Shades of Magic (Raven Point Pack Trilogy Book 2)

by Heather Renee

  “Why does that not surprise me?”

  My dad. My hero. I loved knowing I could count on him to have my back, even though I was certain it wouldn’t be necessary when it came to Liam. We’d work it out soon.

  “Because I’m your father and you’re my princess. I’d do anything for you.”

  I leaned in and hugged him, breathing in his scent. I had missed him so much. I had missed these moments more than I realized. I would never take them for granted again.

  When he pulled back, his eyes were glassy. “There really was no other choice for Davis?” he asked softly.

  “I tried to find a way to heal him, but even Zarai said she couldn’t help. His legs had no feeling left. The nerves had been shredded in the fight. The hospital we had taken him to had wanted to cut his legs off, the damage was so severe. We were lucky to stop the blood loss when we did.

  “He truly was at peace with the decision. I’m sorry you didn’t get to say goodbye to him. I think that was the hardest part for him, too, but he was proud to be the one to do this for you. For us.”

  He smiled. “I would suspect so. He was the best damn beta this pack has ever had. The best friend I ever had. It’s going to be hard to replace him as my right hand.”

  “I think once you read through whatever he left you, you’ll find he already has a recommendation.” I laughed.

  “Of course, he does. He always liked being one step ahead of me.”

  “I’m glad you’re back, Dad. I missed this.” I hugged him once more. I saw a lot of hugs in our immediate future. “I love you. Get some rest, okay?”

  “I love you, too. I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”

  He was right about that. I doubt I’d be letting him far from my sight for at least a few days. I needed to know he wasn’t going to slip away again. I wasn’t sure I’d survive losing him a second time anytime soon.

  Chapter 8

  I made my way back downstairs. I glanced at the clock on the wall, noticing it was nearing eleven. I was emotionally and mentally exhausted after all the laughing and crying I’d done throughout the day. I was ready to say goodnight to the others and go to bed with Liam. I was done with this day. Tomorrow had to be a better day.

  Aiden and Caleb were sitting where I had been with my dad. They each had empty plates next to them with smiles on their identical faces.

  “Everything go okay with Davis?” I asked them as I sat next to Liam. I reached for his hand, but he slid it away before I could grasp it. Confused, I opened my mouth to say something, but Aiden answered my question first.

  “Yes, Davis is in the medical ward of the training facility. We’ll meet Rick and the others in the morning to move him to the burial grounds.”

  “I really appreciate you guys helping with that.” I stood up and tugged on Liam’s hand before he could pull it away again. “We’re going to bed. See you guys tomorrow.”

  Liam once again yanked his hand back, pulling it from my grip once more. He was starting to irritate me and I was two seconds from punching him in the throat.

  “I think I’m going to stay with my brothers tonight.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I haven’t spent much time with them lately. Thought it might be nice to change it up.” He shrugged, trying to be nonchalant, but he was fidgeting like crazy.

  Caleb’s deep laugh rumbled through the room. “He’s full of shit. He’s just afraid to sleep in your room and wake up with your pops standing over him, holding a knife or something similarly sharp. Nah, sharp would be too kind. I bet your dad would use something dull to make it hurt more.”

  I rolled my eyes at him. Caleb had such a morbid sense of humor, but it made sense why Liam was acting funny. It was ridiculous, but at least it made sense. “Come on, lover boy. My dad isn’t going to harm a hair on your head. I promise.”

  Liam looked up at me like I had kicked his puppy. He was truly afraid. “I’m not doing it and you can’t make me.”

  Seriously? He was acting like he was a child. That was usually something I did when I was being stubborn. He wasn’t allowed to steal my thing and get away with it. I had an idea and I knew who would play along without needing a heads-up.

  “Caleb?” I mused.

  “Yes, Taya?”

  “I don’t feel like being alone tonight and, since you look just like your brother…, would you mind filling in for him? It’s been a long day and I’d like to rest now.” I glanced at my nails like I didn’t have a care in the world, fighting at the same time to keep my grin hidden that I so badly wanted to show.

  “I would be honored.” He stood from the couch, holding his arm out. “Lead the way, Firecracker.”

  “Over my dead body,” Liam growled.

  “What’s wrong, big brother?” Caleb teased. “Didn’t think you were so easily replaceable? You should do as the pretty lady says next time or she’s got two more of you to choose from.”

  Aiden cleared his throat. “Don’t bring me into your shenanigans. I don’t want any part of it.”

  To make matters worse, I took several steps toward Aiden and dragged my pointer finger under his chin, bringing his eyes to mine. “Are you sure? You’re always so wound up. I’m sure I could help with that.”

  “Liam,” Augie warned, “she’s not going to stop unless you make her.”

  Finally, Liam stood. He snarled at each of his brothers, then swung me up and over his shoulder for the second time that day. I waved goodbye to the others from upside down and enjoyed their snickers. I was usually pretty good at getting my way.

  Liam stormed down the hallway and up the stairs, then kicked my door all the way open. He threw me on the bed before slamming the door shut. Growls and grunts were in abundance. I tried speaking with him, but his wolf was in control. I might have pushed him a little too far. Oops.

  He undressed down to his boxer briefs before stalking toward me and stripping me down to my bra and underwear. Still, no words were said. Just heated stares and lots of deep rumbles. He began nipping at my neck, then further down my body, marking his territory as if I was his property. My wolf yipped and yearned for more. She was loving every minute of his dominance, but I was actually beginning to worry he’d gone off the deep end.

  I tightly gripped both sides of his face and brought it level with mine. “Liam. Take charge. Now.”

  His eyes shifted from the swirling green depths to the light seafoam green I was used to and back again before he finally shook his head and had somewhat of a handle on his control.

  “We. Don’t. Share.” His voice was clipped, and I wasn’t sure if the broken speech was from Liam or his wolf.

  “I’m sorry.” I caressed his bare chest. “I took the joke too far. I won’t do it again. Just breathe, okay?”

  “Our mate.”

  I gasped in surprise. It was the first time either of us had said the word ‘mate’ out loud, even though my wolf called him that on a daily basis. Maybe it was finally time we had our long overdue talk.

  “Liam, you with me?”

  He nodded and wrapped his arms tightly around me. “Yeah, sorry.”

  “Me, too. I wouldn’t have done that if I knew you were going to go all wolf caveman on me.” He raised a brow at me. “Okay, I probably would have, but I didn’t mean to upset your wolf.” I kept my hands touching him to help calm his wolf. Arms, face, back, legs. Whatever would help.

  “He doesn’t like it when others touch you or you touch them.”

  “You called me mate.”

  “I did. My wolf has called you that since the first time you snapped at me.” Liam smirked. “I tried to fight him, but quickly realized it was a lost cause.”

  My cheeks flushed. I knew exactly how he felt, yet I still fought it, because I refused to live without my mate for any length of time. We were each needed in a different territory and that didn’t work for me.

  “How does your wolf intend to make things work when you’re in line to be alpha in the Catskills and I a
m needed here? What do you think it will do to our wolves if we’re constantly being pulled in different directions?”

  His knuckles grazed my shoulder. “I’ve talked with Aiden. He would love nothing more than to take the position of alpha-in-training. He’s been a natural at it his whole life. I’ve often wondered if they didn’t accidentally mix us up at birth and it was always meant to be his anyway. We plan on going home when this is all over and explaining it to our father. I don’t see why he wouldn’t accept. The pack shouldn’t be stuck with an alpha who doesn’t truly want to be there. Elijah will see reason.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to be there? This is a huge decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s only been two weeks. I don’t want you to wake up one day only to look at me with contempt. You’re giving up a lot, Liam. I can’t honestly say I’d do the same for you. I won’t ever be able to leave my pack.”

  I had to be absolutely honest with him. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us if I wasn’t. He had to know what he was getting into before he really committed.

  Before he said another word, he stroked his finger down my cheek, then grinned at me. The smile he gave me melted my insides. That half-cocked, I-know-what-I’m-doing smile was going to be the death of me.

  “Taya, I promise you this decision has been made one-hundred percent selfishly. I have thought of nothing else except how to make this work since I arrived here, and not once did the thought ever cross my mind to ask you to leave here. I’ve seen what this pack means to you and how much you love this land. I’m okay with that.”

  He took my hand in his and brought it to his chest. “I feel it in here. If we don’t try now, we’ll be making the biggest mistake of our lives by letting one of us walk away. I plan on asking your father after he’s back up to speed on everything if I can transfer to your pack and hope he won’t kill me for wanting to mate his only daughter.”

  My heart was pounding, and I was pretty sure there was a stupid love-struck smile plastered to my face. I mentally kicked myself for not having had this conversation sooner. I had been so worried that I wasn’t enough for him to want to stay. I hadn’t wanted to hear the words that he’d be gone when we finally stopped Declan. Now, though, I couldn’t be happier.

  His face became more serious. “I’m assuming your lack of words is a good thing? Or am I wrong to assume you feel the same way? You’re doing wonders for my ego right now.”

  “It’s a lot to process,” I said. “A little overwhelming, actually. But if we’re being honest, I can’t say that I feel any differently. I had avoided the conversation, because I didn’t think you’d give up being alpha or leave your family. How was I supposed to compete with those things? But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t extremely happy about your decision. As much as you’ve driven me crazy since we met, I couldn’t imagine not having you in my life anymore.”

  His warm hands trailed up my arms and cradled my face. He placed a gentle kiss to my lips and whispered, “I love you, Taya. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Holy freaking freak. I sucked in a breath and tried not to hyperventilate. Did I love him? I knew I couldn’t picture another man ever holding me how he was. I knew that he made me feel stronger and better about myself by never holding me back. He was good at pushing my buttons. All of my buttons. He was the first thing I thought of when I woke up in the mornings and the last thought as I went to sleep each night. The sight of his smile gave me butterflies every time he looked at me.

  “I love you, too,” I finally whispered back. The words felt weird, but I knew them to be true. I had zero doubts now.

  His lips crashed down hard onto mine. For a moment, I forgot we were already pretty much naked, but when he pressed his hard body on top of mine, I was made fully aware of how little lay between us. This time, I was the one to pull back as he had done before to me.

  The room felt like it was on fire and the only way to put out the flames was to give in to our needs, but I was pretty positive my dad was still awake and only three rooms away from us. There was no way I was doing that.

  “We really need to find a place of our own or one of us is going to combust,” I breathed heavily.

  “That’s the best idea you’ve ever had.” He pressed his forehead against mine while we both attempted to calm our emotions.

  We laid like that for the longest time, pressed together and content just to be in each other’s arms. My wolf hummed in excitement. She was ready to officially claim Liam as our mate. Her eagerness was contagious, and I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. Even as I rolled over and drifted off to sleep with Liam’s arms around me, the smile stayed.

  Chapter 9

  The following morning, Liam decided he wanted to cook breakfast for me and my dad. It was a sweet gesture, and I had hoped my dad wouldn’t give Liam too much grief. I was a little worried we would overwhelm him. Even though he knew Liam was more to me than just a visiting shifter, I had made it seem as though nothing was happening between us. Now, we were about to tell him something completely different.

  We sat down at the table where Liam had already set out eggs, omelets, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and more. He pulled out all the stops, trying to butter up my dad before he asked him to transfer to our pack. My dad seemed impressed with the spread, which was saying a lot since he loved to cook.

  “How did you sleep, Dad?” I asked as we all got seated at the table.

  “Took a while, but I got enough. Where’s Augie this morning?”

  “I asked Augie to let us have breakfast together, so we could talk. He’ll be by shortly.”

  He raised his eyebrows at me in mock surprise. “Talk about what?” He thought he was a funny guy.

  “Sir, I would like to ask for your permission to join your pack,” Liam said confidently, jumping right in. My dad would like that. He hated people who avoided what they really wanted to say.

  “Have you spoken to your father about this? I think he might have a problem with his alpha-in-training leaving.”

  “No, I haven’t, but I have spoken with my brothers and we believe we’ve come up with a solution that would be better for all involved. If you would give me your blessing to stay here, then I plan on going back to the Catskills to speak with my father in person. I didn’t see the point in broaching the subject with him if you wouldn’t allow the transfer.”

  “I see.” My dad steepled his fingers together, placing them under his chin. “Why do you want to live in our pack?”

  “Because I love your daughter, sir, and I’d like to make a home here with her in your pack.”

  It was like a punch to the gut still. Those words were going to be the death of me. They gave me all the feels.

  My dad turned toward me. “I see you sorted it out sooner rather than later?” I nodded. “Did you warn him of the special place I have out back if this ends badly?”

  I laughed. “No, I forgot to mention that part last night.” I glanced at Liam. “We have your grave site picked out already if you break my heart. You still want in?”

  “I think I’ll take my chances.” He grinned. “I still want in. All in.”

  “What do you think, Dad? Is he a worthy shifter?”

  My dad stared at him, giving Liam his best intimidation tactics. I was impressed. Liam only blinked a few times and never broke a sweat.

  “He does know how to cook. I think you staying would be okay with me, but the moment my daughter says otherwise, you’re out of here. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir.” Liam nodded.

  “Enough with the ‘sir’ business. Call me Gerald. Now, will you two let me eat in peace?”

  I nodded with a grin plastered to my face. I was so happy to have him back and get to talk like this. If only we didn’t have to bury a family member later, I’d actually think it was going to be a great day.

  After breakfast, Liam and I cleaned up, while Augie and my dad finished the final touches for Davis’s burial. Courtney was already running around the
kitchen, pulling out all of the food Davis had requested. His burial was going to be different than most others. Davis had been able to give his two cents on the event and he didn’t want it to be a big thing. We compromised and made it a medium thing.

  The burial would consist of only those closest to him, and anyone who wanted to come to the pack house for the reception was welcome. Davis hadn’t wanted the whole pack present during the burial, which made sense. I agreed that part deserved to be a more intimate thing we could experience with only those closest to him.

  “I’m going to go find my brothers. I’ll come to get you before the burial, okay?” Liam said once we were done in the kitchen.

  “Sounds good to me.”

  He gave me a hug and kiss before rushing out the back door. I retreated from the kitchen in search of my dad and Augie.

  I found them in my dad’s office and overheard the grumblings of my father as he complained to Augie about me finally getting serious feelings for someone. Already talking about me leaving him to fend for himself in the big pack house.

  “Oh, Dad. You’re going to be okay. I’m not disappearing on you. I have no intentions of letting a man rule my life, which means I’ll still be doing whatever I want.”

  “It’s not nice to eavesdrop, Taya,” he complained. “But good to know.”

  “Glad you finally figured things out,” Augie said to me. “Don’t worry about your dad. I’ll keep him busy.”

  I nodded, finding the entire conversation weird. They were acting like I was going to move to the Catskills when we’d already made it clear Liam would be staying here. I really didn’t think there was any reason to freak out.

  “Anything I can help you two with this morning?” I asked, steering the conversation away from me and my love life.

  My dad handed me a list of things he had to do today. “Take your pick.”

  I grinned, happy to do whatever he needed. I spent the rest of the late morning helping them before Liam returned and we all headed to the burial site.