Family

by Crissy Smith

  Her phone rang and Kieran pulled back with a snarl.

  “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” He grabbed her cell from where she was fumbling with it.

  “What?” he snapped, having seen Remy’s name on the caller ID.

  “Your father gave us the name of the agent who’s working for him,” Remy said.

  “Then take care of it!” Kieran yelled. “As of this minute, we have three days off and we’re taking them.”

  “Kieran.” Remy’s tone was quiet and urgent. “It’s Caden.”

  “What’s Caden?” he asked. Who gave a damn about the lion shifter? Kieran hadn’t even seen him this last day.

  Remy sighed and Kieran’s frustration increased. Would he ever get any time with Dakota away from the Organization? It’d been his choice to join the group, but all Kieran wanted was to be inside his suite with the woman he loved.

  He started to hang up on Remy, but Dakota plucked the phone out of his hand. She’d had heard both sides of the conversation, but if she thought they were turning around—

  “Caden betrayed us?” Dakota asked.

  “What?” Kieran questioned. He was so horny and his head was only on thoughts of becoming Dakota’s mate.

  “Yeah,” Remy answered.

  Kieran cursed while sinking down in his seat. He took a deep breath and counted to five so he could focus.

  “It turns out that Caden’s been trying to find a way out of the Organization for years. When Kieran’s father offered him enough money to disappear along with the resources to do so, Caden had no problem switching sides,” Remy told them.

  “I’ll gut him,” Dakota growled.

  Damn, that rumble turned him on. Kieran adjusted his erection into a more comfortable position. He was pretty sure he wasn’t going to get laid anytime soon. Not with this new development.

  Remy chuckled. “Caspar wants you to keep an eye out and be careful. We’ve got teams out searching for Caden, but no one has seen him for several hours. Not since Jackson and Alex took Kieran’s father. He could be on the run.”

  “But you don’t think so,” Dakota relied.

  “No, we don’t,” Remy agreed. “He didn’t get the money and we know who he is. Caden is probably going to be desperate.”

  “And he might come for Kieran,” Dakota said. She glanced at him and he shook his head.

  Five minutes. If they could have waited five damn minutes, Kieran and Dakota would be up in their suite and none of this would have mattered until they came up for air. Hopefully, in three days.

  “What do you want us to do?” Dakota asked.

  “Nothing,” Remy said. “Just be careful. Alex already let the security at the hotel know. Watch your back and if you spot Caden, call it in.”

  “You expect us to just let this go?” Dakota demanded. “This was my investigation! He betrayed my team!”

  “And you closed your case,” Remy told her. “But Caden’s actions reflect on all of us. Caspar wants Caden inside a cell so he can interrogate him. Not bleeding out in an alley somewhere. I just wanted to warn you that we don’t know where Caden is. Watch your back.”

  Kieran grabbed the phone. “Will do.” He disconnected the call.

  “Hey!” she protested.

  “No,” he said quietly. “We have to find some kind of balance in our lives. Take advantage when we get the opportunity to be together. You’ve given your entire life to the Organization. I owe them and Caspar for saving me. That doesn’t mean we let the Organization run our lives.”

  “You’re right,” Dakota murmured.

  “I say we go up to our suite and finish what we started. Unless you’ve changed your mind or aren’t in the mood anymore.” Kieran ran his hand up her inner thigh.

  “Oh,” she breathed out. “Yeah, still in the mood. Of course I am.”

  Kieran leaned over so he could nibble her neck. With the hand he had on her body, he wiggled his fingers until he brushed over the crotch of her pants.

  She arched up, trying to get more pressure, but he lifted his hand away.

  “Let’s go upstairs so we can lie in bed,” he offered.

  “With lots of pillows and blankets. Our own little fort,” she said. “And—” She took the phone. “No calls.” After turning her cell off, she placed the small device in the glove box.

  “I love you,” he told her. Kieran bent and kissed her with all the passion he’d previously held back.

  Dakota was practically crawling over the middle console to get onto his lap.

  “Inside,” he growled.

  She flung herself back with a laugh. “You make me forget where we are, what we’re doing.”

  That was a great compliment. “Come on.”

  Kieran opened the SUV door and slipped out before peering around the garage. All they had to do was cross the parking lot since Dakota’s assigned spot was on the first level closest to the entrance.

  Dakota beeped the alarm from the key fob and Kieran winced. His senses were on high alert and that had been loud.

  “Sorry,” she said, meeting him at the back of the vehicle.

  “It’s fine.” He grabbed her hand, towing her toward the hotel. Kieran kept his eyes peeled for Caden, but he wasn’t picking up anything to worry about.

  “It’s fine,” Dakota murmured. “His scent isn’t here.”

  Kieran relaxed. He’d more than expected Caden to be waiting on them as they arrived.

  Pulling open the door, Kieran ushered her inside.

  She grinned then ran her finger down his chest as she brushed past him. Kieran’s laugh was cut off when she froze inches inside the door.

  Dread filled him. Kieran moved to press up against her back. That was when he spotted Caden blocking the elevator bank.

  “Caden,” Kieran greeted. “What’s up, man?”

  “Nothing.” Caden shrugged. “I can’t get hold of James or Caspar. I knew they’d been working here, so I thought I’d stop by. My access has been removed.”

  Dakota stepped forward and Kieran wanted to yank her back into safety. Instead he forced himself to relax his posture as Dakota walked closer to Caden.

  “Yeah,” Dakota said, waving her hand. “The suite’s been cleaned up since the investigation is over. Jackson already has the suite rented for the weekend.”

  “Oh, sure.” Caden smiled. “I guess that makes sense.”

  “Come on up,” Dakota invited. She’d want to get Caden away from humans and innocents, but Kieran didn’t care to have him in their home. He hadn’t suspected Caden. Not once. Out of all the agents Kieran had doubted, including James, Caden hadn’t pinged his radar. “We’ll have a drink and celebrate the end of the case.”

  “I don’t want to intrude,” Caden replied, backing off.

  “Nah, man,” Kieran said. “It’s been a stressful couple of days.” He clamped his hand down on Caden’s shoulder in a friendly gesture.

  “Uh…”

  Dakota swiped her card in the elevator and pressed the Call button. Kieran was glad Jackson had increased the security at the private elevators, but this was taking too long. Caden was getting nervous.

  “You know, I think I’ll head home,” Caden told him. “You’re right. It’s been—”

  The elevator doors opened. Dakota stuck her hand out, holding the doors open.

  “You’re not going anywhere,” Kieran growled.

  Caden’s eyes widened then he smiled. “Figured it out finally?”

  Kieran leaned over him. “Yeah, we did.”

  Caden laughed. “It took you long enough. Your father and I had a great time watching you run around. I don’t see how you came from that man. He’s so smart.”

  “Well, I do have one thing in common with my dad,” Kieran agreed. He picked Caden up and tossed him into the elevator. Caden’s head slammed against the metal wall before he slumped down.

  Kieran stomped over to stand above the dazed agent. “Our temper.”

  Dakota laid her hand on his bac
k. “We need to call this in.”

  Although he knew she was right, that was not how he wanted to handle the agent who’d betrayed them. This fucking shifter had put Dakota and the rest of his friends in danger.

  “Give me your phone,” Dakota ordered.

  He glanced over his shoulder at her.

  “I locked mine in the SUV, remember?”

  Kieran grunted. This was going to put a damper on their plans. He pulled his cell from his pocket then tossed it to her.

  As she found Remy’s name, Kieran grabbed Caden by his shirt and lifted him up. “You messed up my plans for the night. I should rip out your throat.”

  The scent of fear filled the elevator and that made him feel better, even if his cock ached from being ignored.

  Chapter Ten

  Dakota rolled over before stretching her legs. It felt good to wake naturally and not have to worry about doing anything but lie back and relax. The spot beside her in bed was empty, though, and she frowned.

  They’d been so exhausted after Caspar and Remy had left their suite with a subdued Caden that she and Kieran had barely managed to undress before they’d fallen in bed. Now that she’d slept, Dakota wanted nothing more than to make up for the time lost the previous night. But first she needed to find her wayward mate. She sat up in bed and opened her jaguar senses to the suite.

  Fresh coffee, some type of pastry and, yes, Kieran’s wonderful aroma filled the air. She sat up in bed as Kieran walked in, holding a tray from room service.

  “What’s this?” she asked. Dakota didn’t think she’d ever seen such an amazing sight. Kieran, dressed in low-riding plaid flannel pajama bottoms, carrying the tray, with a slight blush on his face.

  “I thought I’d treat you this morning,” he said.

  She fixed the pillows behind her back then straightened out the blankets. The suite was cool so she didn’t mind the extra covers on the bed. “This is nice,” she told him as Kieran set the tray over her lap. “Join me?”

  “Like you even have to ask.” Kieran kissed her gently before he strolled around the end of the bed to his side.

  Dakota picked up her coffee and breathed deeply. Heaven. She glanced at Kieran, frowning. “Nu-uh.”

  Kieran stopped from where he was pulling back the covers. “Did you need something else?”

  “Take off your pants,” she demanded.

  He smirked. “These?” he teased, tugging at the hem of his bottoms.

  “Yes.” The growl in her voice was more pronounced.

  “If that’s what you want.” He slipped the loose pants down his legs.

  She sat admiring his exquisite body until he was beside her, pulling the blankets over his lap. She stuck out her bottom lip as he covered up.

  “Eat,” he told her. “You’re going to need your energy.”

  Dakota wasn’t going to pass up that request. Ignoring the sight of her lover, Dakota picked up a fluffy croissant and took a big bite. She’d fuel her body then fulfill her destiny with the man she loved. Nothing was going to stop her from placing her claim on Kieran.

  * * * *

  Kieran stroked his cock as he waited for Dakota to finish freshening up in the bathroom. After having surprised her with breakfast in bed, he was ready to have her climb on top of him and place her claim. Instead, she’d insisted on brushing her teeth and showering.

  The longer she was away, the more nervous he grew.

  He’d already spoken to Caspar, Remy and Jackson earlier that morning to ensure no calls would come in. He’d even had the front desk put the do not disturb on the suite’s phone. With his cell turned off and in the other room, Kieran had been ready.

  The water shut off in the bathroom and he closed his eyes.

  He wouldn’t be responsible for his actions if anything interrupted them this time.

  Kieran spread his legs farther then placed his hands behind his head. His erection was still standing tall and ready.

  The bathroom door opened and Kieran turned his head while opening his eyes. Dakota had a towel wrapped around her body as she leaned against the doorjamb.

  “Is that for me?” she asked with a purr.

  Kieran grinned. “Just wanted to show you how much I want you. Want this.”

  Dakota’s smiled was soft as well as her gaze. She walked over to the side of the bed. “It’s okay to be nervous.”

  He nodded. “I know. I’m not nervous about you claiming me. I just don’t know what to expect.”

  “Let me show you then.” She dropped the towel before leaning forward and grasping his shaft. Dakota ran her tongue over the slit of his cock and he shivered.

  “Every day I’ll wake up beside you,” she whispered, her breath ghosting over the head of his erection. “Every day I’ll be by your side and will never let you down.” She stroked him from base to tip. “Every minute of every day I’ll love you.”

  Kieran blinked rapidly to keep the tears at bay. Her words spoke to the part inside him that had always doubted he’d be enough for anyone.

  She lowered her mouth, engulfing his cock, and he moaned.

  He’d lived most of his time with a chill that he could never rid himself of. But in allowing Dakota to control this moment and just letting go, a warmth filled him. He thrust up as she took him deep. It was impossible not to chase the heat that came from her.

  “Dakota.” He murmured her name.

  “Are you ready to be mine?” she asked, hovering over him.

  “Please.”

  She climbed up and straddled his waist. Kieran was surprised as she stopped to cup his face.

  “I love you, Kieran Smith.”

  “I love you, Dakota Reese.”

  “So much,” she murmured. Dakota reached behind her to hold his erection while sinking down onto him.

  He shook with the need to move, but he’d let her go at her own pace. “So much,” he repeated.

  “You’ll always be mine. You’ll never be alone again,” she whispered.

  Kieran lost it. He lifted his hips and plunged deep. He’d never be alone because Dakota was choosing him. Out of everyone in the world, the humans, shifters and Walkers, it was Kieran who’d won her heart.

  Dakota cried out with pleasure while dropping her head back.

  Gripping her hips, he held her still and, with a desperate need, he thrust and plowed as he was overcome with feelings. She braced her hands on his chest while moving with him.

  Their coupling was fast and furious. Kieran didn’t know if he could slow down or stop. All he knew was that if he came inside her, that would signal the moment he’d strike.

  “More!” she encouraged. “Almost—”

  He roared then snapped his hips up.

  Dakota looked like a goddess as she bowed her back, her hair flowing along her shoulders, brushing her skin.

  He chased the tingle in his balls. In and out, up and down, it was him that was causing Dakota to come apart.

  She screamed while clamping down on his cock while she climaxed.

  “Mine!” he yelled, giving one last powerful thrust.

  “Mine!” She grabbed the back of his neck, tugging him forward. Her teeth had already shifted, her fangs showing.

  She bit the junction between his neck and shoulder. Cum flooded from his cock into her spasming pussy. His vision darkened and something tugged at his chest.

  Dakota pulled in a mouthful of his blood and Kieran groaned as his shaft continued to pulse.

  Bright lights exploded behind his eyelids and he gasped. He could see Dakota’s jaguar in his mind. The strong animal stood tall with her head held back as she announced their mating to the wild. Heat spread from his chest down to the tips of his toes.

  For the first time in his life, he felt connected, loved and complete.

  Dakota licked at his mark before she lifted her head. “Forever.”

  Feeling like an entirely new man, Kieran pulled her into a hug. The missing parts of his soul had been filled. He was no longer the mo
st powerful Walker in existence. He wasn’t the Walker who had survived ten years of torture and captivity. He wasn’t just another Organization agent.

  He was Dakota Reese’s mate.

  They had their friends, their makeshift family and each other.

  Kieran Smith was the luckiest man in the world.

  Want to see more from Crissy Smith? Here’s a taster for you to enjoy!

  Were Chronicles:

  Pack Security

  Crissy Smith

  Excerpt

  Cassandra Wilson pushed open the bedroom balcony doors and stepped out into the cool morning air. The bite of the wind was sharp, but it cooled down her heated body. The bad dreams and sense of betrayal had her feeling ill.

  She was still reeling from the events of the night before. Someone had broken into her studio and destroyed…everything. Hours of hard work ripped, torn, and broken to litter the floor. It’d appeared as if a tornado had gone through to ruin every piece she’d put her heart and soul into.

  Her evening had started so normal but the end… Tears pricked her eyes again. After she’d eaten dinner with her brothers, sister-in-law and nephews, they’d taken the horses for a ride. The journey through the canyon had been freeing and she’d enjoyed the time with her family. It was nights she was able to spend in nature that helped feed her muse. Cassie knew she saw things differently from other people and believed she was blessed. On the back of her horse, she felt a connection to the world around her almost like when she was shifted. Even a short ride normally had Cassie so motivated that she’d spend the entire night in her studio.

  But the previous night hadn’t gone as planned. The glorious sunset and warm sensations she’d had after their ride had vanished when she’d opened her studio door and seen the destruction. Her canvases had been torn and ripped, paint splattered over the floor and walls, and every brush had been broken in half.

  She had a security system and cameras but had forgotten to set them that evening. Everything that had been ruined was really her fault. Alex was forever getting on to her about remembering to set her alarm, but in the middle of the Pack territory, Cassie never worried. Now her whole life had been destroyed.