by Lynn Hagen
“Are you sure you’re okay with all this?” Doubt crept into Jude’s eyes. Reese didn’t blame his mate. If roles were reversed, he would be uncertain, too.
He kissed Jude’s temple and inhaled deep drafts of his scent. “Like I said, we’ll work this out.”
Jude rested his head against Reese’s chest, and it felt right, good, to hold his mate in his arms.
“I’m gonna have to leave for a bit,” Reese said. “I need to find covering for the windows.”
For now black trash bags would do for his bedroom, but hell if Reese was putting them up throughout his house. Plus, Reese needed some fresh air, time to absorb everything, time to put his hatred aside and give Jude the life he deserved.
* * * *
After the phone call from Maverick Brac, Grayson agreed they needed a nonhuman doctor in Maple Grove. It had been something that had already been on the back burner, but now Grayson needed to locate someone since Jude Pearson was pregnant.
Grayson still couldn’t believe a guy was pregnant, but he’d stopped being shocked by things since mating Moose.
“Hey, handsome,” Moose said as he strode into Grayson’s office. “Ready for lunch?”
Grayson got up and closed the door behind his mate. Moose grinned, as if he thought they were about to fool around. That wasn’t uncommon with them, since Grayson found it hard to keep his hands off his gentle giant.
He told Moose about his phone call. “We need a preternatural doctor in Maple Grove.”
Doctor Cormack was a great guy, but telling the older man about the world right under his nose might give him a heart attack. Besides, they needed someone who knew how to treat nonhumans.
Moose slid his arms around Grayson and began to kiss him down his neck. “I might know a guy. In my travels working black ops, I came across a lot of people.”
Grayson rolled his eyes as he gave in to Moose’s advances. It was hard to concentrate with Moose’s expert lips assaulting him. “Can you give that person a call?”
“Mmm.” Moose nipped Grayson’s earlobe. “Anything for you.”
Grayson slapped Moose’s arm. “Stop fogging my brain. We need a doctor here. Jude Pearson is pregnant.”
Moose pulled back and stared at Grayson. “No shit. Our resident vampire is knocked up? By who?”
“From what I’ve been told, Reese Baas.”
“The cook at the tavern?”
“Reese was seen carrying a blanket out when Jude’s house was on fire,” Grayson said. “I’m assuming Jude was in that blanket. Which, by the way, I have to stop at Reese’s so I can talk to Jude about the fire. The report says it was intentionally set and an accelerant was used.”
Moose furrowed his brows. “Someone wants Jude dead? Didn’t he have enough of that when James Marvell tried to kill him and then that crazy vampire held him hostage for two weeks?”
“It doesn’t seem like the guy is catching much of a break.”
“I’ll go talk to them,” Moose said. “And I’ll make that phone call on my way over there.”
Grayson grinned, gripping Moose’s denim-covered cock. “But first we have lunch, remember?”
Moose chuckled. “I like the way you think.”
Chapter Five
Jude paced the bedroom, counting down the time until full dark. Now that he didn’t have a job to go to—because two weeks of no-call, no-show had gotten him fired—he had plenty of time on his hands. Not that he blamed his job for canning him.
He just wanted to get out of the house, to breathe fresh air, to walk through town and work through the fact that he was pregnant.
A baby. Jude wanted to pass out. What did he know about raising a child? Not a damn thing. He was scared out of his mind and thankful Reese would be in this with him.
His stomach turned when he thought about what Reese had told him. A vampire had killed his younger brother. Jude wished he knew which vampire had done it so he could rip the bastard’s throat out.
He looked up when a knock sounded at the door. Jude moved behind the door as it opened to avoid the sunlight. His eyes widened when not only Reese entered but Moose, as well. The guy who had tried to pin a string of murders on him. Moose was also the same guy who had saved Jude’s life when the real murderer had tried to kill him.
“What is he doing here?” Jude asked as soon as Moose closed the bedroom door. The guy was huge, and had intimidated Jude when they’d first met, but Jude had concealed his fear that night.
“I came to talk to you about the fire.” Moose looked around the room. Reese’s bedroom was a nice size, but with the giant standing there, it felt more like a broom closet.
“We already know it was deliberately set,” Reese said.
Jude winced. He really wished his mate hadn’t volunteered that information. He didn’t want Moose involved any further in his life. Jude also didn’t want anyone to know that someone was after him. That would lead to questions and the truth might be exposed.
That Merk was his uncle.
Moose looked at Jude. “Do you know anyone who wants you dead?”
“Shouldn’t you be asking if I set the fire?” Jude snapped. “After all, that’s what you do, isn’t it? Accuse people of heinous crimes? Just because I was on Chris Fisher’s blackmail list doesn’t mean I killed him.”
“We already know who killed those people,” Moose said. “And damn, hold a grudge much?”
“What are you two talking about?” Reese asked.
“Do you recall that string of murders last year?” Jude asked. He chucked his thumb at Moose. “He basically accused me of being the murderer because I’m a vampire. It seems vampires get no love in this town.”
“That’s not fair,” Moose and Reese said at the same time.
Jude wasn’t sure why he was feeling so testy. He knew it wasn’t fair to say that. Moose had only been doing his job and trying to eliminate all possibilities. And Reese had already told Jude why he’d acted the way he did. Jude couldn’t blame his mate for how he felt.
But that didn’t stop Jude’s temper from rising. Someone had tried to kill him, to burn him alive, and that fear made him pissy.
“Hormones?” Moose asked.
How was Jude supposed to know? Like he’d been pregnant before and knew what to expect. He just knew he was being irrational and couldn’t stop himself.
“To hell with you,” he snapped at Moose.
“Whoa.” Reese held up his hands then pulled Jude into his arms. “Let’s just stick to why Moose is here.”
“One,” Moose said, “is that I came to tell you I might be able to bring a doctor here who specializes in nonhumans. Two, I deserve to know if we have trouble in town so I can help my mate nip this shit before it escalates any further.”
Jude decided to give Moose most of the truth. “My coven is pissed that I killed Merk. I think the fire was retaliation.”
Moose took out a notepad and pen and scribbled in it. “What’s this coven leader’s name?”
“Why?” Jude asked. “It isn’t as though you have proof. And besides, he wouldn’t be the one to come after me. He’d send one of his goons.”
Jude wouldn’t be shocked if it was his own mother who had tried to kill him. She was evil enough and upset enough to take matters into her own hands.
“Look, I’m just trying to help,” Moose argued. “If you’re in some kind of trouble, I want to help.”
For reasons Jude couldn’t understand, he burst out crying. He shoved his face into Reese’s chest as his mate ran a hand down his back.
“Why don’t you come back later?” Reese asked. “Clearly this isn’t a good time.”
Jude felt like a complete pussy for crying like a baby. He hardly ever cried. The last time was when his father had died. The loss had devastated Jude. Whereas his mother was wholly evil, his father had been gentle and understanding. He’d always been on Jude’s side, and Jude missed his father so damn much.
That was another reason Jude hated Ingmar. J
ude had left his coven, and his father had followed to help him get settled. Ingmar had seen that as a betrayal and had dispatched men to teach his father a lesson. Jude’s dad had been killed by those men.
And he suspected his mother hadn't known that tidbit of information, or she might have killed Ingmar. Since the bastard was still breathing, clearly the coven leader had fed her some bullshit story.
That was why he knew in his gut that Ingmar had sent someone after him. The guy was ruthless and lacked a damn soul. Still, Jude had no proof who had set the fire, so there was no use giving any names.
Moose looked sympathetically at Jude. “Give me a call if you can think of anyone who wants to hurt you. You have a baby to consider, and keeping the cub safe is my number-one priority right now.”
“Calf,” Reese corrected. “A baby rhino is called a calf.”
Moose grinned. “I stand corrected.”
Jude hadn’t known that, either. He would give birth to a calf? That made him sound like a damn cow. The thought had him laughing, which made him sound like a complete loon.
Reese chuckled. “What’s so funny?”
“I think I’m losing my mind.”
Moose grinned. “I’m gonna get going. Let me know if you need anything.”
Reese shielded Jude when Moose opened the door and walked out. Jude took that moment to cuddle in his mate’s arms, something he desperately needed.
“Feeling better?”
Jude shrugged. “I have no idea why I acted that way.”
Reese hugged him. “You act any way you want, sweetheart.”
Jude just prayed it wasn’t like that for the next few months. He hated having no control over his emotions.
The comfort of Reese’s arms turned into something more. His mate slid his hands down Jude’s back until he was cupping Jude’s ass. Now this was a great way to pass time.
Jude jumped up, and Reese caught him as Jude curled his legs around his mate’s waist.
“Your mood swings are going to drive me insane.” Reese kissed along Jude’s jaw. “But I like this one best.”
“What man wouldn’t?” Jude bounced his brows. He really was losing it. He’d gone from angry, to crying, to laughing, and now horny. What next, homicidal? Okay, that wasn’t funny, but Jude’s emotions felt all over the place.
With a deep growl, Reese spun and deposited Jude on the bed. He stripped Jude naked in no time flat. Reese might have issues he needed to deal with, but sex didn’t seem to be a problem. He saw how hard his mate was through his jeans.
“Let me help you with that.” Jude got to his knees and unfastened Reese’s pants, freeing his hard and long cock. Unable to resist, he swallowed Reese’s erection down his throat. His mate hissed as Jude used the flat of his tongue to run the length then suckled the head while palming Reese’s balls.
“Shit.” Reese grabbed a fistful of Jude’s hair as he fucked his mouth, and pre-cum leaked onto Jude’s tongue. The taste spurred him on. Jude stroked Reese’s length, paying close attention to the head, and massaging his mate’s nuts.
It was a combination that had Reese crying out Jude’s name as his seed spilled down Jude’s throat.
Reese shuddered then withdrew his softening cock. He looked down at Jude with lust gleaming in his eyes. Jude backed up, unsure what Reese wanted to do.
He got his answer seconds later when Reese swallowed Jude’s cock down his throat. “Oh god!”
Jude bucked his hips and grabbed the bedding, punching his hips upward and watching as his cock slid in and out of Reese’s mouth. Then he watched as Reese wet a finger. Jude knew exactly what his mate planned. He inched his finger into Jude’s ass, still working his dick with his magical talents. The buildup came fast, making Jude shout as pleasure assailed him. He lay there blinking, trying to make his brain reboot when Reese crawled up his body, licking his lips.
His mate tilted his head, showing his throat, and Jude didn’t hesitate this time. He sank his fangs into his mate’s soft flesh, groaning as the blood splashed to the back of his throat. Jude drank his fill as Reese petted him, his hand stilling on Jude’s hip.
When he had his fill, Jude licked the wound closed and sighed. “Now that’s the way to spend an afternoon.”
Reese grinned as he settled beside Jude. “It wasn’t that bad.”
He wasn’t sure if Reese was talking about what they’d just done or the feeding. He slapped Reese’s arm. “Not that bad?”
Reese chuckled then sobered. “I was talking about the feeding, not the wonderful blowjob you just gave me.”
Jude was glad to hear that. He didn’t want Reese inwardly freaking out every time he needed to feed. In truth, Jude was surprised he hadn’t been shyer about taking what he needed. It seemed he was getting more and more comfortable around his mate.
“Don’t you have some shopping to do?” Jude cuddled into Reese, enjoying his masculine scent and the feel of his hard, yet soft body. He loved all the muscles Reese had and how they wrapped around him, making Jude feel safe.
“Kicking me out again?”
“What? No!”
Reese placed a kiss on Jude’s naked shoulder. “Relax. I was just kidding.”
Jude tucked a pillow under his head and yawned. “Go shopping while I get some sleep. When the sun sets, I want to go out.”
“I have to work tonight.” Reese got up and dressed. “You can hang at the tavern, if the noise isn’t too much for you.”
That made Jude think of Roy. He needed to give the deputy a call. Too bad Jude’s phone had been in his house when it burned down. “I need a new cell phone.”
“I’ll pick one up while I’m out.” Reese bent and gave Jude a thorough kiss. “Aiden will be here to make sure no one tries to set fire to my house. He’s a bear shifter and a nice guy. Try not to give him any trouble.”
“Me?” Jude pressed a hand to his chest. “I’m not a troublemaker. Things just keep happening to me that I have no control over.”
Wasn’t that the truth? Jude was sick and tired of people trying to kill him. First James Marvell, then Merk, and then whoever set the fire. He felt as though he had some kind of target on his back.
“I have a landline,” Reese said. “I’ll bring the cordless phone in here in case you need to make some calls. I’ll also leave you my phone number.”
That made Jude feel better, knowing he would have access to the outside world.
As soon as Reese did all that and then left, Jude called the police station. “Hi, can I speak to Deputy Benton?”
He’d had Roy’s number but didn’t know it by heart. And since he no longer had his cell phone, Jude had to use other methods to contact him.
“One moment.” The female put Jude on hold.
It felt like forever had passed before Roy picked up. “This is Deputy Benton.”
“Hey, Roy. It’s Jude.”
“Oh my god! Are you all right? I heard about the fire, and I tried to call you, but my calls went straight to voice mail. I was so worried about you.”
That touched Jude. He didn’t know Roy cared so much. “I’m fine. I’m staying at Reese’s house.”
“The cook from the tavern?”
“The very one. I was gonna hang there tonight and wanted to know if you could join me. I don’t want to sit at a table by myself.”
“I get off duty at eight. What time did you want to meet?”
“Does nine sound good?”
“Perfect and you better not take off this time. How’re we supposed to become friends if you keep ditching me?”
Jude winced. He wasn’t about to tell Roy he’d had an anxiety attack. He didn’t want to sound like a complete wuss. “Sorry about that. I promise it won’t happen this time.”
“Okay, I’ll see you at nine.”
Roy hung up, and Jude felt better now that he had plans. But until then, he set the phone aside and forced himself to sleep.
* * * *
“Are you sure you want to go?” Reese swip
ed a wet cloth over Jude’s forehead. “I don’t think you should go.”
“I’m fine,” Jude whined after he finished puking his guts out. “Oh my god, this pregnancy is gonna kill me.”
Reese chuckled. “I doubt that, though I hate to see you going through this.”
Jude sat back on his heels and took a deep breath. He really didn’t feel like going out, but Roy had sounded so excited, and he’d told the guy he wouldn’t ditch him.
Besides, Jude wanted to have fun before he was stuck in the house because his stomach was showing. He staggered to his feet, with Reese’s help, and washed his mouth out.
“Look, I know you want to get out of the house, but the room-darkening curtains are up, and you can chill with Aiden in the living room.”
That sounded like a great plan, except Jude didn’t want to let Roy down. “I’ll only stay for an hour, okay?”
Reese didn’t look happy but nodded his agreement. “One hour and then I’m having Aiden take you home.”
The tone in his voice brooked no argument. Not that Jude would argue. He truly didn’t want to go out now that he felt a bit queasy. But Roy had sounded thrilled about their man-date. And truth be told, Jude liked having someone he could call friend. That was a rarity in his life. How could anyone make friends when they couldn’t go out during the day? So excuses would be made of why they could never meet at the coffee shop or, worse, why they never ate or drank.
That was why Jude had always kept to himself, staving off invitations from coworkers to hit the tavern after work. It made for a lonely existence. But Roy was mated to a shifter and knew of their world. Jude liked that he didn’t have to hide anything from the deputy.
But that also made him think of Aiden, the bear shifter currently sitting on the couch watching a movie with an entire box of sweets on his lap. Jude could smell the strawberry sweetness from where he stood in the bathroom and hear the canned laughter from the TV.
Jude made sure to lower his voice when he asked, “What’s Aiden’s story? Is he your roommate or something?”
That couldn’t be true because there were only two bedrooms in the house and other room would be converted into a nursery. But Aiden had been there since Jude arrived the night before.