“They were just too stupid to think it would catch up with them?”
“That, and they probably thought they were invincible. Two of them did, at any rate. The one with the sniper rifle was definitely special ops in the past. He should’ve known better.”
“Unless battle twisted his brain. That happens.”
“Could be.”
She crossed an ankle over the other and tapped her fingers, almost like she was feeling vulnerable. Or uncomfortable.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yes, of course. Just trying to unwind. I haven’t been on a social engagement in a while. All work and no play, as they say.”
“Thanks for doing this. It shouldn’t make me so wound up, but…” He shrugged as he headed into town.
“Is it at the mansion?”
“No. The Boss lives on the other side of town. On the outskirts. It’s a huge house. Not as big as the mansion, but not too far from it. I thought Sasha wanted it that big for vanity, but with all the parties they throw, and the people randomly staying over, it makes sense.”
“Vanity is fine, too. I’ve always wanted a big house.”
“Really? I didn’t peg you for a material person.”
“You pegged me as something after a few hours of knowing me?”
“I just…analyze those I come into contact with. I didn’t mean that—” The hand on his arm stopped him up short. He flexed his arm unconsciously.
She took it away. “I was kidding.”
He glanced over and caught her smile, and then matched it with his own. “Right.” He shook his head, feeling like the humorless oaf he always did in these situations.
“I’m material about some things, and not about others. I don’t care about jewelry, but I grew up in a tiny house. Four of us, until my brother passed, had to share two rooms.”
“You have siblings? Other siblings, I mean, besides…”
“My brother who died, yes. Another brother, who is the oldest, then my sister, who is the second youngest.”
“And you’re the baby, then?”
“Yes. I was a pleasant surprise, my mom says.” She laughed. “That really means an oops. I’m five years younger than my sister. They are both married with kids, living near my parents. I’m the black sheep.”
“So then you have experience with children.”
“Just enough to realize I don’t know what I’m doing, and then run away. You’ll see. I’ll make a fool of myself.”
Jameson turned, closer to the house now. The nervousness he always felt about this time was turning his stomach. “Sasha and her friends aren’t like most human women. They’ll understand. My kind, however…”
He felt her hand again, comforting and energizing at the same time. “We got this. Don’t worry about it. If all else fails, we’ll get drunk.”
“I don’t drink much.”
“That’s because no one has surgically removed the stick from your ass. Dr. Beckett, at your service.” She made like she was tipping a hat.
“I don’t think doctors go around in their scrubs wearing top hats,” he said, feeling laughter bubble up.
“Any doctors you know, maybe.” She huffed and started giggling, clasping her hands in her lap again. He wanted to reach over and take one, curling his fingers in between hers.
“Almost there,” he said, gripping the steering wheel tighter than was necessary.
“So what’s our plan of action?” she asked, looking out the passenger window.
“The kids will be opening presents first, then running around like lunatics. I’m sure they catered in food, so after that it’ll be nothing but eating, drinking, and merriment.”
“I don’t think you’re supposed to sound like you’re headed to the gas chamber when you say ‘merriment.’”
Jameson turned on the street and nearly parked where he always did, about a block away. He used the walk to calm himself. With a glance at her shoes, though, and the amount of exposed skin, he’d be doing Addison a disservice. Instead, he found the closest spot possible.
“Holy hell, this is their house?” She was leaning closer to the window to get it all in.
“No.” He pointed across the street at the house glowing, every light on. “That one.”
She switched her gaze, and her face closed down in confusion. “Huh. Are you sure anyone is home?”
He paused with his hand on the door handle, looking at the largest, stateliest house on the block, every window lit and Christmas lights twinkling merrily. “Either that, or they love wasting electricity.”
“That house?” She pointed at it. “The two-story with the old Cadillac out front? I don’t see any lights on.”
It dawned on him what was happening. He smiled, drawing her focus. “You’ll see.”
Jameson walked around to her side of the car as she was opening the door. He helped her out and she tightened her wrap around her shoulders.
“Do you want my jacket?” he asked.
“It’s not that far.”
He put out his arm for her to take, wanting to stall. To just hang out with her in the darkness, away from all the people. “I don’t think it is just the children,” he admitted as they crossed the street. “I’ve never been great with crowds. They wear me down.”
“It must be tough in the mansion, then.”
“Not really. People clear out of the way for me, usually. I can talk to a group of people to give commands, but it’s socializing amongst them that make me…”
“Nervous? Uncomfortable?” She laughed and squeezed his arm. “You can admit it. I won’t judge.”
He tightened his lips. “I haven’t told anyone that before. It might be seen as a bad trait for a leader. Even second in charge. I thought you should know, since you’re my partner in crime tonight. Oh, shit.” He stopped as they reached the sidewalk and looked back at the SUV. “I forgot the presents.” He glanced at her, seeing the goosebumps. “I’ll come back from them later.”
“You really do get jittery. I’ve never seen you this scattered.”
“In all twelve hours of knowing me?” He grinned down at her, her face so close.
Her gaze hit his lips. “I think twelve hours is generous, don’t you?”
He led her up the sidewalk and onto the front walk. As they stepped into the spell Sasha had made, Addison blinked in confusion and looked away from him. She stopped walking and her mouth dropped open. “What the hell?”
Chuckling, Jameson tugged her, getting her to the front porch. “They’d look like drug dealers if their lights were always on at night, and no one around in the daytime.”
“Or vampires.”
“Yes, exactly. Sasha did a sort of concealing spell to make this house seem like the houses around it.”
“Only smaller when it is really a lot bigger.”
“They’ve done a few add-ons.” Jameson reached for the doorbell.
“Did it start out smaller?”
“It started out about the same.”
“Then wouldn’t someone notice if it was suddenly smaller?”
Jameson looked down at his feet, waiting for the door to open and the rush of people to suck him in. “You don’t know much about us, do you?” Her brow creased. “We can alter humans’ memories. We can increase their desire, too, make them do whatever we want.” Her brow lowered still. He held up his hands. “We don’t anymore, thanks to Sasha. It’s a long story. She can relay it to you. But it’s a simple process to make humans forget what they had previously known.”
“Could you do that to me?” she asked, the fire burning through her voice.
He took a step closer, wanting to feel the burn. “It doesn’t work on shifters. And some humans can withstand it, or work through it. Sasha was one of those humans. That’s how she found us in the first place. Simple-minded humans are no match for my powers of persuasion, however.”
The heat was in her eyes now, but not anger. If he wasn’t mistaken, desire. He looked at her lip
s, plump and pouty, remembering how they’d felt. Remembering the feel of her body rubbing against his. Her breasts in his hands.
He bent to her, needing to taste her again. To feel her.
Chapter 8
Addison ran her hands up Jameson’s hard chest as he leaned in to her.
The door swung open. Light blasted them, making Jameson throw up a hand to block it. Strangely, he wrapped his other arm around her and pushed her to his back, clearly trying to protect her from the onslaught of cheer.
“Dude, what are you trying to sneak in to the party?”
Addison pushed Jameson’s arm away and stepped up beside him, vaguely recognizing the dirty blond man in the doorway holding a wriggling baby.
“Charles, right?” she said, sticking out her hand.
“Yup. You know my wife, Anne.” He set the kid down, braced as she wobbled, and then stuck his foot in the doorway so she didn’t toddle out into the cold. Instead, the kid gave a scream-laugh and baby-ran into the house. Charles watched her for a moment before returning his focus outside, then taking her hand and shaking.
“Addy,” she said.
“Addy the beta, yeah. Anne!” Charles yelled over his shoulder. “You will never believe who Jameson brought. Never believe.”
“You didn’t tell them I was coming?” she asked Jameson softly.
“No. One more won’t make a difference.”
At least they had surprise on their side. “Okay, then.” She marched forward, shoving Charles out of the way. “It’s cold. Let us in.”
Charles pounded Jameson on the shoulder. “I’m in awe, dude. Turning up with a girl isn’t like you. And she fits in already, though why everyone shoves me is anyone’s guess.”
“Addison and I are friends.” Jameson stepped away from the patting, his eyes taking on a hard edge. Charles didn’t seem to notice. Or maybe he just didn’t care, being the same sort of size and build and, she’d heard, having equal prowess on the battlefield. She had every belief she’d be meeting the best of the best in this house, women as well as men, in magic as well as in fighting. Part of her was really excited. The other part worried that some stupid little thing would make her rage blast out unexpectedly. She didn’t want to embarrass herself here with these people. Especially in front of those she had authority over, or would work with in the future.
“He helped me out today,” she said, playing it cool. “Was that yours?” she pointed in the direction the child had gone.
“Uncle Jameson is here!” a kid shouted from somewhere inside. “Can we open presents?”
“Yeah. I’m trying to get another one going, but Anne isn’t having it,” Charles said.
“It sucks on the body,” Addison said, stepping back next to Jameson.
“So friends, huh?” A sparkle came to Charles’ eyes. “Jameson’s first friend.”
Jameson shifted, his hands flexing.
“Quit fucking around, child.” Another man stepped up, one that had Addison centering her weight and loosening her posture. Fierce eyes in a striking face, he had an air of aggression around him. His gaze hit Jameson. They both nodded stiffly. Then to Addison. He stuck out a hand. “Jonas.”
Ah. That explained it. She’d heard stories about him being as hard to work with as Jameson. She could see why. She doubted he dealt with bullshit. Her kinda man.
“Hi. Addy.” She gave him a solid shake.
“And now you’ve met the Christmas Grinch.” Charles glanced at Jonas, who returned the look. “Yes, I was talking about you,” Charles badgered. “You can ruin anyone’s good time.”
“Are you done?” Jonas asked.
“Why don’t you guys help Jameson get the presents out of the car?” Addison said, stepping further into the house. “I would, but I’m trying to balance on stilts.”
“Presents?” A pair of young twins came running. Addison was terrible with kid ages. “I’ll help!” they said at the same time.
“You’ll catch the death of cold,” Charles said, shaking one off his leg. “Then you know what’ll happen? Your mommy will throw a nasty spell at me and burn off all my hair.”
“Get back,” Jonas barked. They didn’t listen, rushing for the door.
Jameson had stepped back, closer to the wall. His face had closed down into a stone mask, obviously hiding how uncomfortable he was. He needed spiked eggnog immediately.
“Okay,” she said, stepping to him and running her hand down his arm. “I’m going to get us a drink. Meet me inside?”
His hand settled on her hip and he turned toward her, his soft brown eyes meeting hers. Tingles ran through her body.
“I’ll be right back. Stay somewhere easy for me to steal back. I don’t want to have to wade through women to get to you. They’re…”
“Crazy, I know.” She smiled up at him, angling for a kiss before stopping herself. She slapped his chest a couple times, trying to keep within the friendly vibe. “Got it.”
His hand slid up her side and he leaned just a little. Was he going to kiss her?
Her heart started to thump. She wanted it so bad. Wanted him to keep going.
Instead, he backed off, that furrow back. She’d never seen someone randomly frown so much.
“Indecision keeps you single, bro,” Charles said, watching with a smirk as he leaned against the front door.
Jameson stiffened and squeezed her hand before he stepped away.
“Interfering keeps you in fat lips, bro,” Jameson retorted before heading out of the door.
“Oooh. Promises, promises.” Charles winked at Addison before following Jameson out. Before the door drifted closed, she heard, “Santa’s cheeky wife, I’m going to freeze my balls off out here.”
“He doesn’t have two IQ points to rub together,” Jonas said, grabbing a jacket. “Head on in. The others are in the kitchen or living room. You’ll hear them before you see them.”
Without Jameson’s uncertainty to bolster her courage, Addison hesitated in the grand entranceway. Taking her time, she took off her wrap and hung it on the coatrack. A moment later, she continued on until the house opened up into a large living room with a huge tree in the corner laden with presents. Kids, large and small, gathered around, picking them up and shaking them, before putting them back. Two women she didn’t recognize sat on the couch, chatting.
Wow. This was awkward.
She walked in further and one of them looked up. Confusion crossed her face. “Hello. Are…you looking for someone?”
“I came with Jameson.” Addison randomly pointed behind her. “He’s just getting the presents. I was told to head in.”
“With Jameson?” She leaned forward, a lovely woman heavily pregnant.
“Yes. It was last minute. I guess he didn’t tell Sasha I was coming…”
“Oh. My God.” The woman pushed herself to her feet. Shock coated her face. “I’ll take you!”
She was a little too ecstatic.
“I’m Selene,” she said.
“Addison, but my friends call me Addy.”
“Hi. Welcome. Are you…are you a shifter?” She paused for a kid to amble by.
“Yes. I’m the new beta.”
She stopped and put a hand to her chest, her eyes wide and a smile curving her lips. “I’ve heard a lot about you. The shifters are terrified. Does Anne know you’re coming?”
“It doesn’t seem like it, unless she heard Charles yell it in a moment ago.”
Selene rolled her eyes. “No one hears Charles randomly yelling things. You’ll learn to ignore him, trust me.” Her tone was light and joking, which was good, because Addison already liked Charles. He seemed quirky and fun.
“So how long have you known Jameson?” Selene asked as they were underway again, albeit slowly.
“I just met him last night, actually. He was sent to help us out with a few intruders.”
“I heard about that. We wondered if someone was trying to breed shifters again.”
“Short answer is yes, they w
ere. They apparently weren’t the caliber of the last group of people who did, though.”
“Good. Did Jameson take care of it?”
“Most of it, yes. We still have to go over more information.”
“Hmm. And he invited you here, then?”
The archway leading into the kitchen was so close, but still so far away. “Yes. In a way.”
“Cryptic. Just like he is.” Selene smiled knowingly.
“We’re just friends,” Addison said. She probably should’ve led with that.
“Well, sure. After only knowing him a short time, what else would you be?”
Addison tilted her head and her smile-grimaced, because she wasn’t sure what that question was implying.
They entered the kitchen, where a few people were gathered, chatting amicably. One she recognized right off. Large and lethal, dominant and commanding, he moved with grace and precision, making even leaning up against the kitchen sink with a mimosa look deadly. The Boss. She’d met him when she first took the position, told that he was an ally.
“Everyone, this is—”
“Oh shit.” Anne jerked straight, the mimosa in her hand slopping over the rim of her glass. “Beta. Hi. Is there a problem? Why are you dressed up? Is everything okay?”
“—Addy,” Selene continued. “She is Jameson’s date.”
“His friend,” Addison supplied as the room came to a grinding halt. Everyone stared for a moment, raising Addison’s hackles.
“My wife says I’m terrible at entertaining, but this silent staring thing seems rude,” someone she recognized said. The man nodded to her. “I’m Paulie.”
“Right. Thanks for the help last night.” Addison shifted. “Anne, I’m here as a guest.”
“Of course, beta.” Anne slowly backed up until bumping against the countertop.
A woman about Anne’s height stepped forward. “I’m Sasha. Hi. We were supposed to meet when you first signed on, but there were a bunch of witches that ran amok.”
“Right. Yes of course.”
“Can I get you a mimosa?” She smiled pleasantly.
“That would be great, thanks.”
“Hello again,” Stefan said, stepping forward with his hand outstretched. “Please help yourself to anything you like.”
Alphas for the Holidays Page 52