by Roxy Wilson
They needed to head back to the house. Devyn was there, and he couldn’t wait to see her and take her into his arms. They could be together, him, her, and Justin.
This was heaven. He’d found it, and now he would do whatever was necessary to protect his happiness.
Chapter Ten
Devyn paced the floor of the schoolroom. Keran was gone, and she had no idea if he would ever come back. The chance that his enemies might kill him was huge. She’d known that, but she wasn’t prepared to accept it. Keran was a fighter and he loved his son; those were enough reasons for him to try his best.
But then again, what if she never saw him again?”
Devyn shook her head. She wasn’t willing to consider the possibility. Her heart raced and there was a sour ball of anxiety lodged in her stomach. She stopped pacing, willing herself to stay still. She rolled her shoulders back and forth, trying to ease the tension that seemed to set up camp there.
How long would it take before she heard something? Devyn had no clue. He’d to return to her, and he would bring Justin back. No other result was acceptable. If she could ensure their safe return with sheer will, Devyn would have done so.
The door banged open, and she ran downstairs. As she skidded to a halt on the top step of the stairs, her eyes brimmed with tears. They rolled down her cheeks as she dropped to the floor.
Justin scrambled towards her.
She opened her arms and he ran right to her. She held him close and inhaled the sweet scent of his arrival. “You’re back.”
“Dad came to get me,” he informed her.
She ran her hands over his back and arms as she tried to see if he was hurt.
He wasn’t. He’d lost a little weight. There were dark circles under his eyes, but he was alive and he was back.
It was more than she could ask for. She looked over his shoulder and her gaze met Keran’s. The relief that ran through her body and soul was the same that swirled in his eyes. She turned her attention back to the child. “Are you okay?”
“They didn’t hurt me…But they weren’t nice. I was very brave. I knew dad wouldn’t let me live with them for long, so I waited. Did you miss me?”
“Every single minute! But I knew you would come back. Your daddy wouldn’t have rested until he’d brought you back home.” She kissed him on both cheeks and was pleasantly surprised when he reached over and hugged her once more.
He patted her on the back. “I missed you too.”
Fresh tears poured down her cheeks, as she couldn’t contain the happiness that bloomed in her heart. She loved this child as if he were her own son. Devyn couldn’t think about leaving him behind. He was hers. Maybe she didn’t give birth to him, but in the short time she spent with him, she found a connection that was hard to break.
He wiped his hand over her eyes. “Don’t cry. I love you.”
“And I love you more,” she said. Taking his hand in hers, she deposited a kiss on his palm. “Thank you for coming back.”
“I want to take a bath and put on my own clothes.”
She laughed and stood. “Of course.”
“You can have a bath in the Jacuzzi,” Keran said as he walked towards them. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
Justin let out a whoop and ran upstairs to his room.
Devyn stared at Keran. He was hurt, she could see, but it didn’t look bad. She resisted the urge to touch him. A moment later, she heard the pitter-patter of Justin’s feet as he skipped to his father’s room. She allowed herself to touch Keran briefly on his cheek. “You’re safe.”
“It wasn’t that bad.”
“Did you—what did you do to the men who took him?”
He let out a sigh. “It was Roger. He was the one who organized the whole thing. He planned to take over the pack and the business.”
She clapped a hand on her mouth. “Roger, but—he grew up with you.”
“He was my brother,” Keran said simply, then he shook his head, his eyes clouded. “I guess he only thought of me as an obstacle to the riches he felt belonged to him. When you mentioned that there was a traitor and then Martin said the same thing, I told him to look into it, and he came up with Roger’s name.” He sighed. “I didn’t want to believe him, but we couldn’t take a chance. They didn’t want to put a tracker on me but we put one on Roger…Martin and his men followed him. That’s how they found me.”
Devyn couldn’t help it; she reached out and put her arms around his waist, her head resting on his strong, broad chest, his heartbeat sounded steady.
His eyes—his eyes reflected the wound lodged in his heart. The sense of loss he must have felt. It was one of the worst betrayals he could have suffered.
“I’m so sorry, Keran. So sorry.”
“He escaped.” His arms sneaked around her waist and held her close. “But I’m not going to let him go for long. What he did, there isn’t any forgiveness for him.”
“Of course not,” she agreed. Roger! It was hard for to believe. She had suspected a traitor, but she never thought it was someone who would be so close to Keran. No wonder he was so disturbed. She felt bad for him. “It’s terrible what he did.”
“And he’s going to pay the price for it.” He ran a hand through his hair and stepped back. “I should check in on Justin. He’s not allowed in the Jacuzzi alone.”
“Okay. I’ll go and tell the chef to make something special for him for dinner. He likes fried chicken.”
He ran a finger over her cheek. “That’s a good idea.”
Devyn was almost giddy with excitement. It felt great to have Justin home. Finally, he was back where he belonged! Now, they could be together as a family. Devyn stopped short. She was thinking along those lines, but she had no clue if Keran wanted her to be close to Justin. Now that his son was back, he might not be so excited about being with her.
No. He wasn’t like that. He told her he loved her. He wouldn’t throw around those words if he didn’t mean them. She walked into the kitchen.
The chef glanced at her and grinned. “I’ve already started on the chicken.”
She laughed. “That’s what I came here to tell you, and since we’re doing everything for Justin, why don’t you make your famous ice cream sundaes?”
“I’m on it.”
Devyn talked to him for a while and then she went back upstairs to her room. She waited until she heard Justin’s voice. Devyn wasn’t sure if Keran wanted her to interrupt his time with his son, but they both came into her room.
“Devyn, we’re going to watch a movie. You come too,” Justin said. “It’s about dinosaurs.”
She stood. It was nice to see him home. “Why don’t you two go to the living room and start the movie? I’ll be right down.”
“Sure.” Keran put his arm around his son as they turned around to leave the room.
Devyn took a few breaths to calm her nerves, before heading downstairs. She reached the bottom just as Justin slipped a DVD into the player. She adjusted the lights. “Popcorn?”
Justin was all smiles. “Yeah, that would be great.”
Keran quickly rose to his feet. “I’ll get to it.”
“Thanks, dad.”
Devyn knew that although Justin didn’t have to endure any physical harm, he would have suffered psychologically because of the fear and uncertainty he may have felt while in captivity. Being separated from his father wouldn’t have made things better, either. Still, another child would have been traumatized, but Justin was in an admirable shape. Probably, because he was quite mature for his age and also because he was used to being with werewolves. She felt so glad the kidnappers didn’t physically abuse him. Although she wanted to talk to him about the whole situation, Devyn wanted him to be the one to start the topic. She didn’t want to force a conversation if he wasn’t ready.
Justin sat on the couch. “It’s good to be home with you and dad.”
“Umm—”
“—Roger came to see me when I was there. He told me he would kill
dad. I wasn’t scared though; my dad is way stronger than he is.”
Devyn didn’t have words to express the way she felt. If she saw Roger, she would likely kill him with her bare hands.
“Are you going to stay with us?”
“Is that what you want?”
“Yes, I told dad when I was taking a bath that he needs to make sure you don’t go anywhere.”
She raised an eyebrow at his bossy tone. “Is that so?”
“It’s because I love you.”
Devyn laughed and ruffled his hair. “You’re quite a wordsmith, young man. God help any woman you set your eyes on. And yes, I love you too, and I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good,” he said.
“I’m going to check to see what’s taking your dad so long. By now, we should smell the popcorn” She strolled in to the kitchen but Keran was standing at the bay window that overlooked the garden. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I—just gave some instructions to Martin. We need to make sure Roger doesn’t access anything he’s not entitled to.”
“If you want to work, I can keep Justin occupied.”
“No need. I don’t want to be anywhere else but by his side.” He held her hand. “The young man told me he’s happy you’re still here, and apparently it’s my duty to make sure you don’t go anywhere.”
“Yeah, he said as much to me.”
“He’s a bossy young man.” He grinned at her.
She sidled closer and kissed him on the cheek. “I wonder who he inherited such traits from?”
“Are you saying I’m bossy?”
Devyn chuckled. “Oh, not bossy. Maybe determined, focused, and opinionated would be better choice of words.”
He kissed her.
His delightful manly scent assailed her nostrils. The touch and taste of him made her nerves sing with need. Now that Justin was home, they could truly be with each other without any worries. Devyn looked forward to developing their relationship. Not that there weren’t any more problems. They still had the business with Roger to deal with. Still, for now, it was just her, Justin and Keran…together they were a unit.
“I love you,” he said.
“And I love you more.”
He rested his head on her forehead for a few moments. “Thank you for being a part of my life, Devyn. I’m lucky fate landed you here. From now on, everything should be fine.”
Devyn smiled. She hoped so. Yet, she had an odd feeling they weren’t over the worst of it. Roger was still out there. He wouldn’t give up easily, but now they were more prepared. If he created any trouble, they would be able to deal with him.
Oh yes, they would.
Chapter Eleven
Devyn swiveled around, so she could feast her eyes on his sharp features, lean physique, and dark hair glinting in the sunlight filtering in through the window. They were in Thailand, and it was going to be one fabulous vacation. She enjoyed the way Keran talked and moved. There was an air of confidence that sat well on him. The mere sight of him sent a thrill of excitement down her spine.
As she lifted her chin and met his gaze, he shifted slightly to look at her, a smile curved over his lips. Her face felt impossibly hot. She knew that he knew she was checking him out, even though he was engaged in a conversation on the phone. Keran had caught her in the act. It only heightened the passion that gripped her. Devyn fought the waves of desire that curled through her veins.
This wasn’t the time or the place.
Just as that thought spilled through her mind, the door banged open, and in walked Justin, His smile filled his face. “Come on, Devyn, you’ve got to see this. They have the most awesome swimming pool, and there’s a baby elephant. We can feed him if we want.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “A real baby elephant?”
“Oh yes, he’s flapping his ears,” he said.
She glanced at Keran who finished the conversation and snapped his mobile phone shut. The slight frown told her that things didn’t go as well as he’d wanted. She ruffled Justin’s hair. “Okay. We’ll go down in a moment. Why don’t you go to your room and put on your swim trunks? Oh, and don’t forget to take your sunglasses and pack the sunscreen.”
He bounced on his feet. “I can’t wait. Don’t let dad keep you too long.” He threw his dad a warning glance, as if to say that he’ll have a lot to reckon with if he caused Devyn to dilly dally too long.
She waited until Justin rushed out of the room in his excitement. Devyn turned to face Keran.
He strode towards her and gathered her in his arms.
Her breasts crushed against his chest and the fountain of desire turned into a lusty volcano. She wanted nothing more than to strip and make hot, sweaty love to him, but Justin was waiting for her, and she couldn’t bear to disappoint him. Keran’s lips brushed over hers, and she gave herself permission to enjoy the myriad sensations that careened through her nerves. Lust, desire, and passion all rolled into a volatile cocktail and exploded in her gut.
“You’re ditching me already? Our holiday just started,” he complained.
“We haven’t told Justin about—relationship.” It had barely been three weeks since the Justin came home. She thought it was too early to tell him about something like that; after all, she had been hired as his teacher and nanny, and it wasn’t fair to spring this surprise on him. “I want him to have a good time and hopefully, he will forget the horror of the last few days.”
“My son is a strong kid. He’s taken it in a stride.”
That was true enough. Justin was a werewolf like his father. He’d seen worse things, but surely it was traumatic for a child to be held against his will. He seemed recovered, but she wanted to make sure he’d had enough time to convalesce before they told him she was going out with his father. She raised her hand and touched Keran’s cheek. His stare used to unnerve her, but now it was full of love and understanding. Devyn couldn’t believe how lucky she was to find the right man. Yes, they had been through tough times. He thought for a while that she was one of the kidnappers. He mistrusted her. She didn’t know he was a shape-shifter, and it shook her to realize that he was the Alpha of his pack and harbored such a strong secret.
Now that past was behind them—and they were a part of each other’s life.
“I want to at least give him this holiday, and then when we go back, we can tell him.”
“It’s going to be a true test of my patience if I can’t get you alone.”
She rose on her toes and gave him a kiss on his lips. Devyn winked. “Don’t worry. He’s going to sleep at eight thirty and then we can have some alone time.”
“Can’t wait.”
She latched onto his arm as he tried to step away. “What happened? What did they say on the phone?”
He grimaced. It was obvious he didn’t want to tell her. “No one has seen or heard from Roger. The pack that helped him kidnap Justin has also disappeared. If anyone sees them, I’ll get the news but until then, we just have to be careful.”
“He won’t come after us here.”
“I don’t think he would try such a stupid thing. If I thought Justin was at risk, I wouldn’t have agreed to this holiday. But I have a feeling that we’ll have to deal with Roger again, at some point. He isn’t going to take this well. He doesn’t take losing too kindly. He’ll be back.”
“This time, we’re more prepared, and we’ll foil his plans before he puts them into action.”
“Yeah, we will,” Keran agreed.
“I have to go. Justin is waiting.”
He sighed and allowed her to step away. “I’ll come along in a while.”
She blew him a kiss before she walked out of the door. Heady with delight, she made her way to her room and picked up her bag. She applied the sunscreen slipped on her sunglasses and went into Justin’s room. They were all sharing the penthouse suite, and not only was it massive but it was also luxurious and comfortable.
Justin was ready. He picked up the bag. “Let’s go. Let�
��s go. The baby elephant might go away.”
“I’m sure it’s going to stay for a while.” She opened the door and walked out with him.
“Is dad going to come with us?”
“In a little while,” she said.
The corridors of the resort were silent as they strode out. Initially, Keran had wanted to book a villa, so they could have privacy but then he realized that Justin might benefit more from the company of other kids and the resort activities. It was a good decision because Justin was having a great time. It was only their second day at the resort, but he’d already made friends in the basketball camp that he attended. She was also planning to take him along for the two-hour chess activity. She thought he might be able to give even the instructor some stiff competition, as he was already quite a pro at the game.
Being with Justin was a delight. Devyn was more than in love with him; it was almost as if he was her child. That’s how she felt. It was strange how she’d formed such strange connections with Keran and Justin. Now, she couldn’t imagine leaving them. They belonged to her, and she to them. Of course, they still had to tell Justin, and until they did so, she couldn’t be open about her relationship with Keran.
If Justin didn’t take well to it, she wouldn’t pursue the relationship.
What if he doesn’t like the place I’m taking in his father’s life?
What if he wants me to go away?
It would break her heart to leave Justin and Keran, but she loved the child as much as she loved the man, and she didn’t want Keran to choose. If Justin wasn’t happy with this new development, she would bow out of their lives gracefully. Of course, she wouldn’t ever be happy but that was just the way it sometimes happened in life. She didn’t care if they were both werewolves. Other people might consider them dangerous, but to her, they were wonderful human beings with immense capacity for love and generosity.
“Hey, look at that.” Justin pointed and broke her train of thought. “I’m going to feed the elephant.”
She strode behind him. The baby elephant was adorable. She talked to the attendant while Justin fed the animal. It seemed that there was a conservatory for elephants’ right next to the resort and they protected the animals and cared for them while allowing them to live in the wild. Only the babies were taken to meet with humans because the wild, older elephants could be dangerous.