Chapter 2: I’ll save you a seat!
Kane stood back and watched the interaction between Johnny and the artist, she seemed quite comfortable around him. The more she spoke to him, the more she genuinely smiled and laughed. Her blue eyes had a spark to them, but something wasn’t quite right, it’s like the colour did not belong to her. Her laughter was melodious and sounded like music. He couldn’t deny that it caused something to stir in him, he liked the sound she produced. Ky began to get restless a bit. He watched as she showed him the piece she created for Lacey, his mate. When he saw the look of pure happiness on his friend’s face, he knew the artist Dax had captured whatever it was he wanted. They conversed a bit more about the piece and Johnny gushed more about how beautiful the piece was and how much he was sure his mate would love it. A twinge of jealousy rippled through him, he wanted that. He wanted to light up at the thought of his mate. He wanted to gush about her, have things created for her. Have this artist work her magic and create everything he thought his mate was to him into a beautiful piece that he could present to her.
He remembers her art show, her work is good, there is feeling and beauty in it. There is thought and design and passion. You can feel what she was thinking with every piece you looked at, it stirred an emotion, which is maybe why he impulsively bought three pieces. And then it hit him lilac and cherry blossom, like a sledgehammer to the gut it was strong. That scent, that beautiful intoxicating scent, filled him, danced around him, entrancing him, it engulfed him every fibre of his body was set on edge. He greedily breathed it in deep breath after deep breath. MATE! Ky howled in his head. He looked around seeing if he could pinpoint where it was coming from, but no one else was here. The artist, his eyes fixed on the artist, watching her every move, listening to every musical word she spoke, it was her. That entrancing smell was coming from her.
She was nothing like what he imagined, he imagined a taller, softer personality. He could not deny her beauty. Not even he could imagine that, this little woman was the most beautiful creature he has ever laid his eyes upon. Her elvish face with soft features, high cheekbones, flowing to a button nose, large round eyes, though they were smiling he could tell they kept dark secrets, when Johnny wasn’t making her laugh something he couldn’t understand would flash through them. Her hair was tucked under a cap but a few stray strands of snow white hair managed to escape. Her jaw was soft and angular he followed it to her full heart shaped mouth, to her neck, he could not see her body type, her baggy clothes covered it, but judging by how loose they hung on her she was petite.
Nope, not what he pictured at all…..she was better, a pocket sized mate made just for him. He wanted to touch her, run his hands through her hair, claim her as his but Johnny’s words rang in his ears “these are humans, might cause problems.” He fought Ky to maintain control and keep his feet rooted to the ground. What is wrong with you? She is ours and I want her! RIGHT. NOW! Ky howled at him. We will scare her if I let you go, CALM. DOWN!! He mentally bellowed.
Johnny speaking brought him out of his thoughts and staring at her.
“It’s perfect Dax, she will love it” Johnny was saying again.
“Glad to hear it, if you sign here I’ll finish packaging it up and you can get outta here” Dax handed the clipboard to Johnny and he signed his name approving the piece.
“Dax this is my extra muscle you told me to bring” Johnny said introducing her. Finally acknowledging his presence for the first time since their arrival a small gasp escaped her mouth. Holy fuck, he’s tall! A look of surprise danced across her face, but she quickly recovered. Glancing from Johnny to this other mountain of a man, he was clearly taller and broader and a year younger. She knew Johnny was 25 so that made this mountain 24? His tight fitting shirt outlining and defining every muscle in his upper body, she wasn’t blind, and she might have ogled a little bit, but then again it was his fault he had everything on display. She extended her arm to shake his hand and he just stared at it. After a few seconds she dropped her hand and disappointment flashed in her eyes and quickly vanished. Someone’s fucking full of themselves! She thought.
“Just the two of you?” She questioned half smirking.
“We’re stronger than we look” Johnny defended half laughing, staring at Kane trying to figure out why he wouldn’t shake her hand.
“Dude, what the fuck?” Johnny was in his head
“She’s my mate”
“Wow! what a way to make an impression, but hey, at least she’ll remember you”
“I...I...froze”
“Well unfreeze and say something to her”
“Fuck!”
Dax started placing the final panels on the crate for Johnny; it wouldn’t take long, a couple of minutes.
“You have some cool pieces here, mind if I take a look around″ Johnny interrupted her.
“No, help yourselves.” Not bothering to look up from her task she simply waved her hand. When he started to walk off she glanced over her shoulder and noticed the unfriendly giant wasn’t following him, his eyes were fixed on her and he looked hungry, really hungry. A weird feeling started to grow inside her she couldn’t place it, she followed after Johnny, glancing over her shoulder
“He uh….he doesn’t look very friendly” she stated when she caught up to him
“Who….Kane?” Johnny questioned looking at her.
“Kane?” Her eyes widened glancing back over her shoulder, “Like Kane as in a walking stick or Kane who bashed his brother Abel’s head in with a rock Kane?”
“The later Kane, I guess” Johnny replied with a shrug and a smile.
“The fuck….he’s not gonna eat me is he, he looks hungry”
“He probably is hungry,” Johnny replied, trying really hard to contain himself.
“Let me guess you promised to feed him and forgot? There’s a diner down the block”
″You’ll be fine, he won’t do anything, at least I think he won’t” Johnny furrowed his brow, but the laughter never left his eyes.
“It’s not funny! If you come back and I’m missing an arm I’m charging you double” she hissed.
“Ya sure” Johnny started looking around the warehouse some more
“Triple” she called after him.
“Ok” he called back, leaving her standing there.
“Fuck!” Dax let out a sigh and slowly made her way back to where the mountain known as Kane stood.
Still standing where he was left, his arms crossed and his eyebrows raised, a small smile tugged at his lips. He quite enjoyed hearing their conversation, he was rather impressed that she paired his name to Cain from the bible. Not the Kane he was named after. No, the Kane he was named after was a fierce and powerful warrior, he ruled his pack with an iron fist and anyone who dared cross him, dared to take from him, felt the wrath of just how mighty that fist was. The Kane he was named after stood for honour and his pack, protected what was his. His bloodthirsty vengeance and savagery upon his enemies was swift and brutal and he lived up to every bit of the name and then some. Kane McKenna stood there as the thing of legends. The Alpha all Alphas looked up to. The Alpha all Alphas aspired to, and the Alpha all others feared the most. With a flick of his wrist he could wipe a pack from existence and feel no remorse for doing it.
His warriors were the strongest, well trained and most organized. Kane demanded it so, he demanded perfection, he demanded that his warriors all be steps ahead of the enemy to know their moves and weaknesses in advance and use them against them. It confused him though, he was the Alpha of the most notoriously revered pack The Blood Howlers in the werewolf community, and he froze. His warriors were second to none and he froze, he was the stuff of nightmares, pups were told stories about him to make them behave and the second he laid eyes on her he froze. He couldn’t talk to her, couldn’t touch her, he just stared at her, and now she’s asking if he’ll eat her cause he looks hungry. He was hungry, he missed breakfast, because Johnny had to pick up his artwork and needed another set of hands to carry it. Though Johnny did promise him food later, the problem was that is not what he is hungry for now, he’s hungry for her.
She rounded the corner and she hesitated when she saw him. She could take care of herself for the most part, and has been doing it her whole life. But that’s against normal size people, not against men that look like mountains. Muscular, well built, tall mountains. With jet black hair she would love to run her fingers through and smokey grey eyes that could pierce to the very heart of her, sun kissed bronze skin…...what the fuck is wrong with me! She silently scolded herself. Don’t be stupid, he could eat you in one bite and ask for seconds! Her subconscious chided her. She moved slowly towards the crate, her eyes fixed on him, making sure he wasn’t going to make any sudden moves. What the hell are you gonna do if he does? He cocked his head to one side and raised his eyebrow.
“Everything’s all right?’ He asked, his voice deep and smooth like butter. If velvet was a sound it would be his voice, that should be a crime, tall beautiful mountain men should not get to have panty dropping voices…..shut up!
“Uh….yeah!....Everything is good?” She replied, though it sounded more like a question than an answer. Amusement danced across his face. Seems he wasn’t the only one that didn’t know how to act, this showed promise, maybe he hasn’t made a total ass of himself. No, you did! Fuck you hairball!
She could feel his eyes on her, making her nervous. Stealing small glances over her shoulder to make sure he was still standing where he was. She tried to work quicker so she could make them leave. Why is he just staring at me? It’s...freaking me out. Maybe he eats little girls for breakfast! Her subconscious offered. Not helping! Maybe it’s cause you’re short! Most likely! Maybe he thinks you’re pretty! Probably not! She continued to fit the final wall on the crate and proceeded to place the lid on. Securing everything in place with latches, to make it easier to remove the piece. She always hated it when sellers made it impossible to remove items from the packaging, you ran the risk of ruining whatever it was you purchased. Take the extra step and make it easier and more accessible and customers will come back. Say something! Ky barked at him.
“Why are you doing that?” He broke the silence
“Doing what?” His voice startled her, and she snapped her head in his direction. For the second time something inside her flittered. His eyes were mesmerizing and she fought with herself to look away.
“Using latches and hinges?” He gestured to the crate,
“Makes it easier to remove the piece. Instead of having to lift it over the crate, you’ll just be able to slide it out” she explained, he just nodded his head. The pieces he purchased from the art show he remembered how one almost dropped; they had a hard time lifting it out of the crate it came in. The pieces might have been hers but clearly she didn’t package them, there was as much care and thought into the way she packed her items as she put into creating them. She took the extra steps.
Say something else! Before he could open his mouth her phone went off. She pulled it out of her pocket and looked at the caller ID. He saw her body tense, and she was debating answering the call.
“Fuck!” She whispered quietly, with a sigh she answered.
“Custom Creations this is Dax” She says that alot! Ky laughed. My mate, the potty mouth! Kane bit back a laugh as Ky howled louder in his head.
“Mrs. Morganson, how are you?” Her voice was tight, but she was being polite.
“Good to hear, is there something you need? I am with a customer right now” her stance was rigid and he could see her shoulders tightening up the more she spoke to the person on the other end of the phone. She rubbed the back of her neck and chewed her bottom lip.
“No, I am-“ whoever it was cut her off, causing her to clench her fist
“No, I-“ cut her off again, she took a deep breath trying to stay calm but her small fist stayed clenched. Her face started to darken with the anger she was beginning to feel.
“No-“ she was getting mad now, he could feel it coming off of her.
“Mrs. Morganson, I am very busy right now and I’m very sorry but I have plans tonight” That’s a lie! Ky snickered. Now why would she lie about having plans?
“It was nice talking to you as well” she said politely into the phone, “You fucking insufferable woman!” She growled under her breath after she disconnected the call.
Kane bit back a grin, he wasn’t supposed to hear that. She picked up the drill and turned her focus back to the crate, but the scowl on her face told Kane she was having quite the conversation in her head. He took a minute to study her some more, she was a tiny little thing, but Johnny was right she was a firecracker and her anger has a short fuse.
“What is it?” He again startled her with his question, she was lost in thought, focusing on the task at hand.
“What?” She glanced at him, he was smirking at her.
“Your art piece, what is it?” He asked again, motioning towards the almost sealed crate. She looked at it and then back at him, she was securing the last corner when she replied,
“A solar device”
“A what?”
“A. Solar. Device” she enunciated her words, placing down her drill and looking at him, she could have explained it to him, she probably should have but she didn’t feel like it and he wouldn’t stop staring at her.
“Oh, that tells me everything” he sarcastically drawled,
“Good, glad that clears it up for you” she fired back, picking up the clipboard to finish the paperwork. He continued to stare at her, her aggressive attitude, was rather refreshing and truthfully turned him on a little. Most girls threw themselves at him without saying anything. Just giggly little girls turning into puddles of willingness at his feet blindly agreeing to do anything and everything he said. But she was different, she didn’t look at him with immediate lust or want. She didn’t speak to him with attraction in her voice. No she was combative, sarcastic, and maybe a touch guarded.
“If you keep staring at me I am going to start charging you” her words pulled him from his thoughts. Though she kept her head down she could feel his eyes on her. Unsure of what he was looking for, but whatever it was she was certain he wasn’t going to find it in her.
“I’m sorry, what was that?” He asked, his face showing disbelief, he wasn’t sure he heard her correctly.
“What the airs to thin that high up, sound cant travel and you have problems hearing, I said if you keep staring at me I am going to start charging.” She snapped at him. His eyes widened, shock washed over his face, anger flashed through his eyes but quickly disappeared, what a sharp little tongue she had.
“No I hear quite well little mouse, but your squeaks make it difficult to understand you, and you might want to mind that sharp little tongue of yours, it could lead you to a world of trouble” he shot back with a smug grin on his face, her face went red and her cute tiny fists clenched at her sides. Not exactly how he wanted to converse with her, but it was conversing nonetheless.
“Thank you for your unsolicited advice, but dealing with the troubles this world has thrown at me has caused this sharp little tongue and if the world doesn’t like it, then it can fuck off.” She all but growled at him. Anger now is very evident in her eyes. Her body was rigid and she squared her shoulders and stood as tall as her tiny self could. His tiny little ball of fire was absolutely adorable, trying to be intimidating. His eyes darkened as she stood there challenging him, he too stood to his full height and his muscles rippled across his chest, his chiselled jaw set and clenched, he would show her intimidating, but to his surprise she did not back down but only grew more angry and hostile.
“Your lack of professionalism is astonishing” he quipped, amusement gleaming in his eyes, he was enjoying this.
“Oh is that so!” Her eyes widened at this statement.
“Yes!” Adding a nod for emphasis. Dax breathed deep a few times, her face growing redder.
“I can assure you, when it comes to my customers, I am quite professional, however you sir are not my customer and I don’t owe you that courtesy. So my lack of professionalism towards you sounds like a you problem, not a me problem, but if you need help coming up with a solution to your problem, I have one that works for both of us, fuck off.” Her response shocked him. His mouth dropped open, but he quickly closed it. He started to move towards her and still she didn’t back down, she stood her ground glaring daggers at him. If looks could kill he’d be six feet under, but he was starting to lose his patience with her now.
He stood toe to toe with her, only then did she start to feel intimidated and a wave of fear ripped through her as a shiver went down her spine, but also something else she felt a spark ignite. Fuck me, you’re gonna die! Stupid, stupid girl. What were you thinking? She stood staring at the muscular wall of his chest, and couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to touch it. The fuck? Don’t look at me I didn’t put that thought there! Forced to back up to look up at him, her eyes panned his length. Shit, he is tall! Maybe I should kick his knees to bring him down to my height. That would be dumb! One swat and he would flatten you like a pancake! Her subconscious was not helping nor saving her.
“As adorable as you are little mouse when you’re angry, I grow tired of your insolent behaviour” he sniped his brow furrowing as he looked down on her. Aw! He thinks you’re adorable! Her subconscious gushed. Not helping!
“Doors over there, you don’t like it then I recommend you leave” a new wave of anger shot through her and she narrowed her eyes, her breathing was hard and her heart was beating faster. She might be afraid of him, but she was angry and too stubborn to back down. Who does he think he is? Pompous asshole!
In the back of the warehouse Johnny could hear their conversation, trying to contain his laughter but hanging on every word. The things she dared to say to him were shocking, he wanted to leave to give them some privacy, witnessing what most women do when they see his Alpha, he figured things would go along the same lines. Alpha sees girl, girl sees Alpha, and girl is putty in Alpha’s hands. This has been what he has witnessed time and time again. This time should not have been different, this girl was his mate, she should have swooned. But after everything he has heard, his Alpha has quite the challenge on his hands. This will be highly entertaining for him. Although after hearing the conversation getting more and more heated he began to worry about the outcome. He knew Dax was a firecracker and Kane could be quick to react, but he didn’t think it would get physical...would it? He quickened his pace and started to make his way back towards the front of the warehouse.
Control out the window, Kane had reached his boiling point with her, both seething, both breathing heavily like they went ten rounds in the sack. The thought brought a wicked smile to his face and a glint to his eyes. If this is how she is on her feet, then she would be positively primal on her back.
“Leave, I can’t leave, I’m waiting on my...friend”
“Friends? You have friends? After spending five minutes with you I am shocked you have any. Your highly domineering personality must be a real crowd pleaser” she seethed,
“And what your hot headed temperament has an influence over people?” A low growl rippled from him with his last statement.
“Did you….just….growl at me? OH HELL NO! You pompous asshole, you know nothing about me and you don’t get to come into my place of business all high on your white horse and criticise me or my professionalism and then growl at me” she moved forward poking him in the chest as she spoke causing him to step backwards and away from her tiny stabs. He touched his chest where she had repeatedly poked him, it felt like tiny jolts of electricity coursing through his body like shock waves with each one, but this was getting out of hand how dare she do that to him.
“ENOUGH! You have no idea who you are talking to” he bellowed pointing in her face only to yank his hand back quickly when she smacked it.
“Oh, are you someone important?” Dax looked at him, feigning shock and intrigue “I don’t care! I don’t care who YOU think YOU are,” she snarled.
“Did you just smack me?” He was utterly shocked at her boldness, his eyes were wide as he looked at her.
“Keep your fingers out of my face” she snapped at him
“You poked me first”
“You poked me first” she mimicked him
“What are you five?”
“Same can be asked of you” his shock was gone and his anger returned. This must be a mistake the Moon Goddess would not pair him with such a belligerent little mate. They both glared at each other, anger circling all around them the air was thick with tension.
“JOHNNY!!” They both yelled in unison
“Um, everything ok?” Johnny asked with concern in his voice, if this were to come to blows he is not entirely sure who would come out on top. They both turned to look at him, neither daring to say a word. After a few deep breaths Dax recovered first she plastered a smile on her still red face, anger visibly evident in her eyes.
“It’s fine! You’re packed and ready to go” her voice tight and she smacked the top of the crate.
“Great! Thank you again Dax, it is a truly beautiful piece.” Johnny gushed once more over it, Kane just rolled his eyes.
“Let’s go,” he barked out. Dax shot him a murderous look
“Johnny, it really was an honour to work with you on this piece, thank you for having the confidence in me to accomplish what you asked and I truly hope your wife loves it,” the genuine sincerity in her voice made Kane soften as he looked at her. He felt ashamed of himself and guilty that he lost his temper with her, he lowered his eyes to the floor. Good job dumb dumb, now she hates us! Ky scolded him. She doesn’t necessarily hate us! Kane defended himself.
“You should say something to her.” Johnny was in his head as he was completing the financial transaction with Dax.
“Like what? I’m sorry you’re a hot head, date me!” He scoffed back
How about sorry I’m a jackass? Ky chimed in! You shut up!
“I will have the other pieces boxed up and ready tomorrow for pick up. Thanks Johnny” they shook hands and Johnny moved to grab his crate, after asking to use the dolly he was moving it towards the bay door. Kane stood there watching her. He pursed his lips. Fuck! She was glaring at him and for the second time that day her look could have killed him. He was about to say something to her when she spoke first
“Shouldn’t you be leaving now your “friend” is waiting” he narrowed his eyes at her. She hates us, you made her hate us! Ky was angry at him. She doesn’t hate us per say, she’s just not entirely excited about our existence!
“Look, I’m sor-“ she cut him off with a dismissive wave of her hand
“Save it, save yourself the embarrassment of whatever trivial fake apology you were going to say. You are an arrogant jackass and I hope you enjoy your trip back to hell.” Ok she might hate us! Told you. Now fix it! Ky snapped.
“I’ll save you a seat” he snarled and turned on his heel and stomped away. I said fix it not make it worse! Ky growled in his head.
“Don’t bother, one’s already waiting” She flipped him off and stomped in the opposite direction. Feel better? You be quiet! She snapped at her subconscious.
“Must be reserved especially for you” he called over his shoulder as he walked out of the warehouse.
Once the crate was loaded and both men were seated in the truck Johnny turned to him.
“Were you gonna kiss her or kill her?” He asked,
“Yes, no, I don’t know, maybe both” Kane rubbed his hand over his face, he had a headache. That infuriating little woman gave him a headache.
“I’m starving, let’s eat,” Johnny suggested. Kane just grunted, he wasn’t really hungry anymore, he was too lost in thought, thinking about the confrontation he just had with his supposed mate. He came to the conclusion the Moon Goddess made a mistake, there was no way in hell that little mouse with a personality of a live wire could ever be his mate.