CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY

“Uh … I have no words.”

Hearing the voice of his Beta male, Deke’s cat lifted his eyelids to see Luke hanging out of a window that overlooked the communal yard. Not liking that he’d been disturbed, the cat bared his teeth.

Curled around the spot on which the feline was sprawled on the ground, his mate lifted her head and flicked out her tongue.

The Beta lifted his hands. “It’s just not often you see a black mamba snuggling a pallas cat.” He retreated inside and closed his window.

Now wide awake, the feline rose and did a long stretch. He nudged his mate’s head, wanted her to shift back, and then he retreated to allow his other half freedom.

Crouching on the ground, Deke ran his hand along the snake’s smooth scales. He thought he’d need to coax her to shift, but the animal subsided. Probably because she didn’t like the cold any more than Bailey did.

His mate stood upright. “They didn’t fight.” She fist pumped. “Success.”

Deke rose to his feet. “I told you my cat wouldn’t hurt her.” The animal happened to adore the serpent and wanted only to cosset and protect her.

“I wasn’t worried that your cat would harm her. I was worried that my snake would bite him. She’s kind of a bitch.”

Looping an arm around Bailey’s waist, he tugged her close and gently tapped the tip of her nose. “You can’t call her that.”

“Why not?”

“She’s mine now, so no one gets to talk shit about her.”

Bailey snorted. “Whatever. Now move. My lady bits are getting cold.”

He released her with a chuckle, and they crossed to the bench on which they’d piled their clothes. Once they were dressed, Deke hauled her against him once more. She melted into him with a small shiver that made him smile.

Two days they’d been mates. He was impatient for imprinting to progress to the next stage, where they’d be able to feel each other’s emotions. He wanted to be that in tune with her. Wanted to feel her inside him. And, like his cat, he couldn’t fucking waitfor the bond to form.

Deke wasn’t sure what currently stood in the way of it taking shape. Bailey swore she had no other secrets, and he didn’t feel that she was holding back anymore. He had no secrets of his own, and his every guard was down where she was concerned.

The pride’s overall response to the imprinting had been positive. In most people’s opinion, Deke deserved to finally have someone who put him first and made him happy. And they liked the idea that Bailey—who would probably be surprised to know that many of the pride were fond of her—finally had a special someone of her own.

But there were some people who, though not against the pairing, didn’t believe it would last. As they saw it, Bailey couldn’t be “tamed,” and they believed that Deke would eventually tire of how high-maintenance she could be. Those people didn’t realize that he felt no need or wish to tame her, or change her in any other way.

If they knew her as well as he did, they’d get it. They’d understand why her quirky ways amused rather than annoyed him. Since Deke wasn’t a person who explained himself, he hadn’t bothered enlightening the skeptics. They’d see for themselves that they were wrong in time.

Breathing in her scent, he licked along the life-giving vein in her throat. “Before we began sharing a bed, there were times I imagined using this vein as a chew toy.”

“You wanted me dead?” she asked, her hands clamped around his upper arms.

“On the verge of death—never beyond. I’m not a monster.”

“Mean.” She frowned when he swept a hand down her back to cup her ass. “Hey, watch the butt.”

He felt his lips twitch. “Still sore?”

“Don’t act like you care.”

“Of course I care. I don’t want you in pain.”

She palmed his cock through his jeans. “Then why did you happily shove that thing up my non-entry zone last night?” She lowered her hand with a sniff.

“That thing?” he echoed. “I thought you were fond of my dick. Anyway, you liked it when I fucked you there.”

“I did—I won’t deny it. I don’t see a reason to. But that does not alter that I’m sore, or that you’re pretty smug about it.”

“I like that we both have the reminder that I’ve now claimed every part of you.” He nuzzled her neck. “As soon as you’re not sore anymore, I’ll be doing it again. You’re so tight and hot up there. It makes—”

“I’m going to fart next time. Then we’ll see if you like it so much.”

He laughed, throwing back his head.

“I don’t know why you think I’m joking.”

He honestly wouldn’t put such a thing passed her.

“Now can we go inside? I don’t have a coat.”

He dabbed a kiss on her mouth. “Yeah, we can go inside.”

They retreated into the building and made their way to the elevator. As they entered the lobby, he noticed Isaiah, Farrell, and Finley outside having what appeared to be a terse conversation.

Isaiah idly swept his gaze over the complex and incidentally caught Deke’s eye through the window. The look on the enforcer’s face made Deke’s instincts stir.

He put a hand on Bailey’s back. “I want to head outside and find out what that’s about. You coming?”

She juddered. “No. Too cold. And it’s probably a boring enforcer thing. I’ll meet you upstairs. You can bring me up to speed then.”

He waited until she was in the elevator before he exited the building and crossed to the small group who stood in the lot. All three shifters turned to him, their expressions sober. “What’s going on?” asked Deke.

“Maybe nothing,” replied Farrell. “Maybe something.”

“I’m on perimeter duty today,” said Finley.

Ever since the acid attack, an enforcer would prowl the land on which the apartment buildings and the parking lot were situated. “You spotted someone hanging around?” Deke guessed.

“From a distance, he looked a little like Bailey’s cousin—the guy who crashed your dad’s party,” Finley explained. “But I’m not positive that it was him. He stood too far away for me to get a decent look at him. Whoever it was, he didn’t do anything suspicious. He just seemed to be nosing around.”

“We all know it’s not unusual for people to do that,” Isaiah chipped in. “It’s most often lone shifters who’ve heard that our pride provides lodging and protection for loners.”

Deke nodded. “They find it too good to be true, so they like to get a feel for the place and question our loner tenants.” Bailey, Havana, Aspen, and Camden had done that very thing when they first showed up.

“Yes,” said Farrell. “But whenever there are occasions when enforcers are on patrol, any loners nosing around don’t come too close.”

“He scampered once he realized I’d noticed him,” said Finley. “But that might be because he thought I’d otherwise chase him away. Bailey’s cousin would be a fool to breeze around like he doesn’t have jackals on his ass, so I truly doubt it was him. But it’s my job to report anything that could possibly be of note, so that’s what I did.”

Deke gave her a nod. “It was the right thing to do.” Like her, he found it improbable that Roman was lurking around, but he wouldn’t dismiss the idea.

As Finley’s gaze snagged on something to his left, Deke looked to see Sam walking toward his building huddled in a coat, staunchly avoiding making eye-contact with anyone.

“It’s sad about Cassandra and Sam, huh?” Finley sighed. “I really thought they made a cute couple.”

Deke had heard through the pride’s overactive grapevine that the healer had gotten positively wasted at the Tavern last night, drowning his sorrows after Cassandra allegedly chose to end their relationship. Apparently, her cat simply wouldn’t except the submissive male as a partner.

“I know a lot of people are angry with her, feeling she was careless with his feelings by giving a relationship a try when she knew her cat’s stance on the matter,” began Isaiah, “but I don’t know if that’s entirely fair. I mean, some dominant animals in such situations do change their mindset if they grow fond of someone.”

“They do,” agreed Farrell. “So I think people are being a little harsh on her.” He cut his eyes to Deke. “What do you think?”

“I think it’s not my business,” replied Deke, to which the Head Enforcer gave him a You’re so boring look.

After they’d rounded up the conversation, they headed in different directions. Deke began walking toward his building, his step almost faltering when Dayna slid out of a car up ahead of him. She swallowed as their gazes clashed, gripping the strap of her purse hard.

Another female might have kept her pace slow so that their paths didn’t cross, but Dayna was made of sterner stuff. Instead of walking passed him, she stopped a few feet away. He did the same.

His cat’s upper lip peeled back. He had many good memories of Dayna due to how long they’d known each other. But the most impactful memories for the animal were those of this female goading and hurting his mate.

Licking her lips, she looked up at Deke, her expression unreadable. He had no idea how she’d reacted to the news of he and Bailey imprinting on each other. He hadn’t asked anyone about it, and no one had volunteered the information.

She and Gerard were apparently still cozy—and getting cozier as the days went on—so maybe she wouldn’t be all that bothered. Deke hoped so, because at this point the only thing he held against Dayna was that she’d hurt his mate. The rest just didn’t matter. As he’d told her, he’d moved on.

She gave him a tremulous smile. “Hi, Deke.” The words were low. Soft. Laced with awkwardness.

He briefly tipped his chin in greeting. “Dayna.”

“I heard about …” Trailing off, she scraped a hand through her hair. “Congratulations. I’m pleased for you.” Hesitating, she jiggled her head. “Okay, maybe not pleased pleased. It’s hard when I spent so long thinking of you as mine. That doesn’t just switch off overnight, even if you want it to. But I’m glad that you’re happy.”

The latter sounded true enough, but there was a note of resentment there that told him she’d prefer if his happiness didn’t stem from his relationship with Bailey. “I hear that you and Gerard are making another go of things.”

“It could work this time round. We’re both older now. Wiser.” She scraped her teeth over her lower lip. “He offered to come to Australia with me.”

“I’m not surprised.”

Her brows hiked up. “You’re not?”

“He never stopped caring for you, Dayna. He’d follow you anywhere.”

“Unlike …”

Unlike him, yes.

Looking skyward, she let out a short, low, self-depreciating laugh. “We weren’t meant to be at all, were we?”

“No.”

Meeting his gaze, she pressed a fisted hand to her thigh. “I didn’t want to see it. Maybe I clung to you because, for me, you were safety. I could rely on you. You might be a rude ass, but you’re a dependable one. You kept me anchored at a time I needed it. For that, I thank you.”

He inclined his head.

“Maybe we can one day be friends. I don’t foresee it happening any time soon. But … yeah, maybe one day.”

His cat snarled, unprepared to be anything close to friendly with a person who’d once attacked his mate. Honestly, Deke didn’t know if he could get past that either. “Maybe.”

“Your mamba wouldn’t like it, huh?” There was a slight bite to her voice.

“Bailey wouldn’t feel threatened by it, if that’s what you mean. She knows who she is to me.”

“She did seem very sure of her place in your affections when she gave me a dressing down.” Her lips drew into a tight line, her eyes hardening.

“She only did what you’d have done if the situation was reversed.”

Dayna seemed as though she’d argue, but then she exhaled a resigned sigh. “Yeah.” She paused. “It must be weird for you. Imprinting on someone who, if the stories are true, was once your sort-of-nemesis.”

“Life takes us by surprise that way. It doesn’t feel weird, though.” It felt right.

“I wouldn’t have pictured you with someone like her. I don’t mean it in a cruel way. Truly. I just mean I wouldn’t have envisioned you settling down with someone who’s allegedly the ultimate extrovert. Loud, bubbly people generally annoy you.”

“It’s different with Bailey. Everything is.” Because he loved her.

Hurt briefly tightened her face. She forced a cough. “Well, I won’t keep you any longer. See you around.”

“I hope things work out for you and Gerard.”

“I hope … I hope you manage to keep the happiness you’ve found.” The words were strained but seemed partly genuine.

“I will.” He had no intention of ever letting Bailey go. “Take care.” With that, he skirted around her and returned to the building.

From her seat on the sofa, Bailey heard her apartment door open just as she ended her phone call. She knew it would be Deke before he came loping into the living area, since he was the only other person who had a key to her apartment.

Letting out an annoyed sigh, she held up her cell. “There are so many gossips in this pride it’s almost painful. I got to hear all about how you and Dayna were talking out front. Like they expected me to rush downstairs and order you away from her out of fear that she’d win you back to her side.” She crossed her eyes.

His expression hardened. “That would never happen.”

“I know.” Bailey didn’t feel in any way insecure in her relationship with Deke—he would never allow it. “I was told that the conversation appeared to be stiff but civil. I’m quite sure people were disappointed by the lack of drama.”

“They were probably hoping that you and Dayna would have a Round Two, considering most found your first fight so entertaining.”

She placed her cell on the coffee table. “Hmm, maybe.”

“I half-expected her to march right past me with a huff, but she didn’t.” Deke sank onto the sofa beside Bailey. “She swallowed her pride—not easy for her—and had a real conversation with me.”

“About what?”

“You and me, mostly.” Angling his body to face her, he draped his arm over the back of the sofa. “She claimed to be sort of pleased for me and said she hoped I’d keep what happiness I’d found.”

“Do you believe she meant it?” Bailey asked, mirroring his position.

“Yeah. I think there’s still a little bitterness there, but I do think she doesn’t wish me ill. And she seems to genuinely intend on trying again with Gerard.”

Bailey felt her nose wrinkle. “I’m not so sure it’s for the right reason. He’s familiar to her. Safe and comfortable. And his feelings for her will soothe her battered pride. She needs that to get through what’s currently happening.”

“Hmm,” was all Deke said, busy tracing the bite on her throat with his fingertip.

“But that’s not to say it’s destined to end. Only that I don’t think she has as easily moved on as she’d like everyone to think. Are you even listening to me?”

“No. I’m wondering if I should leave two claiming brands on you. See, I want anyone who lays eyes on you to see that you’re very much taken. But I also want you to have such a mark on your inner thigh.”

She shook her head in wonder. “I never would have thought you’d be so possessive. You never struck me as particularly territorial.” Her snake hadn’t expected it of him either.

“I wasn’t until you.”

“Not even a little?”

“No.”

She felt her lips press into a thin line. “I find that hard to believe, considering.”

“Considering what?”

“The promise you made to Dayna. A promise you kept for over two and a half years.”

He pinned her gaze with an unblinking stare. “If it had been you who’d asked me to wait a year while you went to Australia, I’d have said no.”

Well, that was a direct shot to the heart. “Why?”

“Because I wouldn’t have been able to handle that you were out of my sight. I wouldn’t have been okay with the idea of you sleeping with other men, even if it was to alleviate touch-hunger.” He palmed the side of her neck. “I would have gone with you.”

Oh. “Well … we’re mates, so—”

“Even before imprinting started, when we weren’t positive this would go somewhere, I would have gone with you.”

Warmth filled her expanding chest, and a grin pulled at her mouth. “I’d find it hard to be away from me, so I totally get where you’re coming from.”

He rolled his eyes.

“Now,” she began, folding her arms, “want to tell me what Farrell and the enforcers were talking about earlier?”

He twisted his mouth. “Finley may have seen your cousin hanging around the lot. She’s not positive. As you know, loners show up to check things out and speak to tenants, so it’s not a weighty incident that a stranger was spotted.”

Bailey twirled her ankle. “I know his criminal history would suggest he has little self-preservation, but I don’t think Roman’s dumb enough to not lie low at a time like this. He’s good at hiding. It’s what he does when things go to shit. And why come back when Tate made it clear that our pride wouldn’t help or shield him?”

“We mentioned once before that it’s possible he’d want revenge against you for refusing to help him.”

“I know, but I don’t agree with that theory. People refuse to help him all the time. To my knowledge, he doesn’t pay extremists to give them crap. Plus, he’s a compulsive gambler. He spends—or, more accurately, wastes—whatever cash he has in casinos. He isn’t going to put some aside to place in the pockets of anyone, let alone extremists, for something unnecessary. Sending people to give me a scare isn’t necessary. And he’d know it’d take more than all the recent attacks to rattle me anyway.”

“True,” Deke allowed. “It would be a waste of his time and cash. I agree that it likely wasn’t him who Finley saw. She herself doubts it; she reported it all the same because it’s what she’s supposed to do.”

Her phone began to ring. Bailey snatched it off the table and answered, “Yo?”

“Oh my God, Bailey,” began one of her neighbors, “did you hear that Deke and Dayna had some kind of confrontation in the parking lot?”

For the love of all that was both holy and unholy. She started moaning. Whimpering. Panting. Groaning. Rasping “Oh, yes” over and over.

When the line went dead, she snickered and placed her phone back on the table.

Deke sighed, exasperation plain on his face. “Was that the first time you did that, or have you done it to every person who called to give you gossip just now?”

She bit her lip. “Do you want, like, an honest answer?”

“Of course I do, or I wouldn’t have asked.”

“You’d be surprised how often people don’t actually want honesty. A lot of the time, they just want you to say what they’d feel most comfortable hearing.”

“Well, I don’t. I want the truth.”

“Why?”

“Because I prefer honesty.”

“Why?”

His eyelid twitched. “Because I just do.”

“Then, yes, that was the first time today I faked an approaching orgasm down the phone to one of the gossipers.”

“Really?”

“No.”

He threw his head back and muttered something unflattering.

“Oh come on, I bring light to your life. Admit it.”

He once more fixed his gaze on hers, and his face went all soft. “Yeah. Yeah, as it happens, you do.”