The Wolf and the Bobcat: by E A Price Read Free Book Online Page B

Deanna.
    Her mom grunted her annoyance. “Lord, you are such a downer, pumpkin. You can see why I don’t tell you things, can’t you? Just because you’re unhappy, just because you can’t find a man, you can’t stand it when anyone else does!”
    Her bobcat grumbled vociferously, and Deanna was about to object in outrage, but her mom shushed her.
    “I suppose it was a bit much to expect you to be happy for me,” she murmured, in a martyred tone. “But I really called to let you know we’re coming to visit in a few days.”
    Deanna was about to argue, but her mom cut her off with that news. “You are?”
    “Mmm hmm, Gary’s dying to meet you all.”
    At least he knew they existed. That was something at least. “So, does that mean you’re moving back?”
    In spite of everything that had happened, in spite of her mom’s less than wonderful behavior in the past, the idea that her mom might actually come home, and settle down, and be the mom she always dreamed of still warmed her. Yep, she was 22 and all she really wanted was for her mommy to come home.
    Her mom hesitated. “Well, let's just see how the visit goes… I don’t know how Gary will get on with you all… Look, pumpkin, I gotta go. I’ll see you in a few days, okay? Love you.”
    “Yeah, I love you too.”
    Deanna clicked the phone shut. Worry and excitement bubbled inside her in equal measure. She was pleased that her mom was coming home, and hopeful that maybe this time it would be to stay, but she was fearful that this time, like every other time, would be no different.
    She quickened her step, keen to get home and talk to Dennis and Darcy. What she wouldn’t give for a six foot two, wolf-shaped distraction right about now.
    *
    Darcy slammed the oven shut as her mate groaned. “Babe, they’re delicious – they’re all delicious, okay?”
    Darcy had been baking up a storm since the day before. Dennis had been roped in to be her taste-tester. At first it was fun, but twenty cakes in and he was starting to struggle .
    His mate came home distraught the day before. She cried on his shoulder and told him about her encounter with Casey.
    Dennis couldn’t help but feel angry at the wolf shifter for having been with his mate before him, it sent his bobcat wild. He knew all about Darcy’s previous boyfriends, she told him everything, and he didn’t begrudge her a past before she met him, but a tiny part of him would always feel jealous and resentful of all those other men. It irked him to think of his goddess-like mate ever having been with those rough, brawny wolf shifters. They made him feel inadequate and not good enough for her, and he already felt that way anyway.
    Dennis consoled her, and told her she was wonderful and an excellent baker, and if Carly didn’t want her, then Carly would be the one losing out. Darcy was happy and reassured; her puma preened at how lovely their mate was. Bolstered by his support, she resolved to bake her ass off and outdo the obnoxious wolf.
    “I swear, babe, I’ve put on at least twenty pounds since yesterday.”
    Darcy looked at her mate and smiled. She doubted that very much . Dennis ate like a darn horse and still stayed slim and lithe, with taut, sinewy muscles... She felt a delicate twittering in her sex as she stared at her mate, dreamily. He was about her height, perfect height for kissing, and like her, he had golden blonde hair and blue eyes. Their kits, bobcats or pumas, were going to look like little angels!
    She walked over and planted a huge kiss on his mouth.
    His lips curled up. “What was that for?”
    She giggled. “For being perfect.” She knew he couldn’t be happy about her previous relationship with Casey, or any of the other men in Rose for that matter, but he didn’t judge her, and he didn’t try to make her feel bad or chastise her at all. He accepted her without question, and he supported her. To her, he really was perfect. And it didn’t hurt that he was totally hot.
    His