Beck (Winter - Shifter Seasons Book 2) Read online

  “She is damn smooth,” Shawn said under his breath.

  “She certainly is,” Beck said in admiration for his soon-to-be sister-in-law. “I had no idea.”

  “I am starting to see why she was such a highflier in her old job.” Shawn nodded. “Hex doesn’t stand a chance.”

  Beck’s mouth curled up at one corner. “I don’t think he cares. As long as Martha is in his life and she’s happy, he’s happy.”

  “I envy you,” Shawn said wistfully. “What I wouldn’t give to find my mate.” His eyes darkened and his face was etched with a deep sadness. A sadness Beck could relate to.

  “One day it’ll happen for you,” Beck replied, not because he truly believed it but because he wanted to give comfort to Shawn. “Fate moves in mysterious ways.”

  “It sure does.” He looked toward Martha and Kassia, who was on her phone talking to her aunt. “I should go. I have a couple of calls I have to make before I go to the hospital.”

  “Go, and thanks for your help.” Beck held out his hand to the doctor. “It’s good to meet you.”

  “And you.” Shawn looked up at Beck. “You picked a perfect time to come back.”

  “What do you mean?” Beck asked.

  “Well, if you think about it, you came back in the middle of a snowstorm, which knocked down this tree, and caused Betsy to sprain her ankle.” He inclined his head toward Kassia. “If the tree hadn’t fallen down and Betsy hadn’t sprained her ankle, neither of you two would be here right now.”

  Beck nodded. “Fate.”

  “Fate.” He slapped Beck on the arm. “Don’t blow it.”

  “I’ll try not to.” Beck gave the doctor a wry smile. “Although, if past experience is any indicator, I just might.” He was good at causing relationships to stall or even explode.

  “No, you won’t.” Shawn pointed to him. “Doctor’s orders.”

  With that, the doctor turned away from Beck, said goodbye to Kassia and Martha, and left the scene of the fallen tree. Beck stood alone. Waiting for Kassia to make a decision on their relationship, even though she had no idea what was at stake.

  “I guess you’re coming to dinner,” Kassia said as she and Martha joined him. “My aunt wants to grill you for gossip, while I fry some steaks.”

  A wave of longing hit Beck. Kassia was adorable. “Steaks sound great. But I’ve been away from town, so I don’t know any gossip.” His lips twitched as he added, “But don’t tell your aunt I said that. I don’t want her to change her mind about me coming to dinner.”

  Kassia smiled. “I’m sure you’ll think of something. Aunt Betsy just wants to talk to someone other than me.”

  “I’d love to meet your aunt; she sounds kind of fun. I could come over and sit with her one evening if you two want to go out,” Martha offered as she suddenly looked at the time. “Goodness, I was supposed to meet Beck’s mom five minutes ago. She was popping into the home store. I think she’s trying to pick out a wedding gift for us and she wants it to be a surprise.”

  “Your parents must be so happy for you.” Kassia’s mouth turned down at the corners before she forced a smile on her face.

  “It’s just my mom. My dad passed away…” Martha’s voice wavered. “My mom can’t wait to see me married, she knows how happy I am.”

  “How long have you and your fiancé been together?” Kassia asked, perhaps she didn’t want Martha to leave her alone with Beck.

  “Only…” Martha smiled but her cheeks colored in embarrassment. “We’ve only known each other a week or so. We met just before the snowstorm.”

  Kassia’s mouth fell open. “And you are getting married?”

  “Yes, like I said, people around here, they kind of know when they’ve met their ideal mate.” Martha fiddled with the strap of her purse. “I knew that Hex was the man for me in the same way Beck knows that you are the woman for him.” She touched Kassia’s hand lightly. “Give it a chance.”

  Kassia watched Martha walk away before she turned her attention on Beck. Raising an eyebrow, she said, “Everyone thinks I should give this a chance. Although I have no idea what exactly this is.”

  He looked into her hazel eyes and saw the uncertainty there. “I promise, I won’t hurt you. In any way.”

  She gave a short laugh and placed her right hand over her left, her fingers resting on her ring finger. “I’m not the kind of person who openly believes what they are told. Not by men. Not anymore.”

  “Someone hurt you.” Beck ground his teeth together as he looked at his mate. He wanted to grab hold of the person who had given his mate a reason not to trust other people and wring their neck.

  Or rip out their throat, his bear ventured.

  “They did.” She nodded. “And betrayed me.” Her voice faltered and a tear rolled down her cheek before she wiped it away. “Please, if this is some kind of a game, move on and find someone else to play it with.”

  He reached out for her hand and as his fingers closed around hers, the shock of recognition hit them both. Kassia took a step back, her eyes locked on his. Eyes filled with so many questions. Questions he could not answer here.

  “Tonight. We can talk tonight.” Before Kassia had a chance to change her mind, Beck let go of her hand and went back to work, leaving her staring after him for a long, lingering moment.

  “Everything okay?” Joey asked over the sound of the chainsaw.

  “I hope so,” Beck answered. But he couldn’t be sure. There was so much doubt, so much insecurity in Kassia’s eyes that he could not be sure of anything. Other than the knowledge she was his mate and she owned his heart.

  Chapter Four – Kassia

  Kassia shook off the sense of connection she’d experienced when Beck touched her hand. She didn’t live in a make-believe world where people fell in love at first sight, where one touch made a connection that would stay strong forever.

  She lived in a world where people used other people. Kassia couldn’t let her guard down just like that. Not again. She’d learned from her mistakes and certainly didn’t want to repeat them.

  Shaking her head, she looked around, her gaze resting on Brad, who was still overseeing the cutting up of the tree. Straightening her back, she inhaled deeply, composed herself and walked across the street to the sheriff.

  “Morning,” Kassia said brightly as she took the box filled with brownies from under her arm and held it out to him. “These are to say thanks for coming to my rescue last night.”

  “You’re welcome,” Brad answered. “I couldn’t have left you out there alone.” He grinned. “I might have ended up having to babysit your aunt instead.”

  “Ah, so that’s why you came and got me. You were worried you might have to babysit her instead of me. Although, that might not be a bad idea. You might have more luck at keeping her in her bed. A man of authority and all that.” Kassia grinned. “She’s headstrong, that’s for sure.”

  “She is an asset to the town.” Brad nodded in the direction of the diner. “She takes pride in her food and her business. We all like her. Although, she does like to gossip.”

  “She does.” Kassia’s eyes were drawn toward Beck. “Which is why she’s agreed to Beck coming over for dinner this evening. She wants to grill him for any news she might have missed while stuck inside. Do you know Beck well?” She was openly fishing for information on the man who made her heart beat three times faster than normal and her insides turn to liquid fire.

  “He and his brothers have lived over at the sawmill for a few years now. Mac, the eldest, bought the place so they could all stay together when their dad died. His mom was, understandably, a bit of a mess. The brothers all work hard and are also an asset to the town.” Brad glanced sideways at Kassia. “He’s a good, honest man, if that’s what you want to hear.”

  “I suppose it is.” She blushed a little, the heat creeping across her cheeks as she caught herself openly staring at Beck. “So, these are for you.” She held the brownies out to him.

  “Thank
s. But you didn’t have to.” He looked a little awkward.

  “I wanted to. I would have been in trouble if you hadn’t come and gotten me. So I wanted to do something to say thanks. And nothing says thank you like a fresh brownie.” She smiled at the sheriff who licked his lips as she held the brownies up to him. They sure did smell great.

  Brad licked his lips. “I shouldn’t eat them out here while I’m on duty and I have nowhere to put the container. Could you take them to the sheriff’s office right over there?” Brad pointed across the street. “Avery is on duty, she’ll take them from you. Tell her she’s welcome to help herself since I had to call her in on her day off.”

  “Sure.” Kassia nodded at the sheriff. “Thanks again.”

  “You’re welcome.” Brad watched her as she walked away before he stepped forward and began helping Beck lift the cut pieces of timber into the back of the truck.

  Kassia didn’t turn around, she didn’t dare turn to look at Beck, because if she did, she might not be able to tear her gaze away from him again. Instead, she focused on the sheriff’s office up ahead.

  “Hi there, how can I help you?” A woman dressed in uniform asked from behind the counter as Kassia entered the building.

  “Hi, are you Avery?” Kassia asked as she placed the tub of brownies down on the counter.

  “That would be me.” She smiled as she pushed a long strand of hair behind her ear. “What can I do for you?” Avery studied Kassia closely as if trying to put a name to her face.

  “I’m Kassia.” She thrust her hand forward. “I am here to look after Betsy.” Kassia paused. “Betsy from the diner.” She gave a short laugh. “I expect everyone to know who I mean.”

  “Everyone does know who you mean,” Avery answered as she shook Kassia’s hand. “We all frequent the diner.” She tapped her stomach. “Some of us more times than we should.”

  The wail of a small child came from behind the counter and Avery ducked down and scooped up a little girl into her arms. “Say hello to Kassia.” She waved at Kassia and the little girl did the same.

  “Hi there. Aren’t you a cutie?” Kassia waved at the girl.

  “I’m not supposed to be here today, and I have no childcare. My usual sitter is stuck in the city until the snow clears.” Avery kissed her daughter on the cheek. “So, we are having a take your daughter to work day, aren’t we, Dahlia?”

  “I could look after her for you,” Kassia offered. “It’s my job.” Her expression faltered. “At least it used to be my job.” She looked down at the floor. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have offered.”

  “No, it’s fine, and I’m so tempted to take you up on the offer, but I’m only here for another hour.” Avery glanced longingly up at the clock on the wall.

  “Ahh, that’s okay then. This little lady will keep all the bad guys in line.” Kassia reached out for Dahlia’s hand. The little girl giggled as she gripped Kassia’s finger. “You are adorable.”

  “She certainly is. She has a knack for wrapping her daddy around her little finger, don’t you, honey?” Avery kissed Dahlia’s cheek and the little girl laughed. “But then so does Mommy.”

  Kassia chuckled as she watched Avery and her daughter interacting. “It sounds like you have the perfect family.”

  “I’m lucky. I know it.” She gave a wistful smile before she focused on Kassia. “How is Betsy?”

  “She’s good.” Kassia remembered the reason she was there. “Oh, I made these for Brad. To say thank you for coming to my rescue last night. The bus couldn’t make it to Bear Creek and so Brad came and picked me up.”

  “That’s our sheriff, he does what he can to help.” Avery inhaled deeply as she cracked open the container. “Mmm, brownies.”

  “Brad said you could help yourself to them since you were working on your day off.” Kassia put her hand on the container and slid it toward Avery. “Enjoy.”

  “I will.” Avery looked at Dahlia. “Or should I say, we will.”

  “I hope to see you both again while I’m in town.” Kassia waved to Avery and Dahlia before she left the sheriff’s office and made her way back along the street.

  Disappointment filled her as she reached the place where the fallen tree had been blocking the street, it was gone, and so was Beck. Her disappointment surprised her. She didn’t particularly want him to come to dinner since she didn’t particularly want him to be part of her life.

  Liar, the voice in her head said accusingly.

  But she wasn’t lying to herself. She didn’t need a man and she certainly wasn’t sold on this love at first sight vibe that most people in Bear Creek seemed to share.

  Stopping at the grocery store, she bought a bottle of wine to go with their dinner. Even though Betsy wasn’t allowed to drink alcohol while she was on her painkillers for her sprained ankle.

  Kassia told herself she was just being neighborly, even though that same small voice that had called her a liar knew differently. It knew she wanted to make a good impression on Beck. It mattered to her that he liked her.

  She ran her hand over her skin where he’d brushed against her fingers. It was as if he’d seared her skin with his touch, leaving an indelible mark that no amount of scrubbing could erase. He’d branded her as his.

  “Is that you, Kassia?” Betsy called down the stairs as soon as she walked through the door.

  “Yes, sorry it took so long. Shall I make us some tea?” Kassia was trying to cut down on the amount of coffee Betsy had since it made her stir-crazy. Some nice chamomile tea would be much better.

  “Oh, I suppose,” Betsy replied. “Although, I’d prefer coffee.”

  “I’ll put the kettle on.” Kassia went to the kitchen and unpacked the groceries she’d bought while the kettle boiled. As soon as she’d made the tea, Kassia took the two cups upstairs.

  “So, Beck?” Betsy asked. “You invited him to dinner?” She raised an inquiring eyebrow at her niece, wanting all the details. At least this tidbit of gossip might distract Betsy enough that she wouldn’t complain about having tea instead of coffee.

  “He asked me out for dinner, and I said I had to look after you.” Kassia set the cups down on Betsy’s nightstand before she settled herself down in the chair beside the bed. “I wasn’t sure about inviting a stranger into the house.”

  “Even one as handsome as Beck Winter?” Betsy asked, her gaze focused on her niece.

  “Looks aren’t everything,” Kassia replied. “And after the trouble I had…before…”

  “Oh.” Betsy reached out for her niece’s hand. “I wasn’t thinking.”

  “It’s okay.” Kassia put a bright smile on her face, even though she didn’t feel happy. It was a defense mechanism she’d used often enough to make other people think she was okay and coping with what happened. “It’s in the past.”

  Betsy’s usually happy exterior faltered for a moment. “The past doesn’t just disappear though, does it? Hurt and pain are still there. We just paper over it and hope no one notices the dark hole inside our souls.”

  A tear rolled down Kassia’s cheek. “That sounds like the voice of experience.”

  Betsy pressed her lips together as she nodded then she shrugged. “Or maybe it’s the pain meds talking.”

  “Maybe when you are feeling better, we should have a good talk about it all.” Kassia had pushed her experience down out of sight. After everything that had happened, all the police interviews and then a court case that had seen her ex-fiancé put in jail, she’d decided she’d talked about it all enough.

  However, she’d never talked about her feelings or explored the consequences of what happened. Instead, she’d gone over the details, the cold hard facts, again and again. The same story to different faces. Police officers, detectives, lawyers, and then a judge and jury.

  “So, Beck.” Betsy smiled gently. “I’m happy for you. He always seemed like a good man. Although, I have no idea why he left.” She looked up as if trying to pluck a memory out of the air. “No, no one said. All I kn
ow is he worked at the sawmill for years and then went off backpacking or something.”

  “Maybe it was something he felt he had to do,” Kassia suggested. “Like a bucket list.”

  “Oh, I used to have one of those,” Betsy said.

  “Used to?” Kassia asked. “Does that mean you did everything on your bucket list?”

  “No, I failed miserably at completing anything on it. I lost my enthusiasm. I don’t really have anyone to share those kinds of things with. I never met a man and I never had a close group of girlfriends. I just had your mom.” Betsy clasped her hands around her teacup. “I’m a sad, lonely old woman.”

  “Oh, no, you’re not!” Kassia went to Betsy and sat down on the edge of the bed. Placing her own teacup on the nightstand, she leaned forward and gave her a hug.

  “I should be a warning to you,” Betsy said as she hugged her niece tightly. “If Beck is the man for you, don’t push him away because of what happened. Travis was an asshole.”

  “Aunt!” Kassia said in mock surprise.

  “Oh, don’t worry, I’ve called him much worse than that after what he did to you,” Betsy told Kassia firmly. “I wish I could have been there for you. You had to face it all alone.”

  “You had a business to run.” Kassia sat back and looked at her aunt’s tear-stained face. “We’re quite a pair, aren’t we?”

  “I miss your mom.” Betsy erupted into a flood of tears. All Kassia could do was hug her and hold her as she cried along with her. She had no breath to say she missed her mom, too. That she’d wished she was there by Kassia’s side through it all and yet she was glad she wasn’t there to see it all and know what a fool her daughter had been.

  Her mixed-up feelings cut her to the bone. She needed time to work through them. But would that happen if she fell in love with the handsome Beck, whose eyes promised her a future, a future with marriage and children and all the things she’d once wanted until Travis destroyed her trust in men?