Chapter 17

"Is everyone okay?"I asked.

"We're fine," Shepard said. "We took care of the vampires that showed up, but the master wasn't among them. I'm afraid Miles is still under his control for now."

At Vena's frantic expression, Shepard added, "I'll bring Miles to my house. I want you two to stay there, too."

"While I agree that Miles should go to your house," Cross said, "I think a hotel suite with catering and a spa would be more suitable for Everly and Vena."

"Everly's not going to a hotel with you," Shepard snapped.

"Everly is an adult who can make her own decisions," Vena said, sticking up for me. "And a hotel sounds nice. Everly's had a rough few weeks."

I knew it had nothing to do with me and everything to do with Vena wanting a massage, and I fought not to shake my head at her.

"Between seeing her best friend get pampered with her at the hotel's spa under my care or watching her get mauled by the mutts you can't control, which do you think she would choose?" Cross asked.

Shepard's arm shot to Cross' throat, but Cross sidestepped and swatted Shepard's butt in the same spot as the welt had been.

"Come now. Let's not quarrel in front of the ladies," Cross said.

"Now we're ladies?" Vena asked me. "Thought we were hookers."

Shepard growled at Cross before stepping closer to me. "Everly, we both know it's smarter to keep Vena close to her brother so she doesn't talk you into something you might regret."

"Vena's right here," Vena said, scowling at Shepard.

I felt like I was watching a weird comedy routine. And I didn't hate it. Even though Shepard sounded annoyed, he was still talking to Cross, and I could see how much Cross was enjoying the interaction.

"As tempting as some spa time sounds, I think Shepard is right and we should stick with Miles. Considering how Miles is acting, the safest place for him is with Shepard's people. But that will only work if MC stays away from Vena so she doesn't try to stab him."

The humor left Cross' expression as he looked at Shepard.

"Do you swear your people will accept their presence?" Cross asked. "Don't pretend you didn't notice how your lackey looks at Everly. He is as dismissive of her due to her association with me as he is dismissive of you."

"I'll deal with MC," Shepard said, pulling out his phone and calling MC on speaker.

"What now?" MC answered.

"I need you to find somewhere else to stay tonight."

"Already arranged."

Shepard scowled at the phone. "I told you to go home, and you're going somewhere else?"

"Home is California. My temporary home is mine to decide."

"I expect you to follow orders MC, not twist my words to suit your mood."

"What does it matter? You wanted me gone anyway. But I am curious why I'm good enough to order around but suddenly not good enough to stay in your home.

"My guess is that, after tonight's latest failed attempt to get the vampire population under control, you want the girls tucked into your bed where you can rut over them. Vena deserves better. Consider this my official challenge for alpha. I'm over your bullshit orders."

Shepard's chuckle surprised me.

"You think I'm kidding?" MC asked over the speaker. "Our laws are clear. If you're challenged, you must respect the challenge or forfeit your right to lead."

"It's your funeral," Shepard said. "Tomorrow night after Blur closes. I'll text you the location."

"I'll be waiting for it."

The call ended, and I met Shepard"s gaze.

"We can just stay with Cross," I said.

"That won't undo the challenge. Once it's made, it needs to be honored," Shepard said. He looked at Cross. "Are you willing to help keep an eye on things here tomorrow since all of my people will be preoccupied with the challenge?"

"Let me know where to be, and I'll be there," Cross said.

Since leaving the vampire house, Miles had stood woodenly at Cross' side.

"Is he okay?" I asked.

"Yes. I've compelled him so he wouldn't attempt to do anything that'll put him in any further danger. He won't remember this conversation either." Cross looked around the dark street. "Perhaps we shouldn't linger any longer, though."

We piled into the car. Rather than making all the guys squeeze into the back, Vena and I let Shepard and Cross have the front, and we sandwiched Miles into the backseat between us.

"Where should I drop you off?" Shepard asked Cross when we neared the exit.

"As soon as you exit the highway. I'll go to Everly's house and watch for movement there."

Shepard nodded. "I'll let my guys know."

"Don't bother. They haven't spotted me yet," Cross said with a smirk.

When Shepard stopped the car, Cross got out and opened my door.

"No reason to sit crowded in the back," he said, offering his hand.

The moment my fingers touched his, he pulled me into his arms. I tipped my head back to look up at his, and the sexy smile he flashed melted my insides.

"Until tomorrow," he said a moment before he brushed his lips against mine.

Shepard swore. Vena laughed. I struggled to maintain rational thought.

Then his lips were gone, and he gently guided me into the front seat and buckled me in.

Shepard's knuckles were white on the steering wheel as he pulled away from the curb. He managed not to say anything for a full minute. When he did speak, it wasn't what I'd expected.

"Are you okay, Everly?"

"Okay?" I echoed, looking at Shepard.

He glanced at me, his gaze sweeping my face.

"You didn't exactly have a say in whether or not you wanted that kiss."

I faced forward and looked out the windshield, trying to decide how to answer. While I hadn't instigated it or asked for it, I hadn't hated it. Cross was handsome, considerate, witty, and if it were Vena compiling his list of attributes, well-endowed both physically and financially.

"Sometimes a girl likes not being asked," Vena said from the backseat. "A take charge kind of moment can be hot. But the keyword is a moment. Guys who are all take charge and never stop to listen to how the woman feels is a big turn-off."

I could feel Shepard glance at me again.

"Are you really worried about how I feel about that kiss, or are you maybe looking for another reason to not like Cross?" I asked.

Shepard gave a slight shake of his head but never answered the question.

After a couple of minutes of strained silence, I asked, "Can we stop at home so Vena and I can pack for the night?"

"No need," Shepard said. "I'll provide everything you need."

I heard a smothered giggle from the backseat, and I knew I'd hear about this from Vena later.

Shepard didn't say anything else until we reached his home.

He pulled to the front door and escorted us inside. A middle-aged woman met him in the entryway. She had dark hair pulled into a low, functional ponytail, and she had a soft, motherly look to her. She took in the state of Shepard's clothes and then glanced at us.

"Lisa, this is Everly, Vena, and Miles. They're going to stay the night."

"Don't worry about a thing, Shepard. I'll take care of them," she said. "Why don't you clean up? Looks like you've been hunting vampires again."

"Put the girls in the suite, and bring them something to eat," he said before she shooed him away. As he walked off, he added, "Use the same protocol for Miles as we've used with Sierra."

After he left, Lisa gave us a once over. "What did he get into this time?" she mumbled to herself. "Come along. I'll get you squared away and fed in no time."

Vena looked at the woman like she did at me anytime I mentioned food. It was pure love. Any hesitation about staying here was gone.

We followed her upstairs to the suite Shepard had mentioned. The room was broken into two sections with a living area and a small kitchenette.

She directed us to the first door off the living room. "You'll find everything you need to shower and clean up in the bathroom. I'll have someone bring you clothing and dinner straight away."

I stepped through the door to find a large room furnished with a king-size bed and a small sitting area. A private patio looked out over the wooded park. To the back of the room was a master bathroom with a bathtub big enough to drown away stress.

Miles went to sit, but Lisa hurried him back to the door. "Let's get you to your room to clean up as well."

"He can stay here," Vena said. "I'll look after him."

"Don't worry about a thing," Lisa said. "Get yourself situated, and you can visit him later."

"Is that okay, Miles?" Vena asked.

Miles nodded emotionlessly and walked out after the woman. Vena frowned as she watched him leave.

"Go shower," I said. "Miles will be fine. You know they took good care of Sierra even though she was mean to everyone."

"I suppose. I just hate that he's like this. We have to find the master, or Miles will be--"

I turned her toward the bathroom. "Go. Get cleaned up first so we can eat. Then we'll think of a plan."

She nodded and closed herself inside.

Before Vena finished her shower, a younger woman delivered two sets of pajamas and a change of clothes for us. She also let me know dinner was on the way.

Placing the clothes on the bed, I listened at the bathroom door. Normally, Vena showered quickly.

I knocked when I didn't hear anything. "Vena, are you okay?"

"No!"

I opened the door to find her standing in front of the sink. She was wrapped in a towel and furiously scrubbing her teeth and tongue with a toothbrush.

"I can't get the feeling of his tongue out of my mouth!"

I had to turn away not to gag. The amount of foam coming out of her mouth was enough to wash a car.

"Pajamas are on the bed. Let me know when I can shower."

"When all the feeling in my mouth dies."

It was another two minutes before she emerged.

"Better?" I asked.

She shook her head. "Maybe after dinner. Or maybe once I find Anchor and can kiss him."

Since I didn't want her to wallow in doubt, I picked up pajamas and handed them to her. "Change and go watch TV. Dinner should be here soon."

In the bathroom, I stripped down to my bra and underwear and attempted to turn on the shower. It should have been easy. However, there was a smart panel that regulated temperature and water flow. It even had options for music or nature sounds. The only thing I couldn't find was how to turn the water on.

"I should be smart enough to work this stupid thing," I muttered to myself as I poked the screen. The lights changed from a blue-white to a yellow-white and then to pink. I poked at it again.

Water gushed from one of the side showerheads and doused me with icy water. I squealed in surprise and yelled for Vena. She wasn't the one to burst in, though.

Wearing nothing but a damp towel around his waist, Shepard moved me to the side and tapped on the screen. The water turned off, and the pink lighting went away.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

His wet hair fell around his head in a sexy, wild disarray. My gaze skimmed over his cheeks and strong jaw, catching briefly on his lips before landing on the clean, broad expanse of his chest.

A ring nestled between the valley of his chiseled, smooth pecs. It looked like Cross' twin, but with a blue gem instead of a red one.

Without thinking, I reached up to turn it. My fingers brushed Shepard's skin. He caught my hand in a loose hold, and I looked up at him.

"I wasn't trying to take it," I said.

"I know. But if you don't want me to kiss you again, you should refrain from touching me," he said gently.

"Oh." I didn't know what else to say while holding his intense gaze. Should I tell him that I hadn't minded our kiss? That I wasn't sure where I stood between him and Cross? Was I some prize in the middle, or was it something else?

My gaze shifted to my hand in his and the way his finger was lightly feathering back and forth over mine. Shepard or Cross? Cross or Shepard? They were both appealing and drew me in.

I glanced up again, studying Shepard's bright grey eyes.

He made a small growling sound and cursed. Then his lips were on mine. Not hot and demanding but soft, sweet, and asking. I tipped my head back and welcomed him in. He pulled me closer with his free hand pressed against the small of my back and deepened the kiss. My pulse started to race at the first caress of his tongue against mine.

I had to be crazy. What was I doing? I didn't want to be a part of their tug-of-war game. Yet, the way I felt in Shepard's arms seemed so real.

He tore his mouth from mine and nibbled his way down my neck.

"Everly," he whispered reverently. He set my hand on his chest, and I felt his racing heartbeat beneath my palm. "Do you have any idea what you mean to me?"

It was a huge red flag question. One that Vena would run from. Not me. Not usually. Why, then, did it feel like he'd blasted me with cold shower water? Maybe because he was a wolf. And wolves mated forever. I wasn't ready to give forever. Not right now.

I stepped back from him, breathing hard and wide-eyed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen," I hurried to say. "It's been a bit stressful lately, and I'm not thinking straight."

His gaze swept over my face, without judgment but with a large amount of desire that made me want to step right back into his arms.

"I'm not a quick and easy type of girl," I said. "I'm not a prude, but I don't mess around. Not with my feelings or anyone else's."

"I know that, Everly. That's why I like you." He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "I apologize for taking what you weren't willing to give. It won't happen again."

"I, uh–I wasn't unwilling, Shepard," I said, not wanting him to think he'd behaved like MC. "I just don't–" I blew out a breath. "You and Cross already have a lot of animosity. I don't want to be the reason for it to grow."

Shepard studied me and gave me a soft smile. "I understand. Thank you for clarifying."

He turned away, and feeling torn and sad, I watched him leave.

I liked Shepard. A lot.But when I thought of doing more with Shepard, I worried what Cross would think. And the same thing for doing more with Cross. Kissing both of them was enjoyable. So was their attention. But I refused to mislead either of them or become a pawn in their game.

Sighing, I stepped to the side, hit the button Shepard had used, then adjusted the temperature.

While I scrubbed both vampire and wolf scents from my skin, I considered the Shepard versus Cross problem. As I'd said, I wasn't easy. Neither was I the type to string two guys along. Yet, the thought of having a serious talk with Shepard and Cross about their intentions had me wrinkling my nose.

The shower didn't wash away my confusion or give me any answers. All it did was make me smell like Shepard's soap.

Dressed in my pajamas with the towel wrapped around my head, I emerged from the bathroom to find Vena in her pajamas, sitting on the floor in front of the TV with a plate in her hands. It was loaded with mashed potatoes covered with a stew-like gravy.

Mouth full, she gave me a tight-lipped smile and a thumbs up.

"Yours is here," Shepard said, drawing my attention to where he stood, dressed in a loose pair of shorts. When he took a step toward me, I saw it move obscenely under the soft fabric. My gaze flew to his, and he cocked his head as he closed the distance between us.

"Are you okay? You look flushed."

"Yep. Fine. Thanks for the food."

He frowned slightly. "About what happened…"

"What happened?" Vena asked, having swallowed in a large gulp. "What did I miss?"

"Nothing," I said before cringing and glancing at Shepard.

"That doesn't look like nothing," Vena said. "That looks like guilt. Did Shepard scrub your back while he was in there?"

"No. No scrubbing," I said, taking the plate.

"Oh. Interesting. Everly's blushing," she said with a laugh. "So there was some kind of Shepard action. Did you drop the soap?"

I shot Vena a warning look.

"Shutting up and eating," she said.

I sat on the floor beside her, purposely not looking at Shepard as I took my first bite.

Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.

Someone knocked on the suite's door, and Shepard went to answer it. I only caught a few words of the hushed conversation–MC…Challenge…Pack support–and I realized the next day would bring its own set of challenges for all of us.

Wakingin a new place was disorientating. The bed felt way too comfortable, and the room was much darker than at home. Turning my head, I looked over to find Vena sprawled next to me on the king bed, taking up most of the mattress. I hadn't noticed with all the bedding and pillows.

Swimming to the edge of the bed, I stood with a stretch. The clock on the nightstand read eight. I was tempted to sleep more since we had to work later but knew today was also the day of the challenge between MC and Shepard.

I wasn't sure what that entailed, but I knew the winner would take control of the D.C. pack. While Shepard was capable, that didn't mean MC wasn't just as capable. What would happen if MC took control?

I glanced at Vena and acknowledged it wasn't a prospect I wanted to think about.

After a quick trip to the bathroom, I peeked out to the common living space to find our clothes yesterday had been cleaned and left in neatly folded piles along with a note on the coffee table.

Let me know when you wake up. I'll have breakfast delivered. - Shepard

I texted him.

Me: Saw your note. I just woke up. Vena is still sleeping.

Shepard: I'll be there in a little while. Is there anything you need in the meantime?

Me: We're good. Thank you.

I glanced at the phone, wondering why the conversation sounded stunted. I realized that was the nature of texts, but at the same time, I wondered if I was thinking too much about the kiss with Shepard.

Taking my clothes, I headed to the bathroom and got ready for the day. By the time I returned to the living room, Shepard had returned.

"Did you sleep well?"

I nodded. "The bed is like sleeping on a cloud. Have you checked on Miles? How is he?"

"He's fine."

After a courtesy knock, the door opened and Lisa came inside, leading another woman pushing a food cart brimming with covered plates.

"How much do you think we'll eat?" I asked with a laugh.

Shepard glanced at me. "I have a big appetite."

Was it just me, or was he no longer talking about food?

If the other women noticed, they didn't let on. They were too busy removing the lids and placing everything on the four-seat kitchen table.

I took in the sight of eggs benedict, French toast, crepes, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, and cinnamon rolls. Everything looked lovingly prepared with artistic garnishes.

"Do you have a professional chef?" I asked after they left.

"One of the wives is a chef. I hired her to take care of the food here."

"With so many people, I assume she doesn't work alone, right?"

He nodded. "There is a job for everyone who wants to contribute."

Vena shuffled out of the bedroom. "I smell bacon." Her nose led her straight to the platter. She stole two right away and said she'd be back. Shepard and I sat down. Vena returned in seconds. What amazed me more was that she was fully dressed.

"Did you sprint?" I asked her.

"If there's bacon, I have super speed." She sat at the table and piled most of the bacon onto her plate along with one slice of French toast, one cinnamon roll, and one ripe strawberry. "For balance," she said when I eyed the single strawberry.

I shook my head at her and looked at Shepard as he placed a cinnamon roll on my plate.

"What does today's challenge mean for you?" I asked. "When you were talking about it with Cross at the restaurant, it sounded bad."

"It depends on the reason I'm challenged. MC says he thinks I'm leading poorly, but I believe he's challenging me because I pulled him away from Vena."

"Thank you very much for that," Vena said.

Shepard smiled at her and nodded.

"So you're not worried then? Do you need help with anything?"

"Actually, I was hoping to talk to both of you about that," he said. "While I'd rather keep you both here until your shift at Blur, I don't think it would be fair for either of you."

"Why?" I asked.

"Coordinating tonight's challenge is going to take up every minute of my time after breakfast."

"I hope you squash MC," Vena said with bacon sticking out of her mouth.

"I will."

"I want front-row seats."

Shepard's gaze shifted to me. "You'll have them."

"So where are we going if you don't want us here?" I asked.

"I want you here, Everly. Never doubt that. But for now, I'd feel better if you were at your house. I'll send Doc with you."

"Nope. Keep your guys out finding vamps so Miles can be free. I assume you need them to help with the challenge, too. Cross can guard us," Vena said. "We'll tell him to meet us there after breakfast."

"Okay, but Miles should stay," Shepard said. "And I'm only sending the two of you home temporarily until the challenge is complete. Then you're back here with me."

The fact he didn't say no to Cross surprised me. Hadn't he said no to Cross being at the house in exchange for getting Cross his identification papers?

"Are you okay with Cross watching us?" I asked.

"No, but he's my best option at the moment."

"I'll send him a text," Vena said.

"I can do it," Shepard said.

"What time are you kicking us out?" Vena asked.

I nudged her with my foot.

"Hey," she said. "I'm not complaining. I just had the best night's sleep, a gourmet breakfast, and an interesting interaction with the special feature in the shower. This place is great. But it's also not home, and I'd rather avoid MC until it"s time to watch Shepard hand him his ass."

Shepard already had his phone out. Mine and Vena's pinged at the same time with a notification.

Shepard: Cross, can you meet the girls at their house and stay with them until they leave for work?

Cross: I'll be there. Don't worry about them. Worry about making sure your mongrel doesn't go after Everly.

Shepard: I'm handling it. Worry about your vamps, not me.

Cross: Of course, I worry about you. You're the only mutt I like to play with. Try not to get killed.