Chapter Eleven
Hunter
“We had been holding our animals at bay. There weren’t many opportunities to shift while living with humans.
He lunged at Bane, and he froze. The man took him to the ground, and my jaguar burst out.
I tore him to pieces. There was nothing left of him except bones and blood.
” I can see it clearly in my memories, and I avoid meeting Haven’s eyes.
“Bane had to calm me down, so I would shift back.
He became my strength. He found me some clothes in the office because when we shift, we shred anything on our bodies.
When I snapped out of my daze, we ran again.
We left the destruction in the man's bar.
After that, we avoided any relationships with humans.
We hid for months. Stealing food, sleeping in alleys, and we would take turns, so we were never vulnerable again.
“Once Bane turned eighteen, we got random jobs wherever we could. Money meant we could sleep at a hotel. They were cheap and never in the best neighborhood, but they had running water and a roof. Still, we never slept at the same time. This went on for years, and when I could, I went to libraries and looked for our brothers. It was like looking for ghosts. At that time, we didn’t have social media.
I began to study how to find missing people.
I checked out books, and as the years passed, technology became more advanced.
We thought it was hopeless, and many times I wanted to give up.
But I would remember their faces, and how much I loved them.
Our parents were gone, so they were the only family we had. ”
“When did you find them?” she asks softly.
“Years later,” I whisper, focusing on her.
“First, we met Heath. We were two wild jaguar shifters who hated authority and rules. I knew he was different, dangerous. Most shifters can identify the different species, but he was a mystery. I had a lead on Lawson's location, so we went to investigate. What we found was a group of humans and shifters who took pleasure in torturing. I could smell Law’s scent, but he wasn’t there anymore.
I questioned them, and it didn’t go well.
There were too many of them, and we lost control of the situation.
Heath walked in as if he were on a stroll through the woods.
He wore black from head to toe and walked with a cane. His presence was powerful.”
“Why was he there?”
“He was searching for someone. Even though he didn’t know us, he protected us and helped get the answers we came for.
It wasn’t much, but it was more than we had before.
If Heath hadn’t shown up and been on our side, the outcome could have been different.
” I sigh. “He saved us in so many ways. He gave us a place to belong, safety, and a purpose. We could channel our anger into work. All he asked for was loyalty and honesty, which we gladly agreed to. I expanded my education. Computers fascinated me, and they allowed me to continue the search for my brothers. Heath offered his help, which I gratefully accepted. He revealed what his animal was, and even though it was shocking, I didn’t care that his animal was a snake.
There were whispers in our world about mysterious snake shifters and the deadly consequences if you crossed them.
Heath was different. Yes, he was still very dangerous, but not to those whom he let in his inner circle.
Not many knew what he was, and he liked it that way.
“We have been by his side since and have never regretted it. He's my boss, yet he’s my friend and brother. Our relationship grew steadily over the years, and I can’t imagine not being in his life.
He has connections, so he could get the answers I couldn’t.
There were many sightings of Lawson, yet every time we got to the location, he was gone.
A few years ago, Heath found Remy. He had acquaintances in this town and put the pieces together.
We had been searching databases all over the world, and Remy was a few hours away. ”
“Didn’t you live here?” she asks.
“No. We moved here after Heath met Juliana. We would go wherever he goes. Now, our dedication is toward you, too. Do you want to move here?” It would pain me to leave this place and Heath.
“I wasn’t sure when Rylee brought up the idea,” she says softly. “But now, I am.”
“What changed?” I ask.
“The four of you, and your story.” She shrugs. “I like where I work and the people I work with, but it’s not my dream job. I don’t mind being farther away from my family. The world you have built here is appealing.”
“Good. We would go anywhere you wanted.” I smile.
“But you’d rather be here,” she says.
“Yes. My brothers would say the same.”
“Do you get tired of taking care of everyone?” she asks, and I frown.
“I don’t think of it that way. My brothers are my life.
My family. If I can make their lives easier or better, why wouldn’t I?
They do just as much for me. They keep me grounded, and Bane can communicate with me without saying anything and anticipate what I need.
All of us work well together.” I trail my knuckles down her cheek. “We will do the same with you.”
“It’s odd to me that someone wants to take care of me,” she mumbles.
“You’ll have to adjust.”
“Hmm…” She tilts her head. “Do I get to give you the same treatment?”
“We won’t turn you down,” I say, chuckling. I sober, and look at her intensely. “We haven’t had anyone with a soft touch in our lives since our mother. Some of us may deny we need tenderness, but I know my brothers do.” She scoots closer and lifts her hand, trailing her fingers across my jaw.
“And you?”
“I do. As long as it’s coming from you.” I drop my arm from the back of the couch, wrap it around her back, and pull her.
Her legs part over my thighs, and a soft gasp leaves her lips.
“I appear always in control,” I whisper.
“But when I want something, I won’t stop until I have it.
” I bite her top lip and grin when her mouth parts.
“I will do everything I can to convince you to complete the bond.” I kiss her gently, softly.
“Our lives will revolve around you. Making you happy.” I lick her bottom lip.
“Giving you everything you need.” I kiss her longer, deeper.
“We will give you pleasure in ways you didn’t know you needed.
” I drag my nose across her cheek and to her temple.
“I will give you the family you’ve always wanted,” I rasp in her ear, and she shivers.
“What do you get in return?” she asks, gripping my shoulders.
“You.” I graze my mouth down her neck. “Peace.” I tip her head back and lick her throat.
“Shit,” she breathes, as I nip her chin.
“How am I doing?” I ask, hovering in front of her mouth.
“What?” She blinks slowly.
“Convincing you?”
“Pretty good.” She licks her lips. “Just to be sure, you should keep trying.”
“Mmm…” I press my thumb to her pulse. “How do you ask?” The question slipped out, and I didn’t expect a response.
“Please,” she whispers.
Perfect. Even better if she added the word, ‘Daddy.’
I won’t push, but I'll give her what her body and scent are begging for.
Yanking her closer, I fold my arms across her hips and kiss her like I have wanted to since I saw her.
She melts against my chest, her arms draping over my shoulders, and lets me lead.
My animal is growling in my mind, wanting more of her.
We both want to lay her on the couch and strip off her clothes.
Her gorgeous body would easily cradle mine.
She’s small, especially compared to me, yet she was made for me.
I ease back, not that I want to, but I don’t think she's ready to take all I want to give. Pressing my forehead to hers, I wait for her breathing to slow and for my control to return. She slides her hands to either side of my neck and sits back on my thighs.
“I’m sorry for what you have been through,” she says softly. “I know there is more, but thank you for trusting me.”
“Eventually, we'll share all our demons,” I say, brushing her hair back. “I don’t want to overwhelm you with all of it at once.”
“I want to try.” She moves her hands, pressing them to my chest. “This is new to me, but I know I’m supposed to give us a chance. All of us.”
“Good, Princess,” I hum. My phone rings at the same time I hear Rylee coming.
“Put your clothes on quickly and open the door,” she sings.
“Rylee’s here,” I say, and Haven frowns.
“She is?” She looks over her shoulder.
“My arms are full,” Rylee grumbles.
“She’s bringing food.” I tilt my head. There are heavy footsteps following her, but it’s not Lawson. I grip Haven's hips and stand up. Her surprised gasp makes me smile as I put her on her feet.
“Damn,” she whispers, brushing her hands over her hips. I move away and towards the door.
“Is there more?” I ask as I open the door. Rylee brushes past me with at least twenty bags around her wrists.
“I got them all,” she says, nodding over her shoulder. “Plus, something for Haven.”
“What?” Haven stares at the open door.
“From Bane King,” a deliveryman says, carrying a large crate. Two other men follow him, one is carrying another box, the other a piece of paper in one hand and several bags. “Where do you want them?”
“Bane?” Haven slowly walks closer. I look at the receipt and smile.
“He must have talked to Lawson,” I mumble, and my phone rings again. I look at Haven as I answer it. “Yeah?”
“If she needs more supplies, we’ll get more,” Bane says.
“Lawson called.”
“He did. She should have something she loves.”
“What is it?” Haven asks, glancing at Rylee. She dumps the groceries on the counter.
“Painting supplies,” I say. Haven’s eyes widen.
“Rylee, will you show them to Haven’s room?” I ask, watching Haven’s eyes shine.
“Sure thing,” Rylee says, grinning.
I wait until they leave the room.
“Come here, Princess,” I say.
“Is she happy?” Bane asks.
“I think that’s an understatement,” I mumble. She stops beside me, her arms around her stomach.
“Why? How?” she whispers.
“Bane’s on the phone.” I hold out my hand, and she slowly moves the phone to her ear.
“Bane?” she asks, swallowing hard.
“Lawson explained. You love painting,” he rumbles, and I shake my head. Bane sees a problem and fixes it. He knows it'll make her happy, but doesn’t understand why it should be a big deal.
“How did you get it so fast?” she asks, glancing at the men coming back through the room. I nod at them before shutting the door after they leave.
“I don’t know shit about painting. I asked Heath, and he asked someone else; I paid them. Like I told Hunter, if you need something different, I’ll ask the guy to get that.” My brother doesn’t even realize he’s making all the right moves.
“That’s—” Haven looks at me and then Rylee. “It’s too much.”
“No,” Bane says. I hear Heath and Juliana’s muffled laughter in the background. “It’s not enough.”
“I don’t know what to say,” she whispers.
“Say you’ll use them and be happy,” he says.
“Thank you. It means…” She blinks and licks her lips. “It means everything.”
“Good.” He pauses. “Paint me something.” He hangs up, and Haven holds the phone out in a daze.
“Did they come?” Lawson walks into the room and looks at Haven. “Looks like.”
“You told him I like to paint.”
“The best way for me to calm down is to talk to Bane. I was circling the block and called him.” He walks to the island, peering into all the bags Rylee is trying to empty. “I mentioned it. He said he’d take care of it. I knew he would.” Rylee slaps his hand when he tries to steal a bag of chips.
He’s right; Bane doesn’t fuck around. I planned to speak to them tonight and find a place to buy her paints and canvas. I can’t be mad that he thought about it and acted in an instant.
“Girl, the boys aren’t fucking around,” Rylee snorts, glaring at Law as he pops a piece of cheese in his mouth. “I didn’t have them set up the easel. I figured you’d want to decide where you wanted it.”
“I—” She shakes her head.
“Why don’t you go and check it out?” I suggest. She seems unused to receiving any kindness or gift. I want to give her a minute to gather herself.
“Yes. I’ll do that.” She walks out of the kitchen, but stops. She backtracks to Lawson, kisses him on the cheek, and flees.
“You guys are laying it on thick.” Rylee rolls her eyes.
“But I can’t be mad about it. Her father has plenty of money, yet never gave her anything she wanted.
” She holds out the bag of chips Lawson was aiming for.
“Thank you for caring about her.” He grins and takes the offering. “She needs you,” she whispers.
“We need her too,” I say softly, and she looks at me. I hold her gaze.
“I know.” She nods. “You guys can stay permanently if I get Remy as chef.”
“If you give him control, he’ll never let you in the kitchen again,” I say.
“And this is a bad thing?” She smirks.
“We don’t plan on staying forever.” I lean beside Law.
“I know,” she sighs. “You’ll move her into your place.” She turns to the fridge, but I catch the sadness in her scent.
“You won’t lose her,” I say softly.
“Yeah.” She moves back to the counter. “I'm trying not to be a selfish bitch.”
“You aren’t a bitch,” Lawson says.
“Or selfish,” I add, folding my arms on the counter. “Haven can see you whenever she wants. You're always welcome in our home. I understand she's your family.”
“Heath is family,” she says, leaning against the cupboards. “I love him, and he’s done so much for me. Haven is different. She can understand me on another level.”
“She’s your sister,” Lawson says, and Rylee freezes.
“I guess she is,” she whispers. “I always wanted one.”
“Isn’t it poetic that Heath brought you to the family here, and you brought Haven to them?
” I ask, tilting my head. “It’s fate. She is our mate and will be a new addition to what they have built here.
She will always be a part of your life, and the family will protect her. Just as Heath has done with you.”
“I never thought about it that way,” she says.
“He’s good with words,” Lawson drawls, lifting a brow as he glances at me. “I’m glad I don’t have to live in your head.”
“You should be.” I grin.
“You're right, though,” he says. “It’s fate.”
“Thanks, Hunter,” Rylee says, looking toward Haven’s bedroom door. “You realize she will completely lose track of time. I’ve been on the phone with her after a day of painting. She forgets to eat, sleep, or drink anything. She loses herself in another world.”
“That’s what she has us for,” I say lightly, and she looks back at me. “She can live in her world for as long as she wants. We’ll be here to remind her what living in this one means.” She smiles softly and looks at Lawson.
“He is really fucking good with words,” she says.
“Told you,” Law mutters.
I will rely on any skill I have to convince Haven to be ours.