Chapter 8
“If you’re going to suggest we let you go, it’s not happening.” Raffe glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “You’re stuck with us. I won’t let you run back and report to the society or whatever group you belong to.”
I didn’t trust her either. This woman had abandoned me because of who I’d become. What sort of parent did that?
She leaned forward and sighed. “What I saw back there made me realize this group is different, and I’m offering to take you all to my home.”
I turned to her to see her reaction. I hated that my blood … power … or whatever gave me my abilities was calm, so I couldn’t read her intent. Learning to access those abilities on my own would be amazing.
Her expression was smooth, and her heartbeat was faster than normal, but that could be from being our prisoner.
Raffe chuckled grimly. “You think we’re desperate enough to trust you? No fucking way.”
“Where else are you going to go? You don’t have many options.” She leaned back and crossed her arms. “Believe me when I say that this offer is a big deal. Dru will be pissed as soon as he sees that I’ve brought wolf shifters and a vampire to our home.”
My ears perked up. “Dru?” I asked, then wanted to clamp my hands over my mouth. I despised that the name caused so many questions to spin around in my head. I hadn’t meant to sound interested because I wasn’t. I mean, how could I be? They’d tossed me out like garbage.
She grimaced. “Your fath—” But she cut herself off.
My lungs seized, and my heart ached. There was no doubt what she’d been about to say.
Raffe reached over the center console and squeezed my hand. The comforting buzz of our connection sprang to life, but the pain didn’t ease much.
Granted, being strange, not fitting in, and feeling like my birth parents hadn’t wanted me were three things I’d battled my entire life. Facing my birth mother now meant staring down one of my biggest demons; she had admitted those reasons were, in fact, why they’d given me up.
After a long moment, she ran her hands down her jeans and finished, “I mean, my husband.”
The two people who were supposed to have been my protectors as a child now had names, and I knew the face of one better than I wanted to admit. You’d think, at twenty-two, I’d be past all the betrayal and anger, but I felt like a child again, wanting to know why I wasn’t worthy of their love.
“If Dru would be pissed, why are you even offering?” Raffe focused on the road, taking a sharp turn as we headed east from Seattle.
“Skylar needs my help and a safe place to stay.” Octavia closed her eyes a beat longer than seemed normal. “No one knows where we live. We stay away from most every supernatural.”
Did she not think we’d pick up on “most every”? I rolled my eyes. “So some supernaturals are there. We can’t risk anyone discovering our presence, and that’s if we even agree to trust you. It sounds like a horrible idea.” I pushed aside my desire to agree so I could meet the brother I’d never known I had. He was the only one who was truly innocent. I assumed he had to be older, but she hadn’t mentioned him.
My heart stopped. What if something had happened to him?
“The supernaturals around us stay out of all that drama. They keep to themselves, much like we do.”
Babe, I know you want answers, but she could be walking us into a trap. If Slade was pretend-kidnapped to make it look like he saved you, this could be another act. She’s potentially not even your mother. The coven could be trying to manipulate us again.
I faced forward, staring out my window at the trees blurring by. The sun peeked from behind a gray cloud, but that didn’t stop the drizzle. My body went numb as I processed what he’d said, but he was right. There was no proof that this woman was my mother. The information she’d shared she could’ve gotten from the Veiled Circle.
The problem was I didn’t like thinking that way. When I checked her for magic earlier, she hadn’t had any, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t choosing her words carefully. It had been a highly volatile moment. I could ask her again, but I wasn’t upset enough to sense the truth of the answer.
My emotions were a hot mess. I both wished she hadn’t come but also wanted to know more. I wasn’t sure I could handle finding out she was pretending.
“Thanks for the offer, but we’ll pass.” Raffe leaned forward and turned on the Rolling Stones, indicating that all conversations were over.
And I loved him for that.
Six hours later,we pulled up to a rental house Josie had found online. We were outside of Spokane, Washington, close to Riverside State Park. We’d stopped at Walmart on our way in to grab clothes, food, and other essentials, so we had a ton of things to carry in.
Sky, Josie, and Lucy should go in with Dave and Octavia while the three of us unload the vehicles, Raffe linked with everyone he could and opened his door.
Even though I wanted to help, I didn’t have it in me to argue. The entire ride here, I’d struggled with everything we’d lost because of me. If I hadn’t come into the picture, Raffe would still be making his dad proud, and they’d all be at school, completing their education.
I took in the gray brick house and headed up the slanted porch to the front door, then punched in the code.
By the time the door opened, Octavia and Dave were behind me, with Josie and Lucy, Cat-Keith clinging to her neck, taking up the rear.
We stepped right into the living room, my dark-purple sneakers squeaking on the maple floor. Right across from me, a large window overlooked the side of the yard where a basketball court connected to the woods that led to a park.
Lucy said, “Why don’t you four sit while I put things away in the kitchen?”
The house had an open floor plan, and I could see the dining room and the kitchen from here.
I can help, I linked with her, wanting to pull my own weight.
One of us needs to stay with Octavia and Dave. Josie’s still a little out of it, so if they try something, she might not be able to handle them, and honestly, I need to be busy.
Okay. That was different. Let me put Keith somewhere so she doesn’t get in the way.
“Come on.” I took the cat, waved for them to follow me, and headed to the L-shaped, dark-brown pleather couch. I hurried and put Keith inside the first door to the left, which was a bathroom. I cracked open the window, letting in cool air. Keith jumped off me and hurried to the window, lay down on the wide sill, and started licking her paws. I plugged the sink and filled it partway with water for her.
With Cat-Keith settled, I went back to the others and sat on the end of the couch closest to the door and kitchen so I’d have more time to react if Octavia tried something.
From the way Dave continued to grimace as Josie helped him into the room, I had no doubt he wasn’t fully recovered.
Raffe, Keith, and Adam brought in the food first and then other items. Each time my mate walked by, my eyes locked onto his ass and the way it moved with each step.
He was so damn sexy and, even better, the most caring person I’d ever known.
I eventually snatched the remote from the light-gray coffee table and turned on the television, needing something to do other than watch people work while the rest of us sat in awkward silence. I flipped channels, wishing like hell this place had a smart TV for Netflix.
Then Josie cooed, “Let’s watch that!”
My lips tipped up. The movie was How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and for some reason, her liking it made things feel more normal. Though I had no interest in the movie, I tossed the remote on the table as the guys came in with the last load.
As soon as the door shut, Raffe came over and pulled me to my feet while holding the bag with our things. He asked, “Which one is our room?”
Josie pointed to the stairs on the other side of the living room. It was a split foyer with one set going up and the other side down. “Upstairs. The other three rooms are downstairs.”
“Sounds good to me.” He tugged on my hand.
I glanced at Lucy, who was still putting things away. “I should—” I started.
Fuck no. I need—he replied, tugging me to his chest and forcing me to stare into his eyes. You.
My body warmed.
“Man.” Keith set his bag on the floor and waved a hand in front of his nose. “Can you two not make it obvious why you’re leaving? We knew when he asked where the bedroom was, so you don’t have to go and make it smell like a Bath and Body Works shop in here. Those damn places give me headaches ’cause the scents are so strong.”
I snorted so loud that my throat burned. “You frequent Bath and Body Works that often? What scent’s your favorite?”
Lucy stood from behind the white island in the center of the kitchen. “Oh, I bet it’s Japanese Cherry Blossom.”
“Nah.” Josie beamed. “He seems like a Perfect Peony sort of guy.”
“Ha ha.” Keith’s cheeks flushed, but he stood tall. “If you must know, it’s Warm Vanilla Sugar, so beware. If I smell it on any of you three, I’ll know you’re trying to get my attention.”
Raffe snarled, his nostrils flaring while Dave hissed lowly.
“Keith,” Adam sighed. “You’re a dumbass.”
Raffe marched toward Mr. Fragrance, dropping the bag, and rasped, “If you ever lump my mate in with other women like that again, I’ll teach you a fucking lesson.”
Keith lifted his hands in surrender. “I was kidding. Gods!”
“You don’t joke about someone’s mate like that.” Dave’s nose wrinkled. “You should know better.”
To defuse the situation, I took Raffe’s hand and tugged him to the stairs. Let’s get settled. Even if we didn’t have sex, he needed a break from everyone else. We’d been stressed for over twenty-four hours, and we’d lost so much, including a roof over our heads.
He followed me, though he kept glaring at Keith.
You guys relax. I’m going to marinate some steaks, wash our clothes, then cook some dinner. Go … rest for a couple of hours, Lucy linked.
At the top of the stairs, a door opened to a large room. The wooden floor was more of a gray, and a king-size bed sat against the wall with four spotlights above it. Right across from the doorway was a full bathroom with a barn door. The door didn’t seem to lock, so I was thankful it was in our room.
Raffe shut the outer door and pulled me into his arms. He cupped my cheek and pressed his lips together. What’s wrong? I’ve been sensing your emotions the whole ride here.
I lifted a brow. Really? What’s wrong? You have to ask?
He huffed. Okay, fair, but it feels like guilt’s mixed in.
Damn fated-mate bond and his ability to sense my feelings. I hadn’t meant to be so obvious, but he knew me better than anyone. I turned my head, not wanting to answer that, and a lump formed in my throat.
Hey. He pivoted, remaining in front of me, and placed a finger under my chin to lift my face so our eyes met. Don’t hesitate to meet my gaze now. You’ve already submitted. He winked, but the joke fell flat.
He frowned and stiffened. “Sky, what’s going on? Tell me.”
I closed my eyes, not wanting to see his reaction. If I hadn’t come to EEU, none of this would’ve happened. Maybe it would’ve been better if I hadn’t accepted the scholarship.
Hurt pierced his spot in my chest, forcing me to open my eyes. Immediately, I wished I hadn’t.
He took a step back and dropped his hands to his sides. Is that how you really feel? Because I’m fucking glad you did. Yeah, life got a whole lot more chaotic, and I was a jackass until I figured my shit out, but finding you and completing our fated-mate bond is the best thing to ever happen to me. No matter the cost. It sucks that you don’t feel the same way.
The breath whooshed out of me like I’d been kicked in the gut. Of course finding you has made me happier than anything. I wouldn’t give you up for the world, not now or ever. You bring me more joy than I ever thought possible.
Then why did you say you’d be better off if you hadn’t come?He raised his hands, threading them through his hair.
Not me. I placed my hands on my chest, feeling as if I were underwater. All of you … but especially you. You can’t go home anymore because of me.
If this hadn’t happened, I never would’ve found out what a selfish asshole my father is and would still be blindly following him. He placed his hands on my shoulders. You make me a better man and make me see things in a different way, even when I don’t want to. Every sacrifice is worth it as long as you’re next to me, loving me.
My chest expanded, feeling so warm. That’s exactly where I want to be too, but dammit, all I do is cause you problems. Hell, I struggled to submit to you when no one else did, and that made things worse for you with your dad’s followers.
Babe, those four wolves downstairs grew up with me. We had stare-offs all the fucking time, so their wolves already saw me as dominant. He placed his forehead against mine. That was the first time for you, and damn, your wolf is strong. I don’t know what you did, but I was beginning to think you’d win. And you know what? If you had, nothing would’ve changed between us. I love you and don’t give a damn if you’re stronger or weaker.
I chuckled. What about equal? I like the sound of that a whole lot better.
We’re definitely equal. He grinned. You putting Aldric and the others in their place had me so hot for you, and I’m hoping that maybe, just maybe, you can help me out with that.
I smiled so large my cheeks ached. I might do you a solid.
Oh no. I’ll be the one who’s solid. He winked, sliding his hands up the side of my shirt.
I leaned back and arched a brow. Really? That was a horrible innuendo.
All my brainpower has gone to my dick, he replied, tugging me against him so I could feel his hardness against my stomach.
Just like that, my body heated, and he kissed me.
Eager to taste him, I brushed my tongue over his lips. He opened, allowing me entrance. He matched every stroke of my tongue, and his fingers dug into my waist as he deepened our kiss.
I slipped my hand under his shirt and traced the curves of his muscles. With each brush of my fingers, the buzz of our connection increased, and his abs contracted, driving me wild. The rest of the world disappeared until all I sensed were the two of us.
He tore his mouth from mine and kissed down my jawline and neck. My head spun as I leaned my head back, giving him better access. When he reached the juncture of my throat and collarbone, right where my pulse pounded against my neck, he grazed his teeth along the spot.
My wolf howled and my stomach tightened. Though our bond was cemented, there was something so possessive in the action that I melted into his arms. Mind hazy, I lowered my hands, fumbling to unfasten his jeans, desperate to touch him.
He chuckled throatily, feeling my need for him. He grabbed my ass and lifted me, and I wrapped my legs around his waist, rocking against him. He groaned as he carried me to the bed and laid me down.
Sitting up, I unbuttoned his pants and pushed them and his boxers down. He sprang free, and I wrapped my hand around him. I’d never tire of seeing him like this.
Here I thought I was the only desperate one. He moaned as he removed my shirt.
His hand slipped around my back and unfastened my bra. Then he tossed it to the floor. His striking blue eyes darkened as he scanned me, and I moved my hand, stroking him.
He growled, his body shivering, making me feel powerful.
What were you saying? I teased as I slowed my pace to drive him wild.
He leaned down, his mouth capturing a nipple as he easily removed my jeans and pushed them and my panties off. His tongue rolled across my nipple, and my back arched just as his fingers slipped between my legs and circled.
The sizzle of our connection and the way he worked my body had pleasure knotting deep inside me. I quickened the pace of my hand on him, wanting to work him into the same frenzy.
Fuck, Sky. He groaned, tugging on our connection. It opened, and I felt his emotions and sensations almost as if they were my own.
Wanting to reciprocate, I tugged on the lilac strand, and our emotions and sensations merged—something I hadn’t realized was possible. I reveled in how erotic it felt.
Friction built in me, sending me over the edge. His fingers quickened, and my ecstasy slammed through our bond. My body shook, but even then, he didn’t slow. I tried to move to get some relief, but his free hand reached out and held me in place. I was at the mercy of his torture, and I both loved it and felt overwhelmed by it.
When my mind cleared, a more desperate hunger took its place. That hadn’t satiated me at all. I had to have him.
Clutching his shirt, I shoved him onto the bed and yanked the garment from his body. As his muscular body and wolf tattoo were revealed, I straddled him and sank down onto him.
I am so damn glad you came to EEU, Raffe linked, his hands gripping my hips as I rode him. Don’t ever think I’d want it any other way. I was miserable without you, and I’d rather die than lose you. We’re stronger and better together. I fucking love you.
Rocking against him, I pressed my hands into his chest. I love you too, and I will never let you go.
He lifted his hips and rolled against me, and we watched each other as we made love.
We moved in sync, sensation building in us. I moved my hips faster, and he cupped my breasts as we reached the edge. When he gently ran his fingers over my nipples, an orgasm rocked through me. My body shook with the ecstasy that flooded between us, and his body tightened. His mouth opened as his release joined mine.
Our breaths mingled and we watched each other come undone. The pleasure seemed never-ending. When my head cleared, I flopped onto the bed beside him.
This was the moment we’d needed. A moment to connect.
I cuddled into his side and let my heavy eyelids close.
Later,I went out onto the covered back porch and sat at the wooden bar. We’d put on new clothes and had dinner, and I’d come out here to get some fresh, cool night air.
Raffe was cleaning up the kitchen while the others got ready for bed, and I wanted a moment to myself. There was no telling when I’d last had one.
A few owls hooted, and a pair of red foxes appeared at the edge of the woods, staring at me. Just as I was about to get up and head toward them, the sliding glass door opened, and Octavia’s strawberry scent hit my nose.
“Mind if I join you?” she asked.
I wanted to say no, but the more she talked, the more she might slip up and say something she didn’t mean to.
Do you need me? Raffe linked.
I could hear him running water in the sink, and I looked over my shoulder at him through the window. I’ll let you know if I do. Right now, it’s fine.
Octavia sat on the open barstool beside me and pursed her lips.
Silence hung between us, but I kept my mouth shut. She’d sought me out, not the other way around.
After several minutes, she exhaled loudly. “I assume you’ve heard the history of our kind.”
I nodded, keeping my gaze on the trees as the cold October breeze rustled the needles.
“And what did they tell you?” she asked.
I wondered if this was a test, but it didn’t matter. Whether she was who she said she was or part of the Veiled Circle, she already knew. By telling her the history, I wasn’t revealing knowledge she didn’t already have. So I told her about the first documented arcane-born, Foster, and how he’d caused an earthquake and almost imploded. That a coven had found him and taken him in and he’d had a connection with the local wolf pack alpha’s daughter. That the wolves had attacked and Foster had imploded, allowing the wolf shifters to take over and rule.
She didn’t respond, and when I turned my head toward her, I found her deathly pale.
Her brows furrowed, and she smacked her mouth as if she’d tasted something foul. “That’s what they told you?”
My back straightened, and power jolted. “Yes. Why are you acting like that?”
“Because they left out a lot of information. Information you should know. No wonder you trusted the coven.” She twisted in the chair to face me. “They made it sound like they only wanted to help the arcane-born.”
Wait. I hadn’t expected that.
“Don’t worry.” She touched my arm and smiled. “I’ll tell you everything.”