Knight Shift

by Paulette Miller

  Penny chuckled knowing she was receiving the reaction she was aiming for. After she yanked off the bedspread and sent it sailing, she crawled onto the bed and, once settled in, she let out a deep moan and snuggled into the sheets below her.

  Although Jax was pleased that Penny wasn’t hidden under any blankets, he was frustrated that she still had her clothes on. Those thoughts left him when she began to address her ache. He was mesmerized by the sights and sounds she made as she squirmed and wiggled with need. Just as the first time he watched this scene, his hand instinctively reached out to feel an inferno of heat radiate off her body. And, also like the first time, he noticed that he had lost mental focus and his body was becoming visible again.

  Penny chuckled at his lack of control and teased, “No peeking, Jax.”

  He had to close his eyes and concentrate for a moment for Casper to return.

  When her movements became more aggressive and her breaths came out in a pant, he had to clench his fists tightly, waiting for a sign for him to join her. When she finally called Casper’s name, Jax knew that his time had arrived. While still invisible, he stood at the end of the bed and took off her shoes. He then crawled up her body and, as she continued to squirm, invisible hands slid off her panties. While kissing down her legs, he slowly peeled off her stockings and his touch caused her need to continue to build rapidly. Once her legs were both bare, he crawled back up her body and undid the last tie on her top with his teeth and began to draw swirl patterns on her skin with the tip of his tongue. That path continued down her curves and, her moans grew thunderous when he took over addressing her need that was now close to exploding.

  When she tensed and took in a deep breath, he grinned within knowing what was about to happen. As her body arched and she cried out, he closed his eyes and shared in the pleasure that pulsated off her body.

  While she stared at the ceiling trying to calm her breathing, she watched as Ice and his wonderful spots slowly appeared above her. She said between panting breaths, “I like that ending much better.”

  He gave her a growl in agreement and said, “Best appetizer ever, but now it’s my turn to cook the next course.” As he pressed his body down on hers, her eyes flashed with desire.

  *~*~*~*

  After the sun came up, Penny crawled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to get ready to face the day. By the time she stepped into the shower, strong arms were again wrapped around her. She jumped at his sudden appearance and then said, “You didn’t need to get up. I kept you rather busy last night and thought you might want to sleep in.”

  “And let you shower without me? You’re now mine and it’s my duty to protect you at all times. You might slip in here and need me to catch you.” While taking the loofa off the hook, he said, “Besides, I need to wash any hard to reach places.”

  She spread her arms and said, “Then get to work, Love.”

  Once she was so clean that her skin squeaked, the lovers did their morning routine side by side. As Jax watched Penny brush her teeth, he couldn’t believe how much joy these simple everyday acts now brought to him and he looked forward to similar scenes for many years to come.

  As she switched to brushing her hair, he said, “I want to tell you something and I don’t want you to respond to me right away.”

  She turned toward him and said, “I’m listening.”

  “You know that I don’t do anything half way so, to me, you and I aren’t just a temporary arrangement. I know that I want to wake with you beside me every day for the rest of my life, but I also know that being with me would be difficult. After seeing what our life together is like, if you decide that it’s too much for you, I want you to promise me that you’ll tell me.”

  “And If I decide I want to remain at your side?”

  “I’ll be waiting with my arms open wide.” Before she could respond further, he pressed his fingertip to her lips and said, “For now, I want you to think about it.”

  Penny kissed his fingertip and said, “I will; I promise.”

  When he stepped back into the bedroom, he announced, “Time to do some packing. What do you want to take?”

  Penny pondered on his question. “Well, I don’t need much if I’m going to be living in your apartment and I’m hoping we can come back here and spend time, so I guess I’ll take just the bare essentials for now.”

  Jax nodded and, after grabbing an empty box from the living room, he returned. He went straight for the closet and started to fill the box with lingerie. Penny watched what he was doing and said, “I said I only need the essentials.”

  Jax looked back at Penny like he didn’t understand her statement and said as a matter of fact, “These are essential. It’s my collection now and I’m not leaving this cabin without it.” When he looked at the sheer number of garments, he whispered to himself, “I wonder how I’ll organize them back at home—by color, style, or season?”

  As his words trailed off in deep concentration, Penny laughed and she let him pack the silk and lace while she collected more practical everyday items.

  As she worked across the room, he asked, “Penny, what’s all this stuff?”

  She turned to see Jax holding the large pink bow, sketches of himself, and several other items that he had unknowingly given to her. Realizing that he found her secret treasure chest, she walked over and took the bow.

  As she tucked it gently back into its safe home, he asked, “Did you save everything I ever gave you?” As he watched her carefully adjust the positions of her treasures, his eyes locked on several of the items. He picked up a pocket knife and said, “Hey, I’ve been trying to find this for months.”

  She grabbed the item from his hand and, as she placed it back on the shelf, she confessed, “I’ve never had a crush on anyone before and having these things here made it feel like you were with me.” Fearing he would reclaim his property, she said, “If you don’t mind, I would like to keep them.”

  He smiled and said, “As I told you earlier, everything that’s mine is yours. By all means, keep them. Do you want me to pack them up?”

  Penny shook her head. “I have you to hold on to so I guess really don’t need them right now, but I won’t give them up yet. They can stay here in the cabin.”

  Jax kissed her on the forehead and then went to find another box to collect more lingerie. Once the Rover was filled, they headed up the mountain toward her new home.

  Now that Penny and Jax were a couple again, she insisted that Chloe be told. It wasn’t out of spite or jealousy. She wanted to do it because she had seen the look in Chloe’s eyes when she stood at Jax’s side. Penny knew first-hand how painful it was to wait for something that you could never have. Jax gave in, called Chloe, and asked her to come to the house. Given the tone of his voice, Chloe knew that she wasn’t going to enjoy the visit. Her fear was realized when she walked into the home and found Penny at Jax’s side.

  At first Chloe was angry, but then she sighed and asked, “I never really had a chance, did I?”

  Jax shook his head and, after intertwining his fingers with Penny’s, he said, “My heart belongs to Penny.”

  Chloe stared at the owner of Jax’s heart and said, “I won’t lie and say that I’m not disappointed that Jax chose you over me, but somehow I knew that we weren’t meant to be. I don’t understand how you, a Human woman, were able to make the changes I’ve seen in him, but the proof is standing right in front of me.” She turned her attention back to Jax and said, “You’re glowing with happiness. That’s something I had accepted would never be a part of our relationship.” As she glanced at the couple’s intertwined fingers, she said, “I see how much you genuinely care for each other, but if you pursue this relationship you’ll face some hard times. You may fool Humans for a while, but Changelings will know instantly and won’t be forgiving. We’re on the verge of declaring war and your relationship will confirm the rumors that you’ve become sympathetic with the enemy.”

  “My relationship with Penny has m
ade me even more dedicated to our people and opened my eyes to other possibilities. I now believe that the only way to save our race from extinction is to partner with Humans.”

  Penny added, “And I’m not the only Human that would embrace us sharing our lives side by side. If given the chance, many of my kind would support peace.”

  Chloe replied, “But not all.”

  Penny shook her head and said, “No, there are those that will want to fight on both sides and they won’t stop until they destroy each other.”

  Jax added, “But I want to give those that will listen an alternative and, if we all stand together, we might survive.”

  Seeing Chloe carefully considering their words, Penny said, “I know that you’re feeling hurt right now, but I would like to ask you to stay and help us. If you aren’t comfortable staying here where I am, I own a cabin not far from here that I would be happy for you to call your home for now.”

  Jax hugged Penny tighter against him. Although Chloe didn’t understand what kind of sacrifice Penny was making, Jax was completely aware.

  Sensing the sincerity in Penny’s words, Chloe said, “I’ll stay because I, like both of you, want to do whatever it takes to help prevent a war. Although I support your cause, be aware that Logan and many others like him, will never agree. They’ll fight and win or die trying.”

  As soon as it was dark outside, Razor rose for the night and, after learning that Chloe was now part of their growing team, he took her out hunting so they could talk. Besides wanting to offer a shoulder to cry on, he knew that she and Logan had been friends for many years. Even though their friendship faded away when she confessed her feelings for Jax, Razor hoped to learn something that could help track Logan down.

  *~*~*~*

  For some reason, the watchers stopped harassing the family over the next few days. Taking advantage of the unexpected lull in hostilities, Razor left with Chloe to help her move a few of her things into the cabin. Chloe thought it would be easier on everyone if she stayed there and it would give herself some time to adjust to Jax and Penny’s relationship. Razor offered his services to help distract and comfort her.

  Razor was with Chloe and Penny was hidden away with Jax, so the rest of the family relaxed and watched a game on the television. Ben, who had been working tirelessly on how to block Penny’s rather explicit thoughts, decided to take advantage of the quiet evening to sneak away and take a long, hot, relaxing bath. He grabbed his clothes and walked toward the large bathroom with the whirlpool tub. When he opened the door, he found the room occupied. Both he and Penny screeched and Ben quickly closed the door, stumbling backwards.

  When he went back downstairs and entered the living room, Susi sensed the heat radiating off his cheeks and Taylor asked, “What was all the yelling for?”

  Ben pointed upstairs and stuttered, “Bathroom. Counter. Penny and Jax’s spots.” With his eyes opened wide, he added, “I’ll never be able to look at a vanity the same way again.” When his mind completely engaged, he yelled up the stairs, “Doors have locks for a reason, you two! There’s young impressionable minds living here.”

  Penny yelled back, “Sorry Ben!”

  Susi chuckled and said, “I thought you could sense their thoughts and emotions. Couldn’t you tell what was going on in there before you opened the door?”

  Ben replied, “I assumed that what I was picking up was more of Penny’s random daydreams. Those two project passion constantly, so I’ve been working on ways to ignore the mental images I see. But I didn’t think what I saw was even possible.” After shaking another image out of his mind, he added, “Penny’s thoughts should be considered the eighth wonder of the world. That girl has a rather vivid imagination. I don’t know how Jax handles it.”

  Moments later Penny and Jax emerged and headed toward their apartment. Jax was wearing a simple, long robe in black, while Penny glowed in her fuzzy white robe covered in enormous colorful daisies and matching daisy slippers. She was riding on his back and carrying a pair of bright print stilettos.

  Taylor called to the overly happy looking couple, “What’s with the heels, Peanut?”

  While Jax gave him a wicked smile, Ben exclaimed, “Lord, don’t ask that! You really don’t want to know.” He blushed brighter at the image that was forever etched in his mind. Penny leaned toward Jax and whispered something into his ear that made Ben yell, “Penny, please! Have mercy on me.”

  With a growl and a blur of speed, Jax carried the one he loved into their room and kicked the door closed behind him.

  Moments later, Ben jumped as if stabbed by something and yelled, “Now that’s just not right! PB&J is a sandwich, not a position.” He rolled his eyes and said, rubbing his temples, “I’m thrilled that Penny and Jax are together where they belong and that they thoroughly enjoy each other’s company, but really! I’m instituting a new house rule. No one is allowed to buy any peanut butter or jelly until further notice.” He stood and said loud enough for the happy couple to hear, “If you’ll excuse me. I’m going for a walk outside until those two pass out from exhaustion or they end up in traction.”

  Everyone laughed, including Ben, who was actually very envious of the genuine love the couple had for each other. Just before Ben reached the door, the twins shouted, “Wait for us!”

  Out of Chad’s room, a Greyhound came racing past them, almost knocking them off their feet. As they yelled in protest Charlie, as a crude Cheetah, chased behind him.

  Taylor yelled, “I got money on the dog!”

  Tadd whacked his brother in the arm and said, “No way. The Cheetah will have him pinned down in five.” He quickly turned to Ben and said, “Hop on.” After he shifted, Ben jumped on his back and he leapt out of the door to catch up with his brother to see who won the bet.

  Sam looked to Susi and, feeling the love in the air, he said, “Looks like we have the house to ourselves.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.

  Susi took the hint and pounced.

  Chapter 64 - Tangled Web

  It was mid-morning when Penny walked into the living room and she sighed at the welcome quiet. They hadn’t seen any watchers the last few days so the atmosphere around the house had relaxed considerably. She found Jax standing by a window in a deep discussion with someone on the phone. She waited until he hung up and then approached. Seeing his concerned expression, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

  He replied, “Razor called me before bed last night to tell me that he had taken Chloe to Portland to see the reality of what’s happening. Well, he just called back to inform me that there’s a situation brewing.”

  When Penny noticed him fidget anxiously, she knew that he wanted to go, but wasn’t about to ask her. Showing support for his life’s cause, she replied, “Then what are you still doing here? Go help Razor. You’ve been here with me for almost a week and your people could start questioning what you’ve been up to. No one seems to know about you and me yet and, if you want to postpone the inevitable Penny reveal, you need to show them that you’re still engaged in the protection of your people.”

  “But I don’t want to leave you.”

  “Jax, if we’re going to be a couple, you can’t hover over me twenty-four hours a day. We both have parts of our lives that are unique to who we are and we can’t throw them away just because we’ve chosen to share a bed. This actually works out well. I need to go to the store to do some training with Quinn, but I didn’t want to leave you here. It’s been quiet outside for days, so I think it’s a good time for both of us to go do our thing.”

  “I could send someone with you. How about Charlie?”

  “Charlie is with Chad. Their relationship is new and exciting and I don’t want to interrupt that. And you’ve sent everyone else out to help set traps to let us know if anyone approaches the house. I promise to go straight to the store and I’ll be back before dark.” Seeing his resolve starting to weaken, she added, “You know you need to let me do this sooner or later. Let’s give it a try today.”


  He reluctantly gave her a nod and said, “I don’t like it, but okay. Go have a good time and I expect a very enthusiastic thank you later.”

  “You have a deal. Now get out of here.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and added, “I’ll text you when I get to the store.” She grabbed her keys and called as she walked out the door, “I love you.” She hopped on her motorcycle and headed down the lane.

  *~*~*~*

  Hidden behind the thick brush, a man watched Penny pass his location. He then picked up his phone, placed a call and, when the person on the other end answered, he said, “Hawk, it’s Spider. It worked as you guessed. Leaving them alone made them drop their guard and she’s riding into town on her bike alone. Do you want me to grab her?”

  “Logan will want her intact and unharmed so follow her, but don’t do anything that could risk her getting hurt. We’ve been waiting for this moment to come along and I don’t want to rush and screw this up. Like your namesake, just lie in wait until she walks into your web and think before you act. If she figures out what you’re doing, she’ll dig in and call in the family. Jax will lock her up so tightly that we’ll never get this chance again.”

  “Understood.”

  “Keep me informed of your progress.”

  “You can count on me.” He flipped his phone closed and then raced through the woods until he found his car hidden in the trees.

  *~*~*~*

  While Jax drove to Portland, Penny arrived at Gone Wild. She spent hours working with Quinn and everyone commented about how she seemed to be walking on air. She couldn’t argue. She was happier than she had ever been in her life.

  The store had been quiet all day and, since this would be the last time she would walk these floors as anything other than a customer, she secretly hoped for a little excitement. She got that wish when, just before she grabbed her purse to head home, a group of young men in their twenties came in to the store laughing and roughhousing. Seeing several of them stagger, Penny’s protective nature toward the store came forward, causing adrenalin to make her pulse race. She loved dealing with challenging customers and, with a smile of excitement, she said to her apprentice, “Get ready, young Skywalker. We’re going to need the force to tackle this one.”