by Jen L. Grey
I moved a few steps away, not wanting to interfere with their moment. Of course, Cole stepped next to me and winked.
Stone arched an eyebrow as he glanced between Cole and me.
His mom pulled back and glanced at me. “And you must be Raven.”
For some reason, I hadn’t expected them to know about me. I hadn’t ever questioned Rage last year when he came to spend Christmas day with me. I was ecstatic to have him with me and never wondered what he had told his parents.
“Of course, this is our Ravey.” Cole wrapped an arm around me and smiled.
“Our?” A smirk spread across her heart-shaped face as she glanced at her eldest son. “I didn’t realize you’d gotten good at sharing finally.”
“Mom.” Stone shook his head. “You’re okay with this?”
“Oh, come on now, honey.” She waved Stone off. “You should know how Cole messes with us. Rage wouldn’t even share a pack of gum with you. Do you honestly think he’d share his mate?”
“Did you think that?” Rage’s eyes widened, and he glanced at his brother. He grabbed my hand and gently tugged me back to him.
“If this wasn’t awkward before, it really is now.” Stone lifted his hands and sighed. “And I don’t want to talk about sharing with Mom here.”
I shouldn’t have been surprised. We should’ve known that Cole would be up to something. He liked going for shock value.
“Oh, well then, who do you want to talk about sharing with?” A small grin played at the corners of her mouth.
“Just stop.” Stone cringed. “Please.”
“I’ve got to agree on that one.” Rage shook a finger at Cole. “She is my mate. Your friend.”
“Absolutely.” Cole shook his head and then turned to wink at me.
“Leave the poor girl alone.” She shooed Cole away. “Go get your stuff and make yourself comfortable.”
“Wait.” Rage paused, and his brows furrowed together. “Are you spending the break here?”
“Surprise.” Cole chuckled and opened the door to head back outside. “My parents got called away on some sacred vampire mission with the top vampire from the UK, and they jetted off to England.”
He downplayed it as if it was normal. “And you didn’t go with them?”
“Hell no.” Cole grimaced and shook his head no. “It’s boring stuff. It’s like watching a chess match as each opponent takes time to figure out the next move that will top the other. I’d rather be here with real people.”
“Rage and Stone, why don’t you go get Raven’s bags with Cole?” His mom pointed to the red Audi just visible through the window.
“Of course.” Stone followed Cole to the car.
“Are you okay?” Rage stayed back and raised his fingers so that they brushed my cheek.
The tenderness of his touch and adoration in his eyes gave much-needed comfort. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“I’ll be right back.” He dropped his hands and headed to the car.
“I never thought I’d see the day.” Mrs. Jackson smiled and turned her attention to me. “So you’re the girl who stole my baby’s heart.”
These moments were strong reminders of how socially inept I was. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mrs. Jackson.”
“Oh, dear. It’s Audrey.” She tilted her head as she examined me. “You look like my old best friend from Bloodshed. It’s uncanny, but from what Rage says, none of your family went there.”
“That’s right. I’m from Clarksville.” It felt like she was looking into my soul.
“Is your pack upset that you’re not coming back for Christmas?”
“Well, I left my pack due to some issues.” I kind of wished that Rage had told them all this so I didn’t have to.
“Ahh, so that’s the reason you guys aren’t splitting your time.” She reached over and patted my arm. “Well, I’m very happy that you’re here. We’ve been begging Rage for over a year to bring you home.”
“I’m glad to be here too.” It was nice meeting the family that raised my mate.
The door opened, and the three guys entered the room again. Rage had my pink bag and Stone had a huge backpack along with two rolling suitcases. Cole entered last, smiling, with nothing in his hands.
“Is that all your bags?” It was hard to believe that Cole had three bags to my one, but Rage told me he didn’t need to pack seeing as all of his stuff was here.
“This is a judgment-free zone just like Planet Fitness.” He narrowed his eyes at me. “I see what you’re trying to do.”
There was no reasoning with the insane. I focused my attention on Rage. “Why is your brother carrying all of Cole’s bags?”
“Because Cole said he wasn’t strong enough to handle it.” Rage sighed and shook his head. “Somehow, Stone hasn’t learned yet.”
“What?” Stone turned toward Cole and frowned. “You knew I could do it? You just wanted me to carry your bags?”
“It’s all about perception.” Cole held out his hands from his body. “Was I being lazy? Perhaps. But, I did you a favor.”
This should be good.
“How so?” Stone stepped away from the bags and placed Cole’s backpack on the floor.
“Well, your name makes me think of gargoyles, which are strong.” Cole motioned up and down Stone’s body. “Although your build makes me wonder.”
“We have similar builds.” Stone furrowed his brows together.
“I already know I’m strong. Many ladies have told me this.” He waved his hand over his body. “But you, not so much, I had to test you.”
“I’m not so sure you can call them ladies.” I couldn’t help interjecting. “I mean, these are also the same ones that you swore loved being called hos.”
Audrey mashed her lips together, but her shoulders shaking gave her away.
“Not relevant to this conversation, so please hold any additional commentary until further notification.” He stuck his tongue out at me, stepping in between Stone and me. “Sorry about that rude interruption. Now you’ve proven to me that you’re stronger than you look.”
“But I wasn’t worried about how I looked.” Stone crossed his arms.
“Not true, bro.” Rage rolled his eyes. “You carried all of those bags to prove that you can be easily manipulated into doing work that someone else doesn’t want to do.”
“Hmm … When you put it that way, he may become my new best friend.” Cole’s mouth spread into an evil grin. “I’m so tired. I bet you can’t carry me up the stairs to my room.”
“Forget you.” Stone turned around and opened the door once more. “I’m going to help Dad with pack duties.”
When the door shut, Cole sighed. “You just couldn’t be nice to your brother.”
“Me?” Rage grabbed my hand and led me to the small hallway on the right. “Don’t even try to place that on me.”
“Wait.” Cole pointed at his luggage. “Aren’t you going to take mine?”
“No.” Rage didn’t even bother to turn his head in Cole’s direction.
“You’re just not right.” Audrey giggled and patted Cole on his arm. “I’m so glad you’re staying with us this holiday.”
“At least one of you appreciates me.” Cole winked at her and placed his arm around her shoulders. “So since the hubs is preoccupied, why don’t we …”
I couldn’t believe him. “He has no boundaries.”
“Did it finally sink in?” Rage laughed as a stairway opened up on the left. “We’ve been saying that for a while.”
“I think it finally has.” It’s sad that it took Cole flirting with Rage’s mom to finally get me there.
We made it up the stairs. There was a large bathroom straight ahead, a door on the left, and two on the right side. All the walls of his house were painted various shades of gray. The house was simple but gorgeous.
“Alright, here’s our room.” He opened the door on the left and motioned for me to enter.
“Wait … ours?” I had to have mi
sheard him.
He covered his mouth with his hand, but the edges of his eyes crinkled revealing the smile. “Yes … ours.”
“But we’re at your parents’ house.” They couldn’t be okay with this right? I already felt weird even though I couldn’t pinpoint why.
“You do realize we’re mated.” Rage reached out and tucked a stray piece of my chestnut hair behind my ear. “I mean, we can’t get any more serious than that.”
“You’re right. I’m being silly.” I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I felt like I was regressing to how I felt when starting at Bloodshed. I moved past him and entered the room. “I’m just so nervous.”
There was a king-size bed against the middle of the wall, framed by dark cherry furniture. To the right of the room was a private bathroom.
“There is no reason for you to be nervous.” Rage entered the room and placed my backpack by the bed. “Come here.” He took my hands and pulled me so that both of us sat on the bed. “You are my mate, and I love you. That’s all anyone needs to know.”
“But what if your parents hate me?”
“Then screw them.” Rage lowered his head and brushed his lips against mine. “Though they’re not going to because you’re an incredible person all on your own. I’m just your arm candy.”
I couldn’t hold my giggle in. He knew exactly how to put me at ease. “I love you.” I placed my hand on his neck and brought him back to my lips. I deepened our kiss and pulled back after a minute.
“I love you too.” He brushed his fingers over my lips and smiled.
“My turn.” Cole sauntered into the room and grabbed my waist, hoisting me back on my feet. “You just need to wipe your lips off first. I don’t want to indirectly kiss Rage.”
“Hey.” Rage pointed at Cole. “Don’t make me get up.”
“Look, I’ll admit you’re attractive for a guy, but women are more my thing.” Cole tapped my nose. “Especially hot ones like Ravey.”
“Aw, are you wanting a kiss?” I was thankful that Cole was going to be here. He may have been a pain in the ass, but he’d help me feel more comfortable.
“Hells, yeah.” Cole moved his neck from side to side. “Give me some lovin’.” He puckered his lips, which reminded me of a duck. “Rage watch me steal your girl.”
I leaned toward him and gave him a big sloppy kiss on his cheek. “How’s that?”
“Would’ve been better if it were on my lips.” His cheek glistened from my saliva. “At least I know Rage won’t ever be thirsty. You could water a whole damn town.”
“Asshole.” I laughed, smacking him on the arm.
“That’s what you get for making a move on her.” Rage stood behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. “Now leave us be.”
A hint of musk clung in the air as Stone appeared in the doorway. “Hey, Dad’s home and wanting to see y’all.”
“Of course he does.” Cole motioned to the door and smiled. “Come on, guys. Daddy’s home.”
“I told you never to say that again.” Rage took my hand and pulled me to the door.
As we walked into the living room again, Audrey stood next to her husband at a small bar table that was at the back of the room and turned as we entered. “And there they are.”
Rage’s dad’s back was to us as he poured some whiskey into a glass. “I can’t wait to meet the infamous Raven.” His hair was dark, and his build was similar to Rage. When he turned around, his dark brown eyes widened. “Dear God, she’s the spitting image of Liz.”
My stomach dropped, and I took a deep breath. How did they know my mom?
Chapter Fifteen
“I thought the same thing about her.” Audrey took a few tentative steps toward me. “I mean there are a few subtle differences, but that’s it.”
“How do you know my mom?” The words tumbled out even though it sounded as if someone else asked them.
“No, there is no way that can be.” Audrey shook her head as she placed a hand on her heart. “She disappeared, and no one could track her. We all thought she was dead.”
All of a sudden, cold realization crashed over me.
Rage placed a hand on my shoulder. “This could all just be coincidental. I’ve heard you speak of Liz in the past and her last name was Cromwell, not Wright.”
“Oh, that can’t be my mom.” Some of the terror evaporated, and I took a deep breath. “Her last name was Grayson.”
“Well, then it’s all just a coincidence.” Audrey gave me a sad smile. “I won’t lie. I kind of hoped you were her daughter. She was my best friend and vanished from the Academy one night.”
“Well, if Raven looks like her, she was damn hot.” Cole bumped shoulders with Rage. “Am I right?”
“Just ignore him.” Rage whispered into my ear even though everyone in the room could hear. “He feeds off attention.”
“That is a blatant lie.” Cole grabbed his chest and closed his eyes. “I need blood to survive.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re all here.” Rage’s dad took a swig of his drink and set the cup on the table. He reached his hand out to me. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too, Mr. Jackson.” I hated to be formal, but this was the first time meeting them.
“It’s Matthew to you.” He winked at me and grabbed his cup again. “The pack is super excited to meet Rage’s infamous mate.”
“Yeah, it’s hard to believe he committed to someone.” Stone entered the room and sat on the love seat.
“When they see her, they’ll understand.” Rage grinned and leaned over, kissing my cheek.
“Oh, gag me.” Stone wrinkled his nose. “I’m not sure if I can stomach this.”
“Be nice.” Audrey arched an eyebrow. “This could be you someday.”
“Don’t worry about it, man.” Cole strode to the couch and sat. “After seeing them like that for so long, you become immune. It took a while for me to get comfortable chatting as they make out, but I pushed through it.”
“We aren’t that bad.” A giggle escaped me. He always had to be so dramatic.
“Almost.” Cole nodded his head.
“If you guys are ready, the pack wants to see you and meet Raven.” Matthew finished off his drink.
Rage glanced at me, letting me make the call.
“Sure, let’s go.” I couldn’t wait to meet the others.
It wasn’t long until we made our way to the clearing of the neighborhood. All the pack members' houses were nice. There was a section in the center with a pond and trees surrounding it. Cute picnic benches were scattered around the pond.
A group of people was waiting in the center. There were at least fifty people of various ages standing around.
Whispers filled my ears as we made our way to the edge of the pond. Even though my hand was securely in Rage’s, I felt as if I was on display.
“Wow, the overwhelming scent of pups kinda makes me nauseous.” Cole wrinkled his nose and waved his hand, trying to dispel the air.
“And your scent of sweet mold makes me gag.” Rage grumbled. “But yet, here you are.”
A tall lean guy around our age hurried in our direction. “Rage, man. It’s good to see you.” He wore a flannel shirt with a thin, black jacket over it. His jeans fit perfectly with a black belt emphasizing his lean waist. His jade green eyes scanned me over. “And who is this girl?” He winked at me.
If Jess was here, she’d be melting for this guy. He was gorgeous, but he didn’t hold a candle to my mate. “I’m Raven.” I held my hand out toward him, and he grabbed it, shaking.
“She’s my mate.” Rage slapped his friend’s back and then gave him a side hug. “So, no flirting.”
“Damn, I’m jealous.” He let go of my hand and took a step back. “It’s nice to meet ya. I’m one of his oldest friends.”
“His dad is the beta here.” Rage pointed over to the man standing next to his father.
It was easy to see they were related. The man next to Matt
hew was a few inches taller but leaner and less muscular.
“I’m Ryder.” His friend grinned at me. “My dad over there is Charlie.”
“It’s very nice to meet you.” His presence was calming, and his friendly demeanor was comforting.
“When Matthew told us the news that Rage had found his true mate, it was hard to believe.” He punched Rage in the arm. “A few of the girls here tried to grab his attention while growing up, but he never batted an eye in their direction.”
“He must have been questioning his sexuality.” Cole pursed his lips and nodded.
“What? No.” Rage’s eyes widened, and he shook his head. “That’s not it.”
“It’s okay. It’s natural for a lot of guys.” Cole grinned and shook his head. “Just like you tried looking at my penis that one night.”
Oh, dear god. There was no telling where this was going.
“No, that’s not how it happened.” Rage lifted his free hand and pointed at Cole accusingly. “You were the one who wanted to show Damien and me how big your junk was.”
“It’s strange.” As much as Cole tried being unpredictable, it only made him more predictable. “Somehow, we’ve had this conversation before.”
“It’s worth talking about.” Cole stood straight with a proud grin on his face. “Tell them, Rage.”
“Dude, no.” Rage pulled me close and buried his face in my hair. “I’m trying to block that memory from my brain.”
His earthy scent filled my nose, and this moment was perfect. However, I couldn’t help feeling an ache about not seeing my parents for another Christmas.
“So what did you do?” A huge smile spread across Ryder’s face.
“Well, I first came in the room Tom Cruise style, sporting tighty-whities.” Cole’s face beamed as he told his story.
Rage tugged my hand and led me to where his Dad stood. “Let’s go over here so you can meet Charlie. That story is a nightmare, and I don’t want to relive the memory.”