by L. P. Dover
“Yes, it does,” Ryker and I both say at the same time.
We laugh, and Seraphina shakes her head. “You two may not share blood, but you are brothers.”
Ryker places a hand on my shoulder. “Exactly.” His focus turns to Bailey, and he smiles. “I’ll be right back.”
We watch him go over to Bailey and place a hand on her stomach as they talk to some of the other wolves in the Timberwolf pack. Seraphina leans into my arm. “When can I expect some grandbabies from you and Laila?”
“Hopefully, soon,” I say, grinning down at her. “The full moon’s coming up in less than two weeks. I know we haven’t known each other long, but if she’s ready by then …”
She looks at Laila and smiles. “She will be. Everyone here can see how much she loves you and you her.” She steps in front of me. “The elders from the other packs have our quarterly meeting in a couple of days. It’s their turn to come out this way. With more wolves showing the mating signs, I think it’ll be a good idea to encourage parties like this, intermingle the packs.”
“That is a good idea.”
Laila notices me standing with Seraphina and rushes over, holding the small Christmas gift bag. “I know it’s not Christmas yet,” she says sheepishly, “but I didn’t want Cedric to wait.”
She holds out the gift, and Seraphina peeks inside. “Well, well, what do we have here?” Seraphina reaches in and pulls out the white opal stone. Her eyes close, and a gasp escapes her lips. Laila squeezes my arm and smiles as Seraphina takes an adventure through my memories of her. The one that stuck out the most in my mind is when I was ten years old, sitting alone on the front porch. It was before Ryker had joined our family. There was a mother and son dance at school, and I was the only one in my class without one. Seraphina joined me and gave me a glass of lemonade, saying that if I didn’t mind, she’d love to take me to it. She said that she could never take my birth mother's place, but she’d like to love me like a real mother. I’ll always remember that moment for as long as I live.
Seraphina opens her eyes, and they’re filled with tears. “Oh, Cedric.” She hugs me tight and sniffles. “I don’t know what to say.” She closes her fingers over the stone and holds her hand over her heart. “This is the best gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you both so much.”
Laila hugs her and wipes away her tears. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it.”
Seraphina pats her cheek. “I love it. I’ll carry it with me always.” She sniffles again and pushes us toward everyone else. “Now go mingle. I don’t want to keep you away from your friends.”
We walk around the bar and talk to everyone, slipping in a few dances here and there when a slow song would come on. The energy in the bar is more electric and optimistic than I’ve ever felt before. For the first time, everyone has something to look forward to. Even the older wolves seem to have more hope in their eyes.
Laila pulls me back onto the dance floor when another slow song plays over the jukebox. “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. Laila clasps her hands behind my neck, and I hold on to her waist. “It’s ironic, but this song fits us.”
I snort. “As does a million other country songs. They’re all about finding love, love lost, drinking beer, or losing your dog.”
Laila tilts her head back and laughs. “Maybe so, but I think this should be our song.”
I pull her in tighter to my body. “If that’s what you want.”
She bites her lip. “Want to know what else I want?”
“What?”
Lifting on her tiptoes, she whispers in my ear. “Round two. I think we should stay at your place tonight.”
My dick twitches, and I groan, hoping like hell no one can see. I hold her to me until I can calm myself down. “You’re killing me, Red.”
Her eyes twinkle. “You’ve never called me that before.”
I shrug. “It just sort of slipped out.” I twirl a strand of her red hair between my fingers.
“Seems fitting.”
She lifts up and kisses me. “I like it.” We dance until the song ends, and she takes my hand. “Think we can get out of here early?”
I squeeze her hand. “Oh, I know we can.”
We tell everyone goodbye and hurry out of the bar before anyone can stop us. When we arrive at my house and get out of my truck, I look up at the sky. There’s only a sliver of the moon showing, signaling we still have a few more days before it’s full.
Laila stares up at it and sighs. “Twelve more days till the full moon. I wonder how many wolves will bond with their mates that night.”
“I don’t know,” I reply.
Everything turns quiet, so I stare down at her. She takes my hand and holds it to her cheek. “I want us to, Cedric.”
My heart beats so hard against my sternum, it hurts, but in a good way. “You sure? I didn’t know if you’d be ready or not.”
She nods. “I’m more than ready. Whatever happens, happens. If I lose my magic, then so be it. If I’m able to shift into a wolf, that’s great. If I can shift and keep my magic, that’d be even better. All I know is that I belong with you. I’ll accept whatever happens.”
I step closer to her. “I love you so fucking much it hurts.” I feel like a greedy man, desperate to feel every inch of her. I don’t know how I’m going to last until the full moon without going insane.
Laila slides her hands behind my neck, her eyes glinting with mischief. “I love you too. Now let’s get inside before I have you make love to me out here.”
When we get inside, I corner her against the wall and kiss her. It’s hard and raw, just like my lust for her. Her body melts to mine, and she moans, moving her lips savagely against mine. Her need matches my own, and it’s intoxicating. She tastes just like she smells, strawberries, and honey. She’s going to drive me in-fucking-sane.
“I want you,” she groans, sucking on my lip.
Picking her up in my arms, I carry her to my bedroom, kissing her the entire time. She moans into my mouth, and it fuels my hunger more. I set her down by my bed, circling behind her and sliding my fingers up her legs so I can lift her dress over her body. She slides her underwear off, and I unhook her bra, letting it fall to the floor. Squeezing her tits, I nip at the tender flesh behind her ear.
“Does it feel good when I touch you like this?”
She exhales slowly. “You have no idea.”
Rolling her nipples between my fingers, she rubs her ass against my cock. I’m so fucking hard, I’m close to busting one in my pants. She turns around quickly and unbuttons my jeans. I tear off my shirt and groan as she slides her hand down my pants, her hand massaging me like a pro. My eyes roll into the back of my head, and I suck in a breath.
“I want you inside of me,” she murmurs as she bites my chest.
That’s all it takes. Growling low, I back her onto the bed and step out of my jeans and boxers. I place my knee between her legs and spread her wide as I crawl on top of her. I can’t get enough of her. Probably never will either. I’ll always be a ravenous beast around her. Wrapping my mouth around her nipples, she cries out, arching her back so she can push them into my mouth. She’s so wet, I can feel it on the tip of my cock.
Before I can enter her, she reaches down and wraps her fingers around my cock. “Lay down. I want to do something first.” She pushes me down onto my back and kisses her way down my body. The second she closes her lips over my cock, it takes all I have to keep control.
“Laila,” I groan. “You’re seriously killing me right now.” In reply, she sucks harder, and I clench my teeth together. “I’m going to come if you don’t stop, baby.”
Watching her swollen lips glide up and down, my cock is such a fucking turn on. Her head bobs up and down, and I can’t help but wrap my fingers gently in her hair to feel her move. I want to come like that, with her mouth on my dick, but it’s not the way it needs to be.
“Stop, baby,” I growl. “I really need you to stop.”
She
flicks her tongue across my tip once more, and then, I grab her around the waist, tossing her back down onto the bed. Getting into position, I push in gently at first, then slam into her the rest of the way. She cries out and gasps, digging her nails into my back.
“Oh my God,” she moans, wrapping her legs tightly around my waist.
I push into her hard, loving the way she tightens around my cock. Her lips close over mine, and I grab her face, keeping my eyes on hers the entire time I kiss her. Picking up the pace, her body trembles, eyes rolling into the back of her head as she comes.
A few more deep thrusts, and I let go, holding her tight as I release inside of her. Resting my forehead to hers, I attempt to catch my breath. Still connected, I kiss her, long and hard. “That felt so fucking good.”
She giggles. “Yes, it did.”
I gently pull out and rest on my elbow so I can look down at her. So many emotions swarm through my body; I don’t know what to feel.
“What are you thinking about?” she asks curiously.
I rub circles on her stomach with my fingers. “Our future. I wondered if maybe you’d like to go ahead and move in with me. I don’t see the point in waiting.”
She lifts up and kisses me. “Neither do I. I’ll move in tomorrow. That way, we can do this every single night.”
My cock springs to life again, and I spread her wide. “I can live with that.”
Eighteen
Laila
TWO DAYS LATER
There are ten days until the full moon, which also happens to be on Christmas day. Even with everything going on, I think it’s going to be the most memorable holiday yet. I’ll be around everyone I love. Also, if everything goes as planned, I’ll be mated.
“Great training today,” Micah says. I wave at Amelie as she backs out of the driveway to head to work. When I turn to Micah, I see that he’s talking to Cedric and not me.
Cedric pours himself a cup of coffee and sits down at the kitchen table with him. “Thanks. I didn’t get my ass kicked.” He winks at me, and I smile.
I’m glad Cedric gets along with my family and the other wolves in the surrounding packs. Well, other than with Colin. For years, all I’ve been used to are men who want to show complete dominance over everyone. I have no doubt there are packs somewhere in the country that are still like that, but thankfully, not here. Cedric and Micah talk about life in general while I run upstairs to change out of my sweaty clothes. Today’s lesson was how to work with another to ward off attackers. Faith was my partner, and I think we did a pretty damn good job fending off the guys. I stop at the bathroom door and listen to her in the shower, singing a soft melody. She has a beautiful voice. I’m surprised she hasn’t found a mate yet, but I know it’ll happen soon. I have a feeling. The same goes for Amelie.
Once I’m changed into some dry clothes, I head downstairs, and a car can be heard coming down the driveway. I can sense it’s my father long before he comes into view; he’s not alone either. Colin is right beside him in the passenger’s seat. Micah goes back to the coffee pot and pours more coffee. “I didn’t know my brother was stopping by this morning.”
“Neither did I,” I say, opening the front door. My father and Colin get out of the car, but they make no move to come to the door. I glance over at Micah and Cedric. “I’ll be right back.”
I walk outside, and Colin leans against the car, but my father walks toward me with his arms open. I’m the only person he shows affection to, and it saddens me. “Nice job at the Tanner house,” he says, hugging me. “Colin and I rode by there today. Richard’s going to love it when he gets back into town.”
He lets me go, and I beam. “Why, thank you. I had to put my special touch on a few things. All I’m waiting on now is some of the furniture. Should be in soon, and then I can finish up.”
His lips pull back in a smile, but there’s a sadness behind it. “Great. Hopefully, you won’t give it all up when you become a park ranger. You have a talent.”
“I’m not,” I promise him. “I’m looking forward to working with you both. I can be with Cedric during the week, and on the weekends, I can design for your clients.”
Colin clears his throat. “I know a woman who wants to hire you. Do you mind if I give her your number?”
This excites me. “Of course. I’d love to work with her.”
The door to my house opens, and Micah walks out, followed by Cedric. “Hey, brother,” Micah shouts. “Glad to see you out and about.” My father stares at him blankly. The man doesn’t know how to take a joke. Micah pats him on the back and laughs. “I’ve missed you.”
They shake hands, and Cedric holds his out to my dad. “It’s good to see you again, Zayne. How’s your business going?”
My father nods and shakes his hand. “Very well. Colin and I have been bringing in new clients almost every day.”
Cedric turns to Colin and holds out his hand. I admire him for taking the first step. “Glad to hear it. I wish you both well.”
Colin stares down at Cedric’s hand and sighs. When he meets Cedric’s gaze, it’s as if all of the hate fades away. He shakes Cedric’s hand. “Thanks, Convel. I appreciate that.”
It’s such a relief not to feel the tension between them. Colin is Faith’s brother, and with Faith being practically a sister to me, there’s going to be many times he’ll be around us, especially with Christmas coming up. My father backs up to his car door, but before he can speak, a loud wolf’s howl echoes through the woods. It’s not just any typical howl either. If it came from a human, it’d be a gut-wrenching, anger-filled scream.
The men go on alert, and Cedric takes my hand, pulling me close to him. The hair on the back of my neck stands up. “What’s going on?”
Cedric’s hand tightens around mine. “It’s Ryker. Something’s wrong.”
My father rushes over and nods toward the woods. “Go. Colin and I will stay with Laila and Faith.” Cedric takes off so quickly the only thing I see is a blur as he runs toward the direction of Ryker’s howl.
“I’m going too,” Micah says quickly. He takes off after Cedric.
My chest hurts because I know whatever is going on isn’t right. “Let’s go inside,” my father commands. Colin follows behind us, his eyes are vigilant on the surroundings. I don’t sense anyone near.
When we get into the house, Faith comes down the stairs with her hair wet from the shower. She takes one look at us and freezes. “What’s going on?”
Colin shuts the door. “We don’t know,” he replies. Both him and my dad stand guard.
There’s a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach I can’t seem to shake. It doesn’t take me long to realize it’s Cedric’s emotions I’m feeling. Then, out of nowhere, a blast of rage pounds through me, but then it disappears. My knees weaken, and I stumble into the couch.
Faith rushes over to me. “Are you okay?”
I rub a hand over my chest. My father and Colin watch me cautiously. “No. I’ve never felt this from Cedric before, but now I feel nothing. Like he’s blocked me out.” Rising to my feet, I pace back and forth, the seconds feeling like hours. I hate not knowing what’s going on. My father calls Micah, but he doesn’t pick up.
“What do you think happened?” Faith asks, her voice low.
I shrug. “It’s not good, whatever it is.” There’s only one other person I know who can find out for me. Taking Faith’s hand, I pull her upstairs to my room and shut the door. “I probably shouldn’t do this, but I need to know.”
Eyes wide, she sits down on my bed. “What are you doing?”
Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. All I have to do is say his name. “Beck,” I whisper.
Faith gasps and jumps to her feet. “Oh, dear God.”
A few seconds later, Beck appears, looking like his usual warrior prince self in all black with a shiny sword hanging at the side of his waist. He looks over at Faith, and then to me, his brows furrowed with concern.
“What’s wrong?”
<
br /> “I feel bad for asking this of you, but I need a favor. Something’s wrong, and I have this …” I pause to concentrate on exactly what that feeling is. It’s dark and heavy, and it weighs on my chest. “I don’t know, I can’t explain it. I just need your help.”
His icy blue eyes stare right into mine. “What do you need me to do?”
“Find Cedric, please. I think the wolves are in trouble.”
Jaw clenched, he nods and backs away. “I’ll be right back.”
He disappears in an instant, and Faith blows out a breath. “I don’t think he’s pleased about having to find your lover.”
“I know,” I say regretfully. “But he’s the only one who can help me find out quickly. I’m going to release him from his vow soon. Maybe then, he’ll be able to move on from me.”
Faith shrugs. “Maybe. He’s very good looking. It’s a shame he’s not a wolf.”
A few minutes pass, and then he appears, his expression guarded. My heart stops, and I’m almost afraid to ask him what he saw. I already know it’s going to be bad. Faith stands next to me, and I can hear her heart pounding.
I swallow hard. “What did you see?”
Beck closes his eyes, and when he opens them, all I can see is despair. “I’m sorry, Laila. It’s not good.”
“Where’s Cedric?”
He turns to the window. “North of here. In the woods, not too far away.” When he focuses back on me, he steps forward and takes my hand. “There was an attack. From what I overheard, they think rogues did it.”
The pain in my chest explodes. “An attack on who?” I demand impatiently.
Beck squeezes my hand. “There were several, but I only recognized one of them. They were all older.”
I gasp. “The elders. They were supposed to have a meeting this morning.” Bile rises up the back of my throat. Seraphina. Please tell me she’s not dead. I can’t seem to get my voice to work.
