Fates Entwined

52

“Mira?” He asked, instead of saying hello. “Are you okay?"

“Oh, I’m fine,” I said, blushing. Why was I blushing? All he'd done was ask if I was okay. “I’m calling about Ayla. She’s in labor, and we wanted to let you know. Kaden just took her to the midwife.”

“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Okay. Good. Um, I guess I’ll see you soon then. Safe travels.”

“See you soon,” he said and hung up.

I sat down on the couch, still flushed. I hadn’t expected him to drop everything and come right away, but I should have because it was exactly the kind of thing Wesley would do. I also should have realized that coming here would mean seeing Wesley again too, but I'd been trying to avoid any thoughts of him over the last few months. Now there was hardly any time to prepare myself to see him again. But it was fine. We were both here for Ayla and the baby, and that was it. Nothing was going to happen, because nothing ever happened with Wesley. Which was exactly what I wanted. Right?

Right.

CHAPTER TWO

I turned the light off in the guest bedroom and pulled the covers back on the bed, ready to crash. Ayla had arrived safely at the midwife and this time she definitely was in labor. Kaden had relayed that the midwife said it could take all night or even longer, so there was no use staying up and waiting.

I thought about staying up anyway, but I was exhausted. I'd spent the afternoon cleaning up the house so everything would be all ready when they got home and then gave Adriana her dinner and a bath. She'd been a little fussy when I put her down in her travel cot for the night, not used to being anywhere but our home in the Pisces pack, but finally she was asleep and I was ready to crash too. Kaden assured me that he would call if anything changed, and I had my volume turned up so it would wake me up.

Just as I sat down on the mattress, a knock sounded from the front door. I paused. Who would be stopping by this late?

I crept past Adriana’s cot and headed downstairs to look through the window right beside the door. Wesley stood on the porch, gazing out at the forest. My heart leaped and then sank into my stomach. I swallowed hard and unlocked the door.

Wesley turned, his blue eyes tired and his clothes rumpled, but looking handsome as always. His brown hair had a slightly windswept look to it, and his skin shone with a healthy tan from being outside by the sea so much. My breath caught at the sight of him in front of me, my knees suddenly weak. I gripped the side of the doorframe for support.

“Hey,” I said, and hoped it didn’t sound as nervous as I felt. “I didn’t think you’d be here so fast.”

Wesley didn’t respond right away, his eyes slowly sliding over my face, down to my neck, and then all the way to my feet. It had been months since I’d seen him last, but here he was, standing in front of me. My heart picked up its pace, pounding in my chest, and I hoped he couldn’t hear it.

As his eyes landed back on mine, there was a sharp tug in my chest. It was so strong, I had to plant my feet to stop myself from stepping forward. I looked away, but the overwhelming desire to go to him remained.

Wesley cleared his throat. “I hopped on the first plane I could."

"Ayla's still in labor, but you can come inside if you'd like.” Wait, why did I say that? Being alone with Wesley was the last thing I wanted. But what else was I supposed to do—slam the door in his face? This was his sister's house, after all.

"Thanks." He carried a large duffel bag on his shoulder, which he set carefully on the floor, before taking his heavy jacket off and hanging it up. I tried not to watch him, but my gaze kept going back to him no matter how hard I tried to focus on anything else. He wore a charcoal sweater that clung to his chest, along with jeans that fit him perfectly, and it was really hard not to stare at him. I'd had a crush on Wesley my entire life, as long as I could remember, from back when he was my best friend's older brother. But now he was a man, and the alpha of his pack, and he radiated power and masculinity in a way that made my mouth water.

Stop it, I told myself. You are a widow and a mom and Wesley is off limits!

“Do you want some water?” I asked awkwardly as we stood by the front door and avoided looking at each other.

“No, I’m good, thanks." He put his hands in his jeans pockets and cleared his throat again. “How is Ayla doing?”

“She’s fine. The baby is just taking its sweet time. I just checked in with Kaden a few hours ago and he said it could be a while."

“I’m glad she has so many friends and family here to look after her. Including you."

“And now you,” I said, feeling the flush returning to my cheeks.

Wesley grinned. “And now me. Speaking of babies, how is Adriana doing?” “Good,” I said, my stupid heart softening at Wesley’s question. I didn’t expect him to think of me or Adriana at a time like this, but that was Wesley. Always worrying about everyone. That was why he made a good alpha. “She’s asleep right now. Are you sure you don’t want anything? Maybe some tea?”