by Tl Reeve
Caden strode into the kitchen, right into her personal space. “We aren’t doing anything.” He kept his voice low so the playing pups didn’t hear him. “I am doing it all. I fucked up, Danielle. Big time. I need to atone for my mistakes, with you and my sons. I know I wrecked your trust, baby. I know it was a gift you gave to me. I took it and threw it away, like a piece of trash. That’s all on me. I did it. Not you. It’s my job, my responsibility, to rebuild it, not yours.”
“How do you even plan to do it, Caden? You don’t even think Nicolas is your son.” She winced at her tone, hating the wobble in her voice.
“He’s mine,” he growled with conviction.
“When did you realize it?” Danielle glanced up, their gazes clashing. “Today, when you got a sniff of familial scent your brothers say he carries? Or when you forced his shift? Maybe it was when I lay dying on some hospital table.”
He blinked.
“Oh yeah, Kalkin told me he saw your miserable ass.” She swallowed the lump of emotion battling its way up. She wouldn’t allow the boys to see her lose it.
Caden’s blue eyes swirled with emotion, mostly regret. “Yes. I realized he was mine when Kal showed me his picture after he was born. And like the pussy I am, I stayed away.” Disgust and self-recrimination filled his voice. “I’m done being that man, Dani. I’m no longer leaving you or our sons alone.”
“We’ve been fine without you,” she added, knowing full well it was an outright lie.
“No, you haven’t. You’ve been suffering, and that’s my fault too.” He moved closer to her, easing his big hands around her shoulders. For the first time in a year, warmth returned to her body. “I can say sorry till the cows come home, pumpkin, but it’s not enough. Not by a long shot. I need to let my actions speak for me now. It started last night. I stayed the night. Not Jace, Keeley, or any of my brothers. I took care of my boys, letting their mama get some much-needed rest. After work tonight, I’m coming back, and I’ll continue to come back every night till I get back what I callously threw away, Dani girl. Consider this my notice to you. My end game is to get back into your life, heart, and eventually your bed.”
“It isn’t that easy, Caden,” she murmured.
“Yeah, it is. Life is easy, it’s the people living it who make it complicated.”
“Do I even get a choice?” Did she want one?
He shook his head. “Not really. You got a need, you call me. Not my brothers, and sure as shit not that prick lion, Rapier.”
It sounded to her like someone was jealous of a certain sexy lion. She squared her shoulders, not saying a word. She didn’t have to. She wasn’t the one who walked away when things got tough.
“Got me, pumpkin?”
“Um. We’ll see.” It was the only answer she was willing to commit to at this moment.
He was right, though. She didn’t trust him. Not one damn bit. One night of him manning up, when he had already missed three hundred odd nights to take care of his offspring, wasn’t going to resolve their issues. It could take weeks, hell perhaps even months before those bonds would form again.
Danielle needed to be even more careful this time. It wasn’t just her now. She had to worry about her sons and what it would mean if she started to let him back into their life. Caden could fuck up his life, fuck up hers, but she’d be damned if she’d allow him to do it her sweet boys. They deserved so much more, and she was determined to give it them, even if it meant going it alone, leaving him out of their lives.
“I’m going to take your non-answer as a yes,” he murmured, tilting his head as he moved closer. His lips brushing against hers ever so softly, surprising her.
Danielle should push him away, slap him across the face or knee him in the nuts. She did none of it. Caden took advantage, kissing her again. Only this time it wasn’t his lips grazing hers. No, this time, he lingered over her lips, tasting her longer.
Danielle’s hands crept up his still naked chest, memorizing the bulges and dips of his torso, not knowing when she would allow herself another chance to touch him or just feel a connection.
She groaned, and he growled into her mouth. Danielle felt the light touch of his fingers on her hips, then he palmed her ass, pulling her tight against his hard body. His erection pressed hard, insistent against her belly.
“I love your ass.” He moaned against her lips.
“Keeley said the same thing this morning when I finally got out of bed,” Kalkin announced, ruining their moment.
Or is he saving me? Danielle stepped back, covering her mouth with the tips of her fingers. How could she forget herself? How could she allow him to take liberties with her, and she...enjoy it? She waited for the anger to spike within her, instead, nothing. A pleasant tingle settled within her belly. One of warmth and healing—neither of which she’d expected.
“You’re an asshole,” Caden muttered. “Why didn’t you knock first?”
Kalkin grinned. “I did. Three times. You two were tangled up, playing tonsil hockey. I suspect, if I’d been a minute later, you’d be in the middle of playing hide the pickle.”
Definitely didn’t need to hear that. Danielle took another step away from Caden, putting more space between them. “Well, sorry to disappoint you.” She hurried over to where the boys were playing together. “Caden...do you mind helping me with Nic? I’d like to give him and Aiden a bath since they were outside playing.”
Caden nodded. “Sure.” He glared at his brother for another second then trudged over to where the boys were playing tug of war with a small soft puppy plush toy. “Show him who’s boss, Nic.” He scrubbed both of their heads. “Okay, boys. Time for a bath and then an adventure with mommy today.”
Aiden automatically shifted back to his little boy form and grinned. “More gokies?”
Danielle smothered a laugh. “Maybe, if you’re a good boy and help me find some clothes for Crow. Deal?”
Aiden nodded his head, then, naked as a jaybird, toddled over to the stairs and carefully made his way up them. When he was out of sight, she turned her attention to the little bundle of fur cuddled to Caden’s chest. Whatever conversation they were having, it had been clear, he held Nicolas completely enthralled.
Seconds passed between them before a soft yip fell from her son as his body shook. Caden didn’t break the connection between them while his hand continued to rub at his back. Nicolas’s small body shimmered as the white ball of light encompassed his puppy form. When it dissipated, a naked Nicolas lay against Caden’s chest. He gave a small grunt before yawning. For Aiden and Caden, heck all of the Rafertys, seeing them shift between their human and wolf form had been second nature. But, watching her son do so left her speechless.
“There we go,” Caden whispered. “It’ll get easier.” He kissed Nic’s head. “He’ll be a little tired at first, then as he does it more often, he’ll get to be like Aiden, shifting between both forms as much as he wants.” He handed the small bundle over and cocked his head to the side. “Are you okay? I know it can be a little disconcerting seeing such a small baby go between forms.”
She inclined her chin as she took Nic into her arms, afraid her voice would fail her. She breathed in her son’s scent and another bit of her settled. “It’s pretty amazing.”
“It is,” Caden agreed, scooting closer to her. “I have to go right now. Like I said, I’ll be back tonight.”
He brushed his lips over hers before coaxing her to give a little more. She opened to him, accepting the kiss. She drank down the myriad of emotions flowing between them, but mostly the hope. Parched, she couldn’t get enough. She sank into the sensations swirling through her body. They nourished her soul, repairing some of the damage done. When Caden pulled back, his eyes were heavy-lidded, and a lazy grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“Oh, don’t look so smug.” Danielle stood. “I didn’t say it earlier, or last night, but thank you for watching over the boys.”
Caden nodded. “Thank you for allowing me to. We h
ad fun.”
Kalkin gagged. “Would you fuck already and get over yourselves.”
Danielle’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. She’d fallen under Caden’s spell and completely forgot Kalkin had been there. “Uh... ‘kay, I think that’s my cue to leave.” She turned to Kal. “I’m going to see Crow this afternoon, and I’ll send you another report.”
“Fine.” He gave her a knowing wink.
“Let’s go, asshole,” Kalkin snapped. “You have reports to sort, and I have Sheriff duties to attend to.”
Caden squeezed her hand one last time before walking out the door with his brother.
Danielle’s knees gave out from under her, and she sat back down. Nicolas cuddled into her chest, giving a soft sigh of contentment. She had to get upstairs. Aiden needed a bath as did Nicolas. As much as she wanted to dissect how she felt, it would have to wait until later, and even then, she didn’t think she’d been given the time to do so.
“I am in way over my head.” She pressed a kiss to Nicolas’ head as she stood.
“Mama!” Aiden called out from the stairs. “Ou ‘kay?”
“Yes, my sweet boy. I’m on my way. Did you get yourself some clothes?”
“Mmhmm.” He bobbed his head.
“Good. Let’s get ready for our day.”
Chapter Seven
Caden waited for Kalkin to start harassing him for staying with Danielle. Instead, he got into the Sheriff’s department truck and didn’t say a word. In fact, the whole way to the station they rode in companionable silence. He enjoyed it. For the first time since they’d been ripped apart by his actions, Caden relaxed with his brother. He hoped they were finally on a solid foundation again.
“I spoke to Mackenzie last night,” Kalkin said.
Shit, he didn’t know what to say. To be honest, he was still processing everything. After his conversation with Rapier and showing up at the house, he took a moment to absorb what he’d seen and the conversation with his brother. For now, he focused on his mate. Sure, Danielle had this uncanny need to keep everything clean, almost sterile, yet it went deeper. The fridge being empty had been a stab to his gut. The way she talked about Nicolas’ milk bothered him even more. The tea she favored, always having an extra box or two on hand, had disappeared, leaving only a few tea bags.
“Uh, huh.” Caden glanced out the passenger window.
“I didn’t realize he’d be at the house,” Kalkin said. “I’m sorry.”
“I’d rather not talk about it. I need to concentrate on Danielle. Okay?”
His brother nodded. “How is she?”
For as much as she put on a front for everyone around her, she came home to... emptiness. The idea tore his already shredded soul apart. She neglected herself. It would seem since the moment he rejected her out of his own stupidity. She stopped caring as well—at least where she’d been concerned. She gave every ounce of herself to Nicolas and Aiden, to the point she’d eat after they did, if she ate at all. Hell, even when he saw her the other day in town with the boys, it hadn’t sunk in. Sure, she appeared pale, a bit drawn and too thin; however, being in the same room as her, it became more pronounced.
He saw the dark circles. The frailness of her body. He saw the stress lines around her mouth and at her brow. Her normally bright blue eyes were dull. The idea of her taking a bath was strategic. He also meant for her to eat a bite and then go to bed. Even if she wanted him to leave, he’d have stayed, just to help her out. Sure, it wasn’t his place to do so, especially after everything, but she needed the help. He supposed it’s why he let her sleep for so long. Plus, it gave him time to bond with his sons, especially Nicolas.
It also gave him time to talk to Mrs. Martin. When he took the boys to grab some dinner, he stopped by her shop to check on the elderly woman. They talked for a long time about Danielle. He’d wait for her to explain the issue with having to go to Mrs. Martin for milk, but the woman had been tight lipped. Until he learned what happened, he set up a schedule for the milk to be directly delivered to the house, and he’d be there to accept it. He also went to the store and bought enough groceries for at least two weeks.
Danielle will see it later. He realized when he inserted himself back in her life, she’d probably chew his ass out, but he also couldn’t allow her to continue to starve. It surprised him when she ate the food he made her without even questioning where it came from—another point they’d have to address later as well.
They pulled up to the station and he got out. “You coming?” He glanced at Kalkin. Since his return to work, his brother seemed to keep an eye on him. Caden couldn’t blame him. He’d given his brother no reason to trust him or believe he’d do the job given to him.
“No, I want Jace to take me to where they found the boy. Maybe we’ll get a clue of what’s going on. Or, more to the point, what’s to come.”
Yeah. He meant to ask Danielle about it earlier, however, when she walked through the door, he second-guessed his attempts. Add in the way she softened in his arms and the subtle scent of her arousal when he kissed her...he’d been glad his brain hadn’t imploded right there on the spot. All thoughts of talking business went out the window. All he wanted was to stay wrapped in her arms.
“Right,” he answered. “If you need me.”
Kalkin nodded. “I’ll call.” He stared at Caden for a second. “We’ll talk later about getting you out in the field when I come back. I need you now, more than ever.”
Pride welled within Caden. “Of course. Yeah. You know me. I’ll do whatever you need.”
Kalkin grunted. “All right. Finish up those shitty reports and I’ll have Logan pick you up in a couple of hours.”
Caden tapped the passenger door twice. “Sounds great.”
He headed inside as his brother pulled away from the curb. The cacophony of noise he’d blocked out for the last five months met him head-on. The phones were ringing off the hook, the bench where they cuffed those who’d been arrested had been full. Had he missed something? Had he been walking in such a haze, he hadn’t paid any attention to what was going on in their town?
He wrapped his knuckles against the counter and waved to Loraine who’d been on the phone before heading to his desk. The reports were light from the night before, surprisingly. Caden sat at his desk and got to work. No reason to slack off now. Plus, the promise of being able to see Danielle and the boys spurred him on. When he opened the first file, he paused. Shit. Danielle had been knelt beside the small boy. His foot rested on her thigh, while the photograph captured the injuries he sustained. As he flipped through the pictures, each one seemed a bit worse than the last, and then he saw the last image.
Caden hissed. His stomach churned. Who the fuck would try to castrate a kid? The little boy hadn’t fully developed, which meant whoever did it had snatched the boy in his shifter form. Caden’s heart squeezed. He hadn’t prepared himself. He should have asked Danielle about the boy before coming to work. He realized it now. He signed off where he needed to and placed the folder in the pending “investigation” stack. Of all the things he’d been ready to find out about the kid, seeing the photographic proof of what Quincy members were capable of pissed him off.
He glanced up as the door opened and had been surprised to see Nico. As much as the kid was a pain in the ass, he did help them. However, right now, the kid appeared a bit frantic. His chest heaved as he gulped up air. His eyes were a little wild. Sweat dotted his brow and his hands were clenched at his side. Caden stood. He met the boy halfway between his desk and Loraine. Whatever happened, it made his gut clench with worry.
“Nico?”
The boy held up a finger then doubled over, trying to catch his breath. When he stood, the light-hearted look he always wore reappeared. “We need to talk.”
“Sure,” Caden stated. Since Kalkin was out of the office, he ushered the boy into his brother’s office, then closed the door behind him. “What’s going on?”
“I went to see Crow. Miss Keeley wanted
me to introduce myself, and I brought some clothes for him too. Anyway, on the way back, I found something.”
Now wasn’t the time for him to get awkward on Caden because whatever he saw had to be important if he ran all the way back to the sheriff’s department. “What did you see?”
Nico threw himself into the chair next to him. “Tiffany.”
“Say what?” Caden leaned against the edge of Kalkin’s desk. “Where?”
“You know that old trailer park near the new apartments?”
“Yeah.” Caden nodded.
“There. She wasn’t alone, either.”
He hadn’t seen her since the day he snatched a half-dead Aiden from her jaw, then chased her out of town. It wasn’t until he went back to the scene and found all the other pups she’d killed. There’d been three. Triplets. It was only after Kalkin reamed his ass, they’d found out about Emmitt. According to the other orphans and Mrs. Martin, the poor kid had gone on his first run through the full moon—not something most parents allowed. However, as another of their orphans, not even Mrs. Martin could keep him under lock and key. Tiffany found him, raped him, and then...nothing. Aiden had been the only remaining bit of evidence of what transpired between the two, Emmitt disappeared.
“Who else?” Caden had a feeling he knew who, but he had to have proof. Tiffany had run off towards Quincy pack land after Caden found her. If she’d been smart, she’d have stayed away.
“Quincy pack members. It looks like they’re staying there,” Nico answered.
“Did she see you?”
The boy shook his head. “No way. I didn’t stay long enough for her to see me.”
Good. “Think you can take me back to where they were?”
“Are you sure it’s a good idea?” Nico ran his hands along his jean-clad thighs. “What if they’re up to something?” He glanced out the office window.
Oh, Caden figured they were up to something, what though, he didn’t know. “I’m counting on it.” He should have called Kalkin and told him what was going on, instead, he pushed away from the desk and headed for the door. In order for him to earn back just a bit of the trust he’d lost, he had to do this. He had to be the one to dig.