by Davis, Lia;
“Huh.” Jasmine moved to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water before going to the other side of the sofa next to Kyle. She picked up his homework. “This is great. Are you getting it now?”
Kyle nodded. “Yeah. Thanks for your help.”
Jasmine cupped his cheek and kissed his forehead. “I’m always here for you and Cole.”
Kyle leaned into her and hugged her. “We know.” He stood and collected his books, then gave Dane a short nod. “Night.”
When Kyle left the room, Jasmine sighed. “I don’t know when they got so tall.”
He slid across the sofa and drew her into his arms. She tensed at first, then settled against him, placing a hand on his chest as she curled into him. His wolf pressed up against his skin, wanting to feel her wolf.
Soon. He told his wolf. They would be mated and their wolves would be connected as well.
“They are growing up. Which is why now is the perfect time for them to start training.” When she stiffened and started to pull away from him, he tightened his arms around her. “I know how you feel. I also know from personal experience how difficult it is to deal with loss and all that power they carry around. I’d prefer them to release it and learn to control it during a controlled setting.”
“I hear you. And you’re right. I just don’t want them to get hurt or feel like they don’t have a choice.”
Dane pressed his lips to her forehead and inhaled her rose water scent. “I need you to keep an open mind and not go yell at Cole.”
She sat up and glared at him. “Why? What did he do?”
Dane frowned. “He showed up at the junior enforcer training today.” He paused briefly before adding, “And I let him participate.”
“What? Did he get hurt?”
Dane chuckled. “He did really well. He partnered up with Brenna and was able to keep up with her. She might want him to partner with for training from now on because the two of them gave Bryce and Nigel the runaround. It was awesome to watch.”
Jasmine shook her head. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this. I keep telling myself that they are too young. That they need time to be kids.”
“The war had changed us all. Cole and Kyle stopped being kids when your parents were murdered.” He leaned in and kissed her lips softly. “It’s time to let them grow up. They don’t have to be Enforcers if they don’t want. But the training is good for them. I think Mom is talking to Rhea about adding it to the curriculum for third-graders and up.”
“I’ll think about it.” Sadness clouded her features. “I don’t want to lose them. I can’t lose them.”
He hugged her close, feeling how tired she was, not just physically, but emotionally too. He understood her fear. Mutants had killed her parents. “You won’t lose them. I won’t allow it. Mom won’t allow it.”
“Thank you.”
They fell silent for a few and he flipped through the TV channels until he came across a romantic comedy movie and Jasmine said to leave it. About three quarters through the movie Jasmine fell asleep. Her soft snores were adorable.
After turning the TV off, he carried her to bed then made sure the apartment was secure and lights off before returning to her bed. He stripped down to his boxer briefs and slipped under the covers with her.
After kissing her cheek, he curled around her from behind. “Goodnight, Mate.”
Chapter Five
Jasmine woke curled up against Dane. A smile lifted her lips as she watched the rise and fall of his chest as he slept. Her mate.
It felt amazing to wake up in his arms. She reached up and ran her fingers through his hair, then traced her fingers down his cheek. When she reached his lips, he nipped at them, startling her.
He rolled until his body pinned hers to the bed and wedged her thighs part. A groan stuck in her throat as he rolled his hips, pressing his hard cock into her core. He lowered his mouth to press against her skin and trailed feather-like kisses down her stomach. He tore her shorts off and pushed her legs up to settle her thighs over his shoulders. Then he covered her pussy with his mouth. She bucked at the wild sensations running through her, then moaned as his tongue teased the bundle of nerves.
She fisted her hands in his hair and moved her hips in time with each of his licks. A gasp escaped her when he slid a finger inside her. A rush of emotions mixed with intense pleasure burned through her. Dane slid another finger inside her, drawing a groan from her. She bucked her hips, let go of his hair to fist the sheets, and tried to crawl backward to break the contact, if for only a moment. Dane grabbed her hips, holding her in place.
Gods, the man was going to kill her with the desire he ignited inside her. Heat covered her body, and she didn’t know how much more of this slow, pleasurable torture she could take.
He pumped his fingers in and out faster and harder until she screamed his name as an orgasm tore through her.
Panting and unable to move, she watched as Dane withdrew his fingers and crawled up her body, a grin on his face.
She rolled her eyes and tried not to smile. That was too hard, especially when she’d just had the best orgasm ever. “I can’t move. I’m broken, and it’s all your fault.”
He chuckled and swiped his tongue over a nipple, drawing another moan from her. “Broken, huh? I could have my way with you, and you can’t do anything about it.”
Good gods, he didn’t know just how true that was.
He continued his slow, graceful crawl up her torso until his face was level with hers. She cupped his face and pulled him down for a kiss. He growled, which did nothing but excite her even more.
She circled her ankles around the backs of his thighs and tugged him closer until his erection pressed into her through his boxers. She scowled. “Boxers. Off.”
He leaned down to place his lips on her ear and whispered, “Say please.”
Her heart thumped faster, and heat pooled between her legs. She fought with her wolf for a few moments, wanting to be a little defiant. Finally losing to her submissive nature, she groaned out her reply. “Please.”
His answer was a devilish smirk that sent a shiver through her. He tore his boxers off and settled between her legs. Then he pressed his lips to hers in a brief, but soft kiss as he cradled her head between his hands.
He rolled his hips forward and entered her with a quick thrust. A wildfire of sensation raced inside her as well as over her skin. Dane’s scent intensified, and she inhaled it, loving everything about it, about this male.
She moved against him as he thrust into her over and over as the pleasure built until she was consumed by it, unable to think about anything but the way Dane was loving her.
“Come for me.”
His command was husky and low. Her body obeyed and the orgasm exploded through her. She bit his shoulder to keep from screaming and alerting the boys.
Dane tensed right before his own release slammed into him.
* * *
Jasmine poured a cup of coffee as Dane came up behind her, snaking his arms around her and kissed her neck. She let a soft groan.
“Get a room,” Kyle said as he came into the kitchen and grabbed a glass from the cabinet.
Jasmine laughed and pointed to the table. “Breakfast is ready.”
Kyle grabbed the juice from the fridge and carried it to the table. “This looks great. Did Dane cook?”
“Hey.” Jasmine turned to face Kyle, smiling. She met Dane’s amused gaze. “I can cook.”
She knew Kyle was teasing her. If Cole was in there he’d get them all going on taunts and name calling. All in fun. Where was Cole?
As soon as she asked the question, he appeared from the hallway. He glanced at Dane and his lips twitched. “You still here?”
“Yep. Get used to it, Kid.” Dane smirked and sat at the table between the boys.
The sight of Dane inserted into her little family warmed her heart and soul. Probably a little more than she wanted. Times like that morning where the boys were pleasant and playful gave her hope that things woul
d get better. The chaos that surrounds them will settle down. And one day they’d learn to live as a family instead of three people just trying to survive their own pain.
She took her cup of coffee and sat at the table. As she picked up her fork, she said, “Dane told me you joined the training yesterday.”
Cole dropped his fork and sat back in his chair, crossing his arms. “And?”
Her wolf snarled in her head. But she pushed back the urge to snap at Cole for being disrespectful. In a calm tone, she said, “He said you did well and actually kept up with Brenna, which is something because she’s pretty strong and fast.”
Cole puffed out his chest and picked up his fork. His defensiveness melted away. “She’s nice and moves kind of like a cat. It’s weird.”
Jasmine didn’t know a lot about the Baker twins, but she knew they spent a lot of time hiding and running from Shield—a human run militant group that hunted down shifters—and mutants. That could be the need to learn to be as silent and light on their feet as possible, which would explain why two wolf shifters would move like cats, as Cole put it. “Why don’t you ask her how she moves like that? Maybe, she’d teach you some tricks.”
Cole perked up. “You’re okay with us training?”
“I’ve slept on it and agree with Dane that it would benefit you both.” She looked at Kyle and added, “It’s your choice. Individual choices.” She narrowed her gaze at Cole.
“Yeah, I get it. Kyle has different interests. I’m trying to not push him.” Cole frowned.
Dane added, “You know, even though the Baker twins have the bond they do, they have different interests as well.”
Cole seemed to think about it as he finished his breakfast. Jasmine took that time to put down some ground rules. “You two can join the enforcer training, but your grades have to stay up. And no more getting into trouble. I get a call about you pulling a stupid prank or talking back to your teachers or anything, you don’t train.”
Dane nodded, agreeing with her. “Training is not all fun and games. It’s about discipline, control, and balance. Plus Cameron will be taking over classes. If you think Alec and I are hard asses, you're going to wish you were mauled by a bear when Cameron gets done with you.”
Jasmine smiled, holding in her giggle. Cameron was tough and would be tougher since she had the triplets. Her maternal instincts would be heightened. She’ll keep Cole in line for sure.
Cole jumped up and took his plate to the sink. “We’ll work hard. Promise. No more trouble.”
Jasmine hoped so, but she wondered how long that positive attitude would last. “You start by being on time for school for once.”
Cole collected his and Kyle’s backpacks from the living room. After Kyle put his plate in the sink, he met his brother at the door, taking his bag from Cole.
Dane pointed at them. “Be sure to go straight to class. You don’t want me to walk you to class and embarrass you. Ask Luna what she did to me and my brothers when we skipped school once.”
Cole frowned and Kyle looked worried as they left for school.
Dane stood and collected the dishes and carried them to the sink. Then he proceeded to wash them.
“I have a dishwasher.” She joined him at the sink and started drying. “What did Luna do?”
A sexy smile formed and he chuckled. “Hayden and I skipped school one time and she walked us to class in the most ridiculous looking pajamas she could find with huge bunny slippers. But that wasn’t the bad part. She’d make sure to walk us into the classroom and fuss at us about not knowing directions enough to walk to school. Then she’d make up an embarrassing medical issue like a rash on our butts or other parts.”
Jasmine burst out laughing. “I love your mother. I will need to go get parenting tips from her.”
He leaned in her and pressed his lips to hers. “What did you want to do today?”
“I have work. It’s payroll day. Plus I need to make the schedule for the next two weeks.” The idea of spending the day with him sounded relaxing.
His wolf flashed in his blue-green gaze. “Yeah. I should check in at the office. Sable had a run in with Faelin yesterday.”
“Oh? Is she okay?”
Dane worked his jaw. “Yeah. She and Ana were out on a run inside the wards. The bastard just teleported in like he was allowed to.”
“What? How?” Fear burned Jasmine’s insides. If the new Alpha of Onyx could get through Ashwood’s protective barriers, then none of them were safe.
Dane framed her face. “He got in because his intensions were not threatening. Mom said we’ll have to alter the wards to be more specific on who to keep out. Not sure how they will manage that.”
Nodding, she wrapped her arms around Dane and hugged him close. The steady thump, thump of his heart soothed her. “Keep me updated so I don’t worry myself sick.”
“I will.” Dane’s phone chimed and he glanced at it. “Tanner texted. Mom and Blaine called a meeting.”
Jasmine pulled back but Dane captured her mouth in a searing kiss. “I’ll pick you up this afternoon and we’ll go on a proper date.”
Chapter Six
Dane walked into the home of Blaine and his two mates, the leopard Alpha’s home. It was where they had always held meetings since merging the two packs. The former Ashwood Alpha, Keegan used to live in the house until he mated with the Pack Scribe, Addyson, and turned over the Alpha power to Blaine.
As he moved further into the living room, he spotted his mom holding two of the triplets. He smiled. If Luna could, she’d hold all three at once. She glanced up at him and offered a small smile. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
“They are.” He moved to Cameron and gave her a hug. “Like their mom.”
She hugged him back. “And this mama is glad to be back at work.”
Sable and Ana entered the house a few moments later and Dane drifted back to sit on a bar stool at the kitchen island with Alec and Travis. Alec had his laptop open. He shook his head and let out a soft growl. “The sensors in that area didn’t even pick up the bastard’s presence.”
That was interesting. The wards were built on magic and technology that was supposed to keep outsiders out. Especially if they wished to do them harm. So how did Faelin get in without setting off the alarms? But he’d hold his questions until Sable briefed everyone on what happened. His mom gave him limited information the day before.
Luna motioned to Sable. “This is your meeting so go for it.”
Sable nodded. “Ana and I were on our afternoon run when Faelin approached us. Oddly enough, he didn’t come to attack. He wanted to talk, I guess. Maybe he hoped that I’d just hand over information or join his side? Who knows, the male is psycho.” Frowning she glanced at Blaine, then Luna.
Blaine sat on the sofa next Luna and tried to take back one of his daughters. Luna wasn’t giving up either of the girls. Giving up, Blaine said, “He’s arrogant enough to believe that you would just join him.”
Sable nodded. “Yeah, I agree. As I was talking to him, I remembered where I know him. He is not related to me as we speculated. He doesn’t get his power from Savannah. I’d feel it, which I didn’t.” She paused and meet Luna’s stare.
Luna gave them a slight nod. “Go ahead, tell them.”
“Felix didn’t create Fealin. Royce did.”
Shock froze Dane’s insides and he stared at Sable. “What do you mean?”
“Before I was born, Felix would use his own DNA and sperm to create mutants. He would get a female to carry the baby, then take it from her and raise the child to be an assassin. When they reached adulthood, he’d inject them with the serum.” Sable moved to a chair and sat down, putting her head in her hands. “Royce fathered two of the children. One didn’t make it past three years old. The second was born to a witch who ran off with the child and raised him until Royce tracked her down and killed her.”
Fealin was Dane’s brother? Half brother and falling in his rouge of a father’s footsteps. “Are you sur
e of this?”
Sable nodded and lifted her gaze to his. “Yeah. Fealin was known as Unax and was the Beta of Onyx until I became of age to take the position. Felix was very thorough in his training, making sure I knew about who everyone was. He made it clear that Unax…Faelin was Royce’s bastard.”
The room was silent for several minutes. Then Sable added, “I sensed that he might be putting his sights on Luna. He was surprised when I told him that Royce was his father, so he’ll be wanting to find out if I lied or not.”
Dane shook his head, trying to process the news. Then the realization hit him that Royce was on the wrong side of the war before he mated Luna. There was telling how many other children he had before then.
“We need to fix the weakness in the wards and make sure Faelin can’t get inside again.” Dane steeled his voice and met his mom’s stare. Her green depths were a mix of sadness and anger.
Even from the grave Royce was hurting her. Now his bastard son was picking up where he left off.
Blaine broke the silence. “We’ll go on with normal daily activities. I’ll get together with Kieran about sending out our own scouts and spies to gather information about Faelin and see what he is up to.”
“I’ll talk to Rhea too. Even though she doesn’t want to, I think she needs to be brought in on these meetings so she’s ready when and if we need her.” Alec frowned and pulled out his phone and sent a text.
Rhea was a born Hunter with abilities so deadly she kept it a secret from the Pack until Faelin kidnapped the kids almost a month ago. Dane didn't blame her for wanting to keep her powers on the down low. His own power was something he didn’t voluntarily tell people. It was unsettling to most when they find out someone can call the dead and use them as your personal army.
Then there was the whole empathy on steroids thing.
Just then little Max entered the living room and looked around, glancing at each face until he found Luna. He walked to her, crawled up on the sofa next to her and kissed his sisters on their foreheads.
