Page 26 of Shattered Fears

CHAPTER TEN

“I still don’t think this is a wise idea, me coming here.” Zain watched as Selene moaned to Brayden. Her mate stroked her stomach and kissed her on the cheek.

“It’ll be fine. We need to get you some new clothes. Everything is getting far too tight and uncomfortable on you. I want you to enjoy your pregnancy and not hide away. The baby knows it’s protected. Daddy is here along with Uncle Zain and Auntie Jessica. Come on, when have I ever offered to take you clothes shopping?”

“Never.” Selene rolled her eyes. “But I could just wear Emma’s old stuff.”

“Emma is a different shape than you, and well, her clothes aren’t really your style. Besides, I think Scott got greasy marks over most of her clothes. I’m not feeling you wearing them as I know why he got the marks on them.”

“Yuck! He couldn’t keep his hands off her when she was pregnant.”

Brayden purred. “I know the feeling. It’s a male protective thing.”

Zain cleared his throat. “If you two are going to make out, then I’m going to go and get a coffee.”

“Sorry,” Selene offered and turned to look at a rack of jeans with elastic waists. “I’ll be quick.”

Selene started to wander off; Jessica followed. Brayden stayed with him as they looked around for any trouble.

“How are things with Isobel?” Brayden asked.

“Good.” Zain felt a beaming smile spread across his face at the thought of his woman. It had been five days since she’d met the pack, and he’d brought her back once more to see them for dinner. It was the night Isobel usually spent with Kingsley, but her brother agreed she could be with Zain, and he’d cover for her. She’d stayed over night, and it had been wonderful waking up next to her for the first time in a long time. She was with her father at a rally today, though, and he hadn’t seen her. He was itching to have this trip over and to go find her. He pulled a pot of honey from his pocket, opened it, stuck his finger in and then began sucking on it.

“Still not over that particular obsession, then?”

“It’s been twenty-four hours since I was last able to get her naked.”

“So long?” Brayden sniggered.

“Damn Father.”

“He’s a bit of a troublemaker.”

Brayden obviously lost sight of Selene for a second as he shifted his position. He spotted her again and settled.

“Troublemaker is not the word I’d use for him. Imbecile, fool, egotistical maniac are a few of the more PC choice ones I’ve got running through my head.”

“Fucking troublemaker is my best.”

They both laughed.

“What are you going to do about him?” Brayden asked.

“As long as he doesn’t find out, we’ll be fine. There’s no reason for him to discover our secret.”

“Not really.” Brayden shrugged

“Do you like this?” Selene held up a purple short-sleeved dress.

“Doesn’t look warm enough for around here. You planning on taking me to Death Valley again?”

Selene stuck her tongue out at him and put the dress back on the rack.

“If you annoy me…”

The threat was ominous but playful. Brayden, being a snow leopard, hated anywhere remotely hotter than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Zain had to admit he wasn’t much of a fan either. Bears liked the sun but not to the point where it was likely to melt you if you stood still for too long. He’d been to Death Valley once and had no plans to return there anytime soon.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Brayden retorted. Selene blew him a kiss and returned to her shopping.

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