by L. C. Son
After a little over fifteen minutes of rambling with Jerrica and the team, my patience wanes when I realize Damina never came back to the parlor. I also notice her scent is fading—that can’t be a good thing. Thankfully, Jerrica’s phone rings, and she rushes back to her office and I know this is my chance to find where my beautiful lady went.
It doesn’t take long for me to catch the drift of her effervescence which leads me onto the front porch. I’m not sure if it’s the way the light from the setting sun shines against her honey-kissed skin or how the early evening breeze captures her sweet scent, but for the first time my knees buckle, and I am lost in the trance of her.
As I await the lingering sun to set, I can’t help but admire her from behind. I wonder if she knows just how beautiful she is? In my five hundred years I’ve never seen anything or anyone so beautiful! I’m awestruck at just the sight of her!
I want her. Always.
Leaning on the doorpost, I allow my voyeurism to hold me captive to the beautifulness before me. I can’t help wondering what she’s thinking. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear that last exhale released something toxic from her. Stress, perhaps. Or could it be she’s freeing herself from the one who hurt her heart? The thought of anyone hurting her sickens me with rage. I’ll gladly kill anyone who does her harm—and I’d do so without hesitation. Still, her mind is closed to me. I can’t read her at all and it’s frustrating!
The last shadow of the sun subsides, and we’re left with only the glowing red and purple hue of an early summer’s eve. As soon as I cross the threshold of the doorpost, her fragrance smacks me in the face and I sense the molecules of our pheromones collecting and binding as one and my thoughts run wild with desire.
I swallow the thick air in my throat and suppress my urges once more. Damina deserves better than a lust-filled beast. She deserves the very best of me and I intend to give it to her.
“So this is where you ran off to?” I question as she turns around, somewhat startled. Warm red fills her cheeks and immediately I know I’m affecting her even more. Her eyes dance and a small smile nestles perfectly between her cheeks and it’s evident: she’s happy to see me. Very good.
“Oh, I just needed some air. It was stuffy in there. Besides, my ride should be here soon,” she says, her voice slightly trembling. I wish I knew what is causing her consternation. I hope I’m not coming on too strong. But then it hits me; she’s waiting for someone else to come get her. Not good at all.
“You’re not staying at the mansion,” I respond leaning on to the porch railing.
“No, I already had arrangements elsewhere before I decided to, um, take this project on.”
“I see.” Crap! I thought everyone was staying here. Now I really want to know who’s coming for her.
“Don’t you live here?” Damina asks and I see her eyes dance again. Good, she’s still interested.
“Well, it is my family estate if that’s what you’re asking, and I do have a room.”
“Oh, so it’s not your home then?” She almost sounds disappointed. Even better.
I can’t help chuckling as I work to push aside the blushing feeling that warms over me. “No Damina, it’s not my home. But then again, home is where the heart is, right?” I answer, my tone dark and lush. I deepen my gaze into her own and a sharp pulse of kinetic energy stirs through my core. I really want her.
I want to tell her that she is already my home because she has my heart, but I know my time has not yet come.
Chapter 16
Jackson
The last twenty-four hours have been amazing. While it’s hard to fathom the word amazing apart from all things Damina, I have to admit I feel quite exceptional. The only thing that would make how I feel more tenable is to have Damina back with me where she belongs. And as I stare around the long table of den leaders, I now know I have people by my side who are committed to that goal.
This is probably the first meal we’ve had together in ages! Together we’ve phased, hunted, laughed, cried, asked for and been forgiven. We’ve dispelled rumors and laid all our cards on the table. All of us know the only way we can take hold of the bright future is to do so together. I’ve had grown men confess they’ve held undue grudges against one another, and I’ve experienced the joy of reconciliation when they agreed to let bygones just be. Even the female alphas have laid their trifles aside to ensure the betterment of our people and it’s been glorious to behold.
A newfound joy springs within me I never thought I’d see again apart from Damina. Yet and still there’s a sweeping peace in seeing harmony restored among the den leaders. Not that I’m glad to have Damina and I at odds, I am thankful that through this pain something good has come from it.
For that, I’ll forever be thankful.
Sure, sharing our moonlit phase aided our angst since all truth and secrets are revealed during our transformation. I guess that’s why wolves are so selective with who they share such a ritual with. But I know that as I became barren in front of them, they saw the truth—when they saw me. There was no folly or ill-will. No, I’m not perfect-they saw that too. My shortcomings, lack of patience, bad temper and all. But they also saw a man who was heartbroken and longed for his one true love. They saw just how lost I am without her. They saw that she means the world to me and that is a truth I’d gladly share with the world.
Now with all our pretense and posturing aside, we can finally walk in agreement. Together.
As we wrap up our evening, I give instructions for each of them to give no quarter to any leader who refused to come tonight or any pack resident who refuses their leading. We all agree on one thing: there is no place among our ranks for traitors. That includes my brother.
Merle, den leader of the Bay Area pack hangs behind as everyone heads out and I know why. He’s the newly installed leader since Kyra was eschewed. During our transformation, I could sense he felt remorse for taking part in removing her from leadership, but I can see he did it for the pack and not out of any mere grievance.
“Sophie didn’t call you in for kitchen duty, did she?” I question jokingly. I know the truth, but I’d rather not call him out on it.
Merle gazes at me, his shoulders sunken and sweat forming at his brow. I work hard to brighten my smile as he saunters forward, the last thing I need is him doubting himself. Kyra has that effect on men.
“No, my lord, she didn’t. But I can certainly lend a hand if need be,” Merle responds, with his head low and shoulders hunched.
“Well, then what can I do for you?”
“I—I um…just wanted to tell you that I had no intention of having Kyra eschewed. She just—um—”
“She screwed up. No need to sugarcoat it, Merle. There’s also no need for you to feel remorseful.”
“But that’s just it. I do. I know she messed up and I know the harm she caused—most of all to you—but—”
“You love her.”
Merle gulps loud, swallowing the thick air in his throat and gazes around the room. “I mean, I do—but she doesn’t see a guy like me. How could she?”
“I don’t know Merle. Maybe one day Kyra will finally see beyond Kyra. There’s no room for anyone as long as she’s in the way,” I respond. Merle’s eyes rise and fall. A part of him feels slightly insecure and the other defensive of her. It’s almost impressive. But I know what he really wants, and he’s too fearful to ask. “Look, Merle, you’re the alpha of the Bay Area and den leader. You don’t need my permission if you want to pardon her. But you should speak with the den council and ensure you’re all in agreement. Just be sure you can trust her. You not only carry your secrets but now mine. If she proves worthy, then so be it.”
“Thank you—thank you, sir!” Merle’s eyes beam with hopefulness and his tense frown relaxes to a smile.
“You are more than welcome. That’s what I’m here for. Once we find
Keiron, Tye, and whoever else is helping them I will release her to your care. Is that, okay?”
“Yes, my lord. Yes. And I will do whatever I can to not only help you locate your brother and Tye but your beloved as well,” Merle says in a more confident tone, with his shoulders squared. After a brief hug, he gives me a sturdy handshake and heads out the door.
Only Gregory, Shawn and Brandon remain, and Sophie has them on full clean-up duty. We caused a bit of damage to the barns, surrounding fences and woods during our transformation and hunt. Mostly, I know she has them collecting any animal debris left from our hunt. A part of me feels like that’s why Sophie hasn’t opened the land for phasing in decades. Even though it’s pack soil, and they have a right to come here, she hasn’t made it welcoming to do so. Being the Prime Alpha I could always invoke rank like I did tonight and insist on bringing everyone here, since it is my family’s estate after all. But I see no pleasure in causing Sophie any unease. Especially after everything she’s done for me.
“Need any help with the dishes?” I ask as I enter the kitchen.
“Indeed not!” Sophie exclaims as if me asking were almost an expletive.
“No need to get huffy, auntie. I’m just messing with you. I already knew your response.”
“Ha! You know me well,” Sophie adds as she dries off a large casserole dish. She tries to put it in the cabinet, but her height halts her efforts. Turning her head, almost annoyed, she hands me the glass dish.
“Ah! So you only need my height and not my help! I see—” I tease, placing the dish in the cabinet.
And you knew that without me phasing with you. Sophie mutters under her breath. I’m sure she didn’t expect me to hear her.
“What’s that supposed to mean, Sophie? As a matter of fact that brings up a good point. Where did you phase last night? Don’t tell me you stayed in the cellar?” I ask.
“Jackie, please! I’ve been phasing in the cellar for well over forty years. And I have no desire to bare my sixty-ish behind in front of you younglings!”
“Now, Sophie you know we don’t see things that way. Besides, you always told us it was the most natural thing in the world.”
“Yes, it is, but not for me. Besides, it was for the den leaders. I’m just on the council.”
“You’re more than that and you know it!”
“Perhaps. But let’s just drop it okay?” Sophie’s tone is indifferent, but she feigns a faux smile and swats my shoulder with the kitchen towel as she ambles into the den. Ever since my transformation, my senses are heightened, and I can almost smell the stench of fear a mile away.
What could she possibly have to fear?
“Sophie, what’s wrong?” With my arms folded, I lean against the oak pillar separating the den from the dining area and keep my eyes locked on her shifty posture.
“Jackie, please! I’m just tired! It’s been a long couple of days and I just cooked and cleaned up after fourteen ravenous wolves. I’m spent!” She says patting her knees as if they were dirty. She’s nervous.
“There’s something you’re not telling me. Some reason or something to do with phasing with the wolves.”
“Look, Jackson I—”
“And now you’re calling me Jackson. You never call me Jackson. What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing is what it is!”
“Sophie!” I bark and the rumble through my chest makes her jumpy.
“I was just going to say while it’s nice you phased with the dens today, I don’t think you should make a habit of it.”
“Who’s saying we’re making a habit of it? I’m sure it won’t be feasible to get everyone together every full moon anyway.”
“Good. That’s all I’m saying.”
“No, it’s not. There’s more and you know it. What’s the big deal if I wolf out with everyone? I mean didn’t you see the morale today? Everyone was boosted. So free!”
“Jackie, you aren’t some random alpha. You’re a Prime. And as such a leader like you can’t just reveal himself to whosoever will!”
“Well, Sophie I don’t plan on doing that, but what’s the big deal of who I choose to reveal myself to?”
“Somethings just aren’t meant to share—not even by you.”
“What things? I laid everything out on the table. I have nothing to hide.”
“Perhaps you do, and you don’t know it. Just trust me on this, Jackie. You know I’d never lead you astray.”
“Well, Sophie, I made a promise to those den leaders today and I’m not gonna back out of a promise. I never have and I’m not going to start today.”
“What if that promise is too much for even you to bear, Jackie? Just promise me you won’t phase with them ever again!” Sophie’s tone is covered and her expression grim.
“Ever?” I mumble, unsure why Sophie’s gaze has darkened.
“It’s for your own good,” she pleads in a bleak tone as her eyes search my face for understanding.
“Tell me the truth, Sophie! What could we possibly have to hide?” I snap back, refusing to conform.
“The truth is what. The truth about the Primes. The truth about what our ancestors did.”
“Tell me now!” My patience is all but spent and I refuse for any further secrets to linger.
“It was us! We are the reason the Dunes are cursed!” Sophie belts as tears flood her face.
“What do you mean, Sophie? How can that be? The Dunes are the ones who turned on the Altrinions, not us.”
“I’m not sure if your father ever intended to tell you, but if you accept lordship one day you will be burdened with the truth of every Prime Alpha before you. That’s why your father never wanted you to bear such a yoke. The truth is that long ago there were two sets of primes: Alphas and Betas. The Alphas were responsible for the overall watch and care of the supernatural balance and the Betas were directly responsible for guarding the Altrinions. It was known that should a Prime ever get out of step, the Betas could rightly challenge for alpha status. And so, to keep the Betas at bay, the Alphas arranged a plot with a changeling to trick the Betas.”
“But I know the Betas claim a changeling tricked them, but I had no idea Alphas were responsible.”
“Yes, and what do you think will happen if others find out what our ancestors did? You could be challenged or worse!”
“Well, why did the Elders or the Order curse the Betas if they knew?”
“The power of the Great Oak prevents them from seeing through the dark shadow cast by the changelings. Changelings are evil, malevolent beings. So it’s no more than hearsay to the Elders. That’s why Jackie you must keep these things secret. No one can ever know the truth!”
Just like that, the would-be veil of my joy is snatched from me. And I know what follows and it isn’t the truth.
Dalcour
Once again, I’m giddy like a kid on Christmas morning and I owe it all to her. I can’t wait to see Damina again! I could’ve stayed on the porch talking with her forever, that is until he came. Brian. Ugh! I wish Jerrica had assigned anyone other than Brian to look after Damina. But even that didn’t stop me. In fact, not even the bloodletting of her puncture wound from the wood railing could keep me at bay. As much as the beast within clawed to sample just a drop of her, I used everything within me to keep him at bay. Sure, Braelyn tried to convince me to stay put, but I couldn’t. My heart ached to see her again.
To be near her.
Going back to Bessie’s place wasn’t exactly on my bucket list either, especially with Melvina’s border blocking my entrance, but I would have walked through the flames of hell just to see her again. Not that I enjoyed running into Bessie or her treacherous brother, Javier, but I was quite impressed to watch Damina throw her weight around. The way she stood up to Bessie’s spite-filled rebuke for keeping company with me, made my heart leap. Even more, I’ve ne
ver known a time when a woman was so overcome with keeping me to herself that she pulled me into the streets by her own might. If I learned nothing else from last night, I know Damina Nicaud is not to be trifled with.
Although I found it frustrating not to be able to read her mind, I was happy to know her walls were relaxed enough for me to compel her to truth. And she didn’t hold back. Damina now knows I’ve been enraptured by her since the first night I saw her at the Tavern and even how much I enjoyed our sensuous grind on the dance floor. Not that she seemed to mind. I suspect she liked it as well.
We shall see.
Puzzling enough, what I most enjoyed was our non-kiss. I wanted to kiss her lips. Really, I did! Her scent is intoxicating and her curvaceous frame calls to me with a forbidden lure. It’s definitely a challenge restraining myself around her.
She is worth it.
Resting my lips upon her forehead sent my loins into a frenzy and it took every ounce of decency in me not to rip her clothes to shreds and take her in the middle of the promenade. While it sounds indecent, worse things have happened in the Quarter; especially during Mardi gras. What’s more is that I am sure she wanted me to kiss her. The way she gripped my hand, allowing me to pull her close enough for our bodies to touch lets me know she’s beginning to drop all barriers with me.
Today, however, I have every intention on testing those barriers. There’s no Bulwark in heaven or hell capable of keeping me from experiencing everything that is Damina Nicaud.
Jerrica’s headed to London to acquire a few antiques, and she asked Damina to accompany me to the Hall of Isis to pick up statues for the maze garden and some other things for the mansion. I’m looking forward to spending the day with Damina and I hope she’s ready for what I have in store. While I suspect Jerrica is delighted that I’m so taken with Damina, I can tell it’s still uncomfortable for her. I have no doubt her venture to London is to get a little separation from us.
