The Liekos Pack Series

TPDM: Chapter 3

The Pack Doctors Mate

Helen's POV

As soon as he pulled away I felt lost and silly at the small sound of disappointment that naturally came out. The thought of him kissing me in the elevator didn't remotely compare to the reality of him doing it just now. As soon as he stepped around the island and I had him right in front of me I knew I needed him to kiss me. I can't explain it, maybe it's the bond, but I never felt the carnal need to have someone touch and kiss me. It wasn't like when Paul or any other boy kissed me, none were like him. I want to say it's because he's so drop dead sexy but Paul was considered one of the hottest male wolves in the last pack and he never ignited such a desire in me. I knew the second his lips touched mine I wouldn't be able to walk away but I need to slow things down.

I don't want to rush into this, mate bond or not. He is still a stranger to me and we should get to know each other. I know it's not typical for their kind. Usually once they find their mate things move at lightening speed. Most mate and mark within the first 24 hours, are living together the first week, and discussing, if not having children the first year of mateship. It's different for me though. I'm human, we date, and get used to each other before all that other stuff. I do want him but I want to be 100% sure before making the lifetime commitment of being mated to a werewolf. Once he marks me I'm bound to him for life. Leaving or rejecting him after that would most likely kill him.

He said he's waited 8 years for me and that makes me feel special. He seems genuine with taking it at my pace but being this close to him it's definitely hard not to go at a werewolves speed. We're both adults though surely we can explore each other personalities as well as exploring each other intimately without me being marked right away. I'm struggling right now telling him to forget dinner and just take me upstairs. He's already half naked and I've waited this long. If I'm going to finally go all the way who better than my mate. He looks so delectable with his shorts hanging low on his hips and I can't take my eyes off of every muscle moving along his back and arms as he moves around the kitchen cleaning up his mess.

"I'm going to see if they can whip us up a pizza and send it over since I burnt dinner," he says snapping me from my thoughts.

"Sorry," I mutter feeling bad for ruining the meal he was preparing by distracting him.

"Babe don't ever apologize for what just happened there. That was our first kiss and I wouldn't change anything about. I would let a million dinners burn to kiss you like that whenever I want," he replies making me blush and I see his eyes glaze over for a moment as he basically orders us a pizza from the pack house.

"We could have just went back over and ate there," I point out.

"Nope I want you all to myself a bit longer," he says playfully as he comes back around the counter, grabs my hand, and pulls me into the living room directly off the kitchen.

He sits me down on the couch and sits a few feet away which I find odd until he lifts my legs up over his. He slips my shoes from my feet and begins massaging them thoroughly with his large hands. We both talk about our childhoods, nothing to special about mine, and his was pretty typical of a werewolf pup. I tell him all about my mother and how lucky I got with my stepdad. His told me about his parents moving to Alaska a few years ago. After living here their whole lives they wanted a change of scenery. He assured me once they found out about me a visit would be in store. Both of us are our parents only children.

An omega kindly delivers the food Warren asked for and we eat together in a nice comfortable silence, giving each other side glances while stuffing our faces, before returning to the living room. He puts on his all time favorite movie and I scoot close to him with my legs bent to the side up on the couch, his arm across my shoulders. I start getting tired half way through from the long drive and although I'm really comfortable resting on the couch with him I would feel much safer back in my room alone. I haven't slept next to anyone since Paul and I don't know if I want to yet. I kind of like the idea of having my own room and bed for a little while kind of like before I turned 18, after which he insisted I sleep in his room at the pack house.

"Tired," Warren asks as I struggle to keep my eyes open.

"A little," I respond truthfully.

"I have a guest room if you want to stay here or..."

"I... I think I'd," I pause feeling unsure as memories of telling Paul I needed some space and wanted to sleep alone flash through my mind, it never ended well.

"My beautiful mate," I hear Warrens voice, snapping me from my thoughts, as his hands comes up and thumb gently runs across my cheek. "Say anything you want. I promise I won't be mad."

"I want to go back to my room at the pack house," I all but whisper.

"Ok but I insist on at least walking you there. It is dark out now and I need to know your safe or I won't be able to sleep."

I simply nod and he stands up grabs my hand in his then we make our way back over to the pack house. It seems like such a short walk before we're standing at the door to my new room. I open it and turn around to face him. His baby blue eyes staring down at me make me want to pull him into the room with me. I settle for moving up on my toes slightly to kiss his sweet lips. Nothing compared to the kitchen but still just as great. I can't help the huge smile on my face after pulling away but then as he steps back ready to leave a sense of dread fills me and I grab his hand stopping him from leaving. Suddenly I don't want him to go and I feel anxious about being away from him.

"Is this normal," I ask the words tumbling from my mouth.

"Is what normal love?"

"All of the sudden my chest feels tight at the thought of you leaving."

"We'll normally mates aren't apart after realizing what they are to each other. So yes a little separation anxiety is going to be normal with us. It's the bond trying to pull us together... here," he says pausing and pulling the T-shirt he threw on before the omega arrived with our food hours ago over his head and handing it to me. "Sleep with this and see if it helps," he adds with a huge grin and I can only imagine the thoughts he is having of me in only his shirt, the same thing floating through my mind as well.

"Will you be ok sleeping without my scent or should I give you something too?"

"If I'm being honest... I'm probably going to sleep on the couch tonight your scent is all over the living room."

"No," I all but shout. "Don't do that, that sounds uncomfortable. Wait right here," I say turning into the room, shutting the door but not all the way, I slip off my shirt and put his on quickly before opening the door again. "Take this... an even exchange," I joke handing him my shirt.

"Helen," he says shakily and I notice his right hand gripping the door jam tightly. "Seeing you in my shirt is doing something to me... I... I need to go. I will meet you for breakfast tomorrow and then we can go to the hospital together. I wanted to talk to you about that anyways."

He grabs my shirt and kisses my cheek tenderly before rushing away. I can't help but laugh at how silly me simply throwing his shirt on would drive him that crazy but then again waiting for you mate for 8 years. He is absolutely adorable and I love the fact that he is so willing give me what I want, like space, and need, his shirt for example to help ease my anxiety. I think about how scary all the things I feel for him already are as I slip off my jeans and climb under the covers. I've never felt that level of fear about being apart from someone even my own mother. Maybe it's because its brand new and I know he is probably right the mate bone is trying to pull us together.

I've also never just given in like I did in the kitchen. I got so swept up and lost in him, it was thrilling. I feel like we know each other a little better after spending time talking in his living room and I want to trust their goddess and just give in to him right away like most mates do but I still have so many worries. I've heard horror stories through the grape vine of great mates who turned sour after several months. They put on this facade of being an amazing mate but behind closed doors. Then of course Paul is always in the back of my mind. I have a bad feeling things aren't over with him even though I'm far from his pack. I grab my phone from the nightstand.

Me: I made it safely. The hospital is huge. Everyone in the pack seems nice so far........

I met my mate

Fran: thank the goddess your finally there. Now you can relax for a while. Paul won't stop asking if I know where you went ugh. They better be nice or I'll come there and wolf out on them all. WAIT WHAT... call me right now!!!

"A mate," she says right away after picking up in three seconds.

"Yeah, he claimed me as his mate," I whisper.

"Well so did Paul," she counters.

"This is different Fran... I feel it too, well kind of. I'm pretty sure what I'm feeing is my half of the bond but he is extremely hot so it could just be my lady parts making me feel things for him."

"Does your skin tingle when you touch?"

"Yes. Just being near him calms me and when he dropped me off I was anxious about being away from him. All the classic signs."

"But..."

"I'm scared," I reply honestly in a hushed tone. "Paul was so possessive and aggressive at times what if he turns out to be just like him but he's playing the perfect mate for now."

"Awww sweetie although your worry is completely valid not all wolf's are like Paul. He is a rare breed. I've heard of Alpha wolves being super overprotective of their mates but we all know you weren't truly his mate and he went next level with his possessiveness of you. If he is your mate, which since you are feeling signs of the bond I think this guy isn't lying, you should trust your instincts. I know you didn't listen to your gut with Paul but maybe that was the goddesses plan all along. How else would you have ended up where you are... you may have never left and met him if not for Paul."

"I thought the same thing. A part of me wants to just give in to him but I feel like I should be cautious. What if Paul finds out about Warren and comes here to hurt him? He could challenge him and Warren is just a doctor not a trained Gamma like Paul."

"If he is really your mate he will fight and win for you. Don't worry about Paul. He's ruined the past three years of your life... live a little. Enjoy your mate and prepare him..."

"Prepare him for what?"

"Meeting your best friend of course. You didn't think you'd find your mate and I'd stay away did you?"

"Just be careful please I don't want Paul to know where I am yet."

"I will, promise. Give me a week. I can't wait to see you bestie. I've missed you so much. Texting and calling isn't the same as the real thing. I love you."

"I love you too. I'm going to try and get some sleep my first shift at the hospital is tomorrow morning. Good night Frances."

"Ugh you know I hate when you call me that," she says groaning even though she knows I'm just being playful with her.

We end the call and I plug my phone in before snuggling under the blankets again. My mind drifts to Warren wondering how he sleeps and if his wolf is even letting him get any with me not being there. As slumber takes me Paul slips in, a memory turned into a nightmare.

~Dream~

We had just returned to his room after leaving the dining area. A few other packs were visiting to congratulate our Alpha who had recently taken over. He was still mateless so many packs brought their high ranking she wolfs to see if they may be his mate as well. My step dad introduced me to an old member of the pack, Sheila, who moved away once she met her mate and her son Joshua. He was a year younger than me and we hit it off right away. Paul was busy playing the dutiful Gamma so I didn't see the harm in Joshua keeping me company since I found things like that so boring. It wasn't until Paul came over seething, gripping my arm tightly, and tearing me away from the party I realized I did anything wrong.

He pulled me into his bedroom, slammed the door shut, and slammed me back harshly against the wall right next to it. His hands one on each side of my head and body pressed against mine caging me in so I couldn't get away. The scowl on his face told me he was beyond angry although I couldn't understand why. We were standing several feet apart and only talking. His eyes bore into mine as they flashed back and forth from black to brown. He was fighting his wolf for control. I know he claims I'm his mate and his wolf wants to mark me but I've asked him to wait over and over.

"Why do you always do this," he asks in a low serious tone.

"I don't know what I did wrong Paul. You were busy and dad introduced us. All we were doing is..."

"I saw the way he was looking at you," he growls out pulling his right hand back and slamming it back against the wall right next to my face making me flinch. "You are my mate."

"Are you sure," I whisper knowing that no matter how many times I ask that question his answer never changes.

"Helen," he says in a monotone voice, not lovingly the way my stepdad says my mothers name. "You... are... MINE. I've been patient with you. I've fought my wolf daily from marking and mating you because your not ready but I won't wait much longer," he continues his words laced with anger and aggression. "Now be a good mate and go to bed. I'll be back later," he states before leaving the room and locking me in.

I slide down to the floor, bring my knees up to my chest, and run my hands through my hair before settling my head against my knees. It's been two years and he seems to be getting worse. My step father always taught me how precious the mate bond in and that it should be respected, trusted. I'm trying but it's getting harder. I've kept everything to myself for so long and I start to think it times to talk to someone, if not my mother, at least Fran about Paul's behavior. She's a wolf she can give me more insight to how it should be from her point of view. Mom and I are humans so how would we know if this is normal or not.

~~

I wake up crying and look at my phone which reads 2:08 AM. I bring my arms inside Warrens shirt and legs up to my stomach. Curling up into a ball relieves the tension in my body from that dream slightly and a part of me wishes I was a wolf so I could link my mate. He is comforting and I could use that right now but I also wouldn't really want to bother him. I bring his shirt up over my nose and inhale his masculine scent making my body relax more and more with each deep breathe. Thankfully soon I fall into a much more blissful sleep where a large grey wolf with piercing blue eyes makes it way into my room and sleeps down beside my bed and I have to wonder if it's Warrens wolf reaching out to me somehow. Their eyes almost similar in both forms.

I'm awoken by my alarm in the morning and a knock on the door not a second later. I groggily open the door, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, to see the very man I spent the latter of my night thinking about wishing he was with me. He holds coffee cup in his right hand and a vase with some red peonies in the left. He has a smile on his face but his eyes hold something different, worry?!

"Good morning, is everything ok?"

"Yes. I just... I know you had a pretty intense dream last night. I figured coffee would help if you were tired and I wanted to brighten your day with some flowers," he says handing me both then finally looking down and seeing me in only my T-shirt. "Can you... put on some shorts or something please... it's hard to resist you in just my shirt love."

"Come in," I suggest opening the door further and he looks at me hesitatingly. "Let me shower real quick and get dressed so we can go down to breakfast."

"I can just meet you down there."

"Warren please come in," I say with a pleading look. "I would feel more comfortable going down together," I explain.