A McCarthy Christmas [Moonlight Shifters 7] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Morgan Fox

He reached for her, but drew his hand back. “Sebastian will take care of you. He always has. He always will.” He turned to leave. “I will always love you, Brie. Nothing will ever change that.”

  “You’re leaving? Really leaving me?”

  He gripped the doorframe as if needing something to hold him up. “I have no choice.”

  She rushed to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing her cheek against his back. “Yes, you do. Choose me. Choose us. Don’t do this. Please don’t do this.”

  He wrapped his arm over hers and hung his head low. “It’s out of my hands.”

  But you’re going to be a daddy.

  She couldn’t speak the words that danced on her tongue. What was the point? He’d made up his mind. A baby shouldn’t be the only reason he stayed with her.

  He stepped from her hold and out the door. She couldn’t breathe as the world whirled at top speed around her. Then, when she heard his car start, she covered her mouth with her hand and dropped to her knees. He was leaving and there wasn’t a thing she could do to stop him.

  Chapter Two

  Brie heard the engine of Sebastian’s truck rev as he pulled into the long driveway. The sound snapped her out of her emotional trance. She had no idea how long she’d been sitting on the floor in her room, but it was long enough for her legs to tingle and cramp. She shoved to her feet and moved to sit on the bed, her legs wobbling. Wiping her face clean of tears, she focused on Kayla and Kerri. They were still on their playdate.

  Thank goodness for small favors.

  She didn’t want to explain why she’d been crying. Kayla and Kerri were too young to understand. Telling Sebastian would be hard enough.

  As he entered the house, he made no sound. She knew he was listening to see if she and Jonah were spending time together.

  What a joke.

  “Sebastian,” she called out to direct him toward her. “I’m in here.”

  Within seconds, he stood at the threshold of their bedroom, his gaze was quick to search around. “Where’s Jonah? I thought the two of you—”

  “He’s headed back to Dallas,” she said directly. “He left me.”

  Sebastian’s power flooded the room. His barrage of questions hitting her hard as the presences of his wolf began suffocating her. “What do you mean he left?”

  She sucked in a breath, forcing down the energy that surrounded her. “He doesn’t want”—she waved her index finger from herself to Sebastian and back again—”this anymore.”

  His jaw slackened. “Did he say that?”

  “He said that he couldn’t do this anymore and that he was staying at the loft.” Her lower lip quivered. “He didn’t know when he’d return. Or if,” she whispered, adding in that second part.

  “That son of a bitch,” he snapped, pacing the room. Then, as if realizing the pain she endured, he sat beside her and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry, babe.”

  “Me too,” she said with a sniffle, clinging to Sebastian, as his unyielding strength filled her. She shook as she realized what she was doing. “I better not touch you right now. I could hurt you.”

  Not long ago, Brie had discovered her ability to heal by using the power and strength her lovers possessed. Their wolves gave her the energy she needed to survive a magical curse and fight off an evil vampire, eventually destroying the vile creature. With practice, Brie managed to control the magical pull, except when she was vulnerable and her emotions were scattered.

  Or pregnant.

  “Bullshit, you won’t hurt me.” He cupped her face to force her to meet his gaze. “You might put me in an early winter slumber that could last a few months, but you won’t hurt me. Not really.”

  She smiled softly at his attempt to lighten the mood and placed her hands over his. “Please don’t ever leave me. I couldn’t bear it if I lost you both.” She closed her eyes as tears threatened to spill. “I never thought this would happen to us.”

  “Brie, stop. You haven’t lost him. He’s just…Jonah. You and I both know that he has the emotions of a sensitive woman rather than a big bad wolf.”

  “But he’s been so distant with us for weeks. You had to have noticed.” She sighed, her words fluttering as she said, “What if this is it and he’s really gone?”

  He squeezed her hand. “Seriously, Brie, you know how he can get. He’s the reason our relationship works. I’m all business and ass kicking, while he’s all heart and emotions.” He gently pinched her chin with his index finger and thumb. “I’m sure he knows that.”

  “What if he doesn’t?” She was defeated. “What if he no longer needs us like we need him?”

  Sebastian stiffened his spine. “He would never make a decision like that without me. We’ve never done that. It’s always been us. Always been me and him.” Sebastian stood. “When did he leave?”

  “About an hour or so ago,” she muttered, glancing up at him and then over at the clock on the nightstand. “I honestly don’t know. It’s all been a blur.”

  “The kids are staying the night at their friend’s house,” he explained, heading into the closet. “I need you to call Tabitha and stay with them tonight.”

  Brie sprung up from the bed. “The hell I do. If you’re going to him then I want to go, too.”

  Sebastian reappeared, his gaze direct. “That’s not a good idea.”

  “But I can’t just sit here and wait.”

  He moved from the closet back toward her. His movements were so sharp and aggressive that he had her taking a step backward toward the bed. “You will call Tabitha. I want you over there before I leave. I won’t worry about you and the kids while I’m gone.” He clasped her shoulders. “Do this for me, please.”

  With a soft whimper, she nodded. The last thing she wanted to do was argue. If anyone could unravel what was driving Jonah away from them it was Sebastian.

  He kissed her and then pulled her close, his chin resting on top of her head. “I know you’ve been trying to ready the house for Christmas. Ask Tabitha to help you with anything you need done. I’ll have Ryken and Luken keep an eye on things, too. Dominic, Megan, and Reyes will be joining us in a few days. Zane and Tiffany are spending the rest of this week with Ryder, Bianca, and Brody, but will be here Christmas morning.” He swept her hair back, cradling her face in his hands to look into her eyes. “I’ll have Ryken pick up the kids tomorrow as planned.”

  Once again she nodded. As usual, Sebastian had a plan. She only wished she did, too.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll figure out what’s going on.”

  He took her by the hand and led her into the closet where they both prepared an overnight bag. Once they were finished, he drove them over to the adjoining property where Ryken, Tabitha, and Luken lived.

  “Wait here,” he ordered, hopping out of the truck to speak with Ryken who was heading down the steps of his front porch.

  She watched as they spoke, but couldn’t hear a single word. It was probably for the best. She didn’t need to read minds to know that Sebastian was just as worried as she was. It was also a good idea that she spend time with her best friend, while Sebastian was away. Being alone would only make her feel worse. Then again, Tabitha would also make an excellent decoy so that she could go after Jonah herself.

  Her door opened and Sebastian helped her out of his truck, collecting her bag for her.

  “Hey, Brie,” Ryken said with a smile. “Tabitha is going to be over the moon when she hears you’re staying with us.”

  Panic welled inside her, as she faced Sebastian. “This is just for the night, right?”

  He frowned. “For as long as it takes.”

  If it was just the two of them, she would’ve pressed the issue further. But with one of their pack members present, she wouldn’t dishonor Sebastian by questioning his motives. Besides, there was no point arguing with her six-and-a-half-foot alpha wolf. He would never agree to let her stay in her home alone. He was protective like that. After what they’d gone through together with a were-
virus and crazy vampire, Lilly, he kept her under lock and key most days. She was surprised he even trusted Ryken and Luken to protect her in his absence. It didn’t matter that Brie was one of the most powerful creatures any of the lycans had ever met. She was still Sebastian’s mate.

  As she stepped toward the stairs, he grabbed her hand. “I’ll return as soon as I can,” he promised.

  “I know.” Even knowing that Sebastian was getting involved somehow didn’t ease the worry from her mind. “I’ll see you when you return.” The tears were too close to the surface as she rushed to find Tabitha.

  * * * *

  “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Sebastian’s growl was followed by a cold blast of air that chased its way into the loft the second the door flung open.

  Jonah fisted his hands as his guard elevated. He had expected to hear from Sebastian, but he hadn’t expected him to drive to Dallas to confront him. He shot to his feet. “Why are you here? You could’ve called and saved yourself the trip.”

  Sebastian slammed the door and closed in on Jonah as if prepared to fight. Good. Bring it on. “Do you have any idea what pain you’re causing Brie right now?”

  Jonah clenched his jaw. He knew it would be hard. He was suffering, too. Raking his fingers through his hair, he collapsed back onto the sofa.

  “I know. I’m a dick.”

  “You’re damn right you are. What the hell’s going on, Jonah?”

  I wish I knew. Leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees, he covered his face with his hands. “You shouldn’t have come. You have a family to take care of.”

  For a long moment, he could feel Sebastian’s eyes on him, could almost hear the gears turning in his mind. He lowered his hands and looked to his brother.

  “They’re your family, too,” Sebastian said, his expression curious. “I thought you knew that.”

  “Brie is your wife. Kayla and Kerri are your daughters. I’m just the extra dick in the bedroom and the goofy uncle who occasionally babysits.”

  Sebastian scoffed, his brows dipping to the bridge of his nose. “Are you on your period or something? What kind of shit are you spewing?”

  Jonah groaned as he stood to face his brother. “Look, you and I both know that Brie is more yours than she will ever be mine. I can’t believe I ever thought—”

  “Thought what?” Sebastian asked sharply.

  “I can’t believe I ever thought I could fit into your world. That I could ever be enough for her.”

  Sebastian’s frown grew. “What are you talking about? You’re my brother. Brie’s mate. And you’ve always been more of a father figure to the girls than just an uncle.”

  “Second mate,” he corrected. “Second to you. Second to you in everything.”

  Sebastian’s frown eased, his gaze searching. “You and Brie are married,” he reminded Jonah.

  “A pack marriage can be undone.” The words didn’t seem real as he spoke them. But strangely, as he faced his brother, they slipped out with ease.

  Sebastian’s chest flared with the deep inhalation of his breath. “Not if I don’t agree to it.”

  Jonah growled, his wolf clawing from the depths of his soul. He wanted to laugh. “Why wouldn’t you want to? Without me, you could have her all to yourself. You could have the perfect little family. You, Brie, Kayla, and Kerri.” He did laugh. But it wasn’t a sound filled with joy. “You could have a litter. None of which you’d have to share with me.”

  The silence that followed was deafening. “Why are you saying this?”

  Jonah paced the floor. He knew his brother wouldn’t just let him walk away without answers. Why did Sebastian care that Jonah wanted out? Did it really matter? He was handing Sebastian the bow on top of his perfect little family. Why resist?

  “Look, I thought I could handle being the third wheel, but I can’t. I can’t stomach watching your perfect little world anymore. I’ll never be what she needs.” He closed in on his brother. “You are.”

  I’ll never be as good as you. I’ll never be able to offer her more than what I already have.

  And it’s not enough.

  “That’s not true, Jonah, and you know it.” He furrowed his brow. “Is this because of our deal?”

  Deal? Did he want to rub in his face that he couldn’t even fuck her right to get her pregnant? “I wanted this to work, but it’s not. I’ve given it five years, and the only one miserable is me. I’m getting out before I can’t.”

  “This is ridiculous. You’re crushing Brie’s heart.”

  He gritted his teeth. I’m crushing my own. “She’ll get over me. She has you.”

  Sebastian’s mouth opened and then closed.

  “You can’t tell me that having her all to yourself doesn’t make you even a little happy.” He grinned, mockingly. “I’d be fucking ecstatic. If I were you, I’d be racing home to her, right now.”

  The muscles in Sebastian’s cheeks flexed under strain as his eyes narrowed. “You should’ve come to me sooner.”

  “I never came to you at all, remember. I don’t need your pity or advice. I needed—” He held his tongue. As the words were about to rush from his mouth, he didn’t want to say them. He needed a family of his own. He needed to feel he wasn’t second best.

  Like that’s ever going to happen.

  “I need Brie to see me as more than just your brother.”

  “She does, dumbass,” he emphasized with attitude. “If you can’t see that, then you’re more screwed up than even I can help you with.” Sebastian growled, slamming the door behind him as he left the loft.

  Jonah sank back onto the sofa, closing his eyes as the back of his head hit the cushion. His cell phone rang, and it wasn’t Sebastian or Brie’s ring tone. Curiosity got the better of him, and he dug his phone out of his back pocket and answered.

  “Jonah McCarthy.”

  “Hi, Jonah. This is Kimberly Beecham.”

  He leaned forward, trying to place why her name was familiar. “You might not remember me, but we went to high school together. I was the girl you made out with under the bleachers after you won the—”

  “Oh,” he groaned awkwardly before she could finish. Not that hearing they’d made out under the bleachers was enough for him to remember her specifically. He’d made out with a lot of girls. But saying he didn’t remember her at all was a dickish thing to do. “Kimberly. How are you?”

  “Wish I was better,” she shared.

  He arched a brow, his interest peaking. Anything was better than dwelling on his messed-up life. “What can I do for you?”

  “I heard you were an attorney, and I could use one,” she said with a soft, sultry tone in her voice.

  He cleared his throat. “What’s the issue?”

  “Do you think we could meet and discuss it over coffee?”

  He stood, his lawyer hat fastened on tightly. “Sure. When were you—”

  “Are you available now?”

  He glanced over at the clock. Maybe work was exactly what he needed to focus on at the moment. “Sure.” He was used to his clients having demanding schedules and requiring on-the-spot appointments, and he didn’t currently have anything else to do, but sulk.

  “There’s a coffee house right up the street from your office on Main. Do you know it?”

  Who didn’t? “Of course.”

  “Meet me there in thirty minutes.”

  “Okay,” he replied, and the line went dead.

  He looked down at his phone and stored the number. It was an action he always took when a client called him directly. Then, he grabbed his keys off the counter and headed for his car. Showing up early was the other thing he did when meeting a client or potential client.

  Once he arrived, he ordered himself a coffee and found a table. As if instinct was guiding him, he glanced up just as she grabbed hold of the door to come inside. As he swept her tall, slender body with a quick look, every memory of her surfaced. Every single one. Including the dozen or so times he’d fucked her
.

  Made out under the bleachers, my ass.

  Kimberly Beecham was actually Kimberly Wells, the brown-haired beauty was not only from his high school days, but the girl he’d lost his virginity to.

  And then some.

  Shit.

  He stood and extended his hand as if unaffected by her sexy appearance, tight business skirt and blouse, and the images of her in so many provocative positions. God, she’d been fearless. The things they’d done together were illegal in most states.

  “Wow,” she said, eyeing him like he was a tasty treat. “Maturity looks good on you, Jonah McCarthy.”

  “Thanks,” he replied, clearing his throat and shifting uncomfortably. “Would you like a coffee?”

  “I’d love one,” she said, taking the seat across from him. The slit up her skirt stretched high enough to show him her creamy white thigh.

  Easy, boy.

  “How do you take it?” As if he didn’t know.

  The coffee idiot.

  “Nonfat milk and two sugars. Thanks.” She smiled as he headed back up to the counter.

  His pulse raced. It had to be the memories wreaking havoc on him. Once he had the coffee, he returned to the table. “So, what has you reaching out to me?”

  “I have to be honest, Jonah. I saw Sebastian a month ago in court. I asked about you.”

  Court? He frowned. “He never mentioned seeing you.”

  She fanned her hand through the air with a laugh. “Maybe it was because he didn’t remember me.” She leaned forward as if to whisper a secret. “I don’t think that’s your problem though, right?”

  Jonah leaned back in his chair and grinned—a warm heat filling his chest. “Nope. I remember you just fine.”

  She laughed, a gleam in her eyes that revealed so much more than he wanted to see. “In exquisite detail, I hope.”

  His throat was tight as he shook his head to clear away the sexual thoughts awakening inside him. She was stirring a pot that shouldn’t be stirred. “Why were you in court?”

  “I’m an attorney,” she said matter-of-factly.

  He grimaced. “I don’t follow. If you’re an attorney, why would you need me?”