Chapter Two
Shaw
Sebastian’s smile held the whole world for me.
Since the day I learned I would be giving birth to him, he’d been the reason I made every decision because the poor little pup had nobody but me.
And in order to take care of him, I had to work and leave him with someone else.
That someone else was a lovely grandmotherly coyote shifter in the apartment above ours, a woman who had reared her own pups and seen them mate and move away.
She adored Sebastian, and it meant the world to know he was safe and loved while I was at work.
His alpha dad had been a one-night stand, although I hadn’t known it at the time. My wolf had been all-in and whispering mate from the moment I met him at a local club where I had gone with friends as a guest.
Even now, the memory was like a shot to my heart. My dads, when telling their love story, had made it all sound so perfect and easy and exactly right.
Sebastian’s alpha daddy walked into the place and my heart jumped into double time.
I’d been there a number of times before, liking the vibe and playing a little with some of the alphas, but I’d never walked out the door with them afterward.
I never wanted more than I could get from them in a scene.
But I would never forget the moment when he walked past me, not seeming to notice me at all.
I’d never seen him there before, but he seemed so at ease, black jeans outlining an ass that wouldn’t quit and a tight black T-shirt outlining an impressive musculature.
Boots gleaming with polish. I didn’t go all that often, so it was possible he had been there other times, but I was positive if we’d both visited on the same night, I’d have seen him before.
Another omega stood a few feet in front of him, and for one teeth-gritting moment, I thought the hot alpha was going to approach him. The omega wore, well, nothing except a pair of satin boxer shorts and even though I was not looking for another omega, I had to admit, I could see the attraction.
Then, without any warning, he was right in front of me. While I’d been judging the other omega for luring him in, the alpha had returned to stand in front of me, and was holding out a hand. “Would you like to get a drink?”
I placed my palm in his. “I’ve already had one tonight. If I have another, I can’t scene. House rules.”
“I did not suggest a scene. But that could be arranged, if you like. I can check and see if the station of your choice is available.”
Alphas, especially alpha doms, did not generally offer to change their plans like that. Generally, what they offered, in my experience, was all they intended for the evening. Scene, drink, watching others play…with a few tweaks by the omega, that was the only option available.
Intriguing.
“No, a drink is great. I just didn’t want to disappoint you.”
“I can’t imagine you doing that, omega. Let’s get to know one another for a while.”
So we did, and three hours later, we were in a hotel room having sex.
He was incredible from start to finish and somehow managed take me over the finish line twice before reaching his.
So not only skilled but considerate, something I’d never experienced before.
As an omega, my expectations were low—with good reason, but when I fell asleep in the alpha’s arms, I was sure my life had changed.
I’d met my mate.
So, why had I needed a sitter while I worked to support us? Why had I moved back to the town where I grew up in order to have the help of family and friends?
Because between the time I drifted off to sleep on a cloud of bliss and when I opened my eyes to morning light, the alpha left.
Which would have been upsetting enough with my wolf chanting mate the whole time he knotted me, but at least I wasn’t marked.
That would have been a step too far. Trying to forget my delusion that he was my mate, I pushed him as far out of my mind as I could.
I learned a couple weeks later that I carried his young.
Nobody at the club knew him, and with only a first name, I didn’t get too far. I tried hard.
And after struggling for over a year after giving birth, I caved and moved home. My lovely grandmotherly neighbor, Mrs. Mona, was sad to see Sebastian go, but she agreed it was the best idea for both me and the baby. “Family is everything,” she said. “Just don’t forget me.”
I never could.