by J. D. Tyler
“I gave in to Malik’s influence. He wanted me to practice honing my darkness. I’m so sorry.”
“Christ, that’s jacked up.” Ryon ran a hand down his face.
“I know. Please, forgive me. I’m trying so hard to beat this thing, but it’s not easy. For what it’s worth, I’m trying and I really am sick about what I did to you.”
Ryon fell silent for a minute, visibly struggling with accepting the apology. But then he sighed, relaxing some. “Accepted. I appreciate you telling me. But if it happens again, to me or anyone else, and I find out it was you, I’ll kick your ass.”
“Fair enough.”
After shaking Kalen’s hand, Ryon went on his way, strolling as though he didn’t have a care. Mac stared after him for a moment, thinking he was a good guy. He deserved a fabulous woman. But then, all of the guys did.
She turned back to Kalen. “I know that wasn’t easy. I’m proud of you.”
“It wasn’t, but it needed to be done.”
They continued in companionable silence to her quarters, Kalen sans his shredded T-shirt, his leather duster slung over one arm. When she let them in to her comfy apartment, he laid the coat over a chair.
“Is there a story behind that thing?” she asked curiously. “You never go anywhere without it.”
“Everything has a story,” he replied with a small grin. “I won it in a poker game on my twenty-first birthday. Took it right off a rich dude’s back after I laid down a royal flush. Only time in my life I ever wished I’d bet more.”
“What would he have gotten if you had lost?”
“Me in his bed for the night.” His smile turned sad. “I didn’t have anything else to wager.”
She wanted to cry for the lost young man he’d been. “But you’re a Sorcerer. Why didn’t you just use your magic to win? To get whatever you wanted or needed out of life?”
“Because I’m many things, plenty of them not good, but I’m not a cheater, baby. My grandma raised me better. Besides, if I had given in to that temptation every time I was in a tough spot, I’d be just as selfish and evil as Malik by now.”
“I’m sorry,” she said contritely.
“Don’t be. It’s a perfectly understandable question anyone would ask.” Closing the distance between them, he pulled her flush against his hard body. “What matters is that I survived. I’m here now, and this ass belongs to you.”
A delicious little thrill zinged through her, arousing her past the point of no return. She had zero willpower where her mate was concerned. “Is that so? You won’t mind if I take advantage of an injured man?”
He took her lips in a passionate kiss that left her breathless. “If you don’t take advantage of me and fast, the disappointment might set back my recovery.”
“Well, we can’t have that!”
Taking her mate’s hand, she led him into her bedroom. Right where she wanted him. They stood looking at each other for several heartbeats. The desire building, the flames banking. His gaze was hot, full of need, making her feel like the most beautiful and desired woman in the world.
“I’m so sorry about how our last time together ended. I stormed out without trying to understand your side, letting you explain—”
“Shh. It’s over, sweetheart. My mate. Let’s move on, together.”
“I can’t think of anything I’d love more.” She paused, took a breath. “I want you to claim me again. This time because we both want it.”
“Oh, God, Mackenzie,” he whispered. “Yes.”
His hands shook a little as he reached out, began to unfasten her blouse. He unwrapped her as though she were a precious treasure, let the material drop to the floor, and removed her bra next. For several seconds he simply stared at her, such raw emotion etched on his face.
“Never have I had anyone of my own. Nobody who was just mine and mine alone to cherish . . . and to love.”
“Kalen,” she began, eyes stinging with tears of joy.
“Let me love you. And not just with my body—I mean let me love you. Please. I need you.”
“You have me,” she said, her voice breaking.
Scooping her up, he placed her on the bed and shed his jeans and underwear. The emotion between them was so intense, she could tell this time would be much different than the last. Before, the sex was hot, raw, carnal. She’d almost combusted.
This time her mate was going to make love to her, lavish on her all the love he’d been longing to give his entire life. And she would love him back, as he deserved.
Crawling over her body, he lowered himself onto her, careful not to squash her, and kissed her so gently, the tears finally spilled over. He licked them from the corners of her eyes, shushing her softly, whispering sweet words she didn’t quite catch but grasped the meaning of anyway.
Then he moved lower, paying homage to every inch of her skin. He nibbled the sensitive spot behind her ear, her neck, and her collarbone. Next, he suckled her nipples, tightening them to rigid peaks. Played with them until she moaned, needing much more attention in other places, too.
He was happy to oblige, trailing his tongue down her abdomen, tickling her belly button and making her laugh. Laughter during sex, who’d have thought? But what was happening between them tonight transcended sex—this was a sharing of bodies, connecting souls. Why shouldn’t it be an occasion of joy?
Then he crouched between her legs, spread her thighs wider, baring her sex to him. She’d never been ashamed of her body, but this openness, the ease she felt with him, was unlike any relationship before him. This man was hers.
Cupping his hands under her bottom, he raised her some and began to feast on her pussy. Every cell in her body came alive, singing at his attentions. This was her mate, pleasuring his woman as no one else had the right to do, ever again. His possession nearly tipped her too far over the edge. As though he sensed how near she was to release, he grinned and lowered her to the bed.
“Not so fast, baby. Gonna make you come on my cock.”
“Yes, please!”
Moving over her again, he placed the head of his hard cock at her entrance and began to ease inside. He impaled her slowly, and it felt so damned good. He was the perfect fit, stretching and filling her so she was nearly incoherent with pleasure. Then he began to slide in and out, stroking her inner walls, and she clung to him. Let him sweep her away in glorious waves of delight that drove her higher.
“I love you, Mackenzie,” he said softly, holding her close. Thrusting his cock slow and deep. “God, how I love you.”
“I love you, too. Have since the minute I saw you.”
“Baby . . .”
His thrusts increased in speed bit by bit. His breathing came harsher as he picked up the tempo. Then he gathered her in his arms, and not breaking their connection, pulled them into a sitting position with Mac on his lap.
“Ride me just like this, sweetheart,” he breathed. “Fuck me like this.”
“Yes!”
She took the lead, clinging to his shoulders as she bounced on his lap. Fucked him with enthusiasm, spiraling them toward the inevitable climax.
“Gonna claim you, my mate. Never let you go.”
“Please, Kalen!”
Needing no further encouragement, he struck. The instant his fangs sank into the curve of her neck and shoulder, the force of her release detonated her world. Mac was vaguely aware of screaming out her wild ecstasy as he reaffirmed their bond, pumped his come into her on and on.
When at last their shudders stopped, he still held her tightly, rubbing his palms on her back. Eventually he withdrew his fangs and licked the wounds, though she sensed that the beast in him had been reluctant to give up his hold.
“I meant what I said,” he told her. “It wasn’t just the heat of sex, either. I love you, Doc.”
“And I love you, Sorcerer.”
He smiled. “You make me happier than I have a right to be. But for once, I’m going to enjoy having what I want and worry about the rest tomorr
ow.”
“There’s the spirit.” She kissed his luscious lips. “I suppose we should move.”
“Ugh. Do we hafta?”
“Shower?”
He perked up. “Does that include shower sex?”
“If you’re lucky,” she teased.
“Sounds like a plan to me.”
Carefully he eased her off his lap. Together they padded into the bathroom, started the spray, and let it get nice and hot. Then they proceeded to steam up the glass in more ways than one.
Afterward, Mac thought again about how she needed to tell Kalen about the baby. Crap, if they started sharing living quarters, he was going to be worried about her getting sick in the mornings.
And she’d have to tell him about the nightmare and Malik’s claims.
She’d tell him about both soon. But she wanted this one night just for the two them, before reality intruded.
Surely that wasn’t too much to ask.
With a sigh of contentment, she snuggled into his arms and slept better than she had in months.
Later, she would be very glad she hadn’t known of the tragedy and heartbreak to come.
Eleven
The morning following claiming his mate for the second time—with much happier results—Kalen was flying high. So high his lover would’ve given him a drug test if she hadn’t known for a fact it was natural.
So he should have known the buzz wouldn’t last.
After Mackenzie had dressed and headed to the infirmary, Kalen went back to his quarters for a change of clothes. He was contemplating asking his mate if they could move in together when his cell phone rang.
Nick’s name popped up on the display and he grimaced. A call from the boss wasn’t typically cause for celebration, and this one was no different.
“I’ve got a location on your parents,” he said without preamble.
“Well, there’s some fantastic news,” Kalen replied with all the sarcasm he could muster. This conversation required coffee. Maybe he’d add a dash of whiskey to it, too. “I can hardly wait for the heartfelt reunion. Should I bring tissues?”
“Funny. Don’t you want to know where they are?”
“Not particularly. But I guess you’ll tell me anyways.” Yep, coffee. Better leave out the booze, though. He reached for a mug and stuck it under his single-cup brewer, then hit the switch.
“Your childhood address is still listed in their names.”
Kalen froze, watching the fragrant brew steam into the mug. “You’re kidding.”
“No. The weird thing is that my contact says nobody can recall seeing the Blacks for years. Nobody going in or out of the house, no visitors, nothing. But the house is well kept, flowers planted, grass mowed, newspapers and mail picked up regularly. Records show the bills have been paid on time, et cetera. For nine years. All seems good on the surface.”
“Except not a soul has seen them in almost a decade.” A cold finger trailed down Kalen’s spine. He didn’t need Nick to tell him that something wasn’t right. “When do we leave?”
“You don’t have to go,” the commander said, his voice softening. “You know we’ll tell you what we find.”
“I trust you. It’s just . . . As much as I’d love never to set foot in my hometown again, I’ve come to realize I’ve got to go back and get some closure.” He hesitated. “For me, and for Mackenzie.”
“You and Mac, huh?” Nick’s smile came through in his voice.
“I doubt it’s much of a secret.”
“You’re right, it’s not. You’ve claimed her—the right way this time?”
“Yeah,” he said, glad the man couldn’t see his red face over the phone. Or shit, maybe he could. “She’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. I love her, Nick, and for some damned reason she loves me.”
“I’m really happy for you, kid. And I agree closure is what you need. Can you be ready to leave in an hour?”
“I’m ready now.”
“Eat some breakfast first, then be at the hangar in an hour. Aric is going to fly us there in the jet, and Ryon is going as extra backup. Those two are the least injured from yesterday.”
“All right, see you then. And, Nick? Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Kalen sipped his coffee for a few minutes, then tossed the dregs down the drain. The idea of facing his parents again after so long made his gut churn, and he wasn’t sure about putting anything in his stomach. But there was no telling when he’d be able to eat next, so he’d better do as he was told.
Only about half of the guys, including Aric and Ryon, were in the dining room, stuffing themselves on pancakes and bacon. The rest must have been sleeping off the beating they’d taken from the Sluagh. Kalen stabbed a couple of pancakes with his fork, grabbed three pieces of bacon, and dug in. He was hungrier than he’d thought and made quick work of it. After telling Aric and Ryon he’d see them at the plane and saying goodbye to the others, he hurried to the infirmary.
A tired-looking Noah pointed him in the right direction, and Kalen found his doc coming from Zan’s room. “How is he?”
“Improving,” Mackenzie said with relief. “His vision is clear now and his hearing is almost back to normal.”
“That’s great news.” He gave her a quick kiss—not nearly the hot, passionate one he’d rather lay on her. But it would have to do. “Will he be out of here soon?”
“By tomorrow, I’d say. So what are you up to?”
He released a pent-up sigh. “Going to see my parents. Nick wants to check out any connection they may have to Malik, considering his claims, and a couple of the guys are going along as backup.”
“You mean his claims that he knew your family and that you’re Fae.” She gazed at him in worry.
“Exactly. I’m not sure my folks are going to be real cooperative, or if they’ll even speak to us.”
“Good luck, honey,” she said, pulling him into a hug and squeezing him tightly. “I know how important it is to you to get answers.”
“I just hope I can handle them once I have them.”
“I wish I could go with you.” Her pretty blue eyes were cloudy with concern. “But I have to take this shift with Zan. Noah is exhausted and needs to get some sleep.”
“Don’t worry about me, baby. I’ll have Nick, Aric, and Ryon with me. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
She bit her lip. “Okay, but call me and let me know how it went. I won’t be able to concentrate on much until you do.”
“I will. See you this afternoon.”
One hug and several long kisses later, he was on his way to the hangar. Christ only knew what they’d find in his hometown.
* * *
Kalen could feel the tension in his neck and shoulders as Aric guided the plane to a stop on the private runway they’d appropriated for their trip. He’d sworn he’d never return and here he was. Back in home-sweet-prison.
Except for Grandma. She’d been the sole positive influence in his life, and without her, he’d quickly become lost. Until Mackenzie.
There was no doubt that his mate drove the darkness back. In spite of Malik’s terrible hold over him, his mate’s was much stronger. She was what Sariel had meant by opening himself to light and love—all along, it had been Mackenzie.
Still, he worried about something happening to shatter their fragile new bond. That it could be crushed like a flower in a hurricane, simply swept away on a tide of cruel fate. He wasn’t being paranoid. It had happened before, the loss of his happiness, his soul. If it happened again, he could become a slave to his own darkness, never to see the light again.
“Welcome to Mayberry,” Aric quipped, bringing the jet to a stop. “Jesus, what do people do for fun around here? Knit afghans?”
“Yep. When the old folks are feeling really rebellious, they throw money in the pot for the Bingo winners. And I’m not exaggerating.” His three companions snickered, and he smiled at the memory of Grandma boasting of her big score.
> “Hammer would be right at home,” Ryon observed as they disembarked. “He could start a knitting circle since everyone knows he’s really a little old lady in disguise.”
Nick laughed. “Don’t let him hear you say that. He swears by the pastime, says it helps him relax.”
Ryon arched a dusky brow. “Dude, I can think of better ways to relax that don’t involve yarn. Seriously, somebody needs to take that boy under his wing.”
“That boy,” Nick drawled, “lived so deep undercover for so many years he almost lost himself. He’s dined with drug lords, walked the edge with homeland terrorists, and has taken out more dangerous criminals than the four of us combined. If he wants to live a quiet life while off duty, then leave him be.”
Interesting. Kalen had often wondered about the big man, and the glimpse into his past made him even more curious. But now wasn’t the time to dig. They’d come here for a reason, and the knowledge brought him back to reality.
A dark SUV was waiting for them on the tarmac, keys under the driver’s floor mat. Ryon took the wheel and Nick called shotgun, leaving Kalen in the back. With Aric. Who eyed him before settling in, unbelievably, without a single snarky comment. In fact, when he did open his mouth, what came out was pretty damned decent.
“This thing with your folks, man, it ain’t shit. You’re gonna wrap up that part of your life, put it behind you. We’ve got your back. Remember that.”
Their truce was uneasy, but it seemed to be holding. Kalen doubted they’d ever be BFFs, and the man took some getting used to, but he was all right. “Thanks. I appreciate it,” he said, and meant it.
The ride was uneventful, and he checked out the town as they drove past the square. Not a lot had changed, except a few new businesses he didn’t recognize. The trees were taller and fuller, and the city had done some work beautifying the place with flowers and such. Other than those minor details, it was like walking into a time warp.
A few minutes later, when Ryon pulled up in front of his old house and parked next to the curb, Kalen was sweating. He took a few deep breaths, willing himself to calm down. His father was like a pit bull—if he sensed the least bit of insecurity in his prodigal son, he’d go for the jugular and they’d end up having that fistfight that had been years in the making.
