by Black, C. E.
Jordan pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, clearly frustrated. I couldn’t blame him. I really hoped Sam was the forgiving sort.
“That is not what this is about.”
“Well, what’s going on then?” He sat there silent and my patience vanished.
“Jordan!” His head jerked up, but he still didn’t say anything.
“I was trying to let you tell me what was wrong on your own time, but I’ve had enough. You are acting like a child. How is this relationship between you, Sam and me going work if you can’t communicate? I’m not going to spend the rest of my life trying figure out what the hell’s wrong with you.”
Jordan’s blue eyes were hard and cold. He might not have appreciated my scolding, but if we were going to live together, share a woman together, for rest of our lives, we had to find a way to talk. Sam was right when she said we could not hide anymore.
Finally, Jordan nodded. His icy stare had thawed some. He was ready to talk.
“Layla’s dead.”
Okay, I wasn’t sure what I thought he was going to say, but that definitely was not it. My mouth opened and closed like a fish, yet no words would form. It was my turn to be mute.
“We were talking then things started heating up. We became intimate. “Jordan shifted his eyes away. I got it, no details on that one.
“Then they shot her. She was still warm in my arms when a bullet came through the window. I tried covering her, but I wasn’t fast enough.”
Jordan’s head fell into his hands. I hadn’t known what to say. It was obvious he was carrying a shit load of guilt. It was unwarranted, of course. There was nothing Jordan could have done.
A gasp pulled my attention away from my distressed friend. She had somehow snuck up on us, once again. It was becoming a habit I didn’t like. We were supposed to have great supernatural hearing, but our single-mindedness was hindering our gifts. Jordan and I had better snap out of it before we left. In our job, there was no room for mistakes.
Sam stood in the doorway of our office, a look of such sorrow crossing her face I felt my own heart break. Had she heard what Jordan had said? Was she upset that he had been intimate with someone else?
I reached out to her; my hand hovered in the air as I began to walk towards her. Sam hobbled past me on her crutches and into Jordan’s arms, never looking my way.
~ 20 ~
Sam
I woke feeling surprisingly refreshed, yet sore in the most delicious ways. Smiling, I stretched carefully and looked at the clock. It was after six in the evening. My stomach rumbled, reminding me it had been hours since my last meal.
I wondered if Alex or Jordan would mind getting some take out. I had the worst craving for barbecued pork. Throughout my whole pregnancy, I had wanted the stuff and it had been weeks since my last fix. I hadn’t wanted to bother Alex with my demands so I tried to ignore the cravings, but I didn’t want to hold out any longer.
The apartment was quiet so I decided to get dress and search for the guys. I grabbed my robe that was laid out neatly at the foot of bed. My smile widen at how thoughtful the men could be. The robe was much easier to get into than my other clothes. And off, I thought with a wicked grin.
Once the sash was tied, I took hold of my crutches and eased up off the bed carefully. Moving around with them was getting easier, however taking it slow was necessary.
I stopped in the bathroom first then headed down the hall towards Jordan and Alex’s office. Their voices carried through the partly open door. The conversation sounded serious so I kept quiet. Thinking it best that I wait for them to finish, I turned to leave when Jordan’s voice rose in anger. I hoped they weren’t arguing.
I peeked through the small opening in the door. I could see Jordan to my left, sitting behind his desk. He was glaring daggers at Alex who was standing with his back towards the door. His hands sat firmly on his hips as he stared back at Jordan.
“Would you have done it?”
“Is that what’s going on? You feel guilty? Jordan, you’re right; I probably wouldn’t have slept with Layla, mostly because of Sam. But, I don’t think you did anything wrong.”
My head jerked back. Alex was implying that Jordan was sleeping with someone else. My mind reeled with questions. Did he have sex with this woman before we had broken up? Was he still seeing her?
“That is not what this is about,” Jordan said.
“Well, what’s going on then?”
There was a thick silence as I held my breath in an effort to stay undetected. I knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but I needed to know more. My heart was pounding, worried that the future I had begun to hope for was all a farce. If I made my presence known, they would surely stop talking.
I jumped when Alex suddenly shouted. “Jordan! I was trying to let you tell me what was wrong on your own time, but I’ve had enough. You are acting like a child. How is this relationship between you, Sam and me going work if you can’t communicate? I’m not going to spend the rest of my life trying figure out what the hell’s wrong with you.”
There was another tense moment of silence, but it didn’t last near as long.
“Layla’s dead.”
Jordan’s voice was hard as stone. I held back the gasp that wanted to spill from my throat.
“We were talking then things started heating up.” His voice lowered and I strained to hear. “We became intimate.”
I closed my eyes, wishing I could cover my ears. It hurt to think about him with someone else.
“Then they shot her.”
My eyes flew open wide as he talked about the woman’s death. His tone had softened and I could hear the sorrow in his voice.
“She was still warm in my arms when a bullet came through the window. I tried covering her, but I wasn’t fast enough.”
My heart broke for the pain and guilt he was obviously feeling. The gasp I tried to hold only seconds before broke from my lips as Jordan’s head fell to his hands in despair.
I pushed the door open and limped my way towards him. My wounded heart protested, but it was not the time to be selfish. I loved Jordan and I hated seeing him in such pain. A friend...a lover had died and he needed soothing.
He was slumped over in the chair, breathing deeply into his palms. I placed my hand on his shoulder. When he didn’t react, I tried wiggling my way onto his lap, dropping my crutches to the floor. It was difficult with his elbows on his knees blocking my way, but I managed to wrap my arms around his neck.
He slowly slid his arms around my middle, helping me perch on his thigh. Pulling me close, he buried his head into my neck.
I murmured softly into his ear, hoping he understood that his friend Layla’s death was not his fault. I admitted that I did not know all the details or the circumstances, but I knew Jordan. He would never intentionally harm anyone.
“I’m so sorry, Jordan.” I whispered. “It will be alright, it’s not your fault.”
Jordan lifted his head and looked at me as if he hadn’t even known I was there. I gave him a small smile as I caressed his cheek with my fingers. His stubble was like sandpaper. I loved the contrast of rough and smooth as my fingers trailed down his neck.
“Sam, what are you doing here?”
“I heard what you said about your friend. I’m so sorry Jordan, for your loss.”
He jerked back, clearly surprised. “You heard about Layla?”
I focused on his chest, smoothing out the wrinkles on his shirt. I felt guilty about eavesdropping, but at least now, I knew the truth. Jordan had been in love with the woman and he was morning her death.
Jealousy wanted to rear its ugly head, but I was not angry. I never wanted to see him hurting and I didn’t want to jeopardize the fragile relationship we were starting to build.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t say that. Why would you be sorry?”
“Because, your friend died. It’s evident that you cared about her very much and I’m sorry for what happen to her.”
I continued to smooth my hand over his chest, not really thinking about what I was doing, until I brush across his nipple. The nub hardened under my palm. I sucked in a breath as something much more firm pushed against my hip.
“I did care for Layla, but...”
Curiosity had me looking up into his deep ocean blue eyes when he paused.
“Didn’t you hear what I said happened?” He asked.
“Yes.”
“I was...intimate with her.”
I looked away, not wanting him to see how much those words really hurt.
“Aren’t you mad?”
I shook my head. “No, I’m not angry. How can I? We weren’t together anymore and I cannot fault you for being with someone you love.” I rested my forehead on his shoulder and sighed.
“I am so sorry Jordan. I don’t know how you are keeping it together. If something happened to you or Alex, I’m not sure I would be able to handle it as well as you are.”
Rubbing my head against his shoulder, I snuggled into his warmth, wrapping my arm around his back. I wanted him to know that I loved him no matter what. I would always be there for him. He didn’t have to grieve alone.
Jordan’s grip was gentle as he lifted my chin. Reluctantly, I looked up at him. Love shined brightly in his eyes, causing me to catch my breath.
“I did not love Layla. She was a friend, yes, but nothing more.”
“But, you slept together.”
“Yes.”
Oh, I got it, friends with benefits. I guessed it was something like what Alex, Jordan and I use to have. I wondered how long they had been seeing each other. For all I knew he left my bed to go to hers and vice versa.
Jordan shook his head as if he knew what I was thinking. “We were all friends growing up, Alex, Layla and I. We had...fun together. That is all, and no, I never saw her or anyone else for that matter, while I was with you.”
I breathed a small sigh of relief. “Well then, I am still sorry for the loss of your friend.”
“Thank you,” he breathed.
“It wasn’t your fault, you know?”
“What?”
Jordan’s body stiffened and I rubbed his arm, trying to offer comfort.
“You have to know Layla’s death was not your fault. I heard you say she died in your arms, that someone shot her.”
I kissed him lightly and his tongue slid across my bottom lip. Breathless, I pulled back.
“There was nothing you could have done, Jordan. I know you, and I know you want to carry this on your shoulders, but you can’t.”
Jordan leaned in, capturing my lips hungrily. My lips parted, our tongues entwined and I moaned, shifting restlessly in his lap. His cock hardened even more, pressing against my hip as I wiggled.
His teeth pulled at my bottom lip then released it with a pop. He kissed me softly once more then looked up into my glazed eyes.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you.”
“There is so much more you don’t know, though.”
“What do you mean? You already told me about being a shifter. What else could there possibly be?”
“So much more, Sam,” he said regretfully.
I cupped his cheek in the palm of my hand and said, “Then tell me.”
~ 21 ~
Jordan
I could not believe the amazing woman sitting in my lap. She had completely disregarded her feelings to comfort me. How had I gotten so lucky to have this angel love me? I kissed her again, not being able to help myself. Her lips were soft and plump, wet from our earlier kisses. My tongue dove into her mouth. Damn, she tasted so good!
I wanted inside her. I wanted to lay her down on the floor and drive myself into her like my tongue was doing now. My cock was about burst with need for the heavenly creature I had wrapped in my arms. I resisted, just barely. She deserved better than to be fucked on the hard floor and there was too much to discuss first.
Reluctantly, I pulled away from her tempting mouth. She whimpered and I almost lost it, my precious control. I had come to the conclusion that with Sam, I had no power. She had a hold over me and I was all too willing to follow.
I looked onto her heavy lidded gaze. I could see the desire shining out at me and I wanted to give her what she needed. I would, as soon as we finished talking.
“You know that us being shifters is a secret, right?”
I was disappointed to see Sam’s eyes begin to clear, but I would see that yearning once again, once we were done. Her cheeks flushed as she licked her lips. I loved seeing her blush. She was strong, sexy, and wanton at times. Yet there was an innocence about her that was so appealing. The moment I saw those pretty pink cheeks, I wanted her. That still hadn’t change.
“Yes.”
“We have more secrets, Sam. You deserve to know them. I want you to know them, but you have to understand that no one else can know about this, any of this.”
She nodded her head making her hair fall over her shoulders. I ran my fingers through the silky strands.
“Of course.”
“We are not just web designers. We have another job.”
“I assume it has something to do with your other form.”
“Yes. We work for the government.”
Sam raised her eyebrows. “The government knows about you?”
“They do, but they want to keep the rest of the humans from knowing. I agree. If knowledge of our kind got out, there would be pandemonium. We would be hunted like animals. The unknown is scary to most people and they will harm what they don’t understand.”
“I think so too, but hey, maybe one day things will be different.”
She smiled and her eyes lit up. I thought she was wrong. We would never be accepted, but she was so optimistic, I couldn’t burst her bubble.
“Maybe,” I just said, shrugging.
“Okay, so what do you do for the government?”
“We are part of a military branch call the Alpha Division. In a way, we keep the peace for our kind. If there is any indication of a problem in a community or with a lone shifter, we go in and fix it. Trouble can bring too much attention. We have to keep our kind a secret.”
“Wow, this all sounds very sci-fi.”
She laughed and I drank in the throaty sound. I didn’t get to hear it often enough. She caressed my cheek and smiled. I rubbed against the palm of her hand appreciating her affection.
“Your job sounds noble.”
“No, not noble.” My eyes were sad as I gazed at her puzzled expression. “We resort to doing almost anything to gain information. That’s why I was with Layla. I used her, to gain her trust so that she would give me what I wanted.”
“Jordan,” Sam began.
“We eliminate the threat, Sam. Eliminate.”
She shook her head. “What are you saying?”
“There are no trials, no lawyers, no judges. If we find efficient evidence of wrong-doing, we take out the guilty party.”
“You mean kill them,” she stated, her brows lowered.
“Yes, that’s what I mean. We kill them.”
I swallowed hard. She undoubtedly knew how much of a monster I really was. Sam chewed on her lip, obviously thinking. I let her have time to process. What would she say, I wondered? Would she get up and leave? Reflexively, my arms tighten around her. She didn’t give any indication that she noticed or cared about my action and I breathed a small sigh of relief that she continued to let me touch her.
“Jordan,” she sighed. Her fingers lightly caressed my cheek again. “What you do is noble. You help so many and I’m sure it’s hard...”
I didn’t let her finish. Loosening my grip, I reached down for her crutches and helped her stand. Her mouth opened in surprise at my abrupt actions as she stared down at me.
“It is not noble, Sam! Do you not understand what I am telling you? I fuck to get information and I will kill for as little as putting up a YouTube video.”
One minute I was
happy she was accepting everything I was throwing at her and the next I wanted her to run. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but I did know Sam didn’t deserve to have a guy like me in her life.
Sam had flinched at my harsh words, but she had to know whom she was getting involved with. It was better if she found out exactly how monstrous I was now rather than later.
Sadness crept into Sam’s eyes as she stared back at me. It killed me to see her so miserable, but my gaze stayed cold and hard. It was a familiar mask, like slipping on a favorite piece of clothing. My lips were thin and unmoving as she lowered her lashes, hiding those gorgeous chocolate and caramel swirled eyes and began to turn around.
She turned slowly on her crutches, her pregnant body making her movements awkward. It took everything in me not to help her. If I showed the slightest weakness, she might not leave and leaving was best for her.
As Sam made her way slowly to the door, my eyes caught a glimpse of Alex. I had completely forgotten he was there. I turned to look at him and immediately wished I hadn’t. If looks could kill...I had never seen him so angry, not even when he thought I had taken advantage of Sam.
Alex’s dark brown eyes were swirling gold. His razor sharp glare pierced into mine. His nostrils flared and I glanced down at his clenching fist. Claws were emerging from his fingertips.
There was going to be one hell of fight. I wondered if this was the end of our friendship. Probably...A growl rumbled from Alex’s chest. Most definitely, I thought.
Sam suddenly stopped and turned around claiming our attention. She began striding towards me, determination in her eyes. I couldn’t help admiring the beautiful woman who looked ready to spit nails. Her long brown hair flowing down her back had my fingers aching with the need to wrap it around my hand, to tug it hard and hear her whimper.
I thought her eyes would explode with all the sparks they were emitting. Her pouty pink lips parted as she breathed heavily. My gaze shot down to her heaving breast. My lips tugged into a grin when her nipples beaded through her silky robe.
A growl had me raising an eyebrow as I looked up. Sam’s eyes flared even more, but this time I could see the desire mixed with her anger.
