Zena Wynn - Carol's Mate

Carol Scott crossed the campus green, backpack slung over her shoulder, face raised to the warm sun. She both loved and hated this time of year. The cool, crisp breeze combined with clear skies, lots of sunshine, and chilly temperatures made it wonderful to be outside. In contrast, it was a pain to be indoors, closed inside stifling hot buildings with the overwhelming scents of perfume, chemicals, and body odor.

Sometimes it was rough being a shifter.

Right now wasnt one of those times.

She stopped, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Nothing but pine, dirt, and sunshine. It was great. So wonderful, she did it again. This time, along with the cleansing aroma of nature, another scent came to her. One that had her senses humming. She turned, trying to pinpoint where the luscious smell was coming from.

There, in the center part of the bowl-shaped green, a group of men were playing football. Not that she could blame them. This was the perfect weather for it.

Somewhere in that group of players was where the scent emanated from.

Carol shook her head and forced her feet to keep moving. Those men were human. Ignoring the slight disappointment she felt, she reminded herself that she wasnt here to find a mate. She only had a couple more semesters of school and then her internship before she got her degree. That was her primary objective.

Everything else would have to wait.

Watch out!

Instinctively turning, Carol reached out and caught the football spiraling toward her head with one arm. Adjusting her grip, she shot it back to the guy running at her, then kept going.

Wait!

Sighing deeply, she stopped to see what he wanted.

Thats quite an arm you have, he said as he jogged up. You snatched that ball right out of the air.

Carol shrugged. Years of playing ball with my pacousins. Crap, shed almost said pack. Time to go. She pivoted and made to move on.

Dont leave. He placed a hand on her arm.

When she stared down at it, he hastily removed it. Were one man short. We could use you on our team.

She was already shaking her head. I dont think so. Playing with the pack was one thing. These guys? Something else.

Come on, he appealed. We really could use the help. Were getting slaughtered. He gave her an engaging grin that showed a lot of teeth.

Carol bit her lip in indecision. She loved football, and it had been a while since shed played. While she debated, another guy came running over.

Whats the holdup?

Im trying to get herwhats your name?to play on our team.

Names Carol, she answered.

Im Otis, and this joker here is Brad. So what do you say? Otis asked.

Youre sure the other guys wont mind?

Brad laughed. It cant hurt. Might even help. Otis still had a pleading look on his face.

Carol shot a quick glance at her watch. Okay, fine. But only for a little while. Shed just have to be careful not to do anything suspicious.

Otis gave her a huge, pleased grin. Great. Come on. Ill introduce you to the rest of the guys.

As they rejoined the group, Otis made introductions. Guys, this is Carol.

Carolhe pointed to each one as he said their namesKevin, Jose, Pete, and Mike. Shes agreed to help us out. Carol, what position do you play? She arched an eyebrow. What do you need?

Ooooo, I like her, Brad said, and one of the other guysJose?shoved him.

You like every female, Jose told him.

Ignoring their byplay, Otis continued, Fine, we really need a quarter. Kevins okay, but I think you have a better arm. Brad, you and Jose receive. Pete and Mike will block. Kevin, you center, and Ill run interference. Okay?

How much are we down by? Carol asked.

Twelve points, Kevin said. Weve been running the ball because they pick it off whenever I throw.

Ill keep that in mind.

When they got into formation, the opposing team heckled them. What a bunch of pansies. You had to get a girl to come help you out? Another made kissing noises. You sure you want to play, chica? We dont want you getting hurt. This aint no sissy flag game. Carol rolled her eyes and concentrated on the snap. One, two, three, hut! She caught the ball and danced back, eyes focused on her two receivers running down the field under heavy coverage. Using shifter reflexes, she dodged the airborne body that made it past her blockers, danced around another, and, seeing no one open, tucked the ball in close and took off running for the end-zone markers.

Reminding herself she was supposed to be human, she kept her speed within the realm of believability but still quickly outdistanced everyone chasing her and crossed into the end zone with yards to spare between her and her closest pursuer.

Carol spiked the ball and allowed herself a small victory dance as her teammates caught up with her.

Dang, woman, youre fast, Otis breathed out.

I ran track in high school, Carol told them. It wasnt true, but it would explain her quickness.

All right, all right. You got some skills, one of the guys whod taunted her earlier conceded.

After that, things moved quickly. Carol lost track of time as she got caught up in the competitiveness of the sport. With her help, her team found new energy and drive, forcing the opposing team to step up their game as well. Soon the score was tied in a gridlock neither team seemed able to break.

Carols team had the ball. In a bold move, she sent five of the guys running downfield, leaving only Kevin to block for her. She darted back, eyes grimly focused on her men, waiting for an opening.

Kevin went down, and she had to scramble. Right when she thought shed have to run the ball herself, she noticed Mike was wide open. Aiming for his chest, she drew back her arm and released the ball like a bullet shooting from the chamber of a gun. Seconds later, a hard body slammed into her, knocking her to the ground.

Carol didnt know which stunned her more: the hit or the luscious scent of the sweaty, large male body pinning her smaller one to the earth. No nonshifter male should smell this good. He smelled like a true mate, but that was impossible.

Shifters couldnt mate with humans, not anymore. They were incompatible with her species, and she wanted children someday.

She could feel her beast stirring, roused no doubt by his tantalizing scent.

Carol shoved at his shoulders, trying to get him off her before she did something stupid, like lick him from head to toe.

Are you all right? I didnt mean to hit you that hard, he said.

Im fine. Or I will be as soon as you move. Youre kind of heavy. Actually she was enjoying the weight of his body a little too much. It would be even better if they were naked. She bit back a moan as she got a visual.

Oh, sorry. He sprang to his feet and held out a meaty hand to help her up.

Carol pretended not to notice. Instead she rolled over onto her knees and slowly pushed to her feet.

Are you sure youre not hurt?

Yes, just stiff, she assured him. She might be a little sore later. He may only be human, but he hit like one of her kind.

Before he could say anything else, her teammates surrounded her. Once they were assured she was okay, they regaled her with a replay of the touchdown shed missed. She congratulated them and, with a glance at her watch, announced she had to leave. Ive got tons of studying to do tonight, and now Im behind schedule. With her departure, the game broke up, with calls for a rematch soon sounding in the air. She grabbed her backpack, tossed it over her shoulder, and headed once more for student parking.

Halfway to her destination, she heard a voice calling out, Carol, wait. Oh damn. It was Mr. Luscious Smelling. Not only did he smell good, but he was one fine, attractive brother. As dark as a milk chocolate bar, he was handsome enough to give Blair Underwood a run for his money. In other words, he was trouble, and she was too interested. She tucked in her chin and pretended not to hear him as she subtly picked up the pace.