The Alpha’s Pregnant Mate

5. Temporary

I sat on the steps of what I called home for the last three years with silent tears rolling down my cheeks. Everything I own fits into two boxes and my small backpack. Normally the home gives you two weeks to find a new place to live, but since there’s so many kids in the system right now they sent me to the curb. I gazed down at the little piece of paper with Jackson’s phone number on it. I don’t want to call him, but what else am I supposed to do? I have no one. Letting out a sigh I made my way back into the house.

“I’m just using the phone.” I said over my shoulder. My stomach twists into knots as I dial his number.

“Hello?” I hear his voice on the third ring.

“Hey Jackson, it’s Kayley, I kind of need your help.” I sigh as the words leave me.

“Do you need me to come pick you up?” He asks without a hint of judgment.

“Yes, please.” I say as I bite into my quivering lip.

“I’ll be there as soon as possible.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem, babe.” I smile as I hang up the phone and head back out to the porch.

It doesn’t take Jackson long to get here. I watched his big blue jeep roll to a stop in front of me. His golden hair shone in the midday sunlight. His blue eyes sparkled as they landed on me.

“Hey.” I mumbled as he stood in front of me.

“Hey.” He replied, flashing me his million dollar smile.

“Looks like I’m getting kicked out.” I sighed and gestured to my stuff.

“What happened, baby?” He frowned as he crouched down in front of me.

“Can I tell you on the way to your apartment?” I felt my bottom lip tremble.

“Of course.” He said as he helped me to my feet and led me to his jeep. I watched as he loaded my stuff into the back and climbed in the driver seat next to me.

“Tell me all about it.” He sent me that handsome smile and I felt my insides melt. So I told him everything and cried the whole time. He sat patiently next to me and listened. In the middle of me talking he reached over and laid his hand on my knee, giving it gentle squeezes as I talked. My heart thrummed in my chest as he caressed my knee while I spoke. We rolled up to his apartment in silence.

“I want you to know that you can stay as long as you’d like.” He said, breaking the silence and squeezing my knee.

“Are you sure?” I asked, gazing up at him.

“Yeah, babe, it’s okay.” He said, flashing me that smile.

“Thank you, Jackson.” I laid my hand over his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Come on, let’s go get you all settled in.” He slid his hand out from under mine as he jumped out of the jeep. He slung my backpack on and carried both of my boxes into his apartment. It didn’t take long for me to unpack my things.

“What’s this?” I turned to see Jackson holding one of my squishmallows.

“It’s a squishmallow.” I giggled at the face he made.

“A what?” He asked as he stared at the squishy frog.

“They’re stuffed animals that people collect.” I smiled as he turned it upside down and then upside right again.

“Interesting.” He mumbled as he put it down on my bed.

“Just don’t get too many, I don’t want my apartment filled with that shit.” He called over his shoulder as he stalked out of my room. My frown tugged at my lips, but I quickly brushed it away. This is only temporary, soon I’ll have my own apartment and I can fill it to the brim with my squishmallows.

HUNTER POV

As I step out of the elevators I discreetly search the office for Kayley. I’ve been thinking about her all weekend. When I went to the bus stop right outside my pack, I never saw her. I checked the news religiously to see if there were any wolf sightings in the city. So far there was nothing. There was no way I was wrong about Kayley being a wolf, I could sense it, practically felt it in my bones. When I approached my office I saw her. Her beautiful blonde hair was piled high on her head in a messy bun. Her uniform hugged her hourglass figure, accentuating her curves. I watched as she dusted my shelves delicately.

“Good morning.” I said I stepped into my office. Her beautiful scent hit me and I nearly growled when I picked up another mans scent on her.

“Good morning, sir.” She smiled brightly and I hate that I like the way her calling me sir sounded.

“Oh wow, I can smell you.” She whispered the words, eyes wide. I chuckled as I closed my office door to give us some privacy. There was still that itch under my skin, I didn’t like that another man had touched her.

“I missed you on your birthday, I’m assuming I was right?” I kept my false smile as I rounded my desk. I had the overwhelming urge to pull her close and rub my scent all over her.

“Yes, you were right. I met someone while I was making my way to your pack. He helped me through my first shift.” I felt my eye twitch, whoever he is, I want to f*****g murder him. I didn’t understand where this irrational possessiveness is coming from, but I almost can’t control it.

“Who is he? I might know him.” My voice sounded clipped and I watched as Kayley’s smile faltered.

“Jackson Andrews, I’m actually staying with him until I can find my own place.” Pure rage coursed through my veins. Jackson was a notorious playboy in high school. He didn’t respect the mate bond, he slept with almost every girl in our high school. The fact that she’s staying with him makes bile rise up in my throat.

“Be careful with him, Kayley.” I watched as her brows furrowed.

“He’s actually a really great guy and I’m very thankful for how helpful he’s been.” Her lips twisted into a frown.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cross any lines.” I said quickly, trying to fix my f**k up.

“I need to get back to work, I’ll see you around, Hunter.” I watch as she scurries out of my office, closing the door a little hard on her way out. I let out a sigh, it’s going to be fine, she’s only staying with him temporarily.