Miranda smiled and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Do liars get punished?"
She looked up at him from beneath her lashes and the hint of a smile. Miranda was feeling naughty.
"Of course, baby. I won't tolerate lying. You know that."
"I don't want to wear that wedding dress. I don't want to have a wedding. I don't-"
Her yelp echoed in the room almost as loud as the smack he gave her bottom. He rubbed the place he'd swatted and growled when her teeth grazed his neck.
"I hate it when you do that," she whispered.
His hand connected with her ass again and she moaned. God he loved this woman. She squealed when he scooped her into his arms and giggled all the way to their bedroom.
"I-"
"Shhh, Miranda, you're in enough trouble."
And he was going to have lots of fun punishing his mate.
Chapter 22
"So, tell me all the juicy details."
Aspen looked up from her whipped sweet potatoes and stared at Miranda. Her brown curly hair had been pulled up into a messy ponytail in deference to the kitchen rules Aspen had put forth and she grinned as though waiting for some big secret. Aspen frowned at the unfinished crescent rolls. If they were going to have all the food ready for the pride's Thanksgiving dinner, then Miranda needed to get a move on.
"Those rolls aren't going to roll themselves, and what juicy details?"
Miranda stuck her tongue out at Aspen, but dutifully began to roll the homemade dough. "You know, being with two guys."
Aspen laughed. Oh, those juicy details. "I'm sure it's not much different than what goes on between you and Caleb."
"Yeah, but you've got two mouths, two sets of hands and two...well, you know."
"Well, I do enjoy the extra attention."
Miranda sighed. "I love Caleb, but if I could clone him for a night...well...oh never mind I'm not sure I'd survive it."
"Too much information."
Aspen placed the finished potatoes on the counter and Zackary dutifully entered and took it out to the tables. She frowned. "What's wrong with Zackary?"
"He's not been the same since you were taken. We've tried to make sure he knows it isn't his fault, but-"
"Oh my God, I should've known something was wrong when he hadn't come to see me in a week or so. He always came by, but I assumed it was because he knew I had Skylar and Xavier now."
Miranda placed the crescent rolls in the oven and sighed. "It's not your fault. I'm glad that you've finally found happiness. I never said anything, but your sadness was starting to overwhelm any other scent you carried, and frankly I was scared for you and the baby."
Aspen closed her eyes and thought back to her time before Skylar and Xavier had re-entered her life. Lonely, afraid, and so sad her mate didn't want her. Now love replaced all those things, and she was so happy for that.
"I didn't want to worry anyone, besides how would they help me if my mate didn't want me."
Miranda smiled. "We would've done our best, Aspen and you of all people should've known that, but I wasn't sure how to help you."
"I don't think anyone could've, but Zackary helped."
Miranda smiled. "I think you should tell him that. Maybe it'll pull him out of this funk."
Aspen nodded. She would help him in any way she could.
"So, the pack is going to come to tomorrow's festivities?"
Miranda bit her lip and nodded. "Caleb thinks it would be good...I don't know, PR?"
Aspen shrugged and Miranda laughed. "That's exactly what I thought, but if it makes Caleb happy, well, who am I to rain on his parade."
Miranda's smile ruined their surprise, but she still jumped when arms wrapped around her from behind. "Is everything finished, baby?"
Skylar stepped around her and cupped her cheek to give her a kiss. My goodness what would she do without these two? Her cougar purred in approval and Xavier bit gently on her earlobe. "Anymore sounds like that and I'll take you on this counter."
Her face heated at his fiery threat. What was more embarrassing was the fact she probably wouldn't mind a good fucking about now.
Skylar grabbed another two bowls of food and Xavier followed his lead. Soon she was seated between her mates enjoying Thanksgiving dinner. Wesley nodded at Skylar and Xavier as he took his seat across from them.
"I'm glad you could make it." Caleb.
"Thanks for inviting me." Wesley looked around and Caleb smiled.
"She's not here yet."
Wesley's entire body sagged; though in relief or something else Aspen wasn't sure. Wesley helped himself to a large portion of food and began eating.
"Oh, by the way, Skylar I've got a position for detective at the department. You know, if you're interested."
"I don't know..."
Wesley shrugged. "Look, it's not as glamorous as the Council, but it'll keep you close to home."
Aspen looked at Skylar, and then took his hand in hers. They'd discussed his hatred for his job, and his belief he wouldn't be good at anything else. "What do you want to do?"
Skylar looked at her and nodded. "I'll give it a shot, but the only experience I have is with the Council, which technically doesn't exist."
Wesley grinned. "You let me worry about that. We could always use a good computer geek at the department, what with crime going cyber and all."
Xavier laughed. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm pretty busy with my own business."
Aspen looked up and waved at Essence as she led Gunner in. She started towards them, but stopped suddenly, her face draining of color. Zackary was at her side before Aspen could wonder what was wrong, and then Wesley looked behind him and jumped from his seat. Zackary stepped in front of Essence and Gunner, his body tensed for action.
"Skylar-"
Skylar looked up from his plate and a grin broke across his face. "Don't worry, baby, Wesley won't hurt them and Zackary's just reacting to Essence."
She studied them more closely and started when a hand clasped hers. "How well do you know Essence?"
She looked at Xavier and shrugged. "I don't know, I mean we've talked and stuff."
"She's been abused and by the looks of it Zackary, too. They're pretty well adjusted all things considered, but Essence is still working through things."
"How do you know?"
Xavier's mouth formed into a frown and Aspen leaned in to kiss his lips. She hated to see him sad. He smiled and her heart raced out of control. "The first time she saw Sky and me I thought she was going to bolt and if you notice she keeps all the males at a distance, except for Caleb and Zackary."
Aspen nodded as the past few months within the pride filtered through her mind. Her heart bled for such a sweet woman to have been hurt so badly. She watched as Essence led Gunner to the other children and took her seat. Zackary talked some more with Wesley, then walked away, his body still tense. Wesley headed back to the table, but was intercepted by Caleb and they filed into the kitchen area of the event center.
"Don't worry, baby. It'll all work out in the end."
Aspen nodded and clasped Skylar's hand in her free one. Everything would work out in the end.
Chapter 23
Wesley smoothed his hair in his rearview mirror one more time then cursed himself for primping. He'd spent restless night thinking about Essence's reaction to him. He was used to being feared. Hell, he was a bear--literally--but Essence's fear frustrated him beyond belief. How was he supposed to get close to her if she feared him so much she nearly fainted? And she had a son. He'd not had a chance to see the boy, except in passing, but he'd always wanted kids and he planned to have many more with Essence.
He grabbed the bouquet of wildflowers and stepped out of his SUV. Already the pride had transformed the event center located in the center of their community into a beautiful display of flowers and other decorations that made his wildflower bouquet seem paltry in comparison. Movement to his right caught his attention and Wesley turned to fi
nd a familiar auburn-haired child playing in the community's play area. This was Essence's child, and if he had his way it would be his too. He walked slowly toward the child and knelt in front of the sandbox the child was playing in.
"What are you doing?"
The child looked up and his mouth formed into an 'O.'
"Nothing."
Wesley laughed. The little guy was dressed in a pair of carefully pressed khaki's and a button down shirt with a tie. He located the discarded coat in the grass nearby. It was obvious that although the child was now filthy, he'd once been squeaky clean.
"I'm Wesley. What's your name?"
The little boy smiled and tilted his head. "Gunner. What you doing here for?"
"I'm here for Miranda's wedding. Where's your mother?"
Gunner shrugged then busied himself with piling sand into piles. Wesley squatted next to Gunner and watched as the boy played. Wesley sighed and set the flowers to the side then picked up one of the tiny shovels to dig in the sand with his future son. How was he supposed to be a dad? He didn't even know where to start.
"What you building?"
"I don't know. A sand castle?" Wesley said.
Gunner nodded and silence ensued. It couldn't be this hard to speak with a kid, right? He'd interrogated the scum of the universe and talked the media in circles, surely he could talk to one tiny boy.
"Why aren't you with your mother, or even your Uncle?"
"I wanted to play."
"Did your mother say you could play, because it looks like you were all cleaned up and ready to go to Miranda's wedding?"
Gunner never stopped playing. "I play all the time."
Wesley shook his head. So, reasoning with a what--three year old?--wasn't as easy as it seemed. "Let's go Gunner. I'm sure your mother wants you clean again before the wedding."
He picked up his flowers and stood waiting for Gunner. Wesley was surprised when little arms shot up toward him in the universal sign of 'pick me up.' Gunner wouldn't be half as hard to win over as his mother, since all it took was just a conversation over a sandcastle for him to gain the little boy's trust. He accommodated Gunner and picked him up. First thing he needed to teach the boy was not to talk to strangers. Already his gut clenched in worry over the little boy being taken, and all because of a child’s blind trust.
Their trek was a short one, but the sight of Essence her tanned legs on display from under a sky blue dress that hit right above her knees took the breath out of him. The skirt of her dress swayed around her thighs with every step and led to ample hips and up to her waist. Her breasts pressed against the fabric creating a lovely show of cleavage. He swallowed and willed his cock to deflate before they tented his suit pants. Essence was fucking gorgeous, strawberry blonde hair falling in gentle waves around her shoulders. He walked to her as he overcame his jealousy of her dress and wishing he were the fabric that clung to her so enticingly.
"I think you lost someone."
Essence looked up and it was like a punch in the gut. Her hazel eyes widened when she saw him, then a feline growl erupted at the sight of her son in his arms. Gone was the frightened female, though her scent still carried a faint dose of it, and in its place rage. Her teeth sharpened before his eyes and her eyes glowed. Damn she was sexy when she was agitated.
"Give me my son."
Wesley placed Gunner on the ground and the little boy hugged his leg before walking to his mom. Essence kept a wary eye on him as she stooped to run her hands over Gunner. Anger coursed through him and he stepped forward. Essence stood and pulled Gunner behind her then growled in warning.
"Dammit, Essence I would never hurt you or that boy. Don't you understand that you're mine?"
Essence paled, shook her head and sliced her hand in a downward motion. "I'll never belong to anyone, never again."
He took a step towards her and Essence took a step back. "Run, Gunner. Go find Zackary."
The little boy laughed, waved and obeyed his mother. Wesley shook his head. The smell of her fear and the way she wouldn't let him near her was rousing his bear. It wanted its mate and the man agreed wholeheartedly. He took another step and just like before she took another step back.
His feet moved him before he could think or plan and he had her in his arms, her eyes wide and her breaths coming in pants. Victory at last. She fit against him perfectly and he couldn't wait to taste her, so he bent his head and took her lips. At first she struggled, but just when he was going to release her, she went pliant, her hands circling his neck. Wesley tightened his grip and licked along the seam of her lips. He barely restrained his cry of victory when she opened her mouth and he sank deep within her. Over and over he tasted her lips alternating between deep furrows with his tongue within her recesses and tiny nibbles on her lips.
"Essence!"
Her name caused her to stiffen and she turned her head to end their kiss. Wesley sighed. Essence shoved at his chest and he stepped away from her and helped to steady her when she almost fell. "Don't you ever touch me again!"
Her words said one thing, but her body it sang another, and this was one cougar that would be his. Wesley picked up the flowers which were thankfully no worse for the wear and held them out for her. She shook her head and stepped back. Zackary stepped forward and eyed him curiously. Unlike the snarls he received yesterday, the male regarded him simply with curiosity.
"Come for the wedding?"
Wesley never moved his eyes from Essence. "Yes, Caleb and Miranda invited me."
"Cool. Well, the ceremony is about to start and Miranda is asking for her bridesmaid."
Wesley stepped toward Essence who tensed and shook her head. He reached out and gently took her hand to place the flowers in them. "For my mate," he said then turned to walk to the event center. Zackary nodded at him then turned to his sister.
Wesley smiled. She would be his.
***
"Where is Essence?"
For a wedding Miranda had protested, Aspen was surprised to see her so stressed. Miranda paced her bedroom while her mother followed trying desperately to pin and re-pin Miranda's dress and hair. Aspen wanted that. She should really call her mother, because despite their differences, she did love her parents.
Zackary stuck his head in the room, his usual smile absent, as it had been for the past week or so. She really needed to remedy that.
"Essence is cleaning up Gunner again, but she'll be here soon, Miranda, I promise."
Miranda stopped pacing, took a deep breath and nodded. Her mother's shoulders finally relaxed and she placed the final pin in Miranda's hair. Aspen followed Zackary as he left his strides much too fast for her.
"Zackary!"
He stopped and turned to face her. A part of her wept for the young male who had once smiled so readily. Now he frowned and dark circles had formed under his eyes. Was he having trouble sleeping? He rushed to her side and looked down into her eyes, his hazel ones full of concern.
"What's wrong Aspen? Do I need to get your mates?"
She frowned. "No, I'm fine, but I'm concerned."
"Is it the baby?"
So protective, this one, not only to her she'd noticed over the past few months, but everyone in the pride. Though he may only be barely an adult at eighteen years of age, he fulfilled the role of beta in this pride perfectly.
"No, Zackary, it's you. What happened to the guy who brought me banana and peanut butter sandwiches once a week, the one that smiled all the time, and the one who saved me?"
He shook his head. "I didn't save you, I let him take you."
Already his eyes glowed from his cougar peeking out.
"You know, when I first woke up that morning after my mate left I sat there thinking he'd come back. Hours passed and each one was like torture. I knew he wasn't coming back, he'd left me…I left that same day, because I couldn't just sit and smell him, so I came back to the place where I'd always felt at home—here,” Aspen wrung her hand and took a deep breath before continuing. “But then
Miranda and Caleb were just finding each other and each moment in their presence was like a stab to my heart. I didn't think I could go on...then someone handed me a glass of milk and a PB&J, and over the next few months, he stopped by just to see how I was doing. He kept that tiny spark of me alive when all I wanted to do was curl into a ball and die."
Zackary stared at her, but didn't speak. He shook his head. "But when you needed me the most, I let you down. Just like-"
He didn't finish, and Aspen knew what he didn't say was exactly what she needed to hear. She jumped when arms surrounded her waist from behind. Damn wolves were too sneaky for their own good.
Skylar's rumbling voice responded where she left off. "As far as I'm concerned you risked your life to save my mate, and you forget that we got our asses handed to us too."
Xavier clapped the male on the shoulder. "You heard the woman, you're her hero. We are forever in your debt for taking care of our mate, when we should have been here doing that exact thing."
Zackary didn't seem convinced, but he nodded and a hint of his familiar smile broke the ever-present frown he'd worn for the past week. Aspen sighed and relaxed in Skylar's arms. Zackary gave a wave and left mumbling about finding his sister.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart; I never meant to hurt you."
Aspen smiled. At one time she wouldn't have been able to, but unlike her parent's she would learn to forgive. Besides, who wouldn't want these two men?
"As long as you never, ever leave me again--both of you--then consider yourselves forgiven."
Skylar bent and kissed her neck and his tongue traced her pulse. She tilted her head and gave him better access.
"There is nothing that could keep me away from you," Skylar whispered in her ear then nibbled on the lobe. She moaned.
Xavier crowded her from the front, his hands cupping her face and bringing her gaze to his.
Astrid Cielo Page 17