by Belle Harper
“No, what? Oh… I feel terrible. I was bloated and I didn’t really have anything to change into. I tried to find which room was yours, Raff, and then I ended up in Lyell’s room, so I just snatched them. Honestly, I didn’t even think he wore sweats. My jeans were just so tight.”
No one said anything, we just nodded as I watched Mav from the corner of my eye. He had moved closer and I could see he had smelled himself on them, too. I wouldn’t have noticed until she pulled the blanket since all our scents were mixed in this room. I looked at Raff, and he didn’t look like he was going to say anything to her. But I would.
“They aren’t Lyell’s sweats, and you’re right, he doesn’t wear them. They are Mav’s.”
Her mouth popped open as her head swung back to Mav. He gave her a small smile and shrugged.
“Oh God, I am so sorry, Maverick. I didn’t mean to go in your room. I had to grab them quickly before talking to your dad and stuff. I didn’t even think about them. I will wash them and give them back.”
She blew the top of her tea and took a small sip. The room was quiet, except for the music and credits rolling on the movie.
Galen moved around and stood in front of us all. “Don’t worry about the sweats, there is like a hundred pairs here, isn’t that right, Maverick?”
“Yeah, you can keep them. I have more if you need.” She wouldn’t stop looking at Mav over her teacup. Why? I wanted her to myself for just a little while and everyone in here messed that up for me.
“Let’s watch a movie and eat ice cream.” I held a spoon out to her and kept the other. I was going to eat with her. I reached into my back pocket and produced some tissues.
She giggled. “Oh, thank you. I didn’t realize how good that movie was.”
I didn’t think it was good… it made her cry.
Chapter Forty-Five
Lexi
Shit, shit, shit.
Maverick’s sweats… not Lyell’s room. Maverick’s room. He had all the Jane Austen books. Why would he have them in his room? Was he going to read them? I looked at him for the longest time, he didn’t say anything but smiled. And holy hotness, that guy had dimples… like how had I never seen them? I guess because he was always so angry at me before. But now, he wasn’t… he hadn’t been. He was giving me whiplash.
Ranger had sat down beside me—Raff had sat up to give us more room for the ice cream. I guess Ranger didn’t expect everyone in here when he gave me a spoon and kept one for himself.
I had been thinking about what Alaric had said and I really had judged Ranger unfairly. Well, he was a bit full of himself and that got my back up fast. I decided I would stop being such a bitch to him and get to know him better. Not because of what was put on the table—with college and everything—but it was fact that this wasn’t how Ranger normally acted apparently, and he got Raff to move here. That in itself was a huge plus in the ‘be nice to Ranger’ column and give him a second chance. And now flowers… he was growing on me.
“Romeo and Juliet?” Galen asked from over near the popcorn machine. Ranger and Raff both nodded. I wanted to giggle at the way they were so in sync with each other.
I nodded. “Yes, sounds great.” I wasn’t going to cry in front of any of them. No more sad, sappy me. I looked over at Maverick sitting alone. I waved for him to come over. He couldn’t just sit alone when we all have a picnic going on here. When he didn’t move, I knew I would have to make him.
“Come on over here, Maverick. We have everything. Did you want some ice cream?”
Galen sat on the floor in front of me and laid his head back on the blanket close to my feet. He picked up a chocolate and then put it down again. His head tilted back and his eyes met mine, I wasn’t sure what he was thinking. I felt bad for him since he couldn’t eat it. I would die if I couldn’t eat chocolate.
“Do you only drink blood?” I whispered. I felt everyone’s eyes on me. I looked around at them all. Maverick had come over and was now sitting next to his brother, yet still farther out than I was hoping.
“Yes, and alcohol,” Galen responded. Ranger let out a snort and a small chuckle. Galen pinned him with his eyes; I could tell he didn’t want him to say something. Oh… what did Mr. Donovani do?
“What’s so funny?” I asked, really curious now. I scooped some ice cream and the flavor burst in my mouth. I moaned. So cold, chocolate and creamy. God, that was good. I scooped again and turned to Raff, aiming for his mouth. He opened and I put the spoon on his tongue. I watched his lips wrap around it as I pulled out slowly.
He smirked and I couldn’t help it, I kissed him and licked a little ice cream that was left behind on his lip. I licked my lips as I turned back to see what Ranger was going to say, but instead, the three of them were staring at me.
“What?” I asked again. Ranger shook his head with a smirk and cleared his throat. Galen jumped up and, in a flash, he held his hand over Ranger’s mouth. I think my eyes bugged out of my head like Ranger’s did. I forgot how fast Galen could be.
“Nothing was funny. I do drink blood; I also drink alcohol to keep my body warm to the touch and to starve of hunger. That is all. I do not get to taste chocolate and popcorn.” When he took his hand from Ranger’s mouth, Ranger wiped his mouth as he cocked his head and that grin on his face turned wicked.
“Galen was very hungry this morning that he drank straight from the bottle.” Galen’s face paled as he looked at me.
I didn’t know what that meant. Was it because…? My face felt hot as I put my hands on my cheeks to hide.
“No, no. I can tell what you are thinking. I skipped breakfast and I had never done that before school. It was…. a little harder for me than usual.”
The movie had started but no one was watching, we were all still watching each other. It wasn’t awkward or anything. It felt… right? We were all just hanging out, this was what people did. It was nice. Plus, well, they were all nice to look at. I kept that part to myself because I didn’t want to replay that mistake again—no dirty thoughts with shifters around. I took a scoop of ice cream and caught Maverick’s eyes following it as I brought it toward my mouth.
“Oh, sorry, did you want some?” I leaned forward and held the spoon out close to his mouth. He looked to me, Raff, then Ranger.
“Shit, you prob don’t want my germs—" He took my hand in his and guided the spoon to his mouth and he sucked the ice cream off. Holy shit. That was so hot and no dirty thoughts. Oh God, I just figured out what I did there. When he let go and I took the spoon back, I moved a little closer to Raff, his arm went around my waist and he smelled my hair. I was worried Raff would be mad—I fed him from the same spoon too, but he didn’t say anything. He just held me close and my heart calmed a little.
No one said anything about what I just did. We just all turned and watched the movie. I wanted to ask Galen more about being a vampire and how he drinks. Does he drink from humans or does he go to a blood bank? Does he have a blood slave at his place? I couldn’t concentrate; I kept looking at the back of his head, his curls were extra curly today, I wanted to mess them up a little, run my fingers through them.
At the end of the movie, everyone just packed up quickly because dinner was ready and Galen went home. I didn’t realize that Nash was a cook. Turns out, all the boys take turns cooking dinner. Jett wasn’t back for dinner and I wondered if he was with Mekhi still.
“What are you thinking?” Ranger asked me with a huge grin. I realized I did it again. Holy shit, no dirty thoughts… Fuck, fuck, fuck.
“Stop smelling me. It’s rude.” Alaric agreed with me. He then gave me a look that reminded me about the conversation we had earlier. I gave a small nod. I won’t call him out. I will slap him later because no one else said anything about my scent. There were times you could just pretend like everyone else.
There was discussion about the boys going to a shifter party over at one of the neighbor’s place later, there will be a bonfire, marshmallows, and a little bit of drinking. I was s
urprised that Alaric was okay with this, but I guess this was just how shifters lived. I never saw the boys or Alaric drink since I had been here, so maybe they only did it at parties?
“You want to come, Rafferty? Meet the boys?” Maverick asked. I felt my insides want to burst and cry with happiness. I could feel Raff tense beside me, so I nudged him with my elbow.
“You should go, it sounds like a great idea.” He looked conflicted. I reached my hand under the table and squeezed as I gave him a warm smile. Willing him to get out there, then maybe later, we could kiss and cuddle.
“I wish we could take you Lex, but it’s a pack only thing, no girls.” Ranger told me. I shrugged.
“I was going to take a bath and read some more of Emma.” I looked over to Maverick as I said that. I wanted to ask him if he was the one who had bought the books for me. When his eyes met mine at the word Emma, the greens of his eyes lightened. They were almost bright. My heart sped up. It was him.
“But you should go, Raff, and then when you come back, give me a goodnight kiss?”
“I think this is a great idea, Rafferty, Ranger, and Maverick. You will all have a great time together, some bonding time will be great for you all.”
I hoped so, for Raff’s sake. Or I was going to go to this party and kick some wolf-shifter ass.
Chapter Forty-Six
Lexi
“Lexi, Lexi, I’m here.” I pried my eyes open; the sunlight was bright coming through the curtains. I buried my head under the covers. I wasn’t getting up, why was someone calling my name? I felt the bed dip, then dip again and again. What the…?
The bright light was back, and I opened my eyes to see a little face with a huge grin, those big brown eyes and jet-black hair.
“Joshy?” Was I dreaming? He giggled and nodded.
“Do you want to go in the pool with me? I can’t swim good.” Yeah, neither can I, buddy. I was never taught.
“I can’t swim good, either.” He just giggled as his little hands went to my cheeks.
“I missed you. We didn’t get to watch our shows this week.” I nodded and felt a pang of guilt. It wasn’t my fault I was here, but still. I should have made more of an effort to see Josh. When I saw Jack and Grayson at the bedroom door, they gave me apologetic looks.
“Josh, you should have knocked and waited.”
I pulled Joshy in for a hug. “He is okay. How did you…” ‘Find me,’ was at the tip of my tongue. Maybe ‘smell me’ would have been better? “Ah… when did you get here?”
Jack looked around at the bedroom as I sat up and glanced beside me. Did Raff come in last night? I don’t remember if he did or not. Shit, I hope he got back okay.
“I just need to check on Raff, then I will get ready for the pool.” I don’t have a bathing suit, but if I just wear my underwear and a tank, that would be okay. I think. Crap, was it even warm enough to swim?
“Raff was downstairs with those big boys,” Josh said as he got closer to my ear. “You know, the ones that are like the same, but one is nice and the other—”
I put my hand over his mouth and laughed. “And the other is nice, too?” He shook his head and I could hear Jack and Grayson laugh as they told Josh to get out so I can get ready.
I made my bed and took a quick shower. I rummaged through my stuff and found my razor. I quickly shaved my legs, my armpits, and yeah, I shaved my pubes. I didn’t have money to get waxed, so shaving was just a normal part of my life. And I liked to look neat down there—it only took a tiny bit of maintenance. I still had my period but at least I didn’t have cramps today. Maybe chocolate, flowers, and ice cream really was the cure for cramps.
I put my black boyleg’s on—they looked like bikini bottoms. I only had a lace black bra that was clean, so that would have to do. I looked through my tank tops. Fuck, I did do the laundry but I was missing some. I had a white one only. And no, I couldn’t wear that in the pool with Josh. That was not appropriate. I dashed back and grabbed the fluffy white towel and wrapped it around myself. I would ask Raff if I could borrow something.
I felt a little exposed out in the hallway. I headed down to where I had learned was his room. It was the one right next to the stairs. Oh, Josh said he was downstairs.
“Raff?” I called out. Didn’t take long before I heard him bounce up the stairs. I laughed when he froze as he took in my appearance.
“So, I was wanting to borrow a top to use in the pool, preferably dark because I don’t exactly own a swimsuit.” When he didn’t move, I heard more footsteps and Ranger’s head popped around the corner.
“Oh,” Ranger said, which snapped Raff out of his daze.
Raff bent down and kissed me, his hand on my hip. I grabbed his top and pulled him as I walked backward to his door. I reached behind me and found the door handle without us breaking apart. As I pulled it down, I looked from the corner of my eye and saw Ranger watching us from the stairs. We stumbled into the room, falling onto the floor. Raff held me tight to break my fall, but we ended up all tangled—not that I was complaining. The towel now long gone as Raff hovered above me.
I felt his heated gaze as his head dipped to take me all in. I could feel my pulse picking up when he made a sound deep in his chest, telling me he liked what he saw.
“Are you really mine?” he asked, his brow cocked and that cute smile he had made me feel breathless.
I reached up and pushed his hair out of his eyes. “I could ask you the same.” His hand went behind my head and pulled me into a kiss, his tongue swept out to mine and slowly, his body lowered. The heavy weight of his body was welcomed as he pressed his erection into me. He rubbed himself against my core and I trembled. I loved the more confident Raff. Kissing and licking, I wanted all of him. If I could just will my period away right now.
A throat cleared and Raff quickly pulled me to his chest to block me from whoever it was.
“Sorry to interrupt, but Josh is getting a little restless waiting for his Lexi.” It was Jack. Oh gosh, how embarrassing… he could prob smell how aroused I was. When Jack left, I quickly got up with the help of Raff. I watched as he reached into his sweats and rearranged himself so he didn’t have a tent out the front. He grabbed a black T-shirt, which wasn’t exactly what I was looking for, but it would work. I slipped it over my head and he gave me another kiss before he rubbed his neck on me. I giggled. I didn’t think I would ever not like this marking thing. I was his, and he was mine.
I grabbed the towel and swung it over my shoulder. The tee was long enough to cover my butt but if I put my arms up, it was exposed. It would be fine in the pool. No one would see it then.
“Marco.”
“Polo.”
Josh was wearing some floaties, which really helped him. There were times I wish I was too, but I just avoided the deep end. It was warm, the pool was heated and so nice. I was so nervous when I dipped that first toe in—the air outside wasn’t too bad for spring but with the heated pool it felt so good.
“I got you again, Lexi. You keep losing.” Josh laughed as he held onto my arm. I gave him a look of surprise again. I let him catch me over and over. I wasn’t going to tell him I let him win. I just loved the laughter and innocence that came from a six-year-old.
Jack, Grayson, Nash, and Alaric were all sitting outside at a table, drinking lemonade and talking. From what I could gather, Jack and Grayson didn’t come here often. And by the way Josh was excited about the pool, I think this was his first time here.
“You have to come visit me every week and I will visit you, okay?” I told Josh, holding out my pinkie finger. He took it with his little one, and we shook on it.
We played until it was lunch and they had to leave to get the other boys. Apparently, Harry and Jaxon were at their friend’s house and this was just a special visit for me and Josh. It made my day that they brought him here. When it was time to go, I gave him the biggest hug and he burst into tears. I promised him I would see him after school during the week.
I would as
k Galen to drive me, which helped calm Josh. Then it was just me, alone in the pool, Alaric had walked them out and Nash was just sitting at the table. He wasn’t looking at me, more looking behind me at the forest—the one that held bad memories of last Saturday. How was it only a week ago? How had my life changed so fast. This was insane. What happened to me since I moved to Kiba? Maybe Shelly was right—this was where I was meant to be. I was in the Lovells’ pool, I was still here living with them. I didn’t run, I stayed.
I inched closer to the edge of the pool, I didn’t want to talk to Nash. I still didn’t like how he threatened to send Raff away to get me to move here. His eyes flicked to mine and I froze.
“I am only waiting for Ranger… he is on his way with Rafferty. I didn’t want to leave you alone in the pool in case something happened and you needed help.”
I nodded. Huh…that made sense. I had mentioned many times to Josh that I wasn’t confident swimming too far from the shallow end.
I guess that was nice of Nash to be concerned. I think.
From out of nowhere I heard a “whoop” as someone flipped and bombed into the deep end. Water splashed everywhere as Ranger emerged from the water, his hands pressing his hair back, his muscular chest all wet and shiny. My nipples hardened at the sight.
Shit. I was in trouble.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Rafferty
I wasn’t too sure about going to the party last night. With me living here, I had come to some kind of truce with Ranger and Maverick. We seemed to be getting along fine. I knew they felt the same intense pull to Lexi as I did. I couldn’t blame them for the way the acted toward me, or to her for that reason. I might have done the same, if I was in their shoes.