Chapter 52
Aiden leaned forward in the high-backed stool at the kitchen island. Jamie was seated to his right, his body pressed up against his side. They’d listened to Heath’s plan for their spy trip to Canada. Iris was handling the bakery with help from a newly hired Bree.
“I think I’ve figured out the disguises,” Piper said. “I’m going to change your facial structures, hair color, and voices. Oh, and your scents, too. I don’t want any shifters that might be there, including your father”—she looked at Aiden—“to know you guys are shifters.”
“You can do that?” Aiden asked.
She chuckled. “Well not really. It’ll be just an illusion. I’m actually just changing how others will see, hear, and scent you. I’m just working out how to keep Aiden’s eyes from turning bright orange.”
“Wait, what?” Jamie asked. “Why just Aiden’s eyes?”
“I’m betting his phoenix is going to want a piece of his father. I just want to make sure he’s able to keep the beast on lockdown so we don’t get caught,” Piper said.
Aiden snorted. “I get that you’re worried, but it won’t be an issue.”
Piper gave him a confused look.
“My beast wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize Jamie’s life. He’ll behave himself,” Aiden said.
Jamie pushed his stool even closer and wrapped his hands around Aiden’s right forearm. “I know you wouldn’t, babe.”
Aiden kissed the top of Jamie’s head and glanced up to see Piper giving him and Jamie heart eyes. “What?”
“You guys are so cute,” she said, beaming. “I’m so happy for you.”
Jasper moved behind his mate and wrapped his arms around her. “Such a romantic,” he teased and kissed her cheek.
Heath groaned. “No time for all that.” He gestured toward the two couples in the room.
“You’re just mad Mac’s stuck at work,” Piper teased.
“Damn straight,” Heath said. “Now, let’s discuss the backstory Jasper’s prepared for you three.”
“Three?” Jamie squeaked. “Is Jasper coming?”
Piper giggled. “No, I am. I’ll be acting as your very skilled personal assistant. You two are very demanding bosses, so I’ll need to be right by your side.” She winked at them.
Jamie bobbed his head against Aiden’s shoulder. “Aren’t we lucky to have a PA that’s a witch?”
Aiden nuzzled his head against Jamie’s neck. “We are indeed.”
“Alright, alright. Let’s get this done so you guys can go do all this”—he waved a finger at the two couples—“back in your own homes.”
“But Heath, didn’t you want us all to stay here?” Aiden asked.
“Yeah, I still think it’s the safest idea, but I have to convince Beau and my sister first.” Heath rolled his eyes. “They’re both being dramatic.”
Jasper chimed in. “The grizzly doesn’t want to leave his den. You had to see that coming.”
“I know,” Heath moaned. “Come on guys, we need to focus.” He slammed his hand down on the counter and turned his back to them. He lowered his head and ran a hand over his head.
Everyone was stunned into silence. Aiden had never seen Heath lose his temper. Heath was always a leader. He was sometimes bossy, sometimes missed the humor in certain circumstances, but he always watched out for everyone.
“We’re sorry. We were just fooling around to relieve this tension,” Jamie said in a low voice.
“I know,” Heath said. He turned around, his eyes watery. “I just want this to be over so I can bring our daughter back to me and Mac.”
“Oh,” Piper said, covering her open mouth with a hand.
Aiden jumped off his stool and walked over to Heath. He grabbed him in a hug. He felt the big man tense and then slowly relax. Aiden pulled back to look at Heath, the eyes of his phoenix gleaming. “We’re going to do this. We’re going to get the info we need to end this once and for all. You’ll be up to your eyes in dirty diapers in no time.”
Heath chuckled weakly and wiped his eyes. “I just want my whole family back.”
“You’ll have it,” Aiden said. “Promise.”