“Are you dropping me off?” Despite the effort to avoid it, her voice cracked. The emotion she felt clear in her tone.
“No, I’m staying until I’m called by the Lords.”
“But you said the Lords had assigned you to bring me to New York. You’ve done that.”
“I’m your guardian now, Ash, until told otherwise.”
She exhaled, relieved their goodbye wouldn’t be today. She didn’t know if it was a blessing or a curse because she knew the longer he stayed, the harder their goodbye would be.
Chapter 9
The hot, humid air lapped against her face as she and Clyde deboarded the jet in New York at a quarter past nine p.m. He immediately reached for her hand and led her into a small building near the private airstrip where they’d landed.
Having only been three when they’d separated, she was a whirl of nerves knowing after twenty years, she’d reunite with two of her sisters. Jenna had been five and Jocelyn one while she had only been three, so she wasn’t sure if she’d recognize them instantly but hoped she would. She wondered whether they’d like her, and if they were as nervous to reunite with her as she was to reunite with them. Those worries aside, she was more nervous to meet her sisters’ mates, a demon and a werewolf.
Consumed in her worries, she barely realized when Clyde picked up a phone and dialed until he spoke. Immediately her gaze shifted toward him.
“Jenna,” he said. “Just got in. We should be there in fifteen minutes.”
He paused, and she heard her sister’s voice drift through the other end. “Oh my God! Joce isn’t here. I gotta get her.”
Recognizing the voice instantly, warmth settled through her, partially dissipating her worry.
Clyde rolled his eyes, and Ashley stifled a laugh.
“See you soon!” Jenna said enthusiastically.
“Jenna, wait—” But she’d already hung up.
Clyde sighed seemingly frustrated with Jenna, placing the phone on the receiver and turned toward her. “Come, before Jenna gives herself a heart attack.”
His frustration with Jenna amused her. She didn’t bother to hide her grin.
They jumped into a cab, and precisely twenty-three minutes later, the cab stopped in front of a fifteen-story building in Manhattan. They walked toward the large glass double doors leading inside. She held her breath.
“Breathe,” he whispered against her ear. “They will love you.”
He grabbed her hand, opened the door for her and led her inside. Her eyes scanned the large entryway. The décor was modern chic with marble floors and sleek, minimalistic furniture.
“Jade?” a voice called.
Her attention captured by the towering man standing at the end of the hall with strawberry-blond hair and light eyes. Instinctually, she glanced at Clyde who nodded, then she shifted her attention to the male and smiled.
The man closed the distance between them. “I’m Benjamin,” he said, extending his hand to shake hers.
She recalled Clyde said he was a demon, but he had an air of kindness about him, and she wasn’t afraid. She grasped and shook his hand.
“Your sisters are waiting for you upstairs. Man, are they excited,” he said then turned his attention to Clyde and nodded his greeting.
Benjamin led them to the elevator, big enough to fit fifty and allowed them in first then he entered, and the doors slid closed. Moments later, they parted. Benjamin and Clyde stepped forward.
The time had come. Ashley was glad Clyde was by her side. She hesitated and took another deep breath, trying to assemble the jumble of thoughts and worries streaming through her mind.
Clyde closed the space between them, then wrapped an arm around her, the embrace pacifying her nerves. He lightly pulled her forward and outside the elevator, her gaze skimming the group assembled twenty feet from her, several men and three women.
Instantly, she recognized two of the women, her siblings, Jenna and Jocelyn, and everything and everyone else faded away. If she had spotted them on a crowded sidewalk, she would have known them. As if their souls remembered each other from so long ago, as if they completed one another.
Jenna and Jocelyn looked just as she had envisioned. Jenna with waist-length chocolate brown hair, dark eyes and heart-shaped face smiled immediately. Jocelyn, whose eyes were also dark like her own, had golden brown hair that curled at the ends. Her nose was more pronounced, her lips pouty. A small gasp escaped Jocelyn’s lips as she protectively placed a hand against her pregnant belly and smiled.
Without regard for anyone else, Ashley strolled toward her sisters with tears welling in her eyes. Simultaneously, Jenna and Jocelyn walked toward her, extending their palms until they were skin to skin. Their palms touched creating a circle, and white light shimmered around them illuminating the entire room. Then Ashley embraced her sisters and sighed in relief as tears of joy slid down her cheeks.
For several moments, they hugged and cried and laughed. She held each one of them, unwilling to release them, unwilling to let the moment end.
No one interrupted. No one spoke. She forgot anyone else in the room—except Clyde. Despite dreaming about this moment for far too long, even as everything faded away, his presence remained like a torch inside her that had only just begun to burn and perhaps would never blow out.
As they released each other, she turned and spotted Clyde, his face forlorn. She extended her hand toward him. He hesitated briefly, then closed the distance between them.
“Jade,” Jenna said, wiping away the tears that had slid down her cheeks. “I want you to meet my mate, Lucas.”
For the first time, she noticed the towering man with hazel eyes and light brown hair. The muscles that lined his torso were clearly visible through the black polo he wore. Whereas Benjamin had an air kindness about him, Lucas did not. His presence overwhelmed the room. A demeanor so intense, she wondered how she hadn’t noticed him before. The angles of his face were harsh and rugged though still handsome. He was definitely the type of man feared by many if not all. His height made him all the more intimidating. He was at least six and a half feet tall, just as tall as Benjamin.
She recalled Clyde had said demons grew when they gave into their demon and wondered if Lucas and Benjamin were in demon form at the moment. She didn’t notice any horns, yet she couldn’t fathom how much bigger the duo could get.
Lucas stepped forward and grasped Jenna’s hand. Instinctually, she took a step back and bumped into Clyde. He wrapped his arm around her waist to steady her. She turned to face him hoping for the courage she needed. His somber eyes holding hers captive, she forgot the towering male. Now solely focused on Clyde and the sadness she glimpsed.
He reached for her hand, firmly grasping it in his then leaned toward her ear and whispered, “It’s okay. He loves her and would never hurt her or you.”
She nodded, then turned to face Lucas.
“Jade.” Lucas smiled warmly, completely transforming his face and demeanor making her wonder what she’d been afraid of moments before. “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too,” she replied, softly.
“This is Landon,” Jocelyn said. “He’s my male.”
Her eyes darted to Jocelyn and the man she had indicated. The werewolf, she remembered. He was nearly as tall as Clyde. He was also muscled and broad shouldered. His dark hair cut military-style, and his eyes a piercing pale blue color. He wore a short-sleeved white shirt, revealing a tribal tattoo along the length of his arm.
She peered at Clyde again, her hand still firmly grasping his. He lightly squeezed it, then placed his other hand on the small of her back and slowly edged her forward. She turned to face Landon again.
“Jade, I’m happy you’re here. Your sisters have been fighting to see who gets to play hostess,” he said, a warm smile spread across his face.
“Nice to meet you.”
Once again, she turned to face Clyde because a part of her was worried about the sudden cha
nge that had come over him. He was still stone faced, not a single emotion portrayed, until his eyes landed on her then his face softened and he asked, “What’s wrong?” She shook her head, and he continued. “That is Olivia,” he explained as he nodded in the direction of a brunette with eyes the same color as Landon’s. “She is Landon’s sister, and Jocelyn’s sister-in-law.”
Olivia smiled then Clyde said, “Next to her is Cain. He is Lucas’s second in command.”
Cain smiled at her immediately. He was about an inch under Lucas’s stature with blond hair, blue eyes and a humorous air about him.
“Jacob is on the far right. He is one of Lucas’s warriors as is Benjamin.”
Ashley’s attention wandered to the dark-haired Jacob, whose intensity startled her right away as if it flowed off of him in waves.
She glanced away from him and watched as Jenna reached toward Clyde and embraced him. He didn’t release her hand. Instead he lightly squeezed it again.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she heard Jenna say.
Ashley glanced in Lucas’ direction and noticed his clenched jaw. She wondered briefly if Lucas was jealous and whether he had reason to be. Had there once been more to Clyde and Jenna’s relationship than Clyde let on? Grudgingly, a twinge of jealousy flooded her. Ashamed she felt such a negative emotion for the sister she loved, she forced herself to look away from them.
“I’ve missed you too, but I was on assignment,” Clyde said.
“I know,” Jenna said. “Thank you, Clyde.”
“After all these years, you know you don’t need to thank me,” Clyde replied.
He stepped toward Jocelyn and placed his hand an inch from her belly, then asked, “May I?”
Landon stepped forward, closer to his female, and protectively slung his arm around her waist. Jocelyn nodded. Both held their breaths as Clyde placed his hand firmly over the swell of her stomach.
“Do you want to know?” Clyde asked them.
Jocelyn glanced in Landon’s direction then they both nodded.
“You’re having a boy and a girl. The girl is an Elemental; the boy is an alpha.”
A prideful smile spread across Jocelyn’s face. Landon’s jaw dropped, then he asked, “But how can you…”
“I can read them and their auras,” Clyde replied calmly.
“And I always thought you didn’t like me,” Jocelyn jested, then she stepped forward and embraced Clyde. He hesitantly placed his hand on the small of her back.
“Thank you,” Jocelyn said.
Landon, a scowl on his face, reached for her quickly and pulled her away from Clyde.
Was Landon jealous of Clyde, too? Ashley wondered. What was it with her sisters’ mates? Not that she could point fingers.
“We should sit and eat before dinner gets cold,” Jenna announced then turned toward Ashley and said, “Jade, I made lasagna. I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will.”
Lucas reached for Jenna’s hand then pulled her to his side tucking her under his arm. His face softened as a wide smile spread across his lips. As he stared into her eyes, he cupped her face then kissed her.
Ashley glimpsed it then. The love they shared was what she’d wanted her whole life.
****
As they walked hand in hand toward the dining room, Clyde glanced in Ashley’s direction. Her face was lit up with a beguiling and entrancing smile, looking as she always did, beautiful.
Yet he wished he knew her thoughts and exactly how she felt. Was she terrified of the immortal beings feet from them? Did she truly trust them?
He briefly entertained the idea of asking one of the demons, who were empaths, or Jenna knowing she could feel her sisters’ emotions, then decided against it. If Ashley wanted to share it with him, she would, and he would welcome it. Asking felt like spying of some sort. Still he couldn’t help but wonder, just as he couldn’t help but wonder when she would no longer find comfort with her hand in his.
She had reached for him to come closer after reuniting with her sisters, and the gesture filled him with joy.
As they entered the dining room, Clyde again tried to quash the thought that kept rearing its head—his duty was nearly done. Grudgingly, he speculated how much time the Lords would allow him to stay with her, guard her and protect her.
He should be content he’d accomplished his duty, that he would now be promoted to angel warrior. His dream was nearly fulfilled, except the dream he’d held close to his heart for over two millenniums didn’t seem significant anymore—not with regard to Ashley. She was special, more important than anything. Nothing else matters, unwillingly the thought floated through his mind.
They sat at the dining room table set with plates, utensils and glasses, as Jenna, Lucas and Cain headed into the kitchen.
“Jade.” He heard Jocelyn call her and wondered for the twentieth time why he hadn’t asked her what she preferred to be called.
“Yes,” she responded brightly.
“Jenna and I wondered if you wanted to go shopping tomorrow morning. I mean I know you’re probably tired, so maybe it doesn’t have to be in the morning…”
Jenna, Lucas and Cain reentered the dining room with two large trays of lasagna, salad and garlic bread and arranged them in the middle of the table.
“It can be in the afternoon, but we wanted to take you shopping because you don’t have anything here, and it will be so much fun, just a sisters’ trip.”
His eyes shot up, fighting the urge to scowl. No way is Ashley leaving my sight.
Landon cleared his throat, then turned to his female, Jocelyn, and whispered, “Baby, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Quick to temper, Jocelyn’s face flushed in aggravation. She turned toward her mate. “Landon, please, we talked about this,” she said, loudly.
Landon shook his head, “No, we didn’t talk about you parading around New York without me,” he whispered, firmly.
She gave him a disbelieving look then retorted, “Landon, we talked about you not being overprotective.”
Clyde glanced in Ashley’s direction and noticed her suppress a grin. He smiled, pleased she found their bickering amusing since they couldn’t go an hour without.
“Baby,” Landon said softly attempting to soothe his hotheaded fated. “Remember, it’s not just about you. It’s the pups, too.”
“Landon, I swear, if you keep calling our babies pups, I’m going to…” She sighed heavily.
“Okay,” Landon replied holding up his hands in truce. “I’m sorry, but you aren’t—”
Cain laughed loudly, always one to lighten the mood then peered at Ashley’s disbelieving gaze and shrugged. “It’s the hormones.”
“Cain, do you want to get on my bad side, too?” Jocelyn snapped.
Ashley released Clyde’s hand and placed her hands over her mouth to hide her chuckle. Instantly, he missed the warmth from her touch.
“What are you guys fighting about now?” Jenna asked.
“The sisters’ trip,” Olivia responded, unfazed.
Lucas tensed, his head shot up. Directing his attention to Jenna, he asked, “Wait, what trip?”
“Oh, I was going to tell you,” Jenna said nonchalantly. Clyde knew it was just her way of downplaying the trip. “Jocelyn and I thought we’d take Jade shopping tomorrow.” She paused, then blurted quickly, “Just us.”
Lucas’s brows drew together. He grasped Jenna’s waist and pulled her toward him until she was locked in his embrace. “My heart, I don’t think that’s a good idea. The Malums and—”
“Lucas,” Jenna said in a warning tone, pulling away from him. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself and my two younger sisters, please.”
“Thank God someone is on my side,” Landon groaned. Jocelyn glared at Landon then rolled her eyes. “Baby, please don’t be mad. I’m just worried.”
“Ashley hasn’t even agreed to go,” Clyde pointed out.
Everyone turned toward him in confusion.
Silence reigned for pregnant minutes.
“Who’s Ashley?” Benjamin asked.
His eyes narrowed before he responded harshly, “Jade!”
No one uttered a word. Ashley grasped his hand and turned toward him. One look at her heated cheeks and remorse washed over him.
He leaned toward her, wrapped his arm around her and whispered, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you—”
“It’s fine,” she whispered.
When he directed his attention away from her, every pair of eyes was focused on him. Jenna smiled at him, knowingly.
“Jenna,” he warned.
“Clyde,” she said, mocking his tone, then grinned from ear to ear.
“So what do you prefer?” Cain asked Ashley.
“Um…I don’t know…I…” Her voice drifted off.
“Don’t put her on the spot!” Clyde admonished then turned his attention to her again. “Ash, they won’t care what you prefer,” he whispered for only her ears.
“Ashley,” she said barely a whisper.
After another long moment of silence, Jenna served the lasagna. “So Ashley, if you aren’t too tired we can go shopping tomorrow.” She paused momentarily her eyes darting to her mate. “Just us.”
“But—” Lucas and Landon muttered at the same time.
“That’s fine,” Clyde said cutting them off.
Both exchanged disbelieving glances in his direction. He glared at them. The idiots, he thought. They always let their mating get the better of them, instead of just coming up with a plan.
They ate exchanging small talk for more than an hour. Jenna and Jocelyn stood to grab the dessert from the kitchen. Landon opened his mouth to speak.
Unwilling to hear the two bicker again, he interrupted. “Why don’t you two stay put? Lucas, Landon and I can grab the desserts and you can both continue catching up with Ashley.”
They stood simultaneously and strolled into the kitchen. When they entered, he walked to the very end, ensuring no sound would travel toward the dining room.
Heavenly Desire Page 10
