by Cali MacKay
“Please…tell me we can just leave…tell me we can go somewhere far away where no one will ever find us.” She just couldn’t deal with her life anymore. Falling in love, getting married, starting a family…they were all things she’d been looking forward to in life. And yet instead of a happily ever after, she was living in a nightmare, with one hell only leading to the next. “I just don’t know how much more I can take.”
“I know, love.” Greyson scooped her up into his strong arms and carried her back to their bedroom, laying her down against the plush pile of pillows. “It’s late, and you should try to get some rest. I’ll be in shortly after I make a few phone calls.”
She didn’t know who he’d be calling so late at night, but the truth was she was too weary and exhausted to give it too much thought. She quickly stripped down and crawled in under the covers, and though she missed having Greyson’s warm, muscular form holding her close, she was grateful when sleep quickly took her in its embrace.
She wasn’t sure what time it was when Greyson slipped in by her side, and pulled her into his arms. Spooning her from behind, he trailed one kiss after another up the length of her neck before nipping at her ear as she let out a needy moan.
“I love you, Juno…I always will…”
“I love you, too.” Despite all their problems, he was still her one constant, the one who held her up when she was ready to crumble, the one who made her believe they’d find a way through any problem, as long as they were together.
Hooking her leg up over his thigh, he thrust into her from behind, burying his cock deep inside her as she kissed him over her shoulder, slow and sweet, every movement, every thought, still heavy-laden with sleep. She loved it when he took her like this, which he often did in the middle of the night, or just as they were waking up in the morning. And though it was so different from the way they normally came together, which always felt far more primal and less controlled, this was no less passionate.
Wrapped in his arms, he held her body to his, thrusting into her as he teased her clit, applying pressure in a slow, rhythmic motion that had her skin tingling with the energy of her orgasm as it started to build. She was helpless to hold back the needy sighs and whimpers that escaped her lips, even as she tried to quicken his pace, her hips thrusting back on his cock to take him even deeper.
Everything felt more heightened now that she was a shifter, but it was more than that. It was Greyson, and the connection she felt to him, even if it seemed like they were forced to deal with one problem after another. And though she was still frustrated with him and more than a little worried about what might happen to them, she loved him no less.
Her thoughts evaporated when he bit her neck, leaving her unable to focus on anything but him, especially when he rolled her onto her stomach, her body still impaled on his cock as he pinned her beneath his body, though he propped himself up so she wouldn’t have to bear his weight.
He ground his hips into her with each thrust, his pace quickening as he nipped at her ear and his words drifted over her skin. “Fuck, Juno…I don’t know what I’d ever do if I lost you.”
Her heart hitched, because the truth was Greyson had become her everything and she hated that their relationship was so turbulent. They were newlyweds, and things should be easy and carefree between them. Instead, they were a mess. “Just hold me and tell me everything will be okay.”
“It’ll be okay, June bug. You have my word.” And just like that, her orgasm tore through her as she cried out and he joined her with a primal growl, filling her with his cum as he pounded his last thrusts into her.
When he pulled free of her body, she felt his absence like she was missing a part of her. But then he was cradling her in his arms and she nestled up against his side, her legs tangling with his as she rested her head on his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head, and though she truly loved him, it still felt like things between them were somehow unraveling.
“I think we should go away for a few days.”
“I thought we couldn’t.” She looked up at him, not quite believing him, when he’d done nothing but repeatedly tell her how dangerous it would be. “You said it wasn’t safe—and where would we go?”
He brushed her hair from her eyes, his touch lingering. “I was thinking it might be nice for us to take a few days and just get away from here. Maybe pay your parents a quick visit, since I’ve yet to meet them, and they don’t know we’ve gotten married.”
“Just a heads-up…my father’s liable to skin you alive when he finds out you’ve talked me into marrying you.” She couldn’t help but laugh. The mere thought of leaving behind rabid bears and pack politics for a short while, and getting to see her family, felt damn good. “And you think it’ll be safe for us to go?”
“We won’t be going alone, and it’ll only be for a few days, I’m afraid. I know it’s not ideal, but…I’m hoping it’ll be enough of an escape for now.” He looked so worried about her, and though she was still upset with him for getting her pregnant, she knew he hadn’t done it to upset or spite her. She just hoped that she’d be able to get past this, and things would get better between them, rather than worse.
“It’ll be enough.” It’d have to be. She leaned in and kissed him, wishing things could be simple between them. “Thanks for doing this for me.”
“Sweetness…for you, I’d do anything.”
Chapter Four
Greyson knew he might be asking for trouble, but he was hoping for the best. Of course, Ryder would be joining them, since there were few people he trusted more—but Thayer would also be coming with them. He might eventually regret it, but he figured no one would mess with them if it meant pissing off two powerful packs—and there were other things they needed to discuss.
When Juno and Ryder looked at him in question as Thayer approached him, Greyson did his best to reassure them. “I have my reasons—and no, I haven’t lost my mind.”
Thayer joined them as they waited by the runway, and as usual, his eyes locked on Juno’s as he gave her a smile, and a kiss on the cheek in greeting, like they were all of a sudden in Europe. “Thanks for inviting me along. So we’re off to Phoenix for a few days?”
Juno nodded and gave them all an enthusiastic smile, looking far too excited to be able to get off the mountain for a short while and leave her problems behind. And though Greyson knew he was a part of her problems, he was also a large part of the solution. “I can’t wait to show you guys around. And I think you’ll like my family.”
Pulling her close, Greyson stole a kiss. “I have no doubt we will, June bug. Come on…they’re waiting for us.”
They were using a private jet and airstrip in shifter territory, so they didn’t have far to travel. And luckily, the flight was just a few hours long. They managed to keep themselves busy with small talk and pack gossip, though they made sure to stay away from any topics that might stir up trouble. This was meant to be an escape from everything Juno was worried about, since before long, they’d be returning to the mountains and their unavoidable reality.
They touched down and exited the plane, stepping out into the blinding sun and temps that were far too warm for Greyson’s liking. As hot as shifter blood ran, cooler temperatures tended to be more comfortable—and it looked like Juno was also suddenly feeling the heat. “I swear, I don’t remember it being this hot and uncomfortable.”
“It’s because you’re now a shifter, love—and I’m sure the pregnancy hormones aren’t helping any.” When she glared at him, he realized he’d made a mistake.
“Greyson…” Looking distraught, she shook her head, her gaze refusing to settle on Ryder and Thayer.
“They already know, love.” Greyson grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze, hating to see her upset.
“Let me guess…they can smell the changes in my hormones—just like they could probably smell it when I’d been ovulating. That’s just…lovely.” Yet when he pulled her into his arms, she let him, settling her head against his che
st and wrapping her arms around his waist. “I swear, I’m never going to get used to this life.”
“At least we have clothes on. No?” That earned him a laugh, and as he kissed her, the worry around his heart lightened just a little. He knew she was dealing with a lot, and he just wanted to make things easy for her.
“You’re real funny.” She looked up at him with a smile that made his heart quicken. “Come on then. Before we all bake in the hot Arizona sun.”
Greyson had a rental car waiting for them, and had also found a home they could rent for their stay. Though they’d eventually meet up with Juno’s family as soon as she was ready, it wasn’t realistic for all of them to stay there, and he also wanted some additional security, which this home had. With the address plugged into the GPS, Greyson got on the road, grateful that they wouldn’t be staying in the city, but rather in the outer suburbs, just a town over from where Juno’s parents lived.
The barren desert landscape and neighborhoods were so different than the mountains where he and Juno now lived, the roads lined with bushes and palm trees instead of oak and spruce. Though he’d lived all over the place, both overseas and stateside, the mountains were the only place that truly felt like home. That said, he’d happily follow Juno anywhere if it’d make her happy—as long as he could keep her safe.
They pulled into a neighborhood nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, one home more luxurious than the next, until he found himself pulling up to a gate, the home just beyond stunning. Though he had more than enough money to build himself a house like this, he was a far more simple man—though he had no problem with spoiling Juno.
“Damn, Greyson… You didn’t have to go all out on my account.” Of course, Thayer would be the one to tease him.
“Your room’s out in the garden shed.” At least they could joke around now, and things were getting back to normal between them—and for that, Greyson was grateful. He was a powerful ally to have and it was a hell of a lot better than having him as an enemy.
Greyson punched in the code he’d been given and drove on, parking in front of the garage, as Juno looked out at the home and the mountains just beyond. It was a sprawling estate, the home modern in style with a pale stuccoed exterior and plenty of glass, while the landscaping was kept suitable to the climate.
“Wow, Greyson. This place is amazing. But…a simple hotel room would have been just fine.” Juno shook her head at him with a smile, and he loved that he’d managed to surprise her.
“Anything for you, love. And this will be far safer—not to mention, we’ll have the pool to ourselves here.” Well, not exactly to themselves, since Ryder and Thayer would likely join them.
Greyson got the keys to the home out of the coded lockbox by the door, and let them in. Light and breezy, the home was done up in elegant whites and greys, with high ceilings and walls of glass that let in the incredible desert mountain views and a sparkling pool. There was a massive stone fireplace in the large living room, which gave way to a gourmet kitchen, and the bedrooms and adjoining baths were all luxurious, with relaxing soaking tubs and massive walk-in showers. But best of all, the place was large enough to give everyone some privacy—which Greyson hoped to put to good use.
While they got unpacked, Greyson took advantage of the fact that it was just the two of them. “What do you want to do about your parents, love? Are you going to call them, or would you rather swing by the house and surprise them?”
“I don’t know.” Slipping her arms around his waist, she looked up at him, worry suddenly filling her eyes. “As much as I want to see them, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to tell them that I got married without them present, to a man they’ve never met—and I’m pregnant. Don’t suppose we can just sit by the pool while we’re here?”
“Juno, I know this is hard on you, but putting off telling them will only make things worse, and it doesn’t have to be a drawn-out visit.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. “Trust me…the only thing worse than ‘Surprise, we got married.’ is ‘Surprise, we got married a year ago, and here’s your grandchild.’ Can you imagine? They’d only hate me even more.”
“They won’t hate you, Greyson.”
Not that she sounded at all convincing.
Chapter Five
Juno might be panicking about introducing Greyson to her parents, but she knew they wouldn’t be happy about her getting married to someone she’d just met, and they’d be hurt that she hadn’t waited so they could be there for her wedding. That would be the worst part about it. Her parents would have wanted to give her away, and would have wanted to see her get married—and they’d missed out on that chance.
“Can we leave it for tomorrow? I can give them a call later tonight, and let them know we’ll swing by. Maybe we can all go out to breakfast or something, since it’s the weekend.” And if they stayed in a public place when she introduced Greyson as her husband, maybe it’d keep the yelling down to a minimum.
“Whatever you want to do, love. But just know that, no matter what we end up doing, we’ll have an entourage, since I refuse to jeopardize your safety.” The look in Greyson’s eyes told her there was little chance of getting him to budge, either. And if she was going to be showing up with a gang of men, meeting for breakfast at a restaurant would definitely be the easiest—or maybe the coward’s—way to explain things, versus showing up at her family home with a group of strangers.
“Breakfast it is then.” The mere mention of food, especially since they hadn’t eaten in hours, had her stomach rumbling in response—which of course Greyson heard with little difficulty.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him, stealing a kiss. “Let’s get you and the baby fed. I had them stock the fridge with food, so we wouldn’t have to bother with groceries.”
“You thought of everything.” And she loved him for it, though it still felt so strange to know she was now pregnant—and she hated that she wasn’t just over-the-moon happy about it. It’s not that she didn’t want a family. She just didn’t want to have Flint’s baby, nor did she want to put her child in danger. “I suppose getting a bite to eat couldn’t hurt.”
“You’re still looking worried, June bug—but I swear to you, it’ll be okay. And things will look less dire once you’ve been fed, and you’re not dealing with all of this on an empty stomach.” He was so caring and attentive…and she had no doubt he’d be an amazing father. Yet it didn’t change how unsure she felt about all of this—and Greyson knew it too. “Look, love…you’ve been through far too much, and it’s been one thing after another. It’s only logical that you’d be hesitant to have a baby at this point—but you have my word, we’ll find a way to make this work.”
She supposed there was no point in stressing out about it now, even if she was having a hard time wrapping her head around it all. “Come on… Let’s see what’s in the fridge. And fingers crossed it’ll be enough to feed you guys, since I doubt they packed away a side of cow.”
But, by the time they made it out to the kitchen, Thayer was already cooking at the massive stove, while Ryder grabbed a few bottles of beer for everyone—except for her. She was handed a bottle of spring water and a smile. “Here you go. And if you need anything at all, just let us know.”
“You’re awfully sweet, Ryder.” And he truly was. She could see why he was Greyson’s closest friend. She slipped onto a stool at the kitchen island, as Greyson grabbed a beer and sat by her side. “I don’t know what you’re cooking, Thayer, but it smells fantastic.”
“Hopefully it’ll taste as good.” Thayer gave her a smile over his shoulder, and though she managed to relax, it suddenly felt like Greyson was mulling something over, looking rather serious.
She leaned into him, not wanting to be overheard, though she realized that would likely be impossible to avoid. “Everything okay?”
He brought her hand to his lips, though when he spoke, he was addressing Ryder and Thayer. “I appreciate that you guys took time out of your schedu
les to join us on this trip, and though I wanted you here to make sure Juno remained safe, there were also a few things I wanted discuss, if you’re up for it.”
“What’s up?” Thayer slid the pan with the steaks into the oven, and then leaned against the counter to face them, his tall, muscular form moving with ease and grace.
Greyson gave her hand a squeeze and a look of apology, which made her gut flip.
What the hell was he up to?
“I know Juno’s not too happy about it, but I’ve decided that I’m going to challenge Kiernan for alpha of Silver Moon, and would like to know if I can count on your support.”
“Greyson…please…don’t do this.” She had hoped he’d given up on becoming alpha, especially with a child on the way. But no…he was going to risk it all in an attempt to keep her safe, even if he might end up dead. “This is not what I want. I’m begging you…”
“It may not be what you want, but it’s what needs to be done if we have any hope of keeping the bears from coming after you, and making sure Flint thinks twice about hurting you again.” Greyson’s eyes flickered with gold as his jaw hardened, no doubt thinking of what Flint put her through.
And then Thayer asked the question she’d been dreading most. “The baby…is it Flint’s?”
“No. It’s not. It’s mine.” Greyson growled out the words, his anger and frustration clearly getting the better of him.
Except that he didn’t know that for sure—and she was freaking out. “You hope… You hope it’s yours. Because you don’t know, Greyson. We’re just keeping our fingers crossed that our timing was better than Flint’s—and that’s no fucking guarantee.”
She knew she needed to stay calm and stop thinking the worst, yet after everything Flint had put her through, she couldn’t stop worrying, nor could she control the wave of emotions that hit her, no doubt aided by her changing hormones. Her tears rolled down her cheeks, and she hated that she was crying with an audience present, the looks of worry and pity on their faces only making matters worse.