(Mercy Thompson Series)
Lone Wolf
A/N - In this chapter, Michelle finally hears the news she's been waiting for, and it turns out to be something she neither expected nor understands. Things are growing ever more complicated, and the threat of Clint is growing more frustrating and dangerous. I hope you enjoy this. It was a little painful to get out. Lots of sporadic writer's block. Please read and review. Thanks!
NOTE: LW has some deviations from the canon story. Some things are changed for the sake of my tale.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Mercy Thompson series or characters. That honor belongs to Patricia Briggs, and I receive no compensation for this work.
Chapter 11 – Special One
It was two days later, in the early evening, and Michelle was not happy. Adam hadn't come to her with news, which meant that the Marrok still hadn't gotten back to him about the matter of Clint or his decision about her son.
She was fearful that she would run into Clint again, and even more so that Hector would. Perhaps he was Clint's target.
Adam had assured her that the pack was on alert for the intruder, and that no harm would come to her or her son. She was grateful for that, but she knew how manipulative and shifty Clint could be.
She wouldn't feel completely safe until he was either expelled, or even better, killed.
Hector had been very angry when he learned who Clint really was. Oddly, the boy had never met him in the short time he had stayed in Sacramento after his Change, but had been more than eager to meet him again after Michelle had explained.
She had chastised him thoroughly, telling him not to be stupid. Clint was not a wolf Hector wanted to take on by himself, and though she appreciated his protectiveness, she was happier with him staying out of any fight that might ensue.
Ben joked that she was being a little overprotective, considering how many older and more powerful wolves made up Adam's pack. She knew it, but what did he expect? Hector was all she had. She didn't know what she'd do if something happened to him.
So she'd made sure to keep an eye on him when she could. At least now, for the first time since his birth, she wasn't alone.
Adam had been livid when she'd told him about the incident. He had questioned Hector in order to get his side of the story, which seemed only to make him angrier. How could he have missed a strange wolf on his turf, right under their noses, and during a run besides?
How could there have been no sign of him, no scent, nothing?
His mate had offered an unexpected insight, especially when Hector and Michelle had described the strange, nose-irritating smell at the scene and left on Hector where Clint had attempted to grab him.
"Sounds like there was magic involved," Mercy had said. When Michelle had asked her about it, she told her she'd call her friend Zee and see if he could give her some idea if there were fae workings in play from what the two wolves had described.
What would a wolf be doing with fae magic? It boggled Michelle's mind. But there was no use worrying about it until Zee found something out. She was sure the old gremlin would have some idea.
When Ben had taken her to replace her cell phone after work the next day, she had picked one for Hector as well, one to replace his older, less-advanced model. Her son had been happy with the tech, and she with the tracking app available on both phones.
Ben had surprised her by paying for both devices. She'd glanced at him with shock, and when she'd tried to protest, he had simply muttered, "Just let me do it, woman," successfully shutting her up.
Needless to say, she and Hector had spent a shameful amount of time playing with their new phones.
Now she lay on her bed, restless, the mysteries of a new item no longer a deterrent from her worries. She hated sitting still, waiting for Clint's next move. Something had to be done.
Her son had gone off to a movie with Jesse and Gabriel.
Thankfully they weren't alone, just in case. Warren had gone with them, to Jesse's delight. Apparently he was a much more cheerful babysitter than Darryl.
At least her lesson in blocking out the pack had gotten results. Adam was a patient, wonderful teacher, and an even better Alpha. She smiled as she reflected on how candid and approachable he was.
No wonder it felt so much better here. A pack was always a reflection of the Alpha.
Her relations with the pack females had changed with the exposure of her dealings with Ben. Mary Jo only spoke to her out of necessity now, and Auriele was noticeably quiet when she was around.
Only Honey was more than civil to her. Oh well.
A whisper of a sound attracted her attention just in time for Medea to jump on her bed. The door had been ajar, so the cat must have used the opportunity to silently push her way in. She approached Michelle, laying her forepaws on her chest as she lay down.
"Hello, cat," Michelle said with a smile. "You bored too?" She stroked the feline along her back, causing the animal to purr and raise her hind end with each stroke. Why did they do that anyway?
Soon she didn't care, half dosing with Medea's purr in her ears.
A knock on her door had Michelle looking up to find Ben there. Genuinely happy to see him, she smiled and sat up. Medea leapt off the bed, brushing against him on her way out.
She expected him to enter, but when he didn't, she looked at him, confused.
"I think it would be best to stay out in the hall, or I'll get distracted from my reason for coming here." He smiled. Her lying there, relaxed on the bed had created an attractive scene for him. All he'd had to do was come in and close the door…
The thought has crossed his mind, but in the end he'd watched her a moment before finally knocking.
"Are you sure?" Michelle teased. "I've had my lesson with Adam, and needless to say, I can shut my mind up tight as a vice now." She raised an eyebrow at him, smirking sexily at him.
She loved to watch him squirm. Sex would be a welcome diversion from her worries right about now.
Ben caught the double entendré, and continued smiling, even as he shut his eyes on her face and the images her words conjured to refocus himself. "I came to take you to dinner. You need to get out of the house for a while, yeah?"
She had to admit, the prospect of leaving this room, and her fretful thoughts, was tempting. So she forgot her momentary mission of seduction as she quickly got up and grabbed her purse, slipping her feet into brown riding boots.
She still wore the pair of jeans and wine-colored sweater she had worn to work. Ben thought it set off her skin and curly brown hair very well.
"Well then," she said. "Where to?" He laughed at her eagerness, happy she agreed. She had to have been bored, and he knew she was worried about her son. She hadn't quite been able to hide that, despite her training. At least he could help her in this small way.
"I leave it up to the lady to decide," he said as she closed her bedroom door behind them. She was noticeably perky as they ascended the stairs, thinking about what foods she was in the mood for.
"Hmm, maybe some seafood?" she finally said as they got into his truck. He nodded as he started it up, and before long they were gliding onto the main highway leading into Kennewick.
They passed what looked like a ranch, and she noted there was a small herd of five horses running gracefully about the paddock where they were kept. She mused on how much she missed horses, not realizing she had said as much aloud.
"Did you ride?" Ben asked, and she turned away from the window to smile sheepishly at him. "Oh, sorry…I was just thinking out loud." He remained quiet, still awaiting an answer.
"My mother had a friend who had become injured while riding one day. It had required some recovery time, and she had a thoroughbred horse named Pete that needed to be exercised and cared for." She remembered how excited she'd been when her mother had asked her. "I had learned a few lessons when I was young, so I was happy to volunteer. I love horses."
Ben nodded, taking the exit and heading down a road where she could see a Red Lobster in the distance. "When was the last time you rode?"
"It's been years." Michelle shrugged. "I couldn't afford to start new lessons. After I Changed, I went back to the house to see Pete one weekend. My life had been turned upside down, and I really wanted to spend some time with him. He always made me feel better."
She sighed. "That horse would have nothing to do with me. Not even a carrot could tempt him. He kept snorting and pawing the ground, like he wanted to vault the fence and run, anything to get away from me."
Her voice sounded casual enough, but Ben picked up on the subtle changes in her voice. She had been hurt by what had happened. Her next words gave him no doubt.
"I cried for two days over that stupid horse," Michelle said with a frown. "But I didn't blame him. I guess it's natural for a horse to fear a wolf, even if she walks on two legs."
They turned into the parking lot. "You know," Ben said, a thought occurring to him. "You should talk with Charles. He rides horses, prefers to do that to driving, really. I'll bet he could give you some tips."
Michelle blanched at that name. "You mean Charles, as in the Marrok's son?" She shivered. "No thank you. I'll be alright."
He laughed at her cringe. "Coward," he joked, secretly agreeing with her. He pulled into a space, and the two entered the restaurant, opting for a booth by a window, per Michelle's request. She was still feeling a little paranoid about Clint, and their seat gave her a good view of the exit and most of the eating areas.
Once they had ordered their meals, Ben started conversation again. "The same thing happened to me, but with cats," he said. "I had a cat named Jezebel, a prissy little tabby that lived in my flat in London. When I came back a wolf, she avoided me for days, and then somehow disappeared."
He took a sip from his beer. "That's the story of my life," he muttered with a smile.
"Sure," Michelle said sarcastically. "I have to say, I never took you for a cat man. I was fairly surprised when you told me that."
He winked at her. "Yeah, I don't know why. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment. Don't tell anyone."
She simply smiled, then made a motion like she was zipping her lips.
The waiter arrived with their food. Michelle had ordered the Maple-glazed Salmon and Shrimp while Ben had gotten the Steak Lobster and Shrimp Oscar. Talking paused while the two tore into their meals.
This is nice, Michelle thought. It felt good to talk candidly with Ben, just the two of them. As she mostly dusted off her food, she watched him eat.
He had excellent table manners, which wasn't something she would have thought of the red wolf. He neatly sectioned and plucked his meat from his plate. Even his chewing was polite, quiet and close-mouthed. Her astonishment must have shown on her face.
"What?" he asked with false affront. "I am an Englishman after all." She giggled at that. He was probably just showing off. She watched him a moment longer, her demeanor turning serious.
"Ben," she started. "So, this thing between us…" He placed his fork down, watching her neutrally.
"Where is it going?" Her eyes were steady as she watched for his reaction to the question.
His expression didn't change. "I don't know," he answered. "Where do you want it to go?"
For a moment the two stared, until she lowered her eyes, and Ben could see the gears working in Michelle's mind, trying to formulate the right answer. He only hoped…
She finally shrugged. "I don't know." She smiled awkwardly at him. It was ridiculous, but she wasn't sure what she wanted or when she wanted it. Why had she even asked?
It was clear that he was leaving it up to her to control the pace, but if she had no inkling of what the next step was, where did that leave them?
It was a relief when he smiled softly at her. "Aren't we a likely pair," he joked.
He reached across the table to grasp her hand as it sat atop her fork, prompting her to look into his eyes.
His sharp gaze seemed to bore into her soul, and the lighting made his green eyes look almost hazel. "Well, I will say this. You have my exclusive attention."
Her cheeks reddened, and she was speechless but managed a weak nod.
The meal wrapped up soon after, and Michelle panicked momentarily at the thought of the evening ending so soon. She found that she truly enjoyed spending time with Ben, whose personality belied his reputation in the pack.
"Um," she mumbled, drawing Ben's attention. She straightened her voice. "Do you want to…ah, see a movie?" She felt her face warm yet again. When had she started blushing so damned much?
Ben smiled knowingly. He didn't want the evening to end either. In truth, he wanted to treat her to breakfast too. They could spend the night working up an appetite.
"Sure," he said. "What are you in the mood for?" He motioned the waiter and asked for the check.
"Hmm," Michelle hummed, thinking. "Not sure. How about we head over to the theater and see what's playing?"
He nodded as he signed the credit receipt. "Sounds like a plan."
The two headed out, and in short order made it to the theater, the Regal Columbia Mall Stadium, which sported 8 theaters.
They settled in for an action movie involving some unknown actor trying to make a name for himself. It was surprisingly enjoyable, and both wolves left satisfied.
On their way to his truck, Ben took a gamble, and quietly snagged Michelle's hand to hold it softly in his as he walked with her. The move surprised her, but he was pleased when she made no move to disengage from him.
Michelle's heart started to pound as the warmth from Ben's hand flowed through her. She hadn't expected the show of affection, but she quite liked it.
She had wanted to do this in the theater, but had dismissed the act as childish, not knowing how he'd react. But now, walking with him, she thought maybe he wouldn't have minded.
Secure and comfortable with the contact, the two made it to the truck. Ben started the ignition but made no move to put the vehicle in gear. The energy in the cab was slowly becoming so sexually charged, it would take very little to ignite it.
Ben finally spoke up. "Listen," he said, his tone breathless as he looked ahead through the windshield. "My home isn't far from here." He turned his head to look at her. "Can I convince you?"
Michelle's face burned hot as he watched her. She wanted him, so very much she wanted him. She never thought she'd need another person so.
Her wolf was excited, always ecstatic with every brush of his hand, with every instant his eyes glazed over her. Even now she was eager for him.
What harm was there in indulging? Hector was safe, surrounded by the strength of Adam's pack. And this man, this wolf, was offering her some comfort and relief from her worries, if only for a night.
Ben could see the answer in her face, and it pleased him. He reached across to caress her face in the suddenly small confines of the truck cab, drawing her forward for a kiss. She came to him without hesitation.
It started out gentle, slow. He simply tasted her lips, delving with shallow thrusts of his tongue. But as the mutual arousal began to spike and swell, things became a lot less so.
By that time, Ben's hands had buried themselves in her hair, clutching at her soft curls as his mouth began to slowly reduce her to ashes. She thought she would gladly drown in him.
He released her mouth to nibble at his favorite spot at her neck, and she tilted her head to the side to give him better access. The parking lot was too crowded, she thought, opening her eyes just so to get a glimpse. Surely they couldn't—
Michelle stilled, her body, once delightfully liquid, freezing solid. A man was there, paying way too much attention to her and Ben, even in the darkness. He could obviously see them, see what they were doing.
He was leaning against a car as nonchalant as if he belonged there. His hands were in the pockets of his coat, and his short, sandy hair ruffled slightly in the cool night breeze.
She remembered thinking how unremarkable he was when she'd first met him all that time ago. But now, with his eerily pale eyes, normally a reddish-brown, peering directly into the truck at her and Ben without shame, he was quite conspicuous.
She cried out, startling Ben, who had been focused on raising her shirt, anxious to taste her skin. When he felt her stiffen and yelp, he lifted his head, following her gaze. He didn't see anything.
"Michelle," he offered cautiously, shifting his eyes to her face. "What's wrong?"
"It was him," she said, her voice shaking. "It was Clint. He was watching us, from right over there in his human shape." She pointed.
Immediately Ben was out of the truck, eyes scanning, nose taking in long draws of air. He saw nothing out of the ordinary, just patrons moving about the parking lot. Whoever Michelle had seen, he was no longer present.
But if he had been here, why the hell couldn't he smell him?!
He turned back to the truck, where she too had gotten out to take a look. "Which way did he get off to?" he asked her. She pointed toward the theater, where many people were entering and exiting.
Ben regarded the scene coolly. As much as he wanted to, there was no sense in pursuing a strange wolf of unknown power into a building teaming with humans, especially without pack support.
His wolf pulled at him to protect his mate, but Ben had to admit that he wasn't the best of fighters. He could hold his own for the most part, but he wasn't quick to start fights he didn't know he could finish.
So he turned back toward the truck and walked to Michelle, whose anger had risen on the heels of her anger. Her hands were balled into fists at her sides.
He grabbed her shoulders, pulling her into him. "Let's get out of here," he murmured, opening the door. He felt her nod against his shoulder.
When they were inside, he glanced at her out the side of his eye. She couldn't possibly still be in the mood now. "Back to Adam's?" he asked, trying to keep the hope from his voice. The sex wasn't an issue; he just wanted to keep her near him.
Her frown softened, and she looked regretful. "I think it would be best. Plus, we need to let Adam know what happened."
She was right. Ben knew she was right. But he couldn't stop the pang of disappointment he felt at the loss of a chance to be alone with her again.
They drove back to Adam's. As they parked, Michelle brushed her hand against his leg. She knew he had wanted to spend the night with her. She had wanted that too. But seeing Clint, even in his human form, always unnerved her.
She still wanted him though. To show him, she leaned in and cradled his face before giving him a gentle kiss. He sighed against her lips, his hand moving to cover her thigh.
When they parted, she kept her hands in place, opening her eyes slowly. "Rain check?" she asked softly, giving him another peck.
"Yeah," Ben whispered, licking her kiss from his lips. She smiled at him as she turned to open the door. He made her almost forget her problems. If only... "But be prepared," he added. "I plan to take you up on that soon."
She was still smiling when he fell in step beside her. As they entered the house, she tensed. Hector was sitting on the couch, his posture stiff. He wouldn't meet her eyes.
Uh-oh, she thought. Did something happen on top of seeing Clint tonight?
Before she could ask her son as much, Warren waved her over. "Michelle, come here. Adam is in the kitchen. He wants to talk to you."
At her chagrined expression, Warren elaborated. "He got word from Bran."
She glanced at Ben before quickly walking to the kitchen. Adam was there with Mercy, who was pulling a sheet of freshly-baked cookies from the oven. The smell was wonderful, but Michelle ignored it for now.
"You heard from the Marrok?" she asked urgently. "What did he say?"
Adam smiled at her. "Come with me to my office." As she began following the Alpha, Mercy already had a couple of cookies on a small plate, which she handed to her. "Here," she said. "You'll need these."
The wolf took them with a confused expression. What did that mean?
Adam entered the office and took a seat. He didn't seem to mind when Ben followed her. Both of them sat down.
Adam looked Michelle in the eye with the same gentle expression he usually used with her. "Bran called this evening, while you were out," he began, pausing to choose his words. "Hector is to go into his pack for a time."
Michelle gasped. Montana?! "But…why?" From what she'd heard, the only time wolves were made to leave their packs to go to Aspen Creek was when there was something wrong with them.
In truth, the Marrok's pack sometimes carried a veiled stigma in the eyes of other packs. Of course, no one had mentioned that to the Marrok himself.
"It's not what you think," Adam reassured. "Michelle, do you know what an Omega wolf is?"
Her eyebrows drifted down as she thought the question. She'd heard vague talk about Omegas, but she really had no idea what they were. Among normal wolves…
"He's the lowest-ranking?" she asked, confused. That didn't seem like anything special. In fact, it made her feel that Hector was in more danger than less, or…maybe not. Submissive wolves were precious and protected by the pack.
Adam shook his head patiently. "No, sweetheart, an Omega is one of the rarest and most treasured wolves a pack can have among its members. They exist outside of pack hierarchy, needing neither to dominate nor to follow anyone, sometimes not even their Alpha." He said that last part lightheartedly.
Michelle considered this new information a moment. "Does that mean…Hector won't have to worry about being hurt by other wolves?" That was certainly one positive thing about the matter.
"All of us have that worry," Adam said. "I will be perfectly honest about that. But Hector is a calming, unifying presence for the pack. He tones down the natural aggression that follows all of us. He is a boon to any pack lucky enough to have him."
She shook her head. "Then why is my son being sent away?"
"Hector has no idea who he really is and how to tap into that power that makes him unique. The Marrok has an Omega among his wolves, a female named Anna Cornick." When he saw no recognition in Michelle's face, he elaborated. "She is the mate to Charles Cornick, and will teach Hector what being an Omega means."
Ben felt everything connect in his mind as he listened. That was why things had gone as they had the night they'd found and taken Hector. Adam had had to use his power as an Alpha almost to its fullest that night, not because Hector had resisted, but because the boy just wasn't susceptible to the normal assertive energy Adam carried about him.
"I should have known," he murmured to himself.
Adam glanced at him briefly then back at Michelle. "I suspected, but I wanted to make very sure before I let the Marrok know. Of course, Bran, in his usual creepy way, already had some idea about it. I hardly had to describe anything before he told me. He said, 'I think this is something for someone special to handle.' That's when he told me to await his next call and hung up."
If Hector went to stay with the Marrok, chances were he would be even safer there than here, especially with Clint lurking about. Perhaps it wasn't so bad. "How long..?" Michelle asked.
"I held off on officially making Hector pack, because I wanted to see what Bran's decision would be. Hector's membership with the Aspen Creek pack will be temporary. Anna will show him the ropes, train him up, and then he will return to you, and to me. I will claim him then."
Michelle nodded. This was a good thing. While he was away, they could double their efforts to fix the Clint problem before her son returned. "When is he leaving?"
"Anna will have already left Montana by now," Adam replied. "She'll travel part of the night, stop, and continue the trip early in the morning. It takes about 8 hours."
Ben shifted a bit in his seat. "Is Charles coming along too?" He certainly hoped not. That guy made his skin itch, what with all the dominance and leashed violence that constantly oozed off him.
Adam smirked at him. "No, Scary, he's not. Charles is on another assignment at the moment. Anna will have one other member riding along with her. Hopefully that will make the trip more comfortable for Hector."
"You can't tell me you're not at least a little unsettled by that guy," Ben said defensively. "He gives me the creeps." Thankfully his brother Samuel wasn't like that.
Michelle couldn't help but smile. From what she'd heard about Charles, she didn't blame Ben at all. But it was still funny.
"Hector seemed a little stiff when I walked in," Michelle said. "I guess he didn't take the news well?"
Adam got up, the other wolves following suit. "I told him that it was temporary, that he was only going there to learn. He seemed more concerned for how you would feel about it than anything."
He walked to the door and opened it for her. She should have known. Hector had always been so considerate of her, ever since he was little. He would naturally feel more concerned for how she would react than what he would face.
When they left the office, Michelle went to her son, joining him on the couch. He looked at her hesitantly. "Are you okay, Mom?"
She patted him on the head. "I'm fine. I should have known you would be special, even as a werewolf."
"But are you gonna be alright?" He searched her face, concern clouding his expression. "If you need me here, I'll stay. I don't care what anyone says."
Michelle smiled gently at him. Such defiance, even if it was foolish. No one disobeyed the Marrok. "I think it will be a good thing," she told him. "We can take care of our problems while you learn how to be best at what you are."
Hector smiled then, obviously relieved, if not unsure. "Okay." He kissed his mother on her forehead and headed off to pack his things.
Ben walked up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders as they watched the boy leave. Besides, she thought with a small smile as she placed a hand on his, I have Red here to guard me.
She finally remembered the cookies Mercy had given her. The little plate was sitting on the table, where she hadn't even remembered placing it. She took one and bit in.
It was amazing.
The next morning, a mid-sized SUV pulled into Adam's driveway. A smallish female werewolf with pale skin and reddish-brown hair with a smattering of freckles across her upturned nose, got out, looking over the mansion the Columbia Basin Alpha called home.
Such a large place, she thought. Another female, this one tall and slender, rounded the vehicle to stand with her. She smiled as they approached the front door.
The two were welcomed as any other guest of the pack, and Adam introduced Anna Cornick and Sage Carhardt to Michelle, Hector, and some of the newer, less acquainted pack members who happened to be in attendance.
Sage smiled brightly. "Hello, hello," she greeted. Despite being more dominant than any other female in Adam's pack, she was cheerful and very likable. Michelle wished some of the other women were like her.
Anna was equally upbeat, meeting Michelle's and every other wolf's eyes evenly and with confidence. Hector was shy at first, but as time passed, things changed very quickly.
The spritely girl had him and pretty much every other wolf in her presence, at ease in no time, calming the awkwardness and uncertainty that hung over the scene effortlessly. Soon Hector was perfectly comfortable with her. Michelle was amazed.
So this is what it is to be an Omega, she thought. She felt an overwhelming sense of well-being, and even her own dominance took a backseat. She stood against the wall with Sage, Ben at her side, watching Anna work her magic.
It was clear that if Hector learned all that she had to offer, he would be incredible.
Sage stepped over to her, following her line of sight. "Are you nervous for him?" she asked.
Michelle shook her head. "No, I'm actually relieved. He'll do just fine." They watched him continue to talk with Anna, already asking questions.
The taller woman smiled. "He's a bright kid." Her speech held a Southern edge to it.
"Yes," Michelle agreed. "He was always very smart, very inquisitive." Her eyes beamed with pride. Where had the years gone?
"He kind of reminds me of Anna. If Charlie were home, he'd probably like your boy a lot." Sage genuinely meant it. Charles didn't take to a lot of people, but Hector had the personality that attracted others to him, when he let it show.
Michelle agreed, even if it was weird hearing the Marrok's enforcer referred to as "Charlie." Hector's outgoing personality was starting to show, now that he was more comfortable around everyone. Hopefully he'd fit in quickly with the Marrok and his pack.
Anna stayed for a few hours, but soon it was time to get back on the road. "Bran is eager to meet you," she told Hector. "He says you will keep things interesting, whatever that means."
After Hector stored his bag in the trunk of the SUV, he came to his mother to say farewell. "You sure you'll be alright?" he asked one final time.
Michelle kissed him and hugged him tightly. "I'll be fine. Go enjoy yourself and learn. Anna's really cool."
He looked at the other Omega, who was talking with Adam about their route. "Yeah, she is. I like her. And Sage seems nice too."
He turned to Ben, who was standing with her, and shook his hand. "Thanks for being there for my mom," he said. "Please watch out for her."
Ben nodded. "She will be well looked after," he assured the boy.
With that, Hector paid his respects to Adam, waved to some of the other wolves, and climbed into the SUV, rolling down the window. "I'll text you when I get there," he said to his mother.
"No mijo," Michelle countered. "You will call me when you get there." She crossed her arms, her face firm.
"Okay," he said resignedly. "I love you, Máma."
She blew him a kiss. "I love you too, baby."
Anna and Sage waved to the pack members who saw them off, and Michelle watched the vehicle until it was out of sight. A little niggling of doubt managed to wiggle its way into her mind. She hoped this was the right thing.
It was only then that she let the water come to her eyes. She hadn't wanted her son to see her cry, but it had been there, just under the surface, as their time to separate had crept closer.
Ben grasped her hand. She had almost forgotten he had stayed with her. She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked her.
"I think so," she said, trying to hide the lost feeling in her breast. "I still don't fully understand the Omega thing."
Ben smiled. "No worries. There's a special power in the Omegas. Hector will be just fine." He looked at her pointedly. What now?
She gently removed her hand from his. She was feeling a little depressed, and wanted to sort herself out. "I just want to be alone for a while," she finally said. She'd never been separated from Hector, not across state lines.
As Michelle walked back toward the house, Ben tarried. Disappointment rode him, and he wasn't looking forward to leaving her. Maybe he could just crash at Adam's tonight, to be near her without smothering her.
Why wouldn't she turn to him for comfort? They'd come a long way, the two of them.
Entering the house, Michelle made her way to the restroom. She looked in the mirror at her tired eyes, still holding back tears. She was glad Hector had gone, really she was. Soon she'd realize that.
It was better this way, and she was sure that between the two of them. Anna and Sage would see him safely to Montana without any problems. Both had left their cell phone numbers so she could call at any time to see how things were going.
She splashed some cool water on her face, dabbing it dry and feeling refreshed. When she went down to her room, she looked at her suitcase. At least she could pack up and go back to her place now. She had only stayed at Adam's to be near Hector during his confinement anyway.
That thought made her feel better. She liked her place and missed staying there, surrounded by her things. She could listen to her stereo, sit by the little fireplace and read or sip tea. Yeah, it would be nice to get home.
And the bedroom…
She thought about the last time she'd been there, entangled with Ben, wrapped up in the warmth of his touch and caress.
Ah yes, another good no, great thing about this situation. She could afford to be a little selfish now.
She could let this man comfort her, pamper her, arouse and satisfy her all she wanted. In fact…
Michelle let all her troublesome thoughts flow off her, the thoughts about Clint, about Hector's safety, her staying or leaving, everything. It would all keep for now. She quickly walked back upstairs and to the door. She hoped he hadn't left.
She opened the door to look for his truck. If he had left, she'd make him come back or drive to him herself. They finally had some time together, and she intended to take full advantage.
The red Chevy was still sitting there peacefully. But where was Ben?
"Looking for someone?" said his voice softly from off to her left. She looked and found him sitting on a chair near the door, casual as ever.
Michelle said nothing, just walked to him and straddled his lap. The late afternoon sky was beginning to give way to the evening, the sun setting earlier every day.
It gave everything an orange tint, the cool air brushing against her warm cheeks. She wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him.
Her lips were soft but insistent, pushing his lips apart as she dipped in to taste him. Soon he groaned against her mouth, his hands coming up to cradle her face. By the time they were done, his pants felt a little too snug.
Ben stood, taking her with him and gently setting her feet on the floor. "Maybe I don't need to be alone after all," Michelle whispered, nuzzling him.
He could never comprehend a woman's tendency to change her mind. He didn't try either. He simply hugged her close and kissed her ear.
"This time, my place," he murmured, and when he led her to his truck, she didn't resist.