Shattered

by Tl Reeve

  He shook his head. “No, we’ll wait until after the pup is born.”

  “Baby,” Aurora said.

  “Pup,” Kalkin replied. “And, fine.”

  “Let me guess, Danielle called you?” Mackenzie quirked a brow.

  “Yeah, she thought both of you could use a hand. Seems like you got four of them right here.” Kalkin hooked his thumb at the kids. “So, how about I take them to lunch, and you guys can relax for a bit? Then, we’ll go back to the house and help you finish unpacking.”

  Mackenzie grinned. “We’d appreciate it.”

  “Then it’s a deal. Come on, all you wild things, let’s go grab a burger from the diner.”

  Once Kalkin ushered all the kids out after a round of goodbyes, Mackenzie gathered Aurora into his arms. Their meeting was serendipitous. It came at all the wrong times in Mackenzie’s life, yet as he sat there holding her as he did, he couldn’t think of a better way to spend the rest of his life.

  He realized that day in court, he could do anything as long as Aurora was with him, and that... Well, that set him free. He loved her with every ounce of his being—wolf, body, and mind. As he placed his hand to her belly and concentrated, he felt the first threads of a bond form between him and his pup, and a sense of peace flowed through him.

  “Well, looks like we’re a family now,” he murmured. “Are you ready?”

  She tipped head back. “As I’ll ever be.” Then she placed her cheek to his heart. “I love you, Mackenzie Raferty.”

  “And, I love you, too, my precious little star.”

  THE END

  Coming Soon...

  Chapter One

  November 2033

  One year later...

  Jefferson Winters threaded his fingers through Jochi Zhao’s hair as the snow leopard bobbed his head over Jefferson’s cock. He groaned. Three hundred and sixty-nine days ago Jochi made Jefferson a deal. Give him one chance to show Jefferson they were mates or Jochi would walk away. Since then, there hadn’t been a day that went by where Jefferson couldn’t wait to get his dick into his mate.

  “Jochi...” he moaned his mate’s name. The talented tongue of his snow leopard swirled around Jefferson’s slit before tracing the sensitive underside of his cock. “Suck me harder.”

  Jochi raised his gaze. Those emerald green eyes of his ensnared Jefferson’s grey ones and he almost blew his load. Fuck. Jochi hadn't been wrong when he said the intense, gnawing arousal tearing through his gut would be ever-present. His dick twitched when Jochi did as he asked, and he grunted lifting his hips.

  “Gorgeous.” He ran his thumb across Jochi’s cheek and shuddered at the pleasure coursing through his veins. “Show me your dick.” The words rolling off of Jefferson's tongue were still so foreign to him. But, he realized something in the year they’d been together, his mate loved dirty talk and he loved to be dominated.

  Jefferson snorted to himself. He didn't have a dominant bone in his body, nevertheless, he'd do whatever Jochi wanted. He glanced down and sucked in a breath. The crest of his mate's erection had been wet, glistening with his precum. The dark-red and purple hue show just how aroused Jochi had been.

  A knock came at the door and Jefferson jerked. He stared down at Jochi who didn’t appear to notice. Instead, he guided the senator’s chair back into its place in front of his desk and continued to suck him. “Shh, bèndàn.”

  “Jochi,” he snarled. “I can’t.”

  A mischievous smirk tugged at his mate’s mouth when he glanced under the desk. “Isn’t it exciting?”

  “Exciting?”

  “Mmm...” Jochi licked Jefferson’s length. “Yes.”

  Jefferson’s breath hitched. “Fuck. Keep going.”

  “Of course.” The twinkle in his mate’s eyes held promise and so much more. Before they were done, Jochi would be in Jefferson’s lap, and he’d fucking his mate. The thought sent a bolt of lust through Jefferson.

  The knock came again, drawing Jefferson’s attention from Jochi for the moment. “C-come in.” He cleared his throat. “Come in.”

  The door opened with a wide swing as two opposing senators along with the former assistant to Senators Brawborn and Tory, stormed into Jefferson’s office. Senators Roberts and Senator Beltran along with Mr. Diaz each carried a small binder. Their stern expressions should have killed any of the arousal pouring through Jefferson’s veins, instead, the coming confrontation only ramped up it, causing a rush of adrenaline.

  “Senator Winters, we won’t take up your precious time,” Senator Roberts said as he unbuttoned his blazer and sat in the chair across from Jefferson.

  “Yes, we need your help.” Senator Beltran eased into the chair beside Senator Roberts, leaving Mr. Diaz to stand.

  “Gentleman, what could I possibly do to help you?” Jefferson shifted in his seat and bit back a curse when Jochi swallowed around him.

  “Are you okay, sir?” Mr. Diaz said, narrowing his eyes.

  “Perfectly fine.” He glanced between both senators sitting in front of him. “So, what’s this about?”

  “As you know the trial for Holly Geithner has begun,” Senator Roberts stated.

  “And, Senators Brawborn and Tory’s trial will begin in a few short weeks,” Senator Beltran added. “We could use your help in the coming censure and expulsion hearings.”

  Jefferson snorted. “No, I don’t think I’ll be helping you.”

  “You don’t know what we’re asking you for though,” Senator Beltran said, easing back into his chair. “For all you know we’re here to count on your vote for their expulsion.”

  Jefferson narrowed his eyes. Ever since the auction and the subsequent findings in his internal investigation surrounding Senators Brawborn and Tory, he knew Beltran and Roberts were also involved in the PBH, just not how deep or to what extent. “If you were here about the vote, you’d have already asked for their resignations. Both of you have been Brawborn and Tory’s biggest supporters. What’s changed?”

  Neither man said anything. Instead, Mr. Diaz stepped forward. The severe look on the young man's face didn't intimidate Jefferson. He should be lucky he hadn't been put into a cell right along with his boss.

  “Sir, we know your history with shifter causes, and the fact you could be compromised. Your daughters are married to shifters, after all.” Mr. Diaz shoved the copies of his daughters’ marriage licenses onto the desk in front of Jefferson. “You also allocated three million dollars ten years ago to an orphanage—Leaving the Past Behind, to help orphaned shifters find new families. You can’t be objective.”

  Irritation flared within him and Jochi pulled from his cock. Jefferson closed his eyes. “Excuse me?” He’d never once showed any preference. If anything, he did the work others should have been doing all along but chose to turn a blind eye to the plight of those who were treated as sub-human or worse, weapons.

  “We also know you are having a sordid affair,” Mr. Diaz said.

  Sordid affair? Jefferson laughed. “Gentlemen, I’d have to be married to be having an affair. As my wife has been dead for some years now, I think you’re all grasping at straws here.” Jochi squeezed his knee. The jolt of reassurance focused Jefferson, helping him to stay calm.

  "True. Nevertheless, we know that you have been having daily dalliances in your office for the past year. We know that it is a woman. We know that if others found out, your reputation will take a significant hit, and we believe your record will be scrutinized," Senator Beltran said. "It would also be a shame if all of your grants and shall we say government philanthropical work was investigated, canceling funding to those desperately in need during those inquiries."

  Jefferson glanced between the senators. They weren’t bluffing. They’d stop funding for those projects he’d felt were the most needed when it came to shifters and humans with abilities who needed shelter. Everything he’d done, every bill he’d written, every project setup and grants given had been checked over by constitutional lawyers, they were airtight an
d unbreakable, plus it helped he did everything above reproach. He sat back as best he could without exposing himself and blew out a breath. “I think you should reconsider this plot.”

  The men looked at each other.

  “I’m not saying this as a threat, but as a promise. If you come after me or my family or those truly in need, I will spend the rest of my life taking you down one peg at a time,” Jefferson said, sitting forward. “This will not end well for you. Any of you.”

  "Be that as it may," Senator Roberts replied. "Do you believe after the information we have is distributed, anyone will be there to assist you?"

  He laughed, as he leveled his gaze on each of the men in front of him. “Do you want to test those waters?”

  "Gentlemen," Senator Beltran said, standing. "I believe we all have a lot to think about. We still have two weeks before the censure and expulsion trials, perhaps Senators Tory and Brawborn will decide to resign."

  “Maybe,” Jefferson agreed. “I’m not sure it will save them in the long run. However, it is a choice.”

  Mr. Diaz took a menacing step forward. The look in his eyes and the way he gripped the folder in his hands, denoted the rage burning through him. Jefferson glanced up and gave him a split second of his consideration before returning his attention to the two senators before him. Both men frowned. Jefferson hadn’t rolled over as he suspected they thought he would. He’d never give in to blackmail. He’d never endanger his life, Jochi’s, his children or shifters. He’d never allow a human, already hunted because of their abilities, to become another government casualty.

  The intercom popped and Janice's voice filled the room. "Senator Winters, your daughter is on the line one. She said she needed to speak with you."

  “Ah, perfect timing,” he said, keeping his gaze on the men who meant to destroy everything he built. “Thank you, Janice. Gentlemen, I think we’re finished here.”

  Senator Robert’s jaw clenched as he nodded. “Yes, we are.” He stood. “Let’s give the good senator a moment with his daughter.”

  Jefferson watched as all three men slunk out of his office, closing the door behind him. He let out the pent breath he’d been holding and slumped in his chair. He reached for the phone at the same time Jochi pushed away from his spot and a moment of guilt ate at him for keeping his mate scrunched up as he had.

  “I should go clean up and allow you some privacy to speak with your daughter,” Jochi said.

  Jefferson grabbed his mate’s arm as he tried to walk away. “I’d feel better with you near.” He gathered up the lithe man in his arms, placing Jochi on his lap. “There. Much better. Let’s see with my daughter is up to.” He picked up the phone. “Hello.”

  “Daddy,” Charisma said. “I’m glad I caught you.”

  “Sorry for keeping you waiting,” he replied. “What can I do for you, sweetheart?”

  “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?” Charisma’s question caught him off guard. In the years since he’d taken office, he’d spent more time away than at home with his family. It’d been one of the many bones of contention his wife had picked with him before her death. It’d also been something he kicked himself for over and over. How many years had he lost with her because of his job?

  “Coming home?” Jefferson glanced at Jochi. “I thought I could use a little home time since the next few months will be hectic on the hill. Why? What are you doing?”

  She sighed. “Thank you, daddy. I—we wanted you to spend the holiday with us. Things are changing around here.”

  Yes. Yes, they were. More so than she would understand and more than he could tell her over the phone. “Well then, I am glad I can come home and see all of my grandbabies.”

  “We have enough room here at the house if you’d like to stay with us. Mikey has taken to sleeping with the twins, so we put a smaller bed in there for him.” She was rambling again, something her mother used to do when the girls were younger—speaking every thought.

  “Sounds fantastic. I—” He looked at Jochi. “I’m bringing someone home with me, is that okay with you?”

  “Daddy?” The way she gasped his name, tightened his stomach and made his groin twitch with pride for his mate, and the idea of his daughters finally meeting the man who kept him on his toes. “Really?”

  “Yes,” he said.

  “Of course,” she answered. “I’ll tell Penny Ann. I know she’ll be thrilled to know you’re coming home.”

  He smiled. The warmth of his daughter’s love spread through him. “Thank you, sweetheart. Is there anything we can bring with us?”

  “I’m...I’m not sure. I’m trying to get a final count on guests then I’ll build the grocery list. I’m sure this will be a full family affair.” He didn’t have to ask what that meant. If it was full family, it meant both the Rafertys and the Dryers would be in one location. “I’ll keep you posted.”

  “Sounds great. I know they will be excited to meet you as well,” he said. “I’ll get with you soon with our itinerary.”

  “Of course! I am so excited you’re coming home. It’s been too long.”

  “Keep that bit of information to yourself for now,” he said in a stern voice. “When we arrive, I will explain.”

  “I will. Wow. This...this is going to be an amazing Thanksgiving. I love you, Daddy.”

  “I love you too. Now, give my grandbabies kisses from their grandpa and I’ll see you soon.”

  "I will, thanks, Daddy." Charisma hung up and Jefferson shook his head. The girl would tell everyone before he got there, he knew it.

  "Well, I guess it's as good of a time as any to tell them," Jochi said with a small chuckle.

  “Yeah...” Jefferson scrubbed his face. “What a fucking morning.”

  Jochi nodded. “Do you know what you want to do about the other?”

  Jefferson placed his finger under Jochi’s chin and lifted his face before kissing him. “Mmm, needed that. As for the other...” He shrugged. “I need time to think. Going home will give me a second to do so.”

  He reached between Jochi’s legs and skimmed the length of his mate’s semi-hard dick sticking out of the fly of his pants. Jefferson shouldn’t want to do anything with his mate in his office, yet after everything they’d been through in the last thirty minutes, he needed to feel his snow leopard climax in his arms.

  “Bèndàn...” Jochi groaned. He flexed his hips, pushing more of his length into Jefferson’s palm. “I ache.”

  “We both do.” He pushed Jochi’s trousers down to his ankles then palmed his ass. “Grab the desk and don’t let go.” Jefferson unbuttoned his trousers, releasing his dick from the confines of his pants before he fished the small bottle of lube out of his desk drawer. He slicked up his cock and placing it at Jochi’s rear. “Not a sound now. We don’t need Janice coming in to make sure we’re okay.”

  Jochi glanced over his shoulder at Jefferson and smirked before lowering himself onto Jefferson’s dick. The snug heat of his mate’s ass enveloped him. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from shouting out in pleasure. In the last year, none of what he experienced every time they had sex made a lick of sense to him. At some point, it should all wane. The sensation of being ripped in two by the exquisite twist of ecstasy. At some point, his fifty-six-year-old body should give out on him. His dick should have gone limp and not twitched in need. Nor should he be able to still have an erection after climaxing. Yet, he acted like he was sixteen. No matter what he did, he couldn't get it to go down and as he had for almost a year now, woke regularly with a hardon, not even peeing got rid of.

  It was ridiculous.

  Jochi shivered over him, rolling his hips to encourage Jefferson. He grabbed onto his mate’s hips and began the slow, torturous journey of finding their orgasms. Their breath came in harsh pants. Jochi fisted his cock, stroking himself with each of Jefferson’s thrusts. He moaned, loving the way his lover cinched down on his shaft. It held him in a vice of bliss, churning the building bubble of arousal, threatening to exp
lode within him.

  “So close, bèndàn,” Jochi whimpered. “It’s too much. Too intense.”

  “I feel it too,” he grunted. “Feels so good.”

  Jochi gave a soft cry of pleasure as he leaned back against Jefferson’s chest. “Together?”

  “Always.” He repositioned him so he bent Jochi over his desk, sinking his cock deeper into his lover. It stole his ability to think as Jochi quivered around him. “Shit.” His pace quickened. He gripped his snow leopard’s hips, knowing full well he’d wear Jefferson’s marks. He jerked inside Jochi and grunted. The thought alone of a shifter wearing a human’s mark destroyed his control. He groaned through his release, pumping his hips with each spurt of cum.

  “Jefferson,” Jochi murmured, jerking himself off as he too came.

  “I should say I am too old for this shit,” he muttered, sitting back in his chair, and taking Jochi with him, to make sure he stayed inside his mate. The irrational need had always confused him until his mate told him it was part of the physiology of shifters. The overwhelming need to procreate. Yet, still, it confounded him when he thought about it. Jochi was the shifter. Not him.

  “You’re getting younger.” Jochi brushed Jefferson’s sweaty hair from his brow. “Don’t you see it?”

  “I have.” The wrinkles around his eyes were lighter, his stomach had been toner, and his salt and pepper hair had begun to darken to his natural hair color. It freaked him out when he first saw the difference having a mate had made in his life.

  “I like it,” his snow leopard purred.

  “Me too.” He pressed a kiss to Jochi’s brow. “Means I get to spend years with you and my daughters.”

  Jochi glanced away. “Are you sure you’re prepared to bring me home?”

  Jefferson laughed, causing Jochi to squeeze him then groaned. “Damn, I’m never going to get used to that, feels too good.” He kissed Jochi again and began to move. “They’re going to be shocked but love you. Like I love you.”

  “Bèndàn,” his mate whispered, wrapping his hand around his thickening length.