My Estranged Lover (Middlemarch Shifters Book 5) Read online

  “You have a beautiful house.”

  “Thank you. My Maria has turned it into a home.” Affection shaded his voice as he led the way down a passage.

  The scent of cooking drifted toward them. A roast of beef, by the delicious aroma.

  “Maria, I’ve brought Caroline to meet you,” Cam hollered as he strode through an open door.

  Caroline followed, instantly dazzled by the huge modern kitchen. Silver appliances and a large central island of marble.

  A tall woman with dark brown hair grinned at them, her capable hands mixing what looked like a batch of bread. “I am so pleased to meet you, Caroline. You have no idea. None of the other women enjoy cooking, so when I learned you’re willing to step in and help me…color me thrilled.”

  “I love cooking. It was a bonus when Cam said he’d be willing to pay me for doing something I enjoy.”

  “I’ll leave you alone to discuss tactics,” Cam said. “Most of the staff are here.”

  “Righto. I’ll bring out the snacks in ten minutes.”

  Cam disappeared and Maria seemed to shrivel in front of her eyes.

  “Are you all right?”

  “I think I’m coming down with the flu,” Maria said. “I have no energy today.”

  “Sit. Let me do that for you. Have you taken anything?”

  “A couple of tablets for my headache.” Maria wavered on her feet and Caroline slipped her arm around the woman’s waist.

  “You should be in bed.”

  “Can’t. Someone has to feed the single men.”

  “I can do it for you,” Caroline said, and placed her hand on Maria’s forehead. The woman had a temperature. “Tell me what you need doing. I’ll make a list and take care of the evening meal. Do you make breakfast as well?”

  “And packed lunches.”

  “Okay. Let me take care of this bread and you tell me what I need to do.”

  “Hard to concentrate with this headache.”

  “Why didn’t you tell Cam you weren’t well?”

  “I didn’t want to worry him.”

  “He’ll worry more if you keel over.”

  “That I will,” Cam boomed from the doorway. “Why didn’t you tell me you were under the weather?” He cast an apologetic glance at Caroline. “Can you deal with the kitchen for Maria?”

  “Yes. If I run into difficulties, I check with the men. They can tell me what Maria normally makes for them.”

  Cam nodded and scooped his wife off the wooden kitchen chair.

  “There are snacks in the fridge for everyone. Cupcakes in the pantry for the kids,” Maria called in a weak voice.

  “I’ll take care of it,” Caroline promised.

  Once Cam’s footsteps receded, she stared around the kitchen, taking in the commercial appliances. She’d finish kneading the bread and set it to proof then sort out the snacks. Then, she’d interrogate the men outside to discover what she’d let herself in for.

  * * * * *

  Marsh met the other farm employees. Several were mated and had children. They lived in homes similar to the one allocated to them. Cam had told him all the cottages—that was what he called them—were the same to prevent arguments. There were six single men who lived in the big cottage. Maria cooked meals for them while the mated men ate at home with their families.

  Glenshee Station, named after the Scottish town where Cam’s forebears had lived before emigrating to New Zealand, hired more men than most—all shifters—apart from Caroline and Maria—which made Cam’s advice to tell Caroline of the existence of feline shifters imperative.

  Selfishly, he decided to leave it a couple of days longer. For the first time in months he and Caroline were talking, flirting with each other, and he wanted that to reach its natural conclusion. Every muscle in his body tensed as he imagined making love with her, savoring her softness, her humor, the tiny noises she made when about to climax. Yeah. He sighed. Greedily, he wanted all that before he blasted their world off its axis again with the news he turned furry on a whim and their children would too.

  Marsh kept glancing in the direction Caroline had gone.

  Someone nudged him in the ribs and he jerked from his preoccupation.

  “You have it bad for your lady,” a petite woman with a mass of curly black hair said. “Have you not been together for long?” She leaned closer. “Cam told us she doesn’t know a thing about shifters.”

  “Long story,” Marsh said, his tone dry.

  “But you have two children. Is this your second marriage?”

  “No, as I said, a long story.” Marsh smiled since he didn’t intend to tell this woman their life story, despite her shifter status.

  “Maria is a chatterer. I bet she’s bending your lady’s ear. I’m Josie, and you’ve met Alistair, my mate.”

  “I have.”

  “Go and check on her. I can see you’re uneasy.” Josie possessed a feline appearance with green slanted eyes and a snub nose. People would remark on it and come near the truth without knowing. “The kitchen is along the passage. You’ll be able to follow the scent.”

  Marsh checked outside for the children. Ricky was playing a rough-and-tumble game with a group of boys while James was sitting with a girl of his age. They had crayons in their hands, their discussion intense, and Marsh grinned. This change would be good for the boys, no matter what his parents might say.

  “The kids will be fine,” Josie said with a nudge of her pointed chin. “We all keep watch.” Her stomach grumbled. “I hope the food comes soon. Maria usually has us eating by now. She doesn’t approve of drunken employees.”

  “Thanks,” Marsh said. “Perhaps they’ve lost track of time.”

  “Then it’s good you’re going in search of your lady. Give them a reminder.”

  Marsh dragged in the scents, picked out Caroline’s, and followed the trail along the passage. He strolled into a big kitchen, full of shiny appliances and a big center island. A working kitchen, for sure.

  “Marsh, is everyone clamoring for food?”

  “Where’s Maria?”

  “She’s sick. Cam has taken her up to bed. I’m almost finished with this bread, then I can bring out the snacks.”

  Marsh studied her pinks cheeks, the lock of hair that had fallen over her face and she kept blowing at to move. “Here. Let me.” He tucked the curl behind her ear. “So you’ve been tossed in the deep end.”

  “Looks like.”

  “You okay?”

  “I think so.” She gave the bread a final pat and covered the bowl with a tea towel. After washing her hands, she went to the fridge then pantry. “Ah, everything is ready. I need to wheel these trolleys out. There should be cupcakes somewhere.”

  “Over there,” he said pointing to another shelf in the large walk-in pantry. “I’ll wheel this one out for you while you sort out the cupcakes.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course I’m sure. I have no problem helping you.”

  “Your father—”

  “Would have a tantrum about women’s work. That’s not me, Caroline. Dad isn’t here. We are, and we’re the ones who get to say how our life goes.”

  She stared at him with wide blue eyes, then nodded. “That would be a big help.”

  Heavy footsteps heralded Cam’s arrival.

  “How is Maria?” Caroline asked.

  “Not so good. She insists she is fine, but I might drive her to the doctor. The closest practice is at Twizel.”

  Caroline frowned. “I thought you had someone here who does first aid.”

  Cam nodded. “Maria.”

  “Ah. I’d better get this food out,” Caroline said. “Maria will rest easier if she knows everything is going smoothly in the kitchen.”

  “I appreciate your help,” Cam said. “Can you sort out the evening meal for the single men too? Maria said she has a roast on the go. I know you’re not due to start yet. I’ll pay you for this.”

  “It’s no problem,” Caroline said. “I ca
n wing it if I run into problems.”

  Cam nodded again, but his worry for his mate filled his expression. He grasped the handle of one tea trolley and wheeled it from the kitchen.

  “The kids are fine. They’re playing and the adults are watching them,” Marsh said. “Shout if you need help.” He kissed her cheek and wheeled out the other trolley.

  Caroline followed with two plates of cupcakes.

  “Where’s Maria?” someone called.

  “She’s sick,” Cam said.

  Heads turned in concert, similar expressions of worry. These people cared about their employers, which boded well for her and Marsh and the boys.

  “She rarely gets sick,” an elderly man commented.

  “No,” Cam said with a frown. “I might check on her again.”

  “Set the cupcakes here,” a petite woman with black curly hair suggested. “I’ll supervise the hellions so they don’t grab more than one each.”

  “Caroline, this is Josie,” Marsh said.

  “Kids, come and get a cupcake,” Josie hollered, her boom a shock coming from the small frame.

  The afternoon passed into evening, darkness falling and shrouding the mountainous landscape.

  “You and the boys should come and eat with the single men,” Cam said to Marsh. “We eat around six, and it smells as if Caroline has things on track.”

  The employees had drifted off to their homes, tired kids in tow.

  “Ricky is asleep,” Marsh said.

  “No, he’s not,” Cam said with a rough laugh of amusement.

  Marsh turned to see his youngest son sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

  Caroline appeared. “The meal is almost ready and the men have arrived. They said they’re capable of setting the table for me. I’ve made soup for Maria and prepared a tray. I thought she might like something light.”

  “Bless you,” Cam said. “I’ll tell the boys to set four extra places.”

  “Ricky had a sleep,” Marsh said. “He seems wide awake now.”

  “I dreamed I was a cat,” Ricky said. “I was black and had whiskers.”

  Caroline ruffled their son’s hair. “That must have been exciting.”

  Marsh stared at Ricky, shock pummeling his chest. He’d dreamed of leopards a couple of years before his first shift—a sign predicting a shift and their people thought the dreams helped to prepare the body and mind for shifting.

  “I drawed some cats,” James said and thrust a paper at Marsh.

  “You drew some cats,” Marsh corrected. Another spear of shock struck him. James had drawn a big black leopard, two smaller ones and what looked like a lady with red hair. Mountains surrounded the figures on the page. “This is superb.” He glanced at Caroline and saw her leading Ricky toward the kitchen. “Do you dream of cats too?”

  “Sometimes,” James said. “Other times I dream of pie. Pie is yummy.”

  Marsh laughed and ruffled his son’s hair. “I like pie too. What is your favorite?”

  “The peach and raspberry one Mummy made. Sylvie said she can change into a cat.”

  “She did?” Crap. This was not happening. Sylvie had shifted at five, unusual amongst their kind. Was it possible his two sons might shift early too? He needed to talk to someone. Cam. No, he had enough to worry about with Maria. Saber. He could ring Saber. “We’d better get ready for dinner. It smells good.”

  “Meat,” James said. “I like meat.”

  “It’s my favorite,” Marsh agreed.

  Marsh led his son to the dining room, off the kitchen, toward the rumble of men’s voices. But his mind didn’t dwell on food. It was on the huge problem that had just landed in his lap. If there was a chance of their sons shifting soon, he needed to tell Caroline. Sooner rather than later.

  * * * * *

  Caroline yawned as they walked back to their house. “I’m so glad I didn’t have to finish cleaning the kitchen.”

  Marsh had taken the boys back to the house as soon as they’d finished dinner and put them to bed. She’d told Marsh he didn’t need to come back to collect her, but she was glad he had.

  “You’d done most of it,” Marsh said.

  “Cam said breakfast is at six.”

  “You’re tired.”

  “Not too tired,” Caroline said quickly, slanting a glance at her husband. She craved his touch and a peck on the cheek would not do. Once they made love again it would feel as if their marriage was heading in the right direction.

  Marsh drew her close. “I’m glad.”

  “It’s so quiet here. Look at the stars. I don’t think I’ve seen so many stars in all my life. I’d heard this is a good place to star watch, but I didn’t realize the stars would fill the sky. They’re so pretty.”

  “It’s the perfect place for romance,” Marsh said, and he stopped walking and swung her into his arms. His mouth covered hers seconds later, a kiss of promise, a kiss of hope, a kiss of passion.

  Her body responded at once, softening against his. “I want you so much.”

  “We have a comfortable bed, one that’s ready to climb into, since you were so organized.”

  “Forethought and hope,” she countered, her pulse jumping at the rough huskiness of his voice. He’d always made her feel this way. Eager for the physical, from the first time she’d seen him she’d wanted his body, his touch. That had never changed even though things had gone wrong between them.

  “Caroline, I love you and the boys. Never doubt that.” He set her on her feet, caressed her cheek, then dropped his hand to cup her shoulder. “I know we haven’t made love for a long time, but I want you very much. I didn’t think I should rush you, that talking and working on our problems were more important than the physical side of our marriage. My idea was to woo you.”

  Caroline snorted and gave an embarrassed laugh. “For you, Marsh, I’m easy. I thought you didn’t want me any longer. Your mother—”

  Marsh opened the door to their house and led her inside. “I refuse to discuss my mother.”

  “Just this once,” Caroline said, determined. “Your mother kept telling me I’d let myself go and that no man would want me. You were always so busy and you stopped sleeping in our bed. I didn’t know…I thought that she was right.” Caroline swallowed, finding this admission hard, even in the darkness of the house.

  “I have never looked at another woman,” Marsh said. “Not from the moment I first saw you. Mum doesn’t know what she’s talking about and I forbid you to listen to another word she says. If you have doubts, you come and ask me.”

  “You forbid?” Her lips quirked in the beginnings of a smile. Luckily he’d miss her amusement in this light.

  “Most definitely,” Marsh said. “No more talking. We’re moving into the action phase.”

  Without warning, he lifted her off the floor again.

  “Marsh,” she protested. “I’m too heavy for you to tote around.”

  “Am I struggling,” he countered.

  “N-no.” The truth. His breathing hadn’t changed as he strode down the passage. How could he see in this inky blackness? He’d always been this way, and it seemed the boys had inherited his incredible eyesight.

  Marsh dropped her on their bed. Unlike their bed in Middlemarch, she bounced instead of slipping into the dip made by long use.

  Before she could blink, Marsh caged her between his body and the mattress. She breathed in his familiar scent and the flutters that had started earlier multiplied in intensity.

  He kissed her. Slow and easy and the touch reverberated the length of her body. She reached for him, wanting to touch and explore in return.

  “No,” he whispered against her neck. “I won’t last long if you touch me. Does your dress unzip at the back?”

  “Yes.” Bravery came easier in the darkness. Despite his assurances, her extra curves made her self-conscious.

  “Turn over for me.” Competent hands dealt with the zipper and whisked it open. Before she knew it, he had her out of her dress. A quick fl
ick had her bra gaping and her matching panties—her last set of matching lingerie—drawn down her legs and tossed aside.

  Marsh moved over her again. “Love your red hair, your sexy curves, Caroline.” His voice emerged thick with emotion as if he meant the sentiment.

  “You can’t see me in the dark.”

  His chuckle prodded longing to life. “I can see enough.” He kissed her again, his work-rough hands sliding over her shoulders, her arms and across her stomach. They never settled and did a good job of stirring her nerve-endings until she vibrated like a cell phone.

  He shaped her mouth with his tongue, then slid it inside, taking the kiss deeper. Her heart beat a little faster, and she grasped his shoulders, desperate for the pleasure hovering in the background. His cock sliding into her heat.

  “When are you taking off your clothes?”

  “About the time you’re desperate and I’ve made you come once,” he whispered, his breath warm against her neck. His breathing was as hard as hers. “I’m not lying about my lasting ability. Once I get inside you, I’ll have the control of a green boy.”

  “We need to do this more often.”

  Marsh kissed her neck, giving her a hint of teeth this time, and she shuddered. Instantly, he stopped. “Did I hurt you?”

  “No, don’t stop. Please.”

  “No chance of that.”

  “Don’t jinx us,” she said. “We have two sons.”

  “Point taken.” Marsh nipped her neck again, and a groan squeezed past her lips. His big hands shaped her breasts, his knowledge of her body driving her to climax. She quivered, her heart knocking against her ribs as he moved down her body and splayed her legs. A wash of night air hit the juncture of her thighs, cool meeting warm.

  “Marsh.” His name held pleading, and she didn’t care. She was more than ready to beg since she’d missed this closeness.

  “Are you still on contraception?”