The Alpha’s Pregnant Mate

3. Happy Birthday

Two weeks later

“Where are you headed off to?” Bea asked, her little head popped up over the back of the couch. We’d just finished our late night movie when I realized there’s only three hours until midnight, when my birthday hits. I know it’s crazy, but what Hunter said really stuck with me. I mean it won’t hurt to just go there to prove him wrong.

“Some of my coworkers wanted to meet up for dinner.” I lied, it’s not like I could tell her that my boss thinks I’m a werewolf.

“Okay, but be safe and don’t forget about curfew.” She waved goodbye as she snuggled back down into the couch. My gut twisted with guilt, I hate lying to her. I made my way down the sidewalk to wait for the bus, the next one doesn’t come for another ten minutes. I played with the hem of my shirt as I mulled over what I was doing. This is ridiculous, I mean if I were some supernatural creature, I would know, right? Maybe I don’t because I haven’t had my first shift. I’ve spent the last two weeks researching werewolves and even reading a few books. Some of which were romance books. My face flamed when I remembered some of the books that spoke of “knotting”, I wonder if that’s real. When the bus pulled up I hesitated for half a second before I climbed up the steps. I took the seat right behind the driver, I never sat in the back anymore. I shivered with disgust as I remembered the crazy guy that flashed me once. The ride to the outskirts of town was a quiet one. Not many people were out tonight.

“Be safe out there, girly.” The elderly woman that drove the city bus told me as she dropped me off at my stop.

“I will.” I called out to her. Once I stepped onto the sidewalk I gazed down at the address Hunter gave me. I should have talked to Hunter about this before I came. He’d been so busy with work I’d barely seen him at the office lately. I wish he’d given me a number to call because I just feel like I’m in the middle of nowhere. I looked around at the thick forest and noticed a dirt road that led down a long driveway. Feeling determined, I stepped forward, deciding to follow the road. It looked like it went on forever and there was a curve up ahead. Good thing I wore comfortable shoes, I chuckled to myself. After ten minutes of endless walking I started to second guess myself. I was so lost in thought I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard a branch snap. With wide eyes I gazed into the thick trees, my breath caught in my throat. I listened to the crunch of footsteps praying that it wasn't a bear or mountain lion coming to eat me. I gasped when a tall man stepped out onto the road.

“Oh, um, hello.” I said awkwardly. He was handsome, ridiculously handsome with golden hair and blue eyes.

“Hi, what are you doing out here?” He asked with a raised brow.

“Um Hunter Wilde gave me this address and asked me to meet him here.” I blushed wondering if I should explain why. I watched as the guy crossed his arms across his broad chest and slowly walked towards me.

“And why is that?” He slowly started to circle me like I was his prey.

“Well the thing is-” I couldn’t finish my sentence. I felt a burning pain run up my spine causing me to double over. The guy was at my side in an instant.

“Hey, are you okay?” Before I could respond I felt my back crack unnaturally, a scream ripped from my throat.

“Oh s**t, is it your birthday?” All I could manage was a weak nod.

“Okay, I’m going to lift you and bring you into the woods.” I felt his strong arms scoop me up, cradling me against his strong chest.

“Ahh!” Another crack down my spine rocked my body.

“Please down freak out, but I have to remove your clothes or you're going to rip through them when you shift, okay?” I eyed him wearily, but nodded anyway. I felt my face flame as he slowly undressed me. No one has ever since me been naked. I whimpered as I felt my body distort.

“Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay.” He ran a soothing hand through my hair.

“Can you tell me your name?” He asked as she unclasped my bra, but kept his eyes focused on mine.

“K-Kayley Benson.” I gasped out through the pain.

“My name’s Jackson Andrews, I wish we could’ve met under better circumstances.” He chuckled awkwardly. I groaned as I felt my hips distort.

“It’s almost over, Kayley.” My name sounded so beautiful falling from his lips.

“I’m going to get undressed too, don’t worry, I won’t hurt you.” I nodded, averting my gaze to give him some privacy. I started to pant as I flipped on all fours. I watched as my hands morphed into paws, golden fur climbed up my arms. I can’t believe he was right, werewolves are real. Within minutes I was on my back and fully transformed. I looked up to see a lighter blonde wolf gazing down at me with its head c****d to the side. He leaned down and bumped his snout against me, telling me to stand. On wobbly legs I stood, it felt weird being on four legs, but also right at the same time. Before I knew it I was running through the forest, letting the wind whip through my fur. It felt so free, so relaxing. I looked over to see Jackson easily keeping up speed with me. I let out a howl of enjoyment as I bound through the forest. We ran for what felt like hours until we finally came to a stop next to a stream. Jackson dove into the water and when he resurfaced he was a man once again.

“Try to shift back.” He called out to me. I laid down and focused on my body returning to my human form. After a little bit of a struggle I finally did it and geez did it hurt.

“It gets easier after a while.” He called out from the water. I was laid out on the back next to the bank when I suddenly realized I was naked.

“Come in the water, Kayley, I won’t look.” I peered over to see that sure enough his back was to me. I hesitantly climbed into the water with him. It felt good against my hot flesh, I let out a sigh as I fully submerged myself.

“What pack are you from?” He asked as he turned back to face me, keeping his eyes trained on mine.

“I don’t have one, I grew up in the foster care system.”

“Ah, that explains a lot.” He nodded at me thoughtfully.

“That’s why Hunter asked me to come out here.” I gestured around us. We sat in a comfortable silence. I tilted my head back and just lost myself in the sounds of the forest. I was starting to realize that my senses were heightened. I could see clearer, hear things further away, and smell better. I stuck my nose in the air and started sniffing when I caught a whiff of something.

“What’s that smell?” It smelled like a fresh garden, I could almost dichipher between the different fruits and vegetables.

“What smell?” Jackson asked, tilting his head up to sniff too.

“It smells like a garden.” I said, my mouth almost watering. The smell brought me closer and closer to Jackson. The stream was about six feet apart and we were on opposite sides until the smell brought me to him.

“I think it’s you.” I inhaled deeply, bringing my body closer, almost touching him.

“It’s mouth watering.” I moaned as I breathed in the fresh scent.

“Oh, um, Kayley, there’s a few things I need to explain.” Jackson said, but I could barely hear him. It felt like my body was drawn to him, like two magnets coming together.

“What’s happening right now is you’re scenting my arousal.” His words were like a slap to the face.

“What?” I exclaimed, breaking the trance and putting some much needed distance between us.

“I’m sorry, you’re very beautiful and it’s hard to control.” A beautiful blush graced his cheeks.

“Y-you think I’m beautiful?” I gazed at him with wide eyes.

“I think you’re gorgeous.” It felt like my heart stopped in my chest.

“Well you’re pretty handsome yourself.” I blushed, brushing my damp hair behind my ear. He smiled as he gazed into my eyes.

“There’s so much I need to teach you, little wolf.” My heart thrummed at the cute nickname he gave me.

“Let’s shift and go back to our clothes. I know it’s late, but there’s this twenty four seven diner that I can take you to. We could grab some dinner and I can explain our ways better.” I smiled as I slid my hand into his outstretched one.

“I’d like that.”