by Tl Reeve
Goodie us. Now get your ass to work, Kalkin snarled. I like where you’re going with the proposal.
Caden smirked. Thanks.
Don’t let it go to your head. You’re still on my shit list.
Caden had hoped his brother would like the suggestion. Kalkin, hell the entire pack would protect the cubs, pups and humans who had the same gifts as his mate and her sister. Plus, both Danielle and Keeley could help them harness and control their powers.
First things, first. He had to tuck his tail between his legs and go speak to his brother. He had to lay it all out there, even the parts Kalkin picked up while holding open their connection. He’d also need his brother’s help when it came to Danielle. The walls she’d built around her were mighty, and he suspected they’d be hard to break through, especially where he’d been concerned. It would take the help of his family to get his mate back.
Caden took the steps two at time, as he arrived back at the sheriff’s department. He pulled open the heavy glass and steel doors then continued on his way to his desk—situated in the corner—another perk of being demoted. Loraine was already hard at work, typing up reports and answering the phones.
“Morning, Loraine,” he said as he pulled out his chair to sit at his file-covered desk. Hopefully with the formulation of a plan, his eye wouldn’t twitch as much. Yeah right, who are you trying to kid? There are already two reports from the Parker property on top of the stack. Shit.
Chapter Three
“Let’s go see Mrs. Martin,” Danielle said, holding her hand out to Aiden. “I bet she has some treats for you today.”
Aiden grinned up at her. “Gokie.”
“Yes,” she answered. “And, some milk.”
She’d promised to stop by Mrs. Martin’s the other day but had been so caught up in helping her sister and... Well ...seeing Royce, Jace and then Kalkin, put her in an emotional tailspin. She loved them all without compunction or restriction, nevertheless it hurt to see them and know nothing could fix the lonely path she’d been forced to walk. Nor could they fix her broken heart, even if she wanted them to.
Soon, after everyone arrived home from their shifts or early morning errands, she packed up the boys and left. Jace only stayed long enough to pack a bag. He wouldn’t be returning to the house due to the full moon. The sinking feeling of depression swirled around her the minute his not so gentle reminder took root in her brain. She tried desperately to forget about the days and cycles, but it didn’t work. The full-body ache she’d experienced periodically, less while she’d been pregnant, tripled during the last four full moons. Danielle had theories about the whys of it; however, she never told anyone. She told herself, during the worst parts of it, one day her suffering would end. She just had to endure it. Makes you stronger, right? No, it always left her weak. Broken. Used and afraid. It made her jealous. Petty and of all things, rejected.
The first time it happened, she woke up drenched. Her body had been covered in sweat. Her blankets were twisted around her legs. Her stomach cramped so hard, she thought the repairs the doctors made had come undone and she was bleeding out. Danielle’s first instincts were to call Keeley. If she’d somehow managed to tear something, at least with her sister’s help she could make the necessary fixes until she could go back to her doctor. Then, the pain abated. The quiver in her lower belly became an incessant throb behind her clit, and an overwhelming sense of arousal washed over her. In those few scant minutes, she realized what was wrong with her: Caden had left her a wanton hussy. Keeley had told her about this after she mated Kalkin. Yet, instead of finishing what he began, Caden partially mated her the night of Nicolas’ conception. Now, she’d have to live with those consequences.
The bell over the door of Mrs. Martin’s shop jingled and the spry older woman greeted them as Danielle stepped inside with her boys. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite little pack.” She winked at Danielle when Aiden rushed to the elder’s side. “What can I do for you today?”
Due to the nature of Nicolas’ birth and how horribly sick she’d been, Kalkin had taken it upon himself to have milk delivered to the hospital for Nicolas’ feedings. Danielle had allowed it at first. Unfortunately, when she’d been strong enough to care for her son and tried to nurse him, the trauma both of them suffered caused her milk to not come in, adding another tick to the growing pool of guilt slowly consuming her.
Just getting the words past her lips sometimes had been a chore. “I need more... Milk.” She bit the inside of her cheek to pull her mind away from the ache settling in her heart and focus on something else. She understood situations like this were beyond her control and she shouldn’t allow her pride to get in the way of caring for her child, but it did.
The weekly trips, if not every few days, to Mrs. Martin were mentally weighing her down. Danielle crammed all of her worthless emotional baggage into a little ball knowing full well, she was probably in the midst of a heavy dose of post-partum depression and shoved it all away. She locked it behind a mental void she’d created, so she wouldn’t worry her sister. The last thing she needed right about now was Keeley finding out she’d been struggling. Keeley had her own family to deal with, without Danielle adding to it.
Mrs. Martin cast a troubling glance in Danielle’s direction but covered it quickly with an indulging smile. “Of course, dear. He’s a hungry little wolf. He needs all the milk he can drink to make him grow up big and strong like his father.” She tussled Aiden’s curly mop of hair before disappearing behind the curtain.
“Thank you.”
“Gokie,” Aiden murmured. “Pwes?”
Mrs. Martin stopped then turned to Danielle’s son. “What happened to the box I made for you?” She made a show of placing her hands on her hips and let out an exasperated sigh.
“All gone.” He shrugged. “Rapwer ate um.”
“But those are Aiden cookies. He’s a kitty cat. He’s not supposed to eat your cookies!”
Danielle laughed slightly as Mrs. Martin took Aiden’s hand and led him behind the curtain to most assuredly grab another tin of the sugar biscuits he liked. She glanced down at the bundle in her arms. A sense of calm washed over her, and she realized it came from her son. The one who understood her better than she did. No matter how much she tried to hide everything, he seemed to be the only one who could see right through her act.
It also pissed her off. Her son shouldn’t be comforting her. She should be doing it for him. She should be his bastion of strength and hope. Nicolas whimpered while twisting in his sling. His little lip quivered. His eyes opened, and he let loose with a squall of sorrow. Danielle took a steadying breath and shoved her feelings back behind the barrier she built. She snuggled Nic closer to her.
“None of that now,” she whispered. “It’s okay, my sweet boy. Mommy’s sorry.”
“Sounds like he could use some food in his belly.” Mrs. Martin appeared behind the counter while Aiden toddled over to her with his box of cookies in his hands. “This should help you out for a couple of weeks. Remember, if you need anything, the pack is here for you. We’re all here for you.”
“Thank you.” Danielle grabbed for the cold bag and Mrs. Martin stayed her hand. “Is something wrong?”
“You can’t keep sliding into the shadows. You’re not a whisper on the wind. You’re not even a willow. You’re a reed. Hollow. You go through the day pasting a smile on your face. Laugh when appropriate. Saying thank you. Please. You’re welcome.” Mrs. Martin leaned toward her. “I see your pain. I feel it. It’s electric. A current in the water so strong it takes a person’s breath away. You’re not fooling anyone.”
“Uh...” Danielle didn’t know what to say. “Thanks.” She smiled at Aiden. “Tell Mrs. Martin thank you.”
Aiden gave her a toothy grin. “Tank ‘ous.”
“You’re very welcome, my boy.” Mrs. Martin waved at him. “Danielle, remember what I said.”
Danielle gave a curt nod. “See you in a couple of weeks.”
She c
ouldn’t get out of there quick enough. The air surrounding her became oppressive as Nicolas began to cry harder. She realized it was because the black mass of negative emotions seeped through the wall like an oily sludge. The quicker she tried to re-enforce the construct, the more holes appeared. She needed to get home. She couldn’t fall apart out in public. She couldn’t let anyone see how much Caden’s betrayal hurt her.
“Mama?” Aiden blinked at her as she lifted him into his car seat. “Ou ‘kay?”
She swallowed hard and took a second, afraid he’d hear grief in her voice. “I’m fine, big boy. How about a cookie and some milk when we get home?”
He nodded emphatically. “Yes, Mama. Nic too. Hungee.”
“Yes, he is. Silly Mama. Forgot his bottle.” She made a show of frowning at him then rolling her eyes. Each practiced movement meant to keep Aiden from seeing the frayed ends of her emotional state.
“Looks like you could use a hand.”
Caden.
Icy fingers of dread slid down her spine. At one time, the sound of his voice brought her so much pleasure. Just a whisper of it filled her with anticipation. Those nights she spent curled in his embrace talking about their future and the idea of falling in love with him had been so effortless. She’d instantly felt the connection to him the day they arrived in Window Rock. The cocky smirk on his face. The way his blue eyes twinkled with a hint of sensual heat and the feel of his hand curling around hers when he said, “Pleasure...” It was like he said, “I’ve spent my whole life waiting for this moment. Welcome home.”
“No, I’ve got it.” Danielle took the opportunity to push a strand of her hair behind her ear to cover the track of tears sliding down her left cheek. “No need to interrupt your day to help me.”
She shuddered at the thought of being close to him. He broke her. She understood the words her sister said to her so many times. That she needed to take the time to heal her soul, but when? She had to protect Nicolas and Aiden. Yes, Paranormal Bounty Hunters may never come back to find them, and Simon and Hazel were dead, however what about the next threat? She’d spent a great portion of her life running with Keeley. Settling down didn’t feel natural. Add in the fact Caden rejected her...well, the shitty construct wall she built would have to do.
“Danielle, I—”
She flinched. “It’s okay. We shouldn’t have to hash this out again. I should, though, apologize for threatening to kill you. I’m blaming being half crazed with worry.”
“You don’t have to...” he let out a rough breath. “I deserved it.”
Danielle hurried around the vehicle to get Nicolas into his seat. She needed to put some space between them. Allow her son a moment to breathe without her emotional tsunami sucking him under with her. “It’s okay, sweet boy. Mommy’s got you.” She nuzzled his head before placing him in his seat. She grabbed one of his pacifiers. “We’ll get you settled in no time.” She rubbed the soft nipple across his lips. Within seconds he latched on, calming himself.
“Look, I thought we should...you know, talk.”
She glanced over her shoulder at Caden. His features were strained while he rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. “I believe we’ve said enough, don’t you?” She let him off the hook. Gave him a reason to return to his hotel room and swim in his alcohol-induced miasma. Yet, when she looked at his eyes, they were clear. The cobalt blueness sparkled with life. They weren’t even bloodshot. He also wore one of his uniforms. Had he gone back to work? Does it matter? To her? No.
“I just... What I want to say is...”
“Cookie,” Rapier drawled. “Is this stray bothering you?” He placed one hand on the roof and the other on the door, holding her in place. “Because, if he is, I know a good dog catcher I can call.”
Raw aggressive dominance swirled around them. It licked at her flesh, making it too tight. Rapier brushed his lips across her temple. Rage flowed through her veins. It wasn’t hers though. She glanced up at Caden. His eyes had turned an eerie yellow color, while he clenched his hands into fists. The middle two knuckles were white from the tension radiating within in them.
“Caden,” she croaked, absorbing their power so not to upset Nicolas. “Go. Please.”
A chilly blast of rejection emanating from Caden hit her square in the chest, sucking away the ability to breathe. Danielle wrapped her arm around her middle, trying to block out the shifter pissing contest centered on her. “This isn’t over.”
Rapier tucked Danielle into his side. “I think it is.” He flicked his fingers in the direction of the Sheriff’s Department. “Run along, pup. I’m sure your brother has some kind of menial task for you to complete.”
Danielle shrank away from both men. She didn’t like the scene they were creating. Nor did she enjoy being some piece of meat they could fight over. She didn’t belong to either of them. As much as she appreciated Rapier helping her out of a tight spot, she didn’t need him fighting her battles either. The minute Caden stormed off across the road, she turned to Rapier, who wore a shit-eating grin.
“Don’t be a dick.” Danielle pinched his side.
“Ouch.” Rapier edged away from her. “I see how it is, Cookie. I save your ass and you assault me.”
Her lips twitched.
“Ah, don’t laugh.” Rapier hugged her tight. “I figured you needed a little help. Come on, I have a table at the diner. You look like you could use a burger” —he eyed her up and down— “or three.”
Danielle glanced down at herself and frowned. Maybe she had lost a little bit more weight than she thought she had. “I’m not sure if I should. Nicolas is fussy, and I promised Aiden a snack when we got home.”
“Come on. I’ll buy him a snack, and you can feed Nicolas.” He chuffed her chin. “You don’t always have to be strong. You’re allowed to feel.”
She brushed off his comment. “Do you mind carrying Nicolas in his seat? It’ll make this easier.”
“Not at all.” He eased her out of the way then unhooked the carrier from the base. “I don’t think I have ever heard him cry so hard before. What happened?”
Guilt washed over her as heat suffused her cheeks. Had her son really been crying so hard? Had it been why Caden approached her? God, what the hell was wrong with her? She ran her hand over her hair. “Hungry, I guess.” Rapier gave her a look like he didn’t believe her. “He had a late nap this morning, making us late to meet with Mrs. Martin.” She helped Aiden, who didn’t appear none too pleased either, out of the car.
“You can bullshit everyone else, but there’s more to you.” Rapier waited until she joined him to start across the street to the diner. “It’s not really a secret anymore, you know. People talk.” He bumped her shoulder.
“People need to shut up,” Danielle muttered.
“Mama, say bad word,” Aiden said.
“Yes, I did.”
“Bad, mama.”
“She is,” Rapier teased. “Did you get more cookies from Mrs. Martin, kid?”
Aiden nodded. “Yep.”
“Hide them when you get home.” Rapier held the door open for her.
She stepped inside and found Rapier’s family sitting at a table watching them. Heat filled her cheeks. It was like they couldn’t go anywhere without each other. “Do you ever go anywhere alone?” She cringed at her tone. All he’d done was help her out of a tight spot with Caden, and instead of being grateful, she snapped at him. “Sorry. I shouldn’t be rude.”
“Cookie has claws, good to know.” He winked at her. “It’s lunchtime. I wasn’t expecting to find you in town, nor hear this little tyke squalling like a stuck pig.” Rapier motioned to the carrier. “Come on, let’s sit somewhere where no one can hear us.”
Perfect. She followed behind him to a small secluded table away from the other patrons in the diner. The waitress brought his lunch to him while she situated Aiden and Nicolas so both boys were within her reach. She glanced at the menu, and her stomach growled. She hadn’t taken the time before lea
ving the house to eat, and now, sitting there, it hit her like a ton of bricks. Everything made her mouth water.
“So, I don’t know much about you. Heck, I met you after you took a bullet for Kalkin. What makes a shy, awkward woman, such as yourself, do something so...heroic?” When she glanced up at Rapier, she noticed he slouched into the booth. His big, muscular body lounged across the seat almost languidly like a big cat. He reminded her of his counterpart, only lions had a regal air about them. Rapier... he just didn’t give a shit.
“There’s not much to tell.” She couldn’t explain what pushed her to take the bullet for her mated brother-in-law, other than they both couldn’t lose their mates. Plus, when she grabbed Keeley’s attention, she knew her sister wouldn’t let her die. In those few moments, understanding full well she put not only herself in danger, but also Nicolas, shame washed over her. “Anyone would have done it.”
He tapped the edge of the table with his thumb. “And the boys?” He cocked a brow. “Let’s not pretend you weren’t pregnant when you pulled a stupid stunt. I get wanting to save Kalkin, but why?”
She didn’t have anything to live for anymore. Yes, she had Aiden. Yes, she’d been pregnant; however, she didn’t have the one man she’d wanted with her every breath. If anyone in the basement would be the sacrifice, it made sense it was her. No one would have even found out about Nic. She and her unborn baby would be together in the afterlife—whatever it consisted of—and the others could move on with their lives.
“Keeley would have taken care of Aiden.” She shifted in her seat, uncomfortable by the turn their conversation took. “Nicolas and I would be together.” She cleared her throat.
“Bullshit. It would have killed Caden too.” Rapier sat forward, placing his folded hands on the table. “Let’s get one thing out of the way. He’s a fucking bastard for everything he’s put you through. I don’t mind being the one you use to tear pieces of his hide away. But, I won’t allow you to deny what you know is true.”
