Patience Page 13

Chad shook his head. “No buts. Even if we don’t get a job for a while—hasn’t happened since I started working, by the way—I have a decent savings piled up. And a bit of money I inherited from my grandfather, though I haven’t used it yet. Really.”

  Jamie studied him for a long moment, then nodded. “Okay. If you’re sure.”

  “I am, baby. I can’t lie to you, remember?”

  “Right. You’re right. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize. You didn’t know.” He kissed Jamie’s temple.

  “Okay. How about some more coffee? This might take a bit.”

  Chad kissed the top of Jamie’s head. “Wouldn’t want to anger Bacchus, would we?”

  Jamie snorted and turned to the computer as Chad picked up the mug.

  “UTHER ISAACS,” Jamie said as the light turned green and they started moving again. He tugged his T-shirt off and set it aside. “It’s just a name so far, and I’m not entirely positive it’s related, but….”

  “But your gut tells you it is,” Chad said, nodding. He glanced over and grinned at the vision of his mate shirtless.

  Jamie kicked off his shoes. “Yeah, it does. I suspect something along the lines of a name to put other accounts under.”

  “That would make sense.” Chad took the turn to continue on Bigelow Boulevard, watching out of the corner of his eye as Jamie continued to strip. “So, your clothes get torn if you shift in them?”

  “Mostly. I mean, we’re the same overall size as a wolf as we are human, but if they get caught in our paws, we can shred them. And I’ve torn more than one pair of jeans because I didn’t get them off in time for the shift.”

  “That could get expensive,” Chad pointed out.

  Jamie laughed. “No doubt.” He shimmied out of his jeans, tugged his socks off, and tossed them onto his shoes. “So I was thinking I’d watch for lying, at least. Maybe wag my tail or something when they do.”

  “I like that,” Chad said, nodding. “If they seem really nervous, maybe you could… I don’t know….”

  “I could sit if I notice that. Um….” Jamie fell silent for a moment.

  Chad focused on driving, making the turns as he needed to. “Um… I’m going to pull into an alley for you to shift. Don’t need anyone getting an eyeful.”

  Jamie chuckled. “Good idea. Oh, uh, if you want me to rescue you, just tug on my leash gently or something.”

  Chad laughed. “All right.” He turned into what looked like a mostly secluded alley, stopped the car, and turned in his seat. “I love you,” he said, leaning in.

  Jamie grinned at that. “I love you too.”

  Chad kissed him—maybe a little longer than necessary—then sat back. He didn’t think he was going to ever get tired of watching his mate shift. It fascinated him to see the fur sprout, Jamie’s face change shape. He wondered—not for the first time—what it felt like.

  A few seconds after Jamie closed his eyes, Murray sat on the seat next to him.

  “Hello, Murray.”

  Jamie snorted at him, leaned over, and licked his face.

  “You’re lucky I love you,” Chad said, laughing.

  Jamie barked and settled back in his seat.

  Chad picked up the collar he’d bought that first day and put it around Jamie’s neck. “You know, this could be really kinky.”

  Jamie chuffed at him and licked his face again.

  Chad hugged him, burying his face for a moment in Jamie’s fur. “You know I love you just as much in this form, right?” Chad murmured. Jamie licked Chad again in answer and Chad felt the love Jamie was obviously projecting. He stroked Jamie’s fur a few times, then after scratching him behind the ear, Chad fastened Jamie’s seat belt and put the car back in gear. He drove for a little while, lost in thought. “I’m thinking I should probably still call you Murray, at least when you’re in this form, while we’re out.”

  Jamie tilted his head.

  “Yeah. Well, Reid knows you as Murray. Also, it’ll be known—at least eventually—that I have a partner named Jamie. It’d look really weird if anyone hears me call you Jamie, then mention my partner. Especially once they’ve met the human you.”

  Jamie nodded, then barked.

  “Okay, good. Glad we agree.”

  Jamie chuffed and Chad felt the amusement come across their link.

  “Glad I could amuse you,” Chad muttered, shaking his head.

  Jamie chuffed again.

  Chad grinned. “I have to say, though, knowing your emotions—while it’s still a little weird—is a good thing, especially when you’re in this form. If something is wrong, at least I’ll know, you know?”

  Jamie nodded.

  “Right. I wonder… is there a distance limit to that?”

  Jamie barked and Chad took that as a yes.

  “Do you know what that is?” Chad glanced over to see Jamie shake his head. “We ought to see if we can figure that out.”

  Jamie nodded.

  Chad found a parking space on Twenty-Third Street and climbed out. He stopped long enough to check his weapon—not that he expected any trouble, but he’d never gotten out of the habit—then went around to Jamie’s side. He let Jamie out, then hooked the leash to his collar. “Let’s see what we can find here, hmm?”

  Jamie barked.

  “Don’t forget to be a dog,” Chad pointed out.

  Jamie huffed, making Chad laugh.

  He found the elevators and stopped to take in the building. The thick carpet picked up where highly polished wood floors left off. The walls were made of exposed brick that looked original to the old factory the building used to be. “Nice place,” Chad muttered. “I read that they allow any size dog. Think they’d mind you here, Murray?”

  Jamie snorted just as the elevator doors opened.

  Chad found Quincy’s floor, stepped out, and checked the sign for the direction he needed. Finally he stood outside the right apartment. He looked one direction, then the other, deciding to try across the hall first. “Remember, dog,” Chad murmured, then knocked.

  A tiny young woman who didn’t look like she could be out of college yet answered the door. She held a toddler with peanut butter on his face on her hip. “Uh, can I help you?” she asked, glancing down at Jamie. She took a half step back. “Does he bite?”

  Chad resisted the urge to say only if you ask him to and instead shook his head. “No, he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

  Jamie’s tail twitched.

  The toddler threw himself forward, and she caught him just in time and set him down. He went straight for Jamie and patted Jamie’s head hard enough to make Jamie wince. Chad winced when the child tugged on Jamie’s ear. Jamie whimpered and the mom loosened the boy’s grip.

  “Sorry. He loves dogs, but we don’t want to get one until he’s a bit older.”

  “It’s all right. Murray doesn’t mind,” Chad replied. He ignored the look Jamie sent him. “Um, I was actually just wondering if you’ve seen Quincy lately?” he asked, pointing at Quincy’s door.

  She shook her head. “No. I’ve been wondering about him. I’m kind of worried. He’s never been gone this long before.”

  Chad raised his eyebrows. “He goes away a lot?”

  “Well….” She studied Chad for a moment. “Who are you?”

  “I’m a friend of Quincy’s. I’ve been calling the apartment, but he isn’t answering. I’ve been worried.”

  She nodded. “He takes short trips now and again, but it’s usually only a couple of days.”

  Chad frowned. “How long has he been gone?”

  She chewed on a lip. “I haven’t seen him in two weeks.”

  Jamie wagged his tail.

  Chad filed that away. “Thank you. I appreciate it.” He tried a few other questions, but she didn’t seem to know anything more, not that Chad expected it.

  “Do you want me to call or anything when I see him?”

  “I’ll keep trying his cell,” Chad assured her. “You could let him know Chad’s looking
for him, though. Thanks.”

  She nodded. “Thanks for letting him pet your dog.” She smiled and picked up the little boy.

  “Thank you,” Chad said and waved. He waited until the door was closed before walking down the hall. “Lying about how long he was gone?”

  Jamie nodded.

  “Hmm. Okay. Let’s see who’s here.”

  The old couple next door reminded Chad of his own grandparents. Toward the end, they’d looked almost exactly alike. These two finished each other’s sentences, fawned over Jamie—who ate it up—even rubbing his belly, and couldn’t stop singing Quincy’s praises, though they both hoped the cat was okay.

  “Cat?” Chad asked, blinking.

  The lady nodded several times. “Yes! He has a cat that gets out, leaves a dead rat on my balcony every week on Sunday morning. I guess he’s trying to impress me. I’ve never actually seen him, mind you—the cat, I mean. He’s really shy when I go over. But I’ve seen the cat toys and the water dish, so I know he’s there.”

  Chad glanced down at Jamie, who managed to raise an eyebrow. He looked back at the woman. “I’m sure the cat is fine. I’ll try to find Quincy soon, though.”

  “Oh, thank you, young man! I worry so. He’s such a sweet boy, you know.”

  Chad wondered how true that really was, but kept his opinion to himself. After thanking them, he managed to get away. “Well, that was entertaining,” he muttered to Jamie as they went back down the hall, and Jamie chuffed. They stopped in front of another apartment, and Chad knocked. It took a few moments for anyone to come to the door.

  When it opened, Chad raised an eyebrow. The woman on the other side would be called sexy if he was into them. She wore a very low cut V-neck T-shirt, and jeans that looked painted on. Her bare feet sported purple toenails.

  “Hello there! How can I help you?” she asked, leaning against the doorjamb.

  Chad refrained from rolling his eyes at the pose.

  Jamie sneezed.

  Even Chad could smell the overdose of perfume. He cleared his throat. “Hi, I’m a friend of Quincy’s, and I was wondering if you’ve seen him lately.”

  “Oh! My baby! I am so worried about him. He’s been gone for so long!” Chad had no doubt the painted pout she gave was practiced regularly in front of a mirror.

  “Your baby?” Chad asked, raising his eyebrows.

  She nodded, twirling a lock of curly red hair. “Oh yes. We’ve been dating for ages.”

  Chad registered Jamie’s tail hitting his leg, but he was too busy trying to avoid the woman as she smiled at him, leaning in.

  “But if he’s dumped me,” she murmured, looking up at him through her eyelashes, “dinner could be… on me.”

  Chad cleared his throat again, but before he could speak, Jamie flopped down onto the floor between them and rolled onto his back, whining. Chad couldn’t miss the jealousy if it had a physical hand to slap him with. He resisted the urge to laugh.

  She looked down at Jamie. “Oh, aren’t you adorable?” She squatted and rubbed his belly.

  Chad smirked down at his mate, who was wagging his tail and playing it up for all he was worth.

  “What’s his name?”

  “Murray,” Chad said. “And he’s a ham.”

  She laughed. “Aren’t they all? Oh, you should meet Isabel!” She looked into the apartment. “Izzy! Come here!” A tall, well-groomed Irish setter trotted to the door. “Look, Izzy! I’ve found you a boyfriend!”

  Chad chuckled, waiting to see what Jamie would do.

  Jamie rolled over again and stood. He looked up at Chad, who could have sworn there was a glare in his dark eyes, then turned back to Izzy. He sniffed her butt, then sneezed again. Izzy looked annoyed and went back into the apartment, not even remotely interested in Jamie.

  Chad found himself slightly offended on behalf of his mate.

  “When was the last time you saw Quincy?” Chad asked, trying to get back on task.

  “Oh, just the other day,” she said, smiling.

  Uh-huh. And that’s why you’re worried and ready to believe he dumped you. Right. Though Jamie wagged his tail again, Chad didn’t need Jamie to know that was a lie. “Well, if you see him, tell him Chad is looking for him?”

  “I will! And if you decide you’d like some dinner, well… you know where to find me.” She winked at him and leaned back on the doorjamb, striking her—Chad supposed—sultry pose again.

  “Uh, thanks.”

  When they got back into the car, Chad hurried to find an alley close by. A few seconds later, he was looking at his naked mate.

  “Well, I didn’t expect that to happen,” Jamie muttered, picking up his underwear. “Eww. Just… eww. Dog butts stink.” He shuddered.

  Chad laughed. “I’m surprised you could smell it over that perfume.”

  “Unfortunately. And even if I liked girls? I am so not mating with a dog. Just… eww.”

  “Even as a wolf?”

  Jamie glared and tugged the T-shirt over his head. “Still too human for that.” He made a face.

  Chad laughed. “Come on, baby. Time for dinner. You ready to meet my mom?” Anxiety hit Chad over the mate bond, and he reached out and took Jamie’s hand. “Hey. She’s going to love you.”

  Jamie frowned. “You really think so? Is it going to bother her we’ve known each other such a short time?”

  Chad shook his head. “I don’t think so. She might want me to be careful, but she’ll just be happy that I’m happy.”

  “I hope so,” Jamie murmured, frowning.

  “She will,” Chad said, nodding. He kissed Jamie hard, then turned out of the alley. “Now, about that nervousness….”

  Chapter 11

  JAMIE WIPED his palms on his jeans as Chad pulled into the driveway. The simple two-story brick house didn’t look all that imposing. It had a small wooden porch in front, steeped peak roof, and single-car garage attached. Jamie liked that it was surrounded by trees and just on the edge of Highland Park.

  No, the house didn’t make him nervous. Jamie supposed it was mostly just the woman inside. He desperately wanted his mate’s mother to like him. Especially since he didn’t have a family of his own anymore.

  Chad pulled his weapon out and put it in the glove compartment, and Jamie blinked as he did it. “Mom doesn’t like them in the house.”

  “Ah. Okay.” He knew his voice was shaky, but he couldn’t help it. He swallowed and closed his eyes, trying to decide who to pray to when his door was opened.

  “Come on, baby. She’ll love you, I promise.” Chad kissed Jamie’s hand, then stepped back. After another deep breath, Jamie climbed out of the car.

  They went up the steps, Jamie staying just behind his mate.

  Chad didn’t bother to knock, simply opened the door and stepped in, calling, “Mom!”

  The main room was small and very not fussy. Simple furniture filled the space, providing a cozy spot to watch the television mounted above the fireplace or read one of the many books filling the shelves that lined the walls.

  A small, slender woman who still looked quite young to be Chad’s mother came in. She had the same dark brown hair Chad did, without a single strand of silver in it. Her dark eyes and tan skin looked just like Chad’s too, equally smooth and wrinkle-free. If Jamie didn’t know better, he’d have thought she was a wolf, but she didn’t smell like a wolf. She smelled human.

  “Hello, honey!” she said, crossing to Chad and hugging him. When she let him go, she turned to Jamie. “And you must be Jamie! It’s so nice to meet you.”

  “Hello, ma’am,” Jamie said, holding his hand out.

  But she stepped in and hugged him instead. When she moved back, she took one hand. “Please, call me Molly. I’m so glad you could come for dinner.”

  “Thank you for inviting me.”

  “Nonsense, you’re my son’s ma—boyfriend.” She smiled brightly and turned back toward the other end of the house.

  Jamie didn’t miss what she’d almos
t said. He looked up at Chad, who just shrugged.

  “Chad, come set the table, please.”

  With a chuckle, Chad led the way into a large, open, bright kitchen.

  Jamie inhaled deeply and his stomach rumbled at the rich scent of pot roast and vegetables. “It smells wonderful, ma—Molly.”

  She beamed at him. “I’m glad you think so. Here, have some cookies while you wait. I made these earlier today,” she said, turning and setting a plate of chocolate chip cookies next to them.

  “You made chocolate chip? Not oatmeal raisin?” Chad asked.

  “Of course I did,” she said, looking puzzled. “You said he doesn’t like raisins, right?”

  Jamie grinned. It felt really good that Chad had told her and she’d remembered to make a specific kind of cookie for him. That went a long way toward easing his nerves.

  “I did. Just didn’t expect that. You didn’t do that for my other boyfriends.”

  “You only ever brought one home. And I didn’t like the way you looked when you talked about him.” She turned to the oven and peered in. “Not quite.”

  “Really? Only one?” Chad asked, frowning.

  “Yup.” She waved a hand at the cabinet. “Set the table. Don’t make me tell you again.”

  Jamie chuckled, grinning when Chad shot him a look.

  “The silverware is there, Jamie,” she said, pointing to a drawer, and Jamie stuck his tongue out when Chad laughed.

  “Hey, where’s Remus?” Chad asked, pulling out plates.

  Jamie frowned, remembering Chad had mentioned the poodle, but he only smelled light traces of dog.

  “Oh, he’s having a spa day today.”

  Jamie looked at Chad, who chuckled. “Dogs don’t need spa days, Mom.”

  She snorted. “Says you. Remus seems to enjoy them.”

  “I’d bet what Remus enjoys is sniffing the girl dogs,” Chad muttered.

  Jamie chuckled. “Probably.”

  Molly ignored them and focused on dinner for a while, setting it out and getting the last of the dishes ready. She made sure the table was set, drinks had been brought out, and everything else was done. Finally they took their seats, and Jamie knew his reprieve was over.