Chapter 12
Chapter
Twelve
Griff: You’re kind of my friend. Right, Magic 8-Coin?
Coin: Ask again later.
Griff: I’m on to you. Messing with me makes you happy.
Coin: Most likely.
Griff: I want to ask you more questions about my mate.
Coin: Fuck off. Cannot predict now.
Griff: Aww, come on! Is Shae gonna fall for me one day? I mean, I’m totally in love with him, and he’s so amazing and wonderful and… are you listening to me?
Coin: Zzzz…
—Private conversation between Griffin and his coin
Griffin
For once, I wake up early and leave Shae alone with Haku, both still deep asleep.
Grabbing my gold coin, I whisper, “Did Shae enjoy our date yesterday?”
New writing starts to appear on the dragon side of the coin. All signs point to fuck yeah!
That makes me grin.
I toss the coin in the air with a soft whistle and put it in my pocket before I tiptoe out of the room and softly close the door behind me, making my way downstairs.
As usual, I find Harper sipping his requisite morning tea in the kitchen. Today, however, he’s not lounging in his usual pajamas and robe. Instead, he’s dressed in a classy, form-fitting women’s suit in a deep crimson color, paired with a white satin blouse and black stiletto heels. His long, dark hair is slicked into a sleek ponytail that hangs down his back.
I waggle my eyebrows. “Ooh. Going for the corporate look today?”
He winks at me over the rim of his teacup. “I am the liaison between us and the Silverstorm sept. It’s always best to start off on the right foot, professionally speaking.”
I bite my bottom lip and look down at my bare chest and the pair of shorts I pulled on before legging it downstairs a moment ago.
“Yeah, I guess I better clean up a little bit too.” I run a hand through my hair, feeling nervous all of a sudden. “Don’t want to make a bad impression on my mate’s siren family members.”
Harper inclines his head. “I think that would be smart. Just remember, you don’t have to be someone you’re not.” His eyes roam over my nearly nude body. “But covering up a little bit more of your physique would probably be best.”
Dallas, Cal, and Ruby join us, and Cal heads straight for the full coffee pot that Harper’s clearly prepared in advance. As usual, Cal’s dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a black T-shirt, this one with Wake me before noon and I’ll turn you into a toad written across the front. He pours himself a cup of the piping hot black brew and starts drinking it like it’s the lifeblood that keeps him upright.
I shudder and pull out a mug of my own from the upper cabinet, then place it on the counter and make sure to doctor my java with plenty of cream and sugar, the way it’s meant to be drunk.
“Bless you, Harper,” Cal murmurs between gulps and groans of satisfaction.
Harper chuckles. “Of course, darling. I know you’re positively useless until you’ve had your caffeine fix.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Ruby agrees before flopping down in a chair and resting her head on her arms on the table. “Why did we all agree to get up so freaking early and meet down here?”
Dallas clears his throat and sits at the table, cradling his oversized cup of coffee in his enormous hands. “We need to have a little talk about today. Harper’s already done background checks on the people coming, and everything came back on the up-and-up. Shae’s relatives appear to be who they say they are and show no signs of being in league with his father or stepmother.”
“Thank fuck for that,” Cal says with a grunt.
Dallas continues, “They appear to genuinely want to connect with Shae and learn about his mother.”
“So everything should be cool, right?” I ask.
Dallas sips his coffee and then sighs. “Griffin, more than anyone, I need you to be prepared.”
Huh?
“For what?” Shae hasn’t accepted our bond, so I don’t need to tell the sept about that just yet.
Dallas and Harper share a silent but meaningful look that makes me nervous.
I frown. “What do you mean?”
Dallas takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “There’s no easy way to say this, but there’s a distinct possibility that Shae’s grandmother might convince him to return to the Silverstorm sept with her when she talks with him today.”
I freeze and all of the blood drains from my face. My tongue goes numb and I can’t even begin to form words.
Cal sets down his coffee and moves behind me, wrapping his arms around me and resting his chin on the top of my head. “Keep it together, bro. It’s gonna be okay.”
“B-but…but…” I sputter.
Harper’s gentle voice breaks the silence. “Shae’s grandmother has a lot to offer him that we can’t possibly provide on our own. The Silverstorm sept reside on a private island that they own off the coast, and no one other than members of the sept or those who’ve been invited can enter their domain. Their ancient magic repels outsiders who are not welcome.”
“So it essentially functions like a Sanctuary Haven.” Ruby says. “That’s going to be hard to top. It might sound like the perfect safe place to Shae.”
My whole body starts to shake and Cal holds me tighter. “It isn’t certain that Shae’s going to want to go with her. Not right away, at least. Try not to jump to conclusions before you know what’s happening for sure.”
I let out an anxious whine.
Dallas regards me sadly. “I’m not saying this to be cruel, Griff, but this is a possibility, and I didn’t want you to be blindsided.”
I want to howl in anguish at the very idea.
“But he’s my mate,” I whisper.
Dallas flinches and swallows hard. When he speaks again, his voice comes out husky. “I know. But Shae’s not ready or willing to accept that bond yet, so we don’t know what he’ll choose when he reunites with his mother’s family.”
My legs go out from under me and Cal supports me as he brings me to one of the kitchen chairs. I slump into it, dazed, listening as my breathing gets ragged.
I just found him. I can’t lose him now.
Fighting back every instinct that wants me to run off with Shae and leave everyone behind, I strive to pull myself together. Raising my head, I look Dallas straight in the eyes. “Could I go with him? If he decides to leave?”
Everyone else in the room stills at my words.
Finally, Dallas clears his throat awkwardly. “If… if that’s what you want, and Shae’s clan is willing to let you join them, then yes, that is an option.”
That would be the tricky part. Convincing them to let an outsider like me stay with them and Shae.
For the first time since I’ve known him, Cal looks openly distressed.
“You’d leave us?” he asks, looking like I sucker-punched him.
I whine in the back of my throat again. Seeing Cal in pain hurts me too, but I have to prioritize my mate, no matter how hard that might be. “I don’t want to, but if it comes to the team or my mate, I will choose Shae.” My eyes plead with him. “Please understand, Cal.”
Cal moves away from the table and starts pacing. “Cap, we can’t have our team start falling apart. Not after how hard we worked to get to where we all are now.” He whirls on me. “I don’t want you to leave, Griff. You’re my brother in every way that matters.”
“Cal’s right. We can’t let the team fall apart. Besides, it won’t be nearly as fun around here anymore without you, Griff.” Ruby’s bottom lip trembles. “What are we going to do without your adorable puppy-dog eyes and fluffy tail thumping away all the time?”
Now I’m starting to feel bad.
“You guys,” I say, biting my lip.
Dallas sighs again. “Cal and Ruby, stop guilt-tripping poor Griffin.”
Ruby pouts at him and Cal scowls.
Dallas ignores them and studies me for a long moment. “I’d hate to lose you, kid. But I understand what it means to find your fated mate. We’ll do everything we can to support you if that’s the direction things go.”
I jump out of my seat and hurry to where he sits, wrapping myself around him in a tight hug from behind. He squeezes my arm and then pats it gently. When I glance down, I see the faint shimmer of tears in his big brown eyes.
“Let’s not start saying our goodbyes quite yet,” he says gruffly. “We need to just let things play out and see where they go.”
I nod quickly. “Understood.”
Dallas reaches up an enormous hand and clasps my shoulder. “Shae’s going to need you today, whether he knows it or not. Meeting with family he thought had abandoned him to his fate for most of his life and having to rehash the truth about what happened to his mother is going to be emotionally draining.” Dallas squeezes my shoulder again. “I know how deeply you empathize with others, but today you need to set aside your own feelings and be a rock-solid pillar of support for Shae. This is the time to use your powers to learn and understand him more, and let your pheromones soothe and relax him as much as possible. Do you think you can do that?”
I inhale sharply and cross my hand over my heart. Leave it to Dallas to get me all riled up and ready to go to battle —in a metaphoric sense. Part of me really wants to give King Theoden’s speech in The Two Towers about drawing our swords together, but I bite my tongue since no one else in the room shares my fantasy nerdery.
RIP, Bernard Hill. You will always be my King Theoden!
“For Shae, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help him.”
Dallas squeezes my shoulder one final time and lets go. “Good man.”
His praise gives me all the warm, happy feels.
“I have some high-end fresh sushi being brought in for lunch with Shae’s family today,” Harper pipes up again. “They told me they eat a primarily seafood diet on the island and particularly enjoy raw fish.”
“Nice work,” Dallas says.
I beam at Harper. “Heck, yeah. Bring on the sashimi!”
Cal wrinkles his nose and shudders. “I’ll make sure to eat something before they get here. I don’t know how you all do the raw fish thing.”
Harper sighs longingly. “I do miss seafood from time to time.”
I don’t know how or when Harper became a vampire, but at one point, he’d been alive. He confided once that his birth parents had sold him to a vampire family as an adolescent when they needed money. This was many years ago when such things weren’t uncommon apparently. Since vampires can’t procreate in the same fashion as other species, they tend to adopt children they later turn when they get older. It sounds kind of awful, and I’m not sure how much autonomy the adopted child has in the process. The details are hazy. Undead beings are a mystery to most of us, and vampires guard their secrets carefully.
“Cal, just to be on the safe side, I’m going to have you do a magical scan of our guests when they arrive,” Dallas says.
“Copy that, Cap,” Cal says with a cheeky wink.
Dallas ignores him. “I’ve also hired some additional security to patrol the neighborhood. We’ll have people watching when our guests arrive and if anything seems fishy, they’ll be re-routed. The same security detail that brings your relatives here will also see them safely back to the ferry home. We’ve got all our bases covered.”
“Thanks for taking my mate’s safety so seriously,” I say with the utmost sincerity.
Dallas gets an embarrassed flush on his face. “It’s all part of the job.”
Cal, Ruby, and I give each other knowing looks. He’s already accepted Shae into his family of misfits and will protect him like one of his own.
It’s one of many reasons we all love him to pieces.
“We’ve got a couple of hours before they arrive, so do what you need to do. But be back here by eleven, everyone,” Dallas says, standing and drawing our meeting to a close.
I take the stairs two at a time and return to my mate’s side.
He’s still fast asleep, his breath coming out in soft puffs. In sleep, he looks so young and vulnerable. It tears me apart inside every time I think about all that he’s endured. Yet, despite everything, Shae hasn’t given up or let himself be sucked into the darkness. He’s fighting with everything he has to not simply survive, but to find himself again.
I’m constantly in awe of him.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I reach out and gently shake him awake.
He blinks open his gorgeous blue eyes and looks at me in confusion. “What is it?”
His voice is rough with sleep and I smile. “Wanna go for a morning swim before we have to get ready for your relatives?”
He favors me with a rare, brief grin and nods before stretching his long, lean body. When he sits up with a yawn, he looks utterly adorable. His mesmerizing hair is slightly mussed and a grumpy Haku peeks at me with slitted eyes from his perch on Shae’s shoulder.
“I figured you might like the stress relief of a swim.”
I know I need it too.
We share a moment of mutual understanding in silence.
“Yeah, thanks. That sounds great, actually. Let me put on some swim trunks,” Shae says.
I leave him to do that and head to the mudroom to get towels and flip-flops for both of us. In minutes, we’re racing down to the beach and across the sand, then diving into the icy cold Pacific with eager shouts.
We spend a good hour or so in the water, working out our stress by swimming, until we start to tire and decide to head back in. I go to my room to shower while Shae heads to his.
I have to admit, I haven’t spent a lot of time in my own room lately. Sleeping with Shae every night has become the new norm for us. It’s both exquisite pleasure and never-ending torture all at once.
Being able to hold my mate in my arms every night, savoring his sleepy scent and soft skin as he drifts off into dreamland, is pure bliss.
But not being able to explore his body more intimately has my libido gnashing its teeth in frustration. I’m more than willing to let him have full access to my body as well, but sex isn’t on the table for us. At least not yet.
Shae told me he’d never been on a date before, and I don’t know for sure, but I suspect he’s probably never even had sex either. I did ask him some gently probing questions last night as we were falling asleep, and he’d relieved my fears when he assured me that he’d never had to endure any kind of sexual abuse during his captivity.
My body is very eager to get to know his better. Abstinence between fated mates isn’t common. In rare cases of asexuality, both partners usually share the same disinclination toward sex. I don’t get the impression that Shae’s ace. The way he watches me sometimes sets me on fire. I yearn to make love to my mate—and have him make love to me in return. But I know he’s not ready and may never be.
I keep reminding myself of this when I wake up every morning with a rock-solid erection that I have to take care of in the shower. And while my hand gets the job done, it isn’t remotely satisfying when I know my mate’s close by but I can’t touch him that way.
At the same time, however, I’ve noticed that Shae hasn’t woken up with morning wood even once in the time that I’ve shared a bed with him. For a guy his age, that’s odd, and even more so for a guy who’s in close proximity to his mate. Shae gets embarrassed by it and did awkwardly tell me the other day that he hasn’t had any libido since he was forced to wear the collar.
I ended up doing some research online and soon realized that this is likely a temporary consequence of not only Shae’s trauma but possibly the antidepressant that he has been taking.
I’m trying not to take it personally.
I was being truthful when I told him I would settle for being able to stay at his side even if it’s in a purely platonic fashion. It’ll be its own special kind of torture, but it’s pain I’m willing to endure to be with him.
For now, I’m relying on my right hand to get me off, and I’m channeling all of my energy into building our friendship because that’s always a good place to start.
Wanting to make a good impression on Shae’s relatives, I stand in front of my closet, hair dripping rivulets of water down my bare chest and a towel wrapped around my waist, as I survey my clothing options. It’s an unfortunate moment to realize I have a rather limited wardrobe.
Granted, clothing can be a little challenging for animal-kin species that possess tails or other appendages, like wings and such.
Human fabrics are not often conducive to our needs and tend to rip and tear far too easily. The kind of malleable fabrics with secure openings that we need can only be made by Otherkind using magic. Consequently, while my clothes are appropriately designed for a Wolfkin body, I have to get them specially made and therefore don’t have a vast collection.
I root through the closet until I manage to find a pair of black slacks and a pink button-down, short-sleeved shirt that I’ve only worn a handful of times. After I put them on, I survey my reflection anxiously in the mirror and soon relax. I think I look pretty good, albeit a little bit more stuffy than I typically go for.
Then again, I fully recognize that T-shirts and board shorts are not really something one can wear everywhere all the time. Although it’s probably more acceptable here in So Cal than just about anywhere else.
I run a comb through my shaggy damp hair and wick on some deodorant before nodding to myself and calling it done.
When I return to Shae’s room, I also find him wrapped in a towel and anxiously searching for something to wear. Thankfully, Harper went out recently and got him a couple of new items for his wardrobe, so he eventually decides on a gray pair of linen pants and a black button-down long-sleeved shirt. He quickly rolls the sleeves up partway to his elbows.
His damp hair trails down his back and I swallow at the sight.
Yes, I have a hair fetish when it comes to my mate.
“You look amazing,” I tell him, awe evident in my voice.
He blinks at me for a second and then turns away. “Uh… thanks.”
“Would you like me to help you style your hair?” I ask on a whim.
His incredulous expression has me biting back a laugh.
“You can style hair?” he asks doubtfully, looking at my shaggy head.
I nod enthusiastically. “Sometimes I help Harper with his more complicated updos. But I also have three female cousins, and growing up, I often got roped into helping them with their hair at family events.” I study him for a moment. “I could do a really pretty side braid that rests over your shoulder.”
He considers my offer for several long seconds and then nods. “That would be great. Thanks.”
I try to refrain from howling with joy. I’m finally going to get my hands on this man’s glorious hair!
Granted, I’ve secretly stroked it multiple times when he’s sleeping, but this will be the first time I’m really able to get full access to his gorgeous locks.
Not giving him any time to change his mind, I zoom to the bathroom and grab a comb, then hurry back to his side. Then, after having him sit on the end of the bed, I get behind him to start my work.
Despite his agreement, I notice Shae is oddly tense. Wanting him to be able to relax and enjoy this experience, I decide to help him let go.
“You’re too tense. Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt you. Here, let me help you relax.” Slowly and carefully, I place my hands on his shoulders and start massaging them while Haku watches us from his perch on the top of the wardrobe.
It doesn’t take long for Shae to go limp as a noodle under my ministrations. My personal talents are pretty limited, but I know I’m good at massage. In fact, before I found my path in life with MEOW Squad, I worked part-time as a massage therapist. I was licensed and everything, and I enjoyed touching people and helping ease their pain.
But I struggled to find consistent business. Too many humans don’t trust an Otherkind working on their body in that way. And sadly, in this part of the country, humans vastly outnumber Otherkind. So while I did have some clients from other species, it was never enough to sustain a full-time business.
Now, I’m deeply thankful that I went through all that school and training to be able to provide this kind of attention to my dear, sweet mate. Shae hasn’t known a lot of caring and affectionate touch in his life, so I’m bound and determined to help make up for that each and every day.
He clearly likes my massage moves because he moans in a way that has my cock standing at attention. I have to think of gross things to will it away.
Time and place, penis o’ mine.
Finally, when Shae looks about ready to nod off again, I let go of his shoulders. Picking up a long section of hair, I begin to comb it gently, detangling slowly upward from the ends to the scalp.
I work at this for some time.
Shae’s eyes flutter closed and he whispers, “This feels good.”
I grin to myself. “I’m glad. Personally, I’ve always liked having my hair washed and played with. There’s something very sensual and soothing about it. Another day, when we have more time, I’ll give you the best head massage of your life.”
He stares up at me. “I’ll hold you to that.”
His words send my heart racing and I’m momentarily breathless.
With nimble fingers, I focus on my task and begin to section Shae’s hair to start the elaborate side braid that will rest over his shoulder. I marvel at the beautiful color and silky smooth texture of his tresses. Now that he’s begun swimming in the ocean again, far from damaging his hair, it seems to have improved its luster. No doubt that’s a siren thing.
After nearly two weeks with us, Shae is finally looking healthier and happier. I’d still like to see a bit more meat on his bones, but he’s eating well and taking good care of himself, and that’s what matters most.
When I finish the braid, I undo a leather cord from around my wrist and secure it around the end of the braid, tying it tightly.
“There,” I tell him. “Go take a look.”
Uncertainly, he gets to his feet and wanders into the bathroom. I follow behind him.
He stares at himself in the mirror open-mouthed for a long moment, turning his head from side to side.
“You’re incredibly talented,” he tells me.
I flush. “Oh no, hardly. I just tend to be good with my hands.”
He arches an eyebrow at me and my cheeks get even redder.
“I didn’t mean that as an innuendo, I swear.” I shake my head and then can’t help but snicker. “Although I won’t deny my hands are good at many things.”
Shae gives me a playful shove to the shoulder. “Okay, that’s enough, big guy. We’re going to meet my grandma soon, so behave yourself.”
I beam at him, tail wagging up a storm. “As you wish.”
Princess Bride references are necessary in a budding romance, after all. Even if the romance is one-sided.
Before we know it, the visiting members of the Silverstorm sept arrive.
We get the all clear that they haven’t been followed, and Harper and Cal go outside to meet them first so the latter can do his magical scan.
I wait in the living room with Shae, holding his hand tightly. My mate is trembling a bit but maintains a stoic expression on his face. I can tell he’s not sure what to expect and is on guard, and I don’t blame him.
But I’m here to keep him safe and offer him support. “Everything’s gonna be okay,” I assure him.
Dallas opens the front door and Harper leads two women into the living room, Cal trailing behind them.
One is older but appears no more than middle-aged. She has bright blue eyes, a seemingly ageless face, and long, white hair that shimmers in the light. The other woman seems quite young and has long, violet hair streaked with silver and matching violet eyes. They’re both quite beautiful.
Shae remains frozen at my side, silently taking them in.
The older of the two women rushes forward and grabs hold of him, clutching him in her arms tightly. “Shae, my grandson, I’ve missed you,” she whispers.
Shae remains weirdly frozen and awkward in her embrace, giving me wide eyes.
Just when I’m about to rescue him, the woman lets him go with an anxious look on her face and steps back. “I apologize for touching you so suddenly. It’s been so long. I couldn’t quite believe you were real until I could feel you and know you’re truly here.”
“It’s okay,” Shae replies, still looking distinctly uncomfortable.
I reach out and rub his back, feeling his tension recede.
The older woman smiles at him sadly. “I know you probably don’t remember me, but I’m your grandmother, Coral Silverstorm.”
The younger woman steps forward, tossing her hair behind her back. “And I’m Anemone Silverstorm, your aunt.”
“It’s good to meet you both.” Shae winces. “I’m sorry, but I don’t really remember either of you.”
“It’s understandable,” his grandmother says.
Shae seems to break free of his daze and studies them curiously. “Not to be rude, but is it normal for sirens to age the way that you two have?”
Coral chuckles. “Sirens are gifted with considerable longevity. Although you’re not a full siren, you still possess some of those genetics as well. You may not live as long as a full siren but certainly much longer than a typical human.”
Shae digests that information quietly and gives a slight nod.
“Thank you for coming, ladies,” Harper interjects smoothly, bringing in a tray of tea. “I have prepared some tea for everyone to enjoy while we discuss important matters, then we’ll break for a bit of lunch.”
Once everyone finds a spot to seat themselves, Dallas begins the meeting. “On behalf of my team, I want to thank you both for coming here today and following our security protocols. I know this can’t be easy for either of you, but Shae is currently under our protection, and we need to keep him safe from the ongoing threat against his life and well-being.”
“We understand,” Coral replies. “Shae’s safety is our top priority as well.”
Dallas nods and turns to my mate. “Even though it will be difficult, can you tell your story to your grandmother and your aunt? Just whatever you feel able to handle.”
Shae takes a couple of hearty gulps of his tea—to which, I strongly suspect from the smell, Harper added a shot or two of whiskey—and sets down his cup.
Taking a shaky breath, he once again recounts the story he told us. Seated next to each other and holding hands, his grandmother and aunt listen with identical expressions of disbelief and shock.
When Shae gets to the part about his mother’s death, they both look at each other, seeming to communicate something without words before returning their attention to him.
Once Shae finally gets to the end, he looks drained, and I work to comfort him with all the soothing vibes I can muster—SCSS to the max! Once he relaxes again, I wrap my arms around him and cuddle him close, touched when he leans into me with a sigh of relief.
“Child,” Coral says in soft tones, “I am more sorry than I can say to learn what you have endured, alone and unprotected.” She closes her eyes in obvious pain. “I tried to warn your mother about Bryce, your father, but she could not deny the bond she had with him, always remaining hopeful that he would come to see the truth of their connection and be able to look past their differences. But I’m afraid he was a small-minded man and could never accept what it means to be fated mates.”
Anemone shakes her head, her hands balling into fists. “To think that he would do such a thing to his own son. There can be no forgiveness for that.”
“My sentiments exactly,” Coral agrees and then turns to Shae. “But what I want to know is, what happened to Tempest?”
My mate blinks at them in confusion. “I already told you. She died. I mean, I don’t know what my father did with her… body, but she was murdered when I was ten.”
Coral sits up straight, her eyes glowing an eerie silver color. “My sweet boy, perhaps your mother never told you what happens when a siren dies. Their spirit returns to the sept, waiting to be reborn into a new life. We receive a mystical confirmation of this with every passing.” She glances around the room. “The details of how this works is not something I can share with everyone here, but suffice it to say, we would know if she died.”
“I don’t understand…?” Shae’s eyes reflect his bewilderment.
Coral studies him carefully. “Your mother is still alive. If she had died, we would have known instantly.”
We all gape at her.
Coral regards each and every one of us before returning her gaze to Shae. “So, my dear boy, it begs the question—if Tempest isn’t dead, what has Bryce done with her?”