Carson gasped. “I didn’t know!”
“No you didn’t, but that’s no excuse for your behavior.” Wayne took Carson by the shoulders. “I have been paying attention to what everyone is saying Carson. I think you may be ready to join the world at some point.”
“No,” Carson shook his head. “I want to stay here. I deserve to be here.”
“Well, you and Roy will work together. Roy will move into the cottage across from yours. I want reports once a week.”
Carson eyed the rogue with narrowed eyes. “Fine.”
~*~
Jonas stoked the fire; he looked up now and then to see Anya gazing out into the forest. He couldn’t argue the woman was beautiful. Her long hair in a loose bun, high cheekbones, thin nose and rose-colored lips all added to her beauty. She was his type, he knew that for sure. Jonas sighed and thought about Jackson, the strong hands that held him, caressed him, the lips that seemed to melt him from just one kiss.
“Well, let’s talk about this.”
Jonas was startled from his fantasy by Anya’s voice. He met her eyes and saw the confusion, the sadness. He knew how she felt, because he felt it too. Already the loss of Jackson was having a profound effect on him.
“I take it you wouldn’t want to leave Siberia just yet?”
Anya shook her head no. “It’s not safe.”
Jonas nodded. “I can stay here with you, then.”
“For how long?”
“What?”
“I asked for how long? You have a life in Seattle, do you not? And if I am correct, have feelings for another man.”
Jonas blushed crimson and ducked his head. “It doesn’t matter how I feel. The fates have decided you and I belong together.”
“I may have been out of civilized life for a while, Mr. Brooks, but you and I both know our feelings lie elsewhere.” Anya stood. “If we’re to make this work, we must spend time together.”
“Fine, but it’s Jonas from now on. Not Mr. Brooks.” Jonas tilted his head in thought. “You’re not going to fight this?”
Anya shrugged. “The fates have decided. I’ve watched over many years how they assign mates, and they have occasionally been wrong, but they have been known to get it right more often than not.” Anya narrowed her eyes. “But don’t be thinkin’ I’m just going to lie down at your feet.”
Jonas had to smile. “I wouldn’t want that anyway.”
“No?”
“No. We’re equals Anya, you and I, and I’ll treat you as such.”
Anya sighed and looked towards the cabin. “John was right.” She said softly.
“About?”
“Not all men are bad.”
~*~
Six hours later, the plane had landed at the airfield. Jackson threw his bag over his shoulder and tried to smile at John Quinton. Both of them were in the same boat. Jackson climbed the stairs with a heavy heart. John took the seat across from him and they both looked out the window. There wasn’t much to say, they both knew it. All Jackson knew was that life from this point on wouldn’t be the life he’d wanted.
~Chapter Six~
Jonas looked out over the Siberian forest. The air was chilly, as always, but something else was leaving him cold. It had been a week since Jackson had left and the absence of the man he was falling in love with was slowly crippling him. Anya had been roughly in the same state. They shared dinners, walks through the forest and the occasional laugh, but Jonas knew it would never be more.
Someone had already claimed his heart.
The shifters that John Quinton had found had finally shown up at the plane wreckage. They remained in animal form, but Wayne had assured them they’d be safe. None of them would shift, and Jonas couldn’t blame them. They’d shift when they felt safe.
Anya was walking alongside the river, her mind obviously on a certain man. She’d opened up a little, but still didn’t fully trust him. Jackson’s words were a constant in his mind. Was he afraid to be gay? Was he afraid to show his love for another man? He’d always been a strong individual, which was why he was an alpha. So why was he chicken shit about this? Jonas looked back at their time together, the pack meetings, and his meeting with Jackson, Nikolai and Hayden. Even then, Jackson was a calming factor in his life. They gravitated towards each other at every possible time.
Jackson knew he had two forms and didn’t care.
Jonas ran a hand through his hair. Could he ever be a man to Anya? A man that made love to her? Kissed her?
“It’ll be dark soon.”
Jonas was startled by Anya’s voice.
“Yes. We should go in.”
“Jonas?”
“Yes?” Jonas turned to face her.
“Thank you, for your patience with me.”
Jonas put his hand out to her. “You’re welcome.”
Anya hesitantly took his hand. It was the first form of contact they’d made.
And he felt nothing.
Anya seemed to have the same reaction. They walked back toward the cabin, each in their own thoughts.
Dinner was delicious. They made it together, Jonas made sure Anya knew she wasn’t expected to be at his beck and call. He studied her face in the firelight. She really was beautiful. Jonas took a bite of his roll and then it hit. She’d been extremely calm the whole time they’d been together.
“Anya?”
“Yes?”
“Why aren’t you removing my appendages?”
Anya smiled and chuckled. “I am trying out the drug that Evangeline concocted.”
Jonas mouth fell open. A piece of roll hit the table.
“Close your mouth.” Anya picked up the piece of chewed roll with a napkin. “It would be bad if I killed my intended, wouldn’t it?”
Jonas nodded slowly.
Anya grinned.
“Shall we play a card game tonight?”
“You’d like to lose again?” Anya snickered.
Jonas narrowed his eyes. “Five card draw?”
“If you wish. Although I like the ‘Monopoly’ game better.”
Jonas snorted. “I bet.”
Two hours later, Jonas was out of pennies. Anya had taken everything. She stood and looked over her shoulder as she poured another glass of wine for them both.
“Don’t worry; it doesn’t make you less of a man.”
Jonas grinned. “I’m an alpha, doesn’t mean I have to be the best at everything. I take my losses in stride.”
“And that’s what makes you a strong alpha, Jonas. You treat your pack as your own, you don’t belittle them, and you take time to listen to them.”
“How do you know?”
“I’ve heard them when they’re here. They have a great deal of respect for you.”
“I love them all.” Jonas closed his eyes, as always, Jackson’s face was right there. His heart ached at how much he missed him.
“I think we should be a little more intimate.”
Jonas’ eyes flew open. “What?”
“We haven’t even kissed, Jonas. Don’t you think we should at least see if there’s anything there?”
“You hate men.”
“I’ve been with you for a week, Jonas. I’ve heard everything about you, and I know you are a good man.” Anya sat down across from him and studied Jonas’ Brooks face. He really was attractive. The only problem? He wasn’t John Quinton. The curiosity was getting the best of her however, and she wanted to test the waters. Maybe, the fates were right and she belonged with this man. Anya leaned forward and pulled Jonas’ shirt by the collar.
“Kiss me.”
Jonas swallowed hard and leaned in. Their lips met and he stiffened. A snort of laughter had him pulling away quickly. Anya had covered her face and was laughing hysterically.
“Wow, I’ve never had that reaction before.” Jonas scowled.
Anya couldn’t stop, the release felt wonderful. She felt nothing for this man. Well, that wasn’t true. She felt friendship and that was all. Jonas was a good ma
n; he just wasn’t the good man she wanted.
“I’m sorry,” Anya let the last of her laughter fall away. “But don’t sit there and tell me you felt the earth move at our kiss.”
Anya smiled as a slow grin spread across Jonas’ face. He shook his head and Anya breathed a sigh of relief.
“So it wasn’t just me?” Anya asked.
“If I had a sister, it would be like kissing her,” Jonas laughed.
They broke out in a fit of laughter again. It sounded wonderful to Jonas. The fates had to have made a mistake; he was meant for someone else. Jonas stopped laughing and grew serious. This didn’t solve the whole problem. Jackson had been right in a way; he did have issues sometimes with the gay lifestyle. He had no problems being with Jackson around the rest of the packs, but that was because they were gay as well and he knew they would never judge.
Could he be with Jackson freely? Openly?
The cabin shook and Jonas jumped in front of Anya, shielding her. He got a slap to his bicep and a snort.
“Just for once let me protect you?” Jonas said in exasperation.
A light began to shine from the ceiling, growing brighter and brighter. Jonas shielded his eyes as it became blinding. Heat enveloped the cabin and then — something changed.
The cabin became a field of flowers with large oak trees in the distance. A babbling brook studded with colorful rocks flowed nearby, and horses frolicked in the field. The light didn’t dissipate and Anya’s grip on his hand tightened. A voice so heavenly Jonas thought it sounded like music began to speak.
“So you think we’ve gotten it wrong, do you? Who are you to question what we do?”
Jonas’ mouth dropped open. “We meant no disrespect.”
He immediately fell to his knees with Anya and they both bowed their heads.
“Of course not, but you’ve learned a very valuable lesson haven’t you, Jonas? Losing someone you love, even though their physical form is still here, hurts almost as much as if it wasn’t. Anya, you’ve learned that not all men are the same. Some are cruel, but others are caring, loyal and would never harm another. You’ve found that man in John Quinton.”
“So…we’re not mated?” Jonas said slowly.
“You were mated a long time ago. It took the two of you meeting for the bond to take effect, but that bond was broken before you came into contact with each other.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Jonas shook his head in confusion.
“Jackson broke that bond the moment he bit you, Jonas. You belong to Jackson Murphy.”
“Then why do I feel the pull for Jonas?” Anya asked quietly.
“John has not bitten you, Anya. Out of respect for you, he wouldn’t take what he wanted when you offered. He stepped aside, didn’t question the fates’ decision and left to live a miserable life without you — as did Jackson for you, Jonas.”
“So why the pull to each other?”
“It is the residual of the bond. It was not that strong, was it? Anya still felt the pull to John and you still wanted Jackson. If it had held true, neither of you would have given them a second thought. The only question I have now is what are you going to do about it, Jonas?”
Jonas’ head snapped to attention. “What do you mean?”
“Is the unhappiness you have been feeling here more comfortable for you than people finding out you love a man? Can you truly give your heart, your soul, your life, to Jackson Murphy?”
“I love him,” Jonas gasped. He’d said it out loud. “I love him! I’ve been falling more and more in love with him from the moment he kissed me.”
Soft laughter surrounded them and he could have sworn he caught the sight of golden hair out of the corner of his eye.
“Who are you?” Jonas whispered.
“I am Gaea.”
Anya gasped. “Please forgive us.”
“There is nothing to forgive. After all, we have been known to make mistakes in the past.”
The light dimmed a bit and Jonas kept his eyes on the ground. A soft touch to his head warmed his whole body instantaneously.
“You must watch out for my children. It has been set in motion and they have all come to you in one way or another. You have found three more shifters; you must protect them, as well as my children already in your care. Above all else, they must be protected.”
“Who?” John dared to ask.
“You will know. They will be coming into their powers soon and will be confused, scared and alone. They will not understand what is happening. You must take care of them. I am bringing an army to James; the biggest and most aggressive will be joining you in your quest to eradicate the rogues.”
“We will take care of them, you have our word.” Jonas bowed his head again.
“Now go. Be with the ones you love.”
And just like that, they were standing in the cabin again. Jonas blinked and glanced over at Anya; she looked just as he assumed he did. Confused, yet elated.
“I wanted —”
They both laughed as they had started speaking at the same time.
“You go first.” Jonas motioned to her.
“I must say, that is the first time I have been in the presence of a god.”
“Same here.” Jonas smiled. “Well? You heard her; you are free to be with John.”
“And you are free to be with Jackson.” Anya took his hand in hers. “Have you…spoken with him?”
Jonas shook his head. “He has cut off his thoughts so I can’t. He’s so hurt — so angry.”
“Then we better get packed.”
Jonas nodded and got busy. The mere thought of going to Jackson and telling him that they were mated turned his body into a tingly mass. He wanted to be with Jackson so badly, his mouth watered. Jonas stopped and sat down on the bed. What if Jackson was so hurt he wouldn’t listen? He frowned. He’d make him listen.
“Stop second guessing and pack!” Anya shouted.
Jonas had to chuckle. “You’ll make a great wife and mother, Anya.”
“Mother?” Anya hurried into Jonas’ room. “John’s children are grown.”
“You never stop being a parent, Anya, no matter how old they are.”
Anya collapsed on the bed. “Mother? Wife? I don’t know if I can do that. The medication is okay, I mean it calms me somewhat, but what if I hurt someone?”
“You’ll be fine.” Jonas took Anya by the shoulders. “You love John, don’t you?”
“I don’t know what love is.” Anya said softly. “I’ve never been with anyone.”
“Well, when you spent time with John, did you laugh?”
Anya nodded. “Yes.”
“Were you happy around him?”
“Yes.”
“Do you miss him?”
“Yes.”
“Do you love him?”
“Yes.” Anya gasped.
“There’s your answer.” Jonas grinned.
“Is that psychology crap you just used on me?”
“What do you know of it?”
“I have been here a long time. I read quite a bit.”
Jonas smiled. “Come on; let’s finish packing so we can go.”
~*~
Jackson stared into the glass of clear liquid with interest. It looked so innocent, so plain, yet it packed a punch that he needed desperately. It took a lot of alcohol to get a werewolf drunk and Jackson was well on his way to oblivion. Just the way he wanted it. He’d found a seedy bar out in the-middle-of-nowhere China, and he loved it. No one was looking at him with pity, no one was trying to get him to go out and spend time with family and kids. How could he? He’d be around the one thing he was trying to forget. The one thing he’d never have.
Jonas Brooks.
God, but he loved that man.
Jackson snorted and downed the clear liquid. Fire scorched his throat and he tapped on the bar with two fingers. The bartender lifted her brows and Jackson did the same. She sighed and placed another shot glass in front of him.
/> A week.
One week and he felt he was going to die of misery with some awful tasting drink in his gullet. Fucking fates and gods or whatever. Jonas was his, he would always be his. He just couldn’t touch him.
He had turned his thoughts off on the second day. Too many people worrying, asking him questions, ones he couldn’t answer. Why was Jonas not his? Because the cosmic gods loved playing with people. Jackson banged his head on the bar.
“Lady troubles?”
Jackson turned his head to press his flushed cheek on the cool bar and saw the bartender staring at him.
“Man trouble.” He hauled himself upright on the stool and crossed his arms. He had to smile at the bartender’s arched brows. “Surprised?”
“I would have never pegged you as gay,” she admitted.
“Well, I didn’t know either.” That got an even more amused look. “You speak English well.”
“I’ve learned that it’s always wise to know more than one language.”
“Amen.” Jackson downed his drink.
“So, does this man have a name?”
Jackson cocked a brow. “Nosy much?”
“I’m a bartender; I find that people tell me their deepest, darkest secrets willingly.” She grinned. “Name?”
Jackson sighed in resignation. She did have a point. “Jonas.”
“And why are you having trouble with Jonas?”
“Let’s just say I thought he was the one for me. It turned out he was meant to be with someone else.”
“Meant to be, eh? Things have a way of working out just the way they are meant to.”
“Well, I hope and pray like hell that they work out in my favor.” Jackson motioned to his glass again. “Another.”
“Do you plan to spend Christmas with us here in Fuzhou?” she asked as she poured another shot of the clear liquid into his tumbler.
Jackson blinked and shook his head. “What did you say?”
“Which part?”
“Christmas. What day is it?”
“The eighteenth.”
Jackson sighed and closed his eyes. Christmas. Ethan was going to be in a Christmas play. He couldn’t miss that.
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