Happily Ever Alpha: Until Arsen (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Daniels Family Book 1)

by KL Donn

  The killer has excellent precision in anatomy because he made sure not to hit anything vital. They bled out over approximately four hours. With their hands and feet bound and their mouths gagged, no one would have heard them in the abandoned lot they were in overnight. It is a shitty area of town, so there weren’t many people out and about at night.

  I would never tell their families any of this, though. It’s something I will protect them from. Learning their children are dead is torture enough. Knowing how is something very few people should have to live with.

  Slowing into the parking lot of an apartment building only minutes from Marina’s, I feel a lead weight settle deep in my gut. I fucking hate this part of the job.

  I take a moment to place a stoic but caring mask firmly on my face. They can’t know how harshly these boys’ deaths are affecting me; they need me to be strong for them. To give them answers. The rage inside me isn’t what they need.

  Striding up to the building, I identify the buzzer with one of the boys’ last names and press. Waiting for an answer, I’m saddened by the knowledge of having to do this twice tonight.

  “Hello?” A disembodied voice comes through the speaker.

  “Evening ma’am, my name is Detective Arsen Daniels from MNPD. Could I come in and speak to you, please?” My voice is steady, thankfully.

  “Is everything okay?” I can hear the tears in her tone already. She knows it’s not.

  “I’d rather speak face to face, ma’am.”

  “First floor,” she mumbles, “number six.”

  The door clicks for opening, and I walk through, the overwhelming aroma of marijuana immediately invades my senses. At any other time, I’d have found the source. Tonight, I just want to get in and out as quickly as possible.

  Seeing her door at the end of the hall, I knock. The door opens, and a woman in her late forties answers, waving me in. “Ms. Jackson?” I query. I’d hate to give the news to the wrong person and then have to do it again.

  “Yes.” Her chin wobbles as she responds.

  “Could we sit?”

  “Please, just tell me.” She does as I ask, anyways.

  Taking a deep breath, I sit at an angle beside her and say the one thing I hate more than anything in this cruel fucking world. “I’m sorry to tell you this– “

  “No. Wait. Please.” Tears stream down her face in rivulets, and I watch as she tries to hold it together and fails. Instinctually, everyone knows. They fight it for as long as possible, but they always know. “I just need one more minute. Just one last second to believe he’s being a typical teen and not calling. One more minute to believe he’s going to walk through that door.” Her eyes plead with me to give her that. “Please.”

  “I’m sorry,” I say again. I wish it did something other than sound like I’m placating her.

  “When?” She sniffles with her head down.

  “I first need to ask you, Johnny Jackson is your son?” I see the heartbreak in her eyes as she looks to me and nods. “Thank you. Johnny and another male were found at approximately three this morning in an abandoned lot.”

  “Another male?” I had a feeling she was going to catch that.

  “Yes.”

  “Who?”

  Sighing, I hate telling her this, especially because I haven’t told his mother yet. “Connor Jackson.”

  “No.” Her head shakes repeatedly. There’s nothing I can do at this point. Her entire world is crashing right in front of her face, and I’m the cause of her pain. “He can’t; they can’t. Oh, my God. No.”

  “I’m very sorry.” If I never say those words again, I’ll be happy with it.

  Her tears and sobbing seem to go on forever as she processes the loss of her son and nephew. I eventually find myself holding her in my arms as she lets it all out. When my phone rings, I have to contort my arm to get it off the hook on my belt. It’s my desk sergeant. Knowing he doesn’t call unless it’s important, I answer.

  “Detective, we just received a missing person’s report about one of your victims. The parents are here now.”

  Fuck. Exactly what I don’t want. “Has anyone spoken with them yet?”

  “They’re filling out paperwork and waiting for someone to come in and speak to them.”

  “Don’t let anyone say a word to them. I’ll be right there.” This is my case, my burden, and I won’t let another soul experience what this night will bring. “Ms. Jackson, Connor’s parents are at my precinct filling out a missing person’s report. I’d like for you to come with me to speak to them. Then I can ask you all the same questions at one time.”

  Sniffling again, she pulls back from me and nods her head. “Just let me grab my purse.” Waiting by the front door, I can still hear her cries in my mind. Her pain permeates the entire apartment. As she comes from a back room, I dread the next few hours of my life, recognizing that this family is going to go through hell.

  Some days, I fucking hate my job.

  Marina

  I waited all day to hear anything from Arsen after our amazing weekend. I realize I should be more understanding given his profession. For all I know, he’s caught a case that needs all of his focus, but I can’t help feeling left behind.

  I spent the majority of the day cleaning out all my teaching supplies from the year. I need to make a list of new things to keep the classroom fun and festive for the next. Plus, it kept my mind off Arsen.

  I know I could have been the one to make contact with him, but on the chance that he did get a case, I don’t want him to feel obligated to answer me back or take my call.

  Mom even called once to find out more about my mystery man. Lord, love the woman, but she drives me crazy. I eventually wound up tuning her out and making odd noises here and there, so she thought I was still listening. She means well.

  After I told her about my budding feelings for Arsen, she asked if I was still coming home. I paused to think about it. Which is shocking in and of itself. I’ve never had to worry about anyone else and what they wanted. When I didn’t immediately answer, she told me to invite Arsen with me. That gave me pause. We aren’t ready for that step yet. I need to confess to him before either of us can make that type of commitment.

  After spending over an hour in a dollar store shopping for pencil cases and cute prizes for the new school year, I came back home and reorganized my school bins. I like to try and buy as many supplies as I can for the students, so it’s one less worry for parents. I know many struggle to make sure their kids have new clothes, shoes, and outdoor gear. If I can buy the supplies my students will need for the year, I’m happy to do it.

  I’ve been saving my money for as many years as I’ve been working, and thankfully, have a nice little nest egg put away for anything I like. Well, maybe not anything, but a good number of things. My students are the most prized possessions for me, and they deserve it.

  As I climb into bed, I wonder if Arsen’s safe. I watched the news for anything about injured cops, and nothing came up. Gazing at the clock, I notice it’s after midnight, and I acknowledge that if I want to make my appointments in the morning, I have to go to sleep now.

  If only my brain would work with me and calm down.

  Loud banging wakes me from my sleep, and I look around wondering if it was a dream until I hear it again.

  Coming from my front door.

  Throwing the blanket aside, I grab my robe from the chair by my bedroom door and glance at the clock on my nightstand. It glares a red 3:08 a.m. Growling, this had better be the million-dollar man, or I may commit murder.

  Approaching the door—this is one of those moments in the horror movies where the girl opens the door and gets stabbed to death—I hesitate. Leaning my ear against the wood panel in hopes of hearing someone, I wait. A pounding makes me scream and jump back.

  “Marina!” is yelled loud enough to wake the dead.

  Arsen.

  Jesus Murphy. This man.

  Unlocking the chain and deadbolt, I pull the
door open to see him looking like death warmed over. “Arsen? What’s wrong.” Something has to be wrong. He wouldn’t just be here at this ungodly hour without good reason and looking so unkempt.

  “Bad day,” he groans.

  Grabbing his hand, I pull him inside. Ever the protector, he locks the door behind him. Walking to the sofa, his body nearly collapses on the cushions, dragging me down with him.

  Worried, I ask, “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Grabbing me around the waist, he pulls me into his lap, so I’m straddling his thighs. His arms wrap around my back, and he buries his face in my chest. “No. I just need to hold you,” he murmurs.

  Delving my fingers into his hair, I gently massage his scalp. His body is coiled with tension, and I know his head must be pounding. His deep groan of appreciation tells me I’m right.

  I don’t know how long we sit like that for, but when his body gradually relaxes, I let mine, too. My robe has been long since discarded, so I’m sitting on him in nothing more than a thin camisole and panties. A little less than I would have liked, but he seems to need it if his roaming hands are any indication.

  Not in a provocative way, more as a calming effect. A reminder to himself that I’m here, and I’m real. I don’t know what happened over the past 24 hours, but he’s a mess, and if I can take that away by letting his fingers graze my body and holding him, I will.

  Laying my head on his shoulder, exhaustion takes us both under, and soon we’re asleep with me on top of him, his hands up the back of my shirt gripping the material in both fists.

  Chapter Nine

  Arsen

  A kink in my neck wakes me far earlier than I want to. The sun has risen, a new day has begun, but I’m still lost in yesterday. Marina, letting me in, accepting my pain so readily last night, made it all bearable. She’s still in the same position we fell asleep in a couple hours ago, and as I lift her body to take her to bed, she moans, whispering, “Arsen,” and rubs her core against my aching dick.

  Fuucckkk.

  Walking with a hard-on isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Sitting her down on her bed, losing her heat, has me nearly whimpering. I have no intentions of leaving her side just yet, so I discard my clothes down to my boxers and crawl in beside her. She cuddles into me before I can maneuver around her. Her little ass digs right into my dick, and this time, I do whimper. I haven’t missed how sexy she looks in her tiny shirt or white cotton panties. The idea of stripping her free of them and losing myself in her body is becoming more and more appealing by the second.

  Smoothing one hand up and down her hip and thigh, I languish in how smooth her skin is. Enjoy how delicate she feels under my strong hands. Trailing one finger along the top seam of her panties, I relish the way she rolls further into me, exposing the front of her body for my perusal.

  Kissing along her jaw and shoulder, I slide out from behind her and make my way leisurely down her body, nibbling on exposed flesh as I go. Her nipples peak through her shirt, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t give them the proper attention they deserve. With one hand on her hip, I massage one of her tits with the other and circle my tongue around a nipple as she stretches beneath me.

  “Arsen,” she gasps as my mouth captures the bud, suckling lightly. I look up to see her eyes still closed and wonder if she’s a deep sleeper or just enjoying my ministrations.

  Her body relaxes further into the bed, and I know she’s still sleeping. Moving to her other globe, I give it the same attention as my hands deftly start removing her panties so I can feast on her sweetness.

  Once I’ve got her bare, I begin kissing down her torso again, stopping to dip my tongue in the cute curve of her waist, licking her from hip to hip. I plan to imprint my touch on her body this morning.

  As soon as I’ve got her panties free from her legs, I carefully spread them open, exposing her pretty, little pussy to my gaze. Her small pearl is glistening with her need for me to give her pleasure. Leaning forward, I graze my cheek against the insides of her thighs, knowing my short beard will leave chaffing marks. She’ll be remembering what I do to her all day long.

  The musky scent floating from her draws me in like a drug. The need to have her on my tongue is an addiction I’m going to cherish.

  The first kiss on her clit has me drawing in a deep breath for more. I could seriously just kiss her pussy for the rest of my life and die a happy fucking man. Spreading her lips, I flatten my tongue against her velvety skin and leave a long trail from top to bottom as I taste her. My groan of desire vibrates right into her core, and her loud gasp causes me to catch that her sleepy gaze is now on me and what I’m doing. I see nothing in her stare but absolute pleasure, so I continue what I’m doing with a smirk on my face. Her fingers go straight to my head, tugging sharply on my hair. Not pulling me away but closer.

  Chuckling, I mutter, “good girl,” against her engorged nub and suck it deeply into my mouth. I can feel her pulsing and close my eyes to enjoy the sensation of her coming for me.

  “Arsen!” Her moan is loud as she thrusts her hips up into my face. Placing my hands on her hips, I push her back down into the bed while still indulging in her essence. Not once do I let up on what I’m doing to her. I need this too fucking much to let her go, and until she says no, I’m not going anywhere.

  Feeling her languid body shifting under my mouth, I know she needs more. Deeper. Harder. Bringing one hand down to her core, I push my middle finger through her folds gently. Penetrating her tight hole is difficult, and I wonder if she’s a virgin.

  Tossing the idea from my head because it drives my need for her higher, I slide my finger farther into her body. She squeezes her muscles around me tighter with each movement. Rubbing along her walls, I work to loosen her up.

  “Arsen.” Her breath hitches, and I look up to see fear dominating her gaze. It’s then, without words, I know, she’s either a virgin or has very little experience.

  “I’ve got you, Marina.” I try and reassure her.

  Her lids close, and I continue devouring her body. Her moaning and whimpering grow louder and more frequent as I lick and kiss at her. My own need for her grows by the minute, and I find myself crawling back up her body, her release on my face as I lean down to kiss her lips.

  She doesn’t shy away; she pulls me closer, licking my lips as I suck on hers. “I need you, Marina. I need to feel you.” If she says no, it just might kill me, but I’ll back off.

  She doesn’t hesitate. “Take me, Arsen.”

  Music to my ears.

  Pushing my boxers off my waist, I kick them off the bed before lifting her shirt up over her head. “You’re gorgeous, Ari.” She grins at the compliment and the use of the nickname I’ve heard her scolding herself by more than once.

  Her gaze scorches me as it travels down my body, lingering on the tattoos running across my chest and shoulders. “I love the detail,” she murmurs, lifting one hand to trace where the dragon blows fire into the forest across my pecs. “Did it hurt?”

  “Like a bitch.” I smirk at her, my fingers roaming sensually across her body. “Are you ready for me, Marina?”

  Biting her lip, she looks thoughtful before whispering, “very,” as her eyes travel the rest of the way down my body. Gripping her thighs, I push her legs as wide open as they’ll go before guiding my eager cock to her entrance.

  The first touch, her warmth, her softness against my hardness has my eyes closing in ecstasy. She’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. “Hold on tight, baby,” I warn as I push through her tightness and past her barrier.

  Fuck. She was a virgin.

  Mine, now. All goddamned mine.

  With my cock pushed to the hilt inside of her tight little cunt, I hold still for as long as I can so she can adjust, but the pressure is too much. Her contracting walls leave me panting to drive even deeper into her, to ring out as much pleasure from her body as I can before I explode into nothingness.

  Marina

  Feeling his body movin
g in mine, every thrust, the push and pull of unparalleled desire leaves me craving so much more. More of him. More of his body. His love.

  For the first time in over a year, I feel like the dream is possible. It’s right here at the tip of my fingers if only I can grasp it tight enough.

  “Marina,” Arsen groans harshly into my neck. His breath hot on my skin.

  “More,” I gasp as his hands circle around my waist and flex against my back. The raw power moving through him is an aphrodisiac itself.

  I can feel electric pulsations flowing freely through my veins, and I want to explode. I want to come apart for Arsen. I want to carry him into bliss with me.

  “I’m gonna fucking come.” He grinds harder into me. Shallow but deep thrusts have the bed rocking against the wall. “Let go for me, Marina.”

  Relaxing in his grip, my body lights up before tensing as he hits something inside of me with a powerful thrust. “Arsen!” I cry into the room. My body freezes and explodes as bliss works through my muscles, making each spasm with euphoria.

  “Good girl,” he growls just before I feel him shatter in my arms, his warm seed coating my insides. I pray harder than ever before that my body doesn’t fail me. That it allows this to become more than just an intimate moment. I’m horrible for wishing on a pregnancy when we haven’t made a commitment, but if there’s one thing in this world I want more than Arsen, it’s Arsen’s baby.

  It’s a pipe dream and unfair to him, but my foolish heart can’t stop the hope blooming inside me. Especially since I know I have to tell him, and then he’ll leave.

  Sweat coats our bodies as our breathing quiets and our bodies slowly untangle themselves. I never want to let this moment go.