by Jen L. Grey
"If I had a filter and wasn't persistent, Elena wouldn't be here now." She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "So, you're welcome."
"Uh … You take your own luggage to your room?" Louis seemed more stuck on that then the scolding I gave him.
"It must be hard for you to lift something so heavy." Ella pouted toward him. "Maybe you should hit the gym. It might do you some good."
In all fairness, Louis was damn attractive. She had to be trying to push his buttons.
"I'm so flattered by your concern about my well-being." His gray eyes lingered on her body. "Maybe when we get back, we can take a dip in the pool together. You can tell me what parts you don't like."
Ella turned a shade of pink and stood there silent.
“What’s wrong?” Louis winked at her and took a step forward. “Afraid you might like what you see?”
Your sister has a thing for Louis. I hadn't noticed it before since I'd been meeting with some of the politicians to get caught up on what was going on in the shifter world.
"Okay, I think it's time to get moving." Mason jerked his gaze from his sister and turned toward me. Yeah, she does. I just hope she doesn’t end up with a broken heart.
"Mona and Kassie have secured the plane and are on their way back to pick you all up." Tommy glanced at his watch. “They'll be here in twenty minutes.”
I'd honestly hoped that we could leave earlier, but it wasn't working out that way. "Okay, let me show you to your room, and you can get settled for a short time if you'd like."
"Yes, that would be nice." Teague nodded and picked up his luggage.
"The bedrooms are upstairs." I turned to the stairs and began walking up.
"I'm going to hang out in the den," Ella called as I was halfway up the stairs.
"Make sure you're not late," Mason grumbled, following after me.
It wasn't long before the three of us were walking down the long hallway. Apparently, Louis must have decided to keep Ella company. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it.
"This second room on the right is where you'll stay." I had purposefully put him in this room and Louis in the room the second door on the left. Mona and Kassie stayed in the first two rooms. I needed them close to our little visitors. I didn't trust them completely.
Mason opened the door and waved the healer in. "Here you go."
"Take some time to get settled, and we'll see you downstairs in about fifteen minutes." I didn't want to hover over him awkwardly.
"Thank you. I promise not to be long." He bowed his head and closed the door.
What do you think of him? Mason took my hand and intertwined our fingers.
I'm not sure. He was the one person I could be completely honest with. It almost feels like everyone is playing a game. Being honest and straightforward has gone out the window. I'm not sure if I'm cut out for this role.
You are doing better than you realize. Mason pulled me into his chest and wrapped his arms around my waist. In no time, you already have the healer here who can save my mother. If that doesn't prove something, nothing else does.
She's family. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his lips. Of course, she's my top priority. Family was the most important thing in the world to me.
I felt like I couldn’t breathe without his touch at the moment, something I felt more powerfully the more time we spent together. He deepened our kiss, and I stroked his lips with my tongue.
If we weren't leaving in fifteen minutes to save your mom's life, I'd be taking you to our bedroom. The word ‘our’ still shot a thrill through me.
Not up for a quickie? I pressed my body against his, needing him. He’d been my rock and continued proving that fate knew what it was doing. And, he was strong and loyal.
Hell, yeah, I am. He hoisted me in the air, and I wrapped my legs around his waist, enjoying the feel of his bulge against my core.
He rushed down the hall and entered our room, slamming the door behind him.
As he lay me on the bed, he kissed down my neck, taking my breath away. With our lives so busy, especially right now, we didn’t get moments like these often.
My hands crawled up his shirt, feeling his lean muscular body -- making me even more desperate for his touch. I grabbed the bottom of his shirt, working to tug it off. He pulled back from me and yanked it over his head.
He growled. “Your turn.” He took hold of the edge of my shirt and pulled it from my body. I’m one lucky man. I love you so much. As he kissed his way down my body, he removed my jeans, and his lips lingered on my lower belly, right below my bellybutton. “You know, a dress would make this easier.”
“Not happening.” Unable to resist him much longer, I reached down to unbutton his jeans, letting them fall down his body. As I touched him, he groaned.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, but right now I didn’t give a damn. I pushed him back onto the bed and climbed on top of him, enjoying the feel of him inside me. It didn’t take us long before we began moving in sync as his mouth worshipped every part of my chest. Even though we were in a rush, we both needed this moment. To connect once again as mates. As we both climaxed, I moaned and fell against his body.
That was amazing. He kissed my lips and pulled me closer in a gentle embrace.
I love you. I kissed his lips and rolled off of him.
My phone buzzed again.
I picked up my clothes from the floor and got dressed. Mason was soon up and doing the same thing. They were probably downstairs, waiting on us.
Once situated, I removed the phone from my pocket and took in a deep breath. There were two texts from Mona.
Hey - We’re here and ready when you are. Love ya.
Where are you? We’re all waiting for you two at the elevator.
This was one thing that bothered me. Ever since I became Queen, my guardians appeared to have taken a step back. It hurt.
Mason glanced at the text message and then at my face. You do realize they love you very much.
Yeah, but it's like they've become so distant since I became Queen. I didn't like it. Hell, I didn't even want them to work, but they had insisted on it. I wanted to take care of them like they had done for me the past twelve years. Even though I begrudgingly understood their point, I had to figure out a way to remove this distance between us.
I think we're all getting acclimated to our new life. He tugged me toward the stairs once more and squeezed my hand. Just give it a little time. It'll probably help when we're out of this place.
I wasn't sure whether he meant New York City or the house itself, but either way I agreed with him. I'd gotten spoiled, living in a cozy, warm house. This place was so modern, and there wasn't a touch of a homey feel anywhere. Even when we stepped outside, everyone was always in a rush. It truly was “The City That Never Sleeps.”
Once we reached the foyer again, I couldn't help the huge grin that spread across my face. "Well, hello there, stranger."
Mona turned toward me and rolled her eyes. "Still one for the dramatics, are we?"
"Some things never change." It was as if they didn't realize I was the same girl from a month ago.
"Do you guys need any help with anything?" That was one thing that I loved about Mason. When it came to the ones he cared about, he was a gentleman. Not so much when it concerned anyone outside our circle whom he deemed a threat.
"Nope, Tommy already took down your small bag." Mona tilted her head to the right, which made a loud popping sound, and then back to the left.
"I told him not to do that." Just because I was Queen didn't mean I was helpless.
"You do realize our job is to protect and help you, right?" Mona arched an eyebrow at me.
"But I'm not helpless." That's the way I was beginning to feel.
"We don't think that, but it's important for us to do our job." Mona gave me a small smile.
"Boom." Ella pretended to drop a mic. "You hussies thought I'd be late. Yet you two are and with messy hair and wrinkled clothes. Hmm, wonder what you two
were up to?"
"First off, I'm not a hussy." Mason frowned in her direction. “And secondly, none of your damn business.”
"Oh damn, Elena." Ella snorted. "He doesn't care if you're one."
"What's this word ‘hussy’?" Louis's forehead creased while his European accent became strong.
"It's just slang here." Ella waved him on with a grin. "It means beautiful lady."
“Then both you and Elena are major hussies.” Louis smiled as if he was proud of himself.
"No, Louis. It doesn’t mean ‘beautiful lady.’" Mason rolled his eyes and cringed. "Are we sure she has to come?"
"She’s my mom too." Ella placed a hand on her hip. "So, yeah, I do."
"Of course, she’s coming." Even though they bickered, they loved each other dearly. "She's my girl."
She then pointed at Louis. “And it does. He just doesn’t like you calling us that since you’re a foreigner and all.”
“What? No.” Mason’s mouth dropped in surprise. I thought I may even have to close it for him.
"See.” She arched her eyebrow at Louis. “Sisters before misters." Ella wrapped her arm around me and bumped her hip into mine. "I found her first, so she’s mine."
"She's not a fire hydrant," Mason growled. "You can't just pee on her and claim her."
"Wanna bet?" Ella raised her eyebrows and lifted her chin. "I'm not above it."
"There will be no peeing." For some reason, I could totally see Ella doing it. "Seriously."
"Americans pee on each other?" Louis's mouth dropped open again. "In human form?"
"Yeah, we call it a golden shower." Ella mashed her lips together. "That's what hussies go for."
Before I could correct her, Teague appeared with a small black bag hanging from his shoulders. "You said we're staying there for one night, right?"
"We are, but if you’d rather come back here tonight, I'm sure we can arrange it." I didn't want to make Teague or Louis do anything they may feel uncomfortable with. After all, they were my guests.
"No, I'm perfectly fine staying there." He nodded his head and stopped when he took the last step. "I'm here for a few days, so I'll still have time to come back and visit after we're done."
"Then, let's go." I walked over to the elevator and pushed the down arrow. I hated getting into the elevator, but that's how the house was built.
The doors opened, and the six of us climbed in.
Mona pressed the button for the ground floor, and soon the doors shut, and we were descending to the garage.
As we loaded onto the plane, I found myself still unable to get over the fact that this was mine. Even though my uncle had spent a lot of money, there was still plenty left. It felt, to me, like a crime to be this well off. But I was beginning to understand why luxuries like this one were important.
There was a lot more space in this airplane with one leather seat on each side of the aisle. A couch was even placed in the middle of the cabin, along the wall.
I chose to sit on the couch where I thought the television might distract me. I needed all the help I could get after I freaked out on the last flight. Yes, we were shifters and durable, but that didn't mean we were bullet and crash-proof.
Are you already stressing? Mason's concerned voice entered my mind as he sat next to me, placing his arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his side.
Still not used to flying, but I’d better get a handle on it. I won't be able to meet all the packs otherwise. I leaned into him, placing my head against his chest. The comforting sound of his beating heart and his earthy scent surrounding me made me feel safe … loved.
The flight attendant appeared and smiled. "Do you need anything before we take off?"
"I'd love some beef jerky and a beer." Ella plopped into the seat nearest me.
Beef jerky, to wolf shifters, was the equivalent of peanuts to a human.
"Anyone else?" She asked.
If I ate something now, there was no telling what my stomach may do. "No, thank you."
Finally, Mona and Kassie boarded and shut the plane’s door.
I had to force myself to take deep breaths. I wasn't quite sure, but something in my gut felt off. I didn’t know what it meant and hoped I was only being paranoid. I guess, in time, we'll see.
Chapter Four
We arrived back in South Carolina within three hours. Traveling fast was one nice thing about taking a private flight; no connecting flight or layover.
Within minutes, we were on our way to James's pack. The eerie feeling inside of me seemed to strengthen the closer we got to home. For better or worse, this place felt like home, and that was why I’d paid off the house that I essentially grew up in. It was one place where I had pleasant memories, and I couldn't part from it.
"Wow. This place is quaint." Louis sat in the back of the Suburban and had his face pressed against the window. "I love it."
"It's a college town." I looked over my shoulder at him, Ella, and the healer. "It's got a very small-town vibe, which I love."
"It's drastically different from New York." Louis nodded.
"If NYC had a forest attached to it, something larger than Central Park, it wouldn't be bad at all." Ella was squished between both large men in the back. "It'd be like having the best of everything."
"Maybe." Mason tilted his head slightly. "There is something about all the cement though. It's a little unsettling."
"NYC isn't made for earthy supernaturals." Kassie was driving as usual, and her eyes flicked to the rearview mirror. "That's why we are there."
"That doesn't sound right." You'd think we would want to be based in more of a nature setting instead of a place so urban.
"But it does." Mona turned in her seat. "The royal family's job is to keep the balance over each race. Of course, each race has its own leaders. Except wolves had taken the role of protecting their own and protecting the balance between the others. Demons, vampires, and the list could keep going. They all enjoy the city because of how many human residents live there. That's why we're there, to ensure those types of attacks don't experience a surge."
"But they are surging." Mason frowned and settled back in his seat.
"Only because that douche, Darren didn't give a shit." Kassie's hands clutched the steering wheel, causing her knuckles to turn a shade whiter. "He made deals to further his own personal gain and ignored everything else."
No wonder some races were particularly unhappy with the change. I had to right the wrongs of my uncle. I had a feeling it could take a lifetime to set it all right again.
"It's a very good thing you have an alpha mate." Mona turned to stare into Mason's eyes. "She's going to need everyone close to her to stand beside her."
What is that all about? That was oddly direct.
She thinks I need to have a more defined presence next to you. I'll tell you more later. He took in a deep breath. "Maybe, but everyone should still respect the queen the most."
Honestly, I had felt the same way. He was trying to stand quietly beside me.
Mona arched an eyebrow and huffed. "But, that doesn't mean you should push everything off on her."
"I'm missing a big something here." Ella's eyes landed on Mason and then Mona. "What the hell have I missed?"
"Nothing that concerns you." Mason's growl almost made his words incoherent.
Obviously, I'd missed something big too. So yeah, queenship is going great. Let's talk after your mom sees the healer.
It's really nothing. Mason reached over and touched my arm.
Right now, we didn't need Louis and Teague seeing us fracturing, so I nodded my head. This isn't over.
Mason blew out a breath.
We turned onto the road that led us to James's pack. We were getting close. I feared we might be too late. Have you heard from your dad?
Not very often. He's been busy dealing with pack stuff, keeping an eye out for the vampires, and worried about mom. But if she took a turn for the worse, he would’ve called.
&n
bsp; Well, at least there was that. We’re going with ‘no news is good news.’
We pulled into the subdivision, and the familiar craftsman style homes were a sight for sore eyes. James's neighborhood was newer and removed from the main roads. All of the houses backed up to the woods.
Kassie turned to the right, heading straight for James's home.
It wasn't long before we were all clambering out of the Suburban.
The front door opened, and James, a man who was slightly shorter than Mason with short dark hair, stepped from the house. At first glance, he still looked the same as last time. The dark circles under his eyes could be seen from a distance though. It made his brown eyes appear a little sunken in.
"You guys are here." James smiled and hurried over, immediately pulling Ella into a huge hug. "I've missed you all." He released her to throw his arms over Mason's shoulders.
"We got here as fast as we could." I'd hoped to get here well before she got any worse, but at least we were here now.
Apparently, I wasn't getting left out from his love.
"Oh, I know." He pulled me in tight against his chest, crushing me with his arms. "I'm so damn lucky to have the three of you as part of my family."
He pulled back and then glanced at Mona and Kassie. "It's great seeing you two ladies again."
"Same here," Mona spoke first. Kassie had a way of being awkward when it came to pleasantries like that, which was partly why they worked so well together.
His eyes darted over to Louis and Teague.
"I guess you'd be the healer." James stuck his hand out to the prince.
"Uh ... no." Louis laughed but shook his hand anyway. "I'm Prince Louis from Europe."
"Oh ..." James's mouth dropped open a little. "So you're the healer?"
"Yes, I am." Teague gave him a small smile. "And I'd love to get started if possible."
"Of course." James cleared his throat and nodded. "Please, follow me."
Our small group headed toward the house when Kassie took my hand.
Mason paused, waiting for me.
Go on. He hadn’t seen his mom in several weeks. He should go to her now. I’ll catch up.