Cash accepted that Jenna was a runner. With their connection now stronger, he could feel every doubt and question in her mind. He could also feel her need to avoid them to protect herself, but he wasn’t going to let that happen. She wouldn’t be running from him or anything else any longer. Jenna’s eyelashes fluttered several times before a beautiful smile graced her face. Her eyes were still closed, and he knew she was still half asleep.
“Babe, wake up a little,” Cash whispered, kissing her on her forehead. She growled and snuggled further into the blankets. His mate wasn’t a morning person, it seemed. He wished he had time to go and get her coffee or hell, just jump back in bed and make it a good morning for both of them, but duty called. More like answers beckoned, but he wasn’t about to mix words, they were the same thing.
“Baby, wake up.”
A disgruntled, muffled “No was all he got. Damn, she was cute. Cash did what he did with the women of Alpha, he bargained.
“Okay, how about this, babe, you wake up enough to give me a kiss, and I will bring you coffee and breakfast in bed after my meeting?”
Jenna lifted her head and pursed her lips but never once opened her eyes. Cash gave her a small kiss and pulled back.
“Go back to sleep, Jenna, I’ll be back soon.” He got up and walked to the door but hadn’t made it through before he heard his name.
“Cash?”
“Yeah, babe?”
“Don’t forget the cream, and give Declan and Uncle Matt hell for me, okay?”
“You got it, babe,” Cash laughed. Apparently, Jenna wasn’t as asleep as he thought. “See you in a little while.”
Once Cash got out of the room and closed the door softly, he walked with purpose to the conference room. He still hadn’t looked at his phone or responded in any way. The three men needed to know what they were dealing with now. Gemini was his, and no one was going to change that or influence it. Senior might have started gathering the team, but that was all the recognition he was going to get. Too many people had been hurt by his interference. Mattias on the other hand, Cash just didn’t like him, and Jacks had his own things to deal with.
Cash walked into the room and sat at the table, not saying a word, waiting. Senior took charge of the meeting, the Dragon knowing no other way. Cash listened to the plans he had for Gemini, what he expected, and what their next move would be. Mattias just watched with a shit-eating grin on his face, and Jacks looked bored.
“No,” Cash said softly. Being in a room full of shifters, he didn’t need to raise his voice to be heard.
“What do you mean, No?” Senior snarled.
“Exactly what I said. No. Gemini will not be going after Mia.” Senior started swearing a blue streak, Jacks sat up straight, and Mattias just smiled. Cash got up and planted his hands on the table in front of him, looking Senior in the eyes. “We can’t. Jessie is the finder, and since she’s pregnant, we have no idea what the effects will be on the child. I will not risk that, none of the team will. Jenna was out cold for three days after we channeled the power into her to save Jacks. Until I know for certain no harm will come to my team, I will not, under any circumstances, risk any of them. Regardless of what you want.”
“Your team? Gemini is under NAC, I created that team, and they will do as I order.”
“Not anymore,” Cash growled. Cash could see the muscles in Senior’s throat tighten, about to say something or demand the respect he felt he deserved. Cash didn’t care, he had some things he wanted to say first.
“You assembled a team based on theory and legend. You manipulated and placed that team in harm's way, running your experiments, forcing each of them to choose between their loyalty and conscience. I will not allow that to happen anymore. You should have thought about that before you put the pieces into play to make me their Alpha. If you want the cooperation of Gemini in the future, I suggest you back the fuck off and let the team figure out where and how they will move forward from here.”
Cash turned his attention to Mattias.
“Don’t look so smug, old man. You are just as much to blame if not more so than Senior. You say you weren’t involved with Senior’s games, but you were a key player. We both know you were just playing a different game. My mate loves and cares for you, I won’t interfere with that, but you will stay out of my way.”
Mattias cocked his head and raised his eyebrow condescendingly.
“And you think you have the power to change years’ worth of history between my sweet girl and myself? I never considered you a stupid man, Mr. Warren, misguided and naïve but not stupid.”
“I don’t have to change anything, Mattias,” Cash laughed. “Jenna will make up her own mind, but I will assure you, she will choose me every single time. The mating bond is complete and blessed,” Cash said, holding up his wrist to show the other man, the new lines brighter than the others. “I know her innermost feelings. I also know the manipulation the two of you used to get what you wanted. It’s a typical good cop, bad cop ploy. Jenna isn’t stupid, in time she will see it for what it was. I plan to make sure of it. But I will not crush her illusions about you. I will, however, leave that up to the both of you.”
It was a threat with a promise attached. He would let Jenna make any decisions regarding her Uncle Matt. Hell, he would be mated to the one person in the Shifter community who didn’t think of Mattias as the boogie man. Not only did she care for the asshole, but she actually loved him.
Cash briefly let his eyes go to Jacks—his brother, best friend, and former Alpha—who smirked like he always did and gave Cash a nod, telling him well done.
“Now, let’s get to the brass tacks of this situation. I need a place to take the team, so we can learn how to tap safely into the Gemini. Do I need to do that on my own, or do you have a place in mind?” Cash asked both Mattias and Declan. For over an hour, they discussed logistics and preparations for a move. As of right now, all the Gemini lived in different locations, but Cash was going to change that. It would be uncomfortable at first, but they would all learn to live with it or choose another path.
Declan offered up two locations to choose from, one in Alaska and one in Texas. Texas wouldn’t work for a group of bear shifters. Cash didn’t even need to consider that one or bring it to the group. Mattias was the one who offered up a piece of property that shocked both himself and Senior. Apparently, the games between the two were far from over.
Cash and Jacks stayed behind when Senior and Mattias left. It was just the two of them now, and Cash knew in his heart, this would be the last time for quite a while they would be together like this. There were so many things he wanted to say but knew he wouldn’t.
“I’m proud of you; you handled that like the true Alpha you are. Senior and Mattias don’t back down from anyone, and there was a moment there, they both ceded to you. Use that strength wisely, old friend, and you will go far.”
Cash didn’t know what to say, he hadn’t really realized it, but what Jacks was saying was true. The saying with great power comes great responsibility kept flashing in his mind. For the first time, his anger at the two men wasn’t as harsh and insistent. He believed they both had good intentions, but like everyone else, they were part human and made mistakes.
“I see you shifted, my beast isn’t as apt to rip you apart today. Gives me hope that one day, we will be able to sit in the same room without the need to tear each other apart. When that day happens, I expect a home cooked meal with all the trimmings and dessert waiting for Rye and me.” Jacks got up to leave, but Cash stopped him.
“I want to thank you for everything, Jacks. I wouldn’t be the man I am today if not for you and Alpha. Please, let the guys know that, and you can count on a meal, but you’re going to have to bring your furry ass to Canada or Alaska to get it,” Cash laughed, trying to hide the emotion he was feeling.
“I will, man. Maybe by the time I get out there to freeze my ass off, there will be a little Jack or Jaqueline—hell, with your genes, maybe both—r
unning around for Quinn to play with.”
“Nah, man,” Cash laughed and stood, putting his hand out to Jacks, “with my luck, it will be a little Mattie and Matilda.”
Jacks shook his hand and laughed hard enough to bring a tear to his eyes.
“Fuck man, I thought dealing with Senior as a father-in-law was tough, but you get Mattias. Have fun with that.”
“Asshole.” Cash released Jacks' hand and slugged him in the shoulder hard enough to hurt but not hard enough to cause permanent damage.
“Okay then, see you when I see you,” Jacks said. Cash pulled the big man into a hug, slapping his back a couple of times.
“Thank you, Jacks,” he whispered, “thank you for everything.”
Jacks released him and nodded. Without saying a word, he left, leaving Cash alone. For the first time, that really didn’t bother him because he wasn’t truly alone, he could feel Jenna in his soul.
His pretty mate was up and getting ready for the day. It looked like he needed to get his ass in gear, he had, after all, promised coffee and breakfast in bed. He just hoped Jenna was a fast eater because he had some other plans for today that involved sweaty sheets and Jenna screaming out his name. Maybe, they could get started on those twins.
Walking out of the room toward the kitchen Cash felt lighter than he had ever felt. He also felt optimistic everything was as it should be. He should have known better.
Chapter Seventeen
Jenna had gotten up shortly after Cash had left the room. She rushed into the bathroom, took care of her immediate needs, and took a long hot shower, a part of her wanting to look good for Cash when he came back. But her mind wouldn’t quiet; she was still reeling from what had happened between the two of them. The connection was so strong, she could feel every emotion coming from Cash. She also kept lifting up her arm, so she could trace the lines over the new mating mark.
Getting out of the shower, she blow-dried her hair and even put on a little makeup, she assumed Kiera had left her along with a nightgown. It wasn’t pretty, more functional than anything, but it was far better than the hospital gown she had woken up in yesterday. She heard a knock at the door and smiled, thinking Cash was back. Dang, that hadn’t taken long at all. She called out for him to come in, but something felt off.
She soon found out why when she went back into the room and didn’t find Cash but Jessie waiting for her, her mood changing instantly. Jessie was standing by the door, wringing her hands, a move her sister did every time she wanted something or had something to say.
“Jessie, not today okay?” It was a question but also a plea. Jenna was happy, and she didn’t want to deal with anything else right now, she just wanted Cash and her bubble back for a little while longer.
“I felt it, Jenna, I felt everything—your dislike of me, your grief, and regret. When you were trying to save that man and we all connected to help you,” Jessie cried, “I felt it all. I am so sorry I never realized that by asking you to help Gunner that would happen to you. I never knew how much you hated me; I knew you were mad, but I always thought you would get over it.”
Jenna didn’t move any closer or offer her sister any kind of comfort. A part of her was mortified Jessie had felt her innermost feelings, but another part was relieved. Maybe now, she could understand, and they both could forgive and move forward. It would take time, but Jenna hoped it was possible, only time would tell.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” Jessie pleaded.
Jenna walked over to the bed and sat down, facing her sister. It was now or never. If she wanted this, she had to tell Jessie everything. What happened from there, only fate could decide.
“When you asked me to help Gunner, I knew it was the wrong thing to do, but I wanted to be a sister to you.”
“Jenna…”
“No, let me finish. That wasn’t the only reason I agreed, I also wanted Declan, our parents, and even Lance to accept me. I always felt like I was on the outside, looking in. I justified helping you because I figured if I did this for you, you would help me in return. It was wrong; I knew Gunner was a bad man, I also knew that you weren’t so much in love with him but infatuated. There was always something about the way he looked at you; it scared me. When I touched his mind and healed him, I knew those looks were hiding a crazy, feral man. He was going rogue. His animal was already feral, and he convinced himself you were the one who was going to save him.”
“You never said anything. Why didn’t you? When he died, I blamed you. Why did you let me do that?”
“Jessie, I spent a day in that man’s mind, connected to him, and his thoughts scared me. When he woke up and attacked me, shit, Jess, if it hadn’t been for Kayden, I wouldn’t have survived, but I knew you would never believe me. You thought he loved you and you loved him back. You were so young, but I couldn’t take the chance of having you shun me again. Then when you met Chase, I thought, well, maybe now, but you wouldn’t listen, still wouldn’t listen. It was easier to let the hate build between us than try to love you. But there is more to it. Hell, Jess, I have been jealous of you since we met. You had the family I should have been a part of wrapped around your finger. Our parents, Lance, and even Declan could never seem to look beyond you to see me, so I gave up and quit trying.”
“Shit, Jen, I made that easy for you. What are we going to do now?”
“We are going to move forward,” Jenna took Jessie's hand in hers, “and you are going to swear never to call me Jen again,” Jenna laughed.
“I think I can do that. So, you and Cash?”
“Yep, me and Cash. How do you feel about that? I know you loved him once.”
“Jenna, I was a kid, barely fourteen years old, and Cash was larger than life. He still is,” Jessie said, wiggling her eyebrows in a lewd manner.
“You have no idea,” Jenna laughed.
“The truth is, I wanted to believe what he was telling me, but I didn’t feel the same way. I figured that out when I met Chase. The mating instinct, bond, and connection are so much more than any silly childhood infatuation. I see you know that now,” Jessie said, looking down at Jenna’s wrist.
“Yeah, it’s pretty intense.”
“Chase and I talked last night for a long time, and we both agreed to remain a part of Gemini, pledging our loyalty to Cash. But neither of us will do that unless you are okay with it. I won’t cause you any more pain. If our presences do, we’ll go away.”
Jenna had no idea what plans Cash was making or how it would affect the rest of Gemini. They needed to talk. She wouldn’t mind getting to know her sister better without all the bad feeling getting in the way, but she wouldn’t do it if it bothered Cash. He and Jessie had history, something she and Cash didn’t.
“I can’t answer that, Jessie, I’m sorry we haven’t even talked about it. But I think a good start would be for you and Cash to talk. You need to tell him all about it. How you tracked him for Declan for years. That you were always able to find him, but he thought you were dead. I don’t think either of you can move on unless that happens. Then there’s Chase. I know how I felt when you and the Gunther’s came into my life. It hurts.”
“They are your parents too, Jenna; I know they haven’t made it easy, but they do care about you. I just think the guilt of their actions affected how they dealt with you. I think you need to take some of your own advice and talk to them, put it in the past and move on if you can.”
“Maybe.”
The door opened, and Cash stood there with a tray in his hands, looking right at Jenna. She felt stalked and devoured, all at once. His eyes never moved from hers like she was the only person in the room. She wasn’t going to lie to herself, it made her feel good.
Jessie patted her leg, excusing herself, murmuring, “Alpha” before she cleared the door.
“You were supposed to still be in bed.”
“I am still technically in bed,” Jenna said, motioning to the piece of furniture she was sitting on. She was kind of ashamed of herself b
ut not really when she straightened her shoulders, pushing her breasts out. The nightgown was lame, but it did show some cleavage. She liked watching Cash’s eyes start to glow.
“Hmm, maybe, but I was thinking more when I left you this morning.”
“And how would that be?”
“Naked.”
“That can be arranged,” Jenna said cheekily, “but since you brought me coffee, I think it is going to have to wait for a while. Girls have to have priorities you know.”
“Damn, my mate is choosing coffee over naked fun time. This doesn’t bode well for our future, Jenna,” Cash said, shaking his head and walking over to the nightstand with the tray.
“Oh, I don’t know, I think you should think of it as a challenge, maybe make me want naked fun time over coffee. Coffee is just so…”
Jenna hadn’t gotten any more words out of her mouth before Cash had deposited the tray on the stand next to the bed and had her pinned underneath him, kissing her hard and deep. The man conquered her, no part of her mouth, tongue, and teeth unexplored, leaving her breathless. Cradled between her thighs, she could feel him growing harder. Forget the damn coffee, this was way better.
Jenna was in a daze as Cash nuzzled against her neck, leaving biting kisses, moving further down her body. Jenna could feel his hands pushing up her nightgown while his body moved further down her body. When he stopped, Jenna forced her eyes open. He was on the floor between her legs, smiling. Her nightgown was bunched under her breast, her legs spread open for him.
“Still thinking about coffee?
Jenna was going to say no, but that smiled spurred her on.
“I don’t know, it does smell awfully good. Maybe, I should taste it and weigh my options?”
Cash smiled but didn’t say anything, instead, trailing gentle kisses up the inside of her thigh, the soft brush of his goatee and lips causing her body to break out in goosebumps and a deep need to cum settled in her lower stomach. Coffee was the last thing on her mind.
NAC & The Holly Group - Box set: Alpha Team Page 136
