"Have you heard what happened in the Cats' part of town?" Jack's boisterous voice came across the phone.

Accustomed to Jack's lack of phone etiquette a, "Hi how are you?" Was never in the cards. "Ah no, I don't have a clue what you're talking about."

"It's not yet confirmed, but rumour has it that they are missing one of their females. So I want you to keep your ear to the ground and let me know what you hear."

"Ok, not a problem. Listen Jack, I just wanted to remind you that Mady's friend, Sam, will be arriving tonight and might be coming with us tomorrow. She doesn't know anything about us..." Now she had me nervous about tomorrow.

Jack cut me off. "Good, it's about time we get to meet her. That's not a problem, there will be other norms coming as well. So everyone will be on their best behaviour." Both of us started laugh knowing what some of the family were like. "I mean that everyone will do there humanly best. So what's she like?"

Sitting back at the desk looking over some of the security surveillance. "Don't know yet, she just pulled in the driveway a moment ago."

"Well you have fun with all that girl chit chat tonight," Jack chuckled.

There was a high pitch squeal that came from outside. Standing up I looked out the window in time to see Mady practically attack Sam before she had a chance to fully get out of the car.

Jack sighed, "It will be nice to have the old Mady back. How's she been doing?"

I had to laugh, not at Jack but by watching Mady. "The way Mady just body slammed poor Sam and her jumping up and down, I think she will be just fine."

"Good, good, I'm glad to hear it." Jack sobered, "Listen, call me as soon as you hear anything. I'm spreading the word just to be a little more cautious till we know what's going on. Better to be safe than sorry."

"Do you want me to make any calls?" Our safety always came first.

"No, you sound like you already have your hands full. I got the calls covered. Enjoy your night." All I heard was his laughter before the phone went dead.

* * *
Sam

"So I finally get to meet the famous Samantha McDowell. It's good to meet you," A deep but soft voice said from inside the house as soon as we walked in the door.

"That depends on what has been said." Getting a good look at Nate, I honestly couldn't help checking him out. The man was almost the size of a bear! A very attractive one at that. With broad shoulders, thick chest that tapered into narrow hips. Blonde hair spiked with gorgeous brown eyes. The sheer size of him should have been intimidating, but his presence felt reassuring, safe. Like being at home. That feeling did not sit well with me at all. But when uncomfortable I always opened my big mouth so why stop that now. "Damn, girl you didn't say you were married to a hot linebacker. Now is the rest of the package just as impressive?"

"SAMANTHA!" Mady protested, "Can I least give the formal introduction before your mind goes to the gutter." This impressive beast of a man threw his head back and roared.

"Nate this is Sam. Sam this is my husband, Nate."

Nate held out his hand. "Nice to meet you, I have a feeling it's going to be interesting with you around."

Giving him one of my wicked smiles. "Well I got to keep Mady her on her toes." The laughter died almost immediately once I shook his hand. The same feeling of ants crawling up my arms along with a good size electric shock happened as soon as we made contact.. Pulling away quickly, adding, "Sorry about that...shock." I clamped my hands together in front of me instead of wiping my hand on my leg. Which I really wanted to do. A vibration seemed to sing through my body till it hit my toes and was gone.

"No problem. If you ladies need anything just yell," still laughing, although it sounded a bit forced, he kissed Mady on the top of her head and left through the front door.

"What?" I asked, as Mady stood there and gawked at me.

Trying to keep the horror-struck look off her face she shook her head. "Come on perv. I will show you to your room so you can freshen up."

All teasing stop from my lips, as the guest bedroom door opened to unveil the most serene bedroom I had ever seen. A cappuccino stained king size sleigh bed placed in the middle of the room with satin dove-grey bedding, and white and black throw pillows that lay neatly around the headboard. The walls were a darker grey with thick heavy bookshelves lined with books and knick knacks. On one night stand there was a single Calla Lily in a slender crystal vase-accented by the fading light, streaming through the window. The floors covered in a light grey luxurious rug that brought out the dark woods of the furniture. To describe the room in three words would be elegant but homey.

"Oh my, this room is absolutely amazing, Mady." It actually to my breath away. It was something you would see in a magazine.

Mady's face etched with relief. "I am glad you like it. Maybe it will convince you to stay longer and not run out and buy the first place you look at. The bathroom is the door on the right side of the bed and the closet is on the other. I'll let you freshen up, then meet me down stairs when you're done," Mady informed me as she shut the door on her way out.

"Hey, Mady?" Calling to her as the door shuts.

"Yes?"

Rushing over I gave her a big hug when Mady opened the door then whispered in her ear, "Thanks for everything. You're the world's best friend." As soon as I pulled back from the hug and the uncomfortableness of the emotional state I was in I noticed immediately that Mady's eyes were getting suspicious glossy.

"Oh, no you don't...don't you dare start crying on me!" I demanded.

A shaky smile appeared on her pouty lips, "Of course not," Mady said, leaving the room quicker than before.

"Yep she hasn't changed a bit," muttering to myself.

"I heard that Samantha," a muffled laughter came through the door from Mady.

Still laughing at my friend's reactions and a little shocked by my own, I start to unpack the night bag and head to the bathroom, "Oh damn." This room was just as amazing to see especially with the two-man Jacuzzi. Soft blue walls with white 12 inch marble tiles on the lower half of the wall carrying on to the floor. Brush nickel accessories with white and blue floral printed towels. Deciding to take a few extra minutes for myself I ran the tub to give my muscles a quick soak.

* * *
Mady

Still laughing skipping down the stairs, I didn't see Nate right away standing at the bottom of the stairs. Reaching the third step from the bottom I jumped into his arms, with not even a grunt, he caught me. Legs wrapped around his waist, arms tight against his neck nuzzling the crock of his neck and whispered, "Hey, handsome."

"Mmm...hey to you too." Gently tugging on my hair so he can reach my lips with his for a soft kiss.

Needing to stop before things got out of hand I untangled my legs, sliding down his hard plains, with regret that they could not go any further. There was no covering up the sigh that escaped my lips "Do you want anything from the kitchen, babe?" Moving towards the kitchen.

"A beer sounds great right about now, thanks."

Opening the fridge door, I knew he was right behind me. I always knew where my mate was. Without a backward glance, I tossed the beer over my shoulder before grabbing another. It wasn't wine but having Sam here brought back a lot of the old memories which included a few beer drinking nights. My wandering mind going back to the old days it took me a moment to notice the way Nate was watching me, with that goofy grin that made me fall in love with him. One of the reasons anyway. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Taking that last step that separated them he wrapped his arms around my waist. "You are positively glowing, your smile lights up this whole room. If I would have known that Sam's presence would have such a strong effect on you, I would have dragged her ass here months ago." Nate stated.

That one sentence sobered me. The realization on my selfish behaviour over the past few months. My carefree, ecstatic mood came crashing to a halt. "Oh Nate I am so...so sorry for..."

"You listen to me now, your feelings are yours, and no one has any right to tell you differently including yourself. Yesterday was the past, today is the present, and tomorrow is our future so how about we concentrate on the last two for now on, OK?" His voice was firm but his face was soft with concern.

Studying his face to make sure his words rang true. I didn't need to do that I already knew in my heart he was right. "That sounds like a fantastic idea." Sealing it with a kiss. To prove just how much I like the idea and to thank him for his understanding the soft simple kiss quickly became more. The absolute love I felt for this man had no words, only my actions could truly express everything; fingers tightened in his hair, pulling him in closer as our tongues entwined. Lifting me onto the counter, feeling the vibration of his growl coming deep within his chest. Needing to be closer, to feel more of him against my body my legs automatically wrapped around his hips pulling him into my body. Nothing in the world felt better than this man did between my legs.

* * *
Nate

Regrettably I pulled away from our kiss, mourning the loss of her lips immediately. Pressing my forehead against hers as we caught our breath. Looking into her eyes, I knew it was time to tell her about the Cats.

"Hon, I know you're been distracted lately, but I need you to promise me that you will stay more focused to your surroundings from now on." I fought to keep the urgency out of my voice, not wanting to scare her over something that was probably nothing.

Mady sat up straighter, trying to read my face, but I knew it gave away nothing. "Why...what's going on, what happened?" she said frantically.

Well so much for not getting her worked up. Voice calm and reassuring, I replied, "Nothing's wrong, there was just an unconfirmed missing cat. You know I'm very overprotective of you." Placing a chaste kiss on the top of her head. "Jack just wants everyone to know and so do I, rather be over cautious then not cautious enough," I explain.

She knew I spoke the truth and with that she relaxed and pulled me closer. "I promise I will stay more alert." Securing her promise with another kiss on my lips.

"That's my girl," murmuring against hers.