by Montana Ash
Beyden turned surprised eyes on his sister, “You got me kittens? After that rotten display earlier, you turn around and do something like this? Are you in your manic state?”
Ivy scowled at her brother, ignoring the snickers from the room. “I do not have mood swings and I am never manic. Besides, it was –”
“A great idea,” Jasminka cut her off before she could name Jazz as the gift-giver. “Don’t you agree?” Beyden smiled at her and she damn near lost her breath. It was warm, filled with happiness and reached his eyes.
“A really great idea,” he agreed. “Thank you, Ivy.”
“Don’t mention it,” Ivy responded, drily, casting Jazz a questioning look.
“I’ll need to get them stuff. Food, bowls, kitty litter ...”
“All out in the car, man. I got you covered,” Nik assured him, “I’ll go grab it.”
“I’ll give you a hand,” Beyden said, following easily. He didn’t even seem to notice he was moving freely without his cane.
“Why don’t you want him to know it was you who got him the kittens?” Lark asked as soon as Beyden was out of earshot.
Jasminka shrugged, “I didn’t get them for his thanks. It makes no difference where they came from as long as they are fulfilling their purpose. And based on the doe-eyed look in his eyes every time he coos down at them, I’d say kittens as therapy is a success.”
“Wow. So humble, Dr Winchester. Aren’t you a surgeon? I didn’t think surgeons did humble,” Ivy teased. “Besides, if you tell him it was all your idea, it’s sure to help your chances with step four.”
“Step four? What’s step four? For that matter, what’s step one, two and three?” Axel asked, ever curious.
“This is all step one and two,” Jazz gestured to the knife still embedded in the table top and the kittens outside. “Step three is the mother. And step four is of no concern of yours,” she informed the fire paladin, prissily.
“Oh, now I’m intrigued. Does it involve nudity? It involves nudity doesn’t it? You know, Doc. My knee has been giving me trouble for some time now ...”
Jasminka was helpless not to laugh. Axel was just so much fun. “I tell you what; if Beyden isn’t receptive to step four, I’ll be sure to come and examine your knee.”
Axel grinned, winking at her and she knew he was joking around just like she was. Well, she mostly was, she admitted. She certainly wouldn’t turn away any of the amazing specimens of godly craftsmanship in her midst. Humble she might be, but stupid she was not.
Nikolai and Beyden returned carrying armfuls of cat paraphernalia. Jazz had asked the shelter to make a list of everything the two kittens would need and it looked like Nikolai had checked off the list and then some. She was sure she hadn’t seen glittery pink collars on the list for example. Once everything was in the house and everyone had cuddled and fussed over the two newest members – including Zombie, who looked particularly smitten – they all resumed their breakfast. Jazz watched in amusement as Princess kept climbing onto Nikolai’s lap, only to be placed back on her feet by the ranger. She would mewl her displeasure and promptly use his dark green ranger robe as a climbing post to return to what she clearly thought of as her lap.
Nik seemed reluctant to leave, and Jazz couldn’t really blame him. The atmosphere in the large kitchen was warm and inviting, filled with humour and hope. She breathed out in relief; step one and two were a hit. She was fairly certain step three would likewise be received well. She had spoken with both Ryker and Max regarding Bey and Ivy’s mother coming to visit and both had been thrilled. It hadn’t taken her long to recognise that Ryker would do anything for those he deemed family. Having yet another mouth to feed and another body to provide shelter to under his roof didn’t bother him if it meant the health and happiness of one of his paladins. Max was simply excited to meet a parent. She wanted to know how one woman could produce two totally different children and which one was the favourite. Jasminka had forcefully told Max not to ask. The custodian had grudgingly promised – though she had pouted for a good ten minutes.
“Well, I better be off. Busy day ahead,” Nik said, passing Princess back to Beyden who was yet to let go of Angel for any length of time.
A chorus of goodbyes sounded as Nik made his way to the door. He was brought up short by Beyden, “Oh, Nik. Aren’t you forgetting something?”
Nikolai looked confused when Beyden held up Princess. “Huh?”
“Come on, man. We all know cats choose their people, not the other way around. And Princess has definitely chosen you,” Beyden smiled.
Nik looked overjoyed for a few seconds before he shook his head. “They’re a package deal. I could never break them up.”
The longing in his eyes when he looked at the white ball of fur almost had Jazz tearing up. The man very obviously wanted the kitten but he was determined to be noble. Everyone else saw it too and Ryker finally snapped;
“For fuck’s sake! Take the damn thing, Nikolai. It’s not as if you never visit. You’re here just about every day mooching food and demanding affection from the women anyway. Princess and Angel can be together then. Besides, one kitten, one dog, and a friggin’ beetle are more than enough animals in the house.”
Jasminka shared a look with Max. Ryker made out like he was big and tough but they knew differently. In fact, Jazz was pretty sure Ryker wasn’t fooling anyone with his bad boy act. When Princess pawed the air between them, meowing pathetically, Nikolai finally caved. He raced forward and scooped her out of Beyden’s hand. She immediately snuggled against his chest, purring like a chainsaw.
“Are you sure?” Nik asked Beyden one last time. “I mean, with her being deaf maybe you would be the better person to keep her. My element isn’t going to be as useful as beast is.”
Beyden rolled his eyes, “Trust me, her lack of hearing isn’t going to be an issue. You have been well and truly claimed as her human.”
Nik finally grinned, “Yay for me!”
Yay for you, Jazz thought, liking the way the kitten chased away the loneliness in his eyes. Looking at Beyden once more, she couldn’t deny she loved the way he looked as well. She just hoped he felt the same way about her.
FOURTEEN
“Hey, sis.” Beyden hurried to Ivy before she disappeared up the stairs. His limp was still prominent and the harsh pain ever-present, but he made it to her easily without the need for a cane. Jasminka was right to call him out on that. He had been using the walking device as a crutch – and not the physical kind. He had spent the day learning what his new centre of gravity was with his new little sidekick. Angel had been his constant companion and he couldn’t believe how much he already loved the little girl. His sister had really outdone herself this time.
“Everything okay?” Ivy asked when he was standing in front of her.
Beyden drummed up a smile, “Yes. Definitely. I wanted to say thank you. You know, for having your boss pick up Angel for me. I never would have imagined a kitten could make me feel so less stressed.”
Ivy smiled. The smile she reserved for those that she loved. “I’m glad to hear it. And I’d love to take credit, but it wasn’t my idea.”
He frowned, “What do you mean?”
Ivy crossed her arms across her chest, “It was all the Doc. She came to me with a four-step program she thought might help you.”
Beyden was shocked and more than a little concerned about the amused smirk on his sister’s lips. “Jasminka asked you to get me a kitten?”
“No. Jasminka got you the kitten. She rang up the shelter and adopted both of them. I simply arranged for Nikolai to pick them up. Jasminka also recommended I do something to piss you off so you would stop thinking and start acting.” Ivy laughed and punched him solidly on the bicep. “That was my favourite step. You should have seen your face.”
“Wait – telling the entire household about my juvenile nocturnal activities was a part of a four-step plan?” Beyden knew his voice was incredulous. Until that moment, Angel had provi
ded enough of a distraction to make him forget Ivy’s case of verbal diarrhoea.
Ivy poked him in the chest, “That’s right. A four-step plan to get your head out of your arse. Beyden,” Ivy’s voice softened, “we’re all so worried about you. Jasminka more than anyone I think. I know she’s the newest stray to find a home here, but she’s been responsible for your health and wellbeing from the moment she stepped foot in the door. Hell, the whole reason Max even asked her to come was because you would need her specifically. That’s a lot of responsibility. A responsibility you should be able to relate to. You’re a paladin, Bey. What is the definition of your role?”
Beyden closed his mouth with a snap. He hadn’t thought about it like that before, but Ivy was right. Jasminka was tasked with the health and safety of others just as much as his fellow paladins were accountable to their wardens. “So, she asked you to rile me up and give me a kitten because she cares about my health. I’m touched.”
“Are you really that dense? ‘Cares about your health’? Beyden, she cares for a whole lot more than your health. I mean, sure, it has to do with caring for your body – gross, by the way – but she cares about much more than that. Goddess, bro, she even has mum coming here! If that’s not a woman with a major crush, I don’t know what is.”
Beyden’s hand went slack where it had been absently patting Angel, “Mum? Mum’s coming here? When?”
Ivy crossed her arms over her chest, “Jasminka wants you to be surrounded and supported by the people who love you most. By her calculations, mum was the only person missing. She was right. Again. It was selfish of us to keep her away for so long. You should have heard her on the phone, Bey. She cried.”
Beyden winced, he hated it when his mother cried. “She’s really coming here?”
Ivy quirked a brow, “I told her you were struggling and that I wanted her to meet my man. So, you tell me.”
“She’s already on a plane, isn’t she?” he sighed.
“Yep.”
Beyden stood for a moment, contemplating everything his sister had told him. He couldn’t believe Jasminka would go to so much trouble just for him. He had been a total unappreciative arsehole to her. Yet, he couldn’t recall anyone having done anything so thoughtful and special for him in his whole life. Was Ivy right? Could Jasminka possibly have feelings for him? The thought caused his pulse to race and his body to harden.
“Ivy, there you are. You coming to bed?” Lark appeared at the top of the steps.
“Yep. Just filling Mr Ignorant in on Jazz’s master plan,” his sister answered.
Beyden saw his friend grin, “Ah, did you get to step four yet?”
Ivy scrunched her nose up, “Eww, no. I didn’t. I figure baby brother is old enough and hopefully wise enough to make the correct choices in that department.”
Beyden had no idea what the hell his sister was talking about until the ‘eww’ part of her comment registered. Could Jasminka want to play doctor with him for real? “Will you do me a favour tonight?”
“What kind of favour?”
Beyden rolled his eyes. It was typical of his sister to ask what type of favour first; she would never just agree to anything straight away. “Babysit Angel for me.”
Ivy’s eyes widened and she smirked, “Oh, does baby bro want to get freaky-deaky?”
“Freaky what?” He heard a muffled laugh and looked over Ivy’s head to see Lark snickering as he made his way down the stairs. “I blame you for this,” he told Lark, gesturing to his sister who had been mostly severe and serious before falling in love with his friend. Now she was using words like deaky. Lark simply laughed even harder. Beyden rolled his eyes, gently thrusting his new little angel into Ivy’s arms. “Just take care of the kitten.”
And I’ll go take care of the doctor.
FIFTEEN
Beyden’s pulse pounded in his ears as he made his way to Jasminka’s room. He had spent many a night dreaming of having the doctor under him and he was now determined to make his dreams a reality. Raising his hand to knock, he fortified himself for seeing Jazz in the threshold wearing that threadbare, plain white nightgown of hers. He shuddered, adjusting himself when his pants suddenly became uncomfortably tight. Thanks to Zombie, almost every night for a week, he had been subjected to the sight of the slender doctor framed in the doorway, her dark cocoa skin sharply contrasted with the ivory gown she wore that left nothing to the imagination. Her breasts were tipped with dark peaks and the juncture between her legs was a dark silhouette he yearned to explore.
If you knock on the door, you might just get your wish, he reminded himself. He let his still-raised fist fall against the wood of Jazz’s door a couple of times in swift succession. It took mere seconds for it to swing open and reveal his dream-woman.
“Beyden. What are you doing here? Are you okay?” Jasminka asked, her first concern with his health.
Beyden made a heroic effort to keep his eyes on her face instead of the see-through material from her neck down. “I’m fine. Great in fact. I was just hoping to talk to you for a moment.”
She looked surprised, but immediately opened the door wider, stepping back so he could enter. Much to his disappointment, she quickly donned a robe. “Forcing me out of my own head by making me angry, giving me a kitten to love and care for, and requesting my mother – you did all this for me,” he commented, not wasting any more time.
Jazz’s blank mask was firmly in place as she said; “Is that a question or a statement?”
“A statement,” Bey clarified. “Ivy already ‘fessed up. The question is why. Why would you do all this for me?”
“I’m your doctor.”
Looked like the woman was going to play coy. That was fine with Beyden. It had been a long time since he’d had the opportunity to seduce a woman. And the one standing in front of him was well worth it. “This goes above and beyond what a doctor normally does for their patient,” he pointed out.
Jasminka arched a dark brow, “And how would you know? Doctors don’t exist in your world.”
Beyden ignored her retort, instead choosing to crowd her back against the wall. “Why?” was all he said.
Jazz narrowed her eyes but didn’t try to elude him. “It’s my job to fix you. Nothing else was working. I decided to think outside the box.”
“Really?” He inquired, tilting her chin up and plucking her glasses from their perch on her nose. “Well, I’m not using the cane anymore, apparently my wonderful mother will be arriving here to baby me, and I have my very own kitten. Do you consider me fixed yet? Perhaps cleared for more strenuous activities.”
The doctor’s eyes travelled the length of his body and Beyden felt his dick react under the heated gaze. There was no denying the desire in her stare. Taking a chance, he leaned in, nuzzling the delicate skin of her neck, “Tell me, doctor. What exactly was step four of your brilliant program?”
Jazz tilted her head, exposing more of her smooth contours, and granting silent permission for his attentions to continue. “Sex. Lots and lots of sex,” she answered, bluntly.
“Then what are you waiting for?” He heard her groan a second before she turned her head, lips pressing against his passionately. It took only a few short minutes to feel himself go up in flames, so he pulled back, panting; “As much as I want to spend a lazy night exploring every inch of your enticing body, I’m about to lose circulation in the one appendage we happen to need.”
Jasminka’s pupils were blown as she gave a seductive smile, “Is that right? We can’t have that. Why don’t we – wait. Is your leg okay? Where’s Angel? You said your mum was on her way – I can’t wait to meet her.”
His ego should have been offended by his future lover’s apparent lack of concentration on the task at hand, but instead he fell a little bit more in like with her. Being a doctor was more than just a job to her, the same as being a knight was more than just a duty to him. She was a nurturer and a protector and he was one lucky bastard to have been under her diligent and stubborn
care. Pecking her chastely on the lips he cupped her face;
“Ivy was right; you’re a warrior just as much as everyone else in this house. Only you wield a scalpel instead of a scythe.”
His words achieved what his kisses hadn’t been able to because he soon had an armful of naked female, frantically trying to rip his clothes off. He had a moment of insecurity when his pants where removed, his scars on prominent display. But Jazz didn’t allow him to wallow before she was gripping him with soft hands, her palms shaping him as if trying to memorise his width and length by touch alone.
“Bed,” she murmured, walking backwards until her legs hit the mattress. Beyden had no choice but to follow, for the sex goddess in front of him had failed to release his cock. Perching her fine butt on the end of the mattress, she scooted backwards until she laid flat, effectively putting every single asset on display. His woman wasn’t shy. Good to know.
Beyden practically drooled at the sexy feast that was in front of him. Jazz’s body was one long line of sculpted muscle and subtle curves. The breasts that had been taunting him in their braless state since their first meeting were every bit as beautiful as he had imagined. His mouth literally watered with the need to taste the dark tips. Lowering his head, he decided to do just that and paid homage to his bounty until Jazz was a writhing mess before him.
“Beyden,” she panted.
“Yes?” he raised his eyes to meet hers and heard her breath catch.
“I want you in me. Now,” she demanded.
“Bossy,” he commented. He easily spanned her waist with his hands, thumbs dipping lower to tease the warm folds of flesh between her silky thighs. “I can work with bossy,” he informed her. He was tempted to bring her to orgasm just like this. He knew all it would take were a few swipes of his thumbs, but he wanted what Jazz did. He wanted in.
Not bothering to ask if she was sure, he ranged his body over the top of hers, relishing in her hiss of pleasure from their full body contact. A simple tilt of his hips had her body accepting his in a smooth, easy glide. Squeezing his eyes shut, he gritted his teeth and counted to ten. He had never felt such a rush of emotions during sex before, but he swore he felt a connection between them that had nothing to do with the pleasure they were each giving and receiving. Jasminka reached up and traced a finger underneath his eyes, a silent plea for them to open, as if she too was feeling the strange but welcome sense of rightness. She then traced the outline of his lips and he gave her a nip with his teeth. The answering clench of her body around his had him moving.