Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Scottie
I could get very used to nights like this. I’m lying on Tucker’s chest, my entire body limp as my limbs starfish on the bed. My head is turned to one side to rest my cheek on Tucker’s muscled pec and the rapid thumping of his heart makes me smile.
That was a workout.
The sheets are pulled up to cover our legs and my butt, but other than that, we’re still gloriously bare after our bath and bath aftermath.
Warm hands trail lazy swirls over my bare back as Tucker drags in a long, slow breath and exhales a sigh of contentment.
He strokes my hair, and I close my eyes. “I should get cleaned up. I’m dripping cum all over you.”
The throaty groan that earns me tingles in all the most delicious places. “You say that as if it’s a bad thing.”
“It’s a messy thing.”
His quiet laughter jiggles me where I lay. “I’m not afraid to get messy.”
Tucker shifts from stroking my hair to wrapping it around his hand and giving a gentle tug to lift my head to meet his kiss. Our tongues dance in a sensual play for dominance, but neither of us cares who will win.
My phone buzzes against the surface of my bedside table and I groan, both from the interruption and his talented mouth.
“Do you need to get that?” Tucker’s voice is deep and the vibration in his chest calls a wave of warm heat to my core.
“I wish I could say no, but…” I sigh and roll off him, reaching for my phone.
Tucker rolls with me and presses up against me in the most erotic spooning a woman could hope for. Mmm…this man. Tempted to toss my phone, I force myself to check the incoming notification. It’s from Zane:
Meeting with the Queen of Shedim at Donor Watch. Coming?
“Well, look at that.” I hold my phone so Tucker can see the message. “He’s including me in his outing plans twice in one night instead of running off half-cocked into danger with Huntley. He’s finally got the message, and it sunk in.”
“He owns his past mistakes and is making amends.”
“He is.” Finally.
I guide my fingers over the screen and text him back.
Meet you in the garage in five.
I twist back to give Tucker one last kiss and then roll off the bed and hunt around for my clothes. “Do you want to help me track down some rogues or stay here and catch up on your own stuff?”
His caramel eyes sparkle. “What? And miss the chance to see you in action again? Wouldn’t dream of it.”
His tone is playful, but the thing is, Tucker enjoys watching me be me. He tries not to step in. He tries not to ‘alpha’ the situation. He believes in my ability to get things done and take care of myself.
That is so incredibly refreshing.
We dress quickly—me in black tactical pants and a fitted long-sleeve, him in dark jeans and a henley that hugs his broad chest in all the right ways. Five minutes later, we’re striding through the hub of the compound on the way to meet Zane and Huntley in the garage.
The usual crowd of vampires is gathered in the open area, their arched brows and narrowed gazes drawn to the two of us. Fragments of whispered comments follow us in our wake—comments about the king’s squire and her shifter lover.
Whatever. Let them talk.
Our footsteps echo off the concrete as we access the parking garage that houses the Vasari fleet. Zane and Huntley are waiting by one of the black Escalades.
Huntley’s towering frame leans against the hood.
Zane straightens from checking something in the back hatch, and the moment he sees us, he straightens and smiles. “The gang’s all here. FYI, the situation with the people we’re meeting is sensitive. I wasn’t at my best at the last meeting and have apologies to make.”
I chuckle. “You are planning to apologize to someone? Wow, it’s a banner night for you, Z.”
“This is Vasari business, though,” Huntley says, pegging Tucker with a scowl. “Stay behind and hang out with your father.”
Tucker shrugs those impressive shoulders. “I’m not here for your business or theirs. I’m here for Scotland. She asked me to come, so you’re stuck with me.”
Huntley frowns at me, and I shrug. “What? Be nice. He helped us save your butt earlier. He’s as strong as the freaking Hulk and is calm and quick-witted in chaos. Not to mention super sexy.”
“Thanks for noticing, beautiful.” Tucker winks and I chuckle at Huntley’s exasperation.
Huntley doesn’t seem to have an argument for that. He throws up his hands and gestures to the truck. “Fine. Get in. We’re wasting time.”
Zane
The SUV hums along the slick streets of Toronto, the night cloaked in a blanket of dark blues and grays. It’s just after 3 a.m., so we’ve got enough darkness left to get things done, and since I’m still riding the high of the warehouse takedown and sex, I’m wired to see what the rest of the night shall bring.
Scottie sits beside me in the back, the scent of her orgasms and sex with Tucker filling the air around us.
It sets off the most violent impulses of my beast, but there’s nothing to be done about that at the moment.
No. It’s good. I need to get used to it.
I clear my throat and Scottie glances over at me. “Huntley and I were talking tonight about what our expectations might be. With you, I mean.”
Huntley curses and glares at me in the rear-view mirror. “Seriously? Do you think now is the best time to have this conversation?”
I grin. “You’re driving. That means you’re a captive audience and can’t leave or punch anyone. It’s a perfect time to discuss it.”
Scottie chuckles. “Tucker mentioned that he spoke with you.”
Of course he did . That’s because Tucker is direct and speaks his mind—Huntley isn’t. Our Viking is strategic and plays things close to his vest.
“Did he tell you what we discussed, exactly?”
Scottie shakes her head. “No. Just that he’s open to me exploring my feelings for all three of you.”
Tucker is quietly watching the Toronto streets pass, obviously giving me the chance to have my say. “Tucker is interested in a physical relationship with only you, but is open to the three of us playing together as long as you remain the focus.”
Scottie blinks, a flush bringing a rush of blood to her cheeks. “All right. Good to know. I’m obviously sexually involved with both you and Huntley and will respect Tucker’s preferences.”
Huntley rolls his eyes in the front seat and hits the truck’s indicator with more aggression than is necessary. “Fine. I’ll fuck around with Zane and Scottie and if Tucker wants to watch and not be touched, that works for me.”
Scottie chuckles. “All right, then. That’s clear enough. And when do we want to try out this new arrangement?”
I grunt. “Considering how many times Tucker made you come tonight, I’m claiming the right to be in your bed when we get home. It can be PG or X-rated depending on your preferences, but my possessive side is getting dangerous. I need some time.”
Scottie looks to where Tucker is sitting in the shotgun seat, but the big guy doesn’t weigh in at all.
That’s a strong point in his favor.
“All right. We’ll see how the night progresses, but I’ll plan to spend the night in your bed. What about you, Huntley? Do you have any issues with that?”
I meet Huntley’s gaze in the mirror, annoyance twisting my intestines in knots. Don’t fuck this up, Viking. To win Scottie’s love back, we need to spend time with her. Accepting Tucker as part of the deal is the best way to move forward .
He sighs and shifts his gaze to stare out the front windshield. “No issues. I’ll be there.”
“Tucker?” Scottie asks.
“I leave it to you, beautiful. If you want me there, I’m there. If you want an evening with just the three of you, I’m fine with that, too.”
Her expression softens. “I want you there.”
Of course she does.
This really is the new world order.
I stare out my window and focus on the indistinct blur of the glass and steel buildings we pass. I run my hands down the front of my slacks and pick at a piece of non-existent lint.
Scottie closes her hand over mine, her dark blue eyes piercing through my facade. “Why are you fidgeting? I thought this is what you wanted?”
“It is. It’s not that.”
“Then what is it?”
I take a breath, ready to shrug it off, but the words tumble out instead. “My first meeting with Cassiane left me looking like a hot-headed ass.”
She squeezes my hand. “You were grieving and furious after the attack. Forgive yourself for not being on your best behavior that day. I’m sure a demon queen understands poor behavior better than most.”
That’s true.
Her grip tightens. “I know you don’t give two shits about offending some woman you’ve never met before—even if you need something from her—so what’s really bothering you?”
The city whizzes by outside—the bright lights of bars and restaurants spill into the street like liquid gold while shadows dance between buildings that tower above us like silent sentinels.
“My father would’ve handled it better. He wouldn’t have let emotion affect the situation and he certainly wouldn’t have offended a reigning official of another race within his city.”
She unbuckles her belt and slides into the middle seat, settling right beside me so the heat of her hip warms mine. Reclaiming my hand, she laces our fingers and sets her head against my shoulder. “Our fathers were men who grew to be larger than life—but they grew into that. I’m not Bran and you’re not Francesco. We aspire to be like them, but we’re still Zane and Scotland.”
“But with eyes on us?—”
“Fuck them, Z. Seriously. We need time and distance from their deaths to grow into our new roles. You duffed your first meeting with this woman and will show her a better side tonight. Progress is the only thing we can strive for.”
She’s right. Even if she isn’t, her pep-talk makes me feel better. Like we’re a team again—Zane and Scotland against the world.
The SUV slows along the curb outside of Donor Watch. It’s an unassuming building nestled within historic stone walls. The elegance lies in its simplicity. There are no cold steel surfaces or clinical vibes here.
It feels more like a cozy library than a medical facility.
“How do you want to handle this?” Huntley adjusts the rearview mirror so he can meet my gaze sitting behind him. “Do you want everyone inside or two in and two out?”
“I know it’s your contact that got us a second chance, but I might get further with Cassiane if Scottie is at my side. A little girl on girl time might diffuse tensions.”
All heads turn as they blink at me. I rewind my comment in my head and roll my eyes. “You know what I meant. Scottie and the shedim queen can diffuse the testosterone in the room.”
Scottie chuckles. “As long as that’s all you meant. I’m all about the peen, Z.”
I scrub a hand against the back of my neck as she and Tucker chuckle at my expense. “Noted.”
She pats my thigh. “Okay, you and I will go in and Huntley and Tucker will fall back. You good with that, Viking?”
Huntley dips his chin. “I agree that Lady Cassiane might respond better with another woman in the room. All right. I’ll walk you in and see if Larkin and Wilder are there. I’ll give them my thanks for opening the door and then step back at the first opportunity.”
Good.
Tucker twists in his seat to look back at us. It doesn’t even seem to faze him that Scotland is snuggled up to my side. “I’ll wait with the truck. If you need me, just give me a holler.”
“I’ll leave the keys with you,” Huntley says. “If we need to get gone fast, be ready to roll out.”
I grunt. “You just being here would be an improvement over last time.”
“Fucking Jaxon,” Huntley gripes.
Scottie pats my leg and sits up. “Focus forward. Let’s do this.”
We roll out of the vehicle, the canopy of stars twinkling down on us from above a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. I push down on those feelings and hold on to Scottie’s encouragement.
I’m not my father, but I can aspire to be like him. My fist rubs at the tightness in my chest.
I want to make him proud.
Huntley opens the door, and I gesture for Scottie to enter first. Together, we step inside, and I’m struck by how welcoming it feels. How did I miss that the last time I was here? Soft couches and a couple of wide upholstered chairs are set around low tables off to the left. Framed art decorates walls, and the air smells faintly sweet—a mix of lavender and something herbal that calms my nerves even further.
There are three warriors in the room with her: her Nephilim warrior husband, Kyrian of Thebes, and two shedim men. The first looks to be in his thirties with long, multicolored hair and the other is her long-in-the-tooth personal guard—Dougal. He is wearing a leather weapons sash kitted out with many blades.
“King Vasari.” Lady Cassiane sets her pen down and straightens behind the raised counter of her reception desk. Her long, cinnamon-colored hair is swept up in an elegant twist, with strategic tendrils falling to sway against the bodice of her tan suit jacket. “We meet again.”
I drop my gaze and give her the respect I should’ve extended during our first encounter. “Lady Cassiane. Thank you for agreeing to speak with me. I am humbled by your grace to forgive my behavior the last time.”
She meets my gaze with a level of warmth that surprises me. “I understand all too well the pain and rage driving you in that moment. My father was slain by an enemy as well.”
“My deepest condolences. Did you find and kill the one responsible?”
“I found him. Instead of killing him as planned, I fell in love and married him.” She chuckles and tosses a teasing glance back toward the dark angel. “Destiny has a cruel sense of humor.”
“Lady Divinity knows best. Everything ends as it is meant.” Kyrian’s mouth quirks up a little at the sides. It’s imperceptible, but with my heightened vision, I catch the private smile.
“That is true.” Cassiane doesn’t try to hide her smile for him.
The Queen of Shedim married the man who killed her father? What to say about that? I can’t imagine that went over well with her people.
Our enemies will die . There is no other acceptable outcome other than their brutal and tortuous death.
I meet the gaze of the Greek Watcher as my mind spins. His feathered wings flex as he lifts his chin, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Go ahead, vampire. Make a comment and see where that gets you.”
I hold up my hands. “I’m not qualified to weigh in on your private affairs or anything to do with love. I’ve made nothing but mistakes on that front.”
“But that’s a disaster for another night,” Scottie says, opening the flap of her bag and pulling out a bottle of wine. “A gift of apology, in hopes of a new beginning.”
I glance down at the label and am shocked to see one of my father’s most prized vintages in her hands.
“This is a blood-infused red from the Renaissance Era. Zane’s father, Francesco, was an accomplished sommelier, and this was one of his treasured favorites among his collection.”
Scottie hands it to me. Stop gawking and give it to her like it was your idea.
Right. Of course. I accept the weight of the priceless bottle and stride forward to offer it to the Queen of the Shedim. “For you and yours to enjoy with my fondest regards.”
Cassiane accepts the bottle. “Thank you, Majesty. Let us share a taste and discuss a little business. Larkin told me of your warrior’s efforts to save his mates, and action deserves proper recognition.”
Huntley drops his gaze beside me. “I was simply in the right place to help at the wrong moment, but your appreciation is well received.”
Cassiane smiles and holds the bottle out to her man. “Dougal, will you do the honors while we settle in?”
“Aye, Mistress. My pleasure.”
Tucker
I lean against the sleek black Escalade, watching the front of the DonorWatch building and following the site lines of the main entrance back to any points of attack. The night air carries no scents of any concern, but with Scottie’s safety in the mix, I’m willing to be hyper vigilant and have nothing come of it.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out to check the caller on the screen. The picture that flashes up at me is my only genuine friend from my life up north—my pack brother, Koda.
“Koda? Is everything all right?”
“T-man.” Koda’s voice is quiet and holds none of his usual bravado. “I don’t think so, no.”
“What does that mean? Are you in trouble?”
Koda and I were always in trouble, but in all those times, he never sounded freaked out or panicked. “I found something in your cabin. With both of you gone, Bronze Claw offered it up, and I moved in.”
“I’m sorry for your luck. That is the shittiest cabin in the village.” Living there was a part of my mother’s penance for demeaning herself with a human and getting knocked up to boot.
“It’s fine. I’m allowed to fix it up.”
Which we never were.
“Anyway, I pulled out the shelves in her bedroom closet to prep for one of those space-saver organizing systems—you know the ones I mean?”
I close my eyes and chuckle. Koda flies off on random tangents like this and while it can be annoying, at least he’s calming down, which means he’s not in the life-or-death kind of trouble—just his normal, poor decision kind.
“Yeah, buddy, I know the closet organizers you mean.”
“So, I pulled the closet apart, and I found a compartment with some stuff your mom was obviously hiding.”
“What kind of stuff?”
“Letters. Threatening ones.”
I grip the phone tighter. “What kind of threats?”
“About her leaving the pack and her humiliation behind. About you.” Papers rustle on his end. “They basically say that if she ditches you, she’ll be forgiven and taken to live life as a queen of the Polar Council.”
The cool night air suddenly feels like ice in my lungs. “I didn’t know she was in touch with anyone from the Council.”
“Apparently, she was. And Tuck…the last letter came two days before we found her. It’s a warning for her to reconsider. That can’t be a coincidence, can it?”
“I don’t know. It doesn’t sound like it.” I lean against the hood of the truck and focus. “Are they signed? Do you know who sent them?”
“They’re from someone high in the Northern Clans. The paper has their watermark. There are no names, but they’re all signed with the same symbol. It’s a bear paw print with some kind of rune inside it.”
My free hand curls into a fist. I knew the pack never approved of me, but why would they kill her for refusing to send me away almost thirty years later? No. There must be more to it.
“Koda, bundle up all the letters and mail them to me on the next run into Yellowknife. When are you scheduled to make a run?”
“Day after tomorrow.”
“Okay, then play it cool. Say nothing to anyone and send it all to me.”
“You got it, T-man.”
“I mean it, brother. Say nothing. I don’t want you caught up in whatever they killed my mom about.”
“Consider it done.”