Silence ensued. Not exactly silence. The sizzling of the pan filled the kitchen, but Xavier didn't speak. He just worked quietly. When he finally did speak, Aspen jumped.
"Is the fact that me and Skylar have already mated going to be a problem for you?"
To be honest, Aspen hadn't given it much thought and under the circumstances she'd not had a chance. They'd only showed up in her life for about twenty-four hours now. How was she supposed to know how their mating made her feel? She thought back to the night before when Xavier had stroked Skylar's cock. Had she been repulsed? What if she were to watch while Skylar fucked Xavier or vice versa? Would that make her uncomfortable?
If how turned on she was last night was any indicator, their mating only enticed her. And what woman hadn't thought of two males showering her with attention? Or maybe she was just weird.
"Aspen?"
Aspen looked into Xavier's brown eyes and smiled. She couldn't see herself mating him, at least not without Skylar. And she wanted to see them in the throes of passion. It would be...interesting. She hated that her pondering of his question caused such hurt to enter his beautiful brown eyes.
"I'm sorry, Xavier, it's just that I've never actually thought about it, but did it seem to bother me last night when you touched Skylar?"
Xavier shook his head.
"Then I don't think that's going to be the problem."
Xavier sighed and placed his tiny pancakes on a plate.
"Then what is the problem?"
Aspen turned to find Skylar watching them. What was the problem? Was she scared they were going to leave? Was she scared that her mating would be as horrible as her mother and father's? In all honesty, she wasn't sure, but she knew she wasn't ready to let herself fall for the two wolves standing with her now.
"I don't know...Maybe a little bit of reluctance with mating after watching my parent's unhappy union."
Skylar crowded her against the counter.
"You didn't seem reluctant when I first met you."
Aspen knew she was blushing, could feel her face heating under his close scrutiny. She pushed at his chest and tried to make her voice sound light.
"That was just a fuck."
Skylar clasped her chin and stared at her for what seemed like hours.
"Don't lie, Aspen. I smelled your pain when I went back to your little apartment. The grief enraged me so much I put a hole in the bedroom wall. I never meant to hurt you Aspen."
Aspen didn't want to cry. Hated the way it made her nose run and made it hard to breath, but she couldn't control the tears once they started. Skylar pulled her into his arms and it only made her cry harder soaking his shirtless chest.
She felt Xavier hold her from behind and cried even more. It seemed that when she'd been ripped from Andrew's arms she'd not had the chance to cry herself out. Now she took that opportunity in the arms of the man she'd wanted from the beginning, and one that she didn't know she'd want. How could she hold back from these two when she wanted them so badly?
Because he left.
The root of the problem, and she knew it was trust. She didn't trust them to stay. Why would they want her when they had each other?
Wasn't it proof they would stick around if they were here when she'd done nothing but cry and refuse them at every turn? It'd only been a day, she could get to know them and take things day by day.
How can I forgive him?
He did come back, her cougar reminded her.
So, Aspen took a deep breath and made the resolution to get to know the two males that held her while she cried. These two males that made her want to strip and lick them, made her want to watch as they stripped and licked each other, and most of all made her heart beat just a little bit faster when they entered the room.
"I'm hungry."
Aspen giggled at the little voice, so demanding at only three years old. It must be a man thing, she thought to herself. The thought only made her laugh harder.
"I love that sound," Skylar said tipping her face to his and kissing her on the nose.
Aspen smiled and Skylar wiped away her tears.
"Better?" Xavier whispered in her ear.
Aspen nodded.
"Hello. I said I is hungry."
She looked down at the little boy who was pulling on her shorts. Skylar and Xavier backed away from her and she stooped to Gunner's level.
"Okay, Gunner, I've got pancakes and omelets. What's it going to be?"
Gunner's face scrunched up as though in serious thought and she realized this was the first time she'd ever seen the little boy so up close. Sure at gatherings and Miranda's she'd seen him plenty, but never close enough to inspect. When Miranda was around there was no one that could hold a candle to her in Gunner's eyes. She took in his brown hair with strands of auburn and big hazel eyes that were like his mother’s. A smattering of freckles covered his nose and cheeks. Essence didn't have freckles and she and Zackary both had light strawberry blonde hair.
He must have gotten the brown hair and freckles from his father.
"What's a ohmleet?"
Aspen laughed. "An omelet is eggs with something in the middle. I put ham and cheese in these omelets."
Gunner shook his head. "I want pancakes."
Xavier picked the boy up and Gunner squealed with glee as he placed him on Skylar's shoulders to be taken to the table. Xavier turned and grabbed the plate of pancakes and some syrup and followed. Aspen gathered the rest of breakfast and joined them. She was amazed to see Skylar fixing Gunner's plate, and although he didn't have as natural of a way with children as Xavier did, she could tell that with a little practice he would be a pro.
Xavier pulled out a chair and Aspen took a seat. She placed her hand over her abdomen as her mind showed her what life could be with them. She could finally have a real family.
***
Gunner laughed as Skylar continued to tickle him while Xavier watched them from his position in the foyer. He picked up the drill and put the finishing touches on the curtain rods that Aspen had stubbornly decided she was going to install herself. After a brief conversation, she agreed to allow Xavier to hang them and the curtains.
"No! Mercy, mercy."
Xavier smiled and climbed down the ladder. Someday soon it would be their children laughing. Xavier had always loved kids, especially since he was the oldest of five siblings. He'd take care of his younger brothers and sisters while his parents worked. He'd grown up doing it and even after graduating college with a degree in computer science he continued to do so. He thought he and Sky wouldn't be able to have children, especially since Skylar had always wished to remain a lone wolf.
Xavier understood Sky's reluctance to join any pack. Hell, he'd seen firsthand what Xavier's pack had done to him for being...different. Aspen walked into the room, her smile devastating. She didn't know just how beautiful she was. Gunner's laughter made his words almost unintelligible, but Xavier got the gist.
"Help me, Aspen!"
"Help you? Now why would I do a thing like that?"
Skylar looked up from his position on the living room floor and growled playfully at Aspen. Aspen laughed and shook her finger at him.
"Bad dog, bad."
Xavier laughed and rushed in behind Aspen to pick her up. She squealed and he placed her gently on the couch. Her grey eyes lightened with her laughter and she took his breath away with her smile. He poised his hand and grinned at her. She shook her head.
"Don't you dare..."
"Dare what?"
Soon she was laughing and struggling to get away as he tickled her. Gunner's laughter continued as Skylar blew raspberries on his stomach.
A knock at the door stilled his tickling and Aspen lay beneath him her breathing erratic, and her pale face flushed. Beautiful. His cock hardened and his mind played over and over ways he could get her naked beneath him. The knock came again and he stood. Skylar and Gunner stopped their play and Skylar stood.
"I'll get it. I think you two have s
omeone to punish."
Aspen gasped and got to her feet to run, but Skylar was too fast taking her gently to the floor where Gunner was waiting to resume the tickling. Xavier laughed and went to the door.
His first instinct was to growl at the male who stood at the door, but that was just the mating heat talking. He shook his head and took him in. Approximately his height, about six feet one inch with strawberry blonde hair and tanned skin. His hazel eyes regarded him with open curiosity.
"Hi, I'm Zackary and I'm here to pick up Gunner."
Peals of laughter flowed out the door and Xavier motioned for the male to enter.
"Look Uncle Zack, I gots Aspen."
Zackary laughed at the toddler who held Aspen's hands above her head while Skylar continued to tickle her.
"I see buddy. Are you ready to go?"
"Awww, do we hafta?"
"Yes, we do have to. I've got a term paper due and some studying; besides I need to get dinner started since Essence won't get home until around five. Hold on a second..."
He picked out his cell phone and answered turning away from the group.
Gunner released Aspen and lie down beside her placing his head beside hers. He turned and placed his hand on her cheek.
"I stay here with you and Sky and Zay."
Aspen's eyes filled with tears. Damn this woman was beautiful.
"I think Zackary wants you to go home with him, baby. I'm sorry," Aspen said.
"I come over nother time?"
"Of course, Gunner. Anytime you like."
The little boy smiled and Aspen smiled with him.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have a babysitter, but I would love the hours," Zackary said into his phone.
Xavier watched the male hang up the phone and took in the boy’s appearance. "Why don't you come into the kitchen with me while Gunner finishes up with Sky and Aspen?"
Zackary absently nodded and followed Xavier into the kitchen. "So, why do you need the hours so much?"
Xavier wasn't stupid, had seen the same look in his father's eyes lots of times. It was hard to raise five kids even with the pack helping out. Zackary sighed.
"Just a little extra money."
So, he wasn't going to divulge all the information, that was fine, but if he and Sky were going to be a part of this pride, as he assumed since Sky hadn't spoken a word about returning to their former apartment, then they needed to start somewhere.
"Look, why don't you go in to work, or hell, go do all your homework and take a break. Gunner wants to stay anyways, and Sky needs the practice."
Zackary looked undecided then sighed. "I've not had much time to myself since becoming beta and we really could use the extra money...okay, but you can call me if Gunner gets to be too much."
Xavier rejoined Sky, Aspen and Gunner in the living room.
"Good news Gunner, Zack said you could stay."
"Yay!"
Zackary came out of the kitchen. "Thanks guys. I'll be at Haven's if you need me, okay. Oh and will you tell Essence I went in for some extra hours."
“Of course,” Xavier said.
"Bye Zackary,” Aspen and Gunner said in unison.
He waved and gone was the male from the kitchen and back was the almost goofy grin he always seemed to sport. There was something up with Essence and Zackary, but looking at Aspen and Sky he knew he had some bridges to gap right here. Besides, things usually worked out, right?
***
Andrew looked at the job posting one more time, but couldn't bring himself to hit the apply button. He sighed. Who was he kidding? He wasn't a doctor--not a real one--of course he had the degree that said different, but he knew the truth.
Dr. Weber had urged him to apply for the emergency room physician position at Pinewood Creek Hospital, but Andrew wasn't sure if that was the right thing--for him or his patients.
"Fuck it."
He clicked the apply button and quickly filled in the necessary information, then he sat back in the computer chair as though he'd run a marathon. And maybe he had. That night had changed him and not for the better.
"Andrew?"
He looked up at Miranda and sighed. She had that worried look on her face again. This was going to be painful.
"Yeah, sis."
"What's up with you?"
"What do you mean?" Evasiveness was the best choice he told himself.
Miranda's eyes widened and she waved her hands in the air. "What do I mean? Andrew, you've not been yourself since you arrived, and I thought...well, I thought you and Aspen were getting a little close, but now that's not an option...is it that?"
Andrew closed his eyes. Aspen was beautiful. Pale skin, black hair that framed a heart shaped face, and a wonderful personality...at least when she wasn't so damn sad it hurt, but he knew she wasn't the one for him. She wasn't his mate, and truthfully he saw her as more of another sister than a potential...wife or mate.
"I never saw her like that, sis. We were just friends."
Miranda propelled herself to sit on the desk and her brown eyes stared into his own. It was like she was reading his soul and all his failures were there for her to see.
"Look, I know something is wrong and you know I won't let up until you tell me, so why don't we just save ourselves some time."
Andrew shook his head. Dammit she was right.
"I'm not ready, Miranda, not by a long shot."
"Well, when you are, then you know exactly where I'll be."
Andrew nodded but didn't smile. Miranda would know how fake it was if he did.
"Well, I've got to go pick up my dress," she rubbed her abdomen, "had to have it let out since the bump is beginning to show."
Andrew nodded and Miranda left him. Too bad his nightmares hadn't left as well.
Chapter 8
Aspen settled into the bathtub and sighed. There was nothing like a bubble bath after a long day--even if it wasn't as hot as she'd like, but she had a baby to think about. She didn't know where Gunner got all his energy, but if he was anything to judge by, then she was in for one wild ride with her own son.
She rested her head against the back of the tub and closed her eyes. She had work tomorrow and she needed to finalize all the food orders. Then she needed to come up with a summer dinner dish that would bring more business during the summer months. Something with a citrusy or grilled taste. Definitely pineapple.
Hands captured her feet and she jumped nearly falling beneath the surface of the water. She opened her eyes to find Skylar smiling sheepishly.
"Sorry, I thought you'd have heard me."
"Well, I didn't and you walk like a serial kill...ohhhh my!"
Strong fingers dug into her instep and she forgot everything but the male bringing such ecstasy to her feet.
"Now I know how to end an argument."
Aspen half-heartedly splashed water at Skylar and moaned when he moved to her ankle and calf.
"Tell me how you and Xavier met."
Aspen leaned back against the tub once more and waited. Skylar's hands stopped and Aspen looked back at him.
"I just want to know more about you guys. I don't know the first thing...well, I don't know much. Hell, I don't even know your last names."
Skylar sighed. "It's not exactly the happiest tale--I mean, don't get me wrong I love Xavier, but, well-"
Aspen leaned forward and cupped Skylar's cheek.
"Please? I want to know."
Skylar nodded his lips pressed into a thin line.
"I was working a case in south Mississippi when a scent caught my atten-"
"Wait, you were working a case? What exactly do you do?"
"I'm an agent with the Shifter Council's Human/Shifter relations department. We have two main goals, maintain our secret and protect humans from shifters who would do them harm."
"Okay...so you and a scent?"
"Right. I was running in wolf form in the woods looking for clues about a string of murders. Hunters were being slaughtered in a manner that was br
inging too much attention to shifters. The shouts came next. I'll never forget it for as long as I live. A group of wolf shifters in human and wolf form were kicking, punching and biting at the male they'd overpowered. The scent of his blood enraged me and before I knew what was happening I'd ripped a few throats out and injured a couple more. The rest ran," Skylar shook his head and tightened his hands on Aspen's legs. Aspen winced and Skylar loosened his hold.
"Xavier?"
Skylar nodded. "He was half dead. I don't remember much of what happened next, but I do know that I somehow got him back to my hotel room and called in someone to help patch him up. Thankfully he hadn't suffered any internal injuries, though a few ribs were broken."
"Then you mated?"
Skylar laughed. "Oh no, baby. Xavier is more stubborn than you'd ever dream. I was a little confused having a male as a mate, but I'd always been attracted to males and females pretty equally, so it wasn't that big of a deal for me. Anyways, it took him a few weeks but he finally convinced me we were mates. We've been mated three years now."
Aspen sat up in the tub, the cooling water a signal for her to hurry and scrub down. She reached for the soap, but Skylar took it from her hand. His green eyes glowed.
"Allow me."
Aspen nodded slowly and he lathered the soap between his hands. Aspen loved the feel of his soap-slickened hands as they glided over her skin, shoulders and down her arms to clasp his hands with hers. At this moment Aspen was happy that the bathtub was large and in the middle of the room granting Skylar access around the entire tub.
He traced his way back to her shoulders and down. Aspen thrust her chest out ready for him to cup her breasts, but he skipped them altogether and pulled her to a kneeling position within the tub. His hands disappeared beneath the bubbles and water to slide across her abdomen. He took a moment to cradle her belly before sliding down her hips and making his way up her sides.
Aspen moaned as his hands neared her breasts again. Already her nipples were pebbled at though straining towards him for attention. Aspen's breath caught in her throat waiting for his next move.
She groaned when he motioned for her to turn around.
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