Treasured Find (Royal Pride Book 1), page 19
“Do you want me to send one of my brothers with you?”
“And take a guard away from Jazz and the kids?” Josh snorted. “No way. I have a carry permit. If the bastard comes at me, I’ll shoot his ass.”
“Then you better shoot to kill.” Rafe gave Josh a warning look. “Shifters heal quickly.”
“Good to know.”
Rafe made his way to the door. He wanted to spend some time with Megan. He hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to her earlier in the day. There’d been too much going on.
“And Rafe?”
Rafe stopped with his hand on the door. “What?”
“If you break Jazz’s heart or disappoint her kids, you’re going to regret it, and believe me, I’ll be watching to make sure you treat them right.”
The warning didn’t surprise him. The acceptance behind it did.
“Aren’t you going to try and steal her from me?”
“No.” Josh placed the container of screws on the countertop, then left through the back door.
Rafe didn’t know what to make of the change in the male’s attitude, but he wouldn’t question it. Competition for Jasmine was the last thing he wanted to worry about, not when more practical matters came first. And keeping her safe until he could take her life ranked right up there.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Jazz couldn’t tear her gaze from Rafe. After an initial awkward moment where Seth and Levi had stared wide-eyed at Rafe when he’d taken his bowl of ice cream and sat on the floor with them, they’d settled into a discussion about their favorite superheroes. Then they’d looked through the boys’ comic book collection and played a board game. It didn’t take much to imagine Rafe stretched out on the floor watching Saturday morning cartoons or playing ball in the yard.
The clock on the wall chimed. “Okay, kids. Say good night to Rafe. It’s time for bed.”
“Can Rafe read us a story?” Levi asked.
“Please,” Seth added.
She glanced between her kids and a grinning Rafe. He winked at her, and she smiled. “Sure. Hugs from me first.”
Seth and Levi squeezed her tight, then Rafe kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll be down soon.”
She caught both boys watching them closely, curiosity on their faces. Her skin warmed. “Okay.”
Rafe flashed her a pleased smile. “By the way, Seth and Levi gave me permission to love you.”
“They did?”
“Mmm-hmm.” Rafe took her hand and ran his thumb over her knuckles. “I explained how special you are to me. That I wanted to make you happy. And the best way to do that is to stay close to you.”
“So we told Rafe that he could move in,” Levi said.
Seth nodded. “We can be a real family.”
“That’s okay, isn’t it?” Levi asked.
“Yes.” She swallowed hard. “That’s okay.”
Seth and Levi raced toward the stairs. Rafe slipped his hand around her waist and pulled her close. “And just so you know, they told me I could share your room since Mira would be sleeping in the spare one.”
Jazz chuckled. “You’re sneaky.”
He brushed his lips over hers. “I am when I need to be. I do house big cats. Sneaky is one of their traits.”
He slipped from the room before she could respond. She shook her head. He’d won them over. And her.
“Rafe’s very good with kids,” Mira said in a low voice.
Jazz tore her gaze from the stairs and faced the other woman. Mira stood with her hands linked loosely in front of her. Jazz swept her gaze over Mira. Her beauty was still as profound as the last time Jazz had seen her. Genetics had definitely been kind to her.
And she’d been Rafe’s lover.
Jazz shoved the thought deep before her jealousy could stir. From the way Rafe had worked her body, she’d known he was experienced. It’d be ignorant to think he didn’t have tons of ex-lovers around. It was just unfortunate one of them was staying in her house for at least the night. Tomorrow? She had no clue. Rafe had told her they needed to talk, but they hadn’t had a chance.
Mira stared at Jazz expectantly, obviously awaiting a response.
“Yes, very good,” Jazz forced herself to say.
“Your boys seem to like him too.”
“Yes, they do.”
Jazz slipped past Mira and walked toward the kitchen. Small talk with Rafe’s ex-lover was not on her list of things she wanted to do before bed.
Mira followed her, and Jazz silently cursed.
“I used to wonder how he’d be if we had kids.”
Jazz froze mid-step. “If you had his kids?”
“Well, yes.” Mira shrugged. “I couldn’t help it, especially when we were in bed together.”
She’s talking about fucking Rafe. In front of me. What kind of woman did that?
“And do you want to have his babies?” Was that the point of the conversation? That Mira wanted Rafe back?
“I’d considered it. One time when we were in bed together, I almost asked him to make me his, but—”
“Stop.” Jazz raised a hand. “I don’t want to hear it.”
Mira crossed her arms in front of her. “I’m sorry, Jazz. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m not used to interacting with humans. Your beliefs are so different than mine. I don’t know what’s appropriate. Do I offer you tips on how to make Rafe wild or not?”
That was it. Jazz pointed toward the living room. “No tips. Just get away from me. I don’t want to look at you or talk to you.”
Mira flinched. “I see. When Devin gets back from patrolling the woods, I’ll have him drive me home.”
She turned and rushed toward the door, but not quick enough for Jazz to miss the tears in Mira’s eyes.
Great. Now, I’m the bitch. Mira just admitted to not knowing how to interact with humans.
“Mira, wait. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I’m sorry.”
“I truly didn’t think anything of my relationship with Rafe. Sex doesn’t always mean attraction or love. Sometimes it’s just an escape. Something to chase away the loneliness. Sometimes it’s just an act to make babies.”
Jazz thought back to how Mira had stood apart from everyone and to the way she’d been so happy to talk to Jazz. It had felt good to laugh with another woman again.
Okay. If Rafe is going to make an effort to accept Josh, I can do the same with Mira.
Jazz moved to the sink and filled a glass, not because she was thirsty but to give her a moment to gather her thoughts. There was no good way to ask why Mira allowed Devin or Rafe’s brothers to order her around. Protection was one thing, but the display Jazz had witnessed went beyond that.
Jazz took a sip of water, then set the glass down. “So you’re not seeing anyone?”
Mira frowned.
Geez. Mira wasn’t kidding about not being used to humans. Didn’t she even watch television? Jazz sighed.
“I mean you don’t have a boyfriend? Or a lover?”
“No lover. I haven’t been with anyone in a long time. I’m afraid to risk it.”
“Why?” Jazz straightened. “Would Devin or one of the other men hurt you if you took a lover?”
Mira laughed, and Jazz’s tension eased.
“Gods no. My family would never hurt me. Actually, Devin would be happy if I decided to take another mate. Then he wouldn’t have to watch out for me anymore.”
Mate. Jazz tried the word out. It sounded primitive and reminded her that the man she’d been sleeping with wasn’t really a man. He was a different species. And what exactly did that mean? Could he mate her?
“So it’s common to have more than one mate?” It was for wild cats, at least.
With a grin on her face, Mira pushed away from the door. “See? This is what I mean. Our cultural differences can cause a misunderstanding.”
“Will you explain it to me?”
“You can only have one mate. It’s a physical and mystical bond.” Mira hopped on the counter. “Physically, your tie is through a mate bite. Mystically is a little harder to explain. It’s also different for human mates than it is for most shifters.”
“Shifters can take human mates then?”
Mira grinned. “Yes. Rafe can mate you.”
“Oh, well, that’s good to know.”
And can I sound any more fake? Jazz shook her head. Was it so wrong to be excited? She had been thinking about growing old with him.
“It is.” Mira’s smile widened, obviously guessing at Jazz’s excitement. “Now, understand that there are two types of mate bond—one that’s strictly for breeding and one that’s based on love.”
“But if you can only take one mate—”
“—and you pick a partner for the wrong reasons, you’re stuck.” Mira nodded. “Exactly. That’s why it sometimes takes years and years before our males mate, but once they find their one, they never let her go. Our males will tie their females to them body and soul.”
“Like soulmates?”
The idea made Jazz’s belly flutter. She’d always dreamed that there was one person in the world she was meant to be with. She blamed it on reading too many romance novels, but it was the kind of thing fantasies were built on.
“Yes, soul-mating is the ultimate bond and not one every shifter will commit to. Actually, it’s pretty rare, but for a human-shifter mating, it’s essential.”
“This mate bite”—Jazz stroked the spot on her neck Rafe had scratched. It wasn’t a bite, but it had bled. “What does it look like?”
Mira took a deep shuddering breath, releasing it through clenched teeth. She shoved the long fall of her hair off her shoulder and tugged the collar of her shirt enough to expose a scar—a bite.
Four raised puncture wounds marred the spot where her shoulder met her neck.
Jazz cringed. “I bet that hurt.”
“A little.”
The hitch in Mira’s voice caught Jazz’s attention.
“Did your mate die?”
A wicked smile spread over Mira’s face. “Yes, Edmund…died.”
And Mira looked quite happy about his death. Why would she be? Unless hers had only been a breeding partner, maybe?
“You said Devin would be happy if you took another mate, but then you said shifters could only have one mate. Which is it?”
Mira righted her shirt, then slid off the counter. “My situation is a little different. By shifter law, I was mated because Edmund bit me. But from a biological point of view, I’m not mated. Poor Edmund got his throat ripped out before he could touch my soul and finish the act.”
Jazz covered her mouth but not before her gasp escaped. “He forced you, didn’t he?”
“Yes”—Mira raised her chin—“and I killed him for it.”
Did she think Jazz would judge her? After the things Seth and Levi’s mother had said about her mate, Jazz was glad Mira had been lucky enough to stop the bastard who’d tried to force her.
“Is that why you don’t want to commit to another man?” It certainly explained why Devin was protective of Mira.
Mira motioned to her shoulder. “This happened a long time ago. For the most part, I’m over it. The truth is I don’t want to be on the receiving end of a determined male. Once one sets his sight on you, you don’t get away. But you know that, don’t you, Jazz?”
She did. Rafe had pursued her relentlessly from the moment he’d spoken to her in the bar. “Yeah, I suppose I do.”
“At least as a human, you know that if Rafe mates you it’s because he loves you and will be faithful to you. He’s tying your souls together, giving you a piece of his and taking a piece of yours.” Mira pressed her hand against her chest. “That’s profound. Do you understand? It’s not a simple commitment. He’ll be driven to please you, just as you will be for him, and if you’re killed, he’ll follow you to the grave.”
“And a shifter who only mates to breed won’t?”
Mira snorted. “No, he’ll go on to take other lovers. He just won’t be able to have kids anymore. A breeding bond is a…” Mira pursed her lips. “A one-way bond. A male won’t ever hold a piece of his mate’s soul. She’ll just get his kids. Don’t get me wrong. He’ll protect her. Care for her. It just doesn’t guarantee his love.”
“I can’t imagine many women being happy with a one-way bond.”
“Honestly, it’s the most common one, and in some instances, it’s the only kind a male will enter into.”
“Why is that?”
“Then he can still take other lovers. Of course, the female doesn’t get that option. Her mate would refuse to allow it.”
Shifter culture was definitely not equal. Her only comfort was in knowing that if she were to commit to Rafe, he’d do the same. Except, Mira had just implied it was rare.
“What happens if he doesn’t mate me? We can still be together, right?”
“Sure. He won’t get rid of you. You’re his beloved human.” Mira toyed with the edge of her shirt. “But I wouldn’t be too worried about him not mating you. I’ve never known Rafe to show any interest in a human. Just don’t be surprised if it takes him a few years to get around to bringing the topic up. It’s a huge deal for our males.”
Years? She didn’t want to wait years. She wanted him tied to her so she didn’t lose him, but if she brought it up too soon…
And why am I worrying about this? We’re getting along well. Can’t I just leave it at that?
Jazz shrugged and hoped it looked believable. “It’s too soon to worry about the future anyway.”
“Absolutely. Enjoy the present.” Mira motioned toward the living room. “Look, I should probably go talk to Devin before Zach does. I don’t want him overreacting to what happened earlier with Josh.”
Mira walked to the door. It opened before she got to it. Josh strode in. They collided, and Josh stopped her backward tumble with an arm around her waist.
“Sorry, Mira.” He settled his hands on her hips. “I should pay better attention to where I’m going.”
Mira dipped her head. “No, don’t apologize. I should be too.”
Josh bent slightly to look into her face. “Where were you rushing off to?”
The patio door slid open, and Devin stepped through before Mira could answer.
“Have you seen—” Devin jerked his head toward where Josh and Mira stood. “Get your fucking hands off my sister!”
Josh stepped in front of Mira. Legs widened and hands held loosely to the side, he appeared as if he were itching for a fight.
“And you can drop your fucking attitude.” Josh reached behind him and rested his fingertips against Mira’s arm. “This was innocent.”
Devin strode forward. “You are not allowed to talk to her, and you sure as hell aren’t allowed to touch her. Do you understand me, human?”
“I don’t give a shit about what you want. If Mira wants to talk to me, she can.” A sneer spread over Josh’s face. “And if she wants me to bend her over—”
Devin stopped Josh’s words with a punch to his jaw. Josh groaned, then returned the punch. Fists flew as the two men went at it. The fight took them from the hallway door to the dining room. Devin slammed his balled hand dead center into Josh chest, sending him crashing on the table. Devin landed on top of him, and the wood broke under their combined weight.
“Stop it!” Jazz ordered.
Rafe came running down the back set of stairs that led from the kitchen to second floor. His eyes glowed in the darkened room. He shifted his gaze from her to Mira. He ignored the two men rolling around on the floor and approached Jazz.
“What are you doing?” Jazz pointed to where Josh held Devin in a choke hold. “Stop them.”
“No. They need to do this or Devin will never view Josh as dominant.” Rafe shrugged. “It’s a shifter thing.”
“A shifter thing! What—”
“Devin, no!” Mira screamed.
Blood ran down the side of Josh’s face. Devin raised his clawed hand, but Rafe tackled him, knocking him away from Josh.
Devin bucked, throwing Rafe off, then jumped to his feet. Gaze locked on Josh, Devin approached him with his fangs bared.
Rafe hooked an arm around Devin’s ankles and toppled him, then bent close to Devin’s face and hissed, a sound that made the tiny hairs on Jazz’s arms stand up.
“Look at me, Devin.”
With his gaze still locked on Josh, Devin shoved at Rafe’s chest. Rafe jerked back but pressed his hands to Devin’s shoulders and leaned over him, pushing Devin to the floor. Rafe’s muscles bulged from the effort, but Devin stayed down.
“Get your shit together. You hear me, Devin?”
Devin growled, and Rafe shook him hard enough to smack his skull off the wooden floor. “Focus on me, not you crazy-ass cats.”
Devin lifted his lip, revealing a wide fang, and snarled, but he slowly turned his head and focused on Rafe’s face.
“You probably woke up the kids with your shit. Do you want them to come down and see you like this? A fucking animal?”
“No. I don’t.” Devin’s voice was gravelly, but clear. “Get off me. I need to get out of here.”
Rafe did, no hesitation.
The moment Devin was free, he bolted out the kitchen door, and Rafe took a step after him.
Mira blocked him. “No. I’ll go. It’s my fault he’s like this.”
She was going to blame herself for her brother losing control?
Jazz shook her head. “It’s not. You weren’t doing anything. You—”
“This wasn’t because of tonight.” Mira gripped the door handle. “But trust me when I say, it’s my fault. I broke the law. Devin paid for it. Is still paying for it.”
“What do—”
Mira left before Jazz could finish her question, but whatever had happened hurt both Devin and Mira. And Jazz couldn’t help but wonder if his name had been Edmund.
The door banged shut behind Mira, and a muttered curse yanked Jazz’s attention to Josh. With one eye already swelling, bruises around his neck and blood running in steady rivulets from the slashes across his cheek, Josh looked horrible.
He sat up slowly and chuckled, then immediately groaned and pressed an arm over his chest. “Think he broke a rib.”
