One Second (Seven Series Book 7)

by Dannika Dark

  Not for lack of wanting. Austin had bonded with his son and found it difficult to pass him over to someone else for extended periods of time. The only exception was when he needed sleep, and even then, he’d sleep beside Lexi with the baby nestled between them.

  The packs had each sustained massive hits, but they would recover. Even Prince had gained control of his territory in the end.

  “Still haven’t given the little bean a name?” Denver asked from the kitchen table, munching on a bowl of cereal.

  Sunlight glittered through the windows, and tiny rainbows danced on the table and floor from a prism affixed to one of the glass panes.

  “Why don’t you put on some clothes instead of wandering around the house looking like a bum?” Austin suggested.

  Denver glanced down at his bare chest and grey sweats. “Are we having a party? I didn’t get the memo.”

  “You should make an effort when we have guests.”

  Denver crunched another spoonful and flipped the box around to read the other side. “Eddie’s not really a guest anymore. Once someone drops a deuce in your bathroom, they’ve graduated from guest to company.”

  “He doesn’t like it when you call him that.”

  A grin slid up Denver’s face. “True that. But those British guys are fun to rile up. Bloody this, bugger that.”

  Naya slinked into the room, and Austin could tell by her frumpy attire that she was still brooding about Spartacus not coming home. She leaned against the counter and played with the drawstrings on the sweatpants, which were too big on her because they belonged to Wheeler.

  “No sign of him yet?” Austin asked.

  She pouted. “I searched both sides of the creek where we last saw him. I even searched the traps, thinking he might have fallen in by accident.”

  Austin took a long sip of water and then frowned. “I told you I don’t want you going out there alone. The war’s over, but there might be a few rogues we haven’t rounded up.”

  She glided across the room toward the windows and stared up at the blue sky. “I won’t go out there alone again. I promise.”

  “Damn right you won’t,” Wheeler barked from the hall. He reached up and held on to the frame of the entranceway, muscles flexing against the ink on his arms.

  She whirled around. “You don’t have to be so butch about it.”

  He winked. “After it gets cooler, we’ll both go out and look.”

  Her face lit up, and she opened the back door, letting in a cool breeze. “I’m going to soak up some of these rays before it’s my turn to sit with Lexi. Maybe her wolf will smell the sunshine on me and want to go for a run.”

  Austin looked wistfully at his sleeping son on the countertop, tucked in a carrier that April had given them. “Did Reno go somewhere?” he asked, hearing the sound of a motorcycle through the open door.

  When a fist pounded at the front door, Austin’s heart raced into action. “Everyone stay here. Naya, lock the door. Wheeler, take the baby into my office.”

  They moved swiftly, and Austin jogged to the front door. While the war had ended, they remained on alert. Not that a rogue would come knocking on the front door, but this wasn’t an ideal time for unexpected visitors to stop by.

  Austin peered through the window at a familiar face and opened the door. “Axel.”

  The Packmaster tapped his black boot against the doorjamb. “I thought we could talk a minute before I head back home.”

  Axel moved inside, and Austin peered onto the porch before closing the door. The motorcycles lined up along the driveway were only half the number that had originally come.

  “I’m sorry for your loss,” Austin said, offering him a seat.

  Axel waved his hand and drew a deep breath through his nose. “We knew the risks coming in, and everyone accepted them. It’ll be a tough adjustment, but we’ve transported the bodies ahead of us for a proper burial on our land. In my eyes, it was worth the loss. They didn’t die for nothing. There was a good chance if we took down the leader we could nip this thing in the bud before they moved on to another state. I’m just glad we got it under control. There isn’t enough room in the Breed jails for all the men caught statewide, but those who weren’t locked up are now on a watch list, and they’re sharing that list with all the Packmasters.”

  Austin nodded. “I heard.”

  Axel stroked his goatee and made Austin uncomfortable with his pensive stare. “If you’re anything like me, I know what you’re thinking. Let me put your mind at ease and tell you what nobody else probably has: you made the right decision letting Judas live. That was a hell of a call, and not many men would have the self-control to walk away. In any other situation, I would have tied him to the back of my motorcycle by the ankles and taken him for a cross-country ride, but you have to consider the consequences when it comes to the leader of insurgent groups such as these. It wouldn’t take long before rumors would circulate about how he died a great and noble death. They’d embellish the truth with stories about how he fought against fifty men who refused to let him challenge the Packmaster. Bullshit like that always comes about when someone else wants to fill his shoes.” Axel clapped Austin on the shoulder and gave him a short smile. “I hear he’s already selling people out in an attempt to win his freedom. The rogues are going to live in shame for following such a weak man.”

  Austin knew he was right, but the decision had plagued his thoughts. “I don’t think the higher authority will ever set him free, but I still put in a request.”

  Axel’s brows pinched together. “What kind of request?”

  “The Councilmen extended their gratitude for my helping to organize the packs in the territory, and they put in a word for me with a few representatives on the panel. They’re not seeking the death penalty, but if by some chance that’s the decision they come to, then I want to be the one to deliver his sentence.”

  “Taking his hand wasn’t enough?”

  “If he ever escapes, that’ll be on my conscience.”

  Axel shifted his stance and lowered his voice. “If that ever happens, you’ll have the biggest manhunt in history. I’ll tell you what. If down the road you decide that’s what you really want, give me a call. I have a few inside connections. Let’s keep that between you and me.” He moved toward the door and then turned halfway. “Congratulations on the new arrival. And, well… hell. I don’t know what to say about your mate.”

  Austin nodded appreciatively. Packmasters like Axel weren’t easy to come by, and it was good to know he had an alliance out of state.

  Axel held the doorknob and hesitated. “Maybe that’s why I’m willing to extend more help than I should, given my losses. Shooting a pregnant woman is the kind of thing that’ll never sit right with me. Not ever.”

  “I owe you. Anytime you need something, give me a ring,” Austin said.

  “I appreciate that, Cole. Take care, and let’s keep in touch.” He moved out the door and then snapped his fingers, turning back around. “Almost forgot. Does this thing belong to you? One of my men scooped it up off the main road and said it was the same one he’d seen over here when your panther was putting on a show.”

  Austin peered around the corner at Spartacus, who was curled up in one of the chairs on the porch.

  “I thought the damn thing was dead until it looked at me.” Axel shivered and then headed down the steps. “Take care now.”

  Austin waved and watched him head back to his bike.

  “Everything okay?” Reno asked from behind.

  “Yeah. Wheeler can come out now, and tell Naya her cat’s on the front porch. She might want to have the Relic take a look at him.”

  Reno’s lips twitched as he moved out the door. “Well, I’ll be damned.” He lifted the cat into his arms and actually kissed him on the head. “He looks like he just needs some food in his belly. I’ve got a big can of tuna with your name all over it.”

  Austin shut the door and watched in amazement as Reno took the cat to the kitche
n, cooing and rubbing his head. Clearly he’d missed out on something.

  Wheeler emerged from the hallway, cradling the baby, who was suckling on his finger. “I think he likes me.”

  “Get your finger out of his mouth. You don’t know where that damn thing’s been.”

  Wheeler narrowed his eyes. “I know exactly where my finger’s been. He must taste the beef jerky.”

  “He thinks your finger’s a tit. Now, unless you plan on shooting milk from your fingers, I suggest you hand him over.”

  Wheeler popped his finger out and looked down at the baby. “Well, that was awkward. Remind me not to tell you this story when you get older.” He handed him over to Austin and smirked darkly. “I think I might want one of those someday.”

  The back door slammed and both men turned, listening to Naya’s squeals of delight. “Oh, my little baby boy! Where have you been? Mama missed you so much.”

  Wheeler nodded at the baby. “At least you can put one of those in a cradle. Guess who’ll be shedding on our faces tonight.”

  He swaggered toward the kitchen, but Austin didn’t miss the glint of happiness in his eyes. Wheeler lived in a state of denial, but everyone noticed the affection he had for that cat.

  Austin smiled at his son. “So, what do you think of your Uncle Wheeler?”

  He let out a fart.

  “That’s my boy.”

  “Austin! Austin!” His mother barreled down the stairs and stopped midway, out of breath, eyes wide. “It’s Lexi.”

  His heart clenched, and he held his son just a little bit tighter. “What’s wrong?”

  “She’s… she’s waking up.”

  ***

  When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was Katharine folding laundry. Not my laundry, but little outfits.

  Baby outfits.

  The silence in the room sent chills down my body.

  Disoriented, I blinked away the sunlight that was streaming through the side window. The last I remembered, it was night. I touched my shoulder and didn’t feel an open wound, only puckered flesh.

  Even more disconcerting was that I was lying naked on the bed, without covers. God. How many people had walked in on me like this? It seemed such a silly thing to dwell on, but I closed my eyes and tried to recall my last memory. I remembered pain, and then a feeling of love came over me. After that, I only remembered darkness and occasional voices, but it seemed more dreamlike than a memory.

  Katharine’s footsteps neared the door. “Relic, she shifted back and…”

  I pried my eyes open and looked up at her.

  “Lexi?” She gripped the knob with the door halfway open, disbelief in her voice. “Lexi?” she repeated. “I must be seeing things.”

  I turned my head and looked over my right shoulder.

  “Austin!” She flew out the door, leaving it ajar…

  With my legs curled up and ass facing the hall. Great. I reached behind me for anything and gripped the sheet, pulling it over me. I managed to cover my right breast and hip, but I still couldn’t be sure how much of my derriere was poking out.

  Footfalls trampled through the house and shook the floorboards until Austin appeared in the doorway, looking devastatingly handsome.

  He crawled up the bed and pulled me into his arms.

  “You came back to me,” he whispered in my hair.

  I drew in a deep breath and smelled the soap on his skin, shampoo in his hair, detergent on his shirt, and a musky scent that told me he’d been outside in the sun recently.

  His kisses moved from my temple to my mouth, his strong arm still supporting my lower back. “How are you feeling?”

  “Dirty,” I croaked.

  He chuckled. “Yeah. You’re going to be just fine.”

  Edward moved in and shone a light in my eyes before listening to my heart. “Any pain?”

  I thought about it and leaned back. “Not that I can tell. Just sore and stiff. It feels like a pulled muscle in my shoulder. Do I need to shift again?”

  “Too late now.”

  I looked between him and Austin. “What do you mean by too late?”

  Austin penetrated me with his stare. “Do you know how long you’ve been asleep?”

  My shoulders sagged when I realized I must have been unconscious for a long time. I hoped it wasn’t years, but if that was the case, then I would have to yell at Austin for not buying a new wardrobe. “How many days?”

  He swept a lock of hair away from my eyes, still holding one of my arms as if I might fall. “Two. Well, technically this is the third day.”

  Suddenly I couldn’t breathe when I saw an empty cradle, and the pieces began falling together. “Where’s the baby? Where’s my baby?” I gripped his arms, my nails digging in. “Please tell me—”

  “He’s all right. Everything’s all right,” Austin assured me.

  When Katharine approached the bed with a bundle in her arms, I reached out and realized I would always be a broken puzzle with a missing piece if I didn’t have my child. The moment I felt his weight, his warmth, his strong arms and legs, I pulled him close to my chest and kissed his nose. Austin scooted to my left and let me lean against him.

  “There’s my handsome man,” I whispered, tears in my eyes. “I missed you… and I’m so sorry for leaving. I didn’t mean to. I’ll never leave you again. Gosh, look at him, Austin. He’s so beautiful.” I smoothed my fingers across his chubby cheeks as he yawned and went back to sleep. “I can’t thank you enough for taking care of him, Katharine.”

  A laugh bubbled out, and she patted my shoulder. “You can thank Austin for that. All I did was fold laundry and change sheets.”

  I swung my eyes toward Austin. “You took care of him?”

  “Did you ever doubt?”

  “Wait. Are we talking about the same man who vacates a room when a baby is crying or a diaper is dirty?”

  He frowned, and a tiny crease appeared between his brows. “Those damn things aren’t easy to put on.”

  “See? What did I tell you?” I kissed my baby and placed him on my lap. “You have the best daddy in the world.”

  “Are you okay?” Austin asked, eyes brimming with concern.

  “It just tires me to hold him too long. My shoulder’s sore, and I have a migraine.”

  Edward handed me a bottle of water. “You’re probably dehydrated. I couldn’t run a saline drip in you because it could damage your vein if you shifted. We just gave your wolf small but frequent sips.”

  I drank several mouthfuls, and water dribbled down my chin. It felt like ice going into my empty stomach, and I slowed, afraid I might get sick.

  “I’d like to run a line now, if that’s okay,” he said. “I brought my equipment, and we’ll also give you a round of magnesium and potassium.”

  I nodded. “Sure. But can you give us a minute alone?”

  Edward inclined his head. “As you wish.”

  Austin urged me to drink more water, but I declined. I was about to get an intravenous bag of it, so I didn’t see a point in increasing my bathroom trips. He propped several pillows behind my back and then sat near my legs.

  I looked down and smiled when our little boy opened his eyes.

  “What should we name him?” I asked, holding his little hand.

  Austin tickled his chin. “I’ve already given him a name.”

  “Oh really? You didn’t think I might want to be consulted?”

  Austin reached around his neck and removed his medallion. “This is the last day I’ll ever wear this.” He placed it over the baby’s head.

  “Isn’t that a choking hazard?”

  Austin smiled and brushed his fingers over the round heirloom. “He’ll grow into it. I can always make it a belt buckle.”

  I chuckled and let the little guy grip my fingers with his tiny hand. “What was the name you had in mind?”

  Austin leaned closer and winked. “Not just had in mind, Ladybug. His name isn’t up for discussion. I’d like you to meet Travis Cole
.”

  “Travis,” I said, letting the name play on my tongue. “I actually like it.”

  He cocked his head to the side. “You seem surprised.”

  “Well, it’s such an ordinary name. No offense, but your family is a little kooky with baby names. First your parents with all the cities, and then Jericho and all his musical names.”

  “My parents said a name should mean something. Travis is special.”

  I could hardly take my eyes off Travis.

  My Travis. The more I looked at him, the more I could see into his future. Horseshoes in the yard with Uncle Reno, summers at the lake with Uncle Denver and Aunt Maizy, ice cream cones and bubbles, girlfriends and first kisses, leading his own pack and giving me grandchildren.

  “What’s special about the name?” I asked.

  Austin held my hand in his. “I named him after the lake where I fell in love with you.”

  I smiled and kissed him softly. “I love you, Austin Cole. And I’m so glad we didn’t go to Lady Bird that night.”

  He nibbled my lip playfully and scooped Travis up in his arms. I watched as he placed him in the cradle and pulled the curtains closed.

  “Austin, what if we have more kids? You only fell in love with me once.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong, Ladybug.” He checked Travis one more time before turning around. “The lake is where I first fell in love with you, but it’s not the last time. I have names picked out for every place where we share a special memory.”

  I smirked. “I hope we can automatically rule out Schlitterbahn then. What about his middle name?”

  Austin shrugged. “We don’t need middle names unless you want one.”

  I lay back down on my left side, pulling the sheet all the way over me. As much as I’d been sleeping, I still felt tired.

  “What were you thinking?” Austin asked, winding up a musical toy.

  When it began playing a familiar tune—our tune—I wept. Just a little, but enough that Austin noticed.

  He sat on the edge of the bed. “What’s the matter?”