by Trina Lane
Cooper laughed and buried his hands in Nicole's fur. “Well, this is certainly a surprise. You didn't think a little bullet was going to stop me, did you?” He continued to pet Nicole after she jumped up on the sofa beside him. “Although it's probably a good thing your friends here showed up. I'm not quite at my fighting strength yet."
Nicole had forgotten all about Kenneth in her excitement to see Cooper. She looked around the living room and saw him standing beside the French doors leading to the back patio. She leapt off the sofa and cornered him against the glass.
Kenneth held out his hands to ward Nicole off. “Please, it's not what you think. Give us a chance to explain.” He looked towards the front door behind Nicole. “Jasper and I...we couldn't do it. We couldn't take you back there. Yes, we fed Broyles information, but most of it was false.” He dropped to his knees in front of Nicole. “It's my fault, though, that Jeff was able to get to you. I used my telepathy to read your mate's mind and found out about the secure room when we first got to town.” He dropped his chin to his chest. “Jeff got the information out of me. I broke my promise to you. I'm sorry."
Nicole knew Kenneth really didn't have an evil bone in his body. The young man was generally friendly and had really seemed to care about the other inhabitants. She didn't know what Adam had held over his head, but clearly it was something strong enough that he felt he had no choice. She looked over her shoulder and saw Jasper standing a few feet away. His eyes were filled with regret, but also fear as he looked at her then focused in on Kenneth. Nicole looked back at Kenneth and something caught her eye. A mark on his neck, one that looked very familiar. She moved her head forwards and sniffed Kenneth's neck. There were two distinct scents mingling on the young man's skin.
Kenneth was Jasper's mate! That's why there was fear in Jasper's eyes. His mate knelt before Nicole, waiting for judgement. She gave Kenneth a little lick then stepped back and sat. Kenneth's head rose, and she saw the moisture pooled in his eyes.
"Thank you,” he said softly.
"Nicole Marie Holland! You'd better tell me what the hell is going on there or so help me God!"
"Don't worry, mate. Everything has been taken care of.
"You killed Jeff?"
"No, Jasper did."
"Who the hell is Jasper, and did you say Cooper was dead earlier? I just got a comm link from him and nearly had a fucking heart attack when I heard his voice."
"Don't you snap at me! It's complicated, and I really did think Cooper was dead. You have some things to answer to yourself, mister. As soon as you get home, I think we need to have a little talk."
"Um yeah about that...how do you feel about children?"
"I love kids, you know that. Are you saying you want to have children now?"
"Baby, I can't wait till you're pregnant with our pups, but I was thinking more along the lines of in the immediate future. Say when I get home in a few hours."
"What!"
"That talk we're going to have? There are some things that were happening here on Broyles’ compound that were kept very secret. He and his predecessor, whom we determined he'd killed about five years ago, have been engineering super-shifters for the past twenty-five years. There are fifteen survivors. They're kids, Nicole, just kids."
"Oh my God. I don't care what needs to be done, you bring them all here. I'll get on the line with Gillian and arrange foster homes within the pack till something permanent can be worked out. I'm sure the council will have some kind of say in this."
"I love you, Nicole."
"I love you, too. Hurry home."
Nicole got up and walked into Jaryn's office. She stared up at the top of his desk where the E-sphere rested, holding within its data chips the communications programme. Well crap! How am I supposed to do this without hands?
* * * *
Jaryn deactivated the conference link he'd had with the other elders in the ASC as well as a representative with the COP. He relaxed against the back of the leather seat in the private jet owned by the ASC and closed his eyes. As soon as they'd taken off from Rhinelander, Jaryn had squirrelled himself away in the onboard office to change into more comfortable clothes then brief both councils on the situation.
He'd got both councils to approve keeping the kids in Stonepass before they left Wisconsin, but the chancellor demanded a full briefing on what they'd found in the Northwoods along with an outline of the clandestine research that Broyles had been conducting.
He opened his eyes and looked across the office to the love seat where Kaden and Gavin were strapped in. Both boys had slept peacefully in their carriers next to each other for most of the two and half hour flight. A few moments ago, the captain had come over the intercom to say that they'd be making their approach into Missoula within a half hour.
Jaryn stood and crossed the office to kneel in front of the seat and look at their tiny faces, peaceful in sleep.
"Your mother is going to love you, I promise. And even though we may not share DNA, I will always be your daddy,” he whispered.
He couldn't resist reaching out and gently caressing the petal soft skin of their cheeks with his finger. Jaryn smiled as Kaden's face scrunched up for a second then he turned into Jaryn's touch. Gavin's lips pursed and his little hands tightened into fists.
Jaryn had taken charge of the boys from the start. Charlotte had given him two duffle bags filled with necessities they'd taken from the compound, and just like that, Jaryn became insta-father. It was a good thing he remembered a thing or two from when Charlie had been born. The scientists and rest of the task force were looking after the other children in the main cabin of the plane. He hadn't heard any screams or crashes so he assumed things were going okay out there.
Most of the kids had been pretty silent since they'd left the compound. Probably in shock as their view of the world went from the isolation of the lab to an immense universe with all types of unknown variables. They'd have to get these kids some help. Craig and his team had done what they could, but the fact remained that these children had been born and raised in a prison. And while Dr Guppa had said that the experiments stopped when Broyles took control, he'd insinuated that prior to the shift in regime the children had been experimented on. He hoped the young ones would adapt pretty quickly, but Jaryn was worried about the handful of older ones. One in particular had caught his eye, the oldest of the group, Bryan. He'd been very vocal in making sure that Jaryn and his team was going to do right by all the children. While they'd still been at the compound, Bryan had cornered Jaryn and asked him all kinds of questions. Jaryn had answered each one and couldn't help but be impressed with the young man.
A mewling sound caught Jaryn's attention and he looked back at his sons. Gavin's eyes opened and his hand reached out. As if sensing his brother's need Kaden also woke up and stretched out towards Gavin. The tips of their fingers touched and Jaryn smiled. It was obvious that the twins were used to being within close proximity and taking comfort in each other.
"Don't worry, boys. We'll be home soon then you can get out of your carriers. But for now you need to stay strapped in for your safety."
Jaryn's arms actually ached to hold them again. With their soft bodies tucked into his embrace, the absolute trust they had in him to protect and care for them was awe inspiring. It was funny, but Jaryn would have sworn that the first time he held them the lingering discomfort from Broyles’ attack had disappeared. Then again, it was probably the adrenaline coursing through him with the events of the night.
He looked out the window of the plane and saw the soft glow of dawn on the horizon. He was exhausted, but knew sleep would still be a long time in coming. Once they landed, the group would have to make the two and half hour drive north to Stonepass. They'd make it to town right in time for breakfast.
The captain announced that everyone needed to be secured in their seats for final approach. Jaryn moved over to a club chair and buckled himself in. He glanced over at the boys, who once again had settled back to slee
p. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes. Maybe he could grab a few winks before the plane came to a stop.
* * * *
Jaryn pulled up to his and Nicole's home and looked at the log, timber and stone Adirondack structure he'd designed. He shook his head slightly.
"What,” Shaun asked, in the passenger seat beside Jaryn.
"I never would have predicted that in a matter of months my life would change so drastically.” He nodded towards his house. “Inside is my mate, who undoubtedly has a lot of questions as to why she changed into a wolf while I was gone, and"—he looked in the backseat—"now I'm bringing home two sons."
"It's going to take some adjustment, but I know you, Jaryn. You'll make it work."
Jaryn looked over at his Beta and best friend. “Thanks."
Shaun nodded. “You ready?"
"Whether I am or not, there's no stalling now."
Cooper stood on the front porch, waiting for them. Jaryn watched as Cooper jogged towards them and came up to the driver's side window. Jaryn pushed the button and rolled down the glass. The car immediately filled with the cold air from outside and he looked behind him to see if the boys were okay.
"Nicole needs you. Go on inside and I'll help Shaun with the new arrivals."
Jaryn looked over at Shaun, who made a motion to shoo him off. “Go on, we've got things covered here."
Jaryn climbed out of the Jeep and ran towards the front door. He'd kept the pathway to the cars as clear as possible before he left, and as such he literally ran through a corridor of snow that came up to his hips. However, his feet sank into the near foot of freshly fallen snow that had blanketed the pack lands since his departure a couple of days before. His trousers got wet above where they were tucked into his boots, but he didn't care. His mate needed him.
Jaryn opened the front door and looked around the living room. Sitting beside the fireplace was a wolf. He skidded to a halt and slowly approached the animal. He knew instantly that it was his mate.
"Oh baby, you're so beautiful.” He fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around her neck. Nicole whimpered. Her paws pranced on the floor and her tongue sneaked out to lick him. Jaryn leant back and rubbed his hands over her head. His mate's fur was a dark reddish brown, and her face was black which made her forest green eyes stand out all that much more.
"Did you do this to surprise me, baby? Don't get me wrong—I love seeing your wolf, but I'd really like to kiss my mate right now."
"I don't know how to change back, Jaryn. I've tried and tried all night."
Nicole's wolf frame trembled under his fingers and he scented her fear.
"It's okay. I'll help you. I'm so sorry I wasn't here."
"Why did this happen? You said I wouldn't change when we became mates."
Even through their link, Jaryn detected Nicole's hurt. She thought he'd lied to her. He quickly petted her to calm her nerves.
"It's not from our mating, Nic. Broyles did this to you." He let out a long sigh. "He did a lot of things to you, and I suspect they all took place during those times you have no memories. But don't worry. We'll get through everything together. I promise."
"The scar. It has something to do with my scar, doesn't it?"
"Yes. Now, what do you say we get you back into your more familiar skin?"
"Please. I have this unrelenting urge to go chase down and snack on a furry woodland creature. That's just...eww!"
Jaryn laughed so hard tears came to his eyes and he landed on his side on the rug beside Nicole.
"Glad to see I amuse you."
He sobered and wiped the moisture from his eyes. “ Don't worry baby. You'll get used to it. In fact, in time you'll come to love chasing things down. We'll run under the moon together, and I can't wait to hear your howl echo along with the rest of the pack."
"Now all you have to do is picture your human form. Hold that image in your mind. This first time it will take a little bit longer, but eventually you'll be able to shift in a matter of seconds."
Jaryn sat back and watched as the air around Nicole shimmered for a few moments. Then his mate's nude body came into focus on the rug beside the fireplace. He knew Cooper and Shaun would be inside with Kaden and Gavin in probably a matter of seconds, so he scooped her up and carried her to their bedroom.
He shut the door with his foot then walked over to their bed. He laid her down on the sheets and leant down over the top of her. Nicole's legs spread and her arms came around his neck. Their heads tilted and lips fused. Being in Nicole's arms was the best welcome home Jaryn could ever have imagined. He opened his eyes and looked down at his mate.
She was perfection. Satin white skin with tiny freckles dusting the surface. Pale rose nipples tipped her firm, round breasts. His hands looked dark and rough as he cupped the mounds. He dipped his head to hide the tears that came to his eyes as he thought of the danger she'd been in the previous night. He could have lost her. Jaryn's lips opened over her breast and sucked gently. His mate's tang danced over his taste buds and Jaryn moaned. His hands slid down to her rib cage and curved around the delicate circumference. He pulled her tightly against him as he feasted.
The scent of Nicole's arousal filled the air of their bedroom and Jaryn's cock, already filling in his trousers, hardened to full strength. He looked up her body, at her dark burgundy tresses spread out on their sheets. Her head fell to the side and her pulse was visibly pounding right beneath the fragile skin of her neck.
He moved up her body, covering the surface in kisses, nipping and suckling at all his mate's erogenous zones till he once again met her lips. “We have guests, baby. This is going to have to be quick, but I have to have you...now."
"Yes, Jaryn. Please. I need you."
He kissed her hungrily. Their tongues danced back and forth, and Jaryn groaned. He needed to feel his mate's bare skin against his. Needed to feel the rasp of her hard nipples against his chest. The humidity of their bodies pressed together, creating slick skin. He slid his hand down Nicole's torso then slipped his middle finger into her pussy. The wet soft heat that greeted him made his cock throb. Her inner muscles sucked at his finger and Jaryn nearly howled in pleasure.
He quickly pushed up from the bed and stripped his shirt over his head. His trousers and briefs were shoved to the floor. Jaryn had forgot about the damn combat boots he'd worn and swore when his pants tangled around his ankles. He sat on the bed and bent forwards to undo the laces, but Nicole's small hand firmly pushed on his chest and he sat back up. He frowned...had she changed her mind? The boots would only take a second or two. His frown disappeared when Nicole moved to straddle his lap.
Her hand gripped his hard cock and when her wet labia surrounded the crown, Jaryn's head fell back, and he gripped her hips. Nicole descended on his hard flesh, her heat surrounding him in perfection. She rose up on her knees then sank down in one hard plunge. From that moment, they were off to the races. Nicole's hands were braced on his shoulders as she rapidly rode him. Jaryn braced his hands on the mattress behind them to stabilise their bodies. Their harsh breaths panted in the room. The morning sun shone through the skylight, giving Nicole's skin a golden hue.
Jaryn tensed his ass as he thrust up to meet Nicole's downwards movement. God he was in fucking heaven. Nicole's pussy spasmed around him and Jaryn groaned then gave over to the orgasm curling in his gut. His body shook and he pulled Nicole close so their chests melded together. A bright hot flare of pain pierced the juncture of his neck and shoulder. Jaryn's eyes went wide as he realised that Nicole had bitten him. She'd given him her mating mark! A bolt of lightning streaked down his spine, through his balls, and out the tip of his cock. His cum jetted out in long streams.
He held his mate tenderly, breathing heavily. Now their mating bond was complete. In the future, he'd only knot inside Nicole when she was fertile, but he still savoured the moments after their couplings when he'd stay buried inside her body till nature forced their separation. He couldn't stop touching her, and his hands
smoothed up and down her bare back. Her face nuzzled against his neck as they both calmed. Eventually his heart rate slowed, and he got his breathing under control. He felt a slight trickle of blood slide over the curve of his neck towards his collar bone. Frankly he was amazed there was any liquid left in his body, as it had felt like he'd spurted litres of cum when Nicole bit him. A soft sigh came from her. Her fingers ran through his hair in a light caress.
"Lick me, sweetheart. It will seal the wound."
She did and Jaryn couldn't stop the slight tremble at her caress. His cock jumped, still held in the warm cavern of his mate's body. There was a knock at the door.
"Yes,” he called out.
"Sorry, Alpha, but there are a couple of hungry mouths out here, and neither Cooper nor I know nothin’ about feeding no babies."
Nicole's head shot up. “Babies? Did Shaun say babies?"
"Yes, love. Kaden and Gavin are twins from the compound. I brought them home."
Nicole jumped up off Jaryn's lap and he instantly missed the warmth of her body pressed against him. She scrambled around the room, pulling clothes out of the dresser. He'd never seen her dress so quickly.
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Sorry, I was distracted by your beauty and the feel of you in my arms."
Nicole smiled as she pulled a sweater over her head. “Nice save."
Jaryn grinned. “I thought so.” He stood and pulled up his trousers, tucking everything away. After he got his pants back on, he held out his hand for Nicole, who thankfully took it immediately. He locked their fingers together and took a deep breath. “There's something you should know."
Nicole's smile disappeared and she looked up at him with wary eyes. God it'd been a tough couple of days for both of them. He couldn't wait till the four of them could settle down and really begin their lives together as a family.
"One of the scientists we found at the compound told me that Kaden and Gavin are your biological sons."
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Chapter Fourteen
