by Davis, Lia;
He averted his gaze and gave a short nod. “One day. Soon.”
The gym door opened then slammed shut. Kieran’s earthy scent filled the air. Alec glanced at him, then brushed past Ana so their arms touched. With a low chuckle, he said, “Good luck.”
Ana rolled her eyes as her brother left her alone with Kieran. The thought to follow Alec and avoid another disagreement with her stubborn as hell mate entered her mind. But she wouldn’t run. She needed to be heard.
She crossed her arms and waited. There was nothing to apologize for, and she’d be damned if she would.
Kieran stopped about a foot from her. “How was the workout?”
Small talk? Something was up.
“It was great. I learned a few things about my brother.”
Kieran held her gaze for several moments before holding out his hand, palm up. “Walk with me?”
Even though his tone was light and free of emotion, she sensed a hint of sadness rolling off him. He’d never gotten upset at their fights before. Usually, they avoided each other until things simmered down. “What is it?”
“Damn it,” he growled then framed her face and kissed her.
The kiss was demanding, unforgiving, and it set her body on fire. He pushed his tongue inside her mouth, and she didn’t fight him. She needed him, needed this raw passion between them. Unfolding her arms, she wrapped them around his shoulders and scored his back with her nails.
Much too soon, he broke the kiss and buried his nose in her neck. “Every instinct tells me to chain you up to keep you safe.”
“You can’t chain me.”
“I know. But we can compromise.” He lifted his head and framed her face with his hands. His gold eyes locked with hers. “I can’t lose you.”
And yet you won’t bond with me…
Ana let the thought drift away. There was no point in dwelling on old, childish dreams that Kieran would ever claim her.
“What’s wrong?” she asked again.
“I’ve been given another assignment.”
Her heart sank. “What do you mean?”
Sliding his hands down her arms, then linking his fingers of one hand with hers, he tugged her outside. “I’ll explain at home.”
Chapter Thirteen
Kieran held the door open for Ana to enter their home. Her uneasiness and suspicion rolled off her in waves, amplifying his anxiety even more. He’d told her his assassin days were over. Then Donovan went and gave him another assignment.
Once inside the living room, she turned to him and folded her arms, her grey gaze locked with his. Fuck. He scrubbed a hand over his face. “There’s a rebel cell about fifty miles north that is rumored to have gone rogue.”
“And you have to go and do what?” Her tone was flat and her eyes unmoving.
“Check it out. If they are a threat, I have to eliminate them.”
A small spark lit up her face. “Let me go with you.”
He opened his mouth to say no, but stopped himself. That was the reason they were fighting. He’d treated her like a submissive female when she was far from it. Two to three times a week she’d go out and hunt down mutants and kill them. All because she hated them and hated what Felix was doing to the shifter communities.
“There are reports of mutants living within the group. I want to be prepared for anything. That means you will not hold back your power any longer. You are an Andrews, and you will fight like one.” He stepped closer, knowing she hadn’t fully absorbed his words.
A tic formed in her temples before she growled. “I’m not a weak female, and I don’t need you treating me like one.”
When she moved to leave the room, he sprang forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Think about what I just said. If you go with me, you go as Zorana Andrews, powerful alpha female. No holding back your magick because you’re afraid of what Felix would do if he found out.” He pressed her body to his tighter and nipped her ear. She moaned and threaded her fingers in his hair.
“Give that bastard something to fear,” he growled out.
Her chest rose and fell with each pant. Her arousal flooded his senses, dizzying. “I’m still mad at you.”
“I know. And I’m still not ready to let you fight Savannah.” He buried his nose in her neck. “I’ve witnessed the witch’s power. It is like nothing I’ve seen.”
Ana turned in his arms and cupped his face. “I didn’t mean I’d go in unprepared. You could help me develop my strengths.”
His chest swelled. “I’m a stubborn, overprotective ass.”
She shrugged. “I know.”
“You don’t have to agree.” He popped her on the ass and she squealed.
Threading her fingers into his hair, she fisted a handful, pulled him down and kissed him. Heated desires raced straight to his cock as their lips tongues tangled together. She was his and there was no denying it any longer.
He gripped her ass and lifted so she could wrap her legs around his waist. His cock jerked at the motion, but his leopard growled at the amount of clothes separating them. The beast wanted skin-to-skin.
After easing her to her feet, he pulled her shirt over her head and worked on removing her jeans. He lowered to his knees and lifted one of her legs so it draped over his shoulder. Pressing a kiss to her belly, he slid two fingers into her slick folds. A soft moan escaped her and she fisted his hair. A dull pain registered as she pulled on his hair and moved her hips, rubbing her clit against his fingers.
He leaned in and lapped at her bundle of nerves. Her grip on his hair tightened. Satisfaction ripped through him, knowing he was giving her pleasure. Too long. He’d wasted too much time. It was time to claim his mate.
He covered her pussy with his mouth and slid his fingers inside her. Her body tensed, then she began to move again, and met the tempo he set by fingering her. A couple of thrusts and a bite to her clit sent her over the edge. Her body jerked as the orgasm tore through her.
When he withdrew from her and rose to his feet, he met her drunken, desire-filled gaze. A half-smile lifted her lips and her eyes glowed a beautiful silver as she pushed him backwards to the sofa. With a shove, he fell on the couch. She flicked her wrist and his clothes vanished.
Amusement lit up his soul. He loved her like this. Free and open. There weren’t many times he’d seen this side of her. “My sexy mate. What will you do with me?”
She straddled him but did not touch. His skin itched to touch hers.
“Ana.” His growled out warning only made her sensual lips curve in a wicked yet playful smile.
When she took him in her hand, he bucked at the charge of electrical current transfer. She was open to him. Her magick flowed freely between them, exploring and nipping at his skin. Ana stroked gently, drawing a moan from him.
She dipped her head and bit his lower lip as she guided him inside her. Pleasure surged through him, and he wrapped his arms around her and thrust deeper, no longer able to wait another moment. His leopard urged him to bite, to claim her again. The man would lose the battle. The urge was too strong.
Ana cried out, scored her nails into his shoulders and rode him. Pleasurable pain fueled his desire to possess her inside and out. Increasing the tempo, he bit her in the tender spot where her throat met her shoulder. Her rich, sweet blood coated his tongue as his fangs broke the skin. By the way her body tensed at first he could tell she was shocked by the bite. He tightened his hold on her as their pleasure mingled and grew.
The iridescent threads of the mating bond formed and weaved together, forever linking them. Her emotions—a mix of happiness, sadness, and confusion—poured into his subconscious. A sense of wholeness surrounded him like he had found a piece of his soul he didn’t know was missing.
Ana’s pleasure crashed over him, intensifying his own. Her muscles tensed around his cock a moment before she screamed her release. He squeezed her hips and thrust twice more. His balls tightened as an orgasm pulled him over the edge.
Hugging he
r close as they shuddered out the remains of the climaxes, he kissed her temple. “I love you.”
She released a breath and he could hear the smile in her voice as she said, “I love you, too.”
Chapter Fourteen
Jared didn’t know what to say or how to act. Which was a first for him. For fifteen years, he had searched for his son, yet he couldn’t form a complete sentence now that he was face to face with him. He wanted to know so many things but didn’t know where to start.
“How long have you known about me?”
Jared squeezed his eyes shut for a brief moment. “Since you were born.”
Nigel fell silent as they walked down the sidewalk toward Travis’s house. Talk about a loser dad. “Your mom…”
“She told me you were dead.”
That didn’t surprise Jared in the slightest. He guessed he was dead to Sable. “She wasn’t playing on my side when we met.”
Shit. This is hard.
“I get it. Felix needs to be put down. I know Mom has done things she regrets.” Nigel stopped and faced Jared, his brows drawn. “She doesn’t realize I know what she did. I have your gift of sight, or whatever it is, as well as Mom’s magick.”
Jared glanced down the dirt path. Nigel knew way more than any kid his age should know. Then again, he had been born in the Onyx Pack. Jared held out his hand. “I want to be in your life. Even though Sable and I can’t go down that road again.”
Nigel stared for a long moment before taking Jared’s hand in a firm handshake. “I’d like that. However, you can’t run from what the Fates have in store for you.”
A smile tugged at Jared’s lips as Nigel started walking again. The kid had used his power that would some day make him a Justice. The same abilities Jared possessed. Falling into step with Nigel, Jared embraced the silence between them the last few steps to the Hunters’ house.
When they reached the door, it opened to Brenna. She smiled at both of them and moved aside. “Hello. Ready to do some tracking?”
Nigel nodded grimly and brushed past her. Jared reached for him, but Brenna rested a hand on his arm. When he glanced at her, she shook her head. “I lost my mom, too. I understand how he feels right now.”
Yeah, Jared got it, but Sable wasn’t dead. Jared would know if she were. However, Nigel had a right to be angry.
Jared studied Brenna, and the reality of what she and her brother had gone through at such a young age weighed on his heart. Too much pain and loss. Sometimes, it felt like they were fighting a losing battle.
Jared entered the home and was greeted by Alec. “I’m going instead of Travis. The twins and Nigel will be able to track any scents left behind at the camp. You and I will make sure the kids are safe.”
Nodding, Jared glanced at Nigel talking to Bryce. Relief rippled over Jared. The way the boys stood close to each other, muttering softly, indicated that Nigel had formed a friendship. Good.
“Nigel and I should have no problem tracking Sable from the camp, but a team is better. We have to watch out for mutants.” Even though sightings of the half-beast, half-human creatures Felix had created were almost non-existent in recent months, it didn’t mean they weren’t out there.
“Yes, those bastards could be hiding out anywhere.” Alec stopped and turned as Shayna walked in with Wesley bundled in her arms.
A smile reached her eyes and brightened the room as she cooed at the baby boy. Josie followed on her heels. Just then, Travis appeared from the kitchen, a scowl on his face. “What are you doing up?”
Shayna shook her head. “I’m fine.”
Travis let out a low growl, which caused Josie to growl back at him. With a raised brow, the wolf held his four-year-old daughter’s gaze. She propped her fists on her hips, and Jared chuckled.
“Mommy and Wes wanted to say hi to everyone.” Josie broke the eye contact with her father and moved to sit on the sofa.
Travis gave his back to Josie to meet Jared’s gaze. The male’s lips twitched as he crossed the living room to stand next to Alec. “I can’t wait until Wes is old enough to equal out the estrogen in this house.”
Alec snorted. “It doesn’t work that way. The females will always get their way.”
“I’m sorry I can’t go.” Travis glanced to Shayna and tensed as she carefully sat next to Josie.”
Jared’s heart softened. At times like these, his own pain was almost bearable. Almost. “It’s understandable.”
Travis nodded, then disappeared into the kitchen again. Jared drew his brows together and met Alec’s gaze. Shaking his head, the men moved to the door. Alec called for the kids to join them before sending Shayna a wave.
Outside, Jared breathed in the late crisp afternoon air. Dread sliced through him, putting his jaguar further on edge.
Nigel stepped up beside him. “Mom’s changed. The rebels, they want the same thing as Ashwood and me.”
Not looking at his son, Jared gave a short nod. “Felix will pay for every wrong deed he has done.”
As for Sable, she was Jared’s to deal with. He just didn’t know if he wanted to kill her or mate her again. Shit was so fucked up.
“Let’s get this over with,” Alec growled as he and the twins exited the house.
Jared didn’t bother to remove his clothes before shifting into his jaguar. Once covered in spotted black fur, he let out a roar and took off toward the forest. Within seconds, Nigel had caught up with him in his jaguar form. From the corner of Jared’s eye, he saw flecks of gold mixed with black, a combination of his mother’s cat and Jared’s.
A sense of pride and unconditional love bloomed within Jared’s heart, melting away the wall he had built so long ago. Out of instinct, he rushed sideways and bumped into Nigel. The young cat growled playfully and rammed him back harder.
Moments later, the twins joined in the play, trying to trip Jared and Nigel by weaving between them. They almost succeeded a few times, but Jared and Nigel were quicker. Putting a large gap between them, Jared slowed and waited. Nigel glanced over his shoulder and let out a snort.
In cat form, Jared was more in tune with his son, and it seemed to be the same for Nigel. Jared let out a low growl then cut right, confusing the twins. But only for a moment. When he rounded the next tree, Bryce was there. The large, silver wolf crouched before him, eyes alert to Jared’s every move.
He laughed in his head, actually enjoying the run with the kids.
Heart pounding, he leapt over Bryce, clearing him by a few feet. Out of nowhere, Brenna hit his side, tackling him to the ground.
Give up, cat. You are no match for telepathic twins.
Jared rose to his paws and shook off the leaves. You two think you’re so smart.
Normally, the juveniles didn’t have the ability to mindlink with Jared, the enforcers, or sentries, but Brenna and Bryce were different. They didn’t need a connection with Keegan to use telepathy to communicate with the officials.
Are you children done? Alec spoke to them telepathically.
Jared glanced up to see the large leopard relaxed on a tree limb. His usual hangout when not on a hunt. Before he could send a thought back to Alec, a slight tug on his subconscious drew his attention to Nigel a few feet away.
The kid stood on all fours, his back rod-straight as he stared off into the distance. Advancing to him, Jared picked up on Sable’s scent. Odd. It’d been a couple of days since she was abducted.
In a flash of gold and black, Nigel shifted to human, straightened, and walked to a bush to pick up a piece of cloth. “This is so the rebels know where to find her.”
Jared and Alec shifted at the same time. It was Alec who spoke. “As well as mutants. And Felix.”
“That’s how Sable operates, secretive and unpredictable. Felix would have thought it was a trick to throw him off. Although having Savannah with him, it wouldn’t matter.” Jared looked ahead and frowned. Small cabins were scattered throughout the trees. Some of them were destroyed.
Bryce, still in wolf form,
moved forward and sniffed the air. His sister paced to the right, parallel to him. Bryce was the first to pick up on a scent. He howled a moment before taking off toward the north.
Jared and Alec shifted and took off after the twins with Nigel. Damn they were quick. Either that, or Jared was too damn old.
When the twins slowed down and finally stopped, they laid on the ground at the edge of a small overhang. Jared did the same and glanced down at what he thought was a ravine. It was, but with a large metal building in the middle and several smaller ones around it. Mutants moved from place to place, each doing a different task.
Jared shifted so he could speak where Nigel could hear what was going on. “She’s down there.”
Nigel lifted and lowered his head in agreement.
“We need a few enforcers to go in.” Nigel didn’t move back with the rest of them, and Jared let out a growl. “Nigel, now. We’ll get your mother out of there, but not without backup and a plan.”
A long moment later, Nigel turned and ran toward Ashwood. Jared snarled low to himself before shifting back to his jaguar and chasing after his son.
Chapter Fifteen
“He’s so small.” Amazement and happiness swirled within Ana’s heart as she ever so gently caressed Wesley’s cheek.
Cam rested her chin on Ana’s shoulder. “He’s perfect, just as long as he shifts into a tiger.” She paused to giggle, then laughed out an “ouch.”
Ana glanced to Shay, who had reached over the cradle and pulled Cam’s hair, a playful gleam in her eyes. Glancing at Wesley, Shay rubbed his back then bent down to kiss his head. “My son is perfect even if he doesn’t shift.”
Shay turned on the baby monitor and motioned to the door. Even though none of them needed it due to their supernatural hearing, Shay had wanted them. Ana could understand the tiger’s need to listen to her son sleep.
When Nigel was a baby, Ana hadn’t left his side. Neither had Sable. He was a very spoiled and loved baby, and still was as the young man he was becoming. A sense of sadness washed over her.