by Tl Reeve
“Keeley.” She gulped. “Oh God.”
“What?” She didn’t move from the position she sat in. “What’s wrong?”
“This poor boy.” Her lip trembled. She sucked in a breath and tried desperately to steady herself. They tried to neuter him.
Keeley gasped. What? Are you sure? Ohmigod, Dani. Ohmigod.
Danielle nodded. I know and yeah. I’m scanning him right now and... Shit.
Kalkin needs to know. I have to tell him.
Danielle adjusted the blanket over him before standing. “I’ll let Jace know.”
By the time they’d gone over the whole exam with Jace and then with Kalkin, Danielle was dragging ass. Unfortunately, they had one more stop to make before going home themselves. While Keeley dealt with an enraged Alpha wolf, she called Charisma, waking her. However, once she said what they needed, the girl perked right up. She’d given Danielle her address and instructions on how to get there. Fortunately, it was near where Royce lived, so she didn’t have any trouble finding the small house nestled on the corner lot.
When she got out, the door to the house was already open. Charisma met her at the vehicle as another girl exited the house. She’d almost been the carbon copy of Charisma, but there were subtle differences. Danielle opened the back door of the SUV. Once they’d done the exam, they woke the little boy up, gave him a bath, then fed him. He didn’t talk much, but they’d work on that later. He’d fallen asleep at the table while eating a vending machine sandwich and hadn’t stirred since then.
“Hey,” Charisma whispered. “Is this him?”
“Yes,” Danielle answered. “His name is Crow. It’s about all we know about him. He’s a shifter, so make sure you keep your doors shut and if you go outside with him, you watch over him.”
Charisma nodded. “I will.”
“Kalkin will have a tab opened for you at the little boutique in town in the morning so you can buy him some clothes and anything you might need. I only have one change of clothes for you. Also, Royce Raferty, Kalkin’s nephew, will be over in the morning with groceries. Whatever else you need get me a list. Also, a young shifter will be around. He might not say much, but he’s at your disposal as well. His name is Nico.” The younger girl peered into the vehicle. If Danielle had to place her age, she’d say somewhere between fourteen and sixteen.
“I should have told you sooner,” Charisma said, catching Danielle watching the girl. “Since my dad is the senator, I’m taking care of my sister when he’s away. Our mom passed away a few years ago. Cancer.”
Danielle frowned. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks, we’re dealing, you know? So, Pen—Penelope and I get along okay.” Charisma grinned. “Here, let’s get him into the house. We have a guest room. It’s pretty simple, nothing he can hurt himself on. We’ll put him there.”
“Great.”
After leaving several numbers Charisma could call if she needed anything, along with her starting salary, Danielle finally climbed back into her SUV. She thought about going to Mackenzie’s apartment and staying there, but she’d already taken longer than she meant to. No way any of them could have been prepared for Crow’s case. God, how could people—shifters be so cruel to their own kind?
She drove home in a state of shock and disbelief. Just seeing the little boy’s injuries broke her heart. She only hoped when he grew up, he knew he was cared for and loved by them, because the boy needed it. No doubt about it. As she pulled into her driveway, the door opened and Caden stood there waiting for her. She didn’t want to fight or talk about the evening either, but he deserved answers.
She grabbed her bag as she got out. “Hey,” she whispered. “Sorry it took so long.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He ushered her inside. “Kalkin called. He told me everything.”
She figured as much. “I didn’t think Keeley could calm him down enough to talk.”
“She almost couldn’t. Is he going to be okay?”
She glanced at Caden. “Define, ‘okay’.”
He snorted. “Yeah, true. How about you grab a quick shower and go to bed. You look exhausted.”
“A shower sounds nice. Thanks for this.” She could feel her energy seeping from her body.
“No problem.” Caden hugged her, then brushed his lips across her forehead. “Sleep well.”
She nodded, not having the wherewithal to dissect why he continued to kiss her. “Night.” Oh well, she’d obsess about it tomorrow, after she checked on Crow.
Chapter Six
Danielle jerked awake. Sunlight seeped into the room from the edges of her curtains. She sat up and glanced around. She hadn’t had a full night’s sleep in... Months. A quick glance at the clock alarmed her. She’d slept over twelve uninterrupted hours. How was it even possible?
Normally she woke to the soft whimpers of Nic demanding his morning bottle and a babbling Aiden, who tried to keep his younger sibling quiet—allowing her some much-needed rest. It always managed to make her heart lurch, knowing it was something a mate should be doing and not a toddler.
Hearing none of the normal morning chatter—the house eerily silent—worried her. Danielle jumped out of bed and scurried down the hallway, checking both boy’s bedrooms.
Empty.
She hadn’t even gotten up to feed Nic during the night. Her little preemie still woke up a couple times each night, hungry, demanding a bottle. She hadn’t even heard his fussing through the monitor, which she always kept by her side on the table at night. Maybe her sweet boy was finally learning to sleep through the night, no longer required the extra calories the late-night feedings gave him. It would do good for all of them. Especially Aiden, who as much as she hated it, would wake up when Nic fussed. Her older son would stand guard by the nursery door while she fed his baby brother, only going back to bed once Nic was back in his crib. Yet another duty of a mate who wasn’t around.
Jace had to have stopped by last night, relieving Caden. No way had Caden stayed all night and gotten the boys up. She pressed her hand to her forehead, trying to gather her tattered wits and will her galloping heart to settle. It had to be Jace. He was familiar with their schedule since he spent the most time there. History told her Caden would run the moment he had a chance—he had before. Jace would’ve gotten both boys up and fed. He had to have realized she’d completely drained herself after dealing with Crow late last night. Of course, Caden must have called him. He may be the biggest ass in the history of asses, but his brothers, especially Jace, were always helping any way they could. Now, it seemed, she owed Caden a thank you.
As it stood, it had been a struggle for Dani to get through her daily activities without her mate. The loss was soul deep, and even though it pained her to admit it, Dani knew it was worse for her babies. They were craving his affection. For goodness sake, Caden helped Nicolas become this beautiful cinnamon wolf. The thought brought tears to her eyes.
More so for Aiden though. Where Nicolas had no clue who Caden was—having never formed the parental bond with his father—Aiden on the other hand wasn’t as lucky. He had formed an attachment to Caden. Aiden recognized Caden as his father and, when Caden left, he hadn’t just left her; he had also left his children. Making Aiden, even as young as he was, the man of the house. A job he took quite seriously. He kept an eye on both his younger brother and mother.
Danielle came around the corner and skidded to a halt because the kitchen was empty. No Jace. No Nic or Aiden. Traces remained though, a clean frying pan sat on the stove. A mug with a tea bag rested next to a plate covered with foil and clean dishes resting on the drain board.
Dani lifted the corner of the tinfoil off the plate and groaned. Fluffy scrambled eggs, cut up fruit, and hash browns waited for her. Had she gotten it wrong? Had her sister stopped by and made breakfast for the boys? Of all the Raferty men, Jace couldn’t cook to save his life. Grill, sure. But everything else...inedible. Danielle learned the hard way one morning while fixing Nicolas’ bottle. Jace burnt the
toast. He scorched a pot of water she’d been waiting to drop eggs in.
Her stomach rumbled, reminding her all she had for dinner was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She walked towards the sink to grab a fork when movement outside caught her attention. She stood there for a moment, not sure what she saw. She took a step in the direction of the sliding glass door. Danielle gasped. Caden sat, in his wolf form, his grey and black fur blowing in the soft breeze while Aiden zoomed around him, yipping at the older wolf in exhilaration.
Where’s Nic?
Dani knew he wasn’t in the house. Taking a deep breath, she opened herself up, searching for him. He was outside and happy. Hell, both her boys were. She could feel it wash over her, pushing out the dark sludge of discord she had been carrying around for so long. Movement between Caden’s front legs had her gaze dropping as the puffy ball of cinnamon fur unfurled and sat up. Nic had been sleeping, safe and secure between his father’s front paws. Her son gave a big yawn then shook his head before attempting to stand on wobbly legs. Danielle smiled, as he flopped back down on his bottom. He stretched his feet out and lay there a minute. Caden looked down and nudged his son, silently telling him to do it again. Nicolas did. His little body wiggled, gaining his balance then fell again. His movements reminded her of a newborn colt standing for the first time. It took him a couple tries, but Nicolas had the same stubborn determination, like her, and it would seem his father. Danielle continued to watch him, until he eventually got it. She cheered silently for her boy. He joined his older brother, running circles around his father.
Danielle glanced up, feeling Caden’s gaze on her. She wanted to ignore him but couldn’t. Drawing her gaze from her boys, she arched a brow when she finally settled on Caden. Unlike Kalkin, Caden had blue eyes a lighter shade than his human eyes, yet a bit darker than their son’s. He ensnared her. Compelled her. The wealth of knowledge held in the wolf’s stare took her breath away.
Caden gave a sharp commanding bark at the boys. Both ignored him and continued to play. Dani couldn’t help smiling as she watched with interest to see how Caden would handle this situation. Would he give in, or would he assert his dominance, letting the pups know who was boss?
Caden, having none of it, gave another sharp bark, before nudging Aiden’s back legs with his nose. He then leaned down and gathered Nicolas up by his scruff between powerful jaws. He padded for the back door, their eldest son trotting behind him. Danielle had seen Kalkin carry Colin and Ella many times between his jaws, so it didn’t surprise her or anger her.
Aiden hesitated a few feet behind his father, testing Caden. Aiden had a dominant streak a mile wide. After everything the little boy had been through, this little display of dominance didn’t surprise her. Caden stopped, turned his head, and stared intently at the younger pup. Their eyes held, longer than she thought it would. In the end, Aiden dropped his head in submission and ran to his father without further delay.
Danielle pulled the door to, allowing the trio inside. The scent of pine, wilderness, and something spicy she couldn’t place hit her nose, filling her lungs. Her nipples tightened exponentially and the ever-constant ache she felt between her legs intensified to the point of pain as a wave of desire washed over her.
Ignore it, she told her self repeatedly, sliding the glass back into place. Caden gently placed Nic on the floor then nudged him, urging him to shift.
Caden sniffed the air and gave a low, sexy growl.
Damn it. He had to have smelled her need. Danielle wasn’t sure what pissed her off more. Her body betraying her or him knowing how much she wanted him, even after everything he had done to her and their children. The selfish part of her didn’t care either. It just wanted her mate, be damned the consequences.
“Shift back,” Danielle demanded, uncomfortable with the big wolf who sat with an all-knowing expression on his face. His imposing size made her uncomfortable. “Please.”
Caden tipped his head to the side, staring at her intently before giving in to her demand and shifting into his naked human form. Her gaze dropped to his groin, not missing the raging erection Caden sported. The muscles of his stomach rippled as he stood, drawing her attention to the tribal tattoos etched across his upper torso, chest, and arms. The beautifully intricate design drew her forward, wanting to see each one close up.
Shit. Fuck my life. She closed her eyes. So caught up in the moment, she forgot he’d be completely naked. Dammit.
Danielle snatched the blanket off the back of the couch and threw it at Caden. “Cover up.” Her face burned in embarrassment. The mortified sensation wiggled through her belly.
He chuckled, wrapping the blanket securely around his trim hips. “Boys got to learn shifters aren’t particularly shy about nudeness.”
“It wasn’t you being nude I was worried about them seeing,” she replied, knowing full well the boys still frolicking around the room in wolf form hadn’t been paying attention to either of them.
“They’ll have to learn about that too. Rafertys aren’t shy in about their sexuality either and shifters don’t have the same hang-ups humans have.” Caden’s gentle reminder didn’t ease her discomfort.
“I’m not a shifter.”
“But our sons are, Dani. It’s something they’ll have to get used to,” Caden stated.
Dani knew this. Didn’t mean she had to like it. “Where are your clothes, anyway?”
“By the door.” Caden gestured to the chair Keeley had placed by the sliding glass window when they moved in. It was often where they would drop things off when they came into the house.
“Well, go on, put them on,” she huffed.
He laughed, shaking his head. Why did it have to sound so damn sexy and cause her clit to pulse with need. “It’s not like you haven’t seen it all before, pumpkin.”
She wanted to be repulsed at his term of endearment, instead, a bloom of warmth flowed through her and she hated it. I need to get laid. “Once.” It hadn’t been a very good look, either. She’d been nervous as hell the night Nicolas had been conceived.
Aiden gave a pitiful whimper and crawled on his belly to her. Danielle sat down on the floor and picked the puppy up. She snuggled the pup against her chest. “What’s the matter, little man?”
“They’re more apt to sensing your emotions in wolf form,” Caden stated, grabbing his pants off the chair to put them on.
Dani noticed he didn’t pull on his shirt, leaving his massive chest and arms to gaze at. The first time she had seen him shirtless, all Dani had wanted to do was trace every curve, line, and swirl that covered his skin with the tip of her tongue. Yet another thing she never got to experience.
Before she could say a word, Caden strolled to her side and settled beside her.
Nic scampered between his long, jean covered legs, placing his front paws on Caden’s taut abdomen. Caden scooped the pup up, cuddling him as Nic licked his face and nibbled on his ears.
“He likes being in his wolf form,” she observed.
“It’s new to him,” Caden remarked before placing the exuberant pup back on the floor, where he promptly squatted and peed.
“Nicolas!” Dani yelled, startling the pup mid-stream and Aiden who was still in her arms. “No! What do we do?”
Caden laughed, rubbing the scruff on his chin. “It happens,” he replied. “Either he needs to change back, or one of us needs to take him outside.”
Dani huffed, not amused. “Aiden never did that.”
“Aiden was more comfortable in his wolf form than human and if memory serves me, he always had a diaper on him.” He was right, she had always kept Aiden diapered. Caden picked Nic up then stood. “I didn’t think to put one on him. I’ll take him outside to go. It’ll allow him to remain in his wolf from till he’s ready to switch back. While I’m taking care of him, you go eat the breakfast I made you. One strong wind, and you’ll blow over.”
Dani sighed, tired of people mentioning her weight. She got it. She was looking unhealthy. Everyone didn�
��t need to keep mentioning it. It was getting old. She placed Aiden on the floor. He scurried off, finding one of his toys to destroy. She wouldn’t leave the puddle on the floor, no matter what Caden said. It would teach Aiden bad habits. She stood and headed for the kitchen to grab some paper towels while making a mental note to also grab some puppy pads from the market.
“Leave it. I’ll clean it up when I get back,” Caden growled.
Danielle ignored Caden’s command as he took Nic out. She grabbed some paper towels to lay them on the wet spot. “Can’t tell me what to do. You forget this is my house. Not yours.” Great, assert yourself when no one can hear you. Good going. She placed the paper towels on the wet spot, then headed back to the kitchen. After placing the paper towel roll on the countertop, she washed her hands. Her stomach growled again, reminding her of Caden’s instructions. Danielle snatched up the plate and fork, before pulling off the foil and digging into her food.
The door creaked opened, and Caden stepped back in, Nic cradled securely in his arms. “Thought I told you not to clean it up?”
“Aiden was sniffing at it,” she lied after swallowing a mouthful of eggs. “I don’t need him or you squatting or marking your territory. In my house.”
“I’m a grown-ass man. I no longer squat to piss. I lift my leg,” Caden teased.
Danielle giggled.
“It’s nice to hear you laugh again, pumpkin.”
Danielle froze at the use of her nickname again. She was torn. On one hand she wanted to scream at him to stop calling her pumpkin, on the other hand, she secretly got pleasure from hearing him use it. It made her feel warm, soft... Protected. Not something she associated with him for the last year. Placing her plate back on the countertop, she had to know his intentions. Particularly with their sons. “What are we doing here, Caden?”
Caden bent at his waist, putting Nic down on all four paws, holding him a second or two until he gained his footing then darted off to play with Aiden.
