by Vella Day
As if their cookies no longer held any appeal, they all turned toward her. Surprisingly, she was most embarrassed talking in front of Blair. After all, Jackson was her brother. “When, um, Jackson and I made love, I had this really strange reaction.”
“Did you glow blue?” Izzy asked with a glint in her eyes.
“Yes! And sparks kept shooting off my skin. Is that normal? I mean, when I’ve had sex before I’d see some random blue sparks, but nothing this intense.”
“Totally.” Izzy laughed, and then explained that anything blue was a good thing. “Have you mated?”
“No.” That comment came out so fast they might not think she intended to. “But soon.”
Izzy smiled. “If it’s the right time, your blue aura will totally encompass Jackson. Because you are a wolf—like me now—you will also have this intense desire to bite him.”
It was a relief to know the details, even though the idea of biting anyone didn’t sit well with her. Bites were for killing. “I appreciate the info.”
“Any other questions?” Izzy asked.
Three of the women were mated, so one of them should be able to help. “Any pointers for when Jackson and I do mate?”
The three of them looked at each other, probably trying to decide who should talk.
“Since I’m mated to a bear, I’ll start,” Elana said. “Mind you, I didn’t even know bear shifters existed when I first met Kalan; I just thought he was über hot.”
Learning about what Jackson’s brother was like in bed might be too much information. “I agree he’s good looking,” but not as attractive as Jackson.
“Thanks. Even before we mated, Kalan had to work hard not to shift whenever he was around me. He was so clumsy that I thought he didn’t like me.”
“Jackson’s not clumsy.”
Izzy waved a hand. “No, he’s not, but what Elana is trying to say is that if you think the attraction is bad now, wait until you mate. It’s ten times worse. You won’t be able to last even a few hours without ripping off each other’s clothes.” Izzy stopped and glanced around. “Too much information, right?”
Everyone nodded. Holy hell. Ainsley was already in need of him, and they hadn’t mated. It would be best to divert the conversation away from sex, now that she’d learned the facts of mating. “As you might know, tomorrow Jackson and I are headed to Scotland to return his cousin’s ashes. While it will be sad, I’m looking forward to seeing Shamus’s father again and showing Jackson a town I know quite well. Any suggestions on how I should handle this kind of situation? I’m not really good with death.”
Missy smiled. “That’s totally understandable. Just be yourself. Show Jackson that you’re there for him. Help him heal, but make sure you take time for yourself too. I imagine it will hit you harder when you’re in Scotland. That’s where your relationship with Shamus began, so don’t be afraid to express what you’re feeling. Grieving is a natural and necessary process to healing.”
“That’s good advice. Thank you.” This was going to be harder than she thought.
Teagan lifted her hand. “I agree with Missy, but may I suggest you do something crazy and fun to boost both of your spirits. Keep in mind that the most important thing is being honest about what you are feeling and what you want. If you’re unsure or don’t want to do something, tell Jackson. If I had been truthful with Kip, our relationship would have been a lot smoother.”
Ainsley felt immeasurably better. “I can do crazy and fun. I really appreciate all the advice.”
Blair reached out and clasped her hand. “Jackson can be a fun-loving guy, but he’s also driven to be the best. When he gets something in his head, he doesn’t want to let it go—like that treasure map of his. So just be flexible if his needs become single-minded but don’t hesitate to try and redirect him.”
His dedication and ambition were two of the things she found most appealing about him. Okay, his cute smile, sense of humor, and protective nature, all made for a complete package. She was pretty sure both their needs became single-minded as soon as they were together. Ainsley needed to quit thinking about Jackson because her thoughts were waking up her wolf, and she was yearning to find him for a repeat of last night.
For the next hour, as she sipped her wine, she learned more about these brave, wonderful women. Ainsley even surprised herself at enjoying her time with them—and what a delight that was.
Once she and Jackson returned from Scotland, she was determined to work hard at keeping her new friends close.
Chapter Seventeen
‡
The flight over to Scotland was long and tiring, but Jackson enjoyed getting to know Ainsley better. Thank goodness their shifter bodies could handle jetlag better than their human counterparts.
There were a ton of topics they couldn’t discuss surrounded by a plane full of people, but it was fun to learn everyday things about her—like what she liked to do for fun, what her favorite desserts were, and did her family do anything special on her birthday?
Sadly, the answer to that last question was no. Because both of their birthdays were a week apart in May, he promised they’d do something special next year. When he told her his intention, joy sprang to her eyes.
After they landed and went through customs, they headed to the rental car agency. Unfortunately, he couldn’t stop yawning, despite his better physiology. Ainsley on the other hand, looked perky and alert. Jackson hadn’t slept a wink on the plane, and losing additional hours due to the time difference made it even worse. As much as he wanted to rest, he had too much to do.
Suck it up, his bear said.
When they finally received the keys, the service representative directed them to their car. Ainsley held out her hand. “I can drive.”
“I’m good.” The fresh air had suddenly revived him. Unfortunately, as soon as he slipped into the driver’s side and started the engine, the weight of the world bore down on him. He was in Scotland for a daunting task, and not for a vacation or to meet the rest of his family. Delivering a loved-ones remains ranked up there with being attacked by four Changelings at once. Right now, he’d take the attack.
“Do you know the way to my uncle’s house?” he asked as he pulled out of the lot.
“Of course. That’s assuming none of the roads have changed in the last eight years.”
The car had a GPS system, but since he hadn’t plugged in the address before getting underway, it wouldn’t do him much good now. “How far is it to the town?”
“It’s less than an hour to North Dunwick. This is more reason why I should be driving.”
Ainsley was probably right, but he needed to feel in control. “It’s just past eight a.m. Because it’s kind of early to be visiting, do you mind if we get something to eat before we head to Uncle Gordon’s?” he asked. “I’m starving.”
She smiled, and much of his tiredness evaporated. “Are you hungry as a bear?”
He groaned. “I’m hungry as any healthy male would be after not eating for twelve hours.”
“Fine. There’s a cute breakfast place in Dunwick that serves really good food. Shamus and I would often meet there after school, and because I lived two towns over, I felt safe from the prying eyes of my family.” Her voice trailed off, and he reached over and squeezed her hand. She was clearly in pain.
He hadn’t brought up the topic of whether she wanted to let her family know she was nearby, because he wasn’t sure of her reaction, but he had to ask. “Do you want to visit your family while you’re here?”
Her chin jutted out. “Remember, I told you they never even celebrated my birthday. I didn’t grow up with a lot of support or love. So, no, I prefer not to see them. Ever.”
He couldn’t imagine growing up without love. “How did you end up so nice?”
She chuckled. “From my dad.” She told him some stories about growing up and how he always played with her. “He taught me how to throw a baseball, though I never could hit the damn thing. We played croquet every su
mmer, but then he died when I was eight. I miss him even now.”
The strong ache in her voice hurt him deeply. “I’m sorry.”
She shrugged. “Thank you. When my mom married Owen’s father a few years later, it went downhill from there. Changelings only want sons to help them rule, so I was kind of shoved to the side. It was partially why I spent a lot of time with Shamus.”
“Didn’t they object? I mean I would have thought they’d believe that Changelings shouldn’t mix with us regular shifters.”
Ainsley waved a finger. “You’re assuming they knew. I was very circumspect and highly resourceful.”
He had a feeling there was a lot more to Ainsley Chancellor than she’d let on. “Do you possess other Wendayan powers besides being able to disappear?”
She planted a hand on her chest. “I’m not telling.”
He glanced over at her. He would have tried to stare her down, but Jackson didn’t want to take his eyes off the road. Between the roundabouts and driving on the opposite side of the road, he needed to stay focused. “We shouldn’t have any secrets between us if we’re to become mates.”
Her shoulders sagged as if that was one of her hot buttons: honesty.
“Fine. I do have another talent that I think I inherited probably from some grandparent on my mom’s side.”
“What talent is that?’
“I know what kind of shifter a person is.”
“Seriously?” He wished he could do that. Hell, maybe he ought to suggest she come to work for McKinnon and Associates. “While I’ve never met a panther shifter, assuming that kind exists, you could tell if someone was?”
“Yup.”
“I’m impressed. That could really come in handy someday.”
Ainsley shrugged then pointed to the next street. “Take a left and park wherever you find a space. It comes in really handy if you’re a wolf and a bear shifter comes your way.”
“True. Not knowing could result in someone’s untimely death.”
The small town of North Dunwick sat on the North Sea and was incredibly quaint. How cool to think his family came from here. On what he thought could be the main street, the buildings were arranged in one long row, all touching. They varied in height from two to three stories. Given the location of the windows, he guessed apartments took up the top floors. Most of the upper level facades were brick, while the bottom half of the buildings were painted bright colors—many of which were different shades of green. “I love all the dormer windows.”
“Wait until you see the homes on the sea. They’re so freaking cute.”
He loved her enthusiasm. Jackson found a spot and parked. When he stepped out, the air was cold and damp, but after being cooped up on the plane, he welcomed the fresh air. Before he could step over to Ainsley’s side and help her out, she exited and moved to the sidewalk.
When he reached her, to his delight, she threaded her arm through his. “Come this way.”
She led him to an adorable restaurant called The Bloomin’ Bistro. The red awning and ornate molding bordered a large picture window that had the name painted in gold leaf. He held open the door for her and immediately smelled the rich aroma of coffee. His stomach grumbled, and Ainsley smiled. The inside held about ten tables, three of which were occupied, and was cozy as hell. The golfing memorabilia on the walls added an interesting touch. “So this is where you came with Shamus?”
“Yes, but the awning used to be a dark green and the inside held a few booths.” From the wistful way she said his name, talking about his cousin might renew her grief.
The waitress who seated them handed them menus. “Can I get you two something to drink?” she asked with a thick Scottish accent that he found wonderful.
Jackson glanced over at Ainsley. “Ladies first.”
She shot him a look that said really? “Coffee, black.”
“Make that two.” As soon as their server left, he studied Ainsley. “I know you’ve been gone a long time, but do you recognize anyone?”
She reached out and took his hand. “No, but don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
“Look, I might have been trying to take your mind off our mission, but I’m not really patronizing you. I want to get to know you better.”
She released her grip and looked away. “Sorry. I’ve been raised to expect people to think the worst of me.”
Poor Ainsley. She’d had it rough, but he’d make it a goal to put joy into her life. He picked up the menu and was instantly confused by some of the items. “What’s Weetabix?”
She chuckled. “It looks like a granola bar, but it’s really just shredded wheat packed together. Let’s say it’s not my favorite Scottish breakfast item.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
He was surprised they served baked beans for breakfast, but since he was in Scotland, he wanted to try it all. In the end, he went with the broiled tomato and cheese on top, a rasher of bacon, some kind of potato scone called a tattie, and an egg. Did the Scots really think a large man would be happy with only one egg?
As he waited for his meal to arrive, he studied the patrons around him. He loved how many of the men wore beards. Most had hair color that ranged from bright red to dark auburn. “How come no one is wearing a kilt?”
“It’s cold out.” She was probably making that up.
“Was your dad fair haired?” he asked.
She giggled. “Didn’t ya look between me legs?” Ainsley poured on a thick Scottish accent that he found charming.
“Ah, yes. Dark brown it is.” Her skin was light like the Scots, however. “So tell me what my uncle is like.”
“You’ve never met him? Didn’t you say Shamus came to the States for a visit?”
“When I was eight, yes, but I really didn’t pay much attention to him at the time.”
“I see. Well, Gordon MacLeod is a highly principled man.”
“I know he works at a University.” Jackson should have taken the time to find out more about his overseas relatives, but when he’d approached his mom about them this week, she’d just cried.
“Unless he’s changed careers, he’s a math professor at the University of Edinburgh.”
That was impressive. “I can’t imagine what he’s going through now. First he loses his mate and now his son.”
“It’s very sad, but he won’t show his grief around you. He’s that kind of man.”
Now Jackson wished they’d had the time to stay longer so he could get to know more of his family members. Maybe someday.
Their coffees arrived, followed by their food, and they both dug in. “This tastes amazing.” He probably should have tempered his surprise.
She smiled. “It is good to be eating Scottish food again. I didn’t realize how much I missed it.”
For the next few minutes, they ate in silence. Because Ainsley knew Uncle Gordon quite well, she had volunteered to contact him and let him know they would be bringing his son’s ashes. “What time does Uncle Gordon expect us?” Jackson asked.
“He said to come anytime. He knows when our plane arrived. We can’t check into the hotel until the afternoon, so we should head on over there once we finish eating.”
Jackson wiped his lips with his napkin, finally feeling full. “Sounds like a plan.”
Once he paid the bill, he escorted Ainsley out. Despite breakfast being delicious, his gut was churning. Most likely it was because he wasn’t looking forward to handing a man his son’s remains and seeing the pain of losing his only child on his uncle’s face. Jackson wasn’t one to handle a lot of emotion very well.
She held out her palm. “I’ll drive. The way can be a bit tricky.”
Digging his hand in his pocket, he located the key and handed it to her, happy to give up the harrowing chore of navigating these streets. “Be careful.”
She winked. “Always.”
The trip to Uncle Gordon’s house took less than ten minutes. He lived in one of the row houses that faced the water. Ainsley was
right. They were damned cute.
While having a beach in the front yard was peaceful to look at, Jackson couldn’t imagine the water ever being warm enough to swim in—unless he was in his bear form.
Once she parked, he reached for the box that contained Shamus’s ashes. They discussed buying an urn, but she thought his dad might like to pick one out himself—one that spoke to him. She faced Jackson. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
*
Ainsley was torn. As wonderful as it had been to reconnect with Shamus’s father—the man who provided so much guidance to her growing up, it was also very sad. Much of their three hours together involved Jackson’s uncle talking about his son and how much Shamus wanted to start his own investment firm. The man’s love for his son was heartwarming, and it made Ainsley want to kill every Changeling in Silver Lake.
I’m not one of them anymore. I can’t think like that.
After meeting Jackson and being cleansed, Ainsley wanted to live in peace and pretend Changelings didn’t exist.
Good luck with that.
Once Gordon finished reminiscing, he caught up on his nephew’s life. Jackson filled him in on McKinnon and Associates and then on what Kalan and Blair were doing.
About the only thing that had made Shamus’s dad smile was when she explained that Naliana had shown up and cleansed Ainsley of her Changeling ways. Gordon hugged her and told her Shamus would have been so pleased. She nearly cried.
As much as she wanted to stay and rehash all of Shamus’s antics growing up, Gordon MacLeod needed time to grieve too.
“When are you flying out?” Gordon asked. The desperation in his tone was hard to swallow.
“Early Monday morning. I just started my job and couldn’t take off much time, and Jackson has cases to solve.”
“I understand.”
With watery eyes, Ainsley hugged him goodbye—as did Jackson. After they left his uncle’s house, he was rather quiet. “What did you think of your uncle?” she asked. It was possible, his mom had told him stories about her sister’s mate and had built up the man in the young boy’s head.
