And it was his own damn fault. Jordan had been telling him the entire time that there was no chance it would work out between them. They were night and day. Up and down. Black and white. Opposites that would never meet. He only had himself to blame for his broken heart.
A soft, comforting hand landed on his shoulder. “Jackson,” Lily began. “Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong? And don’t say nothing, young man.” He looked up at her, and there it was. Lily’s signature don’t-you-dare-think-you-can-hide-anything-from-me look.
He heaved a big sigh and lifted his head to look at her. “Jordan. She and I—”
“I know,” Lily said in a quiet voice. “So why did she leave?”
“Hell if I know. That night of the camping trip, I was so sure that …” He swallowed a gulp. “So sure of my feelings for her. And that she felt the same way.” He could have bet his life on it. “And then all that stuff happened. I came back, and she said she was leaving. Didn’t want to talk to me.”
“Oh, Jackson.” Lily shook her head. “This reminds me a lot of when Connor and Evie had that big breakup.”
“What are you talking about, Momma?”
“That’s not important now, but can I ask you a question?
“Sure.”
“What the hell is wrong with you?” She slapped him on the arm.
“Ow!” He didn’t know what Lily was going to say, but he sure as hell wasn’t expecting that. “Wrong with me? I’m not the one who left without an explanation.”
“Well, why didn’t you stop her?” Lily said. “Make her explain?”
“Are you serious, Momma?” he exclaimed. “What was I to do? Throw her over my shoulder and lock her up in the attic?”
“If you had to! Don’t you love her? Want her to be your mate?”
“Of course I do!” He slammed a palm down on the kitchen table.
“Then tell her that!” Lily said impatiently. “Are you so damn scared she’s going to hurt you like Arlene did?”
His mother’s words poured over him like a bucket of ice-cold water. Damn, she was right. All this time …
“Shit! Fuck!” He bolted to his feet. “I gotta go.”
“Go? Now?” Lily exclaimed.
“You want me to go after her, right?” Jackson said.
“I didn’t think you were going right now,” Lily laughed. “Drive safe then.”
“Thanks, Momma.” He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, then ran to the front hall. His jacket and keys were hanging on the coat rack and he grabbed them as he opened the door. He had been so preoccupied he nearly collided with the figure standing outside. The scent of sweet flowers hit his nostrils.
He blinked a few times, just to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. Jordan was right there in front of him. She was wearing her usual outfit of a gray T-shirt and leggings, and her silky hair was tied back in a ponytail. She peered up at him with those light hazel eyes, her mouth parting slightly.
“Where are you going?” she asked, glancing at the jacket and keys in his hands.
“I was leaving.”
“Leaving? To go where?”
“To New York.”
“Were you going to drive?”
“Uh, yeah.”
She frowned. “Did you even have directions? Or a destination?”
He scratched his head. “Well, my brother lives there, you know.”
“Yeah, I know. Met him yesterday. He is one intense guy.”
He chuckled. “Yup, that’s Connor.” The absurdity of this conversation was unreal, but then again, she wouldn’t be Jordan if they didn’t have these ridiculous exchanges.
“Jackson, why were you coming to New York?”
His heart skipped a beat. “To see you.”
“Why?”
“Because,” he began. “There were so many things I said that I shouldn’t have. And so many I didn’t that I should.”
She looked down at her shoes. “I saw you and Liz kissing.”
“Aww, shit.” He knew there had to be something. “I swear to you, Jordan, she came after me. Before I even came to find you and Austin, Liz had shown her true colors, and I told her to leave.”
“You did?”
“Yeah.” He tipped up her chin. “Jordan, I love you. I think I loved you from the moment I woke you up in the back of that van.” The memory made him smile. “Liz was the safe choice. I didn’t feel anything for her the moment I laid eyes on her. But you … you drove me and my wolf crazy. And then you turned out to be worst choice.”
Jordan rolled her eyes. “Wow, thanks, Jackson, you really know how to make a girl feel special.”
He kissed her on the nose. “What I mean is, I thought you wouldn’t be able to hack it here. I thought you couldn’t handle life here or that you wouldn’t be a good mom to Austin. I was scared to lose my heart again and have another woman walk out that door. I couldn't do that to Austin and frankly, I was too damn scared to do it to myself.”
“Jackson, I didn’t know.”
“How could you?” he said. “I was too stubborn.”
“You’re not the only one.” She took a deep breath. “Jackson … I … All my life I surrounded myself with my books and work because I thought no one would want me. That I was too different; too strange.”
“I want you, Jordan. Even if you are strange. I love every weird and wonderful thing about you.”
She laughed. “I was so focused on how different we were that I just couldn’t see the truth. That I love you, too, Jackson.”
He couldn’t wait any longer. Wrapping his hands around her waist, he pulled her close and kissed her. Her lips tasted divine and her scent surrounded him, intoxicating and arousing at the same time. He could drown in her and die a happy man. Her arms slid up his chest and she angled her head so he could deepen the kiss.
“Is she staying?”
They broke apart. Austin was at the top of the stairs, a big grin on his face.
“Yes,” they said at the same time.
“Am I still grounded?” he asked with a pout.
“Yes,” Jackson said.
“Ugh, this is so unfair!”
“But,” Jackson began, “I’m ungrounding you just for tonight.”
“Yes!” He pumped his fist in the air.
“Now come here and give me a hug!” Jordan opened her arms.
Austin dashed down the stairs and barreled into her legs. Jordan scooped him up. “Oomph. You’re heavier than I thought. I think someday, you’ll be doing the carrying.”
“I’m glad to see you both pulled your head out of your asses,” Lily said wryly as she walked into the hall.
“No cussing, Grams!” Austin said cheekily.
“Oh, you!” Lily wrapped up both Jordan and Austin into a fierce hug. “I’m glad you’re back. What made you change your mind?”
“Well, there was this thing at work and—” Jordan slapped her palm to her forehead. “I almost forgot to tell you.”
“Tell us what?” Jackson said. “And by the way, what do you mean you’ve met Connor?”
“Yeah, about that…” Jordan tugged at his arm. “Let’s go into the kitchen. You need to sit down for this.” Jackson didn’t argue, letting Jordan lead them to the kitchen.
The house was quiet and the air outside was still. The moon rose high, bathing the rolling hills in its dim light. Tranquility and peace swept over the valley. At least it did until a shout rang out.
“You’re pregnant?”
Epilogue
Four years later …
The snow fell over the Shenandoah Valley in a soft haze, covering the ground in a blanket of pure white powder. As Jordan looked out of the window from the living room, she sighed and pressed a hand to her lower back.
“Looks like it will be a white Christmas tomorrow.”
She smiled, though she didn’t turn around. She didn’t have to, as she knew who was behind her. “Looks like it.”
“Feeling achy?” Jackson’s arms e
ncircled her and pulled her up to his hard chest.
“Feeling fat.” She grimaced. “And tired. And impatient. When the heck is this baby coming out of me?”
Jackson chuckled. “Soon, sweetheart. And you. Are. Not. Fat.” He emphasized each word by trailing kisses from her neck to her shoulder.
“I am,” she said glumly. “But that’s nice of you to say otherwise.”
Jackson spun her around, his green eyes piercing into her, making her heart flip-flop. “You are the most beautiful pregnant woman ever,” he said. “You were when you were pregnant with Katie and you still are now.”
She moved into his arms, sighing against his chest. Her wolf rumbled happily, being close to its mate. “And you are the most patient man alive. I’m sorry I’ve been grumpy.”
“And demanding?” he asked.
She laughed. “I did ask you to drive three hours to get me some bubble tea, so yeah, I guess I am.”
“In the snow, Jordan,” he added. “In the snow.”
“But you did it anyway.”
As Jordan looked up at her husband and mate, she remembered her sister-in-law Evie’s words that day back in New York: you never know what this True Mate thing will lead you to. Well, in her case, it led her to becoming the Lupa of the Shenandoah clan, mother to two beautiful children, plus another on the way.
Even after they discovered they were True Mates and pregnant with their first child, Jackson never pressured her to give up her job or move to Shenandoah Valley. They made it work as best they could—with her traveling to West Virginia on the weekends or him coming up when he could. Once in a while, Daric helped them out as he apparently had the power to move people across long distances, so he became their personal transporter.
However, as the due date grew closer, Jordan realized they were being ridiculous and she proposed she move to Shenandoah permanently. Jackson counter-offered with a proposal of his own, and soon they were married. She gave up her position at the Fenrir Corp. lab, but later on, after her daughter was born, continued consulting with Dr. Creed.
The sound of an engine pulling up to the front lawn made her turn her head. “Oh, looks like Mom and Dad are here. We should—”
“You stay inside,” Jackson ordered with a wag of his finger. “I’ll help them get in. I don’t want you slipping on the ice.”
“You know I’m invincible, right?” she asked.
“Like you would ever let me forget.” He kissed her on the nose before proceeding to the front door.
Jordan let out a long sigh, and despite her current disgruntled state, she never thought she would be so happy, living out here in the middle of nowhere. But with Jackson and Austin, she never found her days to be lacking or boring. Hell, her wolf was so damned ecstatic, it hardly gave her any trouble. Out here, it could run and roam as it pleased alongside its mate. Jackson’s theories about Lycans and their need to have freedom to shift proved to be true and their business doing Lycan retreats was booming. They had clients from all over the country and the world, with waiting list for their program up to six months.
It seemed to take forever, but she managed to waddle to the front hall. Moments later, the door opened, and Kazuya and Patricia Matsumoto walked in, Jackson following behind with their luggage.
“Jordan!” Her father embraced her and kissed her forehead. “Ooomph!” He grabbed his stomach when Jordan’s belly knocked into his. “Are you sure you got just one in there?”
“Kaz!” Patricia admonished as she took Jordan aside and hugged her. “Pregnant women are sensitive, don’t you know?” She turned to her daughter. “How are you, sweetie? And the baby? You’re not due for another two weeks, right?”
“Yeah, two more weeks. Ugh.”
“Don’t worry, your little one will be here soon,” Patricia assured her. “How are you feeling otherwise? Still strong? And your allergies?”
“She hasn’t had allergies in years.” Kaz wagged a finger at his daughter. “See, I told you it was all in your head.”
“Or maybe, she just needed to be in the right place,” Patricia said. “By the way—”
A loud thud, crash, and a wail made them all freeze. Jordan rolled her eyes. “I’ll go check on them.”
“Don’t,” Jackson said. “You know they’re fine. Besides, Austin would have heard the car pull in. They’ll be down soon enough.”
As if on cue, the sound of footsteps thundered above them from the second floor, growing louder as the source of said footsteps ran down the stairs.
“Wheee!” Three-year-old Katie cried as she jumped and flew off the steps. Jordan’s heart nearly stopped seeing her daughter airborne, but Kaz easily caught her and then lifted her up high again, much to the toddler’s delight.
“My, you’ve grown so much, Katie.” He handed her to Patricia, who proceeded to smother the girl with kisses. He turned to the figure who trailed behind Katie like a shadow. “And you too, Austin. I heard from your Momma that you had your first shift a few weeks ago? How was it?”
Thirteen-year-old Austin stepped into the older man’s outstretched arms. “It was awesome, Jiisan,” he said. “Ma, Pa and I have gone on a couple of runs together! They said I make a great wolf.”
Kaz had insisted that Austin call him the Japanese word for grandfather if he was going to call Jordan ‘Momma’. “Blood doesn’t make family, you know,” he had said. “Love does.”
“Glad to hear, maybe we can all go for a run in the snow.” Patricia pulled him in for a hug and Austin got his own smothering.
“He did great.” Jordan beamed. “And Jackson’s been out with him almost every day this week, teaching him everything he needs to know.”
“But, did he teach him some good dad jokes?” Kaz asked.
Jordan groaned. “Daaaad.”
“Stop me if you’ve heard this one,” Kaz began. “Where does a werewolf sit in the movie theater?”
“Where?” Katie asked in a gleeful voice. Obviously, she was still very much a fan of Kaz’s jokes.
“Anywhere he wants to!” He elbowed Austin. “Get it? Huh?”
“Oh, Dad.” Jordan slapped a hand to her forehead, but Katie giggled uncontrollably while Austin chuckled politely.
“Where’s Lily?” Patricia asked.
“She picked up Connor, Evie, and the kids from the airport,” Jackson said. “Apparently, even my brother’s patience has its limits, and driving five hours with two kids is a hard no for him. Creed is dropping them off.”
“Why don’t you guys get settled in? Your usual room’s all ready,” Jordan suggested. “Then come down when you’re rested.”
A few hours later, Lily arrived with Connor and his family, and everyone came down to the living room. Since tomorrow was going to be the big meal with everyone in the clan, tonight they all gathered in the living in front of the fireplace for drinks and snacks. Jackson was glad for moments like this, when the house was filled with warmth and cheer during the holidays.
“She’s beautiful,” Patricia said as she played with little Charley, Connor and Evie’s youngest, who was a few months old. “Do you think you’ll want another baby sister or brother, Austin?”
The boy shrugged from where he was sitting cross-legged on the carpet, playing with his cousin, Cliff. “Don’t matter. He or she’ll be my little brother or sister either way.”
Jackson couldn’t help the fierce pride burning through him. Even his wolf was pleased at how their cub was growing into a fine young wolfling, ready to defend their den.
Though Austin hadn’t lost any of his mischievousness over the years, he had stopped misbehaving to get attention. In fact, he’d taken his role as big brother to Katie seriously, and despite the age gap, the two were as thick as thieves. It was often Austin who made sure Katie didn’t get into any trouble. And no, he didn’t mind that he got a little sister first. Jackson had no doubt Austin would love his next sibling just as fiercely.
“You sure have a lot of presents,” Kaz said, eyeing all the p
ackages under the tree. “No doubt Santa’s going to bring more.”
“Santa’s coming tonight!” Katie and Cliff screeched at the top of their lungs.
“By the way, Austin.” Evie began. “That one,” she pointed to a large, red box with a gold bow, “is from Uncle Sebastian and Aunt Jade. I told them you had your first shift and they said they’re looking forward to seeing your wolf in the spring.”
“They did?” Austin’s eyes lit up. “Do you think I’ll be ready by then, Pa? That I can control myself enough?”
“Of course you will be,” Jackson said. “I’m sure you’ll impress them.”
Austin had first met his idol, Sebastian Creed, a few months after Jordan came into their lives. It was his ninth birthday party, and Jordan had said she had a “big surprise” for him. Jackson nearly had a heart attack when he saw the gigantic scaly dragon landing in his backyard. Needless to say, Austin was mighty impressed and when he asked Jordan later how she managed to get Sebastian Creed to come all the way to West Virginia, she had given him a cryptic smile and said that the dragon “owed her one.”
“Anyone want to play charades?” Lily asked. “Or maybe read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas?”
“Actually,” Jordan said as she stood up, “I was thinking—holy sh—sugar plum fairy!” she exclaimed, her eyes widening. “Oh. My. God.”
“Jordan!” Jackson rushed to her side and placed a hand on her belly. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Is it the baby?”
“Oh, yeah.” She laughed and looked down at her feet. “My water just broke. The baby’s coming.”
“When?” he asked, dumbfounded.
“Next week, around Thursday,” she answered.
“Huh?”
“Now, Jackson.” She was mid-laugh when her face scrunched up in pain, signaling a contraction.
“Pa, don’t forget her this time,” Austin warned.
“You’ll never let me live that down, will ya, kid?” Jackson shook his head.
When it was time for Katie to be born, he had been in such a panic, trying to make sure he got everything in his truck to go to the hospital—Jordan’s suitcase, all the new baby clothes, the infant seat carrier, even Austin—that he left his pregnant mate standing on the porch. He didn’t realize it until he was driving down the road and Austin had asked, “Where’s Ma?”
A Mate for Jackson: Bad Alpha Dads: A True Mates Standalone Novel Page 15
