Lexy woke struggling to free herself from the sheets that were wrapped around her sweat-drenched body. She frantically looked around her bedroom trying to focus on her breathing. Relief flooded her conscience as she recognized her surroundings. It’s a dream. Only a dream. I’m safe in my home. I’m safe.
Lexy untangled her legs from the sheet, sitting up on the side of the bed wondering how long it had been since she had her last nightmare about Cain. Lexy touched her shirt that was soaking wet from her own body fighting in the dream. She got up from the bed and decided to wash the nightmare away and start her day fresh.
Chapter Fourteen
Malcolm pulled up in the driveway of his new house and observed the BMW SUV that was parked there. He knew whose car it was. Malcolm got out of the car and walked into the house. As soon as he got near the kitchen, he could feel the dark magic. His son and his friends reeked of it.
Malcolm watched as his wife, Cain, Amanda, and Brandi were sitting at the kitchen table laughing. Cain had his back to him, but he spoke before anyone had seen him. “Hello, Father.” Malcolm walked in the kitchen, stopping as he heard his son speak to him.
“Cain, what are you doing here? If Felix finds out, they will have you arrested on the spot. All of you,” Malcolm said, anger vibrating off him.
Amanda and Brandi all turned to Cain to see what he would say. “Why, Father? You act like you are scared of Felix.”
“Do you remember the promise I made with Felix and the Reddens or did you get stupid since the last time I saw you?”
The air in the kitchen turned heavy. Cain never turned around, but he showed his father just how powerful he was. The windows started rattling and the table started shaking.
Patricia Holliday jerked her hands off the table then glanced back at Malcolm. Her eyes were as big as saucers. “Cain, you haven’t been messing with dark magic?”
Cain leaned over and patted his mother’s hand. “Mother, don’t you worry about me. Like father like son.”
Patricia Holliday looked worried as she watched the dark magic swirl around Cain. The magic looked black like a snake, weaving itself around her son.
“Cain, you can’t let anyone see you or Amanda. They don’t know Brandi, but you can’t go around in town. You must go back to New York before you are found,” Malcolm insisted.
“Oh, Father, you worry too much. I will handle everything.”
Amanda and Brandi snickered as if they knew what Cain had planned.
“If you screw up my plans, son or not, you will pay for it.” Malcolm left before Cain could respond.
Cain smiled. Oh, Father, you have no idea what I have planned. You are too weak to complete the task. But I won’t. Soon she will be mine, whether you like it or not.
***
The past few days flew by with Mace and Reece wooing their mate. Lexy loved every moment of it. They would take her out to eat and send her flowers at work. Then they would go back to Lexy’s house and watch a movie. Her self-esteem rose as her mates continued to court her. Every night ended with a make-out session on the couch but when things started progressing too far, Mace or Reece would pull back from Lexy and leave before they loss themselves in her and couldn’t stop. Mace and Reece constantly took cold showers, relieving themselves in the shower to help take the edge off since Lexy wasn’t ready, not wanting to rush her into mating.
Lexy was so happy with her new job and now her mates. Her life was finally falling into place. They had already told her parents, who were ecstatic with the news, happy for their daughter who had been alone and secluded from everyone for a long time. They knew more than anyone that Lexy had been pushed into everything most of her life. Mostly because of the fear she felt of being found again by Cain Holliday. Mary Redden cried after hearing how they felt about her daughter.
Peter took a little longer to convince. He had witnessed Mace at the Pub with the other woman and he didn't really know Reece. He informed the men what he, as a wolf and as Lexy's father, expected from them. Mace and Reece evidently put his mind at ease because Peter smiled and shook their hands, accepting the men into his family. Then they left Peter and Mary Redden’s house feeling great about their lives.
On the fourth date, Lexy wanted to meet Star and have her come to dinner at her house. She was scared that Star wouldn’t like her or would feel threatened by her. She cleaned the house several times and planned the menu of her favorite foods.
Lexy couldn’t stop fidgeting as she waited for Reece and Star to arrive. She was going to meet Star and she desperately wanted her to like her. Reece told her that he would go to Nancy’s house and pick her up then bring her to the cottage so they could get to know each other better. Mace watched as his mate straightened the pillow on the couch for the hundred time.
“Baby, relax. She will love you, just like we do.” Lexy continued to walk around the cottage picking up items then putting them back down. Mace sat up because he heard Reece’s truck coming down the road. Lexy wasn’t a wolf and her hearing wasn’t as good as his was. He watched her reaction as she finally heard the truck pull up in the driveway and park. She straightened up then walked over to Mace and grabbed his hand. Mace could feel her shaking. She was so nervous that he needed to do something. So he reached over and kissed Lexy catching her off guard. Lexy’s eyes dilated then she closed them, breathing in Mace’s scent. Mace was hot after the kiss, but he knew Star was coming through the door and whatever he wanted would have to wait for another time.
Reece opened the front door then ushered Star inside. Star looked up and saw Mace standing beside a curly hair woman. Star frowned at Lexy then walked over to her and hugged her. “Thank you for making my brother happy.”
Lexy didn’t know what to do so she hugged Star back then whispered in her ear, “Your welcome.” Star squeezed Lexy back then let go of her and stepped back. Her eyes gazed up at Lexy.
“Hey, Star,” Mace responded.
Star looked over at Mace and grinned. “Hey, Alpha.”
Mace smiled back at Star. He could tell she was warming up to him.
Mace’s phone started ringing as it sat on the counter, so he walked over and answered it. Reece walked over and sat on a barstool, apparently listening to the phone conversation.
Damn wolf hearing, Lexy thought.
“Hey, Star, let me show you around.” She took Lexy into the bedroom while Mace talked on the phone. “I love the color in here. I wanted my bedroom to be this color, but I didn’t want Reece to spend any more money on extra paint just for my bedroom. I love the color in my bedroom but I love this color more.” Lexy looked around the room and grinned.
Lexy and Star smiled at each other as Star walked around the room looking and touching everything. “Oh my god, you have the whole book collection of the Salvaton Brothers.” Star pulled one of the books off the shelf looking at the cover.
“You can take that if you want to borrow it. I’ve read all of the books in the series,” Lexy offered.
“Are you sure you don’t mind. I’m saving all of my money to buy the whole collection. I love these books,” Star replied.
Lexy smiled as she watched Star read the books cover. “I have a lot of books and you can borrow any of them. So I guess you like to read Vampire books.”
“Yeah, I do. I want to be an author one day and write paranormal books. I think I have a little insight on the concept,” Star said and Lexy laughed.
“Yes you do,” Lexy said as Star looked around the room gazing at everything she had then stepped back so Star could explore. Star stepped up to the dresser and looked at the jewelry box that Mace had given her.
“What a beautiful box,” commented Star as Lexy picked it up, brought it over to the bed, and sat down with it. Star sat down beside Lexy looking at the box. “All these beautiful carvings on it are different,” Star said as she touched the box and its carvings. “Do you mind if I pick it up?”
“Sure. It belongs to Mace and before him, his mother. She was a witc
h, too,” Lexy inform the young girl.
Star continued to hold the box. She turned it around and held it up so she could look closer at the markings. Her fingers pushed the same markings on each side and a small drawer popped open. Star gasped then stared at Lexy who looked just as surprised.
“What is it?” Star asked. She was excited as she watched Lexy open the drawer further.
Lexy reached in and found a folded piece of paper and a gold necklace with a Citrine stone on it. It was a beautiful gold color.
“Read the note, Lexy.” Lexy laid the necklace down then opened the note. She could tell the paper was old. It was on some type of parchment paper. Lexy read the note aloud so Star could hear it.
“Gemstones emit vibrations that can help you to become more attuned to those things that will make up a safe, secure environment. These include harmonious relationships, a balanced state of mind, respect for self and others, trading fear for love in all decisions. If you need protection, you will know when to use this. It will protect you and your love ones when you least expect it. The words will come to you when you need them the most,” Lexy finished and put the note down. She rubbed the stone between her thumb and finger as she sat thinking about the necklace.
“Wow, Lexy. Put it on and see if it fits,” Star said excitedly.
“I can’t, it belongs to Mace and—” Lexy didn’t get to finish.
“Put it on, Lexy.” Lexy and Star both turned around, startled that Mace was in the room. Mace and Reece both stood silently listening to Lexy and Star.
“But it belonged to your mother,” Lexy insisted.
“And she would have wanted my mate to have it. She left the box to my mate and me. And that is you, Lexy.” Mace walked over, picked up the necklace, and draped it around Lexy’s neck. Lexy held her hair up so Mace could hook the clasp.
Star’s eyes got big as saucers when the gemstone lay flat on Lexy’s skin. It started glowing. “Wow, it’s, it’s glowing, Lexy. The necklace is glowing.”
Lexy jumped up and ran to the mirror, staring at the necklace as it glowed around her neck. “Why is it glowing, Mace?” Lexy asked uncertain.
“I don’t know, but Selena will probably know. We can ask her tomorrow,” said Mace.
Mace hugged Lexy from behind in the mirror smiling at her as she stared at herself in the mirror. Reece came up beside Lexy and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. “Beautiful.” Lexy blushed as her mate complimented her on her beauty. Lexy rubbed the gemstone between her fingers.
“I’m sure it’s safe, Lexy. My mother wouldn’t have left it for me if it were dangerous. Now let’s get our girl up to the big house so she can see her new bedroom.”
Lexy turned around facing Mace and Reece. She put her hand up and caressed their face. “Thank you both for giving me this time. I know it’s been hard on you. I hope you understand.” Both her mates smiled at her.
“Come on, guys,” Star whined, “All the lovey-dovey crap you guys are doing is making me sick.” Everyone laughed as they walked out of the bedroom to the kitchen so they could eat dinner.
***
Later that night, Lexy lay in bed thinking about her mates. She knew she couldn’t wait any longer to make love to them. Her body ached for them. Lexy knew they were more than ready but had been kind and continued to wait until Lexy gave her permission. Tomorrow will be the night. I need them so much and it hurts every time they leave me. Lexy smiled as she stared at the ceiling. She had made a decision that she wanted her mates. Now it’s me making the decision. I know it’s time and I’m so ready. Every time they touch me or kiss me, it drives me crazy. Lexy rose from her bed and turned on the light. She grabbed her laptop and decided it was time to learn something or watch porn. I can’t believe I’m going to do this. I’ve read such good books but seeing it in action is something else. Lexy fired up her laptop and typed in porn. She leaned up when one of the porn movies came on. Lexy couldn’t believe what she was watching. She blushed as she watched the movie. Then she burst out laughing because of how cheesy the videos were. Lexy continued to watch until she couldn’t keep her eyes open anymore. She fell asleep with her laptop lying on her chest. The light was still on as she faded into a deep sleep.
***
Mace took a shower for the second time since he got home. He felt so restless and knew it was the mating pull. He needed Lexy so badly and needed her soon. The aching he felt for her was becoming unbearable. He looked out the window and noticed that Lexy’s lights were still on in her bedroom. Mace decided to go and check on her. He knew he could look in the window to make sure she was okay. As he approached the window, he heard someone grunting and moaning. Mace’s temper flared thinking that someone was making love to his mate. He peered in her window, and saw that Lexy lay on her bed asleep with her laptop lying on her stomach. The lights were still on and the noises came from the laptop. Mace turned his head not realizing what she was watching. He couldn’t stop himself as he crept around to the back door, finding the hidden key he placed in the flowerbed.
As he entered the cottage, the moaning became louder as he silently walked into Lexy’s bedroom. He wasn’t prepared for what he saw as he watched the most cheesy porn video he had ever seen. “What the hell?” Mace shook his head trying to understand why Lexy would be watching a porn movie. Then it dawned on him. She was trying to learn what to do—or his mate had a sexual fetish in watching porn movies late at night with the lights still on. He knew the later wasn't the case.
He reached down and picked up the laptop, cutting off the video then placed it on her dresser. He desperately wanted to reach out and lay down with his mate. She was so beautiful and peaceful as she slept. Mace’s wolf jumped as he skimmed his fingers over her face, pushing her hair away from her face. Lexy moaned then turned onto her side, leaning her face into his touch. Mace smiled knowing the mating pull was working on his mate, too. They needed to kick it up a notch and see if she would be able to take it. Mace left, turning off her bedroom light then locking the door behind him as he went to his house to take yet another shower.
Chapter Fifteen
Adrianna couldn’t sleep. She awoke early that morning and decided to go see her dad and Selena. She left her mates asleep in the bed with a note telling them she went to the hotel, but knew they would be worried so she took her guards. She left Brock the Warden at home. She didn’t want him coming to the hotel just yet. As she got out of the car, Adrianna looked around as she sensed something evil lurking near the hotel. Antoine and Percy were with her when she stopped and looked around. Antoine went on alert immediately, scanning the area for some type of danger.
“What is it?” Antoine asked Adrianna.
“Did you feel that?” Adrianna responded. Antoine continued to search the area for anything out of place.
“No, what did you feel?” Antoine asked.
“Just a feeling of something evil nearby.”
Antoine immediately grabbed Adrianna, picking her up then sprinted toward the front door. Percy opened the door so Antoine could run straight into the hotel with her.
“Antoine, stop and put me down. I just said I felt it, not that I saw it,” Adrianna breathed out.
“I don’t care. If your hackles went up then there is a reason. I promised to protect you, even from yourself. You would have probably went out there and searched the woods for something,” responded Antoine.
Adrianna smiled then reached up and kissed Antoine on the cheek. “Yeah, you’re right. I would have.”
Selena walked into the living room area as Adrianna kissed her guard on the cheek.
“What would you have done?” Selena asked curiously.
“Adrianna felt something evil outside.”
Selena looked over at Adrianna then pulled her down the hallway to her private quarters.
Antoine knew that Adrianna was safe here in the hotel and with Selena so he let Adrianna go with her. When she was out of sight, Antoine pulled out his cell phone and called Samson to
inform him of what was going on.
***
“What did it feel like to you?” Selena asked as she handed Adrianna a cup of tea.
“Dirty, slimy, and a feeling that I would like to forget. It felt like your brother, Magnus,” Adrianna answered worried that she would hurt Selena with her words.
Selena controlled her feelings so Adrianna wouldn’t pick up on the fear she had. She didn't want to voice the fear she held that others would try to complete Magnus’s plan.
“What are you not telling me, Selena?” Adrianna tapped the side of her temple. “Remember, I know you are trying to hide something from me because you don’t want to upset me, but I’m stronger. I can take it. I need to prepare. We need to prepare if you know something.”
Selena couldn’t help but smile at Adrianna. “You were always too big for your britches, luv.”
“Maybe, but tell me,” Adrianna pleaded.
“It feels like the dark magic Magnus used. I haven’t seen anyone yet, but it is a feeling I get when I go outside. I can’t describe it, but it feels like Malcolm Holliday to me.”
“You mean you can see his magic?” Adrianna replied.
“Well not so much as see it, but I can feel it coming off him. It looks slimy and dirty which is what it looked like on Magnus, too,” said Selena.
“Daddy told me that he was in town and he had people watching him. Maybe it’s the fact he is in town and we can feel him. Do you think he is dabbling in the dark magic?” Adrianna asked, concerned now about Malcolm Holliday.
“Yes. He tries to keep it a secret, but I know he does. He is very cunning, Adrianna. He is up to something, I know it, but I can’t figure out what it is,” Selena explained as she leaned forward when a knock at the door interrupted them. “Come in,” Selena muttered.
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