The Mating by Nicky Charles

view of the backyard and the woods beyond could easily be seen from almost anywhere in the room. Sunlight streamed in through gleaming windows and sparkled off of the copper and stainless steel pots, the gleaming marble counter tops, and the polished appliances. It might have been almost too bright if not for the homey touches of herbs growing on the window ledge and bits of folk art adorning the walls.

    Two women were standing at the counter and immediately looked up at the sound of the door swinging open. One was Carrie, the Beta’s wife, who she’d met earlier. The other woman was older with greying hair and a rounded figure. She was probably in her late fifties or early sixties.

    “Oh, Elise! Good to see you. I was just saying to Helen that I wondered when you’d appear.” Carrie smiled over at her and Elise felt herself relaxing. The tiny redhead had a soothing quality about her, and Elise speculated whether she was always that way or if it was impending motherhood that was making her so mellow.

    “Umm…I was unpacking and waiting for Kane. He said he had a bit of business to attend to and then he’d be back, but I guess he was delayed, so I’m exploring on my own.” Elise shrugged, not wanting to let on that she was upset by Kane’s abandonment.

    “Welcome, Elise. I’m Helen.” The older woman eyed her up and down before smiling.

    “Hi, Helen, I’m pleased to meet you.”

    Carrie gestured towards the table. “Why don’t you sit down and we can talk while we finish making dinner.”

    “Isn’t there something I could do?” Elise looked around, thinking she should offer to set the table or prepare vegetables.

    “Not today, Sweetie.” Helen pulled out a chair and indicated that Elise was to take it. “It’s your first day here and we already have everything under control. You sit back and let us talk your ear off. Would you like some coffee and cookies? They’re fresh.”

    Elise smiled and nodded, sitting down as she’d been told. The two women seemed genuinely pleased to meet her. As Helen handed her a plate of cookies and a cup of coffee, Elise felt she should offer condolences to the old Alpha’s widow. “Kane told me that your mate died recently. I’m sorry to hear of your loss.”

    Helen paused and looked sad for a moment before giving herself a little shake and heading towards the sink. She picked up a peeler and began to prepare some carrots. “Thank you, Elise. It was a…shock, to say the least. Some days I still can’t believe Zack’s gone but we’re lucky that Kane was here to take over. He’s doing a fine job. You can be very proud of how he stepped up to the plate.”

    Purposely sipping her coffee to negate the need to respond, Elise murmured in what she hoped was an appropriate manner. Was she proud of Kane? He was her mate and she supposed she should be, but she didn’t really know the man. It was hard to be proud of someone you’d just met. Helen continued chatting, oblivious to Elise’s thoughts.

    “I can tell you from personal experience that an Alpha’s work is never done. I had to force my Zack to set ‘office hours’ so that we could have some semblance of a normal life together. You’ll likely have to do the same, if you ever want to see him outside the bedroom.”

    Carrie giggled. “They were just bonded yesterday, Helen. I imagine Kane’s going to be more interested in mating than in working for the next little while.”

    Elise wasn’t quite comfortable with the direction the conversation seemed to be heading and swiftly tried to change the topic. “So Carrie, when are you due?”

    The pregnant woman rubbed her belly. “I’ve only got six weeks to go and I can tell you, it won’t be a minute too soon. My ankles and I haven’t seen each other in months and this one kicks up a storm at night. I can’t wait until I can get a good night’s sleep again.”

    “Believe me, once that little pup is here, you won’t be getting any sleep.