by Shea Balik
A chuckle from the doorway melted into his bones. Bodhi. “I see she got you with the one-more-book trick.”
Kai looked over at his mate as he realized he’d been outsmarted by a seven-year-old. “I guess so.” To be honest, he still wasn’t sure what had happened. How was he supposed to know there was a difference between one more book and one more story?
“He promised, Bodhi. You can’t make him stop.” Zaina’s face was set in a look of determination. She wasn’t about to be told there were too many stories.
“I wouldn’t dream of stopping him.” The laughter in his mate’s voice said he was making fun of Kai, but he didn’t care, not when he got to see his mate so happy.
Even if it meant he was going to be up all night reading an absurd amount of stories, it was worth it to make his mate smile. “Would it be okay if Bodhi stayed?” he asked Zaina.
Her lips twisted to the side as she thought about his request. “I guess that would be okay, but I get your lap.” She patted the space next to Kai on the bed. “He can sit next to us.”
As he started to read with Zaina and Bodhi cuddled up to him, Kai realized this was what he wanted in life. His mate and their children. Apparently he really did like kids.
The chaos of ten kids running around had made Kai dizzy. They were a funny bunch to watch, and he could see why Bodhi’s parents loved each and every one of them, but ten was just too many in his opinion. He wouldn’t mind two or three. It would give Heath someone his own age to play with, other than Paytah, who, maturity-wise, was a lot younger than Heath.
He was just over halfway through with the first story when Bodhi tapped his arm and pointed to Zaina, who was blissfully asleep. Damn, he was going to end up crying. She looked so cute, he’d have to be devoid of emotions not to be affected by her sweet cherub face.
With motions that spoke of years of experience, Bodhi pulled back the blankets on the other side of the bed, then gently picked Zaina up and placed her on the sheets before tucking her in. Kai smiled at his mate. Bodhi was so good with kids. He’d make an excellent dad.
Bodhi happened to look up at Kai at the moment. “What?” he whispered.
Kai didn’t even think. He just said what was in his heart. “I want us to have kids.” It might be a little soon to talk about children when they had just met a few hours ago, but Kai figured it was better to get things out in the open.
The brilliant smile that made his mate’s face glow with happiness told Kai he’d said the right thing. “Come on, mate.” Bodhi took his hand and tugged him into the hallway. “Let’s go to bed.”
They hadn’t talked about where they’d sleep. Kai had figured they’d go back to the Alpha Manor, but it probably didn’t make much sense when it was so late.
Kai followed his mate into a room at the end of the hallway. The moment he stepped over the threshold, it felt like he’d entered a fantasy world. Murals covered every inch of the walls and ceiling. Colors that covered the entire spectrum were used to display various scenes that were separate, yet blended together perfectly.
But it was the one on the ceiling directly over Bodhi’s bed that captured his attention. There, coming out of gray mist, was a coyote that looked exactly like Kai’s animal. Everything, from the shadings of the coyote’s coat, to the gray of his eyes, matched Kai’s beast perfectly.
“How…” He wasn’t sure what to say. There should have been no way his mate could have painted Kai’s coyote without seeing him. Yet he had. If Bodhi weren’t too old, he would swear he was one of the new race the Gods had created.
“How what?” Bodhi asked.
Figuring it didn’t really matter, Kai shook his head. “Never mind.” He finally had his mate to himself, and Kai wasn’t about to waste it on talk of the Gods, their stupid plan, or even how Bodhi knew what his coyote looked like. They had plenty of time in the future to discuss those things.
Right now, he just wanted to make love to his mate. Gripping his mate’s ass in his hands, Kai lifted Bodhi so the man’s soft lips were right in front of him. He captured his mate’s mouth in a passionate kiss that left them both gasping for breath.
Panting, he looked deep into those mesmerizing lavender eyes. “You taste so good, my little butterfly.”
Bodhi stiffened next to him before pulling away.
“What?” Kai was confused.
His mate frowned. “Why do you keep rubbing how small and weak I am in my face?”
Stunned by Bodhi’s words, Kai stood there gaping at the man for several seconds, trying to figure out what he was talking about. When he couldn’t figure it out, he finally broke down and asked. “I’m sorry, but when did I do that?”
Bodhi gave a huge sigh. “The little butterfly comment. I mean, I get it, I’m not as tall or as strong as you, but why do you feel the need to make fun of me for it?”
Kai was pretty sure he’d entered some sort of alternate universe. “That’s not why I call you that.” He closed the distance between them once more, pulling Bodhi into his arms and pressing his forehead against Bodhi’s. “From the moment I laid eyes on you, I was completely enthralled by your beauty.”
He closed his eyes a moment, determined to get this right. “Not just your outer beauty, but there was a light inside of you that made you glow. Your smile was so much brighter than everyone else’s. Your eyes practically danced with happiness. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”
To Kai, Bodhi was the most beautiful man he’d ever known, and the more he got to know him, the more that beauty came out. “Each moment I spend with you shows me just how special you are.”
He saw the doubt in Bodhi’s eyes. “Your parents took in ten kids and yet you stayed with them to help. Most people your age would have run for the hills at the thought of raising so many children, but not you. Not only do you help your parents, but it’s obvious you really love each of those kids.”
His hands slid to Bodhi’s hips, pulling the man tighter. “And the way you completely immerse yourself in everything you do is sexy as hell.” Bodhi’s eyebrow raised in question at his statement. Kai placed a chaste kiss to the man’s lush lips. “Your dancing, eating popcorn, singing the songs from the movie, playing with the kids.”
Kai gave Bodhi another kiss. This one lasting longer. “The way you completely give yourself over to me when we have sex.” A shudder of need coursed through him. “Those are the reasons I think of you as my little butterfly.”
Tears shimmered in Bodhi’s eyes. “I love the name.”
* * * *
A soft creak of wood just outside Bodhi’s room woke Kai instantly. The footfalls were faint, indicating a really good intruder or it was one of the children. His eyes went to the door when the steps stopped right outside.
Bodhi had insisted they unlock it for the night, in case one of the kids needed him. Kai didn’t have a problem with that. He just hoped it was, in fact, one of the kids. The door squeaked as it opened, the noise sounding loud in the silence of the night.
Violet eyes stared right into his as Cynthia practically ran into the room. Even though he’d been relieved to see it was only Half-pint and not an intruder, Kai was instantly on alert when he saw the fear in her pretty eyes.
He quickly sat up and opened his arms, which she ran right into with a sob. “Shh, half-pint. I’ve got you.” He couldn’t imagine what had her so upset, but it broke his heart to see her this way. She probably just had a nightmare, but Kai’s instincts said it was more than that.
He felt Bodhi shift in the bed. “What’s wrong, half-pint?” His mate’s sleepy voice said he’d dealt with this kind of thing often and Kai didn’t have anything to worry about.
He just wished he believed that.
Little arms were wrapped tightly around his neck, nearly choking him with their strength. Cynthia was terrified. Even if it ended up being only a nightmare, Kai was more than willing to slay her imaginary dragons. “Come on, Cynthia, tell me what’s wrong.”
The blood in his veins f
roze as he listened to her furtive voice. “He’s coming.” She pulled back her head until their gazes met. “The ugly bird knows the secret, and he’s coming for me.”
Chapter 10
Kai hadn’t wasted any time. He’d grabbed his earpiece and put the call out to his team. Blade, Forest, Paytah, and Talon were on their way with half the Guard to keep Bodhi’s family safe as they transported them back to the Alpha Manor.
There was no way Kai was about to let anyone remain in this house with someone after Cynthia. He wasn’t sure how he was going to convince Bodhi’s parents, or Bodhi, for that matter. His mate was being quite stubborn in refusing to let a child’s nightmare force him from his own house.
As much as Kai would like to tell him what was going on, they had no idea if anyone was listening in. An explanation would have to wait until they got back to the manor and were safely inside the house’s soundproof room.
“You can’t seriously have asked the Alpha to come here because of child’s nightmare.”
Even with the threat hanging over his head, Kai couldn’t help but admire his mate’s exasperated pose. Hands were curled into fists and planted firm on the man’s slim hips as Bodhi faced off against Kai.
More than anything he wanted to kiss the disbelief right off Bodhi’s face, but he had to finish securing the house, preferably without waking the rest of the kids and scaring them half to death. It was bad enough Cynthia was sobbing in Sunshine’s arms, begging the woman not to let the ugly bird take her.
He couldn’t be sure who she was talking about, but if he had to guess, Roberto was involved in this somehow. If Roberto was Nat’s uncle, he probably had someone watching the kid. It would also mean the other children, like Cynthia, would be reported on. If she had shown her ability, Roberto would most likely have taken notice.
He just wished he knew how the man knew about the Gods’ plan. Their team had been very careful not to let anyone know what was happening. Even when they’d gone to the Alpha Primus, they made Alek take extra measures to keep any mention of the twelve children under wraps.
So how had Roberto found out?
Tires squealed outside, bringing him out of his thoughts. They’d have to figure out Roberto’s part in this later. First they needed to get everyone to safety. That included his mate.
He glanced out the window to make sure it really was Talon. When he saw the Alpha step from the first Hummer, Kai turned back to Bodhi. He studied his mate’s annoyed posture for a moment. It was clear nothing he said was going to convince Bodhi to basically flee in the middle of the night to the Alpha Manor, so he went with being underhanded.
“You’re right. I’m probably overreacting, but look at Cynthia. She’s hysterical. Would it really be too much to ask to go to the manor to make her feel better?” Yeah, it was a dirty move, but since he couldn’t tell his mate the truth, he had to go with what worked.
Lavender eyes narrowed on him, but before Bodhi could call him out on his cheap shot, Cynthia climbed off Sunshine’s lap and went to her foster brother. “Please, Bodhi. For me.” The last two words sounded so small, Bodhi would have to have been heartless not to crumble.
His mate glared at him, silently telling Kai he didn’t appreciate being manipulated, but his voice belied the look he was giving. “Okay, half-pint. If it will make you feel better.”
Cynthia threw her arms around Bodhi. “Thank you, Bodhi. I promise I will save you when it’s time.”
Kai didn’t know what Cynthia meant, nor did he care. As long as they agreed to leave, he was happy. The door opened, and Talon and Paytah stepped into the house. He could see Blade and Forest directing the guards to surround the house and secure it. Already Kai felt better, but he wouldn’t rest easy until they were back at the manor.
“Any problems?” Talon asked as he came in, his eyes scanning the room. Kai was sure the man didn’t miss anything. Talon was just that good.
Thankfully Paytah wasn’t his normal snarky self and didn’t mention the fact that Bodhi looked ready to declare mutiny or that Cynthia was firmly tucked against Kai’s legs, her face pressed against his side.
Kai patted her back reassuringly as he spoke to Talon. “No, but I was only able to secure the inside. There are thirteen we need to take back, ten of which are children.”
“Ten,” Paytah said, stunned. His gaze went to Sunshine and Whim. “You two deserve a freaking medal. Having one kid in the house is hard enough.”
Talon rolled his eyes at Paytah’s comment. “Just so you know, the rest of us have to deal with two kids, so count yourself lucky you only have one.”
Paytah flipped Talon off. “Ha-ha. You are so funny.”
“What’s the best way to get this done?” Talon asked, his focus back on the situation at hand. That was Talon. The man never got bogged down in the incredulousness of the situation. He just worked to solve the problem. No task was ever too much for their Alpha. It was what made him such a great leader.
Sunshine and Whim stepped forward. “Most of the kids are asleep. The younger ones will most likely stay asleep as long as they aren’t jostled too much. The three older ones will have to be woken up by one of us.” Bodhi’s dad put out his hand. “I’m Whim by the way, and this is my mate, Sunshine.”
Talon greeted them. “Talon Ramirez, Alpha of the Latin Territory. My mate, Gibson, is at the manor working on getting rooms ready for everyone. I assure you, we’ll keep you and your family safe.”
Bodhi snorted and rolled his eyes. “All over a nightmare. Do you really think this necessary?”
Talon didn’t say anything at first. He leveled his gaze on Bodhi, conveying silently the gravity of the situation. Bodhi’s eyes widened as he started to realize just how serious Talon was taking this. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think it was necessary.”
That wasn’t entirely true. Talon would have come just because Kai asked him to. The man may be Alpha, but his family came first, and Kai was lucky enough to count himself a member. Still, Talon had made his point, if Bodhi’s worried expression was anything to go by.
Kai would have taken his mate in his arms when Bodhi realized just how much danger Talon thought they were in, but with Cynthia clinging to his legs that wasn’t possible.
“We should wake up the older ones first. They can help calm the younger ones if any of them wake up from being moved.” Sunshine led them to the first room, which Solon and Nat shared.
Twenty minutes later everyone was in the Hummers, with clothes hastily stuffed into suitcases. Kai would come back tomorrow with a team and pack up whatever the family wanted. Until Roberto Barrios was found and eliminated, Kai wasn’t about to let his mate’s family return.
* * * *
This had to be a dream—well, nightmare. That was the only explanation that made any sense. Bodhi sat with his parents in a room filled with so many computers he was pretty sure the person running them, Rune, could control the world. But that wasn’t even the weirdest part.
No, that was saved solely for the story they’d just heard. One even the Grimm brothers couldn’t have made up. It was so bizarre he half expected to look down at his feet and find ruby-red slippers to transport him home. Being in Oz would make more sense than the story they’d just told him.
“So you really expect us to believe the Gods, the ones who created Earth, decided to also create a new race consisting of only twelve children.” Bodhi was starting to wonder if the Alpha and his inner circle had taken up drinking.
It would have to be a hell of a lot of liquor, as shifters’ and mystics’ metabolism burned through the alcohol too quickly to allow them to even feel a buzz without huge quantities. Still, it might explain this ridiculous tale.
Kai and Talon both answered, “Yes,” as if what Bodhi just said was perfectly normal.
There had to be more than alcohol involved. Maybe they had found a new drug that affected paranormals. Something that would cause hallucinations.
“And these children can see the past,
present, and future, which, according to the Gods, whom you claimed to have talked to, could alter the course of the war.” Bodhi had a hard time repeating the words with a straight face.
Yet once more Kai and Talon answered, “Yes.”
Maybe someone was playing an elaborate trick on him. How they knew Kai would be his mate, Bodhi wasn’t sure, but still, as pranks went, this was a good one. “You expect us to believe the Gods did all this, yet they won’t tell you how to find these children?”
“They said they couldn’t, for it might cause another imbalance that would have to be fixed,” Kai told him.
Okay, either the Alpha and his team were on drugs or Bodhi was in some sort of nightmare. There were just no other good explanations. All he knew for sure was this wasn’t real. It couldn’t be.
The door opened, and Paytah strode in with Aidan right by his side. “Hey, the kids are starting to get anxious for a face they know.” The Fire Mystic stood there looking between Bodhi’s and his parents’ faces. “You don’t believe, do you?”
How could he? There was no way this was happening. Even his parents were having a hard time accepting. All three of them shook their heads.
Paytah tilted his head back and yelled to the ceiling. “Ryrmar, get your funky-colored ass down here.”
Chapter 11
Great, now they thought the Gods were at their beck and call. Would their delusions ever end? Bodhi was beginning to think he should grab all the kids and get the hell out of there, when a man literally appeared before him.
Bodhi blinked at the man with skin the color of orange and red swirled together. When the man was still there, Bodhi blinked again. Damn, now he was hallucinating, too.
“How many times do we have to tell you, we are not your lapdogs to come running anytime you call?” the strange man asked. His voice rumbled so loud it almost sounded like thunder. Bodhi even thought he felt a tremor under his feet.
