by Brenda Trim
It wasn’t long before she sensed his resolve, but he wasn’t relieved like she’d expected. What did that mean? Was he leaving her? Biting her nail, she continued her circuit around the overstuffed furniture.
“You joining us, Ember?” Hayden barked. His deep voice startled her and stopped her in her tracks.
“Yes. Sorry, Sire. Just thinking,” she replied as she lowered her head in submission.
“I want us patrolling in pairs at all times, more when possible. And, Zeke has redrawn the territories. You will notice each of you has a smaller domain to cover. Nothing will slip past us,” the Omega relayed. “I’m considering recalling every shifter from the Dark Warrior ranks.”
Ember’s heart ached for what that would mean for her mate. Being a Dark Warrior was everything for Orlando. She recalled the way he had told her that Zander had given his life meaning when he’d recruited him for the Dark Warriors. There was no love lost between Orlando and his birth family. Her mate hadn’t even invited his family to their mating ceremony. That told her everything she needed to know about how much being a Dark Warrior meant to him.
Squaring her shoulders, she jumped into the conversation without thought. “May I say something about this?”
“Please,” Hayden said with a sweep of his hand.
“Well,” she began and swallowed the lump in her throat as she felt all eyes on her. “I don’t recommend burning that bridge with Zander and the Dark Warriors, let alone, the rest of the Dark Alliance Council. Consider the help we’ve needed from them this past month. Several times, they’ve dropped everything and come to our aid when the demons were attacking. I have faith in each and every one of you,” she motioned to the other C.L.A.W.s, but what we have been facing is beyond our capability to deal with alone The one lesson you taught me early on, Hayden, is that we need to work together to beat the demons. Divided, the demons will find their way in and beat us all. I think that’s why they are targeting us.”
Hayden crossed his beefy arms across his chest. She understood why he was upset. His pride wouldn’t allow him to back down from Zander. Plus, he believed that the humans needed to take care of their own. She understood why he was tired of protecting them. The humans weren’t incapable, but they were volatile and temperamental.
She was still on the fence about whether she agreed with Hayden on that topic. She’d recalled pictures of animals being tested in laboratories. The blistered, hairless, bleeding creatures had been taken to the brink of death and sometimes beyond in the attempt of improving their lives. The thought alone caused her cougar to revolt within.
“Your point is valid. I will not place the pack at risk over my pride. But, I want everyone sticking as close to home as possible. My gut tells me these demons aren’t done with us yet. Dismissed,” Hayden replied.
Ember watched the Omega approach his second in command and her heart went out to Hayden. She couldn’t forget that he was at odds with one of his best friends and that had to be difficult. She couldn’t imagine being at odds with Faith and not having her support during the past weeks.
Ember stepped out into the cold night air and her breath left her. Orlando was leaning against his car in front of Jesaray house.
“Hi,” she murmured as she rushed to his side.
“Hi, yourself,” he replied. He’d changed into dark jeans and a green shirt that sculpted his muscular chest and had her mouth salivating to shed his clothes.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d come,” she admitted and met his eyes as her insecurity surfaced. This was the one person, aside from Faith, that she could show her vulnerabilities to and not have them discounted or taken advantage of.
“I will always come for you, Em. I’m sorry I made you believe anything less. I’m a stubborn fool and have lost count of the mistakes I’ve made regarding you. I will no doubt make more, but never doubt how much you mean to me,” he replied as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tight against his body.
“This whole situation is messed up,” she lamented and laid her head against his chest.
“Is that a bonfire I smell?”
“It is. Hayden canceled the hunt this month because of the demon attacks and danger, but the bonfire ritual won’t ever be denied.”
“Come on. Aside from our mating, I haven’t been back for a bonfire in ages. Does Joe still break out his home brew?” Orlando asked. Grabbing her hand, he started walking with her in tow.
“Yeah, we can always count on Joe for a good beer. I swear he works all month creating a new masterpiece. Last month he made a stout with cinnamon. Not my favorite,” Ember relayed as she shuddered in revulsion.
Ember kept in step with him as they made their way around the house to the clearing where the pack held their gatherings. The flowers and ground cover the sprites created for their mating ceremony were still bright and vibrant despite the lingering cold in the air.
“Doesn’t sound too bad. I like cinnamon,” Orlando added.
“Ugh. I can’t believe you’d say that. I like it too, but not in my beer,” Ember laughed.
“Orlando,” Hayden boomed when he caught sight of them. “We missed you at Ember’s ceremony. Glad you’re here now,” he said pointedly.
Ember wondered if the Omega was fishing for information. He had questioned her about him and she had brushed him off. She still didn’t want to discuss the topic and snuggled close to Orlando’s side, letting everyone know that things were fine between them.
Saying things were fine might be an overstatement, but damned if it was anyone else’s business. She knew they hadn’t acted like every other mated couple in history, but she didn’t care. Their path was different and had challenges in store for them. The Goddess had told her it would require a lot of effort to have a successful mating and that was what she was working on.
“Not half as sorry as I am for missing it. How are the pups handling the canceled hunt?” Orlando asked as they watched the activity around them.
Ember saw the striplings roughhousing in their animal forms while the adults played washers and drank beer and kept them corralled to close quarters. The energy of family and pack suffused the air, rejuvenating her cougar. This was what she didn’t think she could live without and hoped it was a reminder for Orlando.
“The pups are restless, as you can see. Constantly testing the boundaries, but they understand the reason. It’s those just past transition that use the hunts to release their pent-up aggressions. As you know, they need the hunt the most,” Hayden explained. “You two enjoy and take care of my Lieutenant,” the Omega ordered more than suggested before walking away.
“Wanna grab a beer and sit for a bit?” she asked not wanting to take him back to her house just yet. She knew what would happen the second they were alone and she wanted to hash some things out before the mating heat took over. There would be no talking after that.
“Only if there’s cinnamon involved,” he teased.
“If that’s the case, you can have mine,” she assured him.
A few strides later, they were standing in front of Joe and his keg. “Joe, it’s good to see you again,” Orlando said by way of greeting. The males clasped arms and did that half-hug males did.
“Good to have you back. Santiago with you?” Joe asked.
“Nah, he’s back at home with his mate. He said he’d try and make the next hunt,” Orlando shared. Ember’s heart twisted hearing him call Zeum home.
“What’s on tap tonight?” she asked Joe, interrupting their conversation. “I told Orlando about your cinnamon beer last month.”
“Don’t look so disgusted, Em. You’re in the minority. Most loved it. This month I kept it simple with an American IPA. You’ll like it, Em. It’s super hoppy,” Joe explained with a broad smile. The male lived and breathed beer and was proud to share his creations.
“Sounds, perfect. Thanks, Joe,” she murmured and gave the male a hug before accepting her mug.
Orlando grabbed his beer and told Joe the
y’d catch up later then led her to the side of the gathering, close to the bonfire. He took a seat on a lounge chair close to the blazing inferno and pulled her down in front of him.
She sighed happily and snuggled against his chest. “This is nice. I’m usually sitting with Faith getting drunk during these get-togethers,” she admitted.
Running his hand over her hip, he whispered in her ear, “Get as drunk as you want. That’ll make taking advantage much easier,” he teased.
“As if you need me intoxicated to be at your mercy. You own me heart and soul and you know it,” she countered with a chuckle.
He tensed at her back and his fingers dug into her hip. “So I haven’t fucked it up beyond repair?”
“No, Orlando. It’s not all your fault. I walked away and shut you out. Can you forgive me?” she asked, needing absolution more than anything.
“No need to forgive when you did nothing wrong. I was callous and didn’t consider your feelings. I feel terrible for my behavior and want to make it up to you,” he admitted.
She took a sip of her beer, savoring the bracing bitterness. Some didn’t care for the hoppy beverage, but she loved it. Bring on the bitter beer face, she thought with a chuckle. “I know how you can make it up to me. It’s poking me in the back.”
She squealed when he tickled her with one hand and squirmed, trying not to spill her drink. “Soon,” he promised huskily, “but first, I have a proposition for you.”
She pushed her glasses up her nose and sat up at the seriousness in his tone. “Okay. I’m listening.”
As if needing contact as much as she did, he scooted so their bodies remained touching. “I want to move in with you. Brantley and I, that is. I know it will be cramped in your one bedroom cottage, but I will add on as time permits. What do you say?”
“What do I say?” she echoed as shock gave way to elation. “I say about damn time, Trovatelli! Are you sure though? I know how much the Dark Warriors mean to you.”
He pressed his finger over her mouth, stopping her words. “They mean a lot to me, yes. But, they aren’t my everything. You are, Em and I’m I made you doubt that. I love you and I can’t live another day without you by my side.”
Joy burst free and she tossed her mug aside before wrapping her arms around his neck and straddling his waist. A dull thunk told her his mug met the same fate as hers. “I love you, too. And, I can’t wait to bring Brantley home. I promise you won’t regret it for a second,” she murmured then placed a kiss to his lips that turned passionate in seconds.
His tongue tangled with hers, igniting her need to a fever pitch. Hearing him say he loved her was everything she’d ever wanted. And, the fact he was willing to move in with her was icing on the cake.
“Let’s go home before we go pick up Brantley,” she said against his mouth, not willing to break the connection completely.
He stood up, still holding her and she automatically wrapped her legs around his waist. “Best idea I’ve heard all night,” he agreed and began walking.
They ignored the catcalls and whoops from the pack as he quickly took them to their small cottage.
*****
Orlando pecked Ember’s lips before he jumped out of the car. If he didn’t get inside and pack their stuff he’d never make it home. Home was no longer the mansion he was gazing up at. The thought made his chest ache, but he meant what he’d told Ember. She was his world now and he needed to place her needs above his own, even if that meant sacrificing a piece of his happiness.
He was certain they’d find a new kind of peace and happiness in time. Seeing the smile on her face and being the recipient of her gratitude made up for leaving the family he’d come to love. It wasn’t like he would never see them again, he reminded himself. Taking a deep breath, he steeled his nerves for what he faced next.
With his hand at the small of her back, he led Ember to the front doors. For a brief second, Orlando missed Angus. The dragon shifter would have been outside greeting them the second they’d pulled up. Anytime one of the females came home or a visitor showed up, Angus made a point to greet them outside. Nate, Angus’s replacement, didn’t bother with those types of niceties. If you got past the gate, he figured you were supposed to be there.
Orlando could hear the activity throughout the house as soon as they entered. He headed straight for his room with Ember in tow, not ready to tell anyone what was happening yet.
“It’s not as impersonal as I originally thought,” Ember remarked as they made their way up the grand staircase. He hadn’t been aware she saw the home as cold and unwelcoming. He felt just the opposite when he walked through Zeum’s doors.
“I’ve always felt at home here. Like I belonged in this family. In fact, this was the first place I felt like I belonged,” he admitted to her, wanting her to understand what this place meant to him.
“I know. Which is what makes your sacrifice mean so much to me,” she admitted and squeezed his hand.
They made their way to his room without encountering anyone and he hurriedly began grabbing suitcases and throwing clothes in them. “Can you take this bag and pack Brantley’s clothes?” he asked Ember.
Lost in rehearsing what he was going to tell Zander, he didn’t hear Elsie come in until her voice echoed throughout the room. “What’s going on? Are you guys taking a trip?” Elsie asked. Brantley was cradled in her arms and immediately perked up when he saw Orlando and Ember.
Walking over to his son, he took him from Elsie’s arms as Ember stilled by his side. “No, we aren’t,” Orlando, admitted. “I’m moving out.”
“What?” Elsie practically screeched. “What do you mean you’re moving out? You can’t.”
“Calm down, El, it’s okay. I’m moving in with Ember in her cottage. I won’t be far,” he replied, hating the sheen of tears he saw form in the queen’s eyes. She meant a lot to him too. He saw their relationship for what it was now. They were friends with a closeness that he didn’t share with any of the other females in the house, but nothing more. That didn’t mean the thought of leaving her and the other didn’t hurt.
“What’s going on?” Zander asked as he stepped inside the room. No doubt the commotion had drawn him to the room.
Santiago and Tori weren’t far behind Zander and Orlando heard several others gathering in the hall asking what was going on. “Orlando’s leaving us,” Elsie told her mate. Her expression saying she was clearly unable to believe what she was hearing. “Don’t go, Orlando, we need you. You’re a Dark Warrior.”
“Shite, you’re really leaving? Why didna you tell me?” Zander asked, his anger and hurt clear in his deep blue eyes.
“I’m not leaving the warriors. I’m moving into Ember’s house with her. She’s one of Hayden’s C.L.A.W.s now and needs to be there. It’s really not a big deal. I’m only a phone call away.”
“Fuck,” Zander blurted and ran his hand through his hair.
At the same time Elsie blurted, “This isn’t about being a Dark Warrior, Orlando. This is about being part of our family.”
Orlando glanced from Zander to Elsie and noticed she was glaring at Ember who had fisted her hands at her sides. “Why are you doing this?” Elsie continued. “Why are you splitting us up? How selfish are you that you’re taking him from his only family?”
“I’m not splitting anyone up, your Highness,” Ember said, spatting the title. “Orlando is my Fated Mate. That means he’s mine, not yours. You have your mate and daughter. And, don’t forget Orlando is a shifter, in addition, to being a Dark Warrior. He belongs with pack just as much as I do.”
Orlando saw Ember’s claws extend followed by Elsie’s fangs.
“Shite,” Zander groaned.
Orlando and Zander were in motion in the next heartbeat. Orlando wrapped his free arm around Ember while Zander pulled Elsie from the room before blood was shed. This was not at all how Orlando had envisioned this going.
He heard Elsie cursing at Zander, demanding to be let go. Orlando was torn. He
hated seeing Elsie upset, but ultimately it was Ember’s unhappiness that had him handing her Brantley and asking her to hold him while he finished packing.
Santiago joined him and pitched in to pack up the clothes. “Well, that was fun. I thought we were going to witness a cat fight for a minute,” Santi chuckled.
“”That’s not funny, Santi. This is serious. I’ve never seen Elsie like that,” Tori chided. “Ember, she’s really a good person, but she’s like the mother hen of the house and protects those she loves with a ferocity I’ve never seen. Orlando means a lot to everyone here, but I understand how difficult it is to give up your life and move here. I have chosen to see it as not giving up my old life, but adding new dimension.”
“I’m sorry,” Ember said to Tori. “I hadn’t stopped to consider that this was difficult for any of you. I assumed you all embraced it and came willingly.”
“We did come here willingly. We love our mates, but we each left something behind. But, I didn’t lose it all. I still have my family home and we have Santiago’s loft. We take a day away from here as often as we can,” Tori confessed.
Orlando could see the wheels turning in Ember’s head. Before the situation escalated again, Orlando zipped his suitcase and turned to Santiago. “Tell, Zander I meant what I said. I’m still a Dark Warrior. I will see you for our shift tomorrow morning, and, in the meantime, if anything comes up and you guys need me, just call. I’m twenty minutes away.”
“Will do,” Santiago agreed then hefted the baby’s suitcase and followed Orlando down the stairs.
As they climbed into the car, Orlando gazed into Ember’s amber eyes and saw her love and devotion. This was why he was moving out. He wanted to deserve her adoration and give her what happiness he could. Apparently, at the expense of his own, because driving off with Zeum in his rearview mirror was one of the hardest things he’d ever done.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
“Come on, buddy. Grandma is waiting to see you,” Orlando told Brantley as they walked to the main dining hall. They’d been at Ember’s house for a couple weeks and had settled into a routine.