The Wolf's Tiger: Pack Mates, #3

All Grayson Mitchell, a wolf shifter, wants to do is raise his nieces in peace and maybe get a full night’s sleep while he’s at it. But between his job as an emergency room nurse and the demands of the three little girls, sleep seems far off. He needs someone who can help him out with the girls, and a nanny seems like the ideal solution.

Shannon Cho is a tiger shifter who was banished from his pride for being too powerful. But he doesn’t want to lead. He wants to devote his life to children. Answering an ad for a nanny is the opportunity he’s been waiting for.

But what happens when the two men cross the line between employer and employee? Will love flourish? Or will the secret that’s been kept from the Smooth Rock Falls pack tear everything apart?

Chapter 1

Grayson accepted the tiny, precious bundle of baby and cradled her close to his chest. The other two girls were fast asleep upstairs. He would check on them later, as soon as the baby had finished her bottle. Thanks, Quinn, he said gratefully. I’m sorry I was so late, but one of the E.R. nurses called in sick so I had to stay until they could find a replacement.

Quinn smiled at him and patted his shoulder. Don’t worry about it. Declan was here to keep me company.

The alpha wolf of the Smooth Rock Falls pack rose from his seat on the couch and wrapped his arm around Quinn’s waist. Besides, Declan said with a soft smile, the girls are really cute. The baby had fallen asleep, so Gray laid her down in the small bassinet he’d placed in the den.

Gray smiled tiredly at the alpha and the alpha’s mate. They are cute. They look so much like Mariah, too. He swallowed his tears at the thought of his sister.

A pair of warm arms wrapped around his shoulders and he was pulled against a hard chest. Gray relaxed completely against Declan even as Quinn hugged him from behind. Grief battled with his exhaustion and he sagged into the two men and closed his eyes.

Declan stroked his hair. Have you even let yourself grieve yet, Gray?

His infant niece whimpered and Gray pulled away from the comfort he’d found in his alpha’s embrace to scoop her up. Shh, baby girl, he cooed as he swayed her from side to side. Uncle Gray is here. He searched around in her bassinet until he found the tiny pink pacifier. He popped it into her mouth and cradled her close as she settled back into sleep.

Stroking Faith’s downy mop of hair, he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. There’s no time for me to lose it, Gray answered his alpha. When Mariah and Tyler died, I became a single dad to three girls all under six. Between that and my shifts at the hospital, I’ve been barely keeping my head above water.

He could never hold that against his nieces, though. He’d loved them dearly since they were born, maybe because as a gay man, he’d never really thought he’d have children of his own. Besides, the girls were all he had left of his sister.

At least the kids were comfortable with him. Thank God Mariah had mated someone from the Thunder Bay pack. Thunder Bay may have been a nine hour drive, but it was better than a cross country flight if his sister had mated someone in British Columbia, so he’d seen the girls on a regular basis.

Well, Quinn said as he and Declan tiptoed toward the front door, we’re always glad to help.

I know. It’s just that I feel like I’m taking advantage of everyone. Gray hoisted the sleeping baby onto his shoulder and followed the two men to the door.

The Alpha looked up from lacing his right boot. Grayson. We’re your pack and the girls are, too. And in this pack, we take care of our members.

Gray’s eyes felt dry and gritty, and he desperately wanted to rub them, but he needed both hands to support the baby. He settled for squeezing his eyes shut a couple of times. Thanks, Alpha, he whispered.

Declan straightened and pressed his hand against Gray’s chest, right over his heart. Instantly, Gray felt the support of the entire pack flowing through him. You can’t keep this up, Gray, Quinn said from beside him. When do you sleep?

Sleep? Sleep was a precious commodity these days. I sleep when the girls are in bed. Which was kind of hard when he was working the night shift and the girls were up during the day, but what could he do?

That’s not enough, Declan whispered when the baby stirred. We have a daycare, Gray. You know that. Hell, you spend a couple hours a week there in the nurse’s station. Why don’t you drop the girls off during the day so you can get a little rest?

Logically, Gray knew it was a good suggestion. But the part of his brain that was still grieving his twin sister couldn’t stand to have the three girls away from him any longer than absolutely necessary.

He rubbed his forehead. God, he needed an aspirin. But Honor is in kindergarten now. Getting her to and from the daycare is difficult if I’m not there to drop her off and pick her up. He conveniently ignored the fact that the girls went to the daycare when he was working days, and Honor still got to and from school just fine.

Quinn gave him a knowing look but didn’t say anything. Instead, he reached out and rubbed the baby’s back.

Declan, on the other hand, wasn’t about to let it go. Gray, I’m worried about you, man. You can’t keep doing this to yourself. It’s not good for you, and it’s not good for the girls.

Gray sighed. I know, Alpha. I’m thinking about hiring a nanny.

Quinn was hovering by the door, his hand already on the knob. He dropped his arm when he heard Gray’s words. I’ll miss having the girls at the daycare, he said softly.

The blond wolf’s eyes were suspiciously shiny and Gray instantly felt guilty. You’ll still see them, he hurried to say. But … I need them close right now.

Declan wrapped one arm tightly around his mate and pulled him in for a hug. We understand. I think Quinn is feeling like he needs a little one of his own, and he’s just a little emotional right now.

The alpha grunted when Quinn hit him, none to gently, in the stomach. You make me sound like a girl. Although, I admit, having a baby around is nice.

Gray gave them a genuine smile this time. Declan and Quinn had come a long way since meeting last year. The emaciated Quinn had turned into a real beauty, and the man who’d once had trouble meeting anyone’s eyes was full of life.

And of course, having his nieces around would make anyone want a baby. His girls were pretty darn cute. I’ll still bring them by when I come over to do the check-ups and stuff at the daycare. We won’t disappear entirely, don’t worry.

Gray saw the two men out and locked the door behind them. Locking the door wasn’t something he ever used to do since he shifted into a huge ass werewolf and all. But there was no way he was going to take any chances with his precious nieces in the house.

He flicked off the lights on the main floor and climbed the stairs wearily. God, he was tired. What were the chances all three girls would sleep through the night?

Exhaustion tugged at him, and the walk to the baby’s room suddenly seemed to take forever. It felt like he was lugging around a twenty pound sack of potatoes instead of a six-month-old baby. He placed Faith in the crib and covered her with a light blanket. She sucked harder on her pacifier, shifting restlessly. Gray held his breath, but the baby settled back into sleep.

Closing the door behind him, he crept into the room the two older girls shared. He couldn’t help the smile that stretched his mouth when he saw them cuddled up together in Honor’s bed. It wasn’t hard to tell they were wolves, even if they weren’t old enough to shift yet. Just like their animals, werewolf pups tended to sleep in puppy piles. He smoothed the dark curls off Hope’s forehead and pulled the thumb out of Honor’s mouth before pulling the blankets up around them both and making sure the night light was on.

His bed was calling to him. He swore the mattress was literally whispering his name. He’d pulled a fifteen-hour shift at the hospital emergency room and had to go back in another eight hours. His body literally ached with the need for rest. But there was one more thing he had to do before going to sleep.

Cracking open his laptop, he pulled up his word processing program and started writing up the want ad for a live-in nanny. Hopefully the fact that he was gay wouldn’t turn off any potential applicants.

Chapter 2

Live-in nanny (s) needed. Three girls, six and under. Room and board provided. References required.

Shannon Cho circled the ad in the paper with his red pen. He’d been a live-in nanny for a couple of years for one of his pride members until his pride alpha found out he was gay. The discovery of his sexuality had been the perfect excuse for him to banish Shannon from the pride. Really, he’d just been too strong for the alpha’s liking, but he hadn’t been able to kick him out since Shannon had never challenged him for his position.

He looked at the small symbol between the words nanny and needed. The (s)was only ever used in publications by shifters. At least he wouldn’t have to explain why he occasionally needed time off to shift. He scanned his brain for any knowledge of packs or prides in the immediate area. His old pride’s territory was more than a two hour drive from here, so it probably wasn’t a tiger looking for a nanny. Not that he knew all the pride members, but they tended to at least stay within a thirty-minute drive to the pride territory.

There was, however, one wolf pack nearby. He didn’t know too much about wolves at all. Only that they were predators and they were pack animals. Perhaps they’d give a tiger a chance.

Then again, his sexuality could work against him. It had gotten him kicked out of his pride, after all.

He had nothing to lose from trying. Picking up his smartphone, he dialed the number provided in the want ad.

The phone was answered by a very harassed-sounding male. Hello?

Um, hi, Shannon replied. I’m calling about the nanny position you have advertised.

Right. Just hang on a minute. There was a thunk as if the phone was being put down, and then the man’s voice floated faintly through the line. No, Hope. Honey, the baby doesn’t want to have magic marker on her face.

But, Uncle Gray, it’s gonna look like she’s wearing lipstick and eye shadow. Faithy will be so pretty.

Shannon had to smother his laughter even as Uncle Gray started speaking again. Yes, honey, but markers are for paper, not skin. Here … here’s a piece of paper. Why don’t you color a nice picture for Quinn?

There was some shuffling and a happy squeal before the guy spoke into the phone again. Sorry. You were calling about the nanny position?

God, the guy had a voice like melted chocolate, all smooth and deep and delicious. It sent shivers down his spine. Pull yourself together, Shannon. Yes. Has the position been filled yet?

No, not yet, the guy said. Listen, is there any time of the month that you need some time off?

Ah, it was the subtle fishing for shifter status. It’s cool, he said bluntly. There was no point in beating around the bush. I’m a shifter. My name’s Shannon Cho.

Oh, thank goodness, Gray said, relief evident in his voice. So far, the only people who have applied for the job have been humans. Do you have any experience?

Shannon detailed his experience and gave him his previous employer’s number. Hopefully, the alpha of his old pride hadn’t forbidden them from giving him a good reference.

A baby started crying in the background and Shannon’s heart ached to scoop up the little one and soothe away her whimpers. Okay then. I’m going to call your references. Why don’t we set up an interview time? If something shows up in your references I don’t like, I’ll just call back and cancel, Gray said.

That was a little blunter than Shannon was expecting, but the guy sounded a little distracted. What time works for you? he asked.

Does tomorrow afternoon work? I’m covering for half a shift at the hospital but I should be home around noon.

It wasn’t like Shannon had anything else on his schedule. Sure.

The guy shot off his address, telling him that he would let his alpha and the wolves on patrol know that he was coming before hanging up.

He sat down on the cheap motel mattress with a thud and stared up at the ceiling. It sounded like he may actually have a chance at getting this job. All he had to do was figure out a way to let his potential employer know about his sexual preferences.

* * * *

Shannon stood on the doorstep and rang the bell for the third time. It was starting to get uncomfortable out here. There were at least three wolves staring at him from various vantage points near the house, and he was beginning to squirm.

Finally, a very faint come in was yelled from somewhere inside the house. He jiggled the knob, poked his head in and was met with total chaos.

A little girl who looked about five years old stood stark naked in the kitchen, sobbing her eyes out. The sound of a flushing toilet floated down the stairs, and a baby was screaming somewhere. A very stressed-looking man appeared at the top of the stairs. He was wearing a pair of wrinkled green scrubs, and his brown hair was sticking up everywhere as if he’d been carding his fingers through it. Shannon?

Shannon nodded and waved a little.

The brunette gave him a small smile even as another wail split the air. Just give me a few minutes, he called. I think the baby’s diaper exploded.

With that, he turned around and jogged back the way he came, leaving him alone with a sobbing little girl. Hey, sweetie, he said as he knelt down in front of her. What’s with the tears?

I’m not supposed to talk to strangers, she said between heaving breaths.

Well, my name is Shannon, and I’m here to talk to your uncle about taking care of you, he responded, holding out his hand so she could shake it.

She looked at him through wide, teary eyes but she took his hand. I’m Honor. I live here.

I see, he said seriously. Do you think you could tell me why you’re so upset?

Her lower lip trembled. I spilled juice on my dress. Uncle Gray said it was okay, but I needed to put on my pajamas now.

Oh, Shannon could see where this was going. And you wanted to put on a different dress?

Her little face screwed up again and he rushed to intervene. Do you have a nightgown?

Honor looked at him with suspicion and nodded. Well, let’s put that on then. It’s almost like wearing a dress.

She stuck her thumb in her mouth and took his hand again. He stood up and let her tug him along. They mounted the stairs and entered one of the bedrooms. It was clearly meant for little girls. The walls were painted a bubble gum pink, with a four-inch lime-green border. Two twin beds were pushed up against opposite walls and there was a small white chest at the end of each. Teal and lime butterflies decorated the walls and the window was covered by a blackout shade and gauzy white curtains.

Honor started rummaging around in a dresser under the window and extracted a long, pink nightgown. She held it out to him with a hopeful smile.

Laughing, Shannon took the nightgown from her and slipped it over her head, helping her to push her arms through the arm holes. Will you braid my hair? she asked. Uncle Gray doesn’t know how and no matter how many times Trina tries to show him, he just can’t get it.

It was a good thing he’d grown up with three sisters. They’d forced him to braid their hair, paint their nails and even sit still while they gave him makeovers. He grabbed a brush from the dresser but paused when the toilet flushed for the fifth time in a row. Either someone was having stomach troubles, or they were trying to flush something they shouldn’t. He could hear Gray cooing to the still-crying baby, and he knew there were three kids, so process of elimination meant that the other little girl was the one in the bathroom. Honor, honey? What’s your other sister’s name?

Hope. She’s in the bathroom.

Ah. Let’s go check on her, okay? Shannon said.

Honor nodded solemnly and pointed the way.

Shannon pushed the bathroom door open a little and had to clap his hand over his mouth to stop the laughter. The toddler was busy sticking a doll in the toilet and giving it a swirly. Whirlpool! she shouted gleefully.

Oh, no, Shannon said dramatically once he’d gotten his laughter under control. I think your dolly is drowning!

The little girl looked up at him with big, brown eyes. Then we gots to save her, she answered.

Shannon nodded and scooped the naked doll out of the toilet. I’m not giving her mouth to mouth, he said as he peered into the toilet. Did you put anything else down there?

Just my pees and poops, Hope said with a shrug. I’m not a baby like Faith.

Hmm. Maybe this dolly needed to take a field trip to the dump for a couple of hours. Or forever.

Oh, thank you so much, Gray said as he walked into the bathroom with a still-sniffling baby. Honor, honey, you look beautiful. Hope, remember we talked about putting dollies in the toilet?

Hope flashed him a big smile and batted her long lashes. Yes, Uncle Gray. But my dolly wanted a bath.

Gray sighed and hefted the baby up to his shoulder. Are we ready for dinner?

The two older girls immediately started jumping around and shrieking. Hot dogs!

Again? Gray asked.

The baby started whimpering again and Gray started swaying from side to side. Okay. Hot dogs it is. Again. Hope, wash your hands please.

Shannon watched as the toddler used a liberal amount of bright purple soap and rinsed her hands off before drying them on a white towel. Of course, faint purple streaks were left behind on the terry. Clearly, these little girls hadn’t lived here long because not many parents would have white towels hanging around. At least, not in the family bathroom.

He followed the little family down the stairs and into the kitchen, where he’d first seen Honor in her birthday suit. Do you mind holding the baby while I get her bottle going?

Before Shannon could respond, he found himself with an armful of baby girl. He didn’t mind though. Gray measured out the powered formula and put the kettle on to warm the water a little.

Gray crossed the kitchen, opened a drawer and pulled out a couple of coloring books and two packs of crayons. Here, girls. Why don’t you do some coloring while we wait for supper?

But, Uncle Gray, I’m hungry, Hope whined.

Gray pulled out a plastic tub of sliced vegetables and put it in the middle of the table. "You can munch on those while I