“And the stick up his ass is back,” David sighed.
♦ ♦ ♦
Jake smiled shyly as he walked into the bedroom after his shower. He knew his mate had seen him naked many times before, but this seemed different. His mate, he still couldn’t believe it. The shifter ran a finger over the mark on his neck. He watched Shadow as he finished putting on his boots. “Why do you have to go to the inner circle meeting?”
Shadow shrugged. “I’m not sure, but all of our crew will be there. Don’t worry; I’m sure I’ll be back in time for us to continue our Valentine’s Day explorations. Maybe we should go for a run?”
“Sounds good. I’m going to see if there was anything left from breakfast.” He blushed as his stomach grumbled right on cue. “Should I grab something for you?” Shadow stood and walked over to stand directly in front of Jake. He traced a drop of water down his stomach with his finger before he leaned in for a kiss. Jake groaned into his mate’s mouth. Why had he run from this for so long?
“Nah, I’ll just grab something on my way to the meeting,” Shadow said as he stepped back and winked, “hold that thought for later.” Jake watched as the man left the room. He couldn’t believe how much he missed him already.
“Get a grip,” Jake muttered to himself as he got dressed. A short time later, he was outside his sister’s door. He knocked lightly just in case the pups were sleeping. He heard footsteps before the door opened to reveal his disheveled sister.
“Oh, hey,” Sammy mumbled as she opened the door and stepped back into the room. She stopped in front of the cribs and smiled softly before she walked over to the desk. Jake saw the alpha had brought up a small fridge, microwave, and a coffee maker. It was nice of him to make his sister’s life easier while the pups were this young. “Coffee?” Sammy asked as she pulled down two mugs from the shelf.
“Sounds good. I was on my way down to breakfast and wondered if you wanted me to bring something up for you.” Jake took the cup and went to sit in one of the chairs in her room. He noticed the dark circles under his sister’s eyes. “Are the pups still keeping you up?”
She sighed as she took a seat in the other chair. For a moment she didn’t reply as she took a long drink from her cup. “It’s okay. I’m beginning to realize how good a mother we had. I don’t know how she handled the two of us.”
“We were a handful, and that didn’t change as we got older either,” Jake smiled as he remembered better times. His parents had shielded them from what was happening in the pack for as long as they could. He only hoped that Castor and Pollux would have a better chance to grow up without fear.
Sammy smiled at him as she rose to get the pot. She refilled both of their cups. “They aren’t bad pups. Once they begin to sleep through the night, it will be easier.”
Jake shook his head. “You know Shadow and I are just right down the hall. You can ask us for help.”
“I think you were a bit busy yourself last night,” she replied with a sly smile. Jake felt the blush rush up his neck. Had they been that loud? Who else had heard? Before he could panic further, his sister patted his knee. “Don’t worry; it wasn’t that bad. So, you’re mated now?”
He nodded as he fingered the mark under his shirt. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be able to help you with the pups. Shadow loves them as well.” He finished his cup of coffee and stood to place it on the desk. “I’m going to go down and get us both some breakfast, or brunch since it’s getting kind of late. Then you’re going to eat, take a shower and go back to bed while I watch the pups.”
Sammy grinned. “Well since you’re offering, I think I’ll accept.”
“Good, you just relax, and I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Jake left the room and headed for the kitchen. He hoped Vicky didn’t mind helping him put something together, or their brunch would end up being a sandwich. There was a reason Sammy did all the cooking when they were home.
Hopefully, by the time he finished with the pups, his new mate would be back from his meeting, and they could go for a long run followed by another round of lovemaking. His cock was getting hard just thinking about it. Yep, he had been a fool to run for so long, but now he was going to make up for lost time.
Chapter 18
Shadow looked around the table in the situation room. It was a good thing they had converted the old workout room. The situation room contained a large table big enough for everyone to sit. They covered the walls with maps, several whiteboards and a large screen TV where they could view surveillance, output from the computers or he bet they could get the football game on it as well.
The inner circle was present along with Forest and Blaze’s Rogues. Even Radar had joined them. Shadow noticed the shifter sat with his laptop in front of him. He didn’t look up but simply continued to type with his right hand. He just hoped with time his friend would heal the rest of the way.
He glanced up when Grant cleared his throat. “Take a seat. The sooner we get done with the meeting, the sooner everyone can get on with their plans for today.” Shadow noticed the smiles around the room matched the one on his face. He couldn’t wait to run with his mate in their wolf form. When they got back, he planned to show Jake how much he loved him.
“I’ve had Radar compiling a list of all the paranormal communities he can find,” Blaze interjected. Shadow noticed that Radar didn’t jump in like he usually did. In the past, his friend had driven some of them mad with his ability to recite facts and figures like a walking computer. What most people didn’t know was the shifter has an eidetic memory. It was one of the reasons he was so good at locating things. What he’d give to hear Radar spout off some of his random facts.
Alpha Grant seemed to ignore Radar’s lack of response by simply nodding. “Good, can you send what you have so far to the big screen?” They waited for a few seconds while Radar pressed a few keys. A list of packs, magi covens, vampire covens, and fae tribes soon appeared. Shadow was impressed at the number Radar had identified so far. He recognized some of them from the war, but many were unknown to him and he’d not kept in touch with those he did know. After the war, everyone seemed to just go their own way.
The alpha continued, “We need to start planning ways to protect the pack as well as our allies. So far, we have just been reacting to the problem. We need to contact each paranormal community to find out if they are having problems and to build an alliance.”
“Do you think this is more than just Alpha Clifton working with a bad group of magi?” Jason asked. “You sound like you’re preparing for another war.”
The alpha sighed. “No, I don’t know for sure, but things don’t add up. Why would a second-rate alpha suddenly decide to build an army? I don’t buy he wants my mate as his own, do you?”
“Hell no,” Ricky quickly replied. “He never wanted me. After I overheard his conversation with his beta Biff, it’s clear all he wants is my brother.”
“And we know why,” Artemus chimed in. “If he could control the only Omega or worse train him to use his powers to subdue others, he could become a powerful alpha.”
Forest sat back and crossed his arms across his chest. “Even during the Great War, Alpha Clifton only worked to protect what was his. He refused to send any of his pack to help with the war effort. I agree, there is more going on here. However, Alpha Clifton isn’t the brains; he’s just the muscle.”
“Don’t forget Winston and his coven. From what I heard when they kidnapped me, there are others involved. Charlie thinks Ashton, the head priest, is behind whatever is going on. The bastard is the one who sold him to Alpha Clifton to help him build his army.” Sparky’s eyes were hard with anger at what they had done to his mate. They all remembered the shape the hybrid-shifter had been in when he’d escaped. It was a miracle he’d managed to make it as far as he had.
“Now he’s trying to get my brother back. Ashton knows the power my brother may be able to control. Alpha Clifton wanted Charlie to use his mind-reading ability to help him build his
army. Luckily my brother managed to escape them both. Charlie is a threat to Ashton, and he knows it,” Artemus added.
“We haven’t seen anything from the vampire or fae paranormals,” Falcon remarked. “I know most of the fae returned to their own realm. The king of the woodland elves told me he gave those in his tribe a choice to stay or leave. The portals may still be active, but I’m not sure.”
“You know fairies?” Sparky was practically bouncing in his seat. “Is it true they have wings and can fly? Oh-oh and those leggings—I wonder if they come in chocolate flavor…”
Falcon rubbed his hand over his face, “Don’t ever call an elf a fairy. It would be like me calling you straight.” Shadow grinned at the disgusted look on Sparky’s face. He wanted a seat if the mechanic got a chance to meet one of the wood elves. The few he’d met would probably be more amused than upset. Of course, setting a pixie on Sparky would be entertaining as hell.
Alpha Grant growled softly, “All right, let’s get back on track. I’ve decided to send out a couple of emissaries who will contact some of the other paranormals on this list and get a feel for what is going on. We need information before we can determine the risk.” Alpha Grant looked at his father, “My father will take a couple of the shifters from his inner circle with him to visit the vampire and magi coven’s that worked with him during the Great War.”
“Gustov and William will arrive late tomorrow night. We’ll leave the day after tomorrow,” Forest stated. Shadow knew Forrest would be involved since he was one of the leaders who negotiated the peace treaty. He also remembered Gustov and William as the two betas who always accompanied the old alpha when he met with other paranormals during the war. He’d never met them, but he had heard they were fierce warriors.
“I’ve spoken to Brady, and he will come with me to visit the packs,” David added. “We’ll be leaving first thing in the morning,” he grinned, “after we celebrate tonight.”
Artemus sat back. “I’ll contact some of the magi I know I can trust. Let me know if I can help you smooth the way in any of the magi covens you visit, Forrest. I wish I could go, but I’m needed here more.”
Alpha Grant nodded. “Thanks, Artemus. David, I thought we discussed you taking at least one of our enforcers with you?” Shadow could hear the irritation in the alpha’s tone. Apparently, his brother didn’t agree.
“You need all the enforcers you can get for now, and we both know it. Blaze and his guys can’t snap their fingers and make a sentry an enforcer. Besides, Brady served in the human military after the war. He recently retired from the corp. Believe me, the man is more than capable, of handling any problems that arise.” David smiled. “He handles me, after all.”
Shadow hid his grin as the alpha rolled his eyes at his brother. However, David had brought up a good point. They needed more enforcers and sentries. Blaze’s Rogues were good, but they could only be in one place at a time. He knew Dakota was working with Blaze to identify people who would be able to be trained, but it would take time.
“I’ve kept contact with a couple of wood elves that I met during the war. Fenris agreed to meet with me next week. He should know what’s going on with the fae realm because he has relatives that decided to return with the king.” Falcon rubbed his chin and glanced at Radar, “Have you had any luck finding Cirdana yet?”
“No, but if the queen of the fairy folk is out there, I’ll find her,” Radar replied quietly.
“Good, hopefully by contacting the others we’ll be able to figure out how widespread the problem is. In the meantime, Blaze and his men will continue to work with Dakota to get our pack members trained. David has finished installing the surveillance equipment, and Artemus has worked with Charlie to strengthen and extend the magic shield. Like before, it will strip any magi who walks through it of their powers temporarily. It will also prevent them from attacking us from outside of the shield.” Alpha Grant paused and glanced around the room before he continued to speak.
“We can’t take our hard-fought peace for granted any longer. We must be vigilant and prepare for whatever may come our way. Are there any questions?” Shadow looked around the room as everyone, but Sparky nodded. The alpha sighed before he acknowledged the mischievous shifter. “Sparky, you had a question?”
“Yeah, I just wondered if this meeting was done. After all, there is a pair of chocolate thongs calling my name, and I’d hate to disappoint my mate. It is Valentine’s Day, after all.”
“Meeting adjourned,” Alpha Grant replied as he reached for his mate. Shadow smiled as everyone quickly left the room. Apparently, there was more than one couple who had a chocolate thong with their name on it.
Jake smiled as Shadow rocked Pollux in his arms. He appreciated how his mate saw how tired his sister was and insisted they babysit for the rest of the afternoon. Sammy had gotten up a short time ago and was downstairs eating a quick meal. Once she returned, they were going to head out for a run. His mate softly smiled as he lowered the sleeping pup into his crib.
“You look good with a pup in your arms,” Jake said softly. He walked up and wrapped his arms around his mate. “Did you want children?”
Shadow smiled softly. “I was part of a big family, so I’ve changed my share of diapers. But I never thought about having one of my own. It’s kind of hard when you don’t lean toward the fairer sex.” Jake chuckled but noticed his mate didn’t answer the question. He’d never seen himself raising a family, but after the twins, he was having second thoughts.
“A topic for another time,” Jake said softly, and he motioned for Shadow to follow him to sit in the chairs by the window. He glanced outside and smiled, “It will be a good night for a run. The moon is shining bright tonight.”
“I can’t wait to play in the moonlight with you, my mate,” Shadow replied. “Afterwards we’ll take a nice hot shower, and then I think I’ll explore every inch of your body with my tongue. You’ll be my own personal piece of chocolate for Valentine’s Day.”
Jake rolled his eyes. “You’ve been around Sparky too much. Sammy told me he wanted Charlie to wear chocolate underwear. What shifter wears underwear much less chocolate flavored?”
Shadow chuckled, “Ah, I keep forgetting you are new to the dark side, padawan. Don’t worry; when I’m done with you, you’ll begin to appreciate a little kink in your sex.” Jake could feel his face heat. He’d been with women because he had to. Before Shadow, his idea of sex was to make it as impersonal as possible. Yet, his cock agreed with the idea. He couldn’t wait to see what his mate had in store for him later.
“I’m back guys, you can take off,” Sammy announced as she entered the room. Jake was glad to see the dark circles under her eyes had faded. He vowed to make sure he checked in on his sister more often; even if he did have to change a few diapers. She walked over to the cribs and smiled before she motioned for them to leave. “Go on you two, it’s Valentine’s Day, and you’re newly mated. I promise not to listen if you decide to celebrate a little louder.”
For the second time, Jake felt his face heat up. He heard Shadow chuckle before they both stood and headed for the door. As they walked down the hallway, Jake muttered, “For Christmas, I’m getting her a set of earplugs.” The sound of Shadow’s laughter filled the hall as they headed downstairs.
♦ ♦ ♦
Sparky smiled as Charlie efficiently laid out the blanket in the meadow. He set out plates and silverware followed by a couple of coffee mugs. His mate had gone all out for their picnic under the stars. It might not be hearts and flowers, but he had to admit Charlie was trying, and succeeding in being romantic.
“Come sit down. I brought some of Vicky’s fried chicken and mashed potatoes.” Charlie placed some on Sparky’s plate, “And for dessert we have…”
“Chocolate?” Sparky asked with a smile. He wondered if his mate would be wearing the chocolate flavored thong he left on the bed. It had been missing when he’d come out of his shower. The thought of sucking his mate’s cock through the
chocolate material was enough to make his cock strain against his jeans.
They had walked to the meadow that was a short distance from the alpha compound. There was no way they could carry the picnic basket and blanket in their shifted form. It had taken them about an hour to walk, but it had been fun. Charlie had held his hand and talked about some of the battles he’d been in during the war. It was nice to relax even if it was only for tonight.
Sparky was brought from his thoughts as Charlie pulled out a bowl of strawberries followed by a can of whipped cream. “I saw how much you enjoyed them this morning on your pancakes and thought you’d enjoy them.” The mechanic could see the uncertain look on his mate’s face. The man worried too much.
“It’s perfect, Charlie,” Sparky murmured as he leaned forward and kissed his mate. For a moment, the two were lost in each other before Charlie broke away and winked.
“And I didn’t forget the chocolate.” Sparky watched as his mate pulled a thermos from the basket and filled the coffee cups with hot chocolate. The man even remembered the marshmallows. The mechanic felt his eyes well up at the thoughtfulness. The man may be clueless about relationships, but he was observant. He’d figured out Sparky’s favorite comfort drink.
The two ate in companionable silence until all that was left were the strawberries. Charlie squirted some whipped cream over them and slowly traced Sparky’s lips with the sweet treat. He bit into the juicy fruit and moaned as he reached for a piece and did the same to Charlie. “It’s a bit chilly out here, but I don’t think I can wait to walk back to the house,” Sparky moaned.
Charlie chuckled. “Well, we do have a blanket, and I’m sure if we share body heat, we’ll be just fine.” Sparky wasn’t sure where his mate found this new playful side, but he liked it. Instead of responding, the mechanic quickly removed his clothes and then sat down to watch his mate.
Out of the Shadows Page 14
