Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
Jersey
J ersey groaned as he reached out to cuddle with Noble, only to find empty space. He opened his eyes, furrowing his brows, and sat up, scanning the room—the bedroom that wasn’t his own. A small smile tugged at his lips as he touched his face. It had been a month since their first night together, and since then, he’d spent nearly every night and his days off at Noble’s house.
After basking in the warmth of their afterglow and tidying up that night, Noble had invited him to stay at his home. They slept, wrapped in each other’s arms, and by morning, they were met with a surprise: JaMari had burst into the bedroom and found them sleeping together, and overjoyed to see Jersey, had barely left his side for the rest of the day.
Jersey’s phone buzzed, and he reached for it. A chuckle escaped him when he saw that his mother was video calling. Glancing down at his outfit, he felt relieved to see he had at least put on a T-shirt.
He still hadn’t told his parents about finding his mate for two reasons: first, they weren’t supposed to be traveling so long and seemed to have forgotten they had a son; second, Jersey had been so swept up in his happiness with Noble that it had completely slipped his mind.
“Mom, are you and Dad enjoying your vacation?” Jersey asked, a warm smile spreading across his face.
“Yes! So much so that we’re extending it,” she said with a smile. Her expression shifted suddenly as she studied his face, narrowing her eyes as if trying to see through the screen. “You’ve been having sex...plenty of it.”
“Mom!” Jersey exclaimed, his cheeks flushing with sudden heat.
“Don’t ‘Mom’ me,” she said, looking at him knowingly. “Your skin’s glowing, and I can sense your abilities starting to return.”
“How can you tell?” Jersey asked, attempting to sound nonchalant, but the nervous edge in his voice gave him away.
Jersey’s abilities hadn’t fully returned, but he could now see magical signatures more clearly than he had in years. The haunting dreams of the fire had also stopped a change he knew was linked to opening his heart to Noble. They weren’t in love—yet—but Jersey was falling fast, and he was falling hard.
How could he not fall when Noble made his body sing a new melody every time they made love? It wasn’t just the physical connection; Noble was the embodiment of tall, dark, intelligent, and irresistibly handsome. Jersey’s mind drifted to those nights when Noble took on his hybrid form, the low growls and deep rumbles pushing him to the brink of madness.
“I definitely want to meet the man responsible for that happy smile on your face,” Indigo said, breaking into his thoughts.
“He’s special, Mom,” Jersey said softly. “And his daughter—she’s amazing. I really like them both.”
“Ah,” she said, her voice turning tender. “You’ve found love at last. And made me a grandmother too? Well done, my son. It warms my heart to see you healed.”
“Mom, come on,” he murmured, his face growing hotter and his voice tinged with embarrassment.
“I see,” she added with a knowing smile. “Your father and I will be away a little longer, but when we return, I want to meet the man making you glow.”
After they hung up, Jersey was about to lie back down when a sudden wave of nausea hit him. His mouth watered, and a surge of dizziness swept over him. He kicked off the covers and hurried to the bathroom, retching just as he had the past three mornings and afternoons.
Jersey had a strong suspicion about what was happening but wanted to wait a few more weeks before telling Noble. He didn’t want to raise false hopes. Shifters could typically sense when their mates were expecting, but since Noble hadn’t said anything, it seemed he was also in the dark.
After cleaning up, Jersey made his way downstairs, drawn by JaMari’s laughter. He loved witnessing the bond between Noble and JaMari. Noble was such a devoted father, and it was easy to understand why he had left the game—he cherished every moment he spent at home with her.
As Jersey reached the bottom of the stairs, his heart nearly stopped. Noble was tossing JaMari high into the air and effortlessly catching her. Jersey knew they had played this game countless times, and Noble never missed, but watching her soar so high made his chest tighten with a mix of awe and anxiety.
“Do you really have to throw her that high?” he asked softly, his voice laced with concern as he tried not to disrupt their moment.
“Relax,” Noble said with a grin, effortlessly catching JaMari and pressing a kiss to her cheek. She giggled in delight, her laughter ringing through the room.
Jersey approached them, and Noble leaned in, brushing a kiss against the side of his head. “How’d you sleep?” he asked, his voice warm and gentle.
“Pretty well until I woke up wanting a cuddle and realized you weren’t there,” Jersey teased, a playful pout forming on his lips.
“Sorry, babe,” Noble said with a slightly apologetic smile. “Taye called—he needed to talk to me.”
“Pack business?” Jersey guessed, his eyes searching Noble’s face for confirmation.
Noble had been overwhelmed with pack responsibilities lately. On top of that, he was close to securing two major endorsement deals—one with Hooplife Athletic Wear and another with MysticFuel Nutrition. He was also set to join Valleywood Sports News as an NBA analyst on The Sports Pack and as a commentator on Full Court Access .
Noble had only agreed to sign with these companies because they assured him, he wouldn’t need to travel extensively. When he did, his family could join him.
“More or less,” Noble confirmed a hint of relief in his tone. “By the way, the day to introduce you to the pack is set.”
“When?” Jersey asked, excitement and a touch of nervousness mixing in his voice. They had already shared the news with Noble’s parents and JaMari, but presenting it to the entire pack was an even bigger milestone.
“In two weeks,” Noble said, his gaze softening. “Do you want to invite your parents?”
“Definitely. My mom mentioned that she and my dad are extending their vacation, but now that she knows about you and JaMari, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re already on their way.”
“You told them?” Noble asked, his eyes widening with surprise.
“Yup. Just got off the phone with her,” Jersey said softly.
Noble’s expression shifted to one of warmth as he leaned in for a quick kiss. “I’m glad you feel comfortable enough with us now to tell them about our mating.”
“Daddy, let me down! I need to say good morning,” JaMari said, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Noble set her down, and JaMari immediately ran over to Jersey, wrapping her small arms around him tightly. Jersey’s smile widened until she rubbed her face against his stomach, a soft rumbling sound escaping her.
“Uh…what are you doing, sweet pea?” Jersey asked, a mix of amusement and confusion in his voice.
“I’m saying hi to the baby,” she said sweetly, continuing to nuzzle his stomach.
Jersey’s breath caught, his eyes widening in surprise. He glanced up at Noble, his voice trembling. “I—I suspected, but I was waiting to tell you,” he stammered. The words had barely left his lips before Noble gently pressed a finger to them, silencing him with a tender look.
“Are you happy?” Noble asked quietly, his eyes searching Jersey’s with tender concern.
“I like you a lot... No, that’s not right. I’ve fallen for you, Noble Aquillar, and I’m all in—for us, for starting a family together.” Jersey’s voice was steady, his touch gentle as he placed a hand on JaMari’s head, who continued pressing her cheek against his stomach.
“I wasn’t looking for love,” Noble began, his voice soft and sincere, “but I’m so glad you swam into my life, Jersey Ellison. I’ve fallen hard and fast, and I’m all in.”
“ My gro’kesh. ” Jersey gasped, the word resonating in his mind, clear as day. He’d heard stories about mates with a mental link but never imagined he’d experience it himself.
“ Have we always been able to do this? ” Jersey asked in awe, speaking through the new mental link.
“ Yes, my gro’kai, since our first night together. ” Noble cupped Jersey’s face, looking deep into his eyes. “ I’ve been waiting for you to open your heart to our bond and hear it. ”
Jersey closed his eyes, tears welling beneath his lashes. “ I’m sorry ,” he whispered through the link, his voice trembling. “ I didn’t mean to make you wait, my beloved. ”
Noble pressed his forehead gently to Jersey’s. “I know,” he said, his voice a soft reassurance.
Jersey’s heart swelled with warmth, and in that moment, he realized his mother had been right when she told him about his mating. He was truly in love with Noble.
“I love you, Noble Aquillar,” Jersey whispered, his voice thick with emotion. As the words left his lips, he gasped as colorful magic swirled around them. The tears he’d been holding back spilled down his cheeks, and he stared in awe at the vibrant, powerful cobalt-blue sparks dancing in the air around them.
“Your magic is beautiful, Noble,” Jersey whispered, wonder saturating his voice.
“What color is it?” Noble asked gently, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
“Blue,” Jersey replied, his gaze softening as he looked at JaMari. Blue and red tendrils of magic swirled around her as well. “You’re both beautiful,” he added, his voice full of love and admiration.
“And so are you, my gro’kai ,” Noble said tenderly, the love in his words wrapping around Jersey like a warm embrace.
Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss. “ I love it when you call me that, ” Jersey said through their mental link, his heart overflowing with affection.
“Congratulations to you, my alpha,” Tamia said, a warm smile lighting up her face as she looked at Noble. “Your mate is with child.”
Tamia, Taye’s younger sister and a doula, added, “Our pack has been blessed twice over. A mating and a child.”
Noble’s eyes remained fixed on Jersey as Tamia spoke. Even after JaMari had excitedly announced Jersey’s pregnancy, Noble had gone out to buy a test and called Tamia for confirmation, just to be certain. Now, his heart overflowed with happiness at the thought of becoming a father again.
Since Yaz’s death, he had put off the idea of finding another mate. He’d poured himself into his career and ensured a prosperous future for JaMari. But deep down, if he was honest, he felt the loneliness that only the fates truly understood.
He’d longed for another mate but was too afraid to voice it, fearing that saying it out loud would invite misfortune. Yet, from the moment Jersey opened his eyes and looked at him, Noble knew he couldn’t walk away, no matter what challenges the future might bring.
Noble lifted Jersey’s hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “I love you,” he said softly.
Jersey’s eyes widened slightly. “What’s all this?” he asked, a hint of surprise in his tone.
“You make me so happy,” Noble told him, sincerity shining through his words.
Jersey’s expression softened as he cupped Noble’s cheek, and Noble turned to kiss his palm. “You’ve mended my broken heart. Thank you,” Jersey whispered.
Noble leaned in and kissed him, the world around them fading. He didn’t even pause when Tamia cleared her throat, trying to catch their attention. Eventually, she gave up and quietly left, understanding nothing could interrupt this moment.
Jersey’s stomach twisted with nerves. Today was the day he would be introduced to the pack, though he and Noble had decided not to share the news about the baby just yet. They both agreed it was best to wait a bit longer, as he was only a few weeks into the pregnancy.
JaMari and Jersey’s parents sat in the audience, their eyes bright with anticipation. His parents had cut their extended vacation short and arrived at his doorstep two days ago. They were overjoyed at the news of the baby and quickly fell in love with Noble and JaMari.
The council had some matters to address before they could formally announce the union of the Alpha and his mate.
Jersey sat beside Noble on the dais, eyes scanning the crowd until they settled on an unfamiliar yet strikingly handsome man. Despite never seeing him before, Jersey felt a jolt of recognition—the man’s magic was unmistakable.
Where have I sensed that magical signature before?
“Port Montgomery, you have requested to return to the pack. Our Alpha has spoken on your behalf, and while we have our reservations, we cannot go against the Alpha’s word,” Nico Aquillar’s powerful voice echoed through the hall. “However, before we reach a decision, a few concerns must be addressed.”
“I will answer anything the council wants to know.” The moment Port spoke, Jersey’s eyes widened in recognition. It was the voice of the office assistant he’d seen in passing at Noble’s shop. He had never exchanged words or even learned the man’s name, as Jersey’s attention had always been solely on Noble.
Jersey glanced at Noble, who must have caught his unspoken question. Noble leaned in and whispered, “I’ll explain later.”
Jersey nodded and redirected his attention to the proceedings.
“Is it your claim that your father has disappeared and that you have no knowledge of his whereabouts?” another council member inquired, their tone sharp and probing.
“Yes, that’s correct,” Port answered steadily. “He vanished a few months after we were banished from the thra’sek.”
Jersey tuned out the rest of the meeting, his attention drawn entirely to the magic enveloping Port. It shimmered hypnotically, shifting between shades of blue, red, and green. Yet, the longer he gazed at Port, the more his stomach twisted with an unsettling sensation.
“Are you okay?” Noble asked softly. Concern etched on his face.
“I’m feeling a bit nauseous,” Jersey admitted, shifting his eyes to his mate. “I’m just a little nervous.”
Noble kissed the back of Jersey’s hand and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t be. The council meeting is almost over, and then we can announce our union. After that, I’ll take you home so you can rest.”
“Okay,” Jersey said, managing a small smile. “I have work in the morning.”
Jersey had been assigned to desk duty as soon as Captain Z and his co-workers discovered he was pregnant. It was dull beyond belief, but the doctor had explained that his pregnancy might last three months, but because he was human, it could be a bit longer. After that, he would give birth to a ka’reth —essentially an egg—that would need to be monitored in an incubator.
While the thought of giving birth to an egg was far from appealing, Jersey couldn’t bring himself to complain. It was a far shorter timeframe than the typical nine-month pregnancies most people experienced, and he was learning a lot about being mated to Noble. Pregnancies varied greatly when bonded to a shifter; some lasted as short as three months, while others extended to the full nine.
Jersey recognized several faces in the hall. He had visited some of their homes or businesses, though he hadn’t been able to tell they were shifters due to his abilities being on the fritz. His eyes roamed the great hall, a space that held secrets of dinosaur history not found in any books.
Instead of walls lined with bones, the hall was adorned with portraits of those who had come before, each accompanied by a biography detailing their contributions to society. Jersey’s gaze drifted to the shelves filled with aged tomes that could only be read within the hall. The desks and chairs throughout the space gave it the feel of an ancient library.
“It has also come to our attention that you were expecting a child,” Nico said.
For some reason, Jersey’s focus zeroed in on that part of the conversation.
“I was,” Port’s voice cracked as he spoke. “I had a miscarriage. I think it was because the father was human, and the child wasn’t strong enough to carry our genes.”
Port’s words struck Jersey like a blow to the chest. Could he lose his baby the way Port had? As if sensing Jersey’s turbulent emotions, Noble squeezed his hand, lifted it to his lips, and gently kissed it.
“We’re sorry for your loss, Port,” a female council member said sympathetically.
Port lowered his head. “I still haven’t come to terms with it. Maybe one day I’ll find my va’shen —a partner who will stay with me no matter what.”
“So you believe the father of your child was your gro’kai ?” Nico asked, his tone probing.
“I'm not sure,” Port replied.
Nico opened his mouth to speak, but the female council member interjected. “Let’s not delve too deeply into fresh wounds, Council Member Aquillar.”
“You are right, Councilwoman Tunderclaw,” Nico agreed. “With that, we will move on to the verdict. Port Montgomery, you will be welcomed back to the pack on a provisional basis for three months. This is not solely our decision but that of the Alpha. During this period, you must maintain employment, secure a residence, and demonstrate that you can contribute to and support the pack.”
The color of Port’s magic shifted to a soft light blue as he lifted his head and looked at Noble. Jersey didn’t miss the way Port’s eyes sparkled, as if he were looking at a hero—or something more—which sent an uncomfortable feeling twisting in Jersey’s stomach.
“Do you agree to these terms?” Nico asked, his voice clear and firm.
“Yes,” Port replied, finally breaking his gaze away from Noble. “Yes, Councilman Aquillar. I accept these terms,” he added, then glanced at Noble. “Thank you, Alpha Aquillar. I will strive to make you proud.”
Jersey’s left eyebrow twitched at Port’s soft, almost intimate tone. He narrowed his eyes at Noble, suspicion sparking in his mind.
“Do you have something to tell me?” Jersey asked through their mental link.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Noble responded, his mental voice steady but cautious.
“Did you ever sleep with him?” Jersey pressed.
“What, no!” Noble’s exclamation slipped out louder than intended, drawing startled gasps from the room.
“Alpha, is there an issue with making your announcement now?” Councilperson Ro Ashcaller inquired. Jersey had briefly met Ashcaller earlier when he was shown to the dais.
“Uh…no,” Noble said, brushing the bridge of his nose with a hint of embarrassment. “I’ll deal with you later,” he added through their link, giving Jersey a mental nudge that made him stifle a laugh.
Noble shook his head, slightly smiling, before straightening his back and addressing the entire hall. “Tonight is a momentous occasion. The gods have heard your prayers for me to find a mate.” A warm smile spread across his face as he turned to Jersey, extending a hand for him to take and rise. “Because they have blessed me with someone who has unlocked my heart. Tonight, I wish to introduce you to Jersey Ellison, my gro’kai , my mate and my beloved.”
Jersey bowed at the waist to the room before straightening. “Thank you all for welcoming me here. I hope you can accept me as Noble’s gro’kai . I want you to know that I love Noble deeply and intend to dedicate my life to him. I also hope to contribute to making this pack—no, our pack—stronger and greater.”
“Finally!” someone in the crowd shouted, breaking the tension and prompting a wave of laughter to ripple through the room.
“My Alpha, in honor of finding your gro’kai, tonight, we celebrate,” Councilwoman Ryn Stoneclaw declared. The hall erupted with loud, excited roars, grunts, and chants. Several members immediately shifted into their hybrid forms, a powerful display of their acceptance. Jersey gasped, instinctively clutching Noble’s arm as the energy in the room surged around them.
“Don’t be afraid,” Noble whispered, his voice gentle and reassuring.
“I’m not. I can understand their joy,” Jersey replied, looking up at him with a soft smile. “I almost want to share our other news, but I’d like to keep that just between us for a little longer.”
Noble leaned down, brushing his lips softly against Jersey’s before deepening the kiss. The cheers in the hall swelled, echoing around them.
Amid the excitement, no one noticed that a particular dinosaur figure remained conspicuously still, not participating in the celebration.
A few days after the announcement, Jersey hurried to his car after making a quick stop at the store on his way home. A smile spread across his face as he thought of Noble and JaMari’s place as home . He had only returned to his own house to grab a change of clothes. Eventually, he and Noble would need to discuss what to do with his place, but for now, Jersey didn’t see it as a priority.
He tightened his coat around himself, shivering from the biting chill. The weather had grown noticeably colder over the past few days. Pausing momentarily, he inhaled the crisp air, recognizing the familiar scent that hinted at snow on the horizon. He hummed happily at the thought.
Snow always seemed to carry a touch of magic with it, a quiet promise of something new. Jersey climbed into his car and started the engine. Just as he was about to pull out of the parking spot, a sudden, sharp prick at the back of his neck made him freeze.
He touched his neck and pulled his fingers back, his eyes widening at the sight of blood. In that second, the warning from the shaman came to mind. Never go anywhere alone. Jersey turned to see what was behind him, but his vision blurred, catching only a hazy figure before the world darkened.
When he regained consciousness, he found himself lying on his back. He blinked several times, trying to clear the cloudiness from his eyes, and focused on an unfamiliar ceiling riddled with deep cracks, threatening to collapse at any moment. He attempted to sit up, only to realize he was strapped down.
“You’re awake,” a voice to his left said. “I didn’t expect the drug to wear off so quickly.”
Jersey turned his head, eyes widening in shock as he saw Port Montgomery standing next to what he now realized was a bed.
“Drug?” Jersey echoed, disbelief and confusion thick in his voice.
“Yeah, it was a mild sedative, and it’s harmless to a human like you.”
“Oh,” was all Jersey could manage to say, the word barely escaping his lips.
“I bet you’re wondering why I brought you here?” Port said, his tone oddly calm but laced with something unsettling. Jersey stayed silent, staring at Port, who looked unhinged. Port’s magic swirled chaotically around him, the colors shifting erratically between green and blue, with violent streaks of red dominating the storm.
Jersey hadn’t seen Port since the night his banishment had been lifted. Later that evening, Noble had explained everything about Port and his father.
“I don’t hate you,” Port said, a twisted smile playing on his lips. “I just need you to disappear. With you out of the way, I can have Noble to myself. As his lover, I will restore the Montgomery name to its former glory.”
“Do you really think Noble will let that happen?” Jersey finally spoke, his voice steady despite the fear churning inside him.
“Not right away, it will take time,” Port said, a manic glint in his eyes. “Do you think my return to the pack was random? I waited and watched until I was sure he’d moved on from Yaz. But then you had to show up,” he growled, frustration crackling in his voice. “I followed him, looked after him.” He grabbed at his hair, yanking it hard. “You weren’t supposed to have him. Noble is mine. I’m his mate, not you.”
“You’re fucking nuts!” Jersey shouted, his voice ringing out in the tense silence.
“I’m not crazy!” Port roared, his anger erupting as he threw objects around the room. “That’s what he said.”
“Who said that?” Jersey asked, deliberately softening his voice. Port froze mid-throw, a vase clutched tightly in his hand. Jersey focused on staying calm, desperately aware that he didn’t know where he was or how far his mental link with Noble could reach from here.
“The baby’s father,” Port said, his voice cracking. “He said I was too obsessed with Noble.” He met Jersey’s eyes, a haunted look crossing his face.
“But that’s not true,” Jersey said softly, his voice steady but compassionate.
“Of course, it’s not,” Port snapped, his tone bitter yet broken. “I’ve loved Noble since we were children. Leaving him was agony, and it was all my father’s fault. I knew, deep down, that Noble would triumph in their fight. We were meant to be together. I’m perfect for him—better than Yaz or even you could ever be. We’re both dinosaurs, tasked with continuing our packs and upholding a strong bloodline. No one else could ever understand Noble’s ambition or stand by his side. Does that sound like obsession to you, or love?”
Port’s shoulders slumped as he slid to the floor, drawing his knees to his chest. He rocked back and forth, the rage in his eyes softening into something far more fragile.
He glanced up at Jersey, eyes brimming with desperation. “Can you leave? I don’t want to—” His voice halted abruptly when Jersey’s cellphone rang, the familiar ringtone signaling a call from Noble.
Port stood and stepped closer, tapping Jersey’s coat pocket where the phone was. Jersey didn’t resist, not wanting to risk escalating the situation. In that moment, he felt a wave of relief for two reasons. First, the phone had stopped ringing, and second, his coat was thick and zipped up, concealing the small bump that was only noticeable when he was undressed. At night, Noble would gently rub it as they drifted off to sleep, a shared moment of quiet affection.
“Noble! ” Jersey called out through their link, disappointed when he received no response. He hoped Noble would call back, track his phone’s location, and come to his rescue soon.
“Where is it?” Port screamed, his eyes and magic going wild.
“Left, upper pocket,” Jersey said, his tone steady, hiding his growing fear.
Port dug into the pocket as Jersey's eyes lit up when Noble’s ringtone sounded again.
“You should answer it,” Jersey urged.
“No,” Port snapped, shaking his head. “He’ll know something’s wrong.”
“Then let me answer it.”
“No! You’ll tell him about me—you’ll reveal where we are,” Port stressed, eyes narrowing.
“I don’t even know where we are,” Jersey said. “I don’t know how long I’ve been here or what day it is. But he’ll keep calling if I don’t pick up.”
Port’s gaze flickered between Jersey and the phone before he growled, “You speak, but if you say anything out of line, I’ll end you. I’ve been nice so far. Don’t make me kill again.”
Jersey’s pulse quickened as he nodded, seeing the sharp edge in Port’s eyes that was far more terrifying than any weapon. He swallowed hard when Port answered the call putting it on speaker.
“Hey,” Jersey said, forcing his voice to remain even.
“Where are you? Why did it take so long to answer?” Noble’s voice was tense.
“I stopped by the store to grab some peanut butter. JaMari asked for it,” Jersey replied, holding his breath.
“What the…”
“Babe, I have to go. I’m pulling into traffic. I’ll be home soon,” Jersey said quickly, noticing Port’s finger hovering over the end-call button.
“You—” Noble’s voice cut off as Port ended the call.
“ Noble, please, I hope you got my message, ” Jersey whispered, praying Noble understood. Not many knew it, but Jersey and JaMari were allergic to nuts.
“You did well,” Port said, an approving smile twisting his lips.
Jersey kept his face neutral. “I never said I was leaving,” he replied calmly.
“Don’t force my hand,” Port warned, suddenly producing a knife and pressing it to Jersey’s neck. Jersey’s gaze locked onto the crazed gleam in Port’s eyes, trying to stay brave. “Do you think I won’t do it? I’m no stranger to killing.”
“Who did you kill?” Jersey asked, his voice steady despite the terror clawing at his chest.
Port sighed, removing the knife and sitting back on the edge of the bed. “It was an accident both times.”
Jersey’s body went rigid. “Who did you kill?” he repeated.
Port’s stare bored into him for a long moment before he spoke. “My child’s father.”
Jersey gasped.
“Don’t look at me like that!” Port shouted. “It was his fault. My father was going to abandon me, so I killed him to stop it. Jonathan—he had no right to leave when I needed him most. He called me nuts, and I lost control. I shifted and bit him.” He laughed bitterly. “I guess I snapped. Maybe I am crazy. But how should I feel when everyone I care for leaves? I loved Noble but cared for Jonathan enough to have his child.” His face fell into a mournful expression. “My baby died before I even got to hold it.”
A horrible thought crossed Jersey’s mind during Port's dialogue. “How did it really die? Your baby?”
Port shrugged his shoulders, and it might’ve seemed calm, but the way his magic shook around him told Jersey more than Port could say. “Like I told the council, I miscarried. I didn’t even know that could happen to shifters.” His voice trembled as he took a shaky breath. “I went to bed pregnant and woke up to blood-soaked sheets.”
“I’m sorry,” Jersey said softly.
“Don’t be. It wasn’t meant to be. But I know whose child I will carry next,” Port said, smiling darkly.
Jersey opened his mouth to respond but paused when Noble’s voice whispered urgently through their link.
“Jersey, tell me Port hasn’t hurt you.”
"You found me," Jersey replied, relief swelling inside him.
“Did you think I wouldn’t? You and JaMari are both allergic to nuts. It took time, but I figured out it was Port. He has you in his old house—I’d nearly forgotten it existed.”
"Thank fuck," Jersey whispered, closing his eyes. “Hurry. Port’s unstable.”
“Hold on, we’re close. I’m glad he didn’t think to turn off your phone’s location,” Noble said.
“Noble, he’s really not in his right mind,” Jersey said, keeping his eyes on Port, who seemed lost in thought. “Port, I’ll leave.”
Port’s eyes snapped to him. “I don’t believe you.”
“I’m telling the truth.”
“What about Noble?” Port asked, suspicion coloring his voice.
“I’ll leave him to you. Just treat him right.” Jersey’s mouth went dry as he spoke, hoping Port couldn’t sense the lie. “I have one request.”
“What is it?” Port asked, eyes narrowing.
“Can I use the bathroom?” Jersey forced a wry smile.
Port blinked, momentarily thrown. He stood to untie Jersey, pausing with a sharp look. “You won’t run, will you?”
“I won’t go anywhere until you tell me to,” Jersey assured him.
Port’s stare lingered, the manic light in his eyes growing more intense. “Okay. I’m trusting you,” he said, untying the restraints.
Jersey sat up and stood, but Port froze, tilting his head as though listening to something. His expression twisted into a snarl, and he grabbed Jersey by the collar.
“What did you do?” he growled.
“What are you talking about?” Jersey asked, heart pounding.
“ Baby, I’m here ,” Noble’s voice cut in through their link.
Seeing Port about to shift fully, Jersey took a desperate chance and kicked him hard in the groin and stomach. Port howled, doubling over, and Jersey pushed him aside, rushing to the door. He yanked on the handle, only to find it locked.
"Fuck!" Jersey shouted, banging on the door. “Noble, I’m in here!”
Jersey turned to see Port, now in a terrifying hybrid form, with foam dripping from his mouth. The dinosaur roared, clothes shredding as his body grew, gearing up to charge. Thinking fast, Jersey leaped aside, and Port barreled through the door, splintering it apart.
A roar reverberated through the house, widening the cracks in the walls and threatening to tear the structure apart. Jersey ducked and dodged pieces of falling debris as he bolted out of the room and down the creaking, splintering stairs. He had faced countless chaotic situations as a firefighter, but this one topped them all.
Jersey ran outside just in time to see a colossal dinosaur swing its powerful, fin-like tail and swat a T-Rex into a tree as if it were nothing more than an irritating insect. He had never seen Noble in his fully shifted form before, but he recognized his mate instantly by the large fins on his back and short arms, the difference in their magic, and the way his shimmering scales glistened under the moonlight. Jersey stood transfixed, staring at Noble’s awe-inspiring figure as he and Port squared off in what could only be described as an unequal battle.
The battle was fierce, but Noble was clearly stronger and more skilled. Despite being knocked down repeatedly, Port kept getting up, driven by a wild determination. Jersey’s heart clenched as he realized Port, for all his violence, didn’t seem to want to hurt Noble.
Everything stopped when Noble’s sharp teeth sank into Port’s neck, lifting him off the ground. Port’s roars faded as he went limp, and Noble prepared to throw him aside.
“Noble, don’t kill him!” Jersey shouted through their link.
Noble’s massive form froze mid-motion.
"Why?" Noble’s deep, angry voice rumbled in Jersey’s mind, sharp enough to make him wince. “Why spare the man who kidnapped you?”
“Because he’s not in his right mind. He’s sick,” Jersey said aloud. “He’s broken the rules," Noble snarled.
“I know, my love. But he deserves a chance to be helped,” Jersey replied, holding his breath as he waited for Noble’s decision.
After a tense moment, Noble released Port, who fell to the ground with a thud. Noble shifted back to human form, blood staining his mouth and body, unbothered by his nudity.
"He will be punished for his crimes," Noble growled.
"As you wish, my alpha." Jersey rushed to him, wrapping his coat around Noble’s shoulders.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you? How about the baby?” Noble asked, his voice frantic as he pulled Jersey into his arms.
“I’m fine,” Jersey reassured him. “We’re both okay. He didn’t hurt us.”
Noble sighed, holding him tighter. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if something had happened to you,” he said, trembling.
“Hey,” Jersey said, pulling back to meet Noble’s eyes. “I’m right here. It’s a nice change of pace being rescued instead of doing the rescuing. I knew you’d come for me.” He leaned in, kissing Noble’s blood-streaked lips.
“I love you,” Jersey whispered against his mouth.
“I love you, too.” Noble cupped the back of his head and deepened the kiss, their bond thrumming with renewed strength.