by Faith Gibson
What the fuck was Craig up to? Why was he in New Atlanta now? How had he known Jasper was there? Was he the one who sent the photos to Trevor? If so, how did he even know about Trevor? He and his mate had only been together a few times. Jasper could imagine what was going through Trevor’s head seeing those pictures. Some of the photos were close ups, taken from the bedroom of Jasper’s last home. Craig must have hidden a camera at some point. For what reason though? He was the one in the closet, refusing to make their relationship public.
The other pictures were taken from far away. Someone had set up outside his home and taken them with a telephoto lens. His previous home sat high on a hill, surrounded by woods. Whoever it was had gone to a lot of trouble. Jasper had to consider that his past was coming back to haunt him. If the one who had tied him up, seduced him, and hurt him was the same one who tied Craig up, were they working together? What if his old lover… no, that wasn’t the right word. They hadn’t been lovers. Jasper had gone to the man willingly at first, but what happened between them wasn’t love. It was sadistic and painful. What if the man had found out about Craig and him and was blackmailing his ex? Maybe Craig hadn’t been the one to hack Jasper’s computer. Too many scenarios were flitting through Jasper’s mind, and he couldn’t stop them because they all led back to the hurt look on Trevor’s face. Fuck! Trevor already had low self-esteem. These photos were going to do so much harm to his wellbeing. Jasper didn’t have to be a psychiatrist to realize that.
He slid farther down in his seat and sighed. All the headway he’d made with his mate had just been tossed out the window, landing in a deep mud puddle. It would take a whole lotta rain to wash the gunk off Trevor’s psyche this time.
His phone vibrated. He hastily pulled it out of the holder, hoping it was Trevor giving him a chance to explain. The caller I.D. disappointed him. “Hello, Dante. Welcome back.”
“Jasper, how are things?” Dante didn’t sound happy which put Jasper on alert. Dante had just returned from Greece after rescuing his mate and her son. Now Dante’s son. He should be ecstatic.
“Not too good, if you want to know the truth.” He wouldn’t lie. Dante would know all of the Clan’s business with one phone call to Rafael anyway.
“I always want the truth. Would you care to tell me what happened between you and my assistant that has him leaving town?”
“What? No, he can’t. Fuck! Dante, you can’t let him leave. Godsdamnit! I’m going to fucking kill Craig. That motherfucker has…”
“Jasper!” Dante interrupted his rant.
“Sorry, but Dante you can’t let him leave. Somebody sent Trevor some very incriminating photos, and they somehow date stamped them this week. He doesn’t believe me, though.”
“The letter probably didn’t help.”
“What letter?” Jasper hadn’t seen a letter. Trevor must have hidden it.
“The letter he was staring at when I walked in to the morgue. He probably didn’t realize I could read it, but I could. It said ‘Did you honestly think someone like him would want someone like you?’ No wonder he looked like he’d lost his best friend, because he feels like he has.”
Jasper closed his eyes. He wanted to hit someone. He wanted to cry. He wanted to find Trevor and kiss him senseless until he convinced him someone was out to sabotage their relationship. “Dante, I swear to you, we were getting to a good place. He’s my mate for fuck’s sake. I’m not going to let some past piece of ass come between us.”
“Trevor’s your mate? Are you positive?”
“Absolutely. I know I have to take things slow, make him understand that it is totally possible we are supposed to be together. I already had a long road ahead of me without this shit popping up.”
“I wish I could help. He said he’ll be back in a week.”
“I can’t wait a week! I need him now. Need to see him, hold him. Fuck!”
“I’m sorry, Jasper. I wish I’d known before I told him he could have the time off.”
“How long ago was this?” Jasper would try to reach him before he got out of town.
“About ten minutes. Jasper, I really think you should give him the space.”
“Fuck that. If he has a week to shut himself inside his head, I’ll never reach him. No, I’ve got to find him.”
“Good luck, Brother.” Dante disconnected, and Jasper immediately called his partner.
“Abbott.”
“Dane, Jasper. Are you home?”
“No, I’m at the precinct going over some case files, why?”
“Fuck! Trevor’s running, and I need to stop him.” Jasper had to get someone else to watch Troy’s house. He couldn’t abandon his post, not even for love. Wait, love? No, that wasn’t right. It was too soon to love his mate.
“Running? And you’re going to chase him? You must have it bad, Partner.” Dane chuckled.
“You could say that. Remember the pictures you saw? Well there are more, and someone sent them to Trevor. The date stamp on the new ones is this week, even though the pictures are old. I need to convince him I was not with my ex.”
“What can I do to help?” Dane asked, realizing the seriousness of the situation.
“Until I can get someone to sit on Quinn’s house, I need you to go the apartment complex. Stall him. Kidnap him if you have to, just don’t let him leave before I get there.”
“I’ll see what I can do. I will call you when I get there.”
Jasper prayed to all the gods that Dane could put a halt to Trevor’s plans, at least until he had time to get there himself. A car turned into Troy’s driveway. A twenty-something man got out, looked around, and headed to the side door. Jasper took note of the man’s tag number and wrote it down. If he couldn’t do right by his own mate, at least he could pay attention and help Frey with his.
The longer he sat there, the more Jasper was convinced he’d lost Trevor. Every second that passed was like a needle stabbing his heart. Jasper lost track of time, thinking about everything happening in his life. His phone rang. “Dane, please tell me you have him.”
“I’m sorry, Jasper. He’s gone.” Jasper disconnected the phone and didn’t try to stop the tears.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Abbi fed Matthew his dinner so he didn’t have to move. At first he refused her help stating he wasn’t a baby. After the first few bites brought so much pain to his ribs, he gave in. Dr. Mooneyham had stopped by, checking on both Matt and Abbi. He made sure Abbi had something to eat as well knowing she wouldn’t leave Matt’s room. Since they were going back to Frey’s house, the doctor said he would release Matt the next day.
They were watching some sitcom they’d never seen since they weren’t allowed to choose what to watch at home. Both of them were laughing at the silliness of it, even if it wasn’t really funny. They were enjoying the freedom to watch what they wanted. Abbi caught movement out of the corner of her eye and turned toward the door. Frey and another really large man were in the hall talking to Uri. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they looked serious.
She didn’t miss the fact that Frey had changed clothes. Instead of wearing the faded blue jeans that fit him like a glove, showing off his massive thighs, he was wearing a pair of black fatigues. A tight black t-shirt was tucked in the waist. Instead of his black motorcycle boots, he was wearing combat boots. She thought he was hot before. This Frey was scorching. He was holding a bag of some kind, almost like a woman’s overnight bag. As if he planned it, Frey waited until the show was over before coming into the room. She stood so she wouldn’t have to crane her neck back so far to talk to him.
Frey’s eyes found hers. She didn’t know how to feel, exactly. He was a gorgeous man who caused her heart to race. He wanted to be with her, he’d made that clear. Frey had taken her and Matt in, no questions asked, vowing to protect them. Granted, her brother was in the hospital with broken ribs, but that was on Troy. She knew she looked a mess, because she’d left his house that morning with no makeup on. She’d
The man had seen her looking her worst, and he still wanted her. So, while she was conflicted, she was also flattered. She gave him a tentative smile. That must have been what he was waiting for. He came farther into the room and took up residence beside her. He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before turning his attention to Matthew.
“I heard the good news. Dr. Mooneyham said you get to come home tomorrow.”
“Yeah. I can’t wait to get back down to the lake. I guess fishing’s out of the question for a while, though.”
“You’ll be casting a line before you know it. Besides, if I recall, you have some tests to study for.” Frey turned to the new man in the door motioning him inside. “Abbi, Matt, I’d like to introduce you to Lorenzo. Lor is going to stand guard tonight.”
Abbi took in the new guy’s stature. He wasn’t quite as tall as Frey or Uri, but he was just as broad. She couldn’t help herself when she asked, “Is it a requirement for your friends to be Amazons?”
Lorenzo huffed, “I’ll have you know the Amazonians were all female. Are you saying I look like a girl?”
“What? No. I just…” Abbi stuttered then blushed when the newcomer started chuckling.
“You’ll have to forgive my friend here. He’s full of himself.” Frey shoved Lorenzo’s arm playfully.
“He’s full of something,” Uri muttered from behind them.
Grinning, Lorenzo apologized, “Abbi, I’m sorry. It’s just my less than serious nature to joke around. It is my honor to stand guard tonight. I will be right outside if you need anything.” Just as Uri had done, Lorenzo placed his fist over his heart and bowed his head. She really needed to ask Frey what that was about.
“Okay, then. Urijah and I have work to do.” Holding out the bag, he said, “Abbi, I know you’ve been stuck here all day, so I brought some things I thought you might need.” Frey brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. The touch was probably meant to be gentle, but it stirred something in her core. Something she hadn’t felt in a long time. Desire.
Her body automatically leaned toward his. She took the bag from his hand, letting her fingers brush his. “Thank you, that was very thoughtful.” He continued to worm his way into her soul, one kind act at a time.
“You’re welcome. If you need anything else, just call. I have something to take care of, but it shouldn’t take long. After that I’ll be home. Matthew, get some rest, and I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”
Matthew yawned and muttered, “M’kay.” His eyes fluttered and he was out.
Frey stopped at the door and turned back to Abbi, giving her an odd look. It was quickly replaced with his gorgeous smile and then he was gone. Lorenzo was at his post by the door. Abbi wondered what items Frey thought she might need, so she opened the new looking bag and peered in. He had brought a clean pair of jeans, a long sleeve Henley, a new UGA sweatshirt, a pair of panties, and her toiletries. The panties were a brand new sexy lace number with the tags still on. Did he think she needed sexy panties? It wasn’t lost on her that he’d gone shopping. She looked into the bag again. What he didn’t bring was makeup. Did he not want her to wear it? No, he said he brought things she needed. He didn’t think she needed makeup. Her soul made room for one more piece of him.
Rafael met up with Frey and Uri at Frey’s house. It was rare that the King patrolled, but with so many of the Clan taking care of other things, he was needed. He flew in and landed beside the garage. “I’ve missed this,” Rafael said, grinning. Frey knew if he was no longer part of the patrol schedule, he would miss it, too. It was innately necessary for the Gargoyles to spread their wings and soar as often as possible.
As they shook hands, Rafael asked, “So, what did you want to speak to me about?”
“I have an idea I wanted to run by you. I want to build Abbi a dance studio, so she can practice whenever she likes.”
“I see. Where did you have in mind?”
“Here. I know I’m jumping the gun, but if things turn out the way I want them to, she and Matthew will not be moving out.” Frey toed a rock back and forth.
Rafael cocked an eyebrow. “I take it she is not going to be a visitor at the manor then?”
Frey looked up. “No. Matthew convinced her to come back here. I think the kid’s in my corner.”
“Is this going to be a new build, or a remodel?” Rafael was the best architect around. Whatever Frey wanted, he’d get. Rafael would do all the research needed to build Abbi the perfect studio, equipped with mirrors, bars, sound equipment, the works.
“I thought about transforming the gym downstairs, but I want this to be all hers. I want a new room built on the west side of the house adjacent to the gym.”
“All I need are the dimensions, and I’ll get started tomorrow.” Rafael loved the process from design to construction, even though he hired out Clan members for the actual build out.
“Thank you, Brother. Now, are you ready to fly?”
“Of course. Where’s Urijah?”
“At the lake, where else? Urijah, let’s hit it.” Frey didn’t have to yell. Urijah’s shifter hearing picked up the command.
Frey and Rafael phased and launched themselves into the hazy sky. The moon was no longer completely full, but the bright orb cast a beautiful glow through the clouds. Uri met them in the air, and the three of them angled their wings toward the city.
Once they reached downtown, they split off, taking different quadrants. Their teams met them at predesignated locations. Rafael’s team was the largest. Even though he was the oldest of their Clan, he was also the most important. His team would protect him above all else.
Frey’s team was the smallest, but that was all right with him. More Unholy for him to battle. He adjusted his in-ear transmitter and got busy. Julian had taken Jonas’ technology and tweaked it, making the communicators even better for the Goyles. The teams could talk to each other from longer distances. Frey was scanning the busy streets below when he found what he was looking for: a group of monsters just waiting for an ass whipping. “There they are boys; let’s have some fun.”
Frey and his team landed, making a tight formation around the Unholy. The hybrids stopped fighting among themselves and turned to their new opponents. Frey stood still, allowing the stupid creatures to come to him. He toyed with them, allowing them a few punches to get their egos going. As soon as they started running their mouths, he went in for the kill. After a couple of hours, he called for Sixx on the comm to come bag the bodies.
When Urijah offered to wait on the clean-up crew, Frey told him to head on home. He’d had a long day at the hospital, and Frey wanted to show his appreciation somehow. When Sixx and his team arrived, Frey and Rafael headed home. As they flew, Rafael asked, “How are things with Abbi? Kaya said she was pretty skittish when she took her statement.”
“Kaya’s right. Abbi’s been through hell for a long time. Sixx uncovered a bunch of shit leading back to her husband that she’s not going to want to hear.” Frey explained what they suspected. “I want Kaya to be safe at the precinct, Rafe. This fucker is a loose cannon.”
“She won’t be chief much longer. Dane’s nomination has been approved by the City Council. I’m ready for her to be home full time, getting the nursery ready. I still can’t believe we can finally have kids.”
“About that. It might not be my place to say anything, but if Sixx is right in something else he found today, he might have a kid out there who is in his early twenties.”
“No shit?”
“No shit. He said he bit his girl in the throes of passion, thinking it was safe. We now know it wasn’t.”
“Huh. How does he feel about that?”
“He’s a little pissed that she kept the truth from him. If he confronts her now, it’s going to be a shock that he hasn’t aged. But then again, since she’s had a kid, she hasn’t either. I don’t envy him.”
“No, I wouldn’t either, especially knowing I’d lost that much time with my child. Damn. How are you going to deal with not being able to have kids?”
“What are you talking about?” Frey didn’t like where the conversation had gone.
“I mean, Abbi’s had a few miscarriages already, and those are human babies. Do you really think she can carry a Goyle fetus to term?”
Frey hadn’t thought of it that way. “Honestly? I think it’s been an internal defense mechanism. I might be wrong, but I don’t think Abbi wanted to bring a baby into the world knowing Quinn would be the father.” He didn’t tell Rafael that there was a possibility she might be pregnant now.
“That makes sense. I hope for your sake that’s the case.” When they neared the point they would go separate directions, Rafael said, “I’ll pray to the gods on your behalf. Be well, my brother.”
“And you, my King.” Frey landed on the ground beside the back deck. He was too keyed up to stay home alone, so he showered the Unholy blood off his body, changed clothes, and headed to the gym to relieve Mason. The young Goyle had spent all day manning the gym alone. Even though Frey had decimated some Unholy, he still had nervous energy to burn. He needed to hit something else. The punching bag would have to do. He needed to wear himself out so he got a good night’s sleep. He wanted to be well-rested when he brought his mate back home tomorrow.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Craig grabbed the burner phone and excitedly called the only preassigned number in it. He had done his job and done it well. Jasper was rattled, and his boyfriend had left town. He was ready to collect his payment. After four rings, the phone was answered, “Well?”
“It’s done. The kid left town. I followed him for a couple of hours just to be sure.”
“Excellent. You have served me well. I will meet you at your hotel in ten minutes.” The phone disconnected. Ten minutes? He was close by. Craig’s dick began getting hard the instant the man’s voice sounded in his ear. That accent alone drove Craig wild. Now that he knew he was so close, his cock was painful against the zipper of his jeans, but he didn’t dare touch it. Ten minutes away meant in twenty minutes, Craig would be tied up in those beautiful knots. The large man would not be gentle.
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