by Tl Reeve
“I wasn’t planning on going anywhere,” Jasmine replied.
Bell sighed. The relieved sound twisted Jasmine’s insides. She didn’t want to think about all her daughter had dealt with. Didn’t want to contemplate where she’d been or who’d touched her. It was bad enough Raymond had her. She sat down on the closed toilet as Bell took her shower. Her daughters would need to talk to someone. Not her though. She was too personally invested in her children. She would take on their burdens as her own.
When the water shut off, Bell thrust her arm out the door. Jasmine placed a towel in her daughter’s hand then chided herself for not getting any clothes for Bell. “I need to get you some PJs. You start getting dried off and I’ll be right back.”
“Can I have my unicorn nightgown?” Bell asked.
“Of course, you can.” Jasmine left the bathroom and crossed the hall to her daughters’ room. She flipped on the light and went straight to Bell’s dresser. After grabbing everything she needed, she hurried back to a waiting Bell. “Here is your nightgown, underwear, and comfy socks. I am going to take your clothes down to Caden so he can bag them.”
Bell gave a curt nod, before beginning to dress herself. Jasmine gathered everything, including the one shoe of Bell’s, and headed down to the kitchen where Caden and Rapier sat at the table. Their hushed conversation came to an end when Rapier noticed her first.
“Kitten?” He tipped the beer in his hands back while watching her.
“She’s fine. She’s getting dressed now. I’ll go up and braid her hair in a moment then she’s going to bed. She’s already falling down tired.” She handed the clothes to Caden. “Burn them when you’re done.”
Caden nodded. “Won’t be so easy, but I am sure we can make the exception.” He placed his empty soda can on the table. “I should get going. Should you need anything else.”
Rapier inclined his chin. “We know who to call.”
“Not my ass,” Caden muttered. “I’m dumping this off and going home. No way in hell I am getting caught in the fucking desert all night.”
“I’ll remember to let your brother know where you are, if he calls looking for you,” Rapier teased.
“You would too, asshole,” Caden said.
“Takes one to know one,” Rapier shot back, following Caden to the door.
“I’m glad it all worked out. Even if you are a stubborn, foul-tempered lion,” Caden said, opening the rear of the Enforcer.
“Me too,” Rapier agreed wrapping his arm around Jasmine. “Let me know what else you find out.”
Caden placed Bell’s clothes into an evidence bag, then sealed it. “I will.” He placed the bag in the trunk. “It’ll probably be a day or two before Kalkin can say anything though.”
“Figured as much.” Rapier raised his hand as Caden got into the Enforcer and it revved to life.
They stood in the doorway until Caden drove away then Jasmine untangled herself from Rapier and went upstairs. Bell was probably falling asleep waiting on her to return. Rapier crept up behind her on the way and held her up for another second. The look in his eyes, the way they expressed everything she was feeling in that moment, threatened to drown her.
“I thought it was over,” Rapier whispered against her lips. “I thought for sure I was never coming home.” He kissed her then.
The carnal, hedonistic way he commanded her mouth sent a full-body shiver through her. She moaned, wrapping her arms around his neck. Rapier had her pinned to the wall of the stairs as he hitched her up into his embrace. The heat of his body took away the chill. He ground his pelvis against hers, and she met him with a little roll of her hips.
“Don’t ever do something so stupid again,” she murmured once he pulled back. “I could have killed you.”
He grinned. The cocky tug of his lips only drove her more insane. “You could have.” He gave a nonchalant lift of his shoulder. “But then you wouldn’t have this fine dick to play with anymore.” Rapier flexed his hips, and Jasmine bit her lip to stay quiet. The bastard had a point.
“Put me down. I have to fix Bell’s hair. See if you can get the others to go to bed too. I have a feeling Utah will want to be close to the girls tonight.”
“Once they’re all in bed, your ass is mine,” Rapier snarled before nipping her bottom lip.
“Promises, promises.” Jasmine hurried to the bathroom where their daughter waited while Rapier went back downstairs.
Sure enough, Bell sat on the toilet, her head bobbing forward as she dozed. Jasmine frowned. She couldn’t allow her daughter to go to bed with wet knotty hair, but she also hated the thought of forcing her daughter to stay awake while she brushed it.
“Mommy?”
“Yes, Bell?” She crossed to her daughter and grabbed a brush.
“Are you going to fix my hair now? I’m tired.”
“I am. It’ll only take a minute.” Jasmine hurried through the process. In the morning she’d have Bell shower again and then do a proper job of fixing her hair. “There, done.”
“Thank you.” Bell rubbed her eyes and gave a giant yawn. “I’m going to bed now.” She shuffled out of the bathroom and headed for the room she shared with Zoe.
Jasmine followed after her, tucking Bell in before dimming the light. When she went back downstairs, she met Rapier on the landing with Zoe. “Tate and Henry are shutting everything off. Utah should be on the way as well.”
“Good, because I am exhausted.” Jasmine stifled a yawn. “Talk about adrenaline crash.”
“Go lay down then. I’ve got this.” Rapier kissed her forehead then continued on, carrying Zoe to her room.
As Rapier said, a few seconds later, the lights were out, except for the one over the stove, and Utah, Tate, and Henry were making their way to their rooms. Utah paced outside Bell and Zoe’s room, and Jasmine let him in. In a blur of motion, Henry in his lion form and Tate in his wolf form followed Utah’s lead and joined the girls. Jasmine pushed the door to and found the boys curled up on the floor surrounding the girls.
Their own personal guards. She stepped into the room and looked to Tate and Henry. “You should go get clothes just in case. The girls might not like it if both of you are naked when they wake up.”
Rapier laughed. “I’ve got it.” He glanced down at the boys. “She’s got a point.” He winked at her and exited the room.
Jasmine sat on Bell’s bed and kept her hand on Zoe’s leg. Both of her daughters had been through so fucking much. It killed her to think their short lives had been filled with constant chaos. Then her hand went to her belly. And the chaos will continue. She smiled to herself. Well, at least they were ten years apart.
When Rapier returned, he placed the piles of clothes next to each of the boys, including Utah. He then took her hand and guided her out of the bedroom. He didn’t say a word to her as he led her to their bedroom. They’d pretty much said it all, hadn’t they?
“Why don’t you and I take a bath for a change. I put in that giant garden tub for a reason.” He wiggled his brows.
“You’re incorrigible.” She gave a breathy laugh.
He shrugged. “Come on, mate, let me take care of you.”
“No way I’m saying no,” she replied, taking his outstretched hand.
“Good, because I wouldn’t let you.” Rapier drew her into his side and tugged her into their room. “Now, where were we?”
“I think you said something about a bath?” She arched a brow.
“Right,” he replied, pulling off his shirt. “A bath.”
He maneuvered her into the bathroom and left her standing against the wall while he set to work. He added her favorite bath salt mixture along with lavender oil to the tub before he began to fill it. When he came back to her, Rapier undressed her slowly, taking each article of clothing off her one at a time.
Then he went to his knees in front of her and kissed her still flat stomach. He caressed her flesh with the pads of his thumbs before settling between her thighs. Jasmine’s breath caught. She raked h
er fingers through his hair, holding onto him for balance. Rapier growled as he lashed her clit with his tongue. The rumbled sound sent shockwaves through her, and she arched to him.
Rapier took advantage. He hiked her left leg over his shoulder then buried his face in her pussy. He lapped and sucked at her labia before pushing his tongue into her. Jasmine held on. Her heart pounded. Her head swam, and she closed her eyes. She was dizzy and warm. She sank into the tingle of pleasure cascading through her body. Sank into the sensation of her mate’s rough tongue manipulating her clit until she thought she’d come out of her skin.
She cried out, rocking against him as her orgasm rushed through her. When she looked down at her mate, his eyes were blue and the lion peered up at her, gratified by his ability to get her off. She cupped his cheek, and he rubbed against her palm. This man. This beast. She loved them both so much she thought she’d die without either of them.
“We might want to turn off the water,” she whispered. “The tub is getting a little full.”
Rapier chuckled. “You’re probably right.” He eased her leg off his shoulder then kissed her belly once more before crossing to the tub. He checked the temperature of the water before removing the rest of his clothes. “The water is nice and warm. Come here, kitten.”
She went to him, taking his hand. “It smells heavenly.”
“So do you. Like red hots and spring.” He kissed her again, and she could taste herself on his tongue along with the cool sweetness of cream that was all Rapier. “Ride me, mate. Daddy aches for you.”
He got into the tub, and she followed him, lowering onto his lap. The hard length of his cock had been cradled against her pussy, and he hissed. Rapier fisted his hand in her hair and gripped her hip, guiding her over him, so he could tease her with his piercing. Jasmine gasped. The jolt of pleasure every time the small barbell bumped her clit drove her insane. She trembled above him.
“Put my dick in you,” Rapier snarled, tightening his fist.
Jasmine obliged, fitting the tip to her entrance. She lowered herself onto him and groaned. The delicious stretch of her inner walls had her sighing in satisfaction. When he filled her completely, Rapier grunted. The deep sound belied the need flowing through her mate. She could see the wildness swirling in his eyes. The desperation to take what he needed from her. The yearning to dominate her in every way imaginable and she’d let him too. They both needed it after everything they’d been through.
After ten years of living with a grey cloud over them, they could finally see the sun and it was glorious. Jasmine rolled her hips. The thick ring at his tip dragged over her sweet spot, and she cried out. Arousal pinged through her system, sending shockwaves of pleasure through her. She fucking loved that piercing. Loved how he knew just how to use it to get her off on his cock.
Her movements were jerky at best, causing the water in the tub to slosh and spill to the floor. “Oops.” She grinned at her mate.
“Fuck it,” Rapier said, thrusting into her. “We can clean it up later.”
He flipped them then, entering her from behind. The vicious growls and yowls emanating from him turned her on even more. He slammed into her over and over again, setting a brutal pace she enjoyed more than anything. He bit the back of her neck, the same spot he’d held onto her in his lion form and pressed his chest to her back, holding her in place. His strokes were short, deep, and filled with power. They were demanding. Controlling. She sank into the sensation and went pliant under him, allowing her mate to take his fill of her
He pushed into her and ground his hips against hers, groaning her name. Jasmine dug her fingernails into his thigh for purchase, holding herself steady as he began to rub her clit. Stars danced before her eyes. Her breath left her on a whoosh as her orgasm snatched at her. She cried out. The intensity of her release vibrated through her body, leaving her weak.
Behind her, Rapier roared. He retreated and filled her once more before the rhythmic pulse of his release filled her. She sighed and gave a small smile. Then laughed. God, her mate. The damn lion always had to make sure no matter what, he tried to tie himself to her, even when she was pregnant.
“Something tells me we won’t be sleeping much tonight,” Rapier whispered, before licking the mark at the back of her neck.
“Oh?” She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Why’s that?”
Rapier smirked then snarled. “The lion wants you too.”
“Well,” she said. “I guess we can’t let him go without either.”
Rapier wrapped his arms around her and lifted her back to his chest. “I love you, kitten. I’m never letting you go.”
“I love you too, daddy. I’m going to hold you to your promise.” She turned her face and kissed him. “Now, what do you say we get washed off and go for a run. I’ve missed having you chase after me.”
Rapier growled. “You got yourself a deal.”
Epilogue
Three weeks later...
Jenna pulled out of the car lot on the edge of town in her brand-new SUV. Kalkin gave her six more weeks of downtime with pay, allowing her a chance to speak with Brie, the new town psychologist. She liked her all right, especially when the woman told her to take a week and go away. Well, she hadn’t necessarily said, “go away,” she said it more like, take a vacation.
So, she was going to. Jenna didn’t have a destination in mind. She figured she might drive to California, see the beach. Maybe run into a movie star or something. The best part of her six weeks off...she didn’t have to plan anything, nor did she had to face Osirus. She tightened her hands on the wheel. The man had gotten firmly under her skin. Even when she said he wouldn’t. She loved him desperately. Loved him more than she thought possible.
So, why was she leaving then? Because she couldn’t have him. Jenna would only be a complication in his life. In Utah’s life. She didn’t have the skills to be a mate or a mother. She could barely keep her shit together for herself. Hell, she ran on pure instinct when it came to the girls, and relief flooded her when Jasmine took over. She didn’t think she could even have a child of her own either. The thought of it threw her into a panic.
No, six weeks away from Osirus would allow her a chance to decompress, find her bearings, and come home refreshed and ready for work. Six weeks away would put her discombobulated libido back into check as well. Her cycle had been unnaturally potent. The slightest touch from Osirus had her mewling like a cat in heat—which technically she had been. The asshole took advantage too.
No, she couldn’t blame him. She’d been a willing participant as well. She rubbed against him, just to get off on his touch. She rubbed him to have his scent on her and when push came to shove, she lied about it. Guilt ate her gut. See, this is why you never get involved with people.
She turned onto her street and pulled into the driveway of the house. No one was home. Utah went to spend the day with Mark and Sam so he could pick up his new companion, Ajax, a Pit Bull rescue who took to service like he’d been born to help Utah. Jenna frowned. She was leaving without telling the boy she’d come to think of as hers, goodbye. Pain lanced her heart, and she rubbed the spot before getting out of the vehicle.
It was for the best. She figured if she told herself that enough times, it would come true. Jenna stepped into the house and inhaled. Their scents had mingled, hers and Osirus’ and Utah’s. It smelled like home to her, and for a split second she doubted everything she was about to do. No, don’t do this to yourself. You need this. You need to get away. You haven’t had a moment’s peace in ten years.
The truth smacked her hard. She’d been there for everyone, and she’d neglected herself. Squaring her shoulders, Jenna stood a little straighter as she strode down the hall to gather her things. It was only a week. Enough time to clear her head and come home. She repeated the sentiment over and over, reminding herself, as well, she deserved it.
Jenna didn’t know what all she would need, so she packed her duffle with enough clothes and grabbed her toiletrie
s. She glanced around her room one last time before exiting it. She contemplated leaving a note, but she had a sneaking suspicion that if she did, Osirus would come after her and then she’d be stuck.
After loading her things into her SUV, she went back inside one last time. She took the key to the house off her key ring, then left a small, thank you, scribbled on a scrap piece of paper. Her lip trembled, and she snarled as tears rolled down her cheeks. She had no idea why she’d been so emotional when she wasn’t leaving forever. Damn it, suck it up. You need this trip. It’s only a week. You’ll be fine.
Jenna sniffed as she got into her vehicle and started it. She glanced at her mirror, refusing to stare at the home she’d come to think of as hers. And, even as she drove away, she wouldn’t look back. Looking back would cause her to second-guess what she was about to do. When she came to the stop sign, she plugged the information she needed into the GPS and waited for it to pull up the map on her screen. Nine hours to Palm Springs, she could do that in her sleep. From there, who knew where she’d go to next. Jenna turned left out of the subdivision and headed for the highway. The longest stretch of driving for her would be to the freeway then she’d be home free.
Mile after mile flew by and less and less, she felt horrible for her decision. A sense of rightness took root within her. A sense of freedom surged through her, and it was then she realized she’d been right the whole time. Getting away like Brie suggested would help her mentally and physically. Jenna smiled. She turned up the radio and sang along, putting another mile’s distance between her and her worries.
As she came to the edge of Apache County, she spotted a stopped vehicle across both lanes of traffic. Her stomach knotted. Her heart hammered. She came to a stop a few feet from the truck and sighed. No. How did he find out? How did he know? I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t even tell Jasmine. She turned off her SUV and opened the door.
“You’re impeding traffic,” she said with a snarl. “I wonder if Kalkin knows you’re pulling this shit in his county.”