17. Kirsten

My stomach lurched and rumbled loud enough to wake me up. I was starving. That was the first thought in my mind when I woke up. Opening my eyes, I found Jace smiling down at me.

"I was wondering when Sleeping Beauty would wake up."

Sitting up, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I was in Jace's bed. Light streamed through the window, but it was much too bright to be dawn. It looked more like late afternoon.

"How long was I out?"

Jace smirked. "About sixteen hours."

I gaped at him, my mouth opening and closing like a goldfish. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah. Tinsley checked on you a few times, but she said you depleted a ton of your magic to save Stephanie. She would have died without you, you know."

If I closed my eyes, I could still see Stephanie's blood coating my hands. "How is she doing?"

No one could say I was Stephanie's biggest fan after what she'd done, but I wasn't petty enough to not care whether someone lived or died. She'd also been instrumental in getting the kids out safely. Anyone who would sacrifice themselves for children deserved a second chance.

"She's fine. Tired. She's been sleeping a lot. Her body is still recovering, but Reese says her injuries have all healed up nicely." He squeezed my hand. "Good job, babe."

I couldn't help but smile. There was something both exhilarating and heartwarming about saving people. Was this the high doctors got when they successfully cured someone? Performed a successful surgery? Probably.

"I've got more news," Jace said, and the look on his face told me it was serious.

"What's wrong? What did I miss while I was playing the role of Rip Van Winkle?"

"Eren sent word through one of his betas. He's accepting the challenge. It's set for two months from now in a clearing on Ivy's pack lands."

"Two months? Why so long?"

"These things are always scheduled pretty far out. It gives each alpha time to get their affairs in order, since at least one of them isn't making it back."

"Is he really going to go through with it? He has to know he doesn't stand a chance against you in a one-on-one fight."

Jace grimaced. "Eren's a rat. I have zero faith he'll respect the date or location. If I had to guess, he'll try to subvert that with an attack of some sort before the challenge. Either that, or he'll have an ambush in place when we get there."

That didn't surprise me. If Eren had proven anything, it was that he couldn't give two shits about laws, rules, or honor.

"Did everyone make it out okay?" I asked, my thoughts turning to Carter and his mother.

Jace brushed his fingers over my face and tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear. "All good. Everyone is settled in. Ivy and Dustin found housing for everyone they took in. From what I hear, they're all super stressed out, but happy to be safe."

The muscles in his face were so taut with anger. I reached out to place a hand on his chest. "What's wrong?"

"I just keep thinking about it," he said. "He was right there. I should have killed him. Should have taken the chance. Then all of this would be done."

"You have no idea who or what he might have had on the way for backup. Hell, he could have had his entire army of thugs waiting in the shadows. Honestly, Jace, I think the only thing that was holding him back was the presence of the other alphas."

Jace snorted. "You sound like Waylan. He's been telling me the same thing. He thought it was all over as soon as Eren showed up. He's just grateful we got away."

"You should be, too," I said. "Live to fight another day, right?"

"I suppose so. Maybe you're right." But the twist of his mouth told me he didn't believe it.

"I know I'm right," I said, poking him playfully.

He smiled. "I think that little trick you did probably gave him second thoughts about attacking us, too."

"Huh? What trick?" What was he talking about?

"That blast of purple lighting. Dude looked like he was about to shit himself when you did that. Impressed the hell out of everyone. It's all the others can talk about. Apparently, the kids saw it happen through the van windows. They think you're a superhero or something."

His words sparked a memory. I'd been so furious at Eren that the magic had burst out of me without any thought. I was still learning how to handle my magic, and I was pretty sure I'd aimed for his crotch. I wanted to roast whatever tiny thing he called a penis, but had come up a little short. Ah, well, more's the pity.

When I told Jace that, he doubled over in laughter. Wiping tears from his eyes, he said, "Now that would have really gotten people talking."

"I guess I still need more target practice," I said with a shrug.

Jace cupped my cheek, running his thumb across my lips. "You're perfect for me, you know that?"

Speechless, I didn't pull away as he leaned forward and kissed me sweetly. A contented sigh escaped my lips as I broke the connection.

"Sorry, my breath probably smells like ass. I haven't brushed my teeth since yesterday morning."

A low grumble came from deep in Jace's chest. "I don't care. And those aren't the only lips I want to kiss."

"Oh my," I laughed as he pressed me back down to the bed and kissed me again.

What had been a sweetly intimate moment suddenly flared into something more, something carnal and animalistic. I rammed my tongue into his mouth, desperate to taste him, to press every inch of me against him. Jace's breath rasped out of his nose in short pants as I ran my hands over his back.

I grabbed the hem of his shirt and dragged it up over his body, only breaking the kiss to get it over his head. Jace gazed down at me as I ran my fingers across the rippling muscles of his chest and stomach. The sixteen hours of sleep had done wonders for my exhaustion, and all I could think about was him inside me. Suddenly, Jace was standing next to the bed, and I grumbled at his absence. Grinning at me, he slowly undid his belt and pulled the zipper down, his eyes locked on mine.

Jace toed off his shoes, then dropped his pants. In seconds, he stood naked before me, his cock rigid and quivering. Before he could move, I swung my legs off the bed and wrapped my hand around his shaft. I slid my lips over the tip, swirling my tongue across that sensitive spot on the underside before taking him into my mouth.

Jace groaned in pleasure, and it was so intense that I could feel the vibration of it through his shaft as my lips and tongue slid across his length. His hips jerked, making him thrust lightly into my mouth. I stroked him in time with the movements of my mouth. With my free hand, I cradled and caressed his balls, enjoying the silky, soft texture.

I glanced up at him, and a bolt of pleasure lanced through me when our eyes locked. Jace was looking at me with wonder, his pupils dilated. I wanted him to shout and scream in ecstasy, felt a desperate need to bring him to an earth-shattering climax. Nothing turned me on more than the thought of him shuddering and moaning as he came. Knowing that I'd done that.

"Kirsten… babe, you're gonna make me come."

Pulling my mouth free of him, I grinned. "Good," I said before taking all of him until the head of his cock touched the back of my throat.

He let out another growl and pulled out of my mouth. My saliva glistened on his shaft. "Nope. Not yet."

He tore at my clothes, pulling my shirt over my head and my pants down until I lay on the bed, legs spread, my pussy wet and aching for him. Instead of burying his cock in me, he knelt and slid a finger into me as he sucked and licked my clit. I fisted the sheets and arched my back, pressing my pussy into his face. I never wanted it to end.

He brought me to the edge, the orgasm ready to crash over me, then pulled away. I whimpered in disappointment.

"Not yet," he repeated, then flipped me over onto my stomach.

The strength with which he manhandled me turned me on more than I could have imagined. His power and vigor were so fucking attractive, I somehow wanted him even more. I lifted my ass and wiggled my hips, almost begging him to slam into me.

Thankfully, he obliged. A moment later, the thick head of his cock grazed my clit before sliding into me.

"Fuck." I let the word drag out as one long moan until he was fully inside me.

The panic and worry of the previous day had pushed me to my limit, and I wanted nothing more than to forget it. The best way I could imagine forgetting was by losing myself in Jace.

"Fuck me, Jace. Take me. However you want," I whispered.

With a grunt of satisfaction, he grabbed my shoulders and began to ride me, pulling me onto his cock with each thrust. I'd never felt so full in my life. Guttural moans left me as he fucked me harder than I'd ever been fucked in my life. It was glorious.

The first orgasm rocked me to my core, surprising me with its speed. No steady build-up; instead, it was a tsunami that shocked me with its power. Hot, scorching, but in the most pleasurable way imaginable. And still, Jace didn't slow. If anything, he moved in and out of me with more urgency.

Eventually, his hands slid off my shoulders, grazing down my back until he clutched my ass, crushing me into the bed. Again, again, and again, he thrust into me.

"Oh my god, Jace. Oh, god, I'm gonna come again!" I cried out, voice muffled through the sheets.

"Yeah?" he grunted. "Come for me, baby. You're being so good for me. Come like a good girl."

My eyes actually rolled up in ecstasy when he said those words. Knowing what he wanted, I let go. The last wall dropped, and another climax shook me to my core.

In the haze of passion, time stopped. If heaven was real, this was it.

When Jace finally began to groan, a smile came to my lips.

"Come inside me, Jace," I murmured incoherently as I lifted my ass to meet his every thrust.

"Oh, fuck," he gasped, digging his fingers into my ass.

His cock twitched as he released inside me. He collapsed to the side and pulled me against him, our sweat-slicked bodies clinging together.

"That was really fucking good."

"Ditto," I mumbled, unable to form more syllables.

"You're perfect," Jace whispered.

My heart ached pleasantly at the words, and I reached back to stroke his hip. "You too."

After a while, Jace and I cleaned up and dressed before going downstairs. Harley was in the kitchen, making dinner. When she saw me, she dropped the spoon she held and rushed toward me, hugging me tight.

"I wasn't sure if you'd ever wake up. How are you?"

"I'm okay. Just a little worn out."

She gave Jace a sidelong glance. "I can imagine."

I swatted her arm. "Quit it," I hissed, keeping my voice low.

Harley's smile faded, and her eyes grew moist as she looked into mine. "I was so worried about you. When Jace came in last night, carrying you, I thought the worst. I wasn't sure you would be okay."

All her cheery, smartass bravado that made her who she was melted away as she hugged me again, her body shaking. "I've never been so scared," she whimpered.

I wrapped my arms around her. She'd been my best friend for almost my entire life, and she'd never broken down like this. She needed to let it out.

Finally, I said, "It's all right. I'm fine."

Harley nodded, and I spotted Waylan sitting at the dining room table, eyeing her with a worried expression on his face. Harley and I had lived similar lives, which had been why we'd bonded so strongly as children. Her parents had been just as absent as mine. For a long time, I was the only family she had. Maybe, just maybe, that didn't have to be the case anymore.

Harley was wiping at her eyes, and I gave Waylan a look, silently telling him to get his head out of his ass. He must have caught on because he heaved a heavy sigh and nodded, acknowledging my unspoken urging.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs brought me back to my senses, and when I turned, I found Stephanie walking down, looking both embarrassed and uncomfortable.

"Hi," she said, walking toward me.

The room had gone fully silent, every eye watching the interaction between me and the woman who'd had a hand in my kidnapping. Stephanie's eyes were watery as she stopped in front of me.

"Thank you," Steph said, voice thick and ready to break. "Thank you for saving my life. I'm so sorry for what I did." Whatever dam in her mind had been holding back her emotions broke, and the tears flowed heavy and fast. "I'm sorry, Kirsten. I'm sorry."

I pulled the woman into a hug. "Nothing you've done required your life as penance. I'm sure you would have done the same for me if it had been reversed. You're a doctor, after all."

Steph let out a snot-tinged chuckle. "I guess so."

After breaking the embrace, I held her shoulders and looked into her red-rimmed eyes. "It's going to be okay."

Nodding, she wiped the back of her hand over her eyes.

Jace cleared his throat. He had a serious look on his face, and I wondered what he was going to say.

"Steph, I realize you obviously can't go back to your place in Scottsdale. The council and I talked." He looked over at Langston, Reese, Abigail, and Waylan. "Your house here is still open. Until this thing with Eren is solved, you can stay there if you want." He held up a hand, stopping Steph before she could speak. "We will need to post a guard there if you do decide to stay there. We all appreciate what you did for the children of Scottsdale, but you did betray your pack. I can't trust you completely. Not yet, anyway."

I wanted to argue. Stephanie nearly got herself killed for us. Had I been a few seconds later, we'd be burying her. But I bit my tongue. This was Jace's pack, and he was the alpha. I couldn't undermine him in this, not in front of everyone.

Stephanie nodded shakily. "I'll take you up on that. Thank you."

Jace nodded and waved Tank over. "Tank will take you back to your house. I'll send a guy over soon to watch over you. I won't involve you in any more of the plans we make, but I will keep you in the loop if I think you might be in danger in some way."

"I understand," she said. "I truly am sorry, Jace."

He nodded and sent her on her way. When she was gone, a bit of tension faded, almost as though everyone had been holding their breath, waiting to see the interaction between the two.

As though to punctuate the moment, Jace's phone rang. He slid it from his pocket.

"It's Dustin and Shayna," he said, turning the speaker on. "Hey."

"Hey, big brother," Shayna said.

"Anything wrong?" Jace asked. I could see the worry on his face.

"Calm your ass down, we're fine," Shayna replied. "I'm just calling to update. We've got all the moms and kids settled away. Still finding better solutions for housing, though. As of now, we have them set up in a sort of encampment in the school gymnasium. They seem really happy there, so it must be better than what they came from."

"Good. Do you need anything from us?"

"That's more what I wanted to call about," Shayna said, a sarcastic lilt to her voice. "Dustin was going to call, but he volunteered to cook dinner for the families, so he entrusted me, his gracious and beautiful mate, to do the job."

Jace snorted and rolled his eyes. "I don't like where this is going. I feel like you're about to ask me for money like back when you were a kid."

"It's not like that. It's about Eren."

"What about him?" Jace asked, the muscles in his jaw jumping.

"We don't think he'll honor pack law."

Jace let out a bark of a laugh. "What clued you in?"

"Don't be an ass. I think he's going to try something before the challenge. It's exactly something he'd do. We want to send our strongest betas to you in Crestwood to train with your guys. It would build a little camaraderie between packs, and our pack has never really had to deal with stuff like this. The guys aren't as skilled as your people. Langston was in the military, Waylan is a good fighter. Even Abigail has a lot of martial arts training. And that's just what they can do in their human form. What do you say?"

Jace and Waylan had some sort of weird, silent guy discussion. Raised eyebrows, crooked smiles, nods, sidelong glances, and shrugs. I'd have had a better chance deciphering ancient Greek than figuring out whatever passed between the two of them.

Finally, Jace turned back to the phone. "That sounds doable. We'll do whatever we need to make sure Eren doesn't come out of this with a single win. Let me know when your guys want to come down."

"Great. One other thing, Jace?"

"That would be?"

"Call Ivy. She's got some pretty big news."

Jace caught my eye and frowned. I shrugged, having no clue what Shayna was talking about.

"Why couldn't she just call me directly?" Jace asked.

"She wanted to be sure you were available. Didn't want to play phone tag."

"Do you know what it's about?"

"No. She just told me to have you call her as soon as you could."

Jace let out a weary sigh. "I guess I'll do that now. Talk to you later, Shay."

"See you, big bro," she said, then ended the call.

"What do you think is so important?" Waylan asked.

"Who the hell knows," Jace said as he dialed the other alpha.

She answered almost immediately. "Jace?"

"My sister said you were desperate to speak?"

Over the speaker, I heard her take a deep breath as if she was preparing to say something important. Anxiety clawed at my stomach.

"I have someone here who needs to talk to you," Ivy said, and a moment later, a new voice spoke.

"Hello?" a wavering, somewhat terrified voice asked.

I frowned. It sounded vaguely familiar.

"This is Jace Stone, alpha of Crestwood. Who am I speaking to?"

Ivy cut in again. "Donna Edgerton. The mother of the boy Kirsten saved from being feral. Carter."

Jace frowned at the phone, leaning his bulk on both elbows. "Ivy, I'm not one for melodrama. Can we get to the point here?"

"Go on, Donna. Tell him," Ivy said.

"Okay, um, I've been keeping this secret for a while, so bear with me. I'm not sure if you'll believe this or not… but Eren is not the true heir to the Scottsdale Pack. He's not the real alpha."

Jace froze, a look of consternation coming over his face. Waylan sat, mouth open and brows knit.

Jace regained his footing. "Can you run that by me one more time? And be a little more specific?"

Donna sighed. "Sorry. Yeah, Eren shouldn't be the alpha because he has an older half-brother."

"Eren doesn't have any siblings," Abigail said, looking equally confused. "He never has. Not even a sister. Ma'am, what are you talking about?"

"Oh, this is all coming out wrong," Donna muttered. In the background, Ivy murmured something.

Donna continued. "Here's the deal. Eren's father had another child. He had an affair with my older sister. This happened decades ago. They had a son, who was born a couple months before Eren's mother gave birth to him. By rights and by blood, he should be alpha.

"Eren's father knew there would be trouble if anyone found out, especially his mate, so he sent them away," Donna continued. "My sister swore she'd never tell her son. As far as I know, my nephew has no clue that he's the rightful heir to the Scottsdale Pack."

"Holy shit," Harley whispered beside me. "This shifter drama is just like a soap opera. When do we find out about Jace's long-lost, evil identical twin?"

"Would you shut up?" I hissed.

The council gaped at Jace, who looked absolutely flabbergasted.

Abigail leaned close to the phone. "Are you positive about this? A hundred percent sure?"

"I am," Donna answered. "My sister was a virgin when she got with Eren's dad. He also…um, there's a resemblance, you could say. It's part of why they had to leave. There's no doubt about it."

"What's this mystery man's name?" Abigail asked.

"Flynn. Flynn Edgerton."

Jace cleared his throat. "Well, Donna, where can we find Flynn?" A victorious grin spread across his lips. "He needs to get home and claim his pack."