The Maverick Pride Tales - Chapter 105: Chapter 105

Pamela took a turn in a quieter section of the mansion after being regaled by two of the most uninteresting dolts she had ever run across. Why would she care about how some Shifter sports league was doing?
Whatever.
She was, however, amazed at how beautiful Uncle Uzzi’s mansion was and not just because it was filled with gorgeous Shifters, and glittery, magical decorations. The structure itself was simply breathtaking. Especially to a woman who’d never really had much of a home. It was simply spectacular.
Pamela would not lie, she had been nervous when she arrived. After the initial shock that she, Pamela Brown, had been chosen to represent their Pride at this special gathering of Uncle Uzzi’s most beloved clients had worn off, she unwound a bit.
When was the last time Pam had been able to really celebrate anything? Paulie was her whole life, and keeping him safe, healthy, and happy was her pride and privilege. Being a mother was the most special thing she could be, but Pamela was also a woman.
Blake had stolen that from her, and tonight, she was determined to begin the journey to get it back. Slowly, oh so slowly, she was coming back into herself—the self that had been denied by a controlling bastard.
No more. He gets no more of me.
The second she thought the words, Pamela felt as if a weight had been lifted. A grin spread across her face, and she felt all abuzz, like the promise of joy was tingling against her skin. Head back, she took in the amazing decoration Uzzi had provided.
The mansion was a winter wonderland with countless twinkle lights indoors and outside, sparkling like a million fairies were dancing in the air. She giggled like a schoolgirl, spinning round in a circle as she finally made the decision to let go of the tethers to her past hurts.
It was Christmas, after all, and the trees were decorated, the eggnog was flowing, and the sounds of carols filled every room of this place.
Time to start having fun, Pamela, she told herself. Time to start living.
All the razzle dazzle holiday glitz was stunning, but Pamela’s favorite part of the evening was walking through the empty rooms. She was not exactly avoiding the partygoers—which would have been odd, since at one time people would have thought she was the ultimate party girl.
It was more that she liked the quiet and the space. Her Tiger could breathe better when she was alone. Pamela had learned to love herself over the past year, and it was a beautiful thing. She did not hate crowds or parties, but she did not crave attention either. Sometimes, Pam wondered what she would have been had she never fallen in with the wrong crowd.
Party girl? Nah. Geeky girl? Maybe. Snort.
She’d taken to borrowing books from the girls of the Pride and had found a few favorites among indie authors who self-published. Amazing, really, how these writers made a business of thoughts and words. She found it fascinating, not to mention entertaining as hell. Who would have guessed she was a closet romance reader?
Crazier things had happened, she supposed. Pam ran her fingertips along a silvery curtain that was hanging from a crystal rod above a floor to ceiling window. She gazed outside at the gorgeously landscaped gardens behind Uncle Uzzi’s mansion.
He had his people decorate put there too. Two lovers kissed in a dark corner, and Pamela bit her lower lip, turning away before things got heated. She sighed and kept on strolling. The couple deserved privacy, even if a tiny part of her was feeling a little bit jealous. Must be nice to find someone to love. That had never been her destiny, though.
“Onward,” she whispered to herself, taking time to appreciate the quieter spaces.
She was still thinking about all the wasted time putting on airs and pretense for others, and she didn’t want to. The past was the past, and Pamela had only the future in front of her now. That was the kind of positive thinking that she worked on with others in the Maverick Point Support Group. A mantra of sorts, but it helped many get through days when everything seemed too dark and cold to handle.
Pamela was in a good place now, emotionally, mentally, and physically. She did more than alright for herself and Paulie. The small apartment they rented was just fine for the two of them, but looking around at all this splendor, she had to wonder if she was doing it wrong. What she wouldn’t give to have so much space.
Chuff.
Her Tiger was right, this was too much, but Pamela would love a home where Paulie could play in the backyard. One that was big enough for a tree fort and swing set. Maybe a pool for summertime. Contrary to popular opinion, some cats—Tigers especially—loved to swim.
The apartment building where they lived only had a small concrete courtyard, but they were within walking distance of the community park, so that was good. She’d converted her former bedroom into a room for her son. He needed a bigger space for his desk and toys. Now that he was in school, they had redecorated, painting it together in bright primary colors. Of course, Paulie had gotten more paint on himself than on the actual walls.
Silly cub.
Her heart squeezed whenever she thought of her sweet boy. He looked like Pamela, with soft brown curls and big bright eyes. She didn’t think she ever looked so young, but she must have.
Sleeping on the pullout couch was worth it to see his grin when she’d told him he was getting his own big boy room. Pam didn’t mind at all. Her cub was growing up fast and needed it more than she did.
Thank goodness she’d made amends with her Neta and Nari. The Pride would always be there for him should anything happen to her, and the thought comforted Pamela.
The band was striking up again, this time playing Santa Baby and Pamela hummed along with the saucy tune. She wandered into a room that was done in silvers and blues and was struck by the beauty.
She thought Christmas was supposed to be all greens and reds, but Uncle Uzzi seemed to favor the winter wonderland look, and she was happy for it. A tall, perfect Christmas tree sat in the corner—one of the dozens of live Christmas trees Uncle Uzzi had decorated throughout the house. This one was her favorite, she decided right then. It was decorated with ornaments shaped like crystal icicles, with thousands of glowing white and blue lights glowing behind them like something out of a fairy tale. A thick, blue velvet skirt surrounded the bottom half, and she grinned, having learned each tree was complete with its root ball so it could be planted later.
The tree at the Pride House was the same, only it held a mishmash of homemade ornaments and multi-colored lights. It was homey, but beautiful—only in a very different way from this one.
Pamela appreciated both. She circled the enormous thing, touching the needles with her fingertips, careful not to dislodge any of the crystal ornaments. It was beautiful, but even so, she preferred the small one back in her apartment. The one that proudly displayed all the little ornaments Paulie had made her over the years.
Yeah, that was definitely her favorite.
Pamela checked her cell phone and saw the latest pic Hunter and Elissa had sent her of Paulie and his friends eating popcorn and watching a classic animated Christmas movie. She smiled warmly at the image and dropped the phone back into one of the cleverly hidden pockets of her gown.
She’d have to tell Jessica when she got back that no less than six women had asked her where she’d purchased the beautiful ensemble. The ladies of her Pride were so talented—amazing, really, and she was glad to know them.
Jessica’s Closet was a tremendous success. As was the lingerie line, Kisses By Kylie, that was Doc Mikey’s mate’s business. Cut It Out, Gretchen’s salon, and the place of Pamela’s employment, was seeing clients from within a 75-mile radius now. That was a long way to drive for highlights, but people loved them. Yeah, those women were special, and Pamela was forever indebted to them.
With their help, she’d gotten a good job and her cub was happier than ever. She only hoped this Christmas would erase the past few where she’d had almost nothing to give her precious son. She bit her lip and thought about the following day when she would pick up her last paycheck before the holidays. She planned to go shopping right after.
Elissa had volunteered to watch Paulie so she could cross off a few of the things on his Christmas list. The toy truck and building blocks were easy enough, but there were some things neither Pamela nor Santa could buy. His carefully printed Christmas list flashed in her mind. One word on that list caused her heart to constrict, and she almost sobbed aloud, thinking about it.
Dear Santa,
I really want a new building block set so I can build Mommy a big house. Maybe I can get a toy truck to carry the bricks. Also, I was really good this year, so maybe you can also bring me a dad. All my friends have one, and I need someone to play catch with and maybe a little brother, too. I promise to be good.
Love,
Paulie B.
Holy forking fart balls, reading that had almost broken her. Paulie wanted a family for Christmas. It was one thing she couldn’t give him, and it broke her heart. She shook her head and wiped the tear that had trickled down her cheek. That was a problem for another day. Pamela was not there to wallow, she was there to have a nice time.
Determined, she pushed all her sadness right out of her head. Tonight, she was having fun. She thought back on the elaborate sit down dinner Uncle Uzzi had provided for his guests. The food was wonderful, and though it pained her, Pamela made small talk to those around her. She’d eaten and smiled, albeit a little stiffly, at the few unattached males who’d sat near her.
She was grateful when the meal ended, and she was free to walk around again. Her smiles had been misconstrued by two rather stubborn males who’d dogged her every step, but she was still trying to have a good time.
Finally, she was able to get away from them, but not before she noticed another male who’d seemed a little too interested. Of course, that one was different. Ridiculously handsome with bronzed skin and stylishly messy black locks that hung rakishly over his forehead. The first thing she’d noted about his appearance were those crazy gorgeous locks—and images of her long nails combing through that hair immediately flashed inside her head.
Eeek…down girl!
The stranger watched her with dark eyes that glittered like black diamonds in the dimly lit hall. He seemed overly interested in her conversation with the other two males, but there was something about his predator’s gaze that set him apart from the rest. Pamela had easily dismissed the two men, failing to engage her in conversation, but this one. He was different.
Grrr.
Something about him had her she-Tiger panting with need. She’d never felt quite like that before. Horny—sure—but desperate to have his cock stretching her and filling her five seconds after they locked eyes with one another? No. That was not the norm for Pamela.
His gaze raked her over from head to toe, and she sucked in a breath. She felt exposed—naked, even though her gown was still intact.
Dangerous.
Yes, he was that. Dangerous, sexy, and damn, was he good-looking. Powerfully built, larger than any of the males in the Pride, he was all bronzed muscles and smoldering eyes. The scent of pine trees and mountain air reached her sensitive nostrils and her Tiger growled louder, causing Pamela to tremble in her skin. Heat pooled between her legs and her she-Cat pushed to come out. Her inner animal hissed a single word and Pamela froze.