by Dannika Dark
“Do you want to join me, Mr. Cross?”
I heard him take a deep breath and his hands moved away. “I’m afraid that wouldn’t be a wise decision, as I would ravage you in ways that are not meant for your Ghuardian’s ears.”
I rinsed the conditioner out of my hair and shut off the water. “Well, if you’re going to be living here on a permanent basis, then we need to talk about this.”
Without warning, I ripped the curtain open and scowled. Logan had his eyes closed and a broad smile stretched across his face.
“Logan Cross, will you look at me?”
“No.” He bent down and whispered seductively, “But I’ll taste you.”
I snatched the towel from the rack inside the shower, drying off my legs while he stood with his head tilted to one side.
“How’s Finn?” I asked.
“His voracious appetite has returned. He polished off two plates of Levi’s macaroni. After that, his wolf came out. I think by morning we can let him roam around the house. Little Wolf has adjustment problems with new places—we should give him some space.”
“Maybe we should go back to your condo and gather up some of his blankets and pillows so he’ll feel more at home. Oh my God…”
Logan frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t believe you two are living here. It’s so weird, but so wonderful. How long do you think you’ll stay?”
“Your Ghuardian has spoken with me privately and understands the Chitah ways. Family is important to us, and we often live in the same house or building with our siblings. Our family has been split apart for years and it’s not healthy. Lucian has become more reclusive and Leo has expressed a desire to purchase some property to rectify our situation. I also respect your customs, and it would not benefit you to leave the care of your Ghuardian before you’re ready just for the sake of becoming my mate.”
I smiled and tossed the towel in the hamper to my left. He flared his nostrils when I stepped out of the tub and walked by him to slip into a thin robe.
“You can open your eyes; I’m dressed. So… my male wants to live with me?”
A deep purr, barely audible, rumbled from deep within his chest. The intensity of his emotions drew me nearer to him. From behind, he slipped his capable arms around my narrow waist and kissed my ear. Logan Cross was a tall and delicious man with defined muscles and a formidable presence.
“You are my mate and I do not sleep in any bed but yours.”
“Please tell me you didn’t say that to Justus.”
“I will have this conversation with him. Justus is a male who understands needs. It is impossible for me to live under the same roof and not share the same bed. I will request that he either moves upstairs or we do.”
I turned my mouth to the side, feeling his body press closer against my back. “Request all you want, but I have a funny feeling that Justus is not going to let you bunk with his Learner.”
“I am not asking permission to have rapturous sex with my female; I am only giving him the courtesy of deciding which floor he prefers to sleep on.”
“Rapturous sex?” I snorted.
“If we share the same bed, then I am going to take you in that bed and pleasure you in ways you’ve never imagined.”
“But I like my room,” I argued.
“Then it’s settled. Justus will move upstairs.” His mouth tickled the sensitive skin of my neck and his large hand cupped my breast, squeezing gently. “I might want to claim my female in the middle of the night and make her come. I don’t care who hears, but I know you would have issues with it.”
“Um, you got that right.” I turned around and looked up at Logan. The black rims surrounding his golden irises swelled with desire and his upper fangs descended enough to suggest his arousal.
Logan curved his left arm around my waist and slid his right hand between my legs, moving beneath the fabric of my robe. I locked my arms around his neck and moaned softly. His finger slipped inside me and I gasped, heat flushing my cheeks. Logan’s mouth brushed against mine. I greedily sucked on his lip and kissed him hard. His body stiffened as he shifted me against the sink and found a rhythm with his hand.
“Oh God,” I whispered, feeling that biting sweetness of arousal.
A knock hammered at the door. “Learner, you’re leaking,” Justus bellowed.
He meant my energy, but I laughed against Logan’s chest. Justus had no idea just how much I was leaking. Our bodies divorced and Logan watched me with predatory eyes.
“That’s why Justus is moving upstairs,” he said firmly. “As for how long this situation will last—that remains to be seen. I will respect him as your Ghuardian, but he will respect me as a man. I will not tolerate him crossing the line in how he speaks to me.”
“Please try not to kill each other.”
His eyes widened as he looked at my chest and whispered, “Jiminy.”
“What?” I glanced down and saw my nipples were pressed like bullets against the silky fabric of my robe.
“Have I ever told you, Silver, that you have the loveliest bosom?”
“Yes, Mr. Cross. Right along with my spectacular gams that I’d love to wrap around your neck,” I said with a tease in my voice.
“Mmm, now we’re getting somewhere,” he said, spreading his hands around my back. His lips brushed along my neck and his breath warmed my skin.
“For now, sleep upstairs until we figure it out tomorrow. I’m not in the mood for verbal warfare.”
He slid his mouth against my ear and whispered, “As you wish. Now hurry up and get ready for bed. I want my female draped across my naked body until she falls asleep.”
“I thought we weren’t sleeping together?” I protested a little.
Logan smiled seductively. “I want you to fall asleep in my arms, Little Raven. Then I’ll slip out of your room and go upstairs, as we agreed.”
“I don’t know if I can sleep in the same bed with you if you’re naked.”
“Worry not, my sweet. You’ll be naked too.”
***
Before heading to bed, I checked on Finn. He was fast asleep—facedown with his feet hanging off the edge of the mattress. I tiptoed into the study and closed the door for privacy. Sunny was usually online at this hour and we often sent messages back and forth, but this time I started up the video chat.
“How’s it going, girl?” she asked, finishing what looked like a cup of yogurt.
“Same old drama. I guess Novis filled you in on Nero’s attacks?”
She lowered her eyes.
“I’m sorry about all this,” I said with a disgusted sigh. “At least you’re safe. Novis keeps his home heavily guarded and you couldn’t be in better hands.”
“Yeah,” she said in a delicate voice, stirring the spoon slowly. “But what about everyone else?”
“Well, Logan and Finn are down here in the bunker with me.” I smiled and twirled a pen around on the table. I thought about something she mentioned in our last conversation. “What made you decide to go to a Relic instead of a human ob-gyn?”
“Relics have more experience and availability. I don’t know, I’m living in this world now and it seemed like the obvious choice. Novis didn’t like her and switched my doctor, so now I’m seeing someone new. Someone he trusts who comes with a truckload of qualifications. There’s no way I’m going to be able to pay him back. I had a part-time job working at a nail salon before I got pregnant. Knox wanted to take care of me, but you know I can’t just sit around. I love being where all the action is. I miss going out shopping and having dinner with friends. I miss my red Mustang.”
I smiled wistfully, remembering how much she used to complain about her car. “What about Knox’s Jeep?”
She turned her mouth to the side. “Too big. I’d love Adam to take it, but he’s obsessed with his bike. I don’t know how I’m going to manage to hold down a job after the babies are born. Have you seen the prices for daycare? Highway robbery. I wish someone could take
care of them while I worked, and before you say a word, no. I love you, Silver, but I’m not leaving my twins in your care. You’re a new Mage and you might accidentally—”
“I know, I get it. You’re a mom and it’s your nature to protect your babies. I’m a Mage and I can fry bacon with my hands, so maybe it’s not a good idea to have Aunt Silver as the babysitter.”
She leaned in and arched her brows. “Oh, you’ll be babysitting. I wouldn’t rob you of that wonderful experience while I get out and take a breather. But just not for long periods. Plus you have maniacs trying to kill you, which leads me to another concern. I’m scared Nero might try to come after my babies.”
“He’s not going to be after us forever, Sunshine. We’ll get him.”
Sunny rubbed her eye sleepily. “So Logan and Finn are there for good, huh? How’s that going?”
“We’ll see. It’s only the first night, so no blood has been spilled. Yet.”
She wound a curl of her blond hair around her index finger, the soft glow of a lamp illuminating one side of her face. Sunny had lovely features with expressive eyes, round cheeks, and plump lips. Between her and Knox’s genes, their children would be beautiful, charismatic, and strong.
“I think I’m ready to let Knox go.” Her eyes were distant and solemn.
I laced my fingers together as Justus often did and stared pensively at my friend.
Sunny continued. “What’s in that urn isn’t Knox—not the man I remember. He wouldn’t have wanted me to be holding on to him like this. He would have said Let me go, Baby Girl. I’m always with you. Maybe it seems silly, but I feel like if I give his ashes to the ocean, the world will drink him up. That he’ll live on because he’ll become part of the world. Knox grew up on the coast near the Atlantic and used to tell me stories about how he’d stand near the cold waters in late winter while his father got drunk in a tavern near the shore. He lived in an abusive home and once told me that hearing the sound of the waves constantly moving forward gave him a sense of peace and calm. This is what he wanted. Holding on to Knox is keeping him from going home… where he belongs.”
“When do you plan on doing this?”
“Soon. I can’t wait around for this Nero thing to go away. I have a life to live and it’s not as long as yours. Whenever I decide to go, Novis said I’ll be heavily guarded. He hasn’t mentioned anything about it being too dangerous, so I’m glad for that. Anyhow, I don’t want to depress you before you start knockin’ boots with your Chitah man, but I want to ask if you’ll come with me. With everything going on, I’ll understand if you can’t make it.”
“Firstly, I’m not knocking anyone’s boots with my Ghuardian sleeping within earshot. What does that even mean? I sure as hell don’t wear boots in bed.”
A bright laugh filled the quiet room and she tossed her empty yogurt cup in the wastebasket.
“Secondly, you just say when and where and I’ll be right beside you. It’s going to be harder than you think, so I want you to know that despite all the drama going on around me, I’m always here for you. You’re my Sunshine.”
“Your only Sunshine?” she teased.
I wanted to sing the song but opted against it. Sunny would record the chat and use it against me as blackmail. I knew this girl too well.
Her eyes flashed up and I heard a voice.
“I’m just talking with Silver. … No, not yet.”
“Is that Novis? Tell him I’m sorry about dinner.”
She narrowed her eyes at me playfully. “Now we’re really going to have to do more catching up. I must have missed out on something good.”
“Only me electrocuting my Ghuardian.”
She looked up again. “Just a few more minutes. I’m not really tired.”
Novis appeared behind her and leaned down, staring at me through the camera. “Silver, I’m afraid your friend will need to end this conversation. It’s late and she needs rest.”
“She doesn’t look tired, Novis. By the way, do you have any jobs for me to do? I’m getting a little cabin fever.”
“Silver,” he said in a scolding tone. His messy hair obscured his eyes. “You can speak with Sunny tomorrow if there is a need. Her medical condition is of a delicate nature, and your thoughts should be on her well-being.”
“She’s pregnant, Novis. Sitting comfortably at a desk and talking on a computer is hardly comparable to making her run on a treadmill.”
I got a little nervous when I saw the strict look on his face and a spark of light in his eyes. “Careful, young Mage, and be sure not to bite a feeding hand.”
He slammed the laptop shut and I laughed at his screw-up of yet another idiom. Novis could be hardheaded—always thinking he’s right. Wise, yes. But by no means a prophet. He was an honest employer, but sometimes the lines were blurred and he interfered in my personal affairs. Sunny might have been living with him, but that didn’t give him permission to control her decisions. And why was he so restrictive all of a sudden? It made me think he might actually care about her condition, but that seemed unlikely. Novis believed emotions made you weak. He distanced himself from anything with an impermanent lifespan because loss was grievous and not good for the immortal soul.
That’s where we disagreed—the fragility of life is what makes humanity so beautiful.
When I slipped into my bedroom, the lights were out and the cool air brushed against my skin. I stood anxiously by the door, waiting for Logan to pounce me in another practice attack.
“Come lay with me,” I heard him say in the darkness.
God, if that didn’t make a tingle run through my body.
“I just talked to Sunny for a little bit,” I said, scooting beneath the covers and lying on my right side. I could feel his body heat in front of me and knew he was naked beneath the sheets. Logan not touching me was so erotic that it consumed my thoughts.
Logan sighed thoughtfully. “I worry for how a female will raise two young without a male to protect her. It is unfortunate that Knox had no brothers.”
“It wouldn’t be their job.”
The sheets rustled as he moved up and I imagined him lying with his head propped in his hand. “Chitahs look out for family. If a male is taken before his time, either her brothers or his will care for that female. I’m assuming Sunny has no siblings if she’s here in Cognito alone.”
“No, she has an older brother.”
Judgment clung to the edge of his words. “And where is he?”
“She doesn’t know. They broke contact over a year ago and she wants to find him. Kane has always been a bit of a nomad and moved around a lot, but he always made an effort to keep in touch with her. Something must have happened to him—he’s never missed her birthdays. I’ve met him a couple of times and he loves her to bits. I can’t imagine Kane would just cut her off and not even call unless there was good reason.”
“Perhaps he is dead.”
I placed my hand over his mouth. “Don’t say that. I don’t even want to put that out there in the universe because of the hell she’s already been through. I’m starting to see a glimmer of the old Sunny coming back—the one who’d take me to the bar and fill me up on nachos and drinks. The girl who loved making me buy ridiculous slingbacks I never wore.”
“What are slingbacks?”
“Shoes. Never mind. Knox changed her in all the best ways, and I pray that him dying doesn’t undo all that. I’m starting to see that it hasn’t, but I don’t think she could take any more bad news at the moment—especially with the babies. God, I still can’t believe she’s going to be a mom,” I said, my voice falling to a whisper.
In the darkness of the room, Logan slid his hand over my hip and kissed my forehead. I leaned in and nuzzled against his warm neck—our bodies still distanced by air.
“Stop thinking about it, Silver.”
“I know, she’ll be fine.”
“That’s not what I meant,” he said, his voice tickling my ear. “You are whole to me, and yet you still doub
t my love for you.”
I leaned back, my head sliding onto the pillow. “I’m not following.”
“I know your scent, Silver. When you think about children and us, it’s a specific flavor on my tongue I’m quite familiar with. Words need not be said to confirm when your mind is plagued with doubts that I love you completely. A male wants family, yes. But as long as you are by my side, I will not have want. My mind will never change on this matter, so you can put it to rest.”
“What about the chain? The metal will let us sleep together without all the problems of my energy spikes, Logan. I know you want to prove that you love me as I am, but God, you have the option of having all of me. Are you afraid that I won’t live up to your expectations and—”
“Enough!” he roared, sitting up in the bed.
I swallowed thickly and pulled the sheet up to my neck.
“I will not allow you to degrade yourself in such a manner.” His hand slowly brushed up my leg, reaching my thigh. “You are a beautiful female, and I will spill the blood of any male who lays a hand on you. I have vowed to change my ways and leave my violent past behind, but I will always protect my mate, and that is something you can depend on. We were born for each other and fit like pieces of a puzzle.”
Logan eased back down beside me, much closer now, and the sheet had fallen between us. His breath warmed my left cheek as he spoke and he trailed his fingers up my hand, wrist, and the curve of my body.
“You try so hard to fit more pieces in our picture, but we are enough. You have accepted me as a Chitah, even knowing that when I flip my switch in bed, I become dangerous and unstoppable. You trust me, and I am honored by your devotion. Nothing about you is less than a woman, but more than. Do you think because you cannot touch me with your hands that you are not able to touch my heart? Your energy is unique to me and I love the thrill of feeling the electric current touching my skin when you’re aroused.”
He shifted my legs open, sliding his knee between them.
“My blood heats and I crave your taste when I see your eyes turn silver,” he said in a dark voice against my lips.
Logan curved his right arm around my thigh, pulling it up higher, while his left arm slid beneath the pillow. We slowly came together, fitting in a way that felt effortless and divine.