Page 3

~Carter~

I’d met many intimidating people throughout my life, on and off the streets, but the Cross matriarch put them all to shame. She exuded friendliness, even caring, but there was also a strong, no-nonsense air about her. She looked much like her sons, though shorter. She was closer to my own height of five-six, while her sons were much taller. Her dark brown hair was sprinkled with a bit of gray here and there, but her eyes weren’t blue like Adrian’s. They were a rich honey brown, warm and welcoming.

She walked into the room, Adrian behind her. She took a seat in a high-backed chair by the couch. “Now for proper introductions,” she said, her expression daring Adrian to ignore the obvious order.

Adrian sat on the couch beside me. “Carter, meet Estell Cross. Mom, meet my mate, Carter Goodwin.”

Estell smiled and reached out one hand. I shook it. “Welcome to Southern Cross, Carter.”

“Southern Cross?”

She waved a hand in the air, as if indicating the entire room—or maybe their land in general. “At one time, our family raised all manner of animals here on the ranch. Now we just rescue dogs. Tell me about yourself.”

I wasn’t sure how to answer. “Uh…”

“Mom—”

Estell ignored Adrian’s protest and gave me a soft smile. “It’s all right, Carter. No one is perfect—including myself. Before I met Edmund, my late husband and mate, I made my living on the streets after my own family pack dissolved.”

“What happened?”

“My grandfather was the alpha, and when he died, two of my uncles fought for control. The pack fractured completely. Everyone went their separate ways, and I found it difficult to survive as a single, unmated female. I used my feminine wiles to make money, mostly from human men who wanted to experience sex with a female of our kind.”

That was more information than I’d expected. I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. If she could be so open about it, then I could, too.

“My pack has its collective claws firmly entrenched in the babyfarming industry.” I tore my gaze from hers and stared down at my hands. It took a considerable amount of effort to stave off the shaking. “I got away when I was fourteen, right before they could use me in their farming.”

A touch of nausea swept through me at the memories. Getting away had been almost impossible, and I’d yet to shake the fear of them finding me again. A strong hand rested on my right thigh, reassuring despite our initial hiccups upon meeting just a few hours ago. A gentle touch lifted my head until I met Estell’s sympathetic gaze.

“Don’t ever feel ashamed of your past. You had no control over their despicable practices. You escaped, though, and you survived the best way you knew how. There’s no shame in that.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Estell smiled and sat back. Her gaze shifted to Adrian. “Take care of him as you all have taken care of Chase.”

“Omegas are to be protected at all costs,” Adrian replied. “Ethan says it’s a mantra the Silverthornes live by.”

“A very good one, too,” she said with a nod. “Now then, Carter. Are you hungry?”

“I am, actually. I don’t know when I last… had anything except half a doughnut.”

There was no pity, no cooing over how sorry she was or how sad my situation had been. She simply stood and offered a hand. I took it and stood as well.

“Let’s go get you something to eat, and then I’m sure you could use some rest.”

She didn’t let go and led me across the entryway into a cavernous kitchen. It was the biggest one I’d ever seen. She steered me to a stool at the island.

“We have a bit of roast and vegetables from last night. Would you like some?”

“Yes, please. Thank you.”

Estell set about warming up the food. I settled on the stool, and Adrian sat beside me. I had so many questions but no clue where to start. Estell started chatting as she worked, detailing their family’s history, the ranch, everything. I couldn’t help but smile. She clearly adored her sons and their home. A few minutes later, she turned and set down a plate overflowing with the most amazing food I’d ever seen. The rich aromas filled me almost as much as Adrian’s scent.

“Eat up and rest,” Estell said after washing her hands. “I need to make some phone calls, but Adrian knows where to find me if needed. When you’ve had some time to settle in, I’d love to give you a full tour.”

“Thank you,” I said before taking a bite of roast. The moan slipped free, and Estell chuckled. “It’s so good.”

“Thank you.” She pointed at Adrian. “Let him rest before you do anything.”

Adrian snorted but nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

Estell left the kitchen, and the silence stretched between myself and Adrian as I finished eating. He got up and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. After setting it in front of me, he leaned on the island counter, facing me. When I was done, he put the dishes in the dishwasher.

“I know we kind of got off on the wrong foot. For that, I’m sorry. I can be a bit abrasive.”

I took a drink and contemplated how to answer. I decided the truth was best. “You’re an asshole.” He nodded and stared down at the countertop. “But thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, looking back up at me. “How about some rest?”

“I could use a nap that doesn’t involve a hospital bed.”

He chuckled softly, and the sound made me shiver the slightest bit. I was attracted to him, no doubt about it, but this wasn’t some minor crush. Chocolate and red wine filled my head, the scents making it crystal clear that we were mates.

I followed him upstairs and down a hall. He unlocked a door and opened it, revealing a large living room. To the side, I saw the bedroom through another open door. Adrian locked the outer door and motioned toward the bedroom. When we entered, he led me over to the bed. Then he whisked my T-shirt over my head before tossing it to the side. My breath caught when he started on my tattered jeans.

“You need rest,” he said. I held onto his shoulders and let him finish undressing me. He left my underwear on, though. Then he pulled back the blanket and top sheet on the bed. “I want you. God, I do. But you need time to get over the pneumonia first.”

I lay down, surprised when he undressed and did the same. Rolling onto my side, I shivered when his taller, muscular body pressed against me. I’d never actually slept with anyone without having sex, and, even then, I’d certainly never fallen asleep beside someone. One strong arm draped over me and held me tight.

“What do I smell like to you?” I whispered after a few moments of silence.

“I knew who you were to me the second I smelled honey and vanilla.”