station?” Nate looks around as he hands out drinks.

  “All good, Nate. Thanks for asking.” He steps closer, bumping my shoulder.

  “Something wrong?”

  I shake my head. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

  He nods and pats my back as he returns to the bar. I turn the chair around and straddle it, placing a toothpick between my teeth. My thoughts are still on Nevaeh. She was so cute when she was little with her ponytails. Now, she’s a grown woman and more beautiful than ever. I need to figure out how to get her to notice me. Half the guys left the table, and I didn’t notice because I’m so distracted. She wants me. Sex would be great, but I want long term. She’s it for me and my wolf.

  “Looks like someone is having women issues,” Karla’s voice interrupts my thoughts. My eyes spring up to see her and Nate wrapped in each other’s arms, smiling. Who would have thought these two would finally get together?

  “Not me, well, maybe. Fuck, I don’t know.”

  Karla burst out laughing and Nate swats her behind, letting her go help another customer.

  “Talk to me.” He rests his arms on the bar and leans in.

  “Do you remember the woman I told you about?”

  He nods. “Nevaeh?” he asks.

  “Yeah, she’s back in town.” I grab the bottle of beer and let the cool liquid quench my thirst. However, the beer doesn’t do it for me. It’s her I need to taste.

  “My suggestion is get to know her. You can’t force someone into being with you,” Nate says and tosses the bar rag. I catch it and toss it back. He’s right. He of all people would understand.

  “You know Lucienne?” I ask, knowing the answer.