Is He?
Talon
My phone dinged. My stomach tightened as I read the message. Tessa again. I didn’t want to deal with my sister, not now. I knew she really didn’t want to see me, and the feeling was mutual. It was our mother who always attempted to bring us back together. I pressed the screen dark and slid the phone back into my pocket. I tried to push away the familiar weight of family complications.
I stretched in the car seat, the aches from my latest assignment in Orlando still fresh. A week of being on high alert, guarding Mike, his mate Jake, and Jake’s little brothers, Sam and Abel.
Mike was a lion shifter like me and recently found his fated mate, Jake. Unfortunately for Jake, he had gained the attention of a demon—unwanted attention.
“T-that’s the lion’s den?” Jake’s stutter pulled me from my thoughts.
I followed his gaze out the window and nodded. The lion’s den was an awe-inspiring sight. Rising two stories high, the mansion was a testament to grandeur, its stone facade punctuated by large bay windows and gold-accented trim catching the sunlight. A manicured lawn adorned with marble statues led to the mansion’s entrance, with a majestic fountain at its heart.
“Whoa,” Sam said from the back seat.
“That place is big,” Abel chimed in.
I grinned and was about to reply, but Mike spoke up first. “It is big. I used to play hide and seek with my best friend Hayden here. The game used to go on for hours.”
“Can we play?” Sam and Abel asked excitedly.
Suppressing a laugh, I turned my attention back to the road. The pride house wasn’t just a mansion; it was a symbol. It was where our king and leader, Edward, lived. The urgency in Walter Doy’s voice, the Satchel Pride’s second-in-command, and Mike’s father, had been clear. We were summoned, and it wasn’t a casual invite.
“Way to give them ideas,” Jake whispered, and Mike barked a laugh. I couldn’t help but join in. Playing hide and seek sounded like fun, and I wouldn’t mind forgetting responsibilities.
“We’ll have to see. Right now, we’re here for something important. You two need to be on your best behavior,” Jake said, leveling a stare at his brothers.
“But Jake,” Sam whined while Abel crossed his arms and pouted.
“I said we’ll see. Promise me you’ll be good,” Jake replied as we pulled in front of the grand entrance.
“Fine.”
“Okay.” Abel and Sam replied reluctantly.
Jake leveled one last stare at the boys before nodding and sliding out of the car. I helped the boys with their seat belts and guided them out of the vehicle.
“Let’s see what’s going on,” Mike said, as he nudged Jake toward the massive wooden doors. I followed quickly behind with Sam and Abel.
It didn’t take long for the doors to open and the Pride butler, Carl, to step out. Carl was in his late seventies and was good friends with the king’s father, Fred. He also used to be high in the inner circle of the pride before wanting the lazy days of being the butler. Carl smiled, and his well-groomed mustache seemed to dance on his lip.
“Good afternoon, Master Doy,” Carl said with a tilt of his head toward Mike.
“Hi, Carl. How are you? This is my mate, Jake, and his brothers, Sam and Abel.” Mike looked at Jake. “This is Carl. He’s been the butler for the home for as long as I can remember. He’s also a prominent member of the pride.”
Carl grinned. “Princess Vanessa told us you met your mate. Congratulations.” Carl gave Jake a bow. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too,” Jake replied. I had to suppress my laugh at the little curtsy bow Jake had done. I knew this was a new experience, and coming to the pride house must have been overwhelming.
“We’re here to see His Majesty,” Mike said formally.
“Yes, of course. Please come in,” Carl said, holding his hand toward the doors.
I bumped the boys on the shoulders and we continued past Carl, “Hi, Carl,” I whispered.
“It’s good to see you, Master Talon.”
I’d always liked Carl, but I could never just get him to say my name. I wasn’t high in the pride. I didn’t deserve the ‘Master’ moniker. I was just an average Joe enforcer.
A gasp pulled me out of my thoughts, and I looked at Jake. His mouth hung open wide as he took in the gorgeous interior. The twin staircases and the marble flooring. It was stunning, and I couldn’t blame him for his reaction.
“Whoa,” Sam whispered, and Abel nodded, his little eyes the size of saucers.
“Hello, Mike.”
The deep voice sent a jolt through me, setting my pulse racing. Instinctively, a low rumble emanated from deep within, the primal roar of my lion. Seeing him here was unexpected. Why Lucas? Why now? Just a glimpse of him had my lion perking up with interest.
Hell, I was interested. Lucas was hot. No, he was beautiful. He had short, sandy blond hair, a tight, muscular body, and pretty blue eyes that reminded me of the ocean. When I first met Lucas, I thought he was my mate, but I wasn’t sure after talking with Lucas’s brother Brian and my king. They said my lion would know, and I’d know, but my lion didn’t know or wasn’t telling me. I felt lost.
“Talon,” Lucas’s gaze met mine, his eyes unreadable as he uttered my name, his voice dripping with frost.
“Lucas,” I whispered before clearing my throat. “What are you doing here?”
Before Lucas could reply, Mike asked, “Hey, Lucas. Are you visiting the prey princess?”
A low growl rumbled in my throat, the term ‘prey princess’ igniting a familiar spark of anger. It was a common prejudiced term many predator shifters would use to describe prey shifters. I hated anyone who would call Lucas’s kind that, all because he was a rabbit instead of a lion.
Lucas’s eyes narrowed, a shadow crossing his face as he fixed Mike with a withering stare. “Ooh, you’re gonna be in trouble when I tell the king you called his mate that.”
Mike laughed. “The king will be fine. It’s Brian and my thing. He calls me a pussycat, and I call him a prey princess.”
“You shouldn’t call anyone that,” I said through clenched teeth. I loathed the phrase.
“Relax, Talon. It’s just a joke,” Mike replied.
Jake tilted his head. “Wait, is ‘prey princess’ derogatory?”
Lucas sighed. “In our world, predators sometimes label prey shifters as divas, and ‘prey princess’ can be a snide remark. Mike and my brother, however, have a history of teasing each other.”
Lucas stepped forward and extended his hand to Jake. “We haven’t been introduced. I’m Lucas. It’s very nice to meet you.”
Jake reached out. “Nice to meet you, too. I’m Jake.”
Lucas smiled and glanced at me. “It’s always a blessing to meet your mate.”
I inwardly flinched and looked away. Did he think I was his mate? Why was I so bothered by his words? Fuck! Why’d I have to have the problem of not knowing?
“These are my brothers, Sam and Abel,” Jake said awkwardly.
“Nice to meet you both,” Lucas said with a grin. The boys, for their part, nodded, but continued to look around the vast building.
“To answer your question,” Lucas said, focusing back on Mike. “I brought my Nana to visit. It’s actually why you’re here. She needs to speak to the mated couples. They’re in the king’s study. The king asked Talon and me to watch the boys while you speak with them.”
I jerked my gaze to Lucas. What? I was going to have to spend time with him. I’ve been doing all I could to avoid him until I figured things out.
“The boys will be okay. Talon and Lucas will keep them safe. I promise,” Mike whispered.
Jake nodded. “Okay,” he whispered.
Lucas crouched down to be at eye level with the boys. “Sam. Abel. I have some nieces and nephews about your age. They’re playing out back. How about I take you to meet them?”
They nodded eagerly. Turning to Jake, Sam asked, “Can we, Jake?”
“Yes, but no hide and seek. I don’t want to lose you in this big place so soon,” Jake replied.
“Aw, fine.”
I chuckled, falling into step behind Sam and Abel. “Don’t worry, we’ve got an eye on them,” I assured.
Lucas looked up at me and rose before nodding in agreement. With a gentle push, I encouraged the boys to continue walking, and we followed Lucas down the wide, ornate corridor toward the outside patio. The sounds of children’s laughter greeted us before we opened the door.
The patio extended around the whole back of the house, with decorative tile and stone railings. It had stone stairs that led down the lush green grass. Carefully pruned trees and beautiful flowers lined the rails. Two little girls, a boy, and one tiny bunny played on the large, manicured lawn. I knew the rabbit was, in fact, a shifter, probably another one of Lucas’s nieces or nephews.
“Eva, Louie, Millie, come here. I want you to meet Sam and Abel,” Lucas called to the kids.
The little kids turned and squealed. “Uncle Lucas!”
In seconds, they descended and circled around us. The older of the trio stepped in front of Sam. “Hi, I’m Eva. That’s Millie, and that’s Louie,” she said.
“I’m Sam, and he’s Abel,” Sam said, introducing his younger brother.
Louie leaned forward and sniffed, his tiny nose twitching fast. Abel scowled at his actions. “What are you doing?”
Louie’s eyes widened, “Sorry, I didn’t mean—” He looked to Lucas for help.
But before Lucas could say anything, Abel squealed, “Bunny!”
He rushed to pet the brownish fur ball, but the rabbit quickly jumped out of reach and squeaked furiously. Lucas laughed and crouched down beside Sam and Abel.
“That’s Simon. He doesn’t really like to be petted.” Lucas glanced up at me. His soft eyes held the question, ‘Did they know?’
I nodded and bent down to my knee. “That bunny isn’t a normal rabbit,” I said. Abel and Sam scrunched their little brows and stared at me. Smiling, I continued, “You know how Mike and I are lions.” Abel and Sam looked at the kids and Lucas quickly, but still nodded. They took the secret of shifters seriously and swore never to tell. “Well, Simon, he’s like us but a rabbit shifter. That’s why Louie was smelling you. He wasn’t sure if you were shifters.”
Sam’s eyes widened and focused on Louie. “You’re really a bunny?”
Louie grinned. “Yeah. I’m still learning. I’m only seven. Sorry.”
“That’s so awesome!” Sam yelled and hurried to his side.
Abel’s eyes remained fixed on Simon. After a moment of hesitation, Simon tentatively hopped a step closer, his ears twitching with curiosity. Taking that as an invitation, Abel moved closer, his fingers reaching out gently. But before they could make contact, Simon hopped away with a playful twist, leading the kids on a chase. The garden soon echoed with their joyful giggles, and I grinned. Seeing these carefree moments was terrific. I rose to my feet and leaned against the stone railing. Lucas came up beside me.
“I wish all kids were so accepting,” he said as he watched them play.
I nodded. “Sam and Abel are great. They’re so protective of Scruffy and the paranormal.”
“Scruffy?”
“That’s what they call Mike,” I replied with a laugh.
Lucas joined in with laughter. The sound caused my heart to race. I stared at Lucas. His entire expression changed when he laughed. It was almost as intoxicating as his laugh. I wanted to hear his happiness all the time. Was this what it meant to have a mate? Is he? I shook my head and looked away.
I was so confused. I wish there were something that just said, ‘Yes, this is your mate.’ But that wasn’t the case. I could only go off what other mated couples told me. And this wasn’t what they described. My lion rumbled within me.
“Talon,” Lucas’s voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked at him.
“Why haven’t you called? I’ve been coming by, but you haven’t been here,” Lucas asked. His tone was off. It almost sounded hurt.
I knew I had been avoiding him, but that was because I didn’t want to hurt him. “I’ve just been busy,” I lied.
A dark cloud crossed over his expression, and his soft eyes now burned. “Didn’t you want to see me? Shouldn’t we talk?”
“What about?” I asked.
“Talon, Lucas,” Walter’s deep voice stopped any reply, and I turned around.
I tilted my head in request. “Sir.”
“Mr. Doy,” Lucas said, also tilting his head.
Walter looked like an older, bigger version of Mike. He had short dark brown hair, expressive brown eyes, and a huge muscular build. Walter was among the strongest lions in the pride next to the king. Some even believed he could beat the king, but Walter was loyal to Edward and always abided by and supported the king’s rule.
“Talon, I need to borrow you for a bit. Lucas, are you okay watching the kids?” Walter asked.
“Did something happen?” I knew the king had called us for something serious and was currently in close talks with the mated couples.
Walter let out a sigh. “His Majesty wants us to confront the demon situation head-on. We need to pay him a visit.”
“Demon? What demon?” Lucas asked before I had a chance to respond.
“It’s not a huge deal,” I said, hoping to calm the panic I heard in Lucas’s voice.
Lucas leveled a glare at me and raised his brow. Apparently, that wasn’t sufficient. I exhaled loudly. “A demon by the name of Dominic has sent some threatening messages to Mike. He’s apparently not happy that Mike’s with Jake.”
Lucas’s eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to respond, but Walter stopped him. “It’s really not a huge deal. Our reports indicate he’s a low-level demon. He can’t stand against the pride.” Walter straightened. “His Majesty just wants us to do a show of force and get rid of him once and for all. Otherwise, I’d just send Jeremy and Leon.”
Jeremy and Leon were other enforcers of the pride. Jeremy was a bit of a goof and loved to play the field. He had a different girl or guy every week. While Leon was the opposite, he could only be described as quiet and introverted. I liked to think of him as a gentle giant, but at the same time, I knew he could kick ass.
Lucas released a loud breath and stared at me. I didn’t understand why he was so upset. Was he my mate? I asked myself again.
“I’ve got the kids. Can we talk later?” Lucas asked me.
I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea. I didn’t have an answer to his questions or my question. “I’ll probably be late. I’ll call you.”
He cringed at my words, and my chest ached at his hurt expression. ‘I’ll call you later’ was the classic blow-off line, but I couldn’t think of anything better.
“Sure, whatever,” he said, turning toward the playing children.
I wanted to say something, to go after him, comfort him, but what would I say?
“Come on. Let’s go. Jeremy and Leon are by the car,” Walter said, touching my shoulder.
I nodded, and Walter headed for the doors. I looked back at Lucas one last time before following Walter. I needed to get this crap figured out.
“Car’s all gassed and ready to go, boss,” Jeremy said as we exited the massive estate.
Walter nodded and walked to the driver’s side. “Let’s get a move on and get this meeting over with.”
I hurried to the front seat, and Jeremy’s light blue eyes narrowed. Jeremy was handsome, with light mocha skin and long, ebony hair. I probably would have asked him out if he weren’t such a player. But I wanted a serious relationship, a partner, a mate.
“Snooze, you lose,” I said with a wink.
“Ass,” he called back before climbing into the back seat.
Leon had already settled in the back. It always amazed me that his six-foot-eight muscular frame fit in the back. I’d offered countless times for him to sit in the front, but he silently shook his head and softly said he preferred the back.
“Ever been to a BDSM club?” Jeremy asked excitedly.
I shook my head. “We’re not going there for entertainment.”
“Oh, come on, relax. I know we’re going for business, but I hear places like this are wild. I mean, the place is called ‘The Dungeon.’”
“I don’t know about this place or demons,” Leon said quietly.
“Lee, don’t worry, bro. I’ll protect you,” Jeremy said with a chuckle.
I shook my head again and stared out the window. My mind wandered back to Lucas. Why did seeing him hurt bother me so much? Was this what Mike, Hayden, and the others meant by connection?
“You okay?” Walter asked, breaking my thoughts.
“Yes, it’s…. Nothing.”
“I’m sure Lucas will understand. By the way, what’s going on there?”
I opened my mouth, but quickly shut it. How did I explain? Walter hadn’t met his mate, so I couldn’t get his advice.
“I don’t know,” I settled on.
He gave me a side glare as he turned the wheel. “Really? He seemed pretty upset with the ‘I’ll call you’.”
“Dude, you used the ‘I’ll call you’ line on the cute little bunny?” Jeremy asked.
I growled out of frustration at myself and at Jeremy’s words, calling Lucas cute. He needed to stay away from Lucas. Lucas was too sweet to be dealing with playboy Jeremy.
“Jeremy, stop,” Walter chided.
“Okay, boss. So, this demon, why is he after Mike?” Jeremy asked, changing the subject.
Thankful for the subject change, I answered. “He doesn’t like that Mike is with Jake. Apparently, he wants Jake.”
“Does he know they’re fated mates?” Leon quietly questioned.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I just know Dominic texted Mike to stay away from Jake or else.”
“Maybe if he knows they’re fated, he’ll be okay with everything, and we won’t have to fight,” Leon said. I could hear the hope in his words. Leon really hated violence, even though he was an enforcer.
Jeremy patted Leon’s leg. “I don’t think it’ll be that easy, Lee. I hear some demons are tough. He might not care they’re mates. I mean, how do you know they’re fated? How does Mike even know? Fated mates are weird; who needs ‘em?”
“Mike knows,” Walter said from the front. “Your lion will tell you when you meet your destined mate.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. I really needed to know this answer.
Walter pulled into a parking spot and parked the car. He turned to me, and for a moment, everything else faded. The weight of his gaze was different—his eyes held a depth and certainty I hadn’t noticed before.
“I’m positive,” he said, his voice softer but carrying an undeniable conviction.
There was a silence. The air in the car felt thick with unsaid words. His assurance wasn’t just from hearsay; it felt lived-in. It made me wonder, did Walter meet his mate?
Oh shit,I thought as the weight of his words hit me.
Fuck me. I guess Lucas isn’t my mate.