Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Cross smiled as Shepard took the empty seat beside me.

“Everly is going to think about moving in with me.”

My gaze ricocheted between Shepard and Cross. Was Cross purposely antagonizing Shepard? I thought they’d moved past that.

Neither one seemed upset, though.

Shepard simply nodded and leaned back in his chair.

“It makes sense she’s thinking of future living arrangements now that Vena seems committed to Anchor. It won’t be long before Everly is alone in that house, and that’s not something either of us want. If she plans to run the bakery, which requires waking early, living above it would save her time in the mornings.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“With those extra bedrooms you have, I wouldn’t mind staying over too and getting away from everything myself from time to time.”

The amused tilt to Cross' lips grew more pronounced.

“Extra rooms? I thought you and I could share.”

I untangled my fingers from Cross' and stared at the pair, unsure what to think of the teasing.

The door opened again, and the server entered with an appetizer and another place setting for Shepard. When the door closed behind him, I was again the center of their attention.

“Not that I mind, but why are you here, Shepard? Did something happen?”

“I wanted to make sure you were all right. Doc arranged everything for your family so they’ll be safe. They won’t be alone, even on the ship. A mated pair is going as well, discreetly keeping an eye on them.”

“Thank you. That makes me feel better. Can you afford to send any of your people away now, though?”

“The pair is expecting, so they don’t mind leaving D.C. right now. And not having to watch your parents’ home actually helps. I can reassign those people to search for the man who approached you earlier and to the market. I heard what happened this morning and how close you were to being hit by the spell.”

“What spell?” Cross asked.

“Remember that chaotic moment I mentioned? Anchor stepped in to break up a fight between a dwarf and a woman who specialized in powerful protection charms,”—Cross nodded subtly that he understood who I was speaking of—“and got hit by a spell meant for the dwarf. I wasn’t in any danger at all.”

“What happened to Anchor?” Cross said.

“Nothing,” I said, fighting not to flush. “He’ll be fine.”

“He’s currently impotent,” Shepard said. “According to Anchor, it will wear off after a certain number of…er, attempts.”

I’d expected Cross to laugh because, truthfully, it was a little funny. But he wasn’t laughing. He was staring at me with an expression that would have chilled me if I’d thought it was directed at me.

“You’re overreacting,” I said to Cross. “Even if the spell had hit me, it wouldn’t have been a big deal.”

Cross' eyes went completely black and stayed like that as his gaze shifted to Shepard.

“We agree that having Everly hit by that spell would have been devastating; however, the danger to her wasn’t in the spell but in the moment's distraction.” He withdrew the note from his pocket and handed it to Shepard. “She discovered this in her bag while having lunch with me.”

Shepard took the note, saying nothing as he scanned the brief message.

“We called the number. An old acquaintance of mine, Orphia Prince, wanted to meet with Everly. We declined. When we left the restaurant, Adriel was there in his other form. I gave chase.”

“And that was when the man appeared?” Shepard asked.

“Yes.”

“So, who is behind all of this? Orphia or Adriel?” Shepard asked.

“Adriel follows Orphia. He’s after the rings for her,” Cross said.

The rings.

“I believe she’ll continue trying to lure Everly to appear like she did when Adriel lured her to that club.” Cross looked at me. “You cannot fall for her tricks. No matter who she uses or what she does. Do you understand?”

“Why me?”

Cross and Shepard shared a look before Shepard said, “She understands we would do anything to get you back.

“I’ll let Anchor know about this slip-up,” Shepard said, pocketing the note. “I’ll also ensure he isn’t the only one keeping watch over Everly and Vena.”

Uncomfortable with the current mood, I quickly changed topics.

“How did your meeting with the fae go?”

Shepard flushed and tugged at his earlobe. Cross chuckled.

“What? Why are you laughing?”

“Do you recall Shepard’s call on the way to the mountain?” Cross asked. “He had to meet with the fae queen, who has long lusted after your Alpha.”

My Alpha? I glanced at Shepard, noting the increasing color in his face.

“Was she too handsy?” I asked.

Cross' laugh echoed in the room. The door opened behind him before either of them answered, and the server delivered the first course.

Once he was gone, I waited expectantly for one of them to clue me in.

“I’m betting it wasn’t only her hands he had to fend off,” Cross said.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that, Shepard. I know what unwanted attention feels like.” Both shot me a worried look. “I meant serving at Blur.”

“Ah. Yeah, it was uncomfortable, but at least, she listened to the problem and acknowledged that the vampires need to be stopped. However, she isn’t convinced that the problem is serious enough to break their neutrality yet.”

Cross tapped his fingers on the table as he gazed at the food.

“Fools,” he said before sighing and looking at me. “Let’s focus on dinner. The rest can wait until later.”

It turned out to be a nine-course meal. Each course was paired with a wine, and even though each serving was appropriately sized smaller, I was full by the last dish.

The waiter arrived with the bill.

“I think it’s time to get you back home.” Shepard stood and held out his hand to help me stand.

“Thank you both for everything today,” I said.

“It’s my pleasure. Always,” Cross said. He looked at Shepard. “Less pleasurable with you, but we can work on that.”

“But it was a pleasure for me, Cross,” he said as he walked me out the door, leaving Cross with the bill.

I heard Cross’ low chuckle trail after us, and Shepard grinned. Once we were outside, we waited for our vehicles.

“With everything that’s happened today, I’ve asked Vena to pack you a bag and bring it with her to the complex,” he said. “It would be safer for you both to avoid your house for a while.”

“Does that mean we’re imposing on your personal space again?”

“It’s never an imposition to have you there, Everly. Since Vena’s parents are already there, I believe Vena will stay with them.”

If her mom had anything to say, Vena would be sharing a room with Anchor, but I didn’t say that.

Shepard followed me in his SUV, and we reached his complex in no time. The lights were still on in the massive building as we parked near the front entry door. Six kids ran out of the building, carrying nets and jars.

“What are you hunting?” Shepard asked as we approached.

“Fireflies.”

“And what will you do with them after?”

“Release them. Mom said I couldn’t use them as nightlights.”

Shepard tousled the boy's scruffy brown hair. “We protect, not harm.”

“I know.”

“Good. Have fun with the others. But stay near the house and guards.”

Only when Shepard said “guards” did I notice men stationed around the house.

When the boys ran off, I asked, “You didn’t use to have guards outside, did you?”

“No. With the current situation, I want to ensure we keep an eye on the pack.”

“And the kids are safe out here?”

“There are men stationed out in the woods, too.” Shepard took my hand and walked me inside. “Even though we’re not in an ideal situation, it’s important for kids to still be kids. Until something makes that change, I’ll give them as much freedom as possible while still ensuring their safety.”

We walked through the entryway, and the woman behind the reception desk, off to the side, gave us a curious but friendly glance as we passed. The halls were fairly quiet as we navigated our way to Shepard’s suite.

From staying with him before, I knew the room was broken into two sections with a living area and a small kitchenette. On either side of the living room was a door–a guest room and the master suite. Shepard's room also had a private patio overlooking the wooded park.

It was like being at a resort.

“Make yourself at home,” Shepard said. “I’ll get your bag from Vena.”

Alone, I brushed my teeth with a new toothbrush waiting on the counter then showered.

When I emerged, wrapped in a towel, Shepard stood in the bedroom. His hand fisted the bag he held as his gaze swept over me. Fine tremors ran through him.

Thoughts from the last time I’d seen his control fray collided with my normally sensible thoughts. I liked that I made him struggle.

“Nice necklace,” he said.

I touched the gems, unsure what to say, and watched him inhale deeply.

“You’re worried I don’t like that he gave you something. Don’t worry. I’ll never deny you the protection you need, Everly. Even if it’s from him.”

Shepard closed the distance between us and caught me up in his arms. Holding me, he kissed my damp neck lightly, adding the scrape of his teeth. “Just…please don’t pull away from me.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist and let myself melt into his hold. He growled against my skin but didn’t press for anything more than simply holding me.

“I’m not pulling away from you, Shepard. Dating two people is new to me, and I don’t want anyone hurt.”

He released his hold around me to smooth back the wet hair from my face. “Is that what we’re doing, Everly? Dating?”

My stomach dipped. “Isn’t it?”

His slow smile melted my insides. “I hope so.”

He kissed me tenderly. It stole my breath and made me want to hop up and wrap my legs around his waist.

When he broke away to look at me again, I exhaled shakily.

“I think I need to understand your boundaries, Shepard. I don’t want to accidentally do anything that would lead you to believe I’m ready to be mated to you. Is the line sex, or is it before that?”

He swallowed hard, and I watched his eyes change from grey to gold.

“Are you asking because of Cross, or are you not yet ready to commit to any relationship?”

I thought about it. The idea of a solid relationship wasn’t off-putting. Maybe because I found someone worth liking. As soon as I had that thought, I knew it was right. Yet it wasn’t a single someone but two of them.

“It’s about Cross. I like you both,” I said.

Shepard let out a long breath and smiled slightly.

“I need you to translate your reaction for me,” I said.

“I can handle that you want Cross, too. It’s the idea that you’re not yet ready to settle down and want to date other men…” Another tremor ran through him. “I think we’ve progressed too far for me to handle that well.”

“But you’re fine with me seeing Cross?”

“Playing nice with him to be with you isn’t a sacrifice. It would never work if he were like the rest of his kind. But he’s different and keeps you safe when I can’t. So I’m willing to make him the exception.”

His sincerity burned through me, and I rose to my toes to brush my lips against his.

“So what does that mean exactly for the line? Is it at third base or second?”

“There is no line,” he said roughly before kissing me hungrily.

All my teasing thoughts fell away under his barely-checked aggression. His hands roamed under my towel, along my sides, igniting my need for more. I tugged at his shirt until my fingers slipped under to tease over his sides in return.

He growled and picked me up without breaking the kiss.

My back pressed into a mattress, and I wrapped my legs around his waist. It had the opposite effect than I’d been hoping for.

He broke off the kiss and looked down at me.

“You’re addictive, Everly. I understand what you want and will do my best to respect it.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “Change. I’m going to shower and cool off.”

He left me, and only after I listened to the door close did I try sitting up. The towel had come loose and needed an arm to keep it pinned in place. I didn’t have to worry, though. The bag he’d brought was right next to me.

On Shepard’s bed.

I opened it and found the silky nightgown. While I didn’t mind the nightgown, I noticed Vena hadn’t provided underwear, and the length of the pajamas would probably just barely cover my backside.

Whatever. It wasn’t like I was doing anything but getting under the covers. Tossing the towel aside, I put on the nightgown and climbed into bed.

I woke up hot, sweaty, and cocooned tightly. It wasn’t the blankets restricting my movements but two arms that crisscrossed over my stomach. One was heavier than the other. I followed those arms to the men on either side of me.

Shepard was turned toward me. His exhales tickled my neck.

On the other side, Cross faced me as well. However, he wasn’t sleeping. When our gazes connected, he saw my disbelief and smiled at me.

“How did you get in here?” I whispered, not wanting to wake Shepard for Cross’ sake.

“Not even a pack of wolves could keep me from reaching you.” He pressed a kiss against my temple. “And being in bed with a sleeping wolf is icing on the cake.”

I couldn’t believe Cross. Part of me wanted to laugh. The other part was freaking out that Shepard would wake up.

“I can hear you,” Shepard mumbled, sounding more bored than angry. “You’re not as quiet as you think you are.”

“Quiet enough not to rouse your pack,” Cross said. “Speaking of arousing, your sleeping heart rate is quite high this morning. You like me in your bed, don’t you…”

Cross’ arm moved to pet Shepard’s hip through the blanket. Shepard’s eyes snapped open, and he shoved Cross’ hand away.

“Find your own bed.”

“I'm willing to share mine if you share yours.” Cross wiggled his eyebrows.

Shepard rolled his eyes before shoving him from the bed. “Go, or I’ll call the guards.”

Cross stood and leaned in to kiss my neck. “I hope the next time I’m in bed with you, you’ll skip the underwear again, Everly.”

“Run fast,” Shepard said then whistled sharply.

Cross chuckled and blurred out the patio doors.

“Is he going to be okay?”

“Yes. Everyone knows not to kill him.”

“Not to kill, but what about harm?”

“He’ll recover quickly.” At my concerned expression, Shepard smiled. “He’ll be fine. What are you hungry for this morning?”