CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Breathing in the scents of greenery, tree bark, and stagnant pond water the next day, Bailey glanced around. Any human who stepped out onto the complex’s communal yard would no doubt be horrified by the state of it. The grass was overgrown and weedy. The bushes were thick and untamed. Leaves and wood fragments floated on the surface of the pond.

More, the clusters of tall trees were covered in moss and territorial claw marks. And the rockeries were nothing like the decorative ones often seen in backyards; they were messy and chaotic. But this place was a pallas cat’s playground.

They might not claim territory like most breeds of shifter, but they needed space for their animals to run. Bailey herself often let her snake loose here to explore and relax. She wouldn’t be doing that today, though. Because she didn’t quite trust that her serpent wouldn’t end up fighting with Deke’s cat.

Yes, he intended to give the animal a little freedom. Since the feline had recently developed the habit of picking fights with his pride mates, the other shifters who’d been playing in the garden had already left. His cat still had no interest in interacting with others … which was why Bailey disagreed with Deke’s current theory.

Turning to him, she said, “I don’t see how this could possibly be a good idea.”

“My cat won’t hurt you.” Deke jiggled his head, adding, “Unless you come too close.”

“That right there is the problem. I’m apt to push the broody little shit.”

“He resents being called that.”

“Doesn’t make it untrue.” She sighed. “Are you sure you don’t want me to head inside?”

“I’m positive.” He whipped off his tee, baring all that likable taut skin stretched over hard muscle. “As much as he might not want physical contact with you, he does like having you close; he considers you his. Which you are.” Deke’s gaze dipped to the wickedly visible brand on the column of her throat.

He’d marked her a few times the previous night. Her inner thigh and the crook of her neck both also now sported bites, but the one on her throat was the deepest. He’d wanted no one to miss that she was taken, he’d explained.

Possessive ass.

Not that she could talk. The brand she’d left on his jaw was far from subtle. Well, she believed in tit for tat.

Deke quickly shed the rest of his clothes and dumped them on the ground. “Try not to piss him off.” He shifted in a smooth, fast movement.

As if to properly settle into his form, the cat shook his thick, gray, white-tipped fur. A small, stout ball of fluff. That was what he looked like. And super cute with his grumpy expression and little tufty ears that had small patches of creamy white fur.

She loved the snow-leopard-type spots that dotted his forehead. They were as dark as the stripes on his cheeks and the rings on his bushy, black-tipped tail.

His amber eyes landed on her; their pupils round, not vertical. There was nothing welcoming in that gaze. It said, Stay the hell back, I’m not in the mood.

She smiled. “Hey, cranky pants.”

He flashed a fang.

“You realize you only prove my point when you snarl, right?”

He let out a rumbly, somewhat haughty sound and then padded away.

She watched him explore the yard. He ran through the tall, wild grass. Took time to mark trees and rocks. Pawed the edges of the pond.

At no point did he play. Intent on changing that, she picked up a couple of little stones that sat near a rockery. Aiming for a spot on the ground near the cat, she threw a stone. It hit home, startling the feline, who predictably hissed at her.

She gave an innocent shrug. “What?” She threw another stone—again, not at him, just close to him.

He let out a super loud growl that would have chilled a lesser female.

“I ain’t afraid of an itty, bitty thing like you.”

Rumbling yet another growl, he stalked toward her.

“Yeah, come on, show me what you got.”

Nearing her, he swiped out a paw, but his claws were sheathed. It was a clear warning to leave him be.

Instead, she fished the ball of string she’d brought from her pocket and then sat on the ground, spreading her legs wide. Unwinding the ball, she tossed the string at his feet.

He glared down at it, sniffing.

She began wiggling the string and then dragged it toward her just a few inches.

He lunged, slamming his paw on the string.

She tugged on it again, swiping it out from beneath his paw, and slowly pulled it toward her once more.

Like before, he pounced on it.

Smiling, she did it again. And again. On and on it went, until he was between her legs, rolling on the ground as he bit at the string he’d managed to grip with his claws.

She kept on lightly tugging at it just to keep him focused on it. Which was likely why he didn’t react when he soon after rolled so close to her that his back crashed into her leg. Rather than freaking out over the physical contact, he stayed like that for long minutes, chewing on the string. The whole time, her snake sulked that she couldn’t join in the fun.

Eventually, he got bored and jumped to his feet. Though he fired a moody look her way, he didn’t snarl. And then bones were snapping and popping as he shifted.

Mirroring her position, Deke pulled her onto his lap so she straddled him. Swiping her hair away from her face, he lightly touched his nose to hers. “You got him to play.”

“I wanted to channel his aggression into something positive.”

His gaze lowered to the abandoned string. “You planned it out.”

“Yep. I didn’t tell you, because then he would have known about it. Did you notice he didn’t get all snarly about the physical contact? Him resting back against my leg was only minor, sure, but I’d still call it progress.”

“It was progress.” Deke slid his arms around her. “He’s currently lazing in my head, more relaxed than he’s been in a while. Thank you for that.”

“No thanks needed. My motives aren’t entirely selfish.” She paused. “Ever.”

His mouth curled. “So this wasn’t simply about helping my cat?”

“No. See, my snake wants to tussle with him. But I don’t see that going well. She has it in her head that he won’t harm her, but I don’t want to take that chance. She’d bite him without hesitation if he so much as scratched her. Then he’d be in pain for hours. We can’t risk it. So I’m also helping him for her sake, too.”

“I appreciate it, whatever your motives.” He gave her a quick kiss. “Gotta get dressed. It’s fucking freezing out here.”

She stood, allowing him to rise to his feet. He dragged on his clothes fast, and she couldn’t blame him. It was seriously nippy. Her ass felt chilled after sitting on the cold ground.

He closed his hand around hers and led her toward the door.

Her brow creased in surprise. “I never took you for a hand-holder.”

He gave a careless shrug. “You’re so easily distracted I can’t be sure you won’t wander off. This way, I know you’re with me.”

“Oh, this is a form of supervision?”

“Pretty much, yeah.” Stifling a smile at her unimpressed huff, Deke opened the door wide and then pulled her inside. He wouldn’t admit it, but he liked taking possession of her hand; liked that he had the right to.

As they reached the elevator, he went to press the “up” button. It wasn’t necessary. The doors slid open with a ping.

His mother stepped out and full-on grinned at the sight of him and Bailey. “Well hello, you two.” Her eyes dropped to their joined hands, and her grin widened. “Don’t you look cute together.”

Deke grunted, seriously fed up of the smug looks Livy kept gifting him. In her view, she was the reason he and Bailey were now together. Yeah. Because baked goods totally seduced women.

Livy pointed at them. “Don’t forget you’re coming for dinner tonight. I’m making pot roast.”

“I’ll bring your dish with me,” Bailey told her. “That Devil’s Food cake was to die for, by the way.”

Deke frowned at his mother. “You’re still taking her food?”

Livy shot him an arch look. “Is that a problem?”

He felt his mouth tighten. “You don’t need to anymore.”

“Why, does she no longer eat?”

Bailey snorted.

Sighing, Deke shook his head. The two women were impossible.

Livy waved. “See you later on.”

As he tugged Bailey into the elevator, she said, “I really like your mom.”

He’d noticed. “She likes you, in case you didn’t guess.”

“It was hard not to pick up on that.” Bailey hit the button for their floor. “We’re still going to the Tavern tonight, right?”

They’d made plans to meet the Alphas, Betas, Aspen, and Camden there. Hauling her close, he buried his face in her neck and nipped at her pulse. “I’d much rather we spent the evening alone at my place.”

“What, for a change? Because we never do that.”

He gave her earlobe a punishing bite. “Snarky little shit, aren’t you?”

“Among many other things. Don’t you just feel endowed with good luck now that you have me in your life?”

Deke smiled. “Something like that.”

Leaning against the wall a few feet from one of the Tavern’s pool tables, Deke had to fight a grin. Alex wasn’t someone who tended to amuse people. He spent most of his time scowling and growling and generally being antisocial. But as he fisted the pool cue tight while glaring at a smiling Bailey, Deke couldn’t help but want to laugh. “I think that’s the first time I’ve ever seen you lose.”

The wolverine cast him a dark look.

Sitting on a stool near a high-top table, Bree smirked. “He’s gonna sulk about it all night. Watch.”

Alex frowned at his mate. “I’m a dominant male shifter. We don’t sulk.”

“Oh, what a lie.” Bree winced and put a hand to her swollen belly. “Ow. This kid is strong. They kick like a champ.”

Alex placed his hand over hers, his expression softening in a way Deke had never before seen with the tough-as-fuck male.

“Do you have the nursery ready yet?” Blair asked the soon-to-be parents, leaning back into her mate, who had his arms curled around her.

“Oh, yeah,” replied Bree. “Everything’s ready. Except me. I’m still adjusting to the fact that I’m pregnant.”

A mask of concern slipped over Alex’s face. “Want to go home?”

The female omega’s brow furrowed. “No.”

Alex let his hand slip from her belly. “You shouldn’t exhaust yourself.”

“There’s really nothing tiring about sitting here watching other people play pool.” Bree dug into her purse and pulled out a pack of beef jerky. “Here. Stop bothering me.”

Bailey tapped the end of the pool cue on the floor. “So, who’s next?”

“Me,” declared Luke, disentangling himself from his mate. “But I’m not playing against you.”

“Why?” asked Bailey. “Because you know you’ll lose.”

“Yes,” he readily admitted, taking the cue from her.

On a chair beside Camden, Tate chuckled at his brother. “At least you’re honest.”

Just then, Havana and Aspen—who’d taken a quick trip to the restroom—reappeared.

“I don’t know,” Aspen said to the Alpha female. “Probably my favorite book, a luxury tent, and a bottle of pink gin.”

“What?” Bailey asked them.

“We’re talking about what three things we’d want to have with us if we got stuck on an island,” explained Havana. “I said a kettle, a fishing net, and a lighter. What would you want?”

Bailey looked at her as if the answer were obvious. “A helicopter, an aerial map, and some snacks for the journey home.” Her forehead creased. “Why would you want to stay on the island?”

Aspen’s lips thinned. “We wouldn’t want to stay, it’s—Ugh, you’re spoiling the game.”

“You call this a game?” Bailey shot them a disappointed look. “You guys are sad.”

Something that suspiciously sounded like a chuckle came out of Camden.

Aspen rounded on her mate, narrowing her eyes. “Did you just laugh?”

The tiger shifter cleared his throat. “No.”

Deke idly stroked a hand down Bailey’s hair. “Wouldn’t you also need a pilot to get off the island?”

She shook her head. “Nope, I wouldn’t need help.”

He felt his brows knit. “You can fly a helicopter?”

She shrugged. “It isn’t that hard.”

Uh, yeah, it was. But so were most of the things she could do. They really did need to talk about where she’d learned those skills.

Crossing to the mamba, Blair gently nudged her. “How’s your snake handling being branded?”

“She doesn’t mind, since he wears my mark with pride,” Bailey replied.

“He really does.” Blair lifted her shoulders. “And why wouldn’t he? You’re awesome.”

Bailey smiled, delighted. “I know, right?”

The Beta female laughed.

Hungry, Deke cupped his mamba’s hip and said, “I’m gonna go order some food. You want anything?”

Bailey joined her hands. “Hmm, barbeque chicken wings would go down nicely.”

“Ooh, they sound good,” said Blair, her eyes lighting up. “Same for me, please.”

Deke gave the bush dog a nod and then refocused on Bailey. “Did you hear that?”

His mamba frowned and looked around. “What?”

“Blair said ‘please.’”

“Uh … yes, she did.”

“And it didn’t hurt her to be polite, did it?”

Bailey studied her. “No, she seems fine.” The mamba then stared at him, her expression one of blank incomprehension. “Is there a point to this conversation?”

He sighed. “Forget it.”

“Already forgotten. I got bored fast.”

Feeling his mouth twitch, Deke shook his head. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Behave while I’m gone.”

“You say that like I stir shit for a living.”

“You do.”

She gave a small shrug. “It keeps me entertained. Isn’t that what’s important?”

“No.” Deke gave her ass a quick tap and then began to make his way to the bar. He exchanged hellos or tips of the chin as he shrugged through the crowds and skirted tables. The Tavern was as busy as usual, and most patrons were members of his pride.

As he arrived at the bar, Gerard headed over and stiffly inclined his head. “What can I get you?” he asked, formal but without any of his usual suppressed hostility. Possibly because Deke no longer had any designs on the woman that Gerard never quite got over.

Deke placed his order and then paid with his debit card.

“I’ll have one of the waitresses send the food over when it’s done,” Gerard told him.

“Appreciated.” Deke turned to leave and almost crashed into Shay, who stood with Cassandra and Sam.

Shay’s lips curved into a smug smirk. “Now that’s a whopper of a brand on your jaw, Deke.” Thrusting out his chest, he crossed his arms. “I knew you’d end up in Bailey’s bed eventually. I just knew it.”

Deke threw him a tired look. “Don’t gloat, it doesn’t suit you.”

“Of course it does.” Shay raised his shoulders. “And why would I not gloat?”

“Because it’s a dick move.”

“A dick move is lying to a close friend,” Shay corrected. “You tried convincing me that you weren’t into Bailey.”

“It’s not like you believed me.”

“That’s not the point. You hurt my feelings.”

Deke almost crossed his eyes at the false wounded look on his friend’s face. “No, I didn’t. Stop being an ass.” He shifted his attention to the other two pallas cats. Taking in how close Cassandra stood to Sam, Deke had to wonder … “Are you two on a date?”

She gave him a sheepish smile.

“I wore her down,” Sam proudly declared.

Deke felt his mouth hitch up. “Man, I didn’t doubt for a second that you wouldn’t.”

Cassandra slid the healer a mock look of exasperation. “You are somewhat persistent, I’ll give you that. The thing is, Deke, I—” She cut off as her gaze flew to something behind him, and her lips parted in shock.

“What?” Deke spun. He almost did a double-take at the totally unexpected sight he found. He felt his jaw go hard as anger blazed through him. That same anger made his cat jump to his feet with a snarl. “You are shitting me.”

A tremulous smile tugged at Dayna’s lips. “Hey.” She took tentative steps toward him, her eyes shining, and put a hand to her chest. “God, it’s been too freaking long.”

Conscious of the nearby conversations stuttering to a halt as people became aware of her presence, he asked, “What are you doing here?” The words came out toneless.

“It took me several days to get my ducks in a row, but I’m back.” Her smile ramped up a little. “Back for good.”

Unfuckingreal. He felt his nostrils flare. No, she didn’t get to do this. She didn’t get to reappear in his life now that he’d moved on.

Over two and a half years she’d been gone, and not once during that time had she appeared even for a mere visit, let alone to declare that she was home. No, it had taken for him to meet someone else before she felt motivated to return. That was why she was here. Not simply because he’d walked away and she wanted him back—no, if she’d cared for him that deeply she’d have done a lot of things differently—but because she felt replaced and didn’t like it.

It stung. It did. They’d been good friends once. Friends didn’t pull this shit.

If she had told him she’d met someone while in Australia, he would have accepted it. He would have wished her well and let her go. The last thing he would have done is turn up to mess with her head.

She licked her lips. “I’m sorry I took so long, I just … it wasn’t easy to leave Evan.”

“Dayna—”

“I know this has to be a bit of a shock. I thought about calling you, but I wanted to surprise you instead.”

It was a surprise all right. Just not a good one.

“It’s so great to see you again in person.” She went to hug him.

“Don’t,” he bit out, his cat bristling at the idea that she’d dare touch him.

“You’re still upset with me,” she noted, her face falling. She squared her shoulders. “We have to talk, Deke.”

Actually, no, they didn’t. “We said all we needed to say during our last video call.”

“That wasn’t a real conversation. It went downhill fast. And that was my fault, I know. Things got a little heated. We said things we didn’t mean—”

“I didn’t. I meant everything I said to you.”

“I’d imagine you did. Again, it was my fault. I was out of line. Being hurt was no excuse,” she added, oh so reasonable and regretful.

It was fake, and he knew it. Knew her too well to buy the little act. She was saying what she thought would make him properly hear her out, nothing more.

“I know I have a lot to make up for—”

“Dayna, stop.”

“—but I will, Deke. I will.”

“Maybe you would. But it doesn’t matter anymore.” His cat let out a rumbly noise of agreement, done with the female in every sense.

She hitched in a breath. “Don’t say that.”

“I didn’t back out of the vow because I was upset with you for suggesting it first. I didn’t do it on impulse. The truth is I’d made the official decision to back out long before that. I simply hadn’t want to tell you that at a time you were grieving.”

Hurt flickered across her face. “You don’t mean that.”

“Why else would I say it?”

“To … I don’t know.” She flapped her arms, her lips pinched. “I can’t understand why you would have wanted to back out before we argued.”

“You can’t? Seriously?” Was she being funny?

“I took longer than I said I would to come home, I know, but not because I don’t care for you. You knew that. I told you over and over.”

“You did. And it mattered once. Little by little, it mattered less and less. Until it didn’t anymore.”

Her expression soured. “You’re saying your feelings for me just … faded over time?”

“Yeah. That’s what I’m saying.”

Giving her head a disbelieving shake, she took a fast step toward him. “I don’t believe that. We can get back on track, Deke.”

His cat sliced out his claws, annoyed that she wasn’t listening. “That’s not going to happen. I’m not interested in revisiting the past. It’s over. Done.”

Her eyes blazed. “No, it isn’t.”

“I’ve moved on. You should do the same.”

“Moved on?”

“Yeah.” He angled his face so she could see the brand he wore.

Her jaw set into a hard line. “You and the snake shifter are all cozy now, is that it?” she sniped. “What happened to only fucking her while you worked off the touch-hunger?”

“That was how it started. It’s not like that anymore. But even if it was, I still wouldn’t want to start anything with you.”

She gaped, her eyes pained. “How can you say that to me?” She balled up her hands. “You kept your promise for years—”

“And more fool me, Dayna.”

She snapped her mouth shut, twin flags of red bleeding into her cheeks, her breathing picking up. “Where is she?” she demanded. “The bitch you’re fucking?”

“Oh, that would be me,” said a new voice.

Deke tensed. Shit.